Dissecting Flyer Futility

 This has been on my things to talk about ever since the Philadelphia Flyers decided to can Alain Vigneault as head coach a month ago. Given their position right now, and their embarrassment on Saturday at the hands of Buffalo, it's time to talk about the general futility of the Flyers. For reference, I will use a quote from Bobby Clarke taken from "The Cam & Strick podcast" to frame everything wrong about the Flyers draft and development acumen.

The following quote is in reference to Ron Hextall's time as General Manager and specifically, the 2017 draft.

We end up getting the second pick in the draft, and we end up drafting Nolan Patrick. None of our scouts wanted Nolan Patrick. I don’t know where Patrick should have gone, after his performances in Brandon — he’s a pretty good player. But certainly, they wanted Makar. Of course he went next. Now he’s a superstar and Patrick hasn’t played. But Hextall made that choice himself, and there were other choices that were made at our drafts that we’re paying for. We have two or three first-round picks that are never going to play, and that’s why we’re struggling. Hextall made some huge mistakes.

There's a few things here to note. Yes, Makar was a top 10 prospect entering the draft, but very few, if any, people had him going top 2. Hindsight is 20/20, but had Philadelphia truly thought Makar was their guy, why not trade down a spot or two. It was near consensus that Nolan Patrick and Nico Hischier were going one and two, with Miro Heiskanen possibly sneaking into the second overall pick. As for Makar that year, he was seen as a boom or bust pick that had more questions due to level of competition, as the AJHL is a step below major junior and would have allowed him to go to college after he got drafted, which he did.

Suppose the Flyers did take Makar, now we have look at the Flyers history of developing those picks. Clarke has been in his current role as Senior Vice President since December 2006, so for the purpose of this article, I will begin with the 2007 Draft and move onwards to 2018.

In the time between 2007 and 2018, the Flyers made 85 picks, and of those picks, 21 have played more than 50 games in their career. Nine of the 21 were drafted in the 3rd round or later, and none since 2014. Only two of those picks made a significant impact with the Flyers, being Shayne Gostisbehere and Oskar Lindblom. The Flyers also had some godawful drafts, with 2009 taking the cake, as the entire draft class couldn't crack 50 games played...combined. 2010 was marginally better, but it says something about the 2013 draft class that the most games played by one player was traded (Robert Hagg with 224, and he was traded prior to this season for Rasmus Ristolainen). 2016 is already looking like an all-time bust, with Carter Hart leading the way, but likely needing a fresh start somewhere else. 

That brings us to 2017, and Nolan Patrick. 70 points in 197 games, and missing an entire season to injury, it's obvious the injury bug that plagued him in his final year of junior followed him to the NHL level, and now, he's trying to resurrect his career in Vegas. 

All of this has been overseen by Clarke on some level, and at some point, player development should come into question. Most of the picks that were successful don't have sustained impact (I.e. Ivan Provorov and Carter Hart) and the ones that do, those are few and far in between (Sean Couturier). Also, in relation to the 2017 draft, that too, is looking bad, with 2018 not looking so promising, either. 

As I'm finishing this piece, the Flyers winless streak is now at 13 after a loss to the Islanders. Yes, it is time to blow it up, and that includes the front office. The days of the Broad Street Bullies is long gone, and it's time to give Claude Giroux a chance at a Stanley Cup elsewhere because it's not happening in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future. This is what happens when a team is merely content with just making the playoffs. 

2021 NHL Draft: Needs and mock draft, part 2

 

A quarter of the way through, and this time around, I look at the other teams to not make the playoffs. Keep in mind this is done in order of draft position before factoring in trades and in Arizona's case, forfeiture of pick.

9. Vancouver Canucks 

The year did not go as planned, and a suspect blue line and regression from key players were to blame. Through the draft, they should aim to get another defenseman, as Olli Juolevi is still no sure thing, and Quinn Hughes is a liability in his own end. As for free agency, if Jim Benning can refrain from signing anyone on the first day, that would be great. 

Projected pick: Carson Lambos, D, JYP Jr.

A top 10 potential pick prior to this season, his stock took a bit of a hit thanks to a rough adjustment to Finnish league hockey and a surgical procedure just two games into his WHL season. Before that, he was a willing defender who can jump into the play.

10. Ottawa Senators

Youth is the order of the day, and in both the pipeline and on the parent team, that is in spades for Ottawa. Goalie is still an issue, but there is no obvious prospect available here, so they could go for best available regardless of position. 

Projected pick: Kent Johnson, C, Michigan

Offensive talent who is likely to spend another year in college, the Senators can afford to let Johnson develop other aspects of his game, as well as get rid of some bad habits. 

NS. Arizona Coyotes 

This is where things get dicey, as the Coyotes do not own a first round pick this year, as they forfeited it due to pre-draft violations. They do not draft until pick 37, which they got in a trade with Columbus, and is one of two picks in the round for them. As for what they need, higher end talent is the simplest answer, as there's no one truly ready to make a jump. Long answer is defense, as they are one of the older teams in that regard and have holes to fill in terms of depth for next season. Losing out on the first four rounds last year hurts, as it further hampers their development. 

First projected pick: Logan Mailloux, D, Lejon

11. Chicago Blackhawks 

Lack of blue line depth and scoring undid the Blackhawks last season. They do figure to get Jonathan Toews back next season, which helps up front, but they desperately need to continue to think about keeping the blue line prospect pool filled, especially with Duncan Keith now traded away. Getting another scoring winger would be nice, as well.

Projected pick: Brennan Othman, LW, Olten

12. Calgary Flames 

A team that should consider overhauling its core, one of the first areas to address is blue line. There's no sure thing in the line, and their current group is either up there in age or not ready for top minutes. Factor in the team's poor first round record since their Stanley Cup win in 1989, and you get why the Flames need to reconfigure their system.

Projected pick: Corson Ceulemans, D, Brooks

13. Philadelphia Flyers 

On paper, this is a team with everything now and in the future. However, consistency is something that cannot be figured on paper, and that is where the Flyers fail. Their main issue last season? Goaltending. It took a major step back, and now, we wonder if Carter Hart is the answer next season. One thing is certain, and that he will likely have a new backup goalie. If there is a spot where they truly lack, it's down the middle.

Projected pick: Cole Sillinger, C, Sioux Falls (USHL)

14. Dallas Stars 

A team with a middling prospect pool, this year is where they could get some solid players through the draft without needing to rush anyone. Scoring depth could be a possibility, with Chaz Lucius still here. They could address blue line depth in the later rounds.

Projected pick: Chaz Lucius, C, US NTDP

15. New York Rangers

The Rangers are loaded everywhere but down the middle and need someone to be hard to play against. The most logical pick at this point would be Zach L'Heureux, who is difficult to get the puck from once he has it and is competitive. 

Projected pick: Zach L'Heureux, C, Halifax (QMJHL)

I Watched This Game: Record Breaking Time?

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

 Tonight is a special edition of "I Watched This Game," as the Buffalo Sabres are on the verge of history. Tonight, as in Wednesday, if I happen to post late, they take on the Philadelphia Flyers, where they have a chance to hold a dubious distinction of longest winless streak all to themselves. How did it get here? I will set the table, and hope it doesn't get broken.

