from Greg Wyshynski of ESPN,
Joel Farabee didn't understand the negativity.
As he walked into Philadelphia Flyers training camp last September, he saw a locker room that had become even more tight-knit over the summer. He saw key players like center Sean Couturier, now their captain, and winger Cam Atkinson finally healthy again. He saw a coach in John Tortorella who demanded effort every game -- the last guy you'd expect to lord over a last-place season.
Yet the Flyers had been effectively counted out in preseason predictions. Their .457 points percentage in 2022-23 was seen as a harbinger of rough seasons to come. And it wasn't coming just from media or fans: Team management had candidly communicated that the Flyers were rebuilding and not a Stanley Cup contender this season.
But that's not what Farabee saw before the season. That's not what a lot of his teammates saw either. And they weren't happy about what they felt was disrespect from the rest of the NHL.
"We just came in with that F.U. attitude," Farabee told ESPN. "Just seeing all the media, and everyone else, having us in the bottom five or bottom three in the league, whatever it was, I think it just fueled a fire and motivated us to stick it the doubters."
Through 57 games, the doubters have been stuck.
The games I have seen on TV, the Flyers have indeed been a tough opponent - just like Lindy Ruff said in the article. With Carter Hart off the team - I was wondering if they would flounder a bit. The two goalies they have will not be comparable to Bernie Parent nor Ron Hextall.....but could be ok for the rest of the year - especially if they can find a back up in the trade market. The good news for the Flyers is that the Isles, Caps, Pens and Devs are not exactly burning up the league right now. You have to give props (or Propps like as in Brian Propp ) to the team for having a good season so far.
Do the Flyers go heavy for trades to boost this year's chances - or do they stand pat and build for the future. They have a bunch of guys on the team (Plus/Minus stat) who are plus 10 and higher and some that are minus 10 and lower. That is interesting - though - not necessarily the most valid stat to dwell on. I just noticed that. Will be an interesting team to keep an eye on for March 8
The Flyers would be foolish to not think long term and possibly trade some assets, especially expiring contracts. It might hurt the team or fans' feelings but they've been through this before and know a long-term plan is much more important a playoff appearance. If they want to chase the playoffs, do it with the group they've got. Trading future assets would be the worst approach.
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