The disappointment of the 2020-21 Philadelphia Flyers stemmed from many different factors, the most significant being the collective defensive failure in allowing the most goals in the NHL.
However, another disheartening reality for fans to accept was the lack of intensity and toughness showed by a franchise that prided itself on those characteristics for so long.
It became noticeable when Oskar Lindblom, who struggled to regain physical form all season after coming back from chemotherapy treatments, felt it necessary to drop the gloves in a lifeless blowout loss to the New York Islanders in March.
While fighting itself is no longer as prevalent as it once was in the NHL, the Flyers will still need to assert themselves as a team who will hold their opponents accountable and avoid being taken advantage of.
Sam Morin, expected to begin the season as the seventh defenseman, is likely the most capable fighter on the Flyers roster.
Scott Laughton, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, and their linemates in the bottom-six will not be dropping the gloves all the time. However, a more spirited effort that doesn’t require Lindblom’s involvement should be expected.
They will need to keep an eye out for five division opponents who will not be shying away from the most intense physical element of the game.