Five players, IMO, that must stay healthy for the Flyers to succeed:

Claude Giroux
Obvious, no explanation necessary.

Steve Mason
I have confidence that Emery can fill in for the short term, but if Mason is lost for any length of time, they are in serious trouble

Braydon Coburn
The big guy is their #1 shutdown dman and will be expected to play major mns on the pk. There is no one on the roster that can do what Coburn does.

Sean Couturier
The Pk would greatly suffer without Coots and no other Flyers center can fill his shutdown role

Wayne Simmonds
Simmer is crucial to the success of the pp and he brings a physical element that no one else in the top 9 can replace

Five players, IMO, that must stay healthy for the Flyers to succeed:

Claude Giroux
Obvious, no explanation necessary.

Steve Mason
I have confidence that Emery can fill in for the short term, but if Mason is lost for any length of time, they are in serious trouble

Braydon Coburn
The big guy is their #1 shutdown dman and will be expected to play major mns on the pk. There is no one on the roster that can do what Coburn does.

Sean Couturier
The Pk would greatly suffer without Coots and no other Flyers center can fill his shutdown role

Wayne Simmonds
Simmer is crucial to the success of the pp and he brings a physical element that no one else in the top 9 can replace
- BiggE

It's hard to disagree with this. This is why any one of these guys could end up our new Assistant Captains.

If both of those guys were out for any extended period of time, we're in lottery territory.
- johndewar

Your entire season is in Kreider's hands.

Well Emery only lost one start his last season with the Chicago Black Hawks before returning to Philadelphia. Obviously that was with clearly one of the best, if not the best team in the game today but we know Emery could hold his own. Of course it depends on the schedule. Every team deals with a heavy load that might require four games in seven nights, which includes uncomfortable level on back to back nights. I want to see Mason consistently take on the tougher teams which includes both starts against the Hawks, starting in Columbus against his old team (which he didn't start either) and when heading to Florida, he's gotta take on the stronger southern team in Tampa and not Florida. There is no question that Emery is going to have to face tough competition himself but even if it means going west and facing the Hawks Thursday and facing the Kings Friday night, our Coach needs to decide who is the tougher team (probably based on record) and hand that assignment to Mason. This might be unfair of me to point out I admit but at times I feel like he's been pampered.
- SuperSchennBros

Emery lost one start for a team that went on a 24 game winning streak and won the Stanley Cup. He didn't exactly carry that team. He played solidly as a back up on a great team. He didn't carry the load for extended periods and saw less games than Crawford.

The Flyers are not the 2013 Blackhawks. If Mason were to get hurt or play poorly, there is no indication that Emery could step in and play 55-60 games at a high level. Since his injury in 2009-10, his highest season total of games played was 34 in 2011-12, where he played 34 for the Blackhawks, and he posted pedestrian numbers (.900 Save %, 2.81 GAA).

To me, that's not a guy who has proven he can carry the load for a long stretch at a high level. Emery played well in spot starts at the end of the season, and overall, I think his play was better than his numbers indicated for the season. I just have doubts that he can step in and play at a high level for an extended period if Mason plays poorly or gets hurt.

No argument that Mason got a couple of tough starts off late in the season last season. That has nothing to do with Emery's ability to carry the load over an extended period.

If both of those guys were out for any extended period of time, we're in lottery territory.
- johndewar

See, I have a hard time agreeing with this. During Emery's first stint, he got hurt. Brian Boucher did his job until we found a guy in Michael Leighton to split time with and eventually became the clear cut starter and did well for himself once getting into a groove. Of course it will depend on the timing during the regular season but if Mason were to get hurt in December, his position would get addressed and the Flyers might be perfectly fine. With Giroux it's totally different. You can't just go out and replace Claude Giroux.

Emery lost one start for a team that went on a 24 game winning streak and won the Stanley Cup. He didn't exactly carry that team. He played solidly as a back up on a great team. He didn't carry the load for extended periods and saw less games than Crawford.

The Flyers are not the 2013 Blackhawks. If Mason were to get hurt or play poorly, there is no indication that Emery could step in and play 55-60 games at a high level. Since his injury in 2009-10, his highest season total of games played was 34 in 2011-12, where he played 34 for the Blackhawks, and he posted pedestrian numbers (.900 Save %, 2.81 GAA).

