Philadelphia Flyers Details
The first half of the 2016-17 was very positive for the Philadelphia Flyers. Playing out of the Metropolitan Division, the Flyers played some great hockey against some of the league’s top teams. At one point during November-December, Philly went on a 10-game winning streak and looked like a club that could crack the top three in the division. However, inconsistencies on both ends of the ice plagued the club during the second half of the season and the Flyers ended up with just 88 points and a 6th place finish in the Metro. Coached by Dave Hakstol, Philadelphia was not able to head back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs as it did during his first season behind the bench. At home in Wells Fargo Center, the Flyers were successful, winning 25 of 41 contests. On the road, however, the team was able to muster up just 14 wins, which ultimately led to its poor finish.
One of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming 2017-18 season for Philadelphia is this year’s number two overall draft pick Nolan Patrick. Patrick has signed his entry level contract with the Flyers and should see NHL ice time at some point during the year. The 18-year-old center should help out an offense that finished 20th in goals scored a year ago. He’ll be mentored by some of the Flyer veterans including captain Claude Giroux, who finished last season with 14 goals and 44 assists. Center Brayden Schenn was another solid offensive weapon last year, tallying 25 goals and 30 assists for the Flyers. Wayne Simmonds led the team in goals, putting up 31 as well as 23 assists.