The puck dropped, yet not one fan paid attention to the action in the face off. Instead, all the attention fell to the right of the face off where one of the newest acquisitions in Philadelphia, Wayne Simmonds, was in the midst of executing one of the most appreciated acts in hockey: fighting. There’s been much to do about where fighting fits into the scheme of the NHL, but no matter what people say, there’s nothing more arousing for a fan than to see a player square up with a rival team’s player.
Simmonds did just that, and he did not disappoint. He easily handled New Jersey’s David Clarkson, earning the respect of the Philly faithful and more importantly, the respect of his teammates.
This is a new-look team. There’s many new faces up and down the roster, and there are many notable absences on this roster, including former captain Mike Richards.
Nonetheless, though, the Flyers are in position to make a deep postseason run. With the addition of a legitimate goalie — perhaps the best goalie this city has seen in some time — the Flyers should be in for an exciting season.
And they have already done so. At 2-0, the Flyers have topped the reigning Stanley Cup champs and the franchise’s biggest rival. The combination of the ageless wonder, Jaromir Jagr, and rising star Claude Giroux could prove to be one of the best duos in the Eastern Conference this season. The tandem has accounted for three points so far this season and were a part of the top play on Sportscenter — Jagr’s outlet pass to Giroux, who used a fancy deke to get the puck by Tim Thomas.
Now that they have taken on some of their toughest opponents in the Eastern Conference, the Flyers will welcome the Western Conference Stanley Cup hopeful, Vancouver Canucks.
The Canucks feature some of the game’s best players, including the Sedin brothers (Daniel & Henrik). Last season, the Sedin’s combined for 198 points with 75 of those points coming off of assists from Henrik.
The Flyers will have their hands filled with containing the Sedin’s, but they will have an even more challenging task in trying to put the puck in the net. The Canucks have, arguably, the best goalie in the league, Roberto Luongo. Scoring on him is no easy task. Luongo finished with a career-low GAA of 2.11, which ranked second in the league last season.
Philadelphia scored two goals and defeated the reigning GAA leader, Tim Thomas. Now, they must do it all over again against the top goalie in the Western Conference.
If the Flyers can move to 3-0 on the season after Wednesday’s game against Vancouver, then there’s no telling just how good this team could be in 2011.
The 3rd game of 6 month Season and it’s the “Great Test for the Flyers” by the Canucks, A little overblown Kyl, don’t you think. I know we are excited by the Flyers start so far and especially since the Phils/Eagles have disappointed but let’s keep this what it is… This a Regular Season game in the 1st Week of the Season.. Why don’t you just name the Flyers the “Dream Team” and see how that goes for the Team…
Not saying it’s a make or break game, Paulman. I’m just saying that with Vancouver’s expectations and talent level, it will be a good measurement as to where this team is right now. I understand it’s the first week of a very long season, but it’s always good to see a win over a Stanley Cup hopeful (no matter when it is in the season).
The title of the post says “Test”. How is that a stretch? You just talk to hear yourself talk. Vancouver and L.A.! It’s gonna be a true litmus test for this new team after that Boston game. Looking forward to see what these young guys are capable of early on. One thing to note, Matt Read looks like the real deal. He’s already won me over as a fan
Maybe the issue/exaggeration is with the word “Great”..
C’mon, it’s a 6 month long Season and these 1st 40-50 games mean very little guys in the big scheme of things.. You guys crack me up..