There were plenty of doubters surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers before last season, and the team proved them wrong. A late season surge helped the Flyers clinch third place in the Metropolitan Division. From there, they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games in the first round, before getting eliminated in four games by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes. Even with the second round exit, the vibes were high among Flyers fans.
This was the first time that the Flyers made it to the playoffs since 2020, where they were inside the Toronto bubble during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the handshake lines between the Flyers and Hurricanes, Philadelphia fans were giving the team a standing ovation. This just feels like the start of a new era for the Flyers.
Now, the Flyers know the expectations are high.
Jamie Drysdale says playoffs are 'new standard' for Flyers
While speaking with NHL.com on Tuesday, Flyers defenseman Jamie Drysdale talked about this past season, and says that now, making the playoffs is "the new standard" in Philadelphia.
“It first just shows we can be a good team in the league and second of all, once you get that sniff, it’s a cliché, but I think it’s very true - it was my first time making the playoffs and I think that is going to be the standard now - and I wouldn’t want it any other way,” said Drysdale.
“I think within the locker room, the confidence is there and the chemistry is there as well. Weirdly enough, you look at the lead-up to the playoffs last year, there were a lot of teams in the mix and I don’t think a lot of people had us as the front-runners.”
Drysdale said it perfectly. Now that the team had a taste of the playoffs, they now have the experience and knowledge on not only how to make it back, but also on how to advance far in the Eastern Conference bracket.
Also, before this past season even began, the expectations were low for the Flyers. They were projected to be a lottery team, not one of the final eight teams remaining in the playoffs. But this is the start of a new era for the team.
Flyers will be banking on same core of players taking them deeper in the playoffs next season
This offseaon, Flyers general manager Danny Briere tried to go for a big swing by signing Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million offer sheet, one that the Anaheim Ducks matched. That was their one huge attempt at bringing in a difference maker, as it doesn't look like Briere is going to make a splash move. But, this does show that briere will be willing to give up valuable draft assets over multiple years to ensure the Flyers can land a star to help increase their odds of winning a Stanley Cup.
But as of this writing, it looks like the Flyers are going to stick with the roster they currently have. They will be banking on their young players taking a leap forward next season. Porter Martone has superstar expectations, as he made a big difference when he made his debut with the team late last season, scoring 10 points in nine games, while putting up five points in 10 playoff games. Martone is considered one of the top young players in all of hockey, and Flyers fans are looking forward to how he does in his first full season.
They will also hope Matvei Michkov bounces back after an up-and-down sophomore season. Michkov was put in the doghouse multiple times this season by head coach Rick Tocchet. Yet, the winger was pivotal in the team's late season push for a playoff spot, as he put up seven goals and 15 assists in 26 games after the Olympic break. Michkov got to an early start to training in the offseason, ensuring that he is in shape and ready to have a similar season, production wise, as he was when he was a rookie.
Make no mistake about it, the Flyers will neefd their young players to take that next step. If not, they Flyers may have some trouble getting past that Hurricanes hurdle in the playoffs.
For the Flyers, the Metropolitan Division did get a bit tougher. It's not going to be as insane as the Atlantic Division, but they watched the Washington Capitals drastically improve, especially on the forward front.
Flyers fans have waited for the team to finally break out of the rebuild. It finallyhappened. Now, they will hold the team to a much higher standard, and that is making the playoffs.
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