Previous entries in the series
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
Welcome back to the Flyers in FHM, for the start of the 2020-21 season!
Last where I left you, we were about to complete pre-season, and then crack on with what will hopefully be a successful year. In fact, the game predicts we will be legitimate favorites to win, along with Tampa and Toronto.
We are also predicted to win the Metropolitan division, which 59% of you also said in last episode’s poll.
Before we start, however, there is some news. It was an unfortunate occurrence that Matt Niskanen was hurt in a pre-season game, and would be out for 2-3 weeks. Therefore, Phil Myers makes the opening day lineup in his stead. Additionally, I swung a last minute trade with the Chicago Blackhawks to acquire Alex DeBrincat. Going to Chicago is Jay O’Brien and a 2nd pick in 2022. The ‘Hawks will also retain 45% of salary.
Therefore, our opening night lineup is:
I apologize for sending Joel Farabee down to the AHL, but this current version of the lineup is the best version, and he will definitely see time if injuries hit or if things need shaking up.
With that out of the way, here we go!
October
The game of the month was a thrilling 4-3 victory in Brooklyn over the Islanders, won in overtime. Two goals from Claude Giroux and a goal from Joel Farabee (more on that later) matched the Islanders’ three goals. Then, only 15 seconds in to overtime, Giroux danced around the Islanders’ defense upon receiving a feed from Alex DeBrincat to bury a backhand to seal both a win and a hat-trick.
That game was a welcome sight after some bad news to start.
Sean Couturier and Dylan Larkin were both injured in the first five games of the season, and we were clearly missing them because it was not the best start to the season. Joel Farabee and Oskar Lindblom did their best in Couturier and Larkin’s absence, but through four games the Flyers had only won once.
However, thanks to a late surge coming in the form of 6 wins in the last 8 games, the Flyers wind up in the last wild card spot. Not where I’d want to be, but thankfully we recovered from key injuries.
Larkin and Matt Niskanen were ready to play by the end of the month, and Couturier was close to returning.
Giroux’s hat trick was simply a microcosm of how well he’s played so far. ELEVEN GOALS! The captain is heating up. Filip Forsberg continues to play well on the top line alongside him.
November
Despite another injury to Dylan Larkin, the Flyers managed to maintain progress in the month of November, winning 8 games and losing 5. However, we couldn’t quite break into the top three in the metro division. We still sit in a wildcard spot.
It’s a shame really that injuries have hit hard and that we aren’t near the top of the division as was expected. However, there are still only four points between the Flyers and third place Capitals and we have games in hand on them. There is still time yet.
Claude Giroux continues to lead by example, especially with his goal scoring. Otherwise, you have the usual suspects who are scoring quite a lot. I’ve evened out the ice time for the lines so I expect more even scoring totals this year than last year even.
Also, I called up Isaac Ratcliffe, giving him his NHL debut. In his five games so far he has one assist.
Anyways, that concluded today’s episode. Next time, we’ll see if the Flyers can go on a run and move into a higher playoff position, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll make a trade. Please do leave suggestions, feedback, and any comments for me below and on twitter.
#NoworNever