Their 18 game winless streak has consisted of four shutouts, a coach getting fired, the GM behind the bench for a game, Eric Staal getting a "Get out of jail free" card, every team in the division getting at least one win, and three total points just for reaching overtime. However, nothing in that streak was more painful than Monday's game against the Flyers. Up 3-0 entering the third period, the Flyers score three unanswered goals in the period before Ivan Provorov put an end to things in overtime. In that time, the Sabres missed a chance to ice the game late when Tage Thompson missed an open net, only for Sean Couturier to score at the other end.

Now that I've given context, let's go to the game.

First period

• Brian Elliott and Linus Ullmark are in goal. Dylan Cozens is out due to injury, and Oskar Lindblom, Nolan Patrick, and Shayne Gostisbehere are scratched by the Flyers.
• Sloppy start to the game, as both teams have a fondness for icing the puck.
• Buffalo gets their act together long enough to strike first. A Kyle Okposo pass from the corner finds Sam Reinhart in front. He wrists one, and it goes in, with a little help from Justin Braun, to make it 1-0 Sabres. Rasmus Ristolainen gets an assist at 9:32.
• At 11:59, Riley Sheahan makes a block on a Flyers shot from the blue line, and corals it for a breakaway. He wisely sees Curtis Lazar trail behind him, and dishes it to him for a 2-0 lead.

After one period, the Sabres are up 2-0. Nationally televised game, and the announcers kept harping on Sabres mistakes as a reason for their 18 game winless streak. Both teams had trouble early, but Buffalo found some momentum in the middle of the period. Philadelphia has had a habit of starting slow, so let's hope this doesn't haunt them.

Second period 

• 54 seconds in, Tage Thompson high sticks Travis Sanehim in the Flyers' offensive zone. Two minutes, and a chance for the Flyers to swing momentum. 
• The Flyers don't score on the power play, but do get momentum on their side. They are rewarded with a goal at 3:50, as Ivan Provorov claps one off Brandon Montour in front and deflects past Ullmark. Sean Couturier and Jakub Voracek get the assists.
• The momentum swings the other way, as Buffalo is the team on the attack. Ristolainen feeds a puck out of the corner to a waiting Steven Fogarty, who lasers one past Elliott to restore the two goal lead for the Sabres. Jacob Bryson also gets an assist at 9:42.
• The hits continue for both Bryson and Fogarty, as this time, they are the givers to a perfect Casey Mittelstadt finish. That also spells the end of the night for Elliott at 15:39, as he gives way to Alex Lyon.
• A Henri Jokiharju clear attempt goes out of play, but without touching any of the boards. That is a delay of game at 16:51.

Here we are again, a three goal lead for Buffalo heading into the third period. Do they hold on this time? 

The Flyers had things going for them at the start of the period, but once the Fogarty goal happened, the house caved in. Fogarty and Bryson stood out here.

Third period

• Not much to note for the first half of the period, which is a good thing for Buffalo. They may hold on, after all.
• Thompson trips Sanheim at 13:38. I may be speaking too soon.
• Never mind, Philadelphia pulls Lyon, but the gamble fails, as Montour nails a shot almost the length of the ice at 14:53. Short-handed, and an empty net. It's pretty much over now.
• Now, it's really over, as Montour takes a shot at Lyon, but is stopped. He finds a rebound, and nets his second short handed goal at 15:30.

Game over, Buffalo snaps an 18 game winless streak. The score pretty much tells it all, as Buffalo played one of their best games in a while, and Philadelphia looked sleepy throughout most of the game. Ullmark finally gets rewarded for his efforts, and there's more of a direction, at least the last three games. Taylor Hall still needs to find his game, and Rasmus Dahlin showed flashes.

I Watched This Game: Lake Tahoe Edition, Part 2

 

Welcome back to another edition of I Watched This Game, and we're still at Lake Tahoe for a matchup between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins. This is a matchup of two of the top teams in the East, and like most non-Canadian teams, both have had games postponed. They are no strangers to each other, with Boston having the upper hand thus far in their meetings this season. 

Originally scheduled for 2 PM CST, it was moved up an hour, but because of the Vegas-Colorado game having issues with the sun, the Flyers-Bruins game is now playing at 6 pm CST.

Due to more delays, the game finally begins at 7 pm CST. Pentatonix sings the national anthem, and now, I finally understand the hype surrounding them.

First period

• Carter Hart and Tuukka Rask are in net to start the game.
• 34 seconds in, Brad Marchand Carrie's the puck into the zone and finds David Pastrnak cutting towards the net. A picture perfect pass and shot put Boston up 1-0. The play gets set up by a strong defensive effort by Patrice Bergeron.
• A dump and chase finds a carrom from the corner, and Joel Farabee charges in to slide one past Rask to tie it. James van Riemsdyk and Sean Couturier get assists at 6:41.
• A Couturier trip of Marchand leads to a Boston power play at 12:34. Nothing comes of it.
• However, Couturier hustles out of the box in time to begin a mad scramble in front of the net. He eventually finds the puck again, and back doors it to give the Flyers a 2-1 lead. Kevin Hayes and JVR get the assists at 14:48.
• The previous goal was helped by a Charlie McAvoy broken stick that essentially left Boston short handed. He gets a shot at redemption, as Marchand goes around the Flyers net, feeds McAvoy, who lets one fly from the point to tie it at 2. Connor Clifton has the other assist at 15:27.

An entertaining first period ends all tied at 2. Boston gets some bad news, as Jeremy Lauzon left after his first shift due to injury and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Second period

• Boston wastes no time scoring again, as Nick Ritchie carries the puck into the zone. He finds Pastrnak, who threads the needle over Hart's glove side to give Boston a 3-2 lead. Urho Vaakanainen also gets an assist at 46 seconds.
• Philadelphia shoots themselves in the foot, as they are whistled for too many men on the ice at 6:18.
• This is where the wheels fall off for the Flyers, as they have a bad turnover, and one Craig Smith to Charlie Coyle connection later, it is 4-2 Bruins at 16:14.
• It gets worse for the Flyers, as Andy Andreoff cross checks a Bruins player after the goal, a big no-no.
• At 16:47, the Bruins score again, this time, before the previous goal could be announced, as Trent Frederic scores from the point to make it 5-2. John Moore and Clifton get the power play helpers.
• Just as that goal gets announced, you guessed it, Boston scores again. Moore's shot from the point gets tipped by Ritchie and past Hart to make it 6-2. Smith also gets an assist at 17:53.
• At 18:16, Anders Bjork gets called for holding. 

Boston broke this one open, thanks to both a 15-3 shots on goal advantage and the Flyers bring undisciplined. This would also spell the end of Hart's night, as he gets pulled after the period.

Third period

• Brian Elliott takes over in goal for the Flyers.
• Bjork goes into the box again, this time, for hooking at 9:31.
• Interference from Brandon Carlo at 12:37 leads to a Flyers power play. Seven seconds later, JVR redirects a shot past Rask to cut the deficit to 6-3. Ivan Provorov and Hayes with the assists.
• At this point, the Flyers should be opening a bakery because they love making turnovers. Jack Studnicka capitalizes on this, and finds Pastrnak at the dots. Hat trick, 7-3 Bruins at 17:04.

