PHILLY (AP) –
The Philadelphia are hanging in right now. To the playoffs that is, and by a palsy three points. Despite adding two superstars to satisfy what many identified as a major organizational weakness, the team has been unable to put itself in a position safe enough to declare itself confident in its playoff spot.
A long way out of the reach of the powerful Eastern Conference’s leaders, the Flyers continue to suffer from a total lack of top end scoring. Milan Hejduk and Mario Lemieux have failed to produce the major offensive jolt that the team expected their arrival would bring. Hehduk sits tied for third on the team in both points and goals.
“It’s really not acceptable, he should be way ahead in the goal scoring race of this team,” said GM Matt MacInnis.
The team’s defence is in clear need of bolstering as well. The unit has struggled lately despite getting more rest on a day to day basis since the arrival of Toni Lydman to the team. The Flyers now rotate seven defenceman and double-shift one of the team’s potent right wingers.
The trade block for the team is wide open. Offensively, Craig Conroy is openly being shopped around the league. On the blueline the team is actively searching for new homes for Marcus Ragnarsson and Jason York. In net the team is hoping to acquire a more veteran starter in exchange for young guy super-stud goaltender Andrew Raycroft, who continues to perform admirably.
For those looking towards the future, Mike Richards, one of the best young players in the world remains on the block, as do goaltenders Jeff Glass and Rejean Beauchemin.