It is the time of year to settle back, take stock and appreciate what we have. In other words, to give thanks for those many blessings that we might take for granted to some degree during the course of the year. With the Flyers at 11-6-3, there is much to appreciate. So, from a Flyers perspective, here are five things that I am giving thanks for
1. Girouxs magic
It is such a pleasure to watch Claude Giroux perform his craft night in and night out. His high levels of skill, creativity, grit and determination are so impressive. After breaking out last season as an offensive team leader, he seems bound and determined to take his play up another notch this season. If the final three quarters of the season match his first quarter, Giroux will be in consideration for the Hart Trophy as league most valuable player.
There are only a select few players in the NHL that can drive your anticipation level up every time they touch the puck. Im giving thanks that I get to watch one of them every time the Flyers take to the ice.
2. Jagrs decision
Ill admit it. When word came down that the Flyers had signed 39-year-old Jaromir Jagr last summer, I was very skeptical. After all, how much gas was left in his tank? After three years away from the NHL, could he really be worth the 3.3 million the Flyers gave him? Did he fit in with the otherwise mostly young nucleus of this team?
Well, Jagr has answered all of those questions positively. He has meshed with Giroux to form a lethal dynamic duo that gives opponents fits when it comes to devising game plans to check them. He has clearly shown his skating and skills are still at a high level. And perhaps, most impressively, his work ethic has been exemplary and perfect for younger members of the club to observe and follow.
His recent minor groin injury aside, Jagrs first quarter has been about as good as could be expected. Thus, I give thanks to his decision to return to the NHL and to the Flyers for going out and signing him.
3. Holmgrens courage
The Jagr signing was one of several maneuvers made by general manager Paul Holmgren in the off-season. His shocking trades of Mike Richards and Jeff Carter highlighted a complete makeover of the club. This, despite the fact that the Flyers had made the playoffs in each of the last four years, getting to at least the second round three times, and to within two wins of a Stanley Cup just two seasons ago.
To have the guts to take a successful team and blow it up in an attempt to climb that final step takes moxy. Holmgren clearly has that.
At the quarter pole, the only discarded former Flyer tearing it up is Kris Versteeg down in Florida. In the meantime, additions like Jagr, Matt Read, Jake Voracek, Sean Couturier, Wayne Simmonds and Max Talbot have made significant contributions to a largely successful first twenty games for the Flyers.
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Its still early, but still time to give thanks to Holmgren for having the courage of his conviction that the team needed to change its culture.
4. Youthful exuberance
Twenty games into the season, the Flyers have already dressed 10 rookies. That is an incredible number. But its not just the quantity of the first year players, its the quality.
Flyer rookies far and away lead the NHL with 29 points thus far this season. Read has led the charge with his incredible speed and talent. Eighteen-year-old Couturier has demonstrated remarkable poise and savvy in becoming one of the clubs top penalty killers. Erik Gustaffson was on his way to establishing himself as part of the top six on defense before an unfortunate wrist injury. Zac Rinaldo had been a spark plug. Wherever you seem to turn, a rookie is making a contribution.
And just think, all of this production without a single point from the most highly touted of all the first year players, Brayden Schenn, who has been hampered by shoulder and foot injuries. Just imagine if he stays healthy and finds his stride.
So, heres thanks for the tremendous rookie crop in orange and black this fall. Watching their development throughout the season is going to be a lot of fun.
5. Flyer faithful
Each and every home date, the Flyers play in front of a packed house of enthusiastic fans at the Wells Fargo Center. Television ratings are very strong. Interest in the club is extremely high. In short, Philadelphia remains a great hockey city.
Its easy to take for granted the passionate support the fan base gives the hometown club. After all, it has been there night in and night out for quite some time. And while some nights, the fans get frustrated and come down hard on their club, its all about how deeply they are tied emotionally to the teams fortunes.
I will take that any time over a casual fan base that basically treats games as just another social event. Thus, I give thanks to all of you Flyer fans out there for your enthusiastic support of the orange and black!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!