Philadelphia Flyers Preview 2021
Our Philadelphia Flyers preview 2021 - 22 notes that in the 70s and 80s, Philly was a perennial playoff team. From 1972-1989, they made the Stanley Cup Playoffs 17 times, making it to the Finals six times and winning the Cup twice. Although since 1990, this team has been to the playoffs 20 times, they have rarely gone deep, making it to the Finals twice and losing both times. Last year, the Philadelphia Flyers finished seventh in the East with a 25-23-8 record and 58 points. Perhaps the biggest problem was goalie Carter Hart. Hart was considered to be a premium talent, but after last season’s disastrous performance, his stock has plummeted.
Flyers - Key Skaters
After spending his first NHL decade with the Blue Jackets, wing Cam Atkinson comes to the Flyers. Atkinson should be good for 30 or more goals. Plus, he’s an excellent setup man. Our Philadelphia Flyers preview 2021 - 22 observes that three veteran centers, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, and Derick Brassard, anchor the three top frontlines. Other key players include wings Joel Farabee and Travis Konecny and D-men Ivan Provorov and Justin Braun.
Philadelphia Flyers Preview 2021 – Goaltending
Obviously, there are major concerns in goal. In his first two NHL seasons, Hart was 40-26-4 with a 2.62 GAA and .916 SV%. Last season, he was 9-11-5 with a 3.67 GAA and .877 SV%. This season, he must rebound in a major way for the Flyers to have any hope of success. Veteran Martin Jones, who spent two seasons with the Kings and five with the Sharks, comes to Philadelphia for the new season. Over his career, Jones has recorded a 2.61 GAA and .909 SV%. His overall record is 186-134-29. Jones could be a valuable stabilizing force, coming in to effectively relieve Hart.
Philadelphia Flyers Preview 2021 – Final Word
Head coach Alain Vigneault has been in the NHL coaching ranks since 1997 when he took the helm at Montreal. Although the gig with the Canadiens did not go well, as he was fired in his fourth season, Vigneault enjoyed a successful seven-year stint with Vancouver as well as success with the Rangers. Across a dozen seasons with those two teams, his guided them to 10 Stanley Cup appearances. This is his third season with Philadelphia. In his first year, the team finished second in the division with a 41-21-7 record. They were eliminated from the playoffs in Round Two by the Islanders. Last season, the Flyers, as noted, were 25-23-8, finishing out of playoff contention. Our Philadelphia Flyers preview 2021 - 22 asks can Vigneault get this team back on track?
NHL Metropolitan Division - Philadelphia Flyers Projection 2021
Finish: 7th
No Playoff Appearance