Photo Credit: Shaylah Rice
Winning solves a lot of problems, but when a team isn’t winning it actually creates more problems, hence what has transpired with this 2021-22 Flyers team. It appears they are lacking a leader right now, and that is something that is head scratching with the amount of moves Flyers’ General Manager made to correct this issue last offseason:
“It’s obviously tough, but just trying to have the energy or the swagger and what not that winning teams have and expecting to win. When you are up or down you kinda play the same way. It is kinda hard as a younger guy to say some stuff or what not, so I am just trying to play the best I can in the time I have got.” – Noah Cates
The Flyers continue to blow leads, get out played late in the game, and just lose their “Swagger” like Cates said above. This has been ongoing for the entire season, and unfortunately this is your 2021-22 Flyers in a nutshell. They are not tanking by any means, the Flyers are just not a good enough hockey team. A team that is tanking doesn’t show life, this team shows life at times, but has trouble finishing.
Unfortunately, the Flyers were abysmal against the Buffalo Sabres once again this season, they got manhandled in a three game sweep this season: 6-3 loss on 1-22, 4-3 loss on 4-16, 5-3 loss on 4-17. It appears the Sabres own the Flyers, however, the orange and black do not own many teams or any team for that matter.
“It’s the NHL, we get paid millions to do our job,” Kevin Hayes said following the game last night. “If you aren’t motivated, then you shouldn’t be on the ice.”
Hayes and Cates had good choice words for this group, it’s a breath of fresh air to hear these comments from both of these players, one is a very young player who’s just scratching the surface in the NHL. There are no excuses for how bad the season has gotten, but to get swept on a home and home against the Sabres is honestly embarrassing.
There are six games left in the season, only six games. Hopefully the Flyers get some injured bodies back with the likes of Cam Atkinson and Rasmus Ristolainen, and they can get some veteran leadership infused into the lineup.
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