NHL Power Rankings Week One: Capitals, Lightning, Predators, And Ducks Are Favorites

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

NHL Power Rankings: #21 – Philadelphia Flyers

The Flyers had about as good of an offseason as a team with a ton of albatross contracts and salary cap issues. They still have issues that they need to address. A playoff run is not out of the question if they get a bit lucky.

STRENGTHS: The Flyers have two elite forwards in Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The Flyers live and die by that duo. Wayne Simmonds is one of the best power play specialists in the league. He’s also a very underrated forward. Simmonds is the heart and soul of the Flyers. Sean Couturier is a talented center who should help the Flyers replace the void left by Mike Richards several years ago.

They also have an extremely talented goalie in Steve Mason. Mason has had trouble staying healthy. He has shown the ability to carry the Flyers for an extended period of time. Michal Neuvirth is a very competent backup who could also have that ability to carry the Flyers.

WEAKNESSES: The Flyers blue line is going to be an issue. Michael Del Zotto is alright. He’s not the kind of guy you want as one of your best defensemen. Mark Streit is the only proven top pairing defenseman on the Flyers. I’m not a fan of their bottom six forwards.

OUTLOOK: Mason, Voracek, and Giroux give them enough elite talent to the point that I can’t count them out. In the end, their blueline is likely going to cost them a playoff birth.

Next: #20