What Happened to the Philadelphia Flyers?

Last month the Flyers gained the top spot in the Atlantic Division and were well on their way to becoming a cup contender.

Then out of nowhere, they lose 10 straight games, gaining just two points.

It is hard to say how a team having great success can change so quickly. Many of the losses came on one or two goal deficits, so they were never really that far from winning.

Just when things were beginning to look up they lose another heartbreaker to Florida after the Panthers scored the tying goal with seconds remaining and won the game in OT.

The 10-game streak played a big factor on Peter Forsberg's decision to move to Colorado. Simon Gagne's injury also played a part, but the Flyers still went along and picked up Vaclav Prospal at the trade deadline, sacrificing a talented young defenseman in Alexandre Picard. This move was a must and has benefited the team.

After dropping all the way down to eighth place in the Eastern Conference, the Flyers beat Buffalo in overtime must win game giving them a little distance from ninth place.

Toronto played a home-and-home series against the Flyers where Philly managed one point. The Flyers carried a 3-0 lead into the third period, but ultimately the Leafs won the game in overtime taking the two points.

Saturday was a huge game for Philadelphia as they played in Boston and found themselves with a one goal lead in the final minute. You guessed it...Boston scored with seconds remaining and goes on to win in OT, putting themselves two points ahead.

After a 7-1 beat down from Pittsburgh the Flyers have looked like a last place team and Buffalo is ready to take the eighth spot sitting only one point behind.

Coach John Stevens has been highly criticized of late and I have agreed with that the entire season. The Flyers have thrived from their special teams play all season and their power play has let them down during this latest letdown. They are last in the league of the current playoff teams in five on five goals. They are third to last in shots against per game. 

The defense was downgraded when Jaro Modry arrived from the Kings and especially when Stevens decided to sit Lasse Kukkonen. He sacrifices his body on numerous occasions to block shots and rarely gets hurt doing it, unlike Derian Hatcher who missed a game blocking a shot with his foot.

While injuries may have factored into how they've been playing, I feel Stevens has not run the team well.

Why not let ex-Flyer head coach and now assistant Terry Murray a shot again to lead them to a Stanley Cup Final like he did in 1996.