The Philadelphia Flyers opened the post-All-Star break with a nice 2-1 regulation road win against the Florida Panthers.
Analysis varies. In this instance, a playoff berth would bolster the rebuild. Management continues to say that the team's unexpectedly higher point total does not alter the plan. So, some key players on the NHL roster could be dealt by the trade deadline next month, impacting an ability to win consistently. But maybe not.
The John Tortorella effect has been followed by the dual impact of the types of decisions Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones, and Danny Briere are making.
Will the Flyers qualify for the playoffs? It's a toss-up. But betting against a team reestablishing its iconic identity is likely unwise.
