The Philadelphia Flyers five game winning streak came to a screeching halt on Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils, with a 5-4 shootout loss. The once feel good high flying Flyers (Before the Brian Elliott news broke), look to extend the Columbus Blue Jackets losing streak to two games on Friday night in Columbus, Ohio.
With the Flyers only leading the Blue Jackets by four points in the standings. This makes Friday night’s contest against their divisional foes even more important. Just who do the orange and black need to step up their games???? How about Michal Neuvirth, and the defense. Neuvirth gave up a soft goal in Tuesday’s contest, as well as, the defense looked a little leaky at times.
“It was a little breakdown. They had one extra guy in front. I think we got to do a better job of boxing them out and knowing where the puck is,” Defenseman Radko Gudas said following the Devils game on Tuesday night, when referring to the late third period goal on Neuvirth. “This one’s definitely a tough one to swallow.”
If the Flyers look to make and excel in the playoffs. They have to do a better job at clearing the crease. Neuvirth is no Elliott. He needs to see the puck. Without further delay, here are our answers to your questions.
@JameyBaskow what do you think about Gudbranson to the flyers? What would the trade look like? #Flyers
— Mike Gierusz (@MikeGierusz) February 11, 2018
Mike you’re an amazing Flyers fan. You know your hockey. Did you say Erik Gudbranson of the Vancouver Canucks??? I would love the Flyers to pick up this 26 year old, 6’5,” 220 pound lumberjack in Gudbranson. He is exactly what the orange and black need on defense. Gudbranson is a stocky, fierce beast that can clear the porch with the best of them in the NHL. Sure, he’s not the most offensively talented defenseman with only potting two goals, and two assists in 39 games played this year. But, his defensive game far outweighs his offensive skills.
One thing is certain if the Flyers want a player that makes the team look bigger on the ice, then Gudbranson is their guy. However, from what I’m hearing is that the Vancouver Canucks are trying to lock up Gudbranson before the trade deadline hits on February 26. Gudbranson is in the last year of his contract, and he carries a cap hit of $3.5 million. Here’s a trade that might work for both clubs, in the event a deal cannot be met between the two parties by the deadline:
Flyers Send- 2018-1st or 2nd Round Pick (Possibly St. Louis Blues 1st), and Pascal Laberge or Wade Allison.
Canucks Send- 2018-4th Round Pick, Erik Gudbranson.
The Flyers are indeed interested in adding a veteran defenseman by the trade deadline, and this trade might be up Hextall’s alley. With knowing Hextall he will start with a second rounder and see what happens, especially when it comes to an expiring contract at years end. It’s highly unlikely (Not saying it can’t happen), Hextall gives a first round pick for an expiring contract at years end.
Do you see the #Flyers just making one move or a couple to improve the team?
— Barry (@TheRealCrowhuck) February 15, 2018
Barry your an amazing Flyers fan. You have loved this team before I was even born. I forsee the orange and black making a few moves by the time the deadline expires. At one time I could see Brandon Manning getting traded to make room for Travis Sanheim, as he’s an ideal playoff rental. Manning is in the last year of his contract with a cap hit of $975,000. However, the Flyers will try to add a veteran Defenseman for the final stretch run, so it’s highly unlikely the orange and black sell any of their Defenseman, while trying to add a veteran Defenseman in the process.
The Flyers will definitely add a backup netminder to fill in for Michal Neuvirth from time to time. They just don’t feel comfortable riding with a tandem of Neuvirth and rookie netminder Alex Lyon, given Neuvirth’s injury history. Moreover, the Flyers may look to add Chad Johnson, Calvin Pickard, Petr Mrazek, Antti Niemi, or Antti Raanta just to name a few. The Flyers may not be just set on these names mentioned. I just wanted to give a few names the orange and black may inquire about.
Lastly, the Flyers will try to make as I hinted in the first paragraph adding a veteran Defenseman. I love Erik Gudbranson of the Vancouver Canucks. Look at my response to Mike. However, if Hextall cannot pull off that deal, then I wouldn’t mind seeing the Flyers adding a veteran Defenseman like James Wisniewski. He was bought out by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016. It has been a rough go for the 33 year old Wisinewski, as he has sustained a total of three ACL tears in his right knee, and one recently in his left knee. Moreover, he is looking to return to the NHL, following his completion of playing for Team USA in the Olympics. For his career, Wisiniewksi has tallied 53 goals, and has added 221 assists in 552 NHL games played. Hextall may be able to get him at a cheap price.
If the flyers really are buyers, who will they buy to help out the defense? #Flyersmail
— Zack Steffel (@Zackzerz) February 15, 2018
Zack your passion of Flyers hockey shows each time you talk to me. Your supports has been amazing. As previously stated, I would love the Flyers to pick up this 26 year old, 6’5,” 220 pound lumberjack in Gudbranson. He is exactly what the orange and black need on defense. Gudbranson is a stocky, fierce beast that can clear the porch with the best of them in the NHL. Sure, he’s not the most offensively talented Defenseman with only potting two goals, and two assists in 39 games played this year. But, his defensive game far outweighs his offensive skills.
Another interesting choice for a veteran Defenseman is James Wisinewski. He was bought out by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016. It has been a rough go for the 33 year old Wisinewski, as he has sustained a total of three ACL tears in his right knee, and one recently in his left knee. Moreover, he is looking to return to the NHL, following his completion of playing for Team USA in the Olympics. You can find his career stats in the above response to Barry.
Mark Boehmer– What are our trade options for backup goalie? Neither of the Phantoms goalies can be counted on for a long stretch. Who’s available and what is Hextall willing to give up?
Mark your support is tremendous. You know your hockey. Your one of the most dedicated to the sport, as you’re a frequent Flyer to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms games. The Flyers will definitely add a backup netminder to fill in for Michal Neuvirth from time to time. They just don’t feel comfortable riding with a tandem of Neuvirth and rookie netminder Alex Lyon, given Neuvirth’s injury history. Moreover, the Flyers may look to add Chad Johnson, Calvin Pickard, Petr Mrazek, Antti Niemi, or Antti Raanta just to name a few. All of these goaltenders mentioned are on expiring contracts at years end. Now this doesn’t mean the orange and black are just settling on these particular goaltenders mentioned. These are simply just possibilities.
Hextall will not want to break the bank on this one, and I say he is looking to part with a third rounder to fifth rounder to obtain one.
If you would like to see your questions submitted in our weekly mailbag. Just submit your question on our facebook page or on Twitter using the #Flyersmail. Thanks to all the fans for another great mailbag, and Let’s go Flyers.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
