PHILADELPHIA, PA – While this year’s version of the Philadelphia Flyers might not be getting off the best start in team history, the team is having an impact from one of its most prized off-season acquisitions in team history, that would be Chris Pronger. Not only is Pronger having the type of effect on the ice with his play, he is having the desired effect on the rest of the team’s defense. Just ask Matt Carle, Pronger’s defensive partner. Star players not only contribute, but lead by example, and it is clearly rubbing off on Carle. Last season Carle was a plus two and was 11th on the team in points with 24 (4 goals and 20 assists). His best season offensively was with San Jose when he posted 11 goals and 31 assists. So far this season Carle has one goal and seven assists, good for third best on the team, and is a plus four (best on the team). All one has to do is watch a Flyers game these days and you can see a player with a renewed sense of confidence in his offensive game. That can happen when you are paired with a perennial all-star defenseman like Pronger. Time will tell if the Pronger effect will trickle down to the rest of the defense. After only five games, Carle and Pronger are the only Flyers defenseman who are a positive in the plus/minus category. The season is young, but it is good to know that from a Flyers fans perspective to know that at least one player on the team has gotten the message. A recent loss to the Anaheim Ducks, a game in which the Flyers went back to playing sloppy defense late in a game, blew a two-goal lead and eventually losing in a shootout 3-2. The game was the low point in the season so far, but it reminded everyone that there is still some work to do. Still, there are some signs of encouragement. Having Pronger in front of Ray Emery has helped his confidence as well, even if he allowed give goals to the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sloppy turnovers and poor line changes were as much to blame as anything in those games, as well as the Ducks game. The bottom line is, things are looking up for the orange and black. Current record aside, one has to think that once the team feels the full impact of having a star defenseman anchor the blueline like the Flyers have in Pronger, than you will truly see the real Flyer team as the season goes along. Hey, if you have any doubts about that, just ask Matt Carle. Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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