Flyers Fail to Make the Playoffs
Given the strength of the division and still so many question marks on the team, I have a hard time seeing the Philadelphia Flyers making the playoffs. I have been predicting, incorrectly, the Penguins demise for the last three seasons, and while it is fun watching them getting pushed out of the playoffs by the Habs and the Islanders, I think there is more left in the tank than I’ve given them credit for. I am not sure the Flyers could pass the Caps, the Rangers, the Canes, the Islanders and the Pens, especially with a New Jersey team that has been collecting productive young talent for the past half decade. The team will play better, contending for a spot for most of the year, but will fall short at the end.
Voracek Collects More Points than Cam Atkinson
Voracek will thrive in Columbus, where he immediately becomes the Blue Jacket’s best play maker. I expect Voracek to see increased usage and to spend most of his time paired with Patrick Laine, but Nyquist, Jenner and Bjorkstrand are all capable scorers. Any of those players would see increased goals while playing alongside Voracek, which in turn will increase his assist totals. It would not be surprising to see him in the top five for assists at the season’s conclusion.
Cam Atkinson Scores More Goals Than Voracek
While Voracek is the more talented player, Atkinson’s intangibles and willingness to shoot will blend well on a Flyers roster that has been populated with pass-first players. Atkinson’s willingness combined with Jake’s unwillingness to shoot assures us Atkinson’s goal totals will outdistance Voracek’s by a substantial margin. This trade changes the demeanor of the Flyers, they will look hungrier on offense, and fans should be excited to see Atkinson play each night.
Powerplay Finishes in the Top 10
The Voracek/Giroux partnership that dominated the Flyers power play for over a half decade had grown stale. This certainly was part of the reasoning when deciding to move Voracek. With new pieces like Atkinson and Wade Allison, this should be a more aggressive and dangerous PP unit. It may start slowly as the players try to find each other, but the team will find new way to score and finish in the top 10 by season’s end.
Flyers Sell at The Trade Deadline
The extension given to Sean Couturier will make it difficult to sell at the deadline. However, the Flyers may be looking to recoup value from players like Braun and Ristolainen if they don’t think they can make a playoff run. It should be pointed out that Giroux’s contract is also expiring, and could be moved to a cup contender if the player so desired. Maybe Pittsburgh??
At Least One Flyers Coach or Executive will be Fired Before the Start of the 2022 Season
When this season starts to fall apart, someone will have to be held accountable. This is very much Chuck Fletcher’s team, so he is ultimately responsible. After the widely maligned Gostisbehere and Ristolainen trades, Fletcher is in some jeopardy, particularly if the team falters.
The team underachieved last season but it could be attributed to the schedule and coaching, rather than poor decisions by the GM, the Gustafsson and Niskanen situations withstanding.
Someone will need to take the blame for a second year of missed playoffs and it will likely be someone from the coaching staff. If the Flyers struggle on special teams, look for one of those coaches to be jettisoned.