The day is finally here. Flyers hockey officially returns with the start of the 2017-18 regular season on Wednesday night when the Flyers take on the San Jose Sharks.
We've watched training camp, the preseason and the roster is set and ready to go for not only the Flyers, but all 30 other NHL teams.
With that, it's prediction time. The Flyerdelphia staff made several predictions on the Flyers season and the NHL. You can see everyone's prediction below.
Kevin Durso
Key to Flyers Season
Penalty Killing – It’s the one area where I feel I haven’t seen noticeable improvement. The Flyers have better depth to their forwards, even though whether that translates into better depth scoring remains to be seen, I still like the way the fourth line is shaping up. The Flyers second power-play unit should be exponentially better. The penalty kill has done nothing to boost my confidence to this point and I don’t like the Flyers chances if they can’t kill penalties with consistency, especially if the league is going to crack down on slashing calls and introduce the new face-off violation rule and the delay-of-game minor for losing an offside challenge. There’s too many ways you can hurt yourself with penalties that are must kills and the Flyers just haven’t shown me any signs of improvement in an area that needs it.
Player to Watch
Nolan Patrick – It's the low-hanging fruit here, but among the youngsters on the team, Nolan Patrick is the headliner. With all eyes on him, the second overall pick made the team out of camp in his draft year, now he has to remain consistent and reliable as a two-way player while picking up the offense.
Bold Prediction - Sean Couturier will post a career-high in goals
Flyers leading scorer (and how many points): Claude Giroux (68)
Most goals for a Flyers defensemen (and how many): Shayne Gostisbehere (12)
Number of points for Nolan Patrick: 50
Flyer to lead the team in power-play goals: Wayne Simmonds
Number of Flyers with double-digit goals: 8
Flyers final penalty kill ranking: 20th
Total shootout losses for the Flyers this season: 5
Date of Oskar Lindblom’s call-up: Dec. 2
NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Atlantic
- Toronto
- Tampa Bay
- Montreal
Top 3 Metro
- Pittsburgh
- Columbus
- Washington
Wildcards
- New York Rangers
- Boston
Western Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Central
- Chicago
- Nashville
- St. Louis
Top 3 Pacific
- Anaheim
- Edmonton
- Calgary
Wildcards
- San Jose
- Minnesota
East Champion: Pittsburgh Penguins
West Champion: Anaheim Ducks
Stanley Cup Champion: Anaheim Ducks
Awards
Art Ross (Most Points): Connor McDavid
Hart (MVP): Sidney Crosby
Vezina (Goalie): Carey Price
Jack Adams (Coach): Mike Babcock
Maurice Richard (Most Goals): Auston Matthews
Norris (Defenseman): Brent Burns
Calder (Rookie): Charlie McAvoy
Rob Riches
Key to Flyers Season
How the young guys can all gel together – They'll be counted on heavily, and while there will be growing pains (see also: Ivan Provorov's display in Game 3 vs. Chicago last year), they'll have to pick themselves up quickly. How they battle that over 82 games is a huge leap going forward.
Player to Watch
Jordan Weal – He proved last season that he belonged in the NHL, and in his first full season, he'll look to produce at a high clip.
Bold Prediction - Ivan Provorov will garner significant Norris Trophy buzz, but ultimately won't win it.
