Today's blog is a one on one with Dustin Leed As I continue explore the teams of the NHL.
Does Peter Laviolette deserve Coach of the Year?
One would venture to say that Peter Laviolette deserves coach of the year honors, but because of how talented the Flyers roster is - it's unlikely a coach like Laviolette gets honored with that award. One thing Laviolette does better than the average coach is that he expects excellence - and that's a big reason why the Flyers have been so successful - he deserves a lot of the credit.
The main reason I like Laviolett is because of what he has done to the team. He has turned the team around and given them direction. The players have bought into what he has to offer. He has given the team a reason to believe. It takes a great coach to turn the team around.
Who is the MVP on the Flyers?
They are a ton of options as to who the Flyers' MVP is this season. Claude Giroux, Danny Briere, Mike Richards, Jeff Carter... there are lots of options. But I will go with Danny Briere. He has continued his 2010 postseason year into the regular season and he leads the Flyers in goals. He has 43 points and is a plus 16 and has been the centerpiece on the Flyers' most dangerous line this year - centering Ville Leino and Scott Hartnell. Five of his 25 goals have been game winners.
I remember when Philly signed Danny Briere, and how upset everyone in Quebec was. Well, the Flyers are getting their money's worth. I really like his skating and how good he is with the puck. He is a very skilled offensive forward, who does everything right. A very good pick, Dustin.
Are the Flyers the real thing this season?
I think this the closest the Flyers have been to the 'real thing' in some time. They are a much improved bunch from the team that finished two games from the Stanley Cup last season - hands down. Their defense is talented and deep, they have six guys who can log 20+ minutes, they have one of the deepest groups of forwards in the League, and their goaltending has been very good. They have eight players with 10+ goals and four players with 40+ points. If the goaltending can stay on point through the end of the regular season, the Flyers are the absolute favorites in the East - and maybe in the NHL.
The main reason I love this team is because they simply don't have any weaknesses. They have one of the best top 6 forward combinations in the League. The defence, led by Pronger, is one of the best in the League. Their young goaltender is fantastic and has come out of nowhere. I agree they are the real thing.
What are the keys for the Flyers' success?
The Flyers must keep working. They have the tendency to go invisible at times, and not put together full 60 minutes of hockey. The key is to continue playing with passion and come out with a relentless forecheck. They must limit the opposing teams shots and chances (like they have been doing) and stay the course.
The only way this team can go wrong is beating themselves. The best formula for winning is hard work, no matter how good you are. If Philly puts in 100%, they are a powerful team.
Hey how can we find follow you and keep in touch with ya?
You can follow me on Twitter @D_LEED for all of my updates and read my writing at www.thefourthperiod.com and at www.thehockeyguys.net.
Dustin is a great guy. I am lucky to be able to get some of his time. I would highly recommend you follow him
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