Since last Wednesday's win over the Blackhawks, many have been talking about the dreaded five-day break the Flyers faced through the weekend. But why all the worry?
Think about it, a five-day break from the grind. Who wouldn’t be rejuvenated and ready to give his or her best when they returned to work? The Flyers were given this break early in the 2015-16 season, and this can be a positive point.
Here are five reasons why this hiatus can be a good thing for the team.
1. Rest and relaxation never hurt anyone
Even for top-notch professional athletes, it can be encouraging. The players have been working hard ever since they stepped foot back in Philadelphia to start camp in September. They were panting and bent over during early practices, getting acclimated to the new coach Dave Hakstol’s routine. They had three very intense games, and they ended the three-game sprint high on success. That should have them motivated to return strong on Tuesday against another tough opponent in the Dallas Stars.
2. Building chemistry off the ice
Pictures of the team’s 80s party floated around social media. The team is spending time building chemistry off the ice as well as on the ice. In previous years, team building was a huge component before the season started, such as paint ball contests and a team outing to Lake Placid last year. The team is utilizing this five-day break to bond with each other further.
3. Steve Mason is back
Yes, fans, we all "fell in love" with Michal Neuvirth and his fantastic saves and record-breaking shutouts, but Steve Mason is the Flyers No. 1 goalie. He had a rough start due to personal issues, but he is great to watch too. He had a good chunk of time to deal with his personal issue. He will back in the net making more unbelievable glove saves once again. Without a doubt, he will be ready to come back with a winning attitude.
4. Trust this: Dave Hakstol still has them working
Five days off isn’t all fun and games for the Orange and Black. They are still working hard at practices. Hakstol, his philosophy and the way he runs practices should be proof enough that he is getting them ready for the season ahead. He is not going to let them come off the win from the Chicago Blackhawks and allow momentum to slip.
5. Speaking of momentum, It won’t slip away
This has been a decent start to the hockey season for the Philadelphia Flyers. The first few games had a feel of playoff hockey with excitement and fast-paced play. The team has to feel motivated and confident, especially with the results of the Chicago game. They beat the defending Stanley Cup champions early in the season. And, even though they lost against Tampa, it’s the Tampa Bay Lightning, the defending Eastern Conference champion. That's just another difficult challenge for the Flyers. The Flyers kept pace with them and made it to the first 3-on-3 overtime. The Dallas game on Tuesday night should be just as exciting.
So, the break is coming to an end, Dallas is coming to town, pull out your lucky jersey, and throw on your lucky hat. The Flyers will be ready to return strong.
Denise Mroz is a contributing writer for Flyerdelphia. Follow her on Twitter @denisemroz10.
