The Carolina Hurricanes upset the Boston Bruins, the top team in the Eastern Conference, with a seventh game victory Thursday night. One of the key factors was the Hurricanes' ability to control the Bruins defensively. Two names in particular that looked good: Dennis Seidenberg and Joni Pitkanen...both ex-Flyers.
Have a look at how some of our old friends are doing.
- He was a 6th round (172-overall) draft pick for the Flyers in 2001. In January of 2006, he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for Petr Nedved. Nedved was claimed off waivers by the Edmonton Oilers in January 2007.
- So far in the playoffs, he has recorded 5-points, registered 41-hits (5th in playoffs), along with 27-blocked shots (also 5th in playoffs).
- He was a 1st round pick (4th overall) for the Flyers in 2002. In July 2007, he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers (along with Geoff Sanderson and a 3rd round pick in the 2009 draft) for Jason Smith and Joffrey Lupul.
- Smith now plays for Ottawa, and Lupul remains with the Flyers. Lupul has been productive for the Flyers, but struggled in the playoffs this year, registering just 2-points.
- Pitkanen has 7-points (13th best for defenseman) along with a plus/minus of plus-4. His 26:30 time-on-ice average is 2nd best in the playoffs.
Ruslan Fedotenko: He has been gone a while, but lets take a look anyway.
- He was undrafted, signing with the Flyers in 1999. He was traded to Tampa Bay in 2002, along with two 2nd round draft picks, for Tampa's 1st round draft pick. That pick would turn out to be Joni Pitkanen...ironically.
- Fedotenko has 8-points so far in the playoffs, along with a plus/minus of plus-4.
Obviously changes are made every year, and there is always going to be that "What If" question. Watching Pitkanen and Seidenber handle the Bruins' offense, it makes me ask "What If!" The Flyers clearly don't have a problem scoring, and despite inconsistent goaltending at times, they have been fairly solid at that position.
Defense has been the real issue for the Flyers. They often fail to stop the opposition, while struggling to clear the puck out of the zone. Imagine Pitkanen and Seidenberg skating the puck out of the zone (something they do very well), or Seidenberg blocking a shot that may have turned out to be a critical goal. Maybe Pitkanen's keen sense of joining the offense would have resulted in a much needed goal for the Flyers.
Imagine if you will, but just remember - if you tune in to the Eastern Conference Finals, watch how those two play. You just may be looking at a possible solution to the Flyers troubles!
Original Story:
http://myteamrivals.typepad.com/flyer...
