#6: Philadelphia Flyers
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Flyers and the Blue Jackets are really close to each other in this power ranking. It pretty much came down to a coin flip. I think the addition of Brandon Saad puts Columbus over Philly by the slightest of margins. That said, the Flyers could trot out arguably the most efficient trio out there no matter what they want to do.
CONSERVATIVE LINEUP
That first trio is about as good as any. Short of the Penguins and the Washington Capitals, arguably nobody else can trot out a trio like that. The best trios of the Pens and Washington Capitals aren’t much better than the Flyers and one could make the case that they might be the deadliest of the “conservative” trios with tons of space to work with.
Yes, Lacavalier is listed. I think that the Flyers have to give him a chance. He’s way too talented to have a repeat of last year. If he’s still awful this year, they do have Brayden Schenn to back him up.
ALL-IN LINEUP
- Voracek – Giroux – Simmonds
- Schenn – Lacavalier – Sean Couturier
The first trio has wrecked havoc during power plays for the past two seasons. So why not stay with what is clearly working? The second one could be something, but Couturier clearly isn’t the scoring threat that the Flyers really need for that trio.
OVERALL OUTLOOK
Pretty darn good. Again, it’s telling how good the Metropolitan Division is that the Flyers are sixth.
Next: #5: Columbus