Emery/Pronger...Missing Pieces to Flyers' Puzzle?

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

He said it, just as every other player has said it coming to a new team.

"I'm here to help this team win a Stanley Cup."

Chris Pronger believes that he can help the Flyers do just this. In the last three years, the one thing that held the Flyers back from making the push was the lack of defense in front of their sub-par goaltenders.

In one offseason, the Flyers have acquired two player who they believe can fix this problem, one being the aforementioned Chris Pronger, and the other being the outcast goalie of the NHL, Ray Emery.

Now by saying outcast, I do mean in the eyes of every other team. But not the Flyers. Emery is everything that Ed Snider and Paul Holmgren want in a player.

A big guy.

A tough guy.

And well, a guy who isn't afraid to drop the gloves and knock someone out.

Add in the fact that all of this refers to a goaltender, and you have a player who is the perfect fit for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Now add Chris Pronger.

A big guy.

A tough guy.

And well, a guy who isn't afraid to drop the gloves and knock someone out.

Sound familiar?

What Pronger brings to the table though, is much more then just a great defenseman. he brings true leadership, and a sense of loyalty to his teammates. This is something that the Flyers had before, but not to the extent that Pronger will give.

These two player's open up a door for the Flyers that hasn't been opened in a long time. Just recently, Ed Snider was interviewed about his views on the referees in the NHL. Basically he said that they still see the Flyers as the Broad Street Bullies and call everything they can on them.

Well guess what Ed. The Bullies are making a comeback. And Philadelphia couldn't be happier.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?