One on one with Dustin Leed

For today’s blog, I have a special guest, Dustin Leed, a great guy who has a wonderful store of hockey knowledge.  He is both a blogger and a devoted fan. He can be reached on http://twitter.com/DUSTINLEED; he is a great guy to follow.  Today’s topic is going into detail on the Flyers.  I will be trying to do some more detailed blogs on some teams.

What system does Philly play? What kind of hockey can we expect from
them this season?

If there was a specific ‘name’ for the system the Flyers play, I would have to go with a ‘dump-and-chase’ style. In the offensive zone, they put a lot of pressure on the opposing teams’ defense when they have the puck and they pursue the puck with lots of grit, purpose, and authority. The Flyers have never been known to play a European style and carry the puck into the offensive zone. Like many people view the Flyers – it’s how they play. Bang and crash, play dump-and-chase and force turnovers.

As a fan watching the Flyers you can watch a team full of players who know their role and how to play it. The Flyers can play any kind of game and will do it with a smash-mouth style. They can win a run ‘n’ gun and can shut down a team defensively.

The system I know very well. The Flames pretty much use the dump-and-chase style. Philly has some very good offensive players who are fast and rugged and who force the opposing players to turn the puck over.  The key point is the players buying into the system, a great insight by Dustin.

There are so many players who could have been the Flyers’ captain. Why is Richards the captain of this team?

Mike Richards is the ultimate captain. And the number one reason why – is heart. Richards leads by example and will do anything to help his team win. He scores, he hits, he fights and he plays an amazing two-way game. When Richards was drafted in 2003, he was tabbed to be a future Flyer captain and compared to former Flyer great Bobby Clarke. Richards wasted no time, and was tabbed captain just four years later. And it was the right decision. He is one of the best young talents in the game, and plays with an absolute edge. He hates to lose and could survive in the ‘old’ NHL, when the rules didn’t benefit the superstars like they do today. Not a lot of the players in the game today can say they would be able to compete in the NHL pre-lockