Friday, September 13, 2013

2013-2014 Flyers Goalies Evaluation


The Key players this year:  Both Mason and Emery are huge question marks.  If Emery can be anything like he was last year the Flyers got a huge steal in Free Agency.  Mason has the potential to be a fantastic trade from last year, if he can keep his confidence up.  I like the idea of going with two goalies this year and having them work together.  Since Emery is older, this may give him the opportunity to really be a mentor to Mason this year.  Mason is young enough that I really think he has the potential to get his career back on track.  He might just have needed another organization to give him a shot between the pipes.

Youngsters on the rise:  Both Heeter and Stolarz have looked good so far.  I really have enjoyed watching them play, and have enjoyed reading about them so far.  I think that the Flyers are actually beginning to develop the right mindset with goalies and trying to build them up through the system.  I can't even believe that I am writing that.

Names that you shouldn't be surprised to see this year: Between the two I have to give Stolarz the upper hand. The way that he carries himself in net is almost as if he belongs up with the big club.  I do have questions about how well he can move around in net, but I think that the time that he will get playing outside of the NHL will really do him well this year.

Overall Evaluation:  I feel far better about this year's squad of goalies as compared to last year with Bryz.  Neith Mason or Emery may be a big name, but I don't think that we have to worry about them being a problem in the locker room.  Even if they don't work out, they are not locked up for millions for almost years on end.

Flyers 2013-2014 Forwards Evaluation

This is my favorite part of the hockey season!!! Every team has a chance to win the cup and we have a full season of games this year!!!  I think that part of what hurt the Flyers last year was not playing a full 80+ game schedule.  I think that the forward corps of the Flyers is probably the area of the roster where there is the least concern moving forward.

The Key players this year:  I don't see how Giroux doesn't improve from last year, and the same can be said for Scottie.  Lecavalier will be a huge addition for this team, I think that people will love this signing after a few games.  He is the sniper that this team has needed for a little while now, and he will be able to provide some more leadership in the locker room.  Both Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier HAVE to play much better then last year.  One of the only ways for this team to get better is for these two young men to show some growth on the ice.

Youngsters on the rise:  I really think that Laughton has a chance to be a really big contributor this year.  I watched him in the rookie game earlier this week and he was the leader on the ice.  There is no more hesitation when it comes to the decision to shoot or pass.  Matt Read is going to have a huge this year too.  This is one of those guys that I can't explain, but I just have a good feeling about.

Names that you shouldn't be surprised to see this year: Remember this name, because in the next two years he could be a very big player for the Flyers.  Taylor Leier.  This kid is fast, has fantastic control of the puck, and he can really shoot the puck.

Overall Evaluation:  This team has the potential to have a top five offense this year, and the power play should really play well this year.  In all reality I think that this team will settle in the top seven range.  I am sure that Homer will make a move during the season to bring in yet another vet, instead of thinking about the future.  I am pleased overall with how the lines will be formed.  The ball is in Lavy's court and I wonder how he is going to shuffle the lines together.