Philadelphia Flyers Team Preview The Flyers made it to the second round of the NHL playoffs last year before falling to the New Jersey Devils. An exit in the second round is not acceptable to the Flyers or their fans. This team is talented and deep and hope to make a longer run in this year’s playoffs. The Flyers should have no trouble finding the back of the net. Offensively they are lead by newly appointed captain Claude Giroux. He lead the Flyers last year with 28 goals and 65 assists and was among the NHL leaders with 93 points. Philadelphia is also hoping for another great season from linemate Scott Hartnell. Hartnell had a career year last season which saw him net 37 goals and tally 30 assists. Wayne Simmonds, Danny Briere, and Jakub Voracek are just some of the other talented forwards on Philly. Youngsters Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, and Matt Read will also be counted to contribute big time for this Flyers team. Kimmo Timonen is the leader on the blue line. He is joined by a host of physical defensemen patrolling the defensive end of the Flyers. Braydon Coburn is big and tough and newly acquired Luke Schenn (Brayden’s brother) will also bring some toughness to the blue line. Injuries are always a concern and the Flyers are hoping Andrej Meszaros and Nick Grossman are able to bounce back from last year’s injuries. The Flyers will be facing a host of good offenses in the Atlantic Division so health will be a huge key. Ilya Bryzgalov is the man in net for this Philly team. He is one of the most colorful players in all of the league. Last season, which was his first in Philly, was too inconsistent for a player that the Flyers paid $51 million over 9 years too. In order for the Flyers to make it farther in the playoffs he will need to be on the top of his game. Overall the Flyers will be in the thick of things come playoff time. How far they go will depend on the strength of their goaltending and defense. One advantage the Flyers have in this abbreviated season is just how deep they are, not only on this team but in their minor leagues. The Flyers will have the ability to call up players that can give them valuable minutes to take some of the grind off of the full timers. Hockey is always exciting in Philadelphia and a second round exit this year will not be allowed. Flyers are worth a look at Stanley Cup winner with a small future bet. Chase Diamond