Next up in State of the Flyers is what I project to be the top line: Simon Gagne, Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell.
I'm lowering my expectations for Gags this year, after hearing about him hurting his groin at the Olympic camp, Im really starting to worry. He said that he was expecting the camp to be a little slower paced and he wasnt ready for full speed. Over the last couple seasons, Gags has missed alot of time due to injuries (most noteably concussions in 07/08) He had offseason hip surgery which he said he hoped would fix the groin discomfort he was feeling late last season, now word on the street that he's getting blood injections (his own blood) in the groin area to help fix whatever is wrong. Im preparing for the worst this season as far as health goes for Gagne, but hoping for the best. Prediction: 22 goals
Jeff Carter had a breakout year last season netting a career high 46 goals. He would have scored 56 if he played hard every night. Thats my biggest complaint about him, he seemed to only really bust his ass maybe 2 out of every 3 games. Hopefully with Homer noticing the frat boy behavior (bye bye Scottie & Lupes) and with the veteran leadership brought in this offseason (Pronger & Lappy) Carter will get his shit straight and threaten the 50 goal mark this season. My personal opinion is that he will come out hot, not only does he want to shred the "party boy/sometimes lazy" perception, but he's playing for a spot on team Canada at the Olympics. Prediction: 52 goals
Sideshow Bob (err, I mean Scott Hartnell) is a prototypical Philadelphia Flyer: he's tough, physical, can lay a big hit, and dosent really care what anyone thinks about him. He is one of the most improved Flyers over the last couple years, and I look for him to break the 30 goal mark this year. I see him taking over Knuble's "garbage goal" role as well as continuing to bring the physical presence. With that said, Sideshow needs to cut down on the "dumb" penalties, he led the league in minors which included his infamous glove toss against Tampa Bay, for which he is damn lucky that didnt cost them the game. Prediction 32 goals
Next up: Danny Briere
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