Few anticipated the Philadelphia Flyers having the tenth-best winning percentage (.614) in the National Hockey League. But that mark has caught the attention of everyone except the Flyers' brass. President Keith Jones, General Manager Danny Briere, and Head Coach John Tortorella all spoke about this team's ability to compete this season, and that has happened.
The Flyers' 19-11-5 record is identical to the one the team had during its last playoff season in 2019-20, which became the 'Bubble Year' due to the virus.
Defense
Philadelphia has the eighth-best defense in the NHL, which allows a +11-goal differential. The team's nine short-handed goals are only three short of its power play production (12).
Making Changes
The organization subtracted front-office personnel and players last spring and into the summer. It added players with character and subjective grit that have been openly evidenced.
The team needed a different offensive approach, so Tortorella implemented an up-tempo style that pushes quick defensive zone exits during five-on-five play. The popularized 'Power Kill' reflects that pressure when the opposing team is on the power play.
Jones, Briere, and Tortorella insist that the team's winning ways won't alter the rebuild plan. That would indicate some key players will be dealt by the trade deadline in March, and other changes will happen during the upcoming off-season.
Pace
However, a one-hundred-point season could result if this team plays at its current pace. If it plays .500 hockey during the remainder of the season (47 games, assume 20-20-7), the Flyers will finish with 90 points. While that might not earn a playoff berth, in the highly competitive Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference, the organization would jump 15 points ahead of last season's finish 31-38-13, 75 points).
Rebuild Effect
This team is enjoyable to watch, is increasing the value of various players who may be exchanged, is surely realizing gains in NHL roster development, has different assets below the NHL level, and is restoring its legacy status.
The rebuild that was publicly announced earlier this year must be lauded.