To me, that's not a guy who has proven he can carry the load for a long stretch at a high level. Emery played well in spot starts at the end of the season, and overall, I think his play was better than his numbers indicated for the season. I just have doubts that he can step in and play at a high level for an extended period if Mason plays poorly or gets hurt.

No argument that Mason got a couple of tough starts off late in the season last season. That has nothing to do with Emery's ability to carry the load over an extended period.
- Jsaquella

Well it sounds to me like both our starter and our back up have something to prove. I'll say again and keep saying it, Mason's importance to me isn't nearly as important as Giroux's importance.

Emery lost one start for a team that went on a 24 game winning streak and won the Stanley Cup. He didn't exactly carry that team. He played solidly as a back up on a great team. He didn't carry the load for extended periods and saw less games than Crawford.

The Flyers are not the 2013 Blackhawks. If Mason were to get hurt or play poorly, there is no indication that Emery could step in and play 55-60 games at a high level. Since his injury in 2009-10, his highest season total of games played was 34 in 2011-12, where he played 34 for the Blackhawks, and he posted pedestrian numbers (.900 Save %, 2.81 GAA).

To me, that's not a guy who has proven he can carry the load for a long stretch at a high level. Emery played well in spot starts at the end of the season, and overall, I think his play was better than his numbers indicated for the season. I just have doubts that he can step in and play at a high level for an extended period if Mason plays poorly or gets hurt.

No argument that Mason got a couple of tough starts off late in the season last season. That has nothing to do with Emery's ability to carry the load over an extended period.
- Jsaquella

There is also no indication that Emery could not come in and carry the load. In fact a key point that you've either overlooked, or omitted, is how Emery stepped in to a high pressure situation in the playoffs, and played admirably and gave the team a chance to win. Which is all you can ask for from a backup. I would agree that there are questions of durability, with his previous injury history. So whoever they would add to backup Emery might play a little more, then the backup would play normally. But Emery is capable, and has shown he is capable.

Emery lost one start for a team that went on a 24 game winning streak and won the Stanley Cup. He didn't exactly carry that team. He played solidly as a back up on a great team. He didn't carry the load for extended periods and saw less games than Crawford.

The Flyers are not the 2013 Blackhawks. If Mason were to get hurt or play poorly, there is no indication that Emery could step in and play 55-60 games at a high level. Since his injury in 2009-10, his highest season total of games played was 34 in 2011-12, where he played 34 for the Blackhawks, and he posted pedestrian numbers (.900 Save %, 2.81 GAA).

To me, that's not a guy who has proven he can carry the load for a long stretch at a high level. Emery played well in spot starts at the end of the season, and overall, I think his play was better than his numbers indicated for the season. I just have doubts that he can step in and play at a high level for an extended period if Mason plays poorly or gets hurt.

No argument that Mason got a couple of tough starts off late in the season last season. That has nothing to do with Emery's ability to carry the load over an extended period.
- Jsaquella

Emery's physical limitations being what they are, I don't think he will ever be a guy who can carry a team for a long stretch of time. When I see him play, I see a guy who has lost a lot of mobility. I wish it were otherwise, because he's a warrior. But (to use the cliche I hate the most), it is what it is.

See, I have a hard time agreeing with this. During Emery's first stint, he got hurt. Brian Boucher did his job until we found a guy in Michael Leighton to split time with and eventually became the clear cut starter and did well for himself once getting into a groove. Of course it will depend on the timing during the regular season but if Mason were to get hurt in December, his position would get addressed and the Flyers might be perfectly fine. With Giroux it's totally different. You can't just go out and replace Claude Giroux.
- SuperSchennBros

On a team with Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timonen and a lot of very good two way forwards. Leighton played solidly for the Flyers, but let's not pretend that the 2010 team was as challenged defensively as the current team.

It's possible that could happen, but that 2010 team caught a lot of lightning in a bottle.

Bill, I just wanted to say thanks for keeping me looking forward to your daily Flyers blog - especially through the slow summer months. You always impress me with the variety and quality of content you are able to provide your loyal readers.
- mrspeeed

Appreciate it. Thank you!

Emery's physical limitations being what they are, I don't think he will ever be a guy who can carry a team for a long stretch of time. When I see him play, I see a guy who has lost a lot of mobility. I wish it were otherwise, because he's a warrior. But (to use the cliche I hate the most), it is what it is.
- Doc_Sarcasm

That's exactly my point. I'm not saying he can't do it, but we've seen no proof he can. When he's been used as a back-up, he's done a good job. But he's never had to be the starter for an extended period since the injury.

