Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Philadelphia defenseman Chris Pronger was acquired from Anaheim in the offseason.

Stanley Cups: 2

2008-'09 record: 44-27-11, 99 points (5th in Atlantic, 15th in East)

2008-'09 playoffs: Lost to Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3

General manager: Paul Holmgren (108-103-33, 4th NHL year, 1st team)

Coach: John Stevens (108-103-33, 4th NHL year, first team)

Captain: Mike Richards

Top returning scorer: C Jeff Carter (46 goals, 38 assists, 84 points)

Top returning goalie: Ray Emery (22-8-0, 2.12, .926 in KHL)

Key additions: G Brian Boucher; RW Ian Laperriere; G Ray Emery; D Chris Pronger; LW Lukas Kasper; RW Jason Ward; C Krys Kolanos; D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen.

Key subtractions: RW Mike Knuble; D Luca Sbisa; RW Joffrey Lupul; D Derian Hatcher; D Nate Guenin; G Antero Niittymaki; D Andrew Alberts; G Martin Biron; LW Josh Gratton; RW Boyd Kane.

Top line: LW Simon Gagne, C Mike Richards, RW James van Riemsdyk.

Top defensive pairing: Braydon Coburn, Chris Pronger.

Goaltending: The latest inhabitant to take a ride on the Flyers’ puckstopping merry-go-round, Emery, who backstopped the Senators to the 2007 Stanley Cup finals, was chased out of the NHL following a multitude of meltdowns both on and off the ice in Ottawa. After a strong season with Mytischi of the Russian Kontinental Hockey League, he’s back to try and solve Philly’s never-ending netminding crisis.

Player to watch: RW James van Riemsdyk. Philly’s 2008 top draft pick led New Hampshire (Hockey East) in scoring last season. Also led USA with six goals in world juniors. Big (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) winger will be given every chance to play on top two lines this season. Shoots the puck hard, gets to the net, distributes puck well, but intensity needs to be elevated to a more consistent level.

Icing: Pronger will give Emery solid help in front on defense as he returns to the Eastern Conference for the first time since 1995 with the Hartford Whalers. The easier travel should help Pronger and his mid-30s legs. Pronger has been in the playoffs 11 times in 16 NHL seasons. With Anaheim last season, he was second in the NHL in total ice time (2,183 minutes, 20 seconds) and average per game (26:57). Carter will try to match last season, when he posted career highs in goals and assists.

Outlook: The Flyers will be one of the NHL’s toughest teams this season, but will they be able to skate that fine line between aggressiveness and foolishness? And will Emery be able to make it back in the show after a year away from the NHL?

Prediction: 100 points, 2nd in Atlantic, 4th in East.

NHL TEAM-BY-TEAM PREVIEWS Teams listed in predicted order of finish; x-playoff team ATLANTIC x-Penguins x-Flyers x-Devils x-Rangers Islanders Vote: Winner? CENTRAL x-Red Wings x-Blackhawks x-Blue Jackets x-Blues Predators Vote: Winner? NORTHEAST x-Bruins x-Canadiens Sabres Maple Leafs Senators Vote: Winner? NORTHWEST x-Flames x-Canucks Oilers Wild Avalanche Vote: Winner? SOUTHEAST x-Capitals x-Hurricanes Thrashers Panthers Lightning Vote: Winner? PACIFIC x-Sharks x-Ducks Stars Kings Coyotes Vote: Winner?

More news

NBC Sports

Kings will face toughest foe yet

  PHT Extra: LA is on a roll and will be well rested for the finals, but will the surprise Western champs be favored over the Rangers or Devils?

PHT: History doesn't bode well for Kings in finals

Headlines

• Label

PHT: Torts still upbeat  |  'Best game of the series'

PHT: Elias says NJ 'stole this one' | Gionta on win

NHL.com: Unlikely contributors fueling Devils' ride

PHT: Brodeur pokes fun at Rangers fans

PHT Extra: Can Kings cap run with Cup?

Kings conquer West, await Cup finals opponent

PHT: Brown won't be penalized for Rozsival hit

PHT: Coyotes unveil plenty of conspiracy theories