The Flyers find themselves in the middle of a stretch when they play just one game over eight days. Its not often that the arduous NHL schedule allows for such a relative period of inactivity. The reality is, though, that most of the players understand they will end up with extremely busy segments later on to make up for it. So, they might as well take advantage of it while they can.
Good time for a break or not?
You might think that a team that is 3-0-1 in its last four games might rather keep playing games at a steady clip right now. However, I think the break comes along at a good time.
First of all, it gives Chris Pronger more time to get himself ready to return from his eye injury. All signs point to a Pronger return on the upcoming road trip.
Secondly, the team will use some of the time in Florida for team bonding exercises. The process of building this particular team is still in its early stages. The new parts that were added are still being integrated with the returning cast. Some time on the road can go a long way in accelerating that process.
Road warriors
Beginning with Wednesdays game in Tampa, the Flyers will play 16 of their next 22 games on the road. That takes them right up to the Bridgestone Winter Classic on Jan. 2 at Citizens Bank Park. Thats only six home games over a 57-day period.
Such a schedule might induce fear with some clubs. However, these Flyers seem to play very well on the road. They are 4-1-0 this season after sporting one of the best road records in the NHL last year when they went 25-11-5. They stick to their system better away than they do at home as they arent looking to put on as much of a show. That should bode well for them in November and December.
Rollicking rookies
Theres always extra excitement when promising rookies become part of the equation at the NHL level. Something about the promise and potential seems to get the fans extra stoked.
NHL
Well, this years Flyers certainly have their fair share of first-year players. In fact, eight different rookies have already appeared in games for the orange and black this season. Thats more than any team in the league.
These freshman arent just getting their feet wet either. They are making solid contributions to the teams 8-4-2 start. Sean Couturier has registered five goals, eight points and a team high plus-9. Matt Read recorded four goals and seven points in just 11 games before an injury took him out of the lineup. Erik Gustafsson was plus-6 in the big win over Columbus on Saturday and continues to progress as a puck-moving defenseman. Zac Rinaldo has supplied energy, grit and has added three points as well.
Its exciting to know the Flyers have so many newcomers demonstrating potential but maybe even more importantly, doing their part already. It was only last year when the Flyers appeared to have a closing window for continuing to be a contender. Suddenly, the future looks bright even while the present is pretty darn good, too.
Terrific Talbot
He was one of the lesser heralded off-season acquisitions by Paul Holmgren, but it hasnt taken long for forward Max Talbot to make his mark as a Flyer. We notice him now because he has suddenly appeared on the score sheet with regularity, potting a goal in four of the last five games.
However, his more consistent influence on the club will be his constant effort every time he hits the ice, and his infectious enthusiasm off of the ice. He is truly one of those glue guys you hear about that are so essential to any team with championships aspirations. He was a subtle, but important pickup by the Flyers general manager.
Atlantic Division assessment
It is a scheduling oddity that the Flyers will face only one of their divisional brethren (the Devils twice) through the first 20 games of the season. Usually, by the first week of November, weve seen every team in the division at least once and have at least an idea of the landscape. Not this year.
But since the math indicates 22 of the final 62 games will be against teams from the Atlantic Division, its a good idea to look around and see how the rivals are doing. A quick scan indicates that the Atlantic might just be a very competitive division this season.
The Penguins, still without Sidney Crosby, and with Evgeni Malkin in and out of the lineup, have bolted to the top. Head coach Dan Bylsma is once again mixing and matching and making it all work.
The Rangers are surging even as they search for the right fit for their prized free agent acquisition Brad Richards.
The Devils seem to have several issues, but there they are 6-5-1, including a victory over the Flyers. If Martin Brodeur gets on a roll after his shoulder injury, they could go on a run.
And even the Islanders appear much improved as their young core begins to mature. Something tells me they will not be the usual easy mark on the schedule in 2011-12.
So get set for some hard-fought matches within the division this season. As many as four teams could emerge as playoff participants. This could be a lot of fun.
E-mail Jim Jackson at jjackson@comcastsportsnet.com.