Flyers leading scorer (and how many points): Claude Giroux (66)
Most goals for a Flyers defensemen (and how many): Shayne Gostisbehere (13)
Number of points for Nolan Patrick: 53
Flyer to lead the team in power-play goals: Wayne Simmonds
Number of Flyers with double-digit goals: 8
Flyers final penalty kill ranking: 17th
Total shootout losses for the Flyers this season: 6
Date of Oskar Lindblom's call-up: Dec. 19
NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Atlantic
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Boston
Top 3 Metro
- Pittsburgh
- Washington
- Columbus
Wildcards
- New York Rangers
- Ottawa
Western Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Central
- St. Louis
- Minnesota
- Chicago
Top 3 Pacific
- Edmonton
- Anaheim
- Los Angekes
Wildcards
- Nashville
- Winnipeg
East Champion: Montreal
West Champion: Chicago
Stanley Cup Champion: Montreal
Awards
Art Ross (Most Points): Connor McDavid
Hart (MVP): Connor McDavid
Vezina (Goalie): Matt Murray
Jack Adams (Coach): Claude Julien
Maurice Richard (Most Goals): Vladimir Tarasenko
Norris (Defenseman): Erik Karlsson
Calder (Rookie): Mikhail Sergachev
Dan Heaning
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Boston Bruins
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Washington Capitals
- New York Rangers
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Nashville Predators
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Winnipeg Jets
- Edmonton Oilers
- Calgary Flames
- Anaheim Ducks
- Dallas Stars
- St. Louis Blues
Jeff Quake
Key to Flyers Season
Power Play – The Flyers power play is the one main aspect on whether or not their season will be successful. With the loss of Brayden Schenn, Philadelphia will look to replace him on the top line.
Player to Watch
Jordan Weal – Weal is projected to start on the 2nd line with Nolan Patrick and Wayne Simmonds. His explosive speed, quick hands, ability to drive to the net is exactly what the Flyers need for not only the 2nd line, but as one of their top wingers for the 2017 season.
Bold Prediction – The Flyers will be the first wildcard team in the East.
Flyers leading scorer (and how many points): Jake Voracek (72)
Most goals for a Flyers defensemen (and how many): Shayne Gostisbehere (12)
Number of points for Nolan Patrick: 38
Flyer to lead the team in power-play goals: Wayne Simmonds
Number of Flyers with double-digit goals: 8
Flyers final penalty kill ranking: 16th
Total shootout losses for the Flyers this season: 6
Date of Oskar Lindblom's call-up: Nov. 18
NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Atlantic
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Tampa Bay
Top 3 Metro
- Pittsburgh
- Washington
- Columbus
Wildcards
- Philadelphia
- Carolina
Western Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Central
- Chicago
- St. Louis
- Nashville
Top 3 Pacific
- Edmonton
- Anaheim
- San Jose
Wildcards
- Minnesota
- Winnipeg
East Champion: Tampa Bay
West Champion: Edmonton
Stanley Cup Champion: Edmonton
Awards
Art Ross (Most Points): Auston Matthews
Hart (MVP): Connor McDavid
Vezina (Goalie): Carey Price
Jack Adams (Coach): Mike Babcock
Maurice Richard (Most Goals): Nikita Kucherov
Norris (Defenseman): Victor Hedman
Calder (Rookie): Nolan Patrick
Matt Mastrogiovanni
Key to Flyers Season – Power Play
Player to Watch – Travis Konecny because of his success in the preseason
Bold Prediction – Claude Giroux ends the regular season as a top five scorer in the NHL.
Flyers leading scorer (and how many points): Claude Giroux (92)
Most goals for a Flyers defensemen (and how many): Ivan Provorov (20)
Number of points for Nolan Patrick: 70
Flyer to lead the team in power-play goals: Wayne Simmonds
Number of Flyers with double-digit goals: 9
Flyers final penalty kill ranking: 13th
Total shootout losses for the Flyers this season: 6
Date of Oskar Lindblom's call-up: Oct. 14
NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Atlantic
- Montreal
- Toronto
- Boston
Top 3 Metro
- Pittsburgh
- Columbus
- Washington
Wildcards
- Ottawa
- Philadelphia
Western Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Central:
- Chicago
- Nashville
- St. Louis
Top 3 Pacific
- Edmonton
- Anaheim
- Calgary
Wildcards
