The Philadelphia Flyers are exceeding expectations, sitting third in the Metropolitan and have hit the 40-point threshold going into the Christmas break.
It is Christmas Eve, the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers are sitting third in the Metropolitan with an 18-11-4 record and 40 points, pacing for a 107-point season.
Things are going right for the orange and black, a complete turnaround from previous years. This time last year, the Flyers had an 11-15-7 record at the bottom of the standings. Currently sitting in a playoff spot, expectations are forced to be tempered. Due to their track record, but 84.6% of teams sitting in a playoff spot by the 24th of December have clinched postseason berths.
This doesn't feel like the same Flyers team anymore, in a good way. Since they hired Danny Briere as full-time general manager. Things have looked up. Along with John Tortorella and Keith Jones, they all cooked up a big turkey dinner just in time for the holidays.
The 2023-24 Flyers now hold the franchises longest road streak, allowing three or fewer goals at 13 games. That record was snapped after a 7-6 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, December 22. The previous record held by the 1974 Philadelphia Flyers set at 12 games.
Vibes are high in the locker room after subtracting the naughty elves - Kevin Hayes, Tony DeAngelo, and Ivan Provorov. It is fun to wear the burnt orange again. Tortorella speaks highly of where the Flyers locker room is at. Morale could not be higher. “There is nothing but total honesty going on. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes bad, but it’s important.”
By virtue of Flyers' management, not to take anything away from them. However, Sean Couturier back into the lineup has been a momentum shift. Improving things on and off the ice. Although it may not look like it, Sean Couturier is producing like his old young Selke self again. He's a vital piece to this Flyers core.
Tortorella says Sean Couturier brings a steadiness to the group. He helps to manage the team. Someone to lean on who truly understands the game, “Great pro, understands the ups and flows of the game.” Tortorella also added that Couturier is a different voice in the locker room, rather than a coach all the time.
Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink are two rookies who have taken to Tortorella's coaching style. Foerster is playing in his first full season in the NHL, with five goals and 13 points in 32 games. Going on a real hot streak from November 28th to December 9th (four goals, three assists, and seven points across six games).
Bobby Orr Brink, in fewer games, is producing similar numbers to his rookie counterpart. 10 assists and 16 points in 28 games. Currently riding a two-game point streak with two points in that span. Brink has gotten the short stick with John Tortorella compared to Foerster, but both have blossomed under a new regime.
Tortorella is an early Jack Adam candidate. He has been granted the honour twice in his incredible coaching career. Besides Briere, both have saved this sinking ship and have built an above .500 team. He can improve teams in all aspects. Working with the younger guys was a concern for the Flyers faithful, but he has proven to be a role model and great coach for the below 26-year-olds. He is seen as a voice in the locker room.
Turning this club around tremendously in such a short time. He truly gets the best out of players. Despite his tough love style, with fans down his throat about his coaching style, people were not entirely pleased with the hiring at first. Tortorella has not just helped the young core, revamping the careers of Rasmus Ristolainen, Nick Seeler, Sean Walker, and Owen Tippett, among others. Not to mention improving Travis Konecny and Tavis Sanheim.
Under Tortorella's guidance, Samuel Ersson and Cam York have taken stride this season as well. Whatever he is putting down, the Flyers are picking it up. The Tortorella system is in full swing, with top players producing and playing balls to the wall hockey.
Related: Former Flyers Forward Makes Career Pivot
Related: Flyers Are Red Hot in December
Related: Former Kings Goalie Will Join Flyers
Related: Flyers Fans Should Thank Oilers & Flames