7-3 is the final, and the Bruins go home with 2 points. Yes, the Flyers were without their entire top line and a couple of other key forwards due to protocols, and yes, neither team got in practice before the game. That doesn't excuse the undisciplined play the Flyers showed. Boston minimized their mistakes, and Pastrnak was dominant on the scoresheet. 

Boston plays the Islanders on Thursday and Philadelphia gets the Rangers on Wednesday. 

2019 NHL mock draft: picks 9-15

Picks 9-15 are up, and like everything after pick three, it's anyone's guess where the teams will go.

9. Anaheim Ducks-Matthew Boldy, LW, US NTDP (USHL)

Skill is not the problem with Boldy, but the consistency in which he shows it is, which is why he is not mentioned among the top five. The Ducks will still need to replace their aging stars up front, particularly since prospects such as Sam Steel, Max Jones, and Isac Lundestrom don't appear to be ready for big roles right away and once they do crack the NHL roster, will need to replenish their pipeline.

10. Vancouver Canucks-Peyton Krebs, C, Kootenay (WHL)

Krebs has played well on an Ice team that has largely struggled in the standings, and given that he has the prerequisite tools and work ethic, it is likely he could be drafted earlier than the tenth spot. As it is, the Canucks need more help up front, especially down the middle, and Krebs fits the bill here as a Bo Horvat clone.

11. Philadelphia Flyers-Raphael Lavoie, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)

The Flyers have built themselves a nice pipeline, but not many of them have had an impact on the NHL thus far. Eventually, some of that talent is going to stick, and when it does, it will need to be refilled. Lavoie helped himself in the QMJHL playoffs and Memorial Cup tournament with Halifax after an okay regular season, and projects to be a power forward.

12. Minnesota Wild-Spencer Knight, G, US NTDP (USHL)

The Wild have little in the way of talent in the pipeline, as they were the only team without a representative in the WJC tournament in January. The other problem is that they need reinforcements everywhere and will likely need to trade out a player to pick up more draft picks. Where the Wild hurt the most in the system is in goal, where there is nothing behind Devan Dubnyk. Knight is the consensus top goalie in the draft, and it is possible that the Wild panic and draft a goalie earlier than they should.

13. Florida Panthers-Trevor Zegras, C, US NTDP (USHL)

If the Wild don't panic and take Knight, it is likely the Panthers will take him here, since their goalie situation is just as big of a mess, with Sam Montembeault not ready for the starting role and Roberto Luongo likely headed to long term IR. Forward depth was tested this season, and it was not good. Zegras is a few years away, but with Henrik Borgstrom ready for the NHL, he will be allowed to develop.

14. Arizona Coyotes-Thomas Harley, D, Mississauga (OHL)

Depth is still an issue on the blueline for the Coyotes, who will eventually see guys like Niklas Hjalmarsson, Alex Goligoski, and Jason Demers fall off a cliff, if they haven't already, from a skill set point of view. Harley is the most well-rounded defensive prospect of the class, and he could be a fringe top defender with definite second defender potential.

15. Montreal Canadiens-Arthur Kaliyev, RW, Hamilton (OHL)

Kaliyev excels at scoring goals, and the Canadiens were the second-worst team on the power play. The rest of his game isn't great, but that should come with experience. As it is, he would give the Canadiens the thing they sorely need: goal scoring.

Holding Steady

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

2017-18 record: 42-26-14 (98 points)
Lost to Pittsburgh in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Claude Giroux

The Philadelphia Flyers were good enough to make the playoffs last season despite uncertain goaltending and coaching that had little to no clue how to put it all together. Naturally, the goaltending failed them in the playoffs and their defense was nowhere to be seen in all of their losses. For the Flyers to do anything besides make the playoffs, consistency will have to be found.

For a team that features a Claude Giroux coming off a career year, Jakub Voracek, and Sean Couturier, the Flyers should be doing better than a 13th rank on offense. Their answer, besides hope for a healthy Wayne Simmonds, was bring back James van Riemsdyk to a five year deal. Whether it solves their consistency issues is another matter, as in the playoffs, Couturier was the one player up front that did things, and that was even taking into account that he got injured by a teammate in practice prior to the start of the playoffs. Defensively, this should be a team featuring Ivan Provorov, Sam Morin, Robert Hagg, and Shayne Gostisbehere on a youthful team that will grow together. Instead, coach Dave Hakstol stubbornly kept pylon Andrew MacDonald, invisible Brandon Manning, and known bone hacker Radko Gudas in the lineup for most of the season. The good news is that Manning was allowed to walk. The bad news could be anything, including the stubborn decision to keep MacDonald in the lineup. In goal, the duo of Michal Neuvirth and Brian Elliott will once again be relied upon to keep the team afloat. Neither is really the answer, and depth behind them is thin, with Alex Lyon being nothing more than a backup at the moment and Carter Hart still a year or two away as he transitions to the pro game.

Prediction: 3rd in the Metropolitan Division

The Flyers may be the most interesting team in the Eastern Conference, if only for the fact that they could be Stanley Cup contenders if things go right. However, these are the Flyers, and things rarely ever go right, and odds are it will be the usual suspects, as in goaltending.

NHL mock Draft: picks 16-23

I'm trying to catch up here before the Draft Friday, so here's my picks from 16 to 23.

16. Colorado Avalanche-Joel Farabee, LW, US NTDP

The Avs addressed their blue line depth in last year's Draft, and now, their main objective is to get more scorers in the pipeline. A year at Boston University should give Farabee a chance to pack on a little weight, but his ability is there, and if he gets paired with either Nathan MacKinnon or Mikko Rantanen down the line, it would unlock his full potential.

17. New Jersey Devils-K'Andre Miller, D, US NTDP

The Devils are still fairly thin on the blue line even with the addition of Sami Vatanen and the emergence of Will Butcher. Miller still has room to grow, especially since he's still learning the position, but the rewards are immense and he will get a little time to learn in Wisconsin.

18. Columbus Blue Jackets-Rasmus Kupari, C, Karpat (Finland)

The ceiling is high for Kupari, but consistency is an issue that needs to be sorted out. Still, the Blue Jackets need scoring, and Kupari would, at his best, provide that.

19. Philadelphia Flyers-Serron Noel, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

The Flyers don't have much in the way of needs in the pipeline, but do have some holes to fill at the NHL level. Noel provides a power forward skill set that could very well match that of current Flyer Wayne Simmonds.

20. Los Angeles Kings-Jared McIsaac, D, Halifax (QMJHL)

The depth on the blue line may become an issue soon, especially if Drew Doughty leaves soon. McIsaac won't replace his offensive numbers, but everything else about his game suggests that he can be a solid player who's proficient in his own end.

21. San Jose Sharks-Jett Woo, D, Moose Jaw (WHL)

San Jose needs to get younger on the blue line, and there isn't much in the pipeline. Woo is more of a physical type and won't provide much offense, but his game is similar to Marc-Edouard Vlasic, something that the Sharks will happily take.

