Last Piece of the Puzzle: Why the Flyers Need Peter Forsberg

After last season, even the thought of reaching the Stanley Cup finals for the Philadelphia Flyers was a joke.

But under John Stevens, in his first full year as head coach, the team has turned it around.

Philadelphia has had one of those years where nothing could go wrong. Yes, they have probably lose Joffery Lupul for the remainder of the season with concussion like symptoms and yes, they did lose Simone Gagne due to a concussion, but imagine if you are able to fill those two sports with one player?

That player is Peter Forsberg.

Washed up? Maybe. One hell of a great playoff performer? Definitely.

The question everyone will have is about his feet and ankles. If he feels that he can go and play at the pace of the “new” NHL and last 15-20 plus playoffs games, I would gladly welcome him with open arms back into the Flyer fold. 

Even with the addition of Forsberg (when ever that may or may not happen) there is still one big problem in Philly—goaltending.

Yes, Biron is a good goalie, but this season has been to inconsistent for a Cup run. Can you rely on Nittymaki? I personally think not even though he has played a hell of  a lot better then he did last season.

Now, does this mean you take a shot and go after Nikolai Khabibulin out of Chicago? I think so. Yes, he has had a few bad years in Chi town, but I think another shot at the Cup would kick his ass into gear. If Ottawa thinks this then it’s worthy of taken a look at why not Philadelphia.

Keeping in the thought of adding players to an all ready great roster maybe a puck moving defense men to take some pressure off of Timonen would not be a bad idea.

Brain Campbell comes to mind, but might to high of an asking price. BUT if you are willing to give up Jeff Carter and a first rd pick for Mats Sundin (rumor) then why not Campbell.

Offensively I think they are set, but a Marian Hossa would not hurt. Another name that would make a great impact in Philly and plays that style of game would be Jarret Stoll out of Edmonton. A great face off man and can help the power play and had just a little more depth to an already deep lineup.

If they were to land say Stoll and Campbell here in my mind would be your four lines and three defensive pairings:

A) Daniel Briere, Scott Hartnell, Mike Knuble    B)Mike Richards, Scottie Upshall, R.J. Umberger   C) Jarret Stoll, Jeff Carter, Forsberg D) Jim Dowd, Steve Downie, Sami Kapanen

A) Kimmo Timonen, Teri Hatcher  B) Smith, Brian Campbell C) Coburn, Vandermeer.

When looking at that lineup I see one thing. CUP CHAMPS!

Only two Euros, a couple of Americans and the rest CANADIANS.

Was that not the formula for success in the last couple of cup champs? You have grit, speed, toughness, and smarts. 

SO my question to everyone else is DOES FORSBERG help bring the CUP back to Philly in my mind HELL YEAH!   LET’S GO FLYERS!