2013 Season Preview – Philadelphia Flyers

Last Season – The Flyers finished 5th in the Eastern Conference with a 47-26-9 record.  They won an epic battle in the first round against the Penguins, before falling to the New Jersey Devils in the second round.

Saying Goodbye – Jaromir Jagr, James Van Riemsdyk, Pavel Kubina, Sergei Bobrovsky, Matt Carle

Saying Hello – Luke Schenn, Danny Syvret, Bruno Gervais, Ruslan Fedotenko

Ready to Step In – Erik Gustafsson played 30 games last season, and could stick full time this year as a defensive defenseman.  He had 5 points, but more importantly was plus +12.

Look For A Bounce-back Season From – With a 109 point season, there isn’t many players who had an off year.  However for the Flyers, wishful thinking would see a dramatic return by Chris Pronger, but the concussion woes he is experiencing will likely end his career.

Hardware Hopefuls – Claude Giroux, Hart, Art Ross;

Claude Giroux is a legitimate MVP candidate. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Upside – The success the Flyers had last season came with 8 rookies playing 30 or more games, including mainstays Matt Read, Zac Rinaldo,  Sean Couturier and Brayden Schenn.  With another year of experience, they will be that much better as a group.

Downside – You get the feeling that Sergei Bryzgalov is one wrong turn away from a complete implosion.  He is good, and for the most part stable, but cracks in the armour have reared their ugly head at times.

2013 Prognosis – With the arms race between the Rangers, Penguins and Flyers brewing, winning the division will be vital.  While the winner will get a top 3 seed, the remaining 2 could end up in a 4-5 seed first round matchup.  The Flyers want to avoid that at all costs, since they didn’t have much left in the tank after the Penguins series.