In order to give an explanation as to why the Flyers have played so well, you need to think back to a time when your best equipment included your handy dandy chemistry and algebra textbooks. Yes, we’re going back to high school (minus the acne).
The reason for the Flyers’ success hit me when I was supposed to be working in study hall. (Oops!) You see, during the course of the school year, everything can get chaotic and disorganized. However, it all seems to fall into place when June approaches. Finals are the only thing standing in the way of a glorious summer break. Similarly, the Flyers’ roller coaster season will all but be forgotten if they ace their finals. Well enough of my hypothesis, I think I should back-track to my data.
Let me introduce you to the class of ’10…
The Nerd: Head Coach Peter Laviolette
Everyone knows that kid who always seems to have the right answers, even on the toughest of tests. Time after time, Laviolette has worked his magic and propelled his boys to where they are now. Not only did he come in during the middle of the season, but he also has shaped them into a dangerous opponent. He’s the kind of guy you’d want to cheat off when it comes to a test -- a hockey test that is.
The Bully: Dan Carcillo
There’s always been that one punk whose gift is not his brains, but his brawn. Carcillo may have limited playing time at this point in the Chicago series, but there is no doubt he put a charge into the Flyers’ lineup starting in Game 2 of the Final. His toothless smile is enough to scare anyone on the ice, including Jeff Carter (that accidental hit must have left a nice bruise). Carcillo is the bad boy on this surging team.
The Freshmen: James Van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux
Stealing from ESPN’S Dick Vitale, the Flyers have some awfully talented “diaper dandies”. These two guys offer a glimpse into the future of what Flyers hockey. The great news is, they’re making a valuable impact right now. JVR’s rally-starting goal in Game 7 against the Bruins is a major reason why the orange and black are playing right now. Meanwhile, Giroux came up clutch with a smooth re-direction to light the lamp in OT of Game 3 against the Blackhawks. Both guys are playing way beyond their years.
The Seniors: Chris Pronger and Ian Laperriere
Ah yes, time to talk about the seasoned veterans who have just about seen it all. First, Pronger has pr oved to be the best off-season addition in the NHL. His intelligence on the ice has not only frustrated the Blackhawks, but also shut down one of their most potent weapons, Dustin Byfuglien, for 4 of 5 games in the Final. Next, Lappy will be loved forever in Philly for his sheer courage in the series against the Devils. Talk about giving up the body! Laperriere took a puck right in the face and managed to come back only a few weeks later. A brain contusion and dozens of stitches didn’t stop him from leaving his team. Lappy’s got guts.
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The New Kid: Michael Leighton
Now it’s time for that one student who no one really knows until he makes his grand entrance. It’s hard to believe that at the beginning of the season, the Flyers’ net-minder was Ray Emery and Leighton was a backup in Carolina. Michael quietly came onto the scene when he was claimed off waivers midway through the year. Since the Winter Classic, he has done just about everything the Flyers could have hoped for. He's had solid games in 3 of 5 Finals contests against the Hawks. That new kid is not so bad, after all.
The Jocks: Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, and Simon Gagne
The people who get the most attention should earn it. The three stars on the Flyers have driven them to a place few thought possible. Jeff Carter has continuously played with a broken foot and scored a couple goals in the process. The captain, Richards, may have best displayed his desire to win when he flew into the Canadiens goalie, Jaroslav Halak. His leadership has been tremendous during these playoffs, and Richards has earned his "C" patch. Longtime Flyer Gagne keeps scoring in the biggest of moments. Twice against the Bruins he scored in the clutch, and has also done so against Chicago.
Well, I’d say this wild collection of players has worked quite nicely together. They all have different styles of playing which complement each other. However, there is one thing they’re all after:
The Dreamboat: Lord Stanley’s Cup
All the guys in school want that hot, sexy girl that seems to be way out of their league. Only two wins separate them from a chance to be with her.
They are now so very close to making that high school sweetheart into a "trophy wife."
