Yes, it’s only the preseason, but you have to like the way the Flyers youth is shining bright so far. That trend continued in last nights Flyers 2-1 preseason win over the trusty old devils. Jeff Carter slammed home a bang-bang play off a perfect pass from Mike Richards. So far the much anticipated Carter – Richards – Calder line is living up to all the hype.
Lars Jonsson, also a newcomer to the Flyers this year, tallied an assist in the game. Coach Ken Hitchcock had nothing but praise for the youngster saying, “He brings an element that is necessary in the league, but he brings an element that our team needs. He is great on the power play, he does things not a lot of players can do with the way he’s able to move and keep his head up and find open people offensively.”
The Flyers have the night off in preseason action, but return to the ice tomorrow for a game against the Senators at 7 PM.
I was able to listen to the last period, so good to at least hear hockey again.
The CCR line Carter-Calder-Richards will be exciting to watch this year. I just hope injuries don’t pull the line apart.
Forsberg will be back tomorrow night his first preseason game.
We are about 2 weeks away from the first game of the season and there are a whole bunch of guys that decisions have to be made on.
Who is staying, the obvious, I think.
Gagne-Forsberg-Knuble
Carter-Calder-Richards
Hatcher-Jonsson
Rathje-Pitkanen
Pull six more forwards out of this group.
Sanderson, Ruzicka, Tapper, Potulny, Cullen, Dimitrakos, Umberger, Kapanen, Robitaille, Murray, Eager, Nedved, Downie, Kane, Cote, Ellison, Voce, Meloche, Corso, Pisellini, Cabana, Grant, Tolpeko.
My guess
Sanderson-Nedved-Umberger
Kapanen-Murray-Robitaille
Pull 3 defensman out of this group.
Baumgartner, Jones, Picard, Grenier, Meyer, Printz, Slaney, Timonen, Morrison, Davis, Ruggeri, Guenin
My guess
Meyer-Baumgartner-Gauthier
Many of those other players will be playing with the Phantoms, but I think a few of those have one way contracts and would have to clear waivers. So I expect at least one trade before the start of the season. Maybe move a goaltender.
From the couple predictions I have read so far it seems no one is picking the Flyers to go the distance and honestly I think that’s great. They don’t need that pressure. But I am very excited about this year. I think a healthy team this year is improved over last years team when they were healthy. Quicker and more of an offensive threat.