2009-2010 record: 41-35-6 (88 points)
Lost to Chicago in the Stanley Cup Finals 4-2
Captain: Mike Richards
Alternate captains: Jeff Carter, Chris Pronger, Kimmo Timmonen
3 players to watch: As much as many fans outside of Philadelphia hate Chris Pronger, there is no denying that he is a game changer. Just ask Edmonton and Anaheim when he was playing for those teams. Even as he nears 36, he still logs an average of 24 minutes ice time. Nikolai Zherdev joins the Flyers after a year exile in the KHL. He will be counted on to provide some scoring punch. Defense isn't his strong suit, but on a Philadelphia team that has its share of tough guys, he won't have to do much. Of course, Philly fans might think differently. Last year's goaltending was a mess, yet the Flyers somehow made it all the way to the Finals. Credit some of that success to Michael Leighton, who actually had a good year after being picked up from waivers midseason before going down to injury. He returned in the Boston series after Brian Boucher got hurt, and led the Flyers to the Finals. He will be asked to solidify the goaltending position this year, and if he can reproduce anywhere near the league average, the Flyers will be looking good again come playoff time.
Things to look for: The Flyers had salary cap issues, which explains why they traded away potential 30 goal scorer (when healthy) Simon Gagne. He will be missed, but Zherdev should compensate for that. The blue line was pretty much a 4 man rotation last year, so with the acquisition of some depth, the Flyers should be able to go six deep this year. The usual suspects on offense return, which means guys like Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, and Daniel Briere can be penciled in for 30 goals or so. It just simply wouldn't be the Flyers without some people on the team that can piss you off, and Pronger and Daniel Carcillo are better at it than anyone. Adding punch (literally) to the mix is Jody Shelley. Goaltender is the biggest question, as in can they stay healthy. Boucher and Leighton missed time last year. The winner for the number one spot will likely be the one who can stay off the injured list.
Prediction: 6th in the East
Song: General Surgery-Convivial Corpse Disposal Methodology
The Flyers hardly ever play a pretty style of hockey, and last year's team was no exception. It doesn't matter if they are up 3-0 or down 3-0 in a series, they just keep coming at you and will do so while getting blood and dirt on them.
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