The Philadelphia Flyers have started off the 2020-2021 season to a positive start. At 4-2-1 in seven games, the Flyers are not at the head of the pack or at the very bottom. There is a lot to like about this Flyers team; Cam Atkinson’s shoot-first mentality, Travis Konecny playing like a mad man, and G proving that age is just a number. But, I want to take a different route. What do I hate about this team?
To say that nothing should be changed with this team is moronic. A quick google search would tell you that the Flyers are behind four teams for the race of that first place spot in the Metro. Not to be negative, but it is clear that there definitely are some aspects about this team that need to be changed … let’s look at some of those things!
The Return of Prime Kevin Hayes and Wade Allison
It will only be a few weeks until we get the return of Kevin Hayes and Wade Allison. Allison, who played in 14 games for the Flyguys last year, has a lot to prove, but will most definitely be the most impactful player on the ice. While us fans only have a small sample size of his to look at, Allison is for sure going to be an elite member of this Philadelphia Flyers team. Kevin Hayes, on the other hand, could be an issue. During his introductory year with the Flyers, Hayes was a crucial member of the team. But last season was not the best for Hayes: he scored less than 15 goals and had to go under surgery to repair a sports hernia. Let’s hope that Hayes can bring his dominant play back after having successful surgery. On top of all that, Hayes was met with the unfortunate death of his older brother, Jimmy, a former player who laced up for many teams including the Rangers and the Bruins. (A link to the obituary of Jimmy Hayes). While it is hard to ignore the game of hockey, losing a family member is never easy. Let’s hope that Kevin is doing okay.
If Ryan Ellis Could Play A Game, That Would Be Nice
When Chucky-Two-Trades acquired Ryan Ellis, I was stoked … we would finally have a solid top-defensive pairing in Provorov and Ellis; at least, this is what I thought. Ellis has only been active in three out of the seven games played this year; but, in those games played, he was very effective, and even managed to score a goal against Hakstol’s club, the Kraken. In no way am I trying to play off Ryan Ellis. I think he is a very talented hockey player, and I think he is a force to be reckoned with. But, it would be nice if he would actually lace up and play for the Flyers.
Looking over everything, the trade with the Predators to acquire Ellis was beautiful. Even if Ellis never laces up for a single Flyers game again, I still think Philadelphia won this trade. The trade with Nashville, which included a deal of Phil Myers and Nolan Patrick (who is now a Knight), for Ryan Ellis, in my opinion, has been the best deal during Chuck’s time with Philadelphia.
Myers has played the same amount of games with Nashville this year than Ellis has for the Flyers; and he is healthy!
PENALTIES
Stop. Taking. Stupid. Penalites. This one is self-explanatory. If the Flyers want to win, then they need to play more with more discipline.
NAK Needs To Be Better
When the Flyers recalled NAK (Nicolas Aube-Kubel) in 2019, I thought he would be the perfect extension to this Flyers team. He has decent pace and puck handling skills. To many NHL fans, NAK looked like the perfect 3rd/4th liner. But during this season, I would rather start a heaping pile of garbage over NAK.
By far, Nicolas is the weakest link on the ice. When watching the Flyers play, he just looks a step slower then everyone else. If the Flyguys are serious about winning, then they have to figure out NAK. For NAK’s sake, I hope he can play better.
Thank you for reading! What do you think of the Flyers so far?
By: Ryan Meyer (@RyanLMeyer)
Photo Credit: nhl.com
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