Philadelphia Flyers Preview

Departures
Mike Knuble, Martin Biron, Antero Niittymaki, Andrew Alberts, Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa

Arrivals
Chris Pronger, Ray Emery, Ian Laperriere, Jason Ward, Brian Boucher, Joey Mormina, Krys Kolanos

Forwards
The Flyers have some of the most talented young players in the league on their roster. Jeff Carter and Mike Richards lead the way while Claude Giroux made his presence felt during the playoffs when he found chemistry with the diminutive Dan Briere. Gagne is still a top left winger on most teams and Scott Hartnell is a legitimate 30 goal scorer while mucking it up. Second overall pick in ’07 Jame van Riemsdyk is trying to crack the roster but will most likely play out the season in the AHL.

Defenseman
The Chris Pronger draft day deal made the Flyers a legitimate contender. He adds scoring, and toughness to a back-end that was desperate for both. Ryan Parent and Braydon Coburn are still developing which is a scary thought. Timonen is penciled in with Pronger that leaves Parent with Jones and Carle with Coburn. The four played together and looked good through the second half of last season.

Goalies
Ray Emery is playing for his life this season. He knows, or should know, that if he screws up this time he’ll be gone for good. The fiery Emery fits well with the Flyers organization. With Emery in net and Pronger in front players will be thinking twice about taking liberties with the goalie.

Strengths
- Special teams were strong for the Flyers last season. Their speed is especially dangerous. Proven with their league leading 16 shorthanded goals. With the addition of Pronger the PP and PK will be even deadlier this year.

- Scoring isn’t an issue with the Flyers. Even with the loss of Lupul (Pronger deal) and Knuble (free agency) they still have six players that are capable of scoring 30+ goals.

- With the likes of Dan Carcillo, Aaron Asham, Ian Laperriere, Riley Cote, Scott Hartnell, and Chris Pronger this will be one physically tough team to play against.

Weaknesses
- Goaltending could be an issue for the Flyers. Boucher is a back-up and nothing more. Emery has had one good season and he had it on an Stanley Cup finalist team. The jury is out on which Emery will be here this season.

- Discipline is always a concern for the Flyers. Last season it cost them a series against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. With Emery and Pronger added in coach John Stevens will have his hands full. The fear is wearing out their top penalty killers, Carter and Richards.

Analysis
The only real question is in goal. If Emery can recapture his game that lead the Senators to the finals against the Ducks then the Flyers will be a cup contender this season. If he ends up being a headache once again they will still be near the top but won’t go far in the playoffs.

Prediction: 3rd in the East