Flyers Look Good Through First Quarter of Season, Five-Game Road Trip Next

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

For the most part, the first quarter of the NHL season has been kind to the Philadelphia Flyers. Heading into tonight’s action in Los Angeles against the Kings, through 17 games, the Flyers have a record of 11-5-1, good enough for third in the Atlantic Division and 11th overall in the NHL standings.

Offensively, the Flyers have been dynamite, averaging 3.53 goals per game (3rd overall), while keeping their opponents at bay, giving up just 2.47 goals per game (7th overall). Both totals represent an improvement on the 2008-09 season totals where the Flyers averaged 3.17 goals per game (5th overall) and 2.83 goals against (16th overall).

Much of the Flyers improvement has come from three offseason additions, Chris Pronger on defense, Ray Emery between the pipes, and the presence of rookie James Van Riemsdyk (JVR).

With four goals, 17 points, and a plus/minus rating of +13, Pronger is in the running for the Norris Trophy as the Leagues best defenseman. His grit determination and ability to shut down the opposition has been well documented as has his leadership abilities.

Pronger’s defense partner, Matt Carle, leads all NHL players with a plus/minus rating of +17; let me assure you it has everything to do with Carle’s good fortune of being on the ice with Pronger, further illustrating Pronger’s value to the team.

Emery has been lights out. Through 16 starts, Emery has a record of 11-4-1; his 11 wins ranks him sixth amongst all NHL goaltenders, his 2.22 GAA ranks him seventh overall, and his .923 SV percentage ranks him sixth overall.

Besides the obvious great stats, Emery has brought a level of confidence and calmness to the Flyers team that has not been seen in Philly in quite some time. Emery’s strong goaltending makes it possible for the Flyers to play a robust offensive style, which leads to more than a few odd man rushes for Emery to clean up, something Emery has done with great results.

As for JVR, he’s been a welcomed addition to an already powerful offence. His 16 points on the season rank him second to only the New York Islanders John Tavares in rookie scoring, and his plus/minus rating of +8 is third amongst all NHL rookies.

Once again, JVR is demonstrating that he can play at all ends of the ice, something the Flyers are trying to put an emphasis on. JVR has five goals on the season, three of which have been game winners, proving he can get it done when the pressure is on as well.

Other notable performances for the Flyers have been the steady contributions of veterans Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, and Scott Hartnell, who have been the glue that binds this strong Flyers team.

The Flyers have also had a couple of nice surprises in the form of Darroll Powe, who has six goals on the season and Danny Briere, who, despite a few injury setbacks, has seven goals and 10 points through 13 games.

Going forward, the Flyers are about to take on one of their biggest tests of the season as they commence a five game road trip over seven nights, starting with a visit to Los Angeles to take on the surprisingly tough Kings.

Through 22 games the Kings have a record of 13-7-2, which puts the Kings in sixth overall in the NHL standings. A big part of the Kings success has been their strong play at home, where they own a 5-2-1 record.

Currently on a two game win streak, the Kings will be tough to beat. If the Flyers intend on earning the “W” they will have to keep a close watch on NHL scoring leader Anze Kopitar. Kopitar’s 14 goals on the season are second to only Alex Ovechkin and Marian Gaborik’s 15 and a big reason for the Kings’ early success.

One player the Flyers will not have to worry about is “Captain Canada” Ryan Smyth, who looks to be out of the Kings lineup for up to a month with an upper body injury, most likely his shoulder.

Smyth has found a home in Los Angeles and seemingly has his career back on track. Smyth’s nine goals and 23 points through 22 games are a big reason for the Kings success, that said, much like Pronger in Philly, it is the intangibles that Smyth brings to the rink that make him so valuable. He will be a big loss for the Kings.

After tonight’s tilt against the Kings, the Flyers will head to San Jose to take on the Sharks, followed by matches against the much improved Phoenix Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche, ending with a meeting with John Tavares and the New York Islanders.

Combined, L.A., San Jose, Phoenix, Colorado, and the Islanders have a record of 62-35-10, so there will be no nights off for the Flyers.

If the Flyers can win three of five games one would have to think the road trip was a success. Lose three games and the Flyers risk losing ground to Atlantic Division leaders New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins, teams which have 28 points each, and, being overtaken in the standings by the New York Rangers and New York Islanders, teams that have played more games than Philly, but have 23 points apiece.

This is a big test for the Orange and Black, a trip that will likely see more than a few Flyers return Black and Blue, but that’s what being a Flyer is all about, isn’t it?

Until next time,

Peace!