Bring On the Big Dogs

By: Patrice L. Leonard

We have had the last week or so to take in the transformation of this Flyers team. They went from completely underwhelming their opponents to blowing them out of the water. Just what was the secret to this metamorphosis? You can site a couple of different changes that have taken place here. No matter which way you chose of go, the final result is the same. They have become the team they were supposed to be months ago.

Last week we saw the likes of the Rangers, Devils, and Senators try to throw their best game plan at our Philly boys. The Flyers made them look stupid. With a rejuvenated power play pucks where finding the back of the net with regularity, finally. With a retooled penalty kill the opposition couldn’t even find the back of the net. With two goaltenders fighting for the starting job they got a strong last wall of defense.

The next couple of weeks will tell the story for this team. Again we’ll see the Rangers, Devils, and even those hard to beat Sabres. The beginning of this story was stormy and tumultuous. It was full of intrigue and excitement. Then the usual middle of the story funk set in. Was it too many injuries? Was it the definite loss of a captain? Was the youth of this team finally showing inexperience? Was it because only 8 players remained from the last season that was played?

So many questions, so little true explanation. Maybe that mini-vacation in Florida helped more than they’ll let on. The guys on this team seem to trust each other more on the ice. You can make a case for the ultimate in male bonding I suppose. If you could pick any time of the NHL season for a team to peak, this would be it. We are rolling downhill at neck breaking speed toward the playoffs. Everyone starts off even, the same. But, we all know that winning ways are often reflected in the opening rounds of the playoffs. So, it’s better to barrel into them head first at full throttle.

Hitchcock will have to make a goalie decision soon. Let’s hope that doesn’t upset the already delicate balance of the Flyers. They do have enough veteran leadership and youthful exuberance to get them through almost anything that can be thrown at them at this point. I can only hope that all of the progress this team has made and all that they have overcome isn’t just a trick of smoke and mirrors. Any team can go on a streak. The really great ones carry it over deep into the playoffs and championship series.

I’m not going to make any predictions. I don’t want to upset the apple cart here. But the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day for the Flyguys. And in true Philadelphia fashion, might I add, “Bring on the big dogs”. We’re ready and waiting. We’re licking our chops for a bit of real, old time hockey. OUR big dogs are snarling.