Flyers Feeling Rich

by Jon Brouse

After one month and three suspensions, the Flyers sit atop the Atlantic division for the first time since the ‘05-‘06 campaign. With production coming from the top three lines and a hot goalie, the team is showing a winning finish that was clearly lacking last year.

Jeff Carter has stepped up his game and is developing into a quality second-line center. Joffrey Lupul is looking more like the budding star from the Ducks rather than the sputter and shutter Oiler of last year.

But alas, the big offensive story isn’t the 8 year, $52 million prize free agent Danny Briere, but the red hot Mike Richards.

Richards, known primarily as a defensive checking forward, has seen an offensive explosion this year and is already a few goals away from his career high. Richards has been deadly on the right point of the potent Flyers power play after taking the place of an injured Scottie Upshall.

This kid can do it all: power play, win face-offs, score clutch goals and kill penalties. During a 5-on-3 penalty kill, Richards flew past the lumbering 6’9” Boston captain Zdeno Chara to score his second shorthanded goal of the season. The kid has the scoring touch, but he isn’t afraid to drop the gloves and get his hands dirty, either.

The Flyers tend to be a little flat in the first period this season, but Richards has been a spark plug. Within the first minute against the Rangers, Richards grabbed the ever-abrasive Sean Avery to get the team fired up. Richards spanked Brooks Laich late in the first period during the previous game against the Capitals. He got stitched up, served his 5 minute fighting major and came back in the second to score.

When the Flyers drafted Richards, he was compared to the tenacious Bobby Clark. If this season is any indication, look for Richards to eventually take the captaincy and lead the Flyers with the same determination Clark showed.

Image Credit: Flickr user ethorson