Philadelphia Flyers Looking for More Than Gold in 2010!

Philadelphia Flyers Captain Mike Richards and newly acquired Chris Pronger  are “shoo-ins” for the Canadian National Olympic team in Vancouver 2010. Both Jeff Carter and Simon Gagne have also been given the chance to audition for this mighty squad.

I personally think that Gagne may be the one Flyer to be omitted from the lineup and Carter is most likely going to be moved to the wing if he makes the cut?

There is too much star power at center in line ahead of him. The 24-year-old London, Ontario native netted 46 goals last season and was the only Flyer to make an All-Star appearance.

Don't be surprised to see him wearing the Red and White jersey in Van City this winter. Playing on home soil this year, it's gold or bust. Expectations in this country demand nothing less.

Am I the only one who is shocked at the fact that Marc Savard and Jason Spezza are not even getting a try out this year? At least Yzerman has acknowledged the fact that Philly has some top offensive assets this country has seen in recent years, as well as, the new addition of "Prongs."

I was also shocked that none of the leagues youngest won't even get a chance to prove thier patriotism. Stamkos, Taveras and Schenn will have to wait it out four more years.

"We can't just take into account next fall our 13 forwards, seven D and three goalies. We have to be prepared to make a decision based on availability and who is playing well at the time," Yzerman said.

Although I could write an entire article on Team Canada lets get back to the “New Look" Flyers. The health, key scoring, and aggressive play must come from the $7.5 million-a-year center Danny Briere. He is a crucial component to the Flyers', offense and let's hope that his injuries/setbacks are finally behind him now.

Both Lupul and Knuble are the big loses in a free agent frenzy known as the offseason. They combined for 52 goals last season and young defense-man Luca Sbisa only had seven assists in 39 games. Here's how we will cope without them.

Although Briere only played in 29 games last season and had 25 points. Assuming he will put in 70-plus games this season he can easily replace Knuble on the stat sheet with 30+ goals and likely with more assists as well as more minutes on the power play equaling more total points. 

The other key contributor this season will be the second year Claude Giroux. He may jump to the second line with Carter and Hartnell depending on his performance this upcoming season. Giroux had 27 points in 42 games and five points in six playoff games. He has made steady improvements as a rookie and has shown an ox like work ethic.

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