- Dallas
- San Jose
East Champion: Montreal Canadiens
West Champion: Edmonton Oilers
Stanley Cup Champion: Edmonton Oilers
Awards
Art Ross (Most Points): Connor McDavid
Hart (MVP): Connor McDavid
Vezina (Goalie): Carey Price
Jack Adams (Coach): Todd McLellan
Maurice Richard (Most Goals): Auston Matthews
Norris (Defenseman): Erik Karlsson
Calder (Rookie): Nolan Patrick
Jesse Larch
Flyers leading scorer (and how many points): Jake Voracek (77)
Most goals for a Flyers defensemen (and how many): Shayne Gostisbehere (17)
Number of points for Nolan Patrick: 48
Flyer to lead the team in power-play goals: Shayne Gostisbehere
Number of Flyers with double-digit goals: 13
Flyers final penalty kill ranking: 13th
Total shootout losses for the Flyers this season: 3
Date of Oskar Lindblom's call-up: Nov. 18
NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Atlantic
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Ottawa Senators
Top 3 Metro
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Washington Capitals
Wildcards
- New York Rangers
- Montreal Canadiens
Western Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Central
- Minnesota Wild
- Nashville Predators
- Chicago Blackhawks
Top 3 Pacific
- Edmonton Oilers
- San Jose Sharks
- Calgary Flames
Wildcards
- Anaheim Ducks
- St. Louis Blues
East Champion: Columbus Blue Jackets
West Champion: San Jose Sharks
Stanley Cup Champion: San Jose Sharks
Awards
Art Ross (Most Points): Connor McDavid
Hart (MVP): Connor McDavid
Vezina (Goalie): Martin Jones
Jack Adams (Coach): Guy Boucher
Maurice Richard (Most Goals): Auston Matthews
Norris (Defenseman): Erik Karlsson
Calder (Rookie): Brock Boeser
Chuck LaGrossa
Key to Flyers Season
Offensive Growth – The ability to see not only certain young guys but certain veterans get things going offensively and maintain it throughout the season. If you can't score, you can't win.
Player to Watch
Ivan Provorov – Can the sophomore slump really get to this mature young guy? He’s said to be the catalyst of the defense for a decade, how will he adjust to season two and how will he continue to grow as a player? It is the most important thing to watch
because that will tell how this team can grow defensively.
Bold Prediction – Nolan Patrick has the same rookie season as Connor McDavid and plays less than 64 games.
Flyers leading scorer (and how many points): Sean Couturier (80)
Most goals for a Flyers defensemen (and how many): Shayne Gostisbehere (10)
Number of points for Nolan Patrick: 60
Flyer to lead the team in power-play goals: Wayne Simmonds
Number of Flyers with double-digit goals: 5
Flyers final penalty kill ranking: 7th
Total shootout losses for the Flyers this season: 12
Date of Oskar Lindblom's call-up: Nov. 13
NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Atlantic
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Ottawa Senators
Top 3 Metro
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Washington Capitals
- Columbus Blue Jackets
Wildcards
- Montreal Canadiens
- Buffalo Sabres
Western Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Central
- Dallas Stars
- Nashville Predators
- Chicago Blackhawks
Top 3 Pacific
- Edmonton Oilers
- Anaheim Ducks
- Calgary Flames
Wildcards
- St. Louis Blues
- San Jose Sharks
East Champion: Pittsburgh Penguins
West Champion: Edmonton Oilers
Stanley Cup Champion: Edmonton Oilers
Awards
Art Ross (Most Points): Connor McDavid
Hart (MVP): Connor McDavid
Vezina (Goalie): Craig Anderson
Jack Adams (Coach): Ken Hitchcock
Maurice Richard (Most Goals): Steven Stamkos
Norris (Defenseman): Victor Hedman
Calder (Rookie): Nico Hischier
Number of points for Nolan Patrick: 37
Date of Oskar Lindblom's call-up: Dec. 14
NHL Predictions
Eastern Conference Playoff Teams
- Tampa
- Toronto
- Boston
- Pittsburgh
- Columbus
- Washington
- Rangers
- Islanders
Western Conference Playoff Teams
Top 3 Central
- Minnesota
- Chicago
- Nashville
- Edmonton
- Anaheim
- Calgary
- Winnipeg
- Dallas
Awards
Art Ross (Most Points): Connor McDavid
Hart (MVP): Connor McDavid
Vezina (Goalie): Sergei Bobrovsky
Jack Adams (Coach): Bill Peters
Maurice Richard (Most Goals): Nikita Kucherov
Norris (Defenseman): Victor Hedman
Calder (Rookie): Nico Hischier
