The record doesn't always reflect the performance, but make no mistake about it, the Flyers are playing better of late.
This time of the year brings tidings of joy, and with it the thrill of the Flyers recent performance. Every player on the team has stepped up their game. The energy of the last few games has had a little playoff flare of sorts.
With points in 10 of their last 14 games and a slow climb back into some form of contention, let's have a look at the Top 12 players on the team during that recent stretch, the 12 Flyers of Christmas, if you will.
- Radko Gudas
Even with a recent three-game suspension under his belt, opposing teams do not want to face Radko Gudas on the ice. He has been opening up space and playing fiercely. He is currently ranked second on the NHL list with 130 hits.
- Evgeny Medvedev
Medvedev deserves acclaim. He has been a solid player. He is propelling energy offensively with great passes and makes the little plays that mean a lot.
10. Jake Voracek
Everything but the goals. He has been playing with great determination and pucks are starting to hit the net. It won’t be long until they reach the inside of the net.
- Nick Schultz
His effort has been laudable lately. He has been non-stop blocking passes in front of the net, taking shots and positioning himself well.
- Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
Two goals in the last five games, and he is skating hard. His play on the penalty kill has been astounding.
- Matt Read
It is apparent that Read wants to impress. It is surprising that he only has five goals on the season. That said, he has been charging the net with force. More goals are bound to come his way if he continues to play with this determined grit.
- Michael Del Zotto
This guy is hustling. He is everywhere he needs to be, digging pucks out of the corner, blocking shots and beating men to the puck. He is becoming a bit of an unsung hero on the team.
- Brayden Schenn
He has found his niche on the top line. His playmaking is undeniably an asset to the recent goal scoring. Schenn is proving that it doesn’t take scoring goals to contribute. He has made four assists in the last five games.
- Wayne Simmonds
With seven goals and nine assists, Simmonds has tallied up points lately. Since being placed on the second line with Sean Couturier and Read, his effort has raised the bar of the entire line.
- Claude Giroux
The captain is on fire. His last seven points are on the power play. His goal against St. Louis can be deemed highlight-reel worthy for years to come. He continues to be the driving force of the team. Right now, there is arguably not another Flyer to watch that is more entertaining than Giroux.
- Shayne Gostisbehere
Isn’t Philadelphia lucky to have this man? Four out of his five goals have been on the power play — with Giroux assisting, of course. When he has the puck, he is bound to make something happen. Taking a shot, making a pass, or out-skating the opponent down the ice, this is only the beginning for Gostisbehere to show fans what he is capable of.
- Michal Neuvirth
As the partridge in the pear tree, Neuvirth is unstoppable. In the last game against Dallas he had 41 saves on 43 shots recording a .939 save percentage. He makes saves with such ease and he never seems shaken. Here's to him staying hot for a long time.
Denise Mroz is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow him on Twitter @denisemroz10.
