Time to Panic?

Flyers lost their first game of the 2014-2015 season. Unlike last year, no one is calling for the coach’s and general manager’s heads. Yet. There were some good parts and some bad things that happened tonight (aside from the score.) Keep in mind, it is still early in the season. Claude Giroux did not get much time with his linemates to develop chemistry. The loss of Kimmo Timonen on the back end cannot be overlooked.

Sean Couturier scores the first goal of the season for the Flyers.
Image from ESPN.

Finally, the Flyers seem to have found stability in net with Steve Mason. This was not his greatest game. He was challenged much of the game, with the Flyer’s letting up odd man rushes, especially when on the power play. This was due to the team’s inconsistency in the breakout and neutral zone.

Offensively, the team looks like it has developed some great chemistry. The second line and fourth lines especially looked good. However, this could be due to their time spent together. Before training camp, the Flyers said that they wanted Sean Couturier to be more of an offensive force and that Wayne Simmonds would help. Couturier and Matt Read can already read each other’s minds and their skills compliment each other. Playing with Simmonds will only enhance their offensive output.

Pierre-Edouard Bellemere
showcases his physical game.
Image from ESPN.

Pierre-Edouard Bellemere just came over from France. Since Pierre-Edouard is not a Philly name and PE is too close to physical education, he needs a nickname. But by the time you say his name, he is gone. He plays a quick game and is more physical than I had expected. With Zac Rinaldo, that line can generate a lot of pressure on the forecheck and generate good energy for the team.

Do not panic yet, it was only the first game of the season. The Flyers hung in with a potential Stanley Cup contender for 58 minutes. There were no big, glaring issues. However it is true that championships cannot be won in October, but they can be lost. The team will need to generate more offense than 20 shots and one goal to win games. Tonight is the home opener against the defensively adept New Jersey Devils; expect a lot of energy and flair as the team feeds off the crowd’s excitement.