Assessing the Philadelphia Flyers’ 2012-13 Roster

This feature has been written with the optimistic assumption that the lockout will be resolved in the near future. If that doesn’t happen, bookmark this link for next fall. It should be generally relevant then as well.

Yes, goaltending

Everyone knows that goaltending is key to the Philadelphia Flyers’ 2012-13 season. So, of course this hockey review begins with Ilya Bryzgalov, but that’s far from the end of story.

Without sifting through all that was, is and will be “Bryz”, let’s simply say that he has fulfilled one year of his nine-year deal. Unless someone else really wants this veteran, he will play goal for the Flyers for the foreseeable future.

For those who think that Bryzgalov is too flaky, we must remember that he’s a goaltender. They’re all a unique breed.

What Bryzgalov needs to do moving forward is to block out the Philadelphia atmosphere to the best of his ability, bounce back after a bad game (or goal) and focus on the game as its being played. The man is a good goalie and I think that he has the potential to carry the team through a deep playoff run in the future.

As for the return of Michael Leighton. He let in that 2010 Stanley Cup-winning goal, but is a competent backup. I have no problem with him returning to town.

Defensively speaking

Kimmo Timonen, Braydon Coburn and Nicklas Grossmann represent the team’s veteran defensive core. Andrej Meszaros would be included with this group as well, but his torn right Achilles tendon is expected to keep him out of action until next spring.

Luke Schenn, who was obtained from the Toronto Maple Leafs for James van Riemsdyk, appears to have the ability to temporarily replace Meszaros while he’s out. After he returns, Schenn could still be one of the Flyers’ better defensemen.

Free agent addition Bruno Gervais was considered to be a seventh defenseman when he was signed as a free agent in the offseason. But, injury issues might force him into a fifth, or sixth defensive slot. I’m not sure how he will handle any increased duties that head coach Peter Laviolette might ask him to handle.

Andreas Lilja is recovering from hip surgery, but should eventually serve in a serviceable sixth-man role.

At least one of the young defensemen (Mark-Andre Bourdon, Erik Gustafsson, Oliver Lauridsen, Brandon Manning) will be given the opportunity to become part of the top three defensive pairings. This competition should be good for the team and for each of these players.

Veteran Danny Syvret, another returning Flyers’ alumni, might also see time in the NHL this season. He would serve as a depth defenseman.

Forward looking

Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell and Jakub Voracek are the new top line. Voracek showed promise last season and may fit in Jaromir Jagr’s old spot. If he doesn’t, there are other available right wing alternatives available on this team.

Danny Briere is a great playmaker. He, along with Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds should become a solid goal-scoring second line.

Sean Couturier is a superb young player who possesses natural ice vision and shows confidence in any game situation. He’s set to work with another strong younger player, Matt Read and returning Flyers’ alumni Ruslan Fedotenko. While this veteran isn’t a strong offensive player, he should add balance to this third line.

Max Talbot is a great fourth line center, who surprisingly posted 34 points last season. I expect a variety of players to work with him including Eric Wellwood and Zac Rinaldo. Other options could include: Tom Sestito, Ben Holmstrom, Harry Zolnierczyk, Jody Shelley, Matthew Ford and Tye McGinn.

The Flyers still appear to be four lines deep. As such, this area of the roster obviously remains a team strength.

Sean O’Brien is based in the Philadelphia region. He was a freelance sports writer for five years in the 1990s and is currently a Featured Contributor in Sports for the Yahoo Contributor Network! You can follow him on Twitter @SeanyOB and also read his daily Sports Blog: Insight.

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