Let's see what happens! - by: Jesse Bell
Photo Credit - ESPN
I wanted to get out some thoughts before the weeks end so, here we are.
It hasn't been very successful here in Philadelphia or has it? I'm the host of Olde City Sports Network's Flyers pod, Flyers Alley, and between the 4 of us, of course there are going to be some different opinions. One of them is from new anchor, Kurt Schuler, that once you realize that this isn't going to be a successful year, it makes the season a little bit better. I struggled with that notion for a while but it did set in. Now, we may not be playoff bound but you have to understand what we've seen so far and what we've still yet to see.
Matvei Michkov is already making a case for himself for the Calder Trophy but as I said before, take it easy with the "he's already won the trophy" comments, it's so early and alot can happen. That being said, it's a special thing we get to watch this kid's passion and ability unfold in front of us to hopefully be the star he was born to be.
The goalies are for sure battling for positioning, with Ivan Fedotov struggling to get his footing as the official back up, Alexei Kolosov had been given the 2nd string position for the past couple games just to mix things up. It is fun to watch these guys battle for it instead of just naming someone and watching that bomb explode. Also, if I was a betting man, I'd say at some point this season, we'll see newly acquired goalie Eetu Makiniemi get a start in Orange and Black. I mean, what's there to lose?
Regardless of what the fanbase thinks, the defensive issues are very close to being solved. With Cam York being sidelined for a couple weeks, we all get to see what Emil Andrae has to offer and so far, it's impress. One of the things he's shown is that he will not take wrap from other players, which fits in right at home here in Philadelphia!
If we make a run here, great! There's always the chance and like I say "The playoffs are a magical place, all you have to do, is get in" but I'd like to be a tad bit more prepared when we're ready for that next step into the post season!
Photo Credit - hockeydb.com
Jesse Bell - Olde City Sports Network