22. Ottawa Senators (from Pittsburgh)-Barrett Hayton, C, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Ottawa is thin down the middle, and if Matt Duchene leaves after the season, the Sens are in major trouble. Hayton will get a chance to show more of what he can do offensively, but he's already a player who shows great detail defensively.

23. Anaheim Ducks-Dominik Bokk, RW, Vaxjo Jr. (Sweden)

The Ducks need skill players, and bad. Bokk may just be scratching the surface of what he can do, and he may also need to pack on a few pounds, but the potential is there, and he got to play on the same team as Elias Pettersson, who is slated to debut in the NHL next season a year after being drafted.

NHL mock Draft: Picks 9-15

Continuing on to the NHL mock Draft, and picks 9-15, I'll try to get in the selections with the World Cup going on.

9. New York Rangers-Brady Tkachuk, C/RW, Boston University (Hockey East)

The Rangers have three picks in the first round, and they can afford to wait until later to pick a defenseman. They can also trade up if they need to. Should they think Tkachuk could come off the board earlier and they want him, a trade up is possible. Then again, a defenseman heavy draft could very lead to Tkachuk falling if the Rangers decide to stay put. Tkachuk is almost like his dad and older brother. In other words, a power forward that can make life miserable for the opposing players.

10. Edmonton Oilers-Rasmus Sandin, D, Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

The Oilers are in a precarious spot with the salary cap, and there is word that they may be moving the pick along with a hefty contract. Should they stay, Sandin provides the most offensive upside of the defenders remaining. He also happens to be fairly proficient in his own end, something that was evident when paired with fellow Draft-eligible defenseman Adam Boqvist.

11. New York Islanders-Joe Veleno, C, Drummondville (QMJHL)

A playmaker who has immense talent, Veleno showed most of what he can do after a mid-season trade to Drummondville. Already a champion with Saint John in 2017, his talent level can be even higher, and with John Tavares likely a goner, he can step in as a top center once he makes the NHL.

12. New York Islanders (from Calgary)-Ty Smith, D, Spokane (WHL)

The Islanders were terrible in their own end last year, and Smith is the best defensive defenseman available in the Draft after Dahlin. He may not provide much offense, but the Islanders aren't exactly hurting in that category.

13. Dallas Stars-Isac Lundestrom, C, Lulea (Sweden)

The Stars may wish to address their center depth soon, as Martin Hanzal is better suited for third line duty and Jason Spezza is seeing a pretty steep decline in skill. Lundestrom may not be flashy, but he does a lot of things well and his skill set reminds some of current Nashville center Calle Jarnkrok, who can play a complete 200-foot game.

14. Philadelphia Flyers (from St. Louis)-Jesperi Kotkaniemi, C, Assat (Finland)

The Flyers may need to force feed a few of their current prospects into the NHL roster soon, which of course means that it's a good idea to stock up on prospects with a high ceiling. Kotkaniemi may be seen as a late bloomer, but he has great potential offensively and is continuing to work on being better in the areas he needs to improve upon (i.e. skating).

15. Florida Panthers-Bode Wilde, D, US NTDP

Hockey sense is a question mark for Wilde, but everything else checks out. Florida needs defensemen badly, and Wilde has potential if he can improve his hockey sense.

2018 NHL Eastern Conference Playoffs Preview

We've narrowed it down to 16 teams, and there's as always, going to be some exciting times in the hockey world. The playoffs begin Wednesday, and for the first time in a few years, I will not have to tie in my picks with a playoff pool. Saying that, let's begin:

(1) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (4) New Jersey Devils

The Lightning got exactly what they thought they were going to get from Andrei Vasilievsky, as he made the fans forget about Ben Bishop. Despite wearing down a little late in the season, mostly due to injuries to a rotating group of backup goalies, he is still a vital cog to the team's success. The blue line features Victor Hedman and Mikhail Sergachev, but depth worries me a little, as Dan Girardi does not inspire confidence if he's in the lineup. It showed, as the Lightning had a habit of letting teams back in some games. Offensively is where the Lightning can kill you, especially if Steven Stamkos is healthy. The good news is that he isn't even the best offensive player this year on his own team. No, that honor goes to Nikita Kucherov, who had a bigger coming out party this season, becoming the third Lightning player to score over 100 points. The X-factor here is JT Miller, who could be in line to have his own coming out party this postseason.

The New Jersey Devils were a major surprise this season, and much of that is due to Taylor Hall finally staying healthy for a full season and showing the offensive skills that made him the first overall pick in 2010. Beyond Hall however, there isn't much besides Nico Hischier and when healthy, Cory Schneider, although Keith Kinkaid did well when pressed into starting duty. Brian Boyle is the team's inspirational leader this year, and their no-name blue line did fairly well.

Prediction: Lightning in 6

(2) Boston Bruins vs. (3) Toronto Maple Leafs

The good news is that the Boston Bruins have depth up and down the lineup, with four scoring lines and a defensive unit that can go deep. It also helps that their youth is taking major roles on the team, with Jake DeBrusk, Brandon Carlo, Charlie MacAvoy, and Danton Heinen all having a hand in the team's success this year. Tuukka Rask has also returned to form. However, the Bruins did struggle down the stretch, missing out on a potential Atlantic Division crown in the final days, and their depth is being tested in a big way, with MacAvoy, Carlo, and Patrice Bergeron all missing time at varying points in the season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs went over the 100 point barrier despite not having Auston Matthews for a few weeks. Frederik Andersen played his best hockey this season, the offense rallied together to make up for any time Matthews missed, and the blue line held together well. The Leafs will be another year wiser in the playoffs, but will it be enough to mean a deep playoff run?

Prediction: Maple Leafs in 7

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (4) Columbus Blue Jackets

Washington is once again in the playoffs, and once again, it is Cup or Bust. Alex Ovechkin is still the engine that drives the unit, but this is the year where more than any other that depth, or the lack thereof, is going to hurt them. The more alarming thing here is that Braden Holtby had his worst season in a Capitals uniform, and this time around, it was Phillipp Grubauer that bailed them out. There are many questions that will have to be answered here, such as can the Capitals get past the second round, can they even reach the second round, and who starts in net.

The Blue Jackets have made the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time in franchise history. Like last year, they had to ride a lengthy winning streak to get here, which may make their hopes more of a fool's gold. Sergei Bobrovsky's playoff yips do bear watching, as does a rather alarming lack of scoring depth behind Artemi Panarin. Giving up goals is not a problem here, as any John Tortorella team is usually good at stopping the opposition from scoring.

Prediction: Blue Jackets in 7

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (3) Philadelphia Flyers

The Penguins may look ripe for an upset here, but if the last two seasons taught us anything, it is never to count them out. Between problems in goal, namely injuries and inconsistent play, and a blue line that largely spent more time on a milk carton, it's amazing that the Penguins were able to be the second seed in the Metropolitan Division. If you have to find someone to credit for keeping them afloat, it's Evgeni Malkin. He was thought to be a Hart Trophy candidate at some point in the season, and Sidney Crosby still doesn't get the credit he deserves.

