5 big-picture questions for the Flyers as they wrap up their season
The Flyers ended their 2024-25 home slate with a 3-0 shutout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Although there was booing — aimed primarily at the power play — there was also a big cheer at the end for the guys in orange and black after a tumultuous season. Here are five questions to ponder after the loss.
The Flyers ended their 2024-25 home slate with a 3-0 shutout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Although there was booing — aimed primarily at the power play — there was also a big cheer at the end for the guys in orange and black after a tumultuous season. Here are five questions to ponder after the loss.
How good can Bobby Brink be?
It took some time, but Bobby Brink found his game this season, and everyone — his teammates named him the team's most improved player — took notice. On Wednesday, he played another strong game and created several scoring chances.
How good can Bobby Brink be?
It took some time, but Bobby Brink found his game this season, and everyone — his teammates named him the team's most improved player — took notice. On Wednesday, he played another strong game and created several scoring chances.
"I think I made some strides this year," Brink said, adding that he felt his habits and play away from the puck were his biggest improvements. Brink finished the game with five shot attempts, three scoring chances and high-danger chances, and two rebound attempts, including one off the post in the first period.
"I think I made some strides this year," Brink said, adding that he felt his habits and play away from the puck were his biggest improvements. Brink finished the game with five shot attempts, three scoring chances and high-danger chances, and two rebound attempts, including one off the post in the first period.
Should the Couturier Line stick together next season?
Yes. The analytics weren't great — 16 shot attempts to 21 against with 10 high-danger, three off the rush, and four off rebounds for Columbus — but there's something brewing with Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, and Sean Couturier.
Should the Couturier Line stick together next season?
Yes. The analytics weren't great — 16 shot attempts to 21 against with 10 high-danger, three off the rush, and four off rebounds for Columbus — but there's something brewing with Travis Konecny, Matvei Michkov, and Sean Couturier.
Couturier knows his line has puck possession potential and can generate extended O-zone time, but "I don't know if we're really getting high-quality chances, to be honest. We're a lot of one-and-done, turning pucks over at times." They are still a newish trio. Taking chances and trying things will only build chemistry.
Couturier knows his line has puck possession potential and can generate extended O-zone time, but "I don't know if we're really getting high-quality chances, to be honest. We're a lot of one-and-done, turning pucks over at times." They are still a newish trio. Taking chances and trying things will only build chemistry.
Can Tyson Foerster hit 30 goals next season?
Always known for his shot, Foerster has 24 goals after potting 20 last year as a rookie, "but to have the scoring touch that he has at his age, along with the 200-foot game [is a] pretty rare package," as interim coach Brad Shaw noted.
Can Tyson Foerster hit 30 goals next season?
Always known for his shot, Foerster has 24 goals after potting 20 last year as a rookie, "but to have the scoring touch that he has at his age, along with the 200-foot game [is a] pretty rare package," as interim coach Brad Shaw noted.
The 23-year-old has the skill set to score 30, and he came close to notching another after Nick Seeler created a turnover inside Columbus' blue line. Foerster's shot was earmarked for inside the right post, but Jet Greaves robbed him. It was one of five shots and seven shot attempts he had in the game.
The 23-year-old has the skill set to score 30, and he came close to notching another after Nick Seeler created a turnover inside Columbus' blue line. Foerster's shot was earmarked for inside the right post, but Jet Greaves robbed him. It was one of five shots and seven shot attempts he had in the game.
Should Brad Shaw be the next coach?
Shaw wraps up a nine-game audition on Thursday, and even with a loss in Buffalo -- and landing the potential No. 4 draft slot -- he has impressed. With a 5-2-1 record, Shaw has brought fun back and has largely had the team flying.
Should Brad Shaw be the next coach?
Shaw wraps up a nine-game audition on Thursday, and even with a loss in Buffalo -- and landing the potential No. 4 draft slot -- he has impressed. With a 5-2-1 record, Shaw has brought fun back and has largely had the team flying.
They have risen from the NHL's scoring dungeon under John Tortorella to No. 5 since March 27. Do they still give up a lot of shot attempts (64 at 5v5 to Columbus) and high-danger chances (21 on Tuesday)? Absolutely. But until the shutout, they had been outscoring teams, which is all that matters. He deserves a long look.
They have risen from the NHL's scoring dungeon under John Tortorella to No. 5 since March 27. Do they still give up a lot of shot attempts (64 at 5v5 to Columbus) and high-danger chances (21 on Tuesday)? Absolutely. But until the shutout, they had been outscoring teams, which is all that matters. He deserves a long look.
Can Sam Ersson be part of the solution in net?
It looks like the Swedish goalie will end his season 22-17-5 with career lows in GAA (3.14) and SV% (.883 ). "I think we have some lessons to learn from this year, myself, for sure, included in that," he said after stopping 31 of 34 shots.
Can Sam Ersson be part of the solution in net?
It looks like the Swedish goalie will end his season 22-17-5 with career lows in GAA (3.14) and SV% (.883 ). "I think we have some lessons to learn from this year, myself, for sure, included in that," he said after stopping 31 of 34 shots.
It was an up-and-down season for Ersson, and even up-and-down games, because while he did allow three goals, one was through a double screen, one went off Seeler's stick. But he saved 16 of 17 high-danger shots. "I think I could stop every puck," he said confidently afterward. That's the attitude the Flyers need from him.
It was an up-and-down season for Ersson, and even up-and-down games, because while he did allow three goals, one was through a double screen, one went off Seeler's stick. But he saved 16 of 17 high-danger shots. "I think I could stop every puck," he said confidently afterward. That's the attitude the Flyers need from him.