I had the thankless task of putting together the first Fan
Files column about a month ago, when there was nothing good to say about the
Flyers. All I could do was preach
optimism and keep my fingers crossed.
Much has changed since then, with the team on a three game
winning streak and finally showing signs of life.
What, exactly, accounts for the difference? Wayne Simmonds indicated that the guys are
sticking up for one another. The beats
have written endlessly about the energy Shayne Gostisbehere brings to the
ice. Or maybe Dave Hakstol is finding
his stride.
From a fan’s perspective, though, the Flyers, even when
winning, can be maddening. Currently,
they are worst in the league in goal scoring and team shooting percentage, but
13th in the penalty kill having killed off 24 straight penalties before allowing a game-tying power play goal in the final minute of regulation on Friday.
Goaltending is the least of our problems for once. Four of ten wins were shutouts but the Flyers
are posting a dismal -18 goal differential.
The numbers tell one tale but the story is constantly
changing. As long as the Flyers keep
putting up wins statistics will cease being the story.
And that’s what keeps fans interested – the knowledge that
fortunes in hockey turn on a dime.
The Flyers are on the right track. Here’s hoping they keep grinding and give us
all a reason to prove those who predicted another season of missing the
playoffs wrong.
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