This last week has been among the worst in Philadelphia sports history. The Eagles lost a playoff game they should have won (but at least they fired their OC!). The Phillies missed out on a huge free agent signing who then promptly signed with the Mets. The Sixers are...well, still the Sixers.
For Flyers fans, it hasn't been easy. The team has been riddled with key injuries lately, including Dan Vladar and Rodrigo Abols. This is all coming at a time when the team has lost six straight, mostly to divisional and conference opponents.
Despite the recent turmoil, there are a few bright spots that remain. This season isn't far gone yet.
The Flyers are Still In It
Even with the recent six-game skid, the Flyers are still close to a playoff spot. They are only four points back. The Eastern Conference teams are really tightly packed right now. A winning streak or losing streak can sink a team or raise them. It was only a few weeks ago that the Flyers were nipping at the Carolina Hurricanes' heels for first in the division. A win streak could change Philly's fortunes.
Low Risk, Big Rewards
Unlike the Phillies and Eagles, expectations on the Flyers this season were relatively low. Pretty much, any result with them not finishing in last place would've seemed like a successful season. For them to be competing this late in the season for a playoff spot is fairly significant.
Rick Tocchet has done a great job molding this team into his system. Likewise, Daniel Briere has done a solid job in building a team that, while it might not shock you on paper, works well together on the ice. They aren't "there yet", but this team is not far away from being a team that could legitimately be a contender.
If they make the playoffs, it would give this squad a great experience in postseason play, something relatively few members of the current roster have. If they don't, there is no reason to think that they can't make it next season.
The Olympic Break
We are also just a few weeks away from the Olympic break. The Flyers don't have too many players representing their native countries on the world stage. Most of the players can rest. More importantly, they can get healthy.
The layoff should help reset this team and get them back in shape. They can collect themselves, heal from any injuries, and get strong again. By that time, there are only about eight weeks or so of the NHL season. A healthy team can make a strong push for the end of the season. That could work to the Flyers' advantage.