Flyers Stink….And That’s All Right!

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The Flyers were tough to watch last night.  The offense couldn’t put one puck behind back-up keeper Antti Raanta, who hadn’t played since April.  Defensively…ouch, especially the first period where the Blackhawks out shot the Flyers 19-9 and scored 3 times.  At one point the Blackhawks out shot the Flyers 14-1.  The first period could’ve easily seen the Blackhawks up 5-0 if not for Mason’s solid play.

Last night proved one thing, the Flyers aren’t in the same class as the Blackhawks.  I think most of us fans knew that going into last night’s game.  However, seeing it was painful.

Oddsmakers and analysts may have been right all along in their predictions that the Flyers would struggle to make the Playoffs.  ESPN ranked the Flyers 22nd.  Currently, that’s a little generous.  Vegas had their Over/Under for wins at 38.5.  They are pace for 14 wins after six games.  The Flyers have the 4th worst goal differential in the NHL at -8.

All is not dark and glommy like the weather outside.  At this current pace, the future could be quite bright.  The Flyers, hopefully, will not make the playoff and that will place them in the NHL Draft lottery.  Currently, the Flyers are tied with the Minnesota, Winnipeg, and Colorado for the 4th lowest point total in the NHL.  At that pace, the Flyers will have a legit shot one of the top picks in this years NHL Draft on June 26, 2015.  This draft is supposed to be the best in ten years with centers Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel being players most think are capable of changing a franchise for the better.

So far, this season, Connor McDavid leads the OHL with 25 points (8 goals/17 assists) in 9 games.  Read that again, 25 points in 9 games!  In 128 career games, McDavid has 190 points in 128 games.  Eichel has only played one regular season game and two exhibition games thus far at Boston University.  He has 4 goals and 12 points in 3 games. Read that again, 12 points in 3 games.  NHL.com did a story on the two players this week.

Left: Eichel Right: McDavid (getty images)
Left: Eichel Right: McDavid (getty images)

Losing is good.  Do we really want the Flyers squeaking into the Playoffs to lose in the first round and get another mid-round pick? Hell, no! Follow Hinkie’s lead.  The Buffalo Sabres fans are cheering for losing with McDavid in mind.  That’s good vision for the future.

It’ll be tough, but just for one year.  You can always direct your Flyers anger toward Ruben Amaro, Jr. while he’s still around.

Watch the clip below of McDavid and Eichel and tell me you aren’t okay with losing if you get a legit shot at one of these two kids wearing orange and black next year!