(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
There are so many different weapons in the Atlantic Division.
Of course the Pittsburgh Penguins have their big three, augmented by Chris Kunitz, a dynamic defense, and Marc-Andre Fleury; The Devils sport Martin Brodeur and Zach Parise—two players that really determine the fate of New Jersey; then in New York, if the Rangers' key players can stay healthy, their offense will be improved, while the Islanders are on their way up with some great young talent.
But that still doesn't count out the Philadelphia Flyers.
A dynamic offense and one of the best defensive cores in the league? Now that's something.
Philadelphia Flyers
2008/09 Season: 44-27-11, 99 points, fifth in East—lost in six games to Pittsburgh Penguins in first round of the playoffs.
Additions: Ole-Kristian Tollefsen—D (1 year/600k), Ian Laperierre—F (3 years/$3.5mil), Brian Boucher—G (2 years/$1.85mil), Chris Pronger—D (Trade w/Anaheim).
Subtractions: Mike Knuble—F (FA), Luca Sbisa—D (Trade w/Anaheim), Joffrey Lupul—F (Trade w/Anaheim), Martin Biron—G (FA), Andrew Alberts—G (FA), Antero Niittymaki—G (FA), Derian Hatcher—D (Retired).
The Flyers lost some scoring over the offseason in trading Joffrey Lupul and watching Mike Knuble make is way to Washington, but the big thing for the orange and black was the acquisition of Chris Pronger, who immediately makes any defense better upon his arrival.
It's between the pipes where the final question lies for the Flyers.
A Bundle of Boucher Grazing an Emery Board...
The Flyers will have a very different look in goal this year.
Instead of relying on the inconsistent Antero Niittymaki or the French connection of Martin Biron, the Flyers have added to the "Broadstreet Bullies" persona.
With the addition of Ray Emery, the Flyers not only pick up a goalie with a well-documented history of on and off-ice discipline issues, they have nabbed themselves a chippy tender whose never afraid to do what's necessary for a win.
The gung-ho attitude almost seems to be a necessity for any goalie that's set to deal with the Philadelphia faithful, and Emery's brash style will play well with the fans if he stays out of trouble.
But isn't that the key? If Emery stays out of trouble, he can easily be a 30-win goaltender in the NHL with his size and athleticism. His numbers in Ottawa alone are proof of that, as in his first two "full" seasons (the first being only 39 games), Emery recorded a combined 56 wins and saw big improvements in his goals against and save percentages across those years.
He also saw a Stanley Cup finals series—something the Flyers haven't seen since they were swept back-to-back alongside Washington by Detroit's mid-90s mini-dynasty.
If Emery can't stay out of hot water, the attention will be much greater than it was in the KHL (Emery had a documented run-in with a team trainer with regard to the wearing of a sponsored hat that did receive some press over here), and we may see him publicly crumble once again.
Fortunately for the Flyers, they have a backup who is not only experienced in filling in for his starters at a moment's notice, but a man who is familiar with Philadelphia.
Brian Boucher was once the man in Philadelphia, bouncing back and forth in the starter's role early in his career, and even leading the Flyers through 18 playoff games in the 1999 playoffs.
Since leaving Philly, Boucher has travelled around a variety of organizations, and aside from setting the consecutive shutout record with the Phoenix Coyotes, has had limited success.
Boucher seemed to rediscover himself in San Jose last year, backing up Evgeni Nabokov and getting back to utilizing his size and confidence in the crease, making him an ideal backup whether he's behind Martin Brodeur or Jim Carey.
If Emery fails, it's unlikely Boucher can shoulder an entire season's worth of the load, but he's a quality option to have behind the volatile former Sen.
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