If there is ever a team that no one can really pinpoint, it's the Philadelphia Flyers. They can either be really hot or really cold, and worse, all this happened despite another swinging door in goal, as players got hurt. The blue line should be better than what is assembled, but they are also still young at the position. Not having Wayne Simmonds hurts the offense, but having Claude Giroux step up in a big way was a big boon, as he not only topped the 100 point marker for the first time in his career, but did so while amassing his first career NHL hat trick in the process.

Prediction: Penguins in 6

I Watched This Game: All the Action You Can Handle

Last night, the Nashville Predators had their home opener in which they would raise their first banner as last year's Western Conference Champions. There was no shortage of excitement and suspense on the evening from beginning to end. I watched this game.

• Before the Predators took on the Philadelphia Flyers, there was the matter of raising a banner to rafters, with former captain Mike Fisher and current captain Roman Josi meeting at the banner to help raise it.
• Josi was scratched from the game due to injury, meaning Samuel Girard was making his NHL debut.
• The much maligned power play, at least to start the season, gets off the schneid for the Predators, as Craig Smith was able to put one away. He will need to return to 20-goal status if the Preds hope for something more than just a Conference title this season.
• Smith's goal was all the scoring in the first period, and he also took a two minute minor for slashing late in the period.
• The Predators look like they're going to pull away, as Scott Hartnell and Nick Bonino score to make it 3-0 midway through the second period.
• No, it isn't going to be a blowout, as before Yannick Weber's penalty gets killed off, the Flyers get on the board thanks to Andrew MacDonald.
• Nolan Patrick follows it up with his first NHL goal to cut the lead to one. I like Nolan Patrick and think he another great player from the Brandon Wheat Kings system.
• PK Subban goes to the box for two, but the Preds kill it off. Unfortunately, they're caught for having too many men on the ice, and have to kill that off, too. Valtteri Filppula ties it up, and with that, it is game on after two periods, with the teams tied at 3.
• Travis Konecny speeds down the ice and puts the Flyers ahead.
• A questionable Hartnell penalty leads to another Filppula goal to make it 5-3 Flyers.
• Don't look now, but the Predators just woke up, as Filip Forsberg scored to make it 5-4 Flyers. 
• Dale Weise and MacDonald get two minutes each, making it a 5 on 3 power play for Nashville. Hartnell takes full advantage, and ties it up, or does he?
• The Flyers challenge that the play was offside, but get victimized by the Mike Sullivan Rule, and not only have the goal count, thus tying the game at 5, but also have to deal with the indignity of taking a 2 minute delay of game penalty. It's still 5 on 3, though one of the original penalties gets taken off because of the goal.
• Forsberg plays hero, as he nets the final tally of the game, as Nashville caps off a momentous evening with a 6-5 win.

The Predators haven't made things easy in the first three games of the season thus far, but getting that win, particularly in the way they did, should serve as a confidence booster for the rest of the season. No Josi for the game, and no Ryan Ellis until January meant the Predators have to still figure out their blue line situation. The good news is that Girard looks like another potential keeper for a team that just comes out with quality blue liners left and right.

The Uphill Flight

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

2016-17 record: 39-33-10 (88 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Claude Giroux

The Philadelphia Flyers are team that is seemingly stuck in the rut of mediocrity. Not bad enough to be dead last (yet somehow still managed to pick second overall in this year's draft), but not good enough to be playoff contenders. Yes, it's that weird middle ground that the Flyers will continue to occupy until something major happens. Until then, it's anyone's guess where the Flyers will be when it comes to the playoffs.

For all the talent up front, the Flyers still finished in the bottom third of the league offensively. It's not good when three of the four leading scorers were the only ones to score above 15 goals. It gets more complicated, as one of them, Brayden Schenn, was traded in the off-season. The good news was that Nolan Patrick was the prize for landing the second overall pick in the draft, and he may very well land a spot on the second line. The bad news is that not much else was done up front other than swapping Schenn for Jori Lehtera. Defensively, the team was merely okay, although there is a good chance that the Flyers could see one or two rookies make their debuts. Ivan Provorov leads the way, and any of Travis Sanheim, Robert Hagg, Samuel Morin, and/or Philippe Myers could join him alongside veterans Shayne Gostisbehere, Radko Gudas, and Brandon Manning. In goal, the Steve Mason/Michal Neuvirth experiment didn't work, so now they are planning to pair Neuvirth with Brian Elliott, who himself is coming off an average season in Calgary. It may just be a matter of time before Anthony Stolarz stays with the Flyers for good, as he's been knocking at the door for a couple of years now. The special teams were a reflection of the team's inability to be anything besides average, as the power play was middle of the pack and the penalty kill was bottom third of the league.

Prediction: 6th in the Metropolitan Division

The Flyers may do just enough to make things interesting in a crowded Metropolitan Division, but until something dramatic happens, there is no denying that they are going to be nothing more than just your average NHL team.

2017 NHL Mock Draft: Picks 1-8

With the NHL Draft being next week, it's that time again for me to come up with a mock draft. Today, it will be picks 1-8, and given that there's not as much depth as in years past, it will also be predictions sure to go wrong.

1. New Jersey Devils- Nolan Patrick, C, Brandon (WHL)

New Jersey needs major help down the middle, and they have their pick of Patrick and Nico Hischier. Despite an injury-riddled season, Patrick is the most ready to step into the NHL right now. If the worst he can be is another Jonathan Toews, the Devils will gladly take it.

2. Philadelphia Flyers- Nico Hischier, C, Halifax (QMJHL)

The more dynamic of the two, Hischier would be at worst, a year away because of his need to put on a little more weight. He would add to an already good offense that can always use another center to slot behind Claude Giroux.

3. Dallas Stars- Gabe Vilardi, C, Windsor (OHL)

Skating concerns aside, Vilardi checks off every other box, and with Jason Spezza nearing 35, it would be a good idea to start thinking about getting a center to slot behind Tyler Seguin. At worst, he's a year away, at best, he could step in right away.

4. Colorado Avalanche- Cale Makar, D, Brooks (AJHL)

Colorado needs defensemen...badly. Getting a puck possession player up front in Tyson Jost was a start, but now, they need help on a long neglected blue line. Miro Heiskanen is the safer pick, but Colorado may wish to swing for the fences, and that is what Makar's potential is right now.Smaller player, but plays bigger than his size.

5. Vancouver Canucks- Casey Mittlestadt, C, Eden Prairie (USHS)

Split time between Eden Prairie High and Green Bay of the USHL, Mittlestadt carries great offensive potential. A year away, since he's a Minnesota commit, he could down the line, form a dynamic duo with Brock Boeser once he makes the NHL.

6. Vegas Golden Knights- Cody Glass, C, Portland (WHL)

Because nothing will be known about the Golden Knights' roster until Wednesday, they can go in any direction. Glass could at his best, be the face of a franchise that provides offense in spades.

