Nicolas Aube-Kubel
For as much scrutiny as Chuck Fletcher faces, Ron Hextall’s drafts have shown the Flyers inability to build a core that lasted well into the future. The minor trade involving Isaac Ratcliffe was further proof.
The Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup win in 2022 is an achievement that is a long time coming, a process that played out with a franchise icon leading the way at the top and started with another behind the bench, only to be placed in the hands of a hockey journeyman who rose through the coaching ranks. It’s also an achievement for the players who were around for the entire process, which included as many low points as it did the highest moments that were reached in this championship season.
For the third straight game, the Flyers faced the “win a period, win a game” scenario, once again going up against some stiff competition to start the season. After falling short last Saturday against the still-undefeated Florida Panthers, the Flyers passed the test this time.
The Flyers ended their four-game homestand to start the season with a 2-1-1 record after Saturday’s 4-2 loss to the Panthers, showing signs of promise with their level of compete, but also falling short in a couple of games that were certainly there for the taking.
Cam Atkinson scored two goals in the game, a 6-3 victory for the Flyers, on Wednesday night at Wells Fargo Center.
The Flyers 6-1 win over the Seattle Kraken on Monday night was more than just the contributions from new faces and plenty of familiar ones on the scoresheet. It was another early indication that this team is already tight with each other and willing to go to battle and defend each other.
The Flyers dropped three goals on the Seattle Kraken in the first period and added two more to take a 5-0 lead in the second period. The spirited game featured a pair of fights as well, as the Flyers defeated the Kraken, 6-1.
Alain Vigneault announced on Thursday that Rasmus Ristolainen and Patrick Brown will miss Friday’s season opener for the Flyers. In their place, Nick Seeler will play and Max Willman will make his NHL debut.
The Flyers claimed center Patrick Brown off waivers, putting the final piece into the puzzle for the 2021-22 opening-night roster. The Flyers final roster consists of 20 healthy players, the minimum 12 forwards, six defensemen, and two goalies.
On Tuesday night, it will be more of a ‘B’ team lineup for the Flyers against the Islanders, as cuts have started to begin, but another chance to see some new faces like Derick Brassard, Rasmus Ristolainen and Martin Jones.
