Deadline Past, Stretch Run For Fly Guys: Where are the Weaknesses?

It's no secret that the Flyers cap situation clearly hurt their plans for the Trade Deadline. While other contenders in the East added the Flyers made two lackluster deals, one which ended up being nullified because of a failed physical. So now that the deadline is past and the Flyers were unable to address their needs, just where are the problems on this team?

Philadelphia's glaring weaknesses in most peoples eyes around the NHL are defensive depth and goaltending. The Flyers' seventh defensemen is likely Lasse Kukkonen, who has been in Coach John Stevens dog house going back to last season, and been placed on waivers a handful of times this season.

And neither Marty Biron or Antero Niittymaki seem to be able to take hold of the No. 1 goaltender position. 

As far as defense goes after their first six the Flyers not only don't have much depth but experience is also lacking. And after Kukkonen the Flyers have Nate Guenin, Danny Syvret, and a guy they are very high on Michael Ratchuk.

None of which are household names, and sure they may have promising futures but you wouldn't want to have to throw them in the line-up during the NHL playoffs.

Remembering back to last season's Conference Finals against Pittsburgh when the Flyers were horribly short handed at the blue-line after both Timonen and Coburn went down with injuries. The Flyers are certainly setting themselves up for the same demise.

Between the pipes unless Niittymaki gets extremely hot, Biron is going to be your guy. And he should be. In Philadelphia , nothing is better for moral then talking trash on whomever is in the crease for the Orange and Black.

However, have we forgotten so quickly how well Biron played in the playoffs last season? How he stole the opening round against Ovie and the upstart Caps? And Biron had a very similar regular season last year compared to this season. Last season like the present, Biron has looked shaky and inconsistent.

The cries for Niitty from the fans can be heard all the way in Hatboro, but he isn't the answer. Nitty is a nice goaltender, and a back up for now. Getting wins against the Atlanta Thrashers of the world are great, but winning in the playoffs is an entirely different animal.

In the end the Flyers do have the talent to win the cup. Just like any team who hopes to win a Championship, certain things have to fall into place. For Philadelphia that means, strong goaltending, and health along the blue-line.

And the rest? Well the rest is just execution, pretty simply right? The Flyers hope so.