It’s a weird feeling for most of us to see an Edmonton – Carolina Stanley Cup Finals matchup, isn’t it? But this is what the NHL wanted, and they got it. Two teams, blessed with skilled finesse defensemen, a healthy and fast forward core, and solid goaltending.
These two teams are the best examples of what it takes to win games in today’s NHL, and here they are, the finals. Edmonton went out and could no longer be outbid when it came to signing key additions to their team such as Chris Pronger, Ryan Smyth (resigned), and many others. They were also able to offer the right elements in trade in order to pick up a solid veteran goaltender for the playoff push, without giving up any key elements to their own playoff hopes.
Carolina, on the other hand, was already well equipped to make a Finals push, but they still went out and picked up a veteran in Mark Recchi, in order to add experience to their locker room.
My point in bringing this up, is that the Flyers need to take a key look into their depth charts and once again realize that speed on defense is key. I agree with my partner that the speed of our forwards is not what cost us our playoff series by any means. This was caused mostly by injuries (lets say 60% of the blame), and speed of defense (let’s say 30%). Stay-at-home defensemen are out of style, and it’s time the Flyers realized it. It’s time to cut Hatcher and Rathje (thus clearing $7m of cap room), and pick up young, yet experienced, defensemen in return.
It also has to be noted that Anaheim made it deep into the playoffs with 9 youngsters (rookies) playing. As I understand it, Richards and Carter weren’t trusted with playing big minutes.
The old guard has changed. Although they still have their role, it’s not the same as in years past. It seems younger guys were quicker to pick up on the new game than the elderly.
Who knew?