The Philadelphia Flyers are about ready to take fans on another run. Could this journey end the same way or differently? That's a question that's in everyone's minds at the moment, with only the Flyers capable of answering it over the next several months.
They've overcome their injuries but the core has been generally healthy. The latest injury to defensive rock Chris Pronger has really tested the team's will. To their own credit, they've answered the call admirably.
In Pronger's absence, the defense has stepped up even more. Kimmo Timonen has assumed the role of defensive rock as the Flyers remain atop the Eastern Conference. In addition, Andrej Meszaros is having his best season yet with a +27 on the ice. Even Oskars Bartulis, who was bullied in last year's playoffs, has been solid over the past four weeks.
While the Flyers are getting less offensive production out of defensemen, they're making up for it with sound defensive play. The Flyers' defensemen have scored just eight goals as a unit this season. A lot of this is contributed to a different style in play; their forwards are crashing the net and doing more crafty things closer to the net to score goals.
That being said, the Flyers are in a favorable position. If Pronger isn't ready to go just yet, why not give him the time he needs to recover? There's no need to rush him back and risk another injury. The Flyers would benefit from giving Pronger ample time to get back into shape and be ready for the stretch run.
Not to look too far ahead, but the Flyers are likely to make the playoffs this season. Also, they may finish with their best regular season in years. They have enough depth around their lineup and can afford to let Pronger get back to full health.
Last year wasn't a fluke by any means, as that team was built to succeed in the playoffs despite regular season inconsistency. This year's team is even better and could make you forget about the 2009-10 edition. Then again, no one will ever forget that amazing run to the Stanley Cup Finals.
For the first time in a while, the Flyers have enough depth to go around. They have four scoring lines, perhaps the most solid defensive core in team history, and probably the best in the league.
Their goalie situation will work itself out but, as of now, both Sergei Bobrovsky and Brian Boucher are raring to play. "Bob" escaped trouble the other night in Buffalo and turned in a solid final two periods. Boucher is the best in the NHL as a backup right now. He's recently overtaken the starter role though and has excelled.
What else will they need to succeed down the stretch and into the playoffs? A healthy and vicious Chris Pronger.
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