Information
Philadelphia Flyers information, The Philadelphia Flyers are members of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference and have been an active franchise since 1967. They were the first non-Original six team after expansion to win the Stanley Cup, winning it back to back in 1974 and 1974. Philadelphia has not been able to regain the cup since then, but in their history they have won seven Conference championships and 15 Division championships.
Injuries, injuries, injuries. This was the story for the 05-06 Flyers. Injuries to key players such as Peter Forsberg and Keith Primeau were a big factor as to why the Flyers fell to the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference after posting the NHL's best record through January. The injuries proved to be too much of an obstacle to overcome as the Flyers a saw a first round exit from the playoffs at the hands of a dominant Buffalo Sabres team.
Easily overlooked after a disappointing season were the positive outcomes. The play of rookie Antero Niittymaki (Best Goalie and Tournament MVP at the Winter Olympics in Turino) was a big factor as to why the Flyers, despite all the injuries, still made the playoffs. After Robert Esche was injured, Niittymaki stepped up in a huge way by posting a 12-4-5 record, complimented by a 2.51 GAA. Simon Gagne (47G-32A) and Mike Knuble (34G-31A) both having career years were also a big part of last year’s Flyers team. Peter Forsberg was able to chip in a big way by posting 75 points in only 60 games and proving that he is still one of the elite play makers in the NHL.
Keith Primeau announced his retirement heading into the 2006-2007 season. Without his help they failed to qualify for the playoffs, finishing 5th in the Atlantic division. The following season the Flyers barely got in the playoffs with a 42-29-11 record. Despite finishing 4th in their division behind the Rangers, Devils, and Penguins, they advanced all the way to the Eastern Conference finals. They met the Penguins in this round who ultimately ended their season in a 4-1 series. The 2009 Flyers posted a solid regular season record (44-27-11) and lost to the Penguins again in the playoffs, but this time in the opening round. Philadelphia definitely has the talent and experience to make a post-season run for next year, and with any luck they could find their way back to the finals for the first time since 1997.
Image by Flickr user mathplourde