7. Arizona Coyotes- Elias Pettersson, C, Timra (Sweden 2)

The Coyotes really need more of a veteran presence, especially if Shane Doan decides to retire. However, looking further into the future, Pettersson would be a dynamic center that has top line potential...if he can put on some weight. A couple seasons in Sweden's top league will help.

8. Buffalo Sabres- Miro Heiskanen, D, HIFK (Finland)

The last time the Sabres drafted a defenseman in the first round, they did pretty well, as Rasmus Ristolainen is their top guy now. The problem is that there's virtually little else on the blue line, and the pipeline in that section is not too great. Heiskanen at worst, would be a solid two-way player with better offensive upside than Ristolainen.

Take it Outdoors

Now, that all of the teams participating in the outdoor games have their uniforms sorted out, it would be fair to assess each one, beginning with the Centennial Classic.

The designs you see for both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings are what they will be wearing for the Centennial Classic at BMO Field, home to both Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts. The Maple Leafs went with elements of their past incarnations for their uniform design. The stripe that runs through the middle was previously on the Pats sweaters while the Arenas' T will be found on the breezers. Meanwhile, the Red Wings kept it rather simple, with only a silver stripe on the arms that also features the years they won the Stanley Cup. Though Toronto has the better sweater design, both teams earn high marks for going in different directions when it comes to the collar.

Up next is the Winter Classic match between the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks slated for January 2 at Busch Stadium. Of the teams participating in the outdoor games, the Blues have the best looking sweaters, edging out Toronto for that distinction. It's as close to a throwback as it gets, as much of the design was inspired by the team's first years in the NHL. If the Blues' design was the best, then the Blackhawks would be on the opposite spectrum. Clearly, playing in as many outdoor games as they have has shown that the idea well has run dry for them. If there was ever a case for limiting how many outdoor games you can play in a specific time period, you can point to the Blackhawks for that.

Last up is the Stadium Series, and the participants in that matchup are the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Penguins unveiled their look a few weeks ago, and certainly, going gold was a wise decision, as was the idea of having the triangle encircle the captaincy or alternate designation. The patch on the left is a nod to the team's four Stanley Cups, and the side numbers are on the shoulders. The sweater loses points for the numbering, though, as it rips off the World Cup North American team template.

A few days ago, the Flyers unveiled their design, and going black on their sweaters isn't the worst idea, but having black numbers and lettering is a bad idea, even with the orange nameplate and white outlining on the numbers. The Flyers would have been better served with white numbering and lettering.

Serving the Youth

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

2015-16 record: 41-27-14 (96 points)
Lost to Washington in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Claude Giroux

The Philadelphia Flyers were supposed to be a team in transition last year, as they were shedding dead-weight contracts left and right and were getting used to a head coach whose experience consisted of college. However, something happened along the way, and the youth that was supposed to have trouble learning the game for much of the season put it together enough to sneak into the playoffs and give the Presidents Trophy winning Washington Capitals all they could handle. This time around, expectations will be higher, but in a tough Metropolitan Division, they may be forced to scrap for a playoff spot once again.

Offensively, the struggles of getting used to coach Dave Hakstol's system were evident for much of the season. This was especially true of Jakub Voracek, who followed a career year with a rather dismal one, as he could only muster 11 goals. However, Brayden Schenn began to show signs of why the Flyers traded for him in 2011, as he finished only behind Wayne Simmonds, plus the emergence of Shayne Gostisbehere added an element from the blue line. Improvement across the board would be nice, especially from the secondary options. They Flyers drafted defensively the past few seasons, and now may be the time where some of those players begin to compete for spots. Gostisbehere is already there, and he may be joined by 2015 first round pick Ivan Provorov, who has nothing left to prove in the WHL. Of course, the veterans of the group provide solid, if unspectacular play. In goal, it almost seemed as though if one goalie got hurt, the other stepped up. That was the case for Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth, both of whom posted good save percentage numbers and split the load in the playoffs, though Neuvirth had the better showing there. Both special teams units fell from the previous season, though the power play proved to be in better shape than the penalty kill. Boyd Gordon comes over to help the penalty kill while a full season of Gostisbehere should improve the power play standing.

Prediction: 5th in the Metropolitan Division

The Flyers will be a better team, but by how much will be determined by just how well they navigate a tough Metropolitan Division. A wild card spot is more realistic than finishing third in the division, but they will be a tough out themselves.

Meet the 2016 Hockey Hall of Fame Class

This year's Hockey Hall of Fame class didn't have an obvious player entering their first year of eligibility, which meant that many of the players who have waited their turn to enter as one of the best to ever play had as good of a shot as anyone. Yesterday, three players and a head coach got the call to join the Hall of Fame in November.

Eric Lindros headlines the foursome, and while it has been wildly debated as to whether or not he deserves the nod, what is certain is that he dominated the game for a time in the mid to late 90's. Winning the Hart Trophy in the lockout shortened 1995 season, he also barely lost out on the Art Ross Trophy by tie-breaker and led the Flyers to a Stanley Cup Final in 1997. Injuries, namely concussions, curtailed what could have been a great career, but he still managed over a point a game.

Sergei Makarov spent the majority of his hockey career with the Red Army team in the old USSR, where he put up dynamic numbers alongside linemates Vladimir Krutov and fellow Hall of Famer Igor Larionov. He joined the NHL in the 1989-90 season, where he won the Calder Trophy at the age of 32, which forced the NHL to change the eligibility rules to cap at 26 years old for rookies. He amassed 384 points in 424 NHL games, and was on the winning teams for eight World Championships, two Olympics, and two World Juniors.

Rogie Vachon spent time with Montreal, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Boston, winning the Stanley Cup with Montreal twice. However, it was in Los Angeles that he earned his greatest recognition, setting many of the team's goalie records along the way. Only Jonathan Quick and Kelly Hrudey have put up great seasons in a Kings uniform alongside Vachon.

Pat Quinn will be posthumously honored. A player for nine seasons, he gained great recognition as coach of the Flyers, Kings, Canucks, Maple Leafs, and Oilers, making the Finals with the Flyers and Canucks one time each. He also held a managing position with Team Canada, and was Chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame at the time of his death in November 2014.

The induction ceremony will take place in November.

NHL Mock Draft: Picks 11-20

Today, picks 11-20 will be given the mock treatment, as I attempt to get something right. If you're keeping score, since I started doing mock drafts, I've gotten six right (getting it right means either getting player with team or draft slot correct) in 2013, none in 2014, and three in 2015. I can safely say at least one pick will be correct. That out of the way, here are picks 11-20.

11. New Jersey Devils-Clayton Keller, C, USA NTDP

The Devils still need scoring badly, and with only Kyle Palmieri and Mike Cammalleri likely returning, the urgent need for scorers won't be ending anytime soon. Getting Keller, who nearly eclipsed the NTDP scoring record set by Auston Matthews, would be a step in the right direction and be a nice compliment to last year's first round pick Pavel Zacha.

12. Ottawa Senators-Logan Brown, C, Windsor (OHL)

Michael McLeod would also be considered here, as would a defender, but Brown's measurables and bloodlines are too good to pass up here. He's more of a playmaker than scorer at this point, but it's hard to ignore the size, as well as the high potential of setting up players like Bobby Ryan and Mike Hoffman.

