All-stars Anyone?

Is anyone worthy?

This is an Olympic year, so there’s no all-star game.  However, if there were, who should be in it?

Chris Pronger: He’s 7th among defensemen in points, with a total of 37.  He’s been named to the Canadian Olympic Team.  He’s also an assistant captain in his first season with the team.  His presence has been felt throughout the entire lineup.  He’s given his defensive partners more confidence to jump into the offensive play more often, and has helped fuel Laviolette’s transition game.  He’s lived up to almost every expectation that I had when we got him. He has surprised me with his mobility for an bigger, older player.  Only thing I want to see is a few more hard hits.

Jeff Carter:  Constant trade rumors have surrounded this guy all season long, and for the first half of last season.  His production is down from last year, but he’s still on pace to possibly crack 40 goals. He leads the Flyers in scoring, with 22 goals and 46 points.  He’s the only guy on the team to crack the top 40 scorers.  His lethal wrist shot has been on full display over the last 6 weeks, much more than it was in the early part of the season.  He’ll need to keep his production up to help the team make the playoffs.

Honestly, the team has not been great, which the standings have shown.  Nobody is really lighting the lamp enough to make a strong case for.  However, I also want to consider the YoungStars.

Claude Giroux:  This is his first full season with the big club, and he produces some highlight reel moves on a consistent basis. He’s not blessed with a dangerous shot, but he can probably make a pass blindfolded. His numbers are low because it’s hard to get enough playing time, but when he’s got the puck on his stick, it’s almost unreal to watch. If Richards/Carter are the core of this team, then Giroux and the next guy on my list are definitely Core 2.0.  The age difference is minimal, and ability is comparable.  His time to shine will come.

James van Riemsdyk: Not sure if anyone noticed, but he’s third in rookie scoring. He was the Rookie of the Month in November, and after a dry spell (that the entire team went through) he’s picked it up again.  He’s shown some flashes of brilliance when he’s had the puck on his stick.  He’s not nearly as flashy is Giroux, but also possesses uncanny passing ability. Since they’ve been paired together in recent games, they’ve shown some silent chemistry between them. Flyers commentator Jim Jackson recently mentioned that the two are roommates on the road, so it seems like their off ice friendship is benefiting their on ice play.  Put these two out on the ice with some of the other freshman and sophomores, and they’ll put on a show.

Quick Hit: It’s been nearly a week since Gaborik started a fight and got destroyed by Carcillo.  I don’t have anything to add to this story, I just wanted to bring it up again because it was so funny.