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Twenty (Not So Bold) Predictions for the 2022-2023 Flyers: Part One

By Walt Gebelein

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 17: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders is tripped up as he goes up against Ivan Provorov #9 and Justin Braun #61 of the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at the UBS Arena on January 17, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 17: Anders Lee #27 of the New York Islanders is tripped up as he goes up against Ivan Provorov #9 and Justin Braun #61 of the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at the UBS Arena on January 17, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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It is my favorite time of year, where the Flyers are not yet out of playoff contention and there is hope to fill all hearts, bad predictions to fill every ear and more than enough cheap shots to go around, so gird your loins!

I have to admit, being over the cap with only 41 players under contract (11 forwards with the big club) whilst players like Wade Allison remain unsigned might make things a little less sunny in Philadelphia, but take heart, we have Nicolas Deslauriers, and we have him for four whole years!!  So exciting!! Let’s get started.

Player Predictions By the Numbers

Ivan Provorov Leads the Flyers in Minutes

Provorov has taken a lot of criticism over the last two seasons, not coincidently it has coincided with being paired along side Justin Braun. It is still unclear if the Flyers have solved the Provorov situation as the Ryan Ellis status is in question. We will see how Tony DeAngelo impacts the defensive pairings.

But it will be clear to Tortorella that his prize blue liner is Provorov.  As the rest of the defensive unit tries to meet the Torts standard, Provorov will be made to play in every situation. I hope Provy has worked on his cardio, he will need it.

Ivan Provorov is paired with Justin Braun for over 25 % of his TOI

I hope I am wrong, I am making this prediction so I will be wrong.  Please God, please let me be wrong. But gosh darn it after two full seasons of seeing the Braun/Provorov pairing not work, how can the Flyers pass up a third try. It is an opportunity of Deslauriers proportions!

Despite my violent reaction to bring back the once traded Braun there is a way this could work for the Flyers. Braun would be the 7th defensemen who would be put in when Torts was “communicating” with one of the youngsters by benching them. This will not happen. I expect Braun will find his way back to Provorov like a bad penny and we will be entreated to a third season of this not working.

Tony DeAngelo Leads the Flyers Defensmen in Scoring

I like DeAngelo as a player, and advocated signing him in the summer of 2021. All he did was lead Carolina defensemen in scoring.  DeAngelo will not have as much help in Philadelphia as he did on the Canes, but he will add some additional fire power from the blue line.  I expect Tony D to get the first stab at the power play, mostly because it will give a minutes heavy Ivan Provorov time to rest.  DeAngelo should have ample opportunity to pick up points on the PP1.

Carter Hart’s Numbers Improve Again

Under Tortorella the Flyers will play hard in their own end. That can only benefit Hart who was alone in trying to stop high percentage shots from the slot. Based on my analysis the only problem Hart has had is a bout of shaky confidence when the team hung him out to dry.  If he can keep his confidence is his game, he should see an improved save percentage and goals against numbers.

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