Philadelphia Flyers Schedule Breakdown
Apr 30, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason (35) makes a save against the New York Rangers during the first period in game seven of the first round of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday, the NHL released the full 2014-2015 schedule. The Philadelphia Flyers open their season on October 8th, 2014 in Boston. The next night they play the New Jersey Devils at the Wells Fargo Center. For a full look at the Flyers schedule, click here.
Here is a month by month breakdown of the schedule:
October
Opponents:
Bruins, Devils, Canadiens, Ducks, Stars, Blackhawks, Penguins, Red Wings, Kings, Lightning
Home vs Away:
5 home games, 5 road games – 2 back-to-backs
Breakdown:
The Flyers face 2013-2014 playoff teams in 9 of their first 10 games. Although the strength of each team will vary by season, this stretch looks like it could be a difficult one for the Flyers. They will need to come out of the gates roaring if they do not want to dig themselves a hole similar to the one they dug for themselves last season.
November
Opponents:
Panthers (x2), Oilers, Avalanche, Blue Jackets (x2), Canadiens, Rangers (x3), Wild, Islanders, Red Wings
Home vs Away:
7 home games, 6 road games – 3 back-to-backs
Breakdown:
The second month of the season starts with two games against the Panthers and a match-up with the Oilers. On paper, that should be a great chance to earn 5-6 points. However, in today’s NHL, anything is possible. The chance to face the NY Rangers three times will give the Flyers plenty of opportunities for revenge.
December
Opponents:
Sharks, Ducks, Kings, Blue Jackets, Devils, Hurricanes, Lightning, Panthers, Maple Leafs, Jets, Wild, Predators, Coyotes, Avalanche
Home vs Away:
4 home games, 10 road games – 2 back-to-backs
Breakdown:
The Flyers begin the month of December on a California road trip, visiting San Jose, Anaheim, and LA. In the middle of the month they have a four game home stand before embarking on the longest road trip of the season (Dec. 20-Jan. 3). The annual west coast Christmas road trip actually begins in Toronto this year before heading west.
January
Opponents:
Hurricanes, Devils, Senators, Capitals (x2), Bruins, Lightning, Canucks, Sabres, Islanders, Penguins, Coyotes, Jets, Maple Leafs
Home vs Away:
9 home games, 5 road games – 3 back-to-backs
Breakdown:
There is nothing special about the Philadelphia Flyers schedule in January. This stretch marks the point in the season after the beginning (during which line juggling, coaching changes, etc. take place) but before the stretch run. A strong January will make or break the Flyers playoff and/or home ice chances.
February
Opponents:
Islanders, Capitals (x2), Canadiens, Blue Jackets (x2), Sabres (x2), Predators, Hurricanes, Maple Leafs, Rangers
Home vs Away:
6 home games, 6 road games – 1 back-to-back
Breakdown:
After playing 14 games in each of December and January, the schedule is noticeably lighter in February. The Flyers will only play 12 games and have one back-to-back scenario. The quality of competition does not look too difficult on paper, but that could always change. The NHL will be building toward the playoffs during the month of February, so the Flyers will need to do the same.
March
Opponents:
Flames (x2), Blues (x2), Bruins, Devils, Stars, Red Wings, Senators, Canucks, Oilers, Blackhawks, Sharks
Home vs Away:
6 homes games, 7 away games – 2 back-to-backs
Breakdown:
March could be a make or break month for the Flyers. With two games against St. Louis and meetings with Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and San Jose, the Flyers will have plenty of opportunities to prove that they belong with those teams. Of course, too much speculation about what the NHL scene will look like nine months from now is risky business.
April
Opponents:
Penguins (x2), Hurricanes (x2), Islanders, Senators
Home vs Away:
4 home games, 2 road games – 1 back-to-back
Breakdown:
Well, if you were wondering why the Flyers seemed to be avoiding the Penguins, this is it. They face their arch-rivals twice in their final six games to gear up for playoff time. The other four games look winnable, so if the Flyers are in position for a push, they have no excuse not to execute.