PHILADELPHIA, Pa – While the Pittsburgh Penguins get most of the headlines for being the Eastern Conference champs, the Philadelphia Flyers look to show that the Penguins won’t be the only team the rest of the NHL needs to fear in the east. Here is a look at how the Flyers could succeed, or fail in the upcoming season. Keys to success: The health of Simon, who is coming back from multiple concussions last season, will be counted on to improve an already balanced lineup. If Gagne is healthy, than a very good team just got better. Adding speed on defense was vital in the off-season. The departures of Jason Smith and the impending retirement of Derian Hatcher do to health issues, along with the additions of Steve Eminger and Ryan Parent should help. Parent however will miss the first 3-4 months of the season due to injury, so either former Avalance Ossi Vaanenan or rookie Luca Sbisa might be counted on to take Parents minutes. Martin Biron must also continue to look like the answer in net for the Flyers. His strong playoff run so far looks like it was not a fluke if the pre-season is any indication. Still, Biron must be at his best from the start of the season all the way through the playoffs. Reasons they could fail: If Biron turns out to be a one hit wonder, and Gagne continues to have concussion issues, and the defense, despite being faster, isn’t any better than last seasons version, the Flyers will be in major trouble. So far the returns are promising on Gagne and Biron. The defense will be a question mark all season long. Rookie watch: Claude Giroux did not make the Flyers opening day roster, but it is only a matter of time before he does. When he does, he will have the spotlight shown brightly on him. Giroux was outstanding in the QMJHL for Gatineau setting a playoff record 17 goals and 34 assists in 19 games. There is no reason to rush him, but the departure of R.J. Umberger to Columbus has the team looking for someone to replace his offense in the clutch. Sbisa, the Flyers first round pick just four months ago, might have found a roster spot at Parents expense. Even if he goes back to junior, Sbisa has given the Flyers brass something to think about. Rarely do the Flyers play someone the same year they are drafted so don’t expect his stay in south Philly to be a long one. That said, if he plays well in Parents absense, it might be the start of the Flyers finally changing their philosophy on playing prospects. How they will do: Look for the Flyers to repeat their success from last season. It was no fluke that the Flyers made it to the final four. If Pittsburgh takes a step back, the Flyers could benefit the most. They could win the division but most likely will finish a close second to Pitt. They are a definite playoff team that will have another long run with a good possibility of making the cup finals. Look for them to get better defensively so the goals-against and shots-on-goal averages to go down. As of now they look like the second best team in the division and in the conference. Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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