The Flyers are not a one-man team

The Philadelphia Flyers had high expectations coming into this season and are living up to those expectations. The Flyers beat the red hot Capitals and extended their winning streak to six games Tuesday night. They managed to do this without Claude Giroux, the NHL’s point leader, and number one defensemen Chris Pronger. Scott Hartnell scored a goal in his sixth straight game, and will play a huge role in the Flyer’s offense with Giroux out indefinitely. Some feared that the Flyer’s would struggle without Giroux, but the Flyers proved that they have the depth that is more than able to pick up the slack. A large part of this depth can be attributed to the players that the Flyers acquired in the off-season. 

Ilya Bryzgalov – Good goaltending is something that the Flyers will need in order to win games without Pronger and Giroux. The Flyers signed Bryzgalov to a 9 year, $51 million deal in the off-season and he has earned it so far. He stopped 31 shots against the Capitals Tuesday night and won his 14^th game. 

Jaromir Jagr – To the surprise of many, the Flyers signed Jagr to a one-year, $3.3 million contract. Some were unsure that Jagr had any gas left in the tank, but he is proving any doubters wrong as he has 24 points this season. Jagr can be largely credited for the success of Claude Giroux this season, assisting many of his goals.

 Matt Read – Read has been a pleasant addition to the Flyers this season. He has scored many spectacular goals in the youth of the season. So far, Read has stacked up 11 goals and 8 assists for a total of 19 points.

Wayne Simmonds – Simmonds scored his eighth goal of the season Tuesday night against Washington. The youngster has 14 points and has recently been working very well with line-mate Danny Briere. He will need to continue to lift the offense in Giroux’s absence.

Jakub Voracek – The Flyers acquired Voracek in a trade that sent Jeff Carter to Columbus. Voracek got his 19^th point of the season Tuesday night, and is proving to be a solid addition to the Flyer’s lineup.

Tuesday night, the Flyers proved that they are not a one-man team. Without their star player, they stomped one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. With the win, they snapped a streak of 10 straight losses to the Capitals. Be sure to watch the Flyers take on their rival the New York Rangers on January, 2^nd in the Winter Classic.