Why the Flyers Won’t Skip a Beat When the NHL Returns
Every NHL fan seems to have an extra bounce in their step recently due to the news from the NHL and NHLPA about their plan to carry out and finish the 2019-20 season.
Now, we don’t have any firm dates for a return yet, but we do know that there is a plan in place that was agreed upon by both the league and its players. Other than the special 24 team playoff scenario, we really don’t have many details of what is in that agreement. However, teams need to be ready.
Now, undeniably the Flyers were the hottest team in the NHL when the league shut down due to the pandemic, with a 9-1 record in its previous 10 games. But of course, after this long delay any momentum any of the NHL teams had is long gone.
That being said, I really do believe the Flyers will pick up right where they left off without skipping a beat.
Here are the reasons why.
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Alain Vigneault
First and foremost, there’s the Alain Vigneault effect. Whether you agreed with the hiring of Alain Vigneault as the Flyers head coach by GM Chuck Fletcher and the Flyers at the time, there is no question he was the absolute best possible hire. Now, hindsight is 20/20 as the saying goes, but Vigneault has fit in perfectly. The work he has done with the team’s youth has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Just look at the bounce back year’s Ivan Provorov and Robert Hagg have had after a disappointing season last year. Just like he did with them, Vigneault has put his trust in the abilities of all the youngsters including Phil Myers, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Travis Sanheim and company. Those players went from walking on eggshells to knowing that their new coaching staff have their back and trust their ability. Playing without being scared to make a mistake is huge in a player’s mind.
Vigneault and his assistants have also gotten all the team’s veterans to buy into the “playing a complete game” plan. Although guys like Giroux, Couturier and Hayes have always thrived on a two-way game, this is new to a few others.
How can anyone not be impressed by how JVR and Voracek have become more complete players?
While their point totals are a little lower than usual, I for one have never seen either of those players be so involved away from the puck and be as defensively sound as they have been this season.
Finally, the way Alain Vigneault has used the goaltending tandem of Carter Hart and Brian Elliott has been nothing short of perfection. Using Hart as his obvious number one and putting in Elliott at opportune times, making sure both were fully rested and at the top of their game when they got the call. Plain and simple, Alain Vigneault will not allow them regress and will have them back on the right track when play resumes.
Too Young to Know Any Better
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Secondly, they’re too young to know any better. With the major part of the Flyers important players being 26 years of age or younger its obvious that the “youth movement” we’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Just look at the top end players that fall into this category, the likes of Provorov, Sanheim, Myers, Hagg (that’s 4 of our top 6 defensemen not counting Gostisbehere), Konecny, Aube-Kubel, Farabee, Hart… Anyone think these guys are just going to sit back and let the opposition take the game to them instead of dictating it themselves? There are a ton of reports suggesting the incredible work out routines that Ivan Provorov is putting himself through and some have gone as far as saying it is inhumane. Good on the Flyers number one defenseman for setting an example for his fellow teammates.
I really believe that the exciting, fast paced play of all these youngsters has been a catalyst for the team’s veterans. We’ve already mentioned the new complete games of JVR and Vorocek, but how about guys like Kevin Hayes? Anyone not think that Kevin Hayes is having the time of his life here? Just look at the love he has in playing the penalty kill. Playing with youngsters like Konecny had him on the verge of a new career high in goals and points.
Veterans Laughton, Pitlick and Grant have all taken a page out of the excitement the youngsters bring daily and have been nothing short of fantastic and have all become 3 of the best bottom 6 guys in the entire league all while playing on the same team!
Carter Hart
And lastly, it’s all about Carter Hart. At just 21 years of age, Carter Hart has already shown the world that the billing of “Prospect Phenom” was correct. In only his second season, he already has had dozens of highlight reel saves in his repertoire (see below video clips). In 43 games this season Hart boasts a .914 SV% and a 2.42 GAA. But more than all that I just can’t believe how relaxed Hart looks in his net. He’s already one of the most positionally sound goalies in the NHL, as he just seems to always be at the right place at the right time.
Hart’s teammates have the utmost trust in him, and it shows in the way they play in front of him. They’re not scared to make a mistake on the ice, because they know that Hart is back there and will bail them out. Hart has a chance to become one of the Flyers all-time greatest goalies and it all starts with this season’s playoffs.
Everything about Carter Hart including his play on the ice, his relationship with his teammates and coaching staff, his demeanor, the way he handles himself with the media and fans just screams “Champion” and he is well on his way to becoming just that, a Stanley Cup Champion.
There are many factors at play, but because of Alain Vigneault, the arrival of the youth movement and Carter Hart, I really believe the Flyers will pick up right where they left off and make a long and prosperous run in the 2019-20 Stanley Cup playoffs.
Enjoy the ride Flyers fans, this is what we’ve been waiting for.
Featured Image: NHL.com
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