So the trade deadline has come and gone. And the buzz, of course, surrounding the Philadelphia area is, “Why no moves?” It’s understandable. It’s the trade deadline. Everyone wants to see something drastic happen and when it doesn’t, everyone voices their opinion. And with the way things have been going the past few months (since the Winter Classic, really) for the Flyers, a little bit of panic also comes into play.
After weeks of multiple trade rumors, it is only natural to get excited. Especially when names like Luke Schenn and Dustin Brown are thrown out there. Both of these players would be perfect in orange and black. They’re both big hitters; grinders. The definition of Flyers hockey. But neither came. And for everyone who wanted Nash: seriously? At this point in the season, the Flyers are #1 in the league in scoring. Bringing in Rick Nash would do nothing. The Flyers would have had to give up way too much young talent. One name that would certainly be on that list is Brayden Schenn. No thank you. I think I’ll keep him.
The Flyers problem is with their goals against. And when you have a problem giving up goals, what do you do? You look for a goalie. But wait. I think…yeah, I’m pretty sure the Flyers have the highest paid goalie in the league. So there is no way you’re going out and getting another no. 1 goalie. The only thing you can do is put the best defense you can in front of him and pray to the heavens that he will start stopping the puck. And that’s exactly what Paul Holmgren did.
The additions of Grossman and Kubina were good pick-ups. Believe me, I was begging and pleading for Luke Schenn to come here just as bad as anyone else. But to pick up veterans like Grossman and Kubina without giving up a single active player is outstanding. Both of these players are big bodies; they can block shots (which apparently Bryz can’t do). They each also have their own specialties. Grossman brings a large body to help block shots on the penalty kill, and Kubina brings his monster shot from the point on the power play, which the Flyers always seem to lack. The Flyers special teams has been brutal in recent weeks and that issue was just addressed. So to add these players without subtracting any team chemistry is an A plus for Holmgren in my book.
My advice: Relax everyone. The Philadelphia Flyers are still very much in the hunt for home ice advantage in the first round. It’s a long shot…a very long shot…to catch the red-hot Rangers and the beast that is Henrik Lundqvist. But they still have a chance when it comes to playing the Devils and Penguins, who will most likely be the two other teams battling for the no. 4 spot in the Eastern Conference. The only thing to do now is hope. Let’s hope Bryz can make some saves. Because regardless of his play, we’re going to be seeing him in a Flyers uniform for a long time. Uh oh.
