So, we can’t change the past right? If we could, things would certainly look a lot different. Especially for a Flyers’ franchise that hasn’t tasted glory in over 50 years.
But what if they had? What if things were different and the Flyers had won a Stanley Cup within the last decade? Or maybe even multiple? Okay, that last part might take it a little too far.
Everyone knows what happened in 2010. And while no one wants to reminisce about that, it’s important to the story. It’s Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final between the Flyers and Blackhawks. Tied at 2-2 late in the third period, the Flyers have a chance to bring the series back to Chicago for a pivotal Game 7.
There’s 90 seconds left in the game when the puck is on Jeff Carter’s stick. With Antti Niemi falling down and the top of the net open, Carter releases the shot. It doesn’t come high enough off the ice and Niemi makes a fantastic save. Patrick Kane rips the hearts out of Flyers fans in overtime, capturing the Stanley Cup for the Hawks.
But wait, what if Carter was able to lift the puck over the diving Niemi and give the Flyers the late lead? What if they held on and forced a Game 7? And what if, against the odds, the Flyers became the first in the series to win a game on the road, bringing home their first Stanley Cup in over 30 years?
Okay, it’s tough to believe the Flyers could’ve taken down a Blackhawks team that scored in bunches on home ice. Chicago had 15 goals at the United Center during the series. The Flyers had 10, so it’s not as if they couldn’t find their offense in such a pivotal game. Michael Leighton had solid numbers in the postseason, finishing with a 2.46 goals against average, a .916 save percentage, and three shutouts.
His three shutouts were an NHL record for the most in a single playoff series as he recorded all three against Montreal in the Eastern Conference Final. It’s possible that Leighton locks it down in the final game and wins his first Stanley Cup. Do the Blackhawks still become a dynasty if they don’t win in 2010? They would win the first of back-to-back three years later so that’s still possible.
The Flyers would look much different if they won it all in 2010. Peter Laviolette, who became the head coach in December of that season, may have been given more grace down the line. But that’s not the biggest change. Even after a disappointing loss in 2010, the Flyers finished first in the division the following year. It’s likely they do the same with the Stanley Cup under their belt.
Maybe they don’t get swept by the Bruins in the Eastern Conference Semifinal, who would go on to win the Stanley Cup. And maybe, they capture a second straight Cup, led by Carter. Assuming Carter scored the game-winner against the Hawks and produced at least one point in the Cup-winner, he would have had over 20 points in 35 postseason games heading in the 2011 playoffs. In reality, Carter only had one goal and two points in six games before the Flyers lost.
But because of his heroics, the blockbuster trades in the summer of 2011 never happen. Which would mean the Flyers don’t get the draft pick that turned into Sean Couturier, now a grizzled veteran entering his 15th season in the organization.
They never get fan favorite Jakub Voracek, who teamed up with Claude Giroux on many nights. And let’s assume Mike Richards is not traded either, remaining captain. Another fan favorite in Wayne Simmonds would not earn the love and respect from Flyers’ fans and likely would not be a part of the organization today. Brayden Schenn, who developed into a solid contributor and power play performer, isn’t a Flyer either.
There’s a good chance Philadelphia doesn’t overpay for Ilya Bryzgalov that summer either. Maybe they put their trust in Sergei Bobrovsky and he excels when given the starting goaltender role. So much of the next 10+ years of history change for the Flyers with one single win.
Maybe Claude Giroux isn’t handed the captaincy a few years later and isn’t tasked with making Philadelphia relevant again. He teams up with Carter and the two become a lethal duo for years to come. The list could go on and on about how different the Flyers look.
Back in reality, the Flyers have missed the playoffs in five straight seasons and haven’t been to the Finals since 2010.
But isn’t it fun to imagine what could’ve been if they had won?