What do we think of the Flyers?

By Olivia Lawrence

RP Show Intern

Wednesday night in the National Hockey League (NHL), Rod Pedersen watched the Florida Panthers beat the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime 2-1. While the Panthers tied their record for 11 straight home wins to start the season, the Flyers are starting to fall in the strong Metropolitan Division. 

Rod Pedersen brought in Flyers alumni Brian Propp onto Thursday’s episode of The Rod Pedersen Show to talk about the Flyers team so far. Propp played 1016 NHL games in his career, and is the “pride of Neudorf Saskatchewan”, in Rod Pedersen’s words. 

“They’re struggling a little bit right now because it’s a tough schedule, but the goalies have been playing really well for the Flyers so that’s a good sign,” said Propp. “They have a couple guys that are really hurt, which could make a big difference for the team, the defenseman and center iceman.”

The defenseman he is referring to is Ryan Ellis, he was an addition in the offseason for the Flyers. Ellis re-injured himself with a lower body injury on Nov. 13 in his first game back. Second-line center Kevin Hayes is considered week-to-week after reinjuring himself as well on Nov. 16. 

Rod Pedersen thinks the Flyers might see some improvement if there were more Saskatchewan or Western Canadian players on the roster. Goaltenders Carter Hart and Martin Jones are the only players from Western Canada.  

 “Hart has been playing really well, but so is Jones, he’s been really busy, and has only given up a couple goals, but the team is not scoring,” said Propp. “Which is troublesome for them because their power play is too predictable. I think they’re having a lot of trouble with that and if you don’t stay on the power play, it makes a big difference.” 

Propp is hopeful with some of the young guys on the team and believes the Flyers could be competitive with their good goalie situation. The Metropolitan Division is very tough this season however, so the team has their work cut out for them. 

The Flyers are back home to play against the Carolina Hurricanes Friday afternoon (Nov 26).