Ladies and Gentleman the day is finally here! It’s opening night for your Philadelphia Flyers as they’ll face-off tonight (7pm-NBCSP) against the Bo Horvat lead, Vancouver Canucks.

If there was one word to describe each team’s 2020-2021 season, it’s disappointment. Fans of both the Flyers and Canucks were expecting much greater things last year and some of us even picked these teams to go to the Stanley Cup Finals…but I digress. We all know by now that last season wasn’t kind to the Philadelphia Flyers as they went on to finish with a lackluster record of 25-23-8 after a season in which Philadelphia exceeded expectations by advancing to the second round of the playoffs. The Flyers went on to finish last year 6th place in the MassMutual East division and 13 points out of a playoff spot.

The Canucks on the other hand, well, the Canucks finished even worse somehow, with a record of 23-29-4 and tallying just 50 points in a 56 game season. To say last year was a disappointment for Vancouver feels like somewhat of an understatement after their promising play in the playoffs the year prior.

Off-Season Moves

Vancouver added significant talent in Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Connor Garland, and a premier backup goaltender in Jaroslav Halak. General Manager, Jim Benning was also able to shed significant salary cap in the trade for OEL and Garland by shipping off Jay Beagle, Antoine Roussel, and Loui Erickson. Nate Schmidt, who was signed last offseason was also traded to the Winnipeg Jets, while Alexander Edler chose to sign with Los Angeles after 15 seasons in Vancouver.

By now we all know the Flyers have turned over quite a bit of their roster from last season, shipping out fan favorites in Jake Voracek, Shayne Gostisbehere, Nolan Patrick, and Phil Myers. General Manager, Chuck Fletcher said there would be change early in the offseason and he kept his word by bringing in not only skilled NHL players, but strong locker room leaders in Cam Atkinson, Ryan Ellis, Rasmus Ristolainen, Keith Yandle, Nate Thompson, and Derek Brassard. Expectations are mild in Philadelphia as fans are caught between wanting to believe in the Flyers again while also still feeling the burn of last season.

Rankings

Last year Vancouver finished 24th overall in the NHL and they are starting at #18 in our Power Rankings.

Philadelphia finished 19th overall in the NHL and are starting at #16 in our Power Rankings.

X-FACTORS

Bo Horvat (Vancouver)

Vancouver’s Captain, Bo Horvat plays a strong all-around game but you’ll especially want to stay out of the penalty-box against this guy as he’s racked up 36 goals and 58 points on the power play over the last four seasons.

JT Miller (Vancouver)

Since joining the Canucks prior to the 2019-20 season, Miller’s career has taken off as he’s racked up 118 points in 122 games. That’s a third of his career point total (355) in just two seasons! Miller is another player who is dangerous on the power play, but like Horvat, is also a threat 5 on 5.

Quinn Hughes (Vancouver)

Sure all eyes will be on new addition, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but teams cannot forget about Vancouver’s best and most dynamic defensemen in Quinn Hughes. Through two full seasons Hughes has compiled 94 points in just 124 games as a defenseman and only just turned 22 yesterday! It’ll be imperative for Philadelphia and team’s across the NHL to attempt to shut Hughes down.

Sean Couturier (Philadelphia)

After signing a massive, albeit team friendly extension before the season, Sean Couturier has one goal in mind and that’s to win a Stanley Cup in Philadelphia. It starts tonight against Vancouver. “Coots” will be needed to provide offense as well as defense to shut down top opposition players like Bo Horvat, JT Miller, and Elias Petterson.

Carter Hart (Philadelphia)

It’s no secret by now, Hart struggled immensely last season. Why? It could have been any number of things, all of which we’ve heard by now so let’s focus on this season. If Carter Hart can return to form, the Flyers will have an edge over their opponents most nights.

Cam Atkinson (Philadelphia)

A true X-Factor. Cam Atkinson can score at all times, whether it’s 5 on 5, the penalty kill, or the power play, Cam Atkinson is always a threat to score. When the Flyers need a big goal, they now have a player to rely on in Cam Atkinson.

Sanheim-Ristolainen Pairing (Philadelphia)

Since the acquisition of Rasmus Ristolainen, the questions about the Flyers second defensive pairing have been rampant. Will this pair come together and create another top defensive unit for the Flyers? At the moment I see this as a pairing that can win or lose a game for Philadelphia, that’s why they’re an X-Factor for tonight.

Injuries

Vancouver Canucks: Brock Boeser, Tyler Motte, Michael Ferland, Brandon Sutter, Brady Keeper, Guillaume Brisbois

Philadelphia Flyers: Kevin Hayes, Wade Allison, Tanner Laczynski, Sam Morin, Egor Zamula

Enjoy the game tonight and remember Flyers fans, it’s only the first of 82! LETS GO FLYERS!

Author: Jim Iacovone

Photographer Credit: Heather Barry (©)

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