Okay, so we're halfway done.
Flyers after 41 games in 2008 are 22-10-9 for 53 points. Compared to 22-15-4 for 48 points at the same point last year. So I figured we could do a player by player report card, I'll start.
Jeff Carter, 27 G, 17 A, +9:
A - Been outstanding all season, we always knew he had it in him, but is shining and completely earned his All-Star berth.
Mike Richards, 15 G, 28 A, +16:
A - Can't think of much he could do better. Consummate leader, outstanding special teams player, outstanding ES player, proud to have him as captain.
Simon Gagne, 18 G, 22 A, +18:
A - Done a fantastic job bouncing back, hit a cold patch over recent weeks, but still on pace for a 35 goal season and is always excellent in his own end.
Scott Hartnell, 16 G, 14 A, +5:
B+ - Still takes his share of stupid penalties, but has really raised his play and proved many doubters wrong (including me
). Indispensable part of our future.
Mike Knuble, 15 G, 11 A, +3:
B - It's never pretty with Mike and he's obviously in decline, but he continues to tally goals, particularly on the PP. I am personally a bit scared to see our PP without him. Also don't underestimate his presence as one of the few veterans left on the team.
Kimmo Timonen, 3 G, 34 A, +5:
A - Where to begin? Surely the MVP of our team. Has taken his play to another level this season at both ends of the ice. While the emergences of Carter and Richie are publicized, the single most important element in the Flyers' return to contender-status has been the signing of Kimmo Timonen.
Joffrey Lupul, 13 G, 12 A, -4:
C+ - I like the guy and he has the tools, but work ethic has certainly been a problem at times. Also injury prone and has been streaky. Despite this weaknesses, he's a strong contributor when used in a top-6 role.
Braydon Coburn, 5 G, 12 A, +2:
B - Has undoubtedly regressed somewhat. Not much confidence in his own zone and overthinks way too much. That being said, still plays solid minutes and he's still only 23. Also some offensive potential, should be a 40 point guy.
Scottie Upshall, 6 G, 9 A, +2:
B - Maybe not the 50 point guy some of us thought we might have when we acquired him, but is an excellent 3rd liner. He's quick, he's a pest, and he'll put up some points. Needs to work a little more on the double Ds: Discipline and Defense.
Glen Metropolit, 1 G, 9 A, -1:
B - Not very noticeable, but he has played with numerous AHLers, defensemen, and disgruntled top-6 forwards and always does a solid job. Shifty little guy who should probably have more than 10 points. Been a very nice signing and has stepped up nicely in Briere's absence.
Daniel Briere, 5 G, 4 A, -3:
INC - Not much of an impact due to injury, same concerns remain from last year. Future role remains uncertain.
Ossi Vaananen, 1 G, 8 A, +4:
A - Probably the signing of the season for us and one of the steals of the UFA market. Has been solid as a rock and has even put up a few points. Probably directly saved about 5 goals for us in the past 3 games. Hope that he and Parent talk a lot.
Matt Carle, 2 G, 7 A, +6:
B+ - One of my personal favorites, his arrival has undoubtedly helped this team jumpstart itself. Still displays some worrying tendencies such as inopportune d-zone turnovers and occasional ill-advised pinches, but has been very good overall, particularly with an inconsistent partner.
Andrew Alberts, 0 G, 9 A, +6:
B - Pretty solid acquisition, nothing too special, but has logged nice bottom pairing minutes.
Luca Sbisa, 0 G, 9 A, -5:
INC - I am giving Luca a pass here because he's been put in an awful situation that isn't his fault. He should absolutely be back in junior, not sure what Holmgren is doing.
Arron Asham, 3 G, 3 A, E;
B - Does what he's paid to do. Decent 4th liner who can step up to play 3rd line if needed.
Martin Biron, 14-7-5, 2.86, .904:
C+ - Has been up and down without a doubt, but seems to have turned a corner recently. Still plays behind a leaky defense that gives up too many chances.
Antero Niittymaki, 8-3-4, 2.62, .913
B+ - I'd never trust him as a starter, but he's done a more than adequate job as the backup.
Okay, that's all I'm doing, someone else can do the rest of the roster if they want. Curious to see what you guys think. I gave everyone a fairly high grade, but then again, no one has really underachieved.
I think everyone has done a great job this year considering the injuries, the new faces, and some inconsistent Flyers goaltending.
So great job team, let's keep it up!