NHL Power Rankings and Predictions

The Philadelphia Flyers surprised a lot of people by making the playoffs in 2015-16. Not only that, they gave the Washington Capitals a good run for their money before losing to them in six games. Was last season a fluke? It most likely was not as the Flyers have a talented roster that should improve in 2016-17.

Jakub Voracek had a nightmare season in 2015-16. It’s hard to imagine him not improving his numbers (55 points in 73 games). But even if he doesn’t, those are still pretty good numbers to have. His 5.2 shooting percentage last season is significantly lower than his career average of 9.7 percent. Combine that with Claude Giroux, Brayden Schenn, and Wayne Simmonds and the Flyers quietly have a pretty strong first and second line.

They will be getting a full season of Shayne Gostisbehere. While he likely won’t have an 11.2 percent shooting percentage again, he should be a very valuable asset. What’s scary is that Ivan Provorov (first round pick of the 2015 NHL Draft) could be even better than Gostisbehere. He has a solid chance of making the roster.

The Flyers also have two quality goaltenders in Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth. Both are free agents after next season, so this season will serve as an audition for them. Expect them to be very motivated to perform well.