That's exactly my point. I'm not saying he can't do it, but we've seen no proof he can. When he's been used as a back-up, he's done a good job. But he's never had to be the starter for an extended period since the injury.
- Jsaquella

That's a two way street. Also haven't seen proof that he can't do it. Would just have to wait and see what happens if it's neccessary.

On a team with Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timonen and a lot of very good two way forwards. Leighton played solidly for the Flyers, but let's not pretend that the 2010 team was as challenged defensively as the current team.

It's possible that could happen, but that 2010 team caught a lot of lightning in a bottle.
- Jsaquella

I'm not comparing this team to 2010's team. I'm pointing out the issues a team like the Minnesota Wild had last season with goaltending issues and injuries.

Five players, IMO, that must stay healthy for the Flyers to succeed:

Claude Giroux
Obvious, no explanation necessary.

Steve Mason
I have confidence that Emery can fill in for the short term, but if Mason is lost for any length of time, they are in serious trouble

Braydon Coburn
The big guy is their #1 shutdown dman and will be expected to play major mns on the pk. There is no one on the roster that can do what Coburn does.

Sean Couturier
The Pk would greatly suffer without Coots and no other Flyers center can fill his shutdown role

Wayne Simmonds
Simmer is crucial to the success of the pp and he brings a physical element that no one else in the top 9 can replace
- BiggE

Pretty cut and dried. Agreed on all points. Especially number two.

I'm not comparing this team to 2010's team. I'm pointing out the issues a team like the Minnesota Wild had last season with goaltending issues and injuries.
- SuperSchennBros

Minnesota is another team that is better defensively than the Flyers, and don't rely as much on their goalie as the Flyers did last season.

That's not a knock on Harding, because he was excellent, but the Wild have a very solid two way team.

Minnesota is another team that is better defensively than the Flyers, and don't rely as much on their goalie as the Flyers did last season.
- Jsaquella

So why can't the Flyers be better defensively this year if this is one of the areas Berube is trying to improve his team on?

Minnesota is another team that is better defensively than the Flyers, and don't rely as much on their goalie as the Flyers did last season.

That's not a knock on Harding, because he was excellent, but the Wild have a very solid two way team.
- Jsaquella

Is Harding going to be able to play again?

So why can't the Flyers be better defensively this year if this is what of the areas Berube is trying to improve his team on?
- SuperSchennBros

Perhaps they can be. Until they actually do it, I'll have doubts. Not saying they can't do it, but they haven't shown it yet.

You seem to feel that a team that has struggled with two way play can flip a switch and be better because the coach said he wants it to improve, yet say an individual like Mason has to show it for an extended period. Seems a bit unrealistic.

Is Harding going to be able to play again?
- Doc_Sarcasm

The Wild say that he and Backstrom will be ready to go for camp.

So why can't the Flyers be better defensively this year if this is one of the areas Berube is trying to improve his team on?
- SuperSchennBros

They certainly can improve defensively and I think they will. However, due to mobility/durability issues, if Mason was lost for the season, and Emery forced to start 50+ games, I'd be willing to bet that they would end up in the lottery.

The Wild say that he and Backstrom will be ready to go for camp.
- Jsaquella

He's another guy, like Emery for whom I wish nothing but the best. Class guy, total warrior.

They certainly can improve defensively and I think they will. However, due to mobility/durability issues, if Mason was lost for the season, and Emery forced to start 50+ games, I'd be willing to bet that they would end up in the lottery.
- BiggE

That is my concern. I just don't know how the hip would hold up under the stress of being the primary starter.

Also, there's really no proven depth after Emery. Rob Zepp played years in Germany, but he's only played a handful of games at the AHL level in North America. Stolarz has yet to make his pro debut.

I'm not sold he can do it, and I'm not saying he can't. I'm just saying he hasn't done it since the injury

hockey

He's another guy, like Emery for whom I wish nothing but the best. Class guy, total warrior.
- Doc_Sarcasm

Both of them. Harding's is the more extreme case, but Backstrom has battled back from many injuries and always been a guy who worked hard.

hockey
- BulliesPhan87

hockey NOW!