Flyers: The Defense is Actually Good

If you know even the slightest bit about hockey, you’re probably aware that the Philadelphia Flyers’ defense is not great. It is far and away their biggest weakness, and basically the primary reason that they were not a playoff team last year, and hardly were the year before.

The Replacements

For starters, three of last year’s opening night starters are gone, two of which were Nicklas Grossmann and Andrew MacDonald. Grossmann is slower than a snail swimming in a pool of crazy glue, while MacDonald was wildly irresponsible. The two defensemen taking their place will be Brandon Manning and Nick Schultz.

Schultz was brought into the organization last season to be the seventh defenseman, but quickly proved his worth once he was called into action. He is essentially the anti-MacDonald in that his contract is not horrifying to look at and he is a model of consistency on the ice. That isn’t to say that he doesn’t make mistakes, however, he doesn’t seem to lack confidence on the ice like MacDonald.

Mar 19, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nick Schultz (55) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Manning has been with the Flyers organization since the 2011-12 season, but has spent the majority of his time with the Phantoms, while seeing the occasional late-season call up. During his time in the AHL, however, Manning has been impressive, twice representing the Phantoms in the AHL All-Star Classic.

In a great write-up of the young defenseman, Broad Street Buzz’s Wes Herrmann said that Manning is “reliable in his own end and he’s mobile,” two qualities that make him an improvement over the unbearably slow Grossmann.

The third of last year’s starters who will not be with the team on opening night is Braydon Coburn, who was traded at the deadline last season in exchange for Radko Gudas along with Tampa Bay’s late first round pick. However, with preseason standout Evgeny Medvedev taking his place, the Flyers look to be in capable, if not better hands.

The Returning Cast

The three members of last season’s opening night defensive squad who will be returning this season are Mark Streit, Michael Del Zotto and Luke Schenn.

Schenn made significant strides in his play last season, posting the best 5-on-5 CF% on the team for defensemen who played at least half of the season. Del Zotto also did an excellent job of reviving his career with the Flyers, and having an impact on the second power play unit, after a rough few years in New York and Nashville.

Mark Streit is one of the team’s leaders, and likely their best defenseman. He stepped up in the absence of Kimmo Timonen, and played a very important role on the top power play unit, which is easily one of the league’s best. Bleacher Report ranked Streit as the league’s 22nd best left defenseman, ahead of names like Olli Maatta and Keith Yandle, despite being 37-years-old.

So with all of that put together, it doesn’t really sound that bad after all. The starting six, combined with the decent depth that Philadelphia has on the blue line can actually give fans a glimmer of hope.

It may not be great, but you can probably say that the Flyers defense is actually good.

Next: GameSide NHL Simulation Shows More of the Same for Flyers

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