About 5,881…About 5,881 confirmed cases (As of 5am this morning) of the Coronavirus in the United States, with the death toll raising to more than 100 in the US. This virus is spreading like a wildfire, and action had to be taken on sports throughout the United States. Last Thursday, most sporting events throughout the World suspended (Pending with the hopes to resume play), or cancelled play for the rest of the season. Action had to be taken in the NHL, and Gary Bettman suspended play with the hopes of resuming the season at some point in the future.
Believe it or not, there is some good news to report with the suspension of play in the NHL due to to the Coronavirus. Injured players can heal, and hopefully return, when play resumes sometime late in April or early May (At the earliest). What does this mean for the Flyers? Well, Nolan Patrick (Migraine Disorder) might be able to return from injury. Your Philadelphia Flyers were rocking before the virus hit as they sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division with 89 points, and with the addition of Patrick this could really take them over the top if and when the season reconvenes.
Just imagine how much noise the Flyers could make in the playoffs, when play resumes of course, with the return of some Grade “A” talent like Patrick. Yes, the Pittsburgh Penguins would most likely get Jake Guentzel back from injury, and this is a team the Flyers would play in the playoffs if the season ended today. However, the addition of Patrick would boost morale, give the Flyers another offensive weapon, and speed within their lineup.
Before the Coronavirus, this Flyers season had the billing to be a magical season for the orange and black. The Flyers were a well coached, oiled machine, that was clicking on all cylinders. They were receiving good Goaltending from Carter Hart and Brian Elliott, and the team believed in Alain Vigneault’s system of a Defense first type system that leads to a high-octane Offense. Just imagine the lift in the locker room and on ice, this team could have with the return of Patrick!!! My hair on my arms are starting to stick up just thinking about it.
Last week, was a tough day for all those that love, breath, eat, and sleep the sport of hockey. However, let’s try to find some good from this unfortunate outcome. The value of a human life is far more important than a sport, so the NHL did right by suspending play. Now let’s see the Flyers reap some of the benefits from this suspension of play.
