Philadelphia Flyers: Why Chris Pronger Needs to Sit Out Round 1

Chris Pronger has sat out of the first two games of the Philadelphia Flyers first round series against the Buffalo Sabres, and he should continue to sit out.

Pronger is almost unquestionably the Flyers greatest player. He is easily the smartest player on the team, and his intimidation skills outrank those of any other player in the league. He'd be foolish to return early and risk further injury to himself.

They Can't Win a Cup Without Him

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 05: Chris Pronger #20 of the Dallas Stars skates against Mike Ribeiro #63 of the Philadelphia Flyers on February 5, 2011 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Stars 3-1. (Photo by Jim Mc

Can the Philadelphia Flyers win a series without Chris Pronger? Yes, most likely they can. Could they win the Stanley Cup without him? Definitely not.

Pronger is the best player on this team, and the sole reason the Flyers made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals last season.

The Flyers can't let Pronger come back early and have the risk of a further injury plaguing him.

He Could Throw off Their Current Chemistry

Harry How/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - OCTOBER 29: Danny Syvret #26 of Anaheim Ducks controls the puck against the New Jersey Devils at the Honda Center on October 29, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

This one's kind of a stretch, but the team is actually finally playing well again. Although the series is tied at 1-1, the Flyers played well in game one despite the loss, and appear to be back on track. Danny Syvret, the defenseman playing in place of Pronger, has performed quite admirably in his absence.

He can heal himself, and give the Flyers a chance to see who will play in round 2, Sean O'Donnell, or Danny Syvret?

He Could Use the Rest

Andre Ringuette/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - JUNE 02: Head coach Peter Laviolette and Chris Pronger #20 of the Philadelphia Flyers look on from the bench in Game Three of the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks at Wachovia Center on June 2, 2010 in Philadelphia,

Yes, I know you could say he's gotten all the rest he needs, but it has been injured rest. Chris Pronger could use some healthy rest, in order to be in tip-top shape come round two.

Think how intimidating the Flyers could be going into round two with their best player, and playoff warrior completely rested.

They Are Doing a Decent Job Without Him

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Daniel Carcillo #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers is mobbed by teammates after scoring a goal while Mike Weber #6 of the Buffalo Sabres skates away during the first period of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals duri

If you've ever seen any national broadcast with the Flyers this season, you've heard every broadcaster ive you the same, "deepest team in the league" line. It's annoying, but true.

This is a well-built team, and they can easily win this first round without him. His absence is felt, but isn't as detrimental as it would be on any other team.

Conclusion

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 08: Chris Pronger #20 of the Philadelphia Flyers stretches during warmups before an NHL hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers at the Wells Fargo Center on March 8, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/G

The Flyers need their best player at 100%, even if he's better than most of the league even at 80%.

If Chris Pronger sits out until round two, the Flyers will be in great position to win their 2nd consecutive Eastern Conference Championship, and possibly seal the deal in the Finals this year.