Photo Credit: NBC.com
As the Flyers look from outside the playoff picture for the first time all seasons, it’s easy to understand why fans have become restless. Even with the recent win to the New York Rangers, the team can’t help but look like they have not lived up to their high praise. As the team fell to fifth place in the division, all momentum and good faith that had been built up since Alain Vigneault arrived, seemed to have dissipated within just a short few months. With such a change in emotion it’s easy to get caught up in quick solutions and fixes.
The Flyers have been without savvy veteran Matt Niskanen all season, since he announced his early retirement, and it’s noticeable to everyone. While the team has plenty of talent to compete, it’s the poise on the back-end that is much needed on this team. The inability to hold leads, the persistent lack of physicality around the net, and the sudden decrease in team penalty kill effectiveness are all signs of a team lacking stability. Essentially, Niskanen has left a void on the team. However, is rushing to fix the problem really going to help in the long run?
On this episode of Gettin Gritty Wit It, I welcome back guest Russ Cohen (@Sportsology) and welcome new guest Mike Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) to the show to talk about the recent Flyers’ trade rumors and their chances of competing in the competitive East division.
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