If there is one label every club aspires to, it's 'playoff team.'
In a recent debate over who might emerge from the East, it was suggested by one THN staffer that the Philadelphia Flyers have the genetic make up of a squad destined for post-season success.
The Flyers, surprisingly, advanced to the final four last year and certainly have their share of players who represent the combination of skill and grit it takes to win in the spring.
Mike Richards is a two-way force; Jeff Carter isn't overly physical, but he's got the big body to absorb abuse and Scott Hartnell loves getting his nose dirty as much as scoring goals.
Throw in the sheer skill of Simon Gagne and the fact Martin Biron proved himself a playoff-worthy goalie last year and it's easy to see why Philly will have something to say about how the East shakes down.
The Hockey News ranks the teams 1-30 each Monday based on a combination of last week’s play and a squad’s overall outlook.
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