13. Carolina Hurricanes-Michael McLeod, C, Mississauga (OHL)

The Hurricanes are woefully short on offense, and given their needs up the middle, McLeod would fill both spots. Like Brown, he has high potential, but a fair amount is already showing, and he has the speed to make highlight reel plays when needed.

14. Boston Bruins-Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston University

Boston has many picks to play with, and while the needs are considerable everywhere except on the left side and in goal, the Bruins continue to replenish their defensive depth and do so in their own backyard. McAvoy is more of an offensive defender at this point in the development, but his size suggests that he can be a fair defender in his own end who would be hard to move off the puck.

15. Minnesota Wild-Kieffer Bellows, LW, USA NTDP

The Wild need a high-end scorer in their pipeline, and they look to a familiar bloodline, as they take ex-North Star Brian Bellows' kid Kieffer. Where he continues to develop remains a bit of a question, as he is committed to Boston College, but could go the major junior route and Portland of the WHL. As for what he can do, he scores...a lot. That's his one dimension, but on a team with many playmakers and few goal scorers, it makes sense.

16. Detroit Red Wings-Jake Bean, D, Calgary (WHL)

The Red Wings need defenders, preferably one that can be a top pairing player. However, there are far more solid second pairing players at this point in the draft, and given the Red Wings' problem of filling that void Nicklas Lidstrom left when he retired in 2012, it seems that anyone will do. Bean is the best offensive defender remaining, and while his work in his own end is a work in progress, the Red Wings will be happy to take a near point a game season like what Bean had this season in Calgary.

17. Nashville Predators-Dante Fabbro, D, Penticton (BCHL)

The Preds may wish to start thinking about the future on the blue line, as Shea Weber can't play forever, and the pipeline defensively is starting to run a little thin. Fabbro is the safest pick available on the blue line, and the Preds can afford to let him develop at Boston University.

18. Philadelphia Flyers-Max Jones, LW, London (OHL)

The Flyers need scoring, and while Jones didn't put up eye-popping numbers in London, there's no mistaking that he is a definitive power forward. Discipline may need to be reinforced a little, as he sat out much of the OHL playoffs due to a 12-game suspension, but he is unafraid to hit people and score goals however he has to do it, things that could make him a fan favorite in a city known for toughness.

19. New York Islanders-Riley Tufte, LW, Fargo (USHL)

The Isles can afford to wait on this year's group to develop, and a perfect example would be Tufte, a Minnesota-Duluth commit who can use the time to fill out a little. The upside is a power forward in the vein of Nick Bjugstad that can score and has some bite.

20. Arizona Coyotes (from the New York Rangers)-Logan Stanley, D, Windsor (OHL)

Whereas I had the Coyotes taking a more offensive defender in Mikhail Sergachev with their first pick, this time around, they go with a shutdown defender in Logan Stanley, also playing in Windsor. A big guy at 6-6, 216 lbs., he would be given time to develop, as he needs improvement on skating, but getting a player that can work in Dave Tippett's system would be a plus, something that Stanley can do.

Restocking Needs, Part 2

Part two of what each team needs to do to ensure future success continues with a look at teams 11-20 on the original draft list.

New Jersey Devils

Number of picks: 9
Picks in the first round: 11th overall

Offense has been a major problem for the Devils, as they were at or near the bottom the last two seasons. Getting help for Kyle Palmieri, under the assumption that he will be resigned, since he's an RFA, would be priority one. Given that the Devils have plenty of chances to further restock a pipeline in desperate need, it is possible that they can package a couple of picks to get another first round pick. Of course, they also need all the help they can get in front of Cory Schneider.

Ottawa Senators

Number of picks: 6
Picks in the first round: 12th overall

Help down the middle and on the blue line should be addressed. The former would be ideal in that there's no stud there that can take top line minutes while the latter would be great in stopping goals, particularly since Jared Cowen didn't pan out and now, they have to replace Chris Phillips' dependability as a shutdown guy. Perhaps Dion Phaneuf can replace some of that, but another prospect like Dante Fabbro would help.

Carolina Hurricanes

Number of picks: 10
Picks in the first round: 13th and 21st overall

In recent drafts, the Hurricanes were able to makeover their blue line, going from terrible to promising in just two years. Now, it's the forwards' turn, as they need offense. The good news is that they have plenty of opportunities to do so in the draft, and possibly move up in the first round if they choose. If there is a team that can change the dynamic of this year's draft, Carolina is that team.

Boston Bruins

Number of picks: 7
Picks in the first round: 14th and 29th/30th overall

In the quest to shed some salary, the Bruins suddenly got old real quick, particularly on the blue line. Given the dearth of blue line prospects that can step in right away, getting another body there would be a good idea. Also, filling that perpetual hole on the right side of the forward line would be good.

Minnesota Wild

Number of picks: 4
Picks in the first round: 15th overall

Trading picks for short term rentals that don't pan out have left the Wild with only four chances at replenishing a farm system badly in need of it. It doesn't help that those picks are in the first, fourth, and seventh rounds, meaning the Wild won't get many chances to get the best available. Shedding salary would be a nice start, though the Wild would have to make a hard deal for decent picks. As for needs, just about anything to improve depth would be great.

Detroit Red Wings

Number of picks: 6
Picks in the first round: 16th overall

The most gaping hole the Wings need to fill is likely going to be one left by Pavel Datsyuk's impending retirement. That means a center with high potential. However, the Wings would be wise to try and improve a blue line that has been in flux since Nicklas Lidstrom retired in 2012. When the best defender since then has been Kyle Quincey, that speaks to the problems of finding even a capable third defender.

Nashville Predators

Number of picks: 7
Picks in the first round: 17th overall

The Jimmy Vesey saga will leave the Predators without a high-quality scorer in the system. However, given that Kevin Fiala is still around and there is a chance that Collin Wilson may have finally turned a corner in the playoffs, the Preds may very well choose to address a potential long-term problem on the blue line first. Getting one that is also physical would be twice as nice, since they lack overall grit.

Philadelphia Flyers

Number of picks: 10
Picks in the first round: 18th overall

With the blue line and blue paint prospect pool filled, the Flyers can put the majority of their focus on the forwards. Scoring forwards are in short supply, and the Flyers could always use another scorer. On the back end, it's simply a matter of roster space that keeps the blue line group as deep as it is, though that figures to change by a player or two next season.

New York Islanders

Number of picks: 5
Picks in the first round: 19th overall

The Isles don't lack for toughness or for primary scoring. However, secondary scoring became a problem, and picking up another player or two that can push for a spot would be helpful. Another blue line prospect wouldn't hurt, either, as one of their top prospects there figures to be a regular next season. The Isles only pick once in the first three rounds, but don't bet against them making a trade to get another first round pick, as they've done so the last two drafts.

New York Rangers

Number of picks: 5
First pick: 81st overall

The Rangers continue to trade top picks, having been without one since 2012, when they took Brady Skjei. Their annual push for the Stanley Cup has also robbed them of considerable prospects that could have helped them now such as Anthony Duclair. Getting their prospect pool back to snuff would be great, but given their annual trades, top players that would normally be available will be hard to come by while the prospects that are there would have to look over their shoulder for any possibility of being moved to a different address.

