The Flyers are facing much more tonight in game 2 of a home and home than their cross-state rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a stunning losing streak that cost Philly their head coach and also their competitive record, they stand on the brink of one of the biggest shakeups in Flyers history. It was a little over 3 years ago when we were treated to the most recent meltdown, one that included the firing of Ken Hitchcock and the resignation of Bobby Clarke. Current GM Paul Holmgren stepped in along with former head coach John Stevens, and what followed was the worst record in Flyers history, followed by a deep playoff run to the Eastern conference finals, followed by a very short playoff first round exit, both at the gloved hands of the Pens. It was a roller coaster ride to say the least, one that had many a fan calling for consistency from the Orange and Black. Well, are you happy now? They are finally consistent... consistently bad.
A season of promise that began with The Hockey News giving the Flyers the Stanley Cup... on paper, has swirled around and around the toilet bowl and is THIS close to going FLUSH. Everything that could possibly go wrong, has gone wrong. New-car-smell coach Peter Laviolette has inherited an nightmare of a hockey club in mid-season and is doing whatever he can to get his players on the same page. But its looking more and more like some of these players need to be in a different book... and for people who have trouble deciphering metaphors, I'm referring to a different TEAM. A trade freeze is approaching and something must be done to salvage this season.
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Who is on the chopping block? Well, the way things have gone... I would put anyone up there. There were years prior where certain players were known as "un-touchables", but the media thinks anyone could go if the Flyers lose tonight's game. You would have to think that Richards is safe, what with his 12 year contract and the C on his chest. Lot's of sites were saying that Hartnell is headed out West, possibly to the Kings. Personally, I think he's been one of the best players this season, even with all those stupid penalties he takes. I wouldn't be surprised if Carter went. Was there ever a time in the pre-season where you thought we'd be talking about things like this...?
As for tonight, you have to put your money on the Penguins, with only two things making me think otherwise. First, I could see Pittsburgh looking beyond the Flyers to the next opponent which would make things somewhat interesting. But I'd have to think that any push the Flyers would create would be answered by either a slightly amused Malkin or Crosby. Secondly, having Blair Betts back should stabilize the last two lines and the PK. That is, until he does his Martin Riggs impersonation again. The problem with that metaphor is that Riggs could pop his shoulder back in as easily as he could pop it out (albeit with some pain) and be ready to kill some bad guys. Betts usually takes 4-6 weeks to get his "trick" shoulder back in order.
I leave you now to face this daunting moment in Flyers history. I suggest that you watch every possible minute of tonight's game and keep this awful thought in mind: This might be the last time you see any one of the Flyers regulars in the "Orange & Black."