
Stanley Cups: 2
2011-'12 record: 47-26-2, 130 points (3rd in Atlantic, 5th in East)
2011-'12 playoffs: Def. Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2; lost to New Jersey Devils 4-1.
Coach: Peter Laviolette (282-153-57, 7th NHL year, 2nd team)
Top returning scorer: RW Claude Giroux (28 goals, 65 assists, 93 points)
Top returning goalie: Ilya Bryzgalov (33-16-7, 2.48, .909)
Key additions: D Luke Schenn; LW Ruslan Fedotenko; D Bruno Gervais; G Brian Boucher; D Kurtis Foster.
Key subtractions: RW James van Riemsdyk; RW Jaromir Jagr; G Sergei Bobrovsky; D Matt Carle; D Pavel Kubina.
Goaltending: It just wouldn’t be Philadelphia without some sort of netminding controversy. Team denied rumors it was interested in Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo, insisting Bryzgalov is their guy. Michael Leighton, who backstopped Flyers to 2010 Cup final, is the back-up.
Player to watch: LW Tye McGinn. Philadelphia’s fifth round draft choice in 2010 has developed in a dominating net-front presence with AHL Adirondack. At 6-2 and 205 pounds, he could prove to be an asset as a power-play specialist and fourth liner.
Icing: Still bothered by post-concussion syndrome, D Chris Pronger will start season on long-term injured reserve. His career is likely over . . . John Paddock has relinquished his assistant GM’s position to return as an assistant coach . . . Flyers will play six of first eight games on the road . . . C Max Talbot will switch to No. 25, giving No. 27 to newcomer Gervais.
CSN: Their offense sputtering, the Blackhawks suddenly look nothing like the team that was the NHL's best in the regular season.
ProHockeyTalk headlines |
Video: NHL from NBC Sports |
Highlights: Kings beat Sharks, take series lead Jonathan Quick was perfect on the night, saving 24 shots in his seventh career playoff shutout. Anze Kopitar and Slava Voynov each score as the defending Stanley Cup champions win their 13th consecutive home game and put the Sharks on the brink of elimination. |
Slideshow |
NBCSports.com |
Slideshow |
NBCSports.com |
Slideshow |
Stanley Cup winners A look at the teams that have earned the right to hoist Lord Stanley's prize since 1965. NBCSports.com |
Slideshow |
Slideshow |
more photos |