Philadelphia Flyers respected in mid-offseason power rankings
The Philadelphia Flyers came in a bit higher than most fans would think in ESPN’s mid-offseason power rankings.
The narrative throughout the Delaware Valley this offseason surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers has been a bit more pessimistic than I had anticipated.
After the orange and black took a significant step forward last season, including winning their first playoff series in nearly a decade, you would think fans would be excited about what the Flyers could do this upcoming season. Well, after a relatively quiet offseason, it feels as if most fans have quickly soured on the idea that this team could be a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
Rather surprisingly, the national media seems to feel differently about our beloved Philadelphia Flyers.
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Emily Kaplan of ESPN recently released her mid-offseason power rankings, and the orange and black came in a bit higher than I am sure most fans had anticipated, clocking in at 8th on the list. Ahead of the Flyers were some predictable foes, including four teams in the Eastern Conference. Those teams include the Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning (first), Boston Bruins (fifth), New York Islanders (sixth), and the Washington Capitals (seventh).
Unsurprising for sure that those teams would come in ahead of the Flyers, but certainly a good feeling to be mentioned in the same breathe as some of those heavyweights. For gloating reasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins checked in at 12th on the list.
I say it is surprising the national media feels the Flyers are set to be competitive once again, but in all honesty, this should come as no surprise at all. The youth that this franchise has been able to assemble is finally starting to bear some fruit, and the idea that this team can take another step forward is not silly at all.
Think about it; we get Carter Hart set for his third year as the man between the pipes, and quite frankly, a chance to solidify himself as the face of the franchise. You will have another year of Ivan Provorov as the number one defensemen, Travis Konecny as a top-six forward, Philippe Myers and Travis Sanheim getting another notch on their belt. It is also worth mentioning, Myers will have a chance to really flourish, as it is possible he will be the guy who will make the leap to the top pairing after the surprising retirement of Matt Niskanen. How about Scott Laughton’s development? Joel Farabee in year two? Nic Aube-Kubel garnering a bigger role in the bottom six? The returns of Oskar Lindblom and potentially Nolan Patrick?
You seriously can go on and on with the youth of this hockey team. Fun fact as well, ALL of those players will be 26 years of age or younger, with most of them ranging between 20-23. The Flyers are set up to be scary good for years to come.
Next. Do not sleep on Travis Konecny. dark
After an exciting ride last season that finished with a dud in a 4-0 Game 7 loss to the Islanders, I guess it is natural to feel a bit down. Once the puck is dropped once again in South Philly though, I would expect the fanbase’s excitement to return, as the Philadelphia Flyers are set to once again make a push towards winning their first Stanley Cup since 1975. And heck, even if it is not this year, the Flyers are set to be a team to be reckoned with in the NHL for many years to come.