The 2011-2012 season for the Philadelphia Flyers looked full of promise when the season began, but as they moved forward, issues of goal tending and injures became more apparent and it is a wonder how this team is staying afloat in the eastern conference.
The Flyers made a barrage of moves this year, which included moving captain Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, and adding pivotal pieces Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, Jacob Voracek, Jaromir Jagr, Sean Couturier, Max Talbot and Ilya Bryzgalov. Most critics thought that team chemistry would be one of the major problems going into the season, but the Flyers seemed to fare well through that and staked their claim as one of the top teams in the league.
Then injuries seemed to plague the Flyers as players were getting injured almost every game. The biggest injury to the Flyers was Captain Chris Pronger. He went out with a mysterious injury that now has been declared a concussion, which prematurely canceled his season and has threatened the rest of his career. The Flyers defense has not adjusted since Chris Pronger has been out, which has led to problems in net for the Flyers. The Flyers have always had goaltending issues, and even though the organization spent a large amount of money this year on Bryzgalov, he still has not become a consistent No. 1 starter. He is allowing too many goals, which infuriates not only certain teammates but the fan base as well. The Flyers are 1-5 in the shootout, and those points are separating them from being one of the top teams in the east
Even though there are many problems with the Flyers, they are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, which is not that bad. However, when there are teams like Pittsburgh right behind them, the Flyers need to do something to progress forward and assert themselves as a threat instead of team that looks like it is in free-fall mode.
In regards to the future of the Flyers, this teams needs an offensive-minded defenseman. Ryan Suter or Luke Schenn would be great additions to the team because they not only add offensive prowess, but also have great awareness on defense, which would eliminate pressure from Bryzgolav tremendously. The Flyers will be looking to add a player on the defense but it would not be surprising to find out they make an offensive move too. If the Flyers make a move on the defense they will be significantly better for the rest of the season and probably make a deep run in the playoffs.