The Second Coming wasn’t supposed to be like this. On his return to Philadelphia, the Flyers seemed set to dominate the league. Prior to the NHL returning from the 2004-2005 season, Bob Clarke assembled what had appeared to be a sure Cup contender. Former 30-plus goal scorer Mike Knuble was added along with versatile forward Turner Stevenson. The signing of massive and proven defensemen Mike Rathje and Derian Hatcher was announced on the same day in early August ’05. We seemed set for a title run. But, after a somewhat inspired early season, the level of play dropped off dramatically through March and April, prior to the team being absolutely embarrassed by the Buffalo Sabres in a first round playoff loss. Knuble proved to be the only one of those big ’05 additions that has had a lasting impact. Rathje and Hatcher are too slow to be effective in the speedier NHL of today, and Stevenson was lost last season after continuous hip problems (Rathje is currently out indefinitely with Piriformis Syndrome, which is described as condition that causes backside pain). Besides having slow footed defensemen, the Flyers have sorely missed Stevenson as his two way play was invaluable on the penalty kill and in close game situations. Additionally he demonstrated the tireless work effort that this team currently lacks.

This season started in such horrible fashion that coach Hitchcock was fired and GM Bob Clarke was forced to resign. The Flyers have since set new all time records for winless streaks. Currently the Flyers are a league worst 12-32-5 with 49 points(the second worst team, Los Angeles, has 40 pts). With their win against Atlanta on Sunday, they avoided going 10 games without a win.

An ultimatum was announced for a meeting between current GM Mike Holmgren and Forsberg on Monday: it would be determined whether or not he wanted a trade or if he thought he could play through his lingering foot injury. Speculation has been swirling around the team for some time about a trade, helped by the team’s current record and Forsberg’s diminished play. Surely at this point, we can only look to the future, so why not obtain several drafts picks or one or two young players from one of several contenders that are interested in Forsberg’s services?

But the frustration of late has fully set in. Though a very physical player, stupid penalties are not something usually associated with the Flyers’ captain. That is, up until this season. Constantly struggling to find a proper skate to hold his surgically repaired right foot in place, he has had to deal with both the team’s diminished play, and his own. Bottom of the league is something wholly new to the former rookie of the year, two-time Stanley Cup champion, and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Forsberg had to have his spleen removed after helping the Colorado Avalanche beat the Kings in the Second round of the 2001 playoffs during their Stanley Cup winning run. He sat out the remainder of the playoffs as well as the entirety of the ensuing season. In demonstrating his talent and competitive spirit, he tallied 27 points in the ’02 playoffs before Colorado lost to eventual Cup winners Detroit in the Western Conference Finals. But, as telling, if not more, is a story from his youth. Sitting at the dinner table crestfallen as a young boy, his father asked him why he was so upset. He responded by saying that his team had lost 9-8. When asked how he had played, a still distraught Forsberg responded by saying that he had scored 8 goals.

It’s not surprising that Forsberg would want to stay with the Flyers. No one feels the weight of that ‘C’ upon his chest more than him. Instead of focusing on any possible trade scenarios, Monday’s talk focused on the fact that he wished to try and play through his current ailment. Granted, things could change, but given the star center’s character I really doubt that he’s going anywhere. Given all the accolades that he had accumulated during his career, leaving Philly to go to a contender would only leave a black mark on an untarnished career. Why try to win a Cup elsewhere when it would be of a lesser value to someone so competitive? Up for free agency on July 1st, I wouldn’t be surprised if he resigns here if a trade does not happen. Even with a no-trade clause in his contract, it will also be commendable of GM Holmgren if he continues to support his star forward in his decision if he decides to stay. The Flyers are bound to receive a very low pick in the draft even if their play improves down the stretch. Given his past and the fact that he is capable of still playing at the highest level—if his foot situation can be taken care of, and that is a very big if—keeping him through next season is a gamble worth taking. Of course, the remainder of this season, particularly the games leading up to the Feb. 27th trade deadline, will determine what happens next.

Tampa Bay at Philadelphia
7PM tonight
The Wachovia Center

Photo by Flickr user steffe