Never did I think that the first article I’d be writing for Flyers Nitty Gritty would be a recap on this past season, yet here we are. And while there are plenty of things to talk about I’m going to mention only a few that stood out most for me.
First and foremost let’s think back to where we were at the beginning of the 2018 season, during an abysmal start to the season and the duties of General Manager Ron Hextall and Head Coach Dave Hakstol relieved. While I can’t think of a single Flyer fan (myself included) who was sad to see Hakstol go, there were a lot of fans that were divided at the Hextall firing. Drafting exceptionally well and managing the cap hell that former GM Paul Holmgren put this team in, Hex did a remarkable job. But it was his patience and stubbornness that ultimately led to his demise with the club, from not willing to make trades at the trade deadline or offseason to calling up young rookie talent from Lehigh Valley.
Enter new GM Chuck Fletcher, who after last season ended named Alain Vigneault as Head Coach. AV wasted no time putting his coaching staff together, hiring Mike Yeo formally of St Louis and Michel Therrien formerly of Montreal. With three former head coaches at the helm what could possibly go wrong? At least that’s what some of use were thinking.
Training camp came and went but without one major player, Nolan Patrick. Missing camp completely until after the season started, days turned to weeks and weeks to months. It left Flyer fans wondering if we’d ever see the former #2 pick this season. And I will tell you he was definitely missed during these playoffs, after constantly juggling line combos looking for that solid 3C.
One thing that really hit us all hard was the cancer diagnosis of Oskar Lindblom, who in early December was diagnosed with with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. This devetated everyone from the fans, Flyer and outside the organization to everyone around the globe. No one thought we’d ever see Oskar return to the team. And right at the time of his diagnosis he was leading the team in goals, on pace for a breakout year. But after seeing him return to the team just a few short days ago, I’m sure I can speak for every fan that there wasn’t a dry eye anywhere in the Tri-State area.
The Flyers were on a tear in the early months of 2020, literally destroying everyone they played, including quality contending teams, until COVID hit, putting everything to a complete stop, including their momentum. But once we got word that play would resume, the team had a training camp and pretty much picked up right where they left off. They dominated the Round Robin games, earning the first overall seed in the East, also giving fans lots of hope and promise.
Seeing this team in the first round against Montreal, who just came off a high of eliminating Pittsburgh, was a completely different team than we’ve gotten accustomed to this year. Montreal was fast, played hard, hit hard, and really pushed this team to their limits.
After eliminating the Canadiens in six games, the Islanders would prove to be much tougher and much more physical opponent than the previous. Taking it all the way to game 7, to say the Flyers came up short is a huge understatement. But it’s that loss that leaves many fans speculating of what’s to come.
Personally speaking, some moves I’d like to see happen include:
- Re-sign Tyler Pitlick. He proved he can play and he belongs here. A very nice 3rd or 4th line player
- Go out and get a proven 3C, pending Patrick’s condition of course. This area seems to have been one of the teams biggest Achilles heels this season
- Re-sign Elliott. Moose proved once again to be a solid backup to Hart. When called on he steps up and knows his role
Whatever the case and whatever moves are made know that this team is finally heading in the right direction. To have a coach that knows how to utilize every player’s strengths and has what it takes to win, plus giving every player on this team valuable playoff experience shows that they’ll be back and they will continue to contend for years to come. While it’s heartbreaking to accept any loss, this team has everything to be proud of. Be proud of your team, I know I am. And in the words of AV I’ll humbly say “Be a F* Flyer”
