For the first time since I've been in my 40s the Flyers have won two in a row. Now, I've only been out of my 40s for 4 days but still, this is a step forward, isn't it? They've averaged 3 goals a game in the 4 games under interim coach Mike Yeo. So again, it's a step forward, yes? Yes and no. Let's back up just a bit first. to December 2. The Flyers claimed Defenseman Kevin Connauton off waivers from Florida. It's not a powerhouse move, not something that's going to shake the organization. It's a minor move to add some depth to a team getting hit with injuries. Is it any coincidence that Kevin made his debuts in the 4-3 win over Las Vegas on my birthday? (Thank you, Flyers, for that gift it was much needed) Is it a coincidence that he was also in the lineup in the 5-3 win over the Coyotes the following night and Nick Seeler wasn't in either game? Hell no but will we take that and run with it like Brad Miller and his bamboo tree? You bet we will.
The truth is they got lucky in Vegas, played a little bit better and then faced a really bad Coyotes team that came at the right time. Even in that game they were not perfect. The Flyers played 5 games in 7 days and fired the coach all during that 7-day stretch. They are still not a good hockey team. Flyers play the Devils tonight at home and then the schedule gets lighter going into the Christmas holiday. 4 games before 6 days off over the Christmas week. Help is on the way. Joel Farabee is skating, Wade Allison is playing with the Phantoms and should be back up with the club soon. Is it enough to help? Is it enough to save the season? Sadly no. Sitting at 7th in the division right now they need to get up to at least 3rd place and 15 points as of this writing. Can it be done? Yes. St Louis was 15-18-4 when the calander turned to 2019. Dead last in the league and a 250-1 or longer odds to win the cup, The Flyers as of December 14th are 10-12-4. The Blues went on an 11-game winning streak in January into the middle of February before finishing 45-28-9. Craig Berube was still only the interim coach. Make no mistake it can happen but not as this team is constructed right now. It's fun to hope right? Later this week I'll start poking the bear with my thoughts on who needs to go from this team.