NHL Playoffs Preview: Eastern Conference

The NHL Playoffs begin this Wednesday and despite there being no Canadian teams in the hunt this time around (much to my chagrin), there will be no shortage of excitement, as the storylines do run here. For this segment, it will be the Eastern Conference preview.

(1) Washington Capitals vs. (4) Philadelphia Flyers

The Capitals basically wrapped everything up by the time the calendar turned to April, so anything that could be looked into this month appears to be irrelevant. Now, the real fun begins, as we will see if the Caps can finally get over the hump or if it was all smoke and mirrors. Braden Holtby's season for the ages suggests that he's turned a corner in becoming an elite goalie while Alex Ovechkin once again led the way, securing the Rocket Richard Trophy and being the only player with 50 goals this season. This is the best shot for the Caps to win it all, but will it come together finally?

The Flyers needed the last weekend to make the playoffs, and did so with fairly convincing wins. Few expected them to make it here prior to the season, but the team is firmly buying into rookie head coach Dave Hakstol's system and with contributions from Claude Giroux and rookie defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, the Flyers could cause some trouble.

Prediction: Capitals in 6

(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (3) New York Rangers

No Evgeni Malkin, no Marc-Andre Fleury, and a dysfunctional team for half the season, yet the Penguins comfortably made it into the playoffs. A mid-season coaching change lit a fire under Sidney Crosby, who put the team on his back for the first time in a while Malkin is out with injury. Fleury's situation also bears watching, as he could miss a game or two to open the series, but is more likely to start. However, it doesn't look great when Jeff Zatkoff is still on the roster and Tristan Jarry was recently called up to take Matt Murray's spot due to injury.

The Rangers had a little drama of their own, as they couldn't get out of their own way at times, and if not for Henrik Lundqvist, they would have had a harder time making the playoffs. As the likes of Mats Zuccarello and Rick Nash go, so will go the Rangers' offense. The wild-card here is Eric Staal, who hasn't been in a playoff game since 2009 with Carolina. Defensively, there could be trouble if Ryan McDonagh is out for an extended period of time.

Prediction: Penguins in 7

(1) Florida Panthers vs. (4) New York Islanders

The Panthers rode the goaltending of Roberto Luongo and contributions from the likes of Aleksander Barkov, Jaromir Jagr, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Aaron Ekblad to the Atlantic Division title. The next step is winning a playoff series for the first time since 1996. With Jagr, Willie Mitchell, and Dave Bolland on board, this is where the veterans will have the most impact, as they can impart the wisdom of how to handle a playoff series to the young players. If there is a player that needs to step up, it's Nick Bjugstad, as he had a disappointing season.

The Islanders weren't quite as good this season, as John Tavares didn't put up the elite numbers one would be used to, but he contributed in other ways that benefited the team, and that worked for players such as Kyle Okposo and Brock Nelson. Defensively, this wasn't the best of units, but part of that can be traced to a revolving door in goal, as Jaroslav Halak, Thomas Greiss, and J-F Berube saw a fair amount of time there due to injuries. If there is a way the Islanders can pull off the upset, it will have to be up to the likes of Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin to throw off the Panthers with their physical play.

Prediction: Panthers in 6

(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (3) Detroit Red Wings

The Lightning come limping in thanks to the absence of both Steven Stamkos and Anton Stralman. However, the Lightning seem to be getting goals from everyone, but especially Nikita Kucherov, who broke the 30-goal barrier for the first time in his career. Victor Hedman is still on the blue line, and he will look to build on last year's performance while Ben Bishop holds down the fort in goal. One interesting thing to watch for is what, if anything, can Jonathan Drouin contribute.

Detroit barely managed to make it 25 seasons in the playoffs, thanks to a tie-breaker over Boston. However, there isn't a heck of a lot to like about the team right now. Despite having Dylan Larkin, the Red Wings couldn't do much damage offensively, and Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk aren't getting any younger, with Datsyuk possibly on his way out after the season. The Wings still haven't come close to filling the void left by Nicklas Lidstrom after the 2011-12 season, and this time, the goaltending is having a hard time bailing it out, as consistency was hard to come by for either Petr Mrazek or Jimmy Howard.

Prediction: Lightning in 4

Trading Places

There's been a fair number of trades today, with Los Angeles trading with Philadelphia and Nashville trading with Columbus. First, Los Angeles gets Vincent Lecavalier and Luke Schenn while Philadelphia gets much needed cap space as well as Jordan Weal and a third round pick.

As for Columbus and Nashville, you may have noticed that I put the Portland Winterhawks logo as the primary picture. Well, it so happens that two Winterhawks alumni will be trading places, as Ryan Johansen (2009-11) goes to Nashville with Seth Jones (2012-13) going to Columbus. The trade is a culmination of the rather tumultuous relationship between Johansen and Blue Jackets' upper management that came to a head when Johansen clashed with coach John Tortorella once Tortorella was named as coach midway through this season. Johansen gets a fresh start with Nashville while Seth Jones will get his best chance to be the number one defenseman in Columbus now that he won't be stuck behind Shea Weber and Roman Josi.

Back to School

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

2014-15 record: 33-31-18 (84 points)
Missed the playoffs
Captain: Claude Giroux

The Philadelphia Flyers, with the exception of their power play, were awful.  That season cost Craig Berube his job as head coach and now, it will be up to Dave Hakstol to right the ship.  Keep in mind that Hakstol's coaching experience consists of several years at the University of North Dakota, which is college hockey.  After a trying season, it will feel like back to Fundamentals 101 for many of the Flyers players who underperformed.

Offensively, bottom third of the league, although they had no trouble scoring on the power play, which ranked third.  Better play at even strength, particularly from players like Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier would help, as well as, unreasonable at it may sound, better play from Vincent Lecavalier and R.J. Umberger.  Jakub Voracek and Claude Giroux did much of the heavy lifting up front, and that's too much for two guys to do.  Wayne Simmonds and Michael Raffl will both be counted upon to improve their goal totals, as both have 30-goal scorer potential.  Defensively, this is where things get interesting, as one or two rookies could be getting a crack.  Mark Streit is an offensive force from the blue line, and Michael Del Zotto is solid.  Beyond that, they're banking on Radko Gudas and Andrew MacDonald to be solid stay-at-home types while any of Shayne Gostisbehere, Ivan Provorov, Travis Sanheim, and Robert Hagg could be seeing time in a Flyers uniform as rookies.  Steve Mason posted good numbers in goal, but when he got hurt, that's where the problems occurred in goal.  Health will remain an issue for Mason, which is why they brought in Michal Neuvirth, who himself will be looking to show that his numbers last season were a mere product of a bad team (Buffalo) and show that his confidence is back to where it should be.

Prediction: 6th in the Metropolitan Division

The Flyers are still a team of underachievers with a couple of players playing closer to or exceeding expectations.  For the Flyers to contend, they will need better years from key players, particularly the young players, and hope that one or two rookies on the blue line will make a big impact.