Record: 24-21-3, 51 pts Conference Rank: 9th Division Rank: 5th Top Scorer: Jeff Carter (19 goals, 23 assists, 42 points) Top Goalie: Michael Leighton (8 wins, 2.39 GAA) Midseason Grade: C
The Flyers were once thought to be contenders for the Eastern Conference title, if no the Stanley Cup. Midway through the season, all that talk is long gone, as the Flyers now are fighting for their playoff hopes and some chance at the postseason.
Jeff Carter and Mike Richards continue to be the team’s leaders on offense, while Chris Pronger is proving to be worth the big contract he got this offseason. The Flyers have some great youngsters up front, as well, with Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk both on pace for 15-20 goals and 45-50 points apiece. Scottie Hartnell is one of the league’s more talented agitators. The fiery redheaded winger has 27 points along with85 penalty minutes this year.
The Flyers’ defense is pretty solid as well, with plenty of starpower on the blueline. Kimmo Timonen and Chris Pronger give Philly two of the top offensive defensemen in the league, while Matt Carle and Braydon Coburn are both solid young defenders in their own end. Carle trails only Chris Pronger’s +17 rating with his +15.
Unfortunately, while the Flyers’ skaters are all very capable and give Philly a chance to win every night, their goaltending has been sketchy at best all season. Ray Emery was supposed to be the answer to their goaltending questions, but his play has been far from perfect. Brian Boucher hasn’t cut it either, with only 4 wins in 17 appearances. The only thing close to a good netminder the Flyers have had this year is career backup Michael Leighton, who has 8 wins and a 2.39 GAA in his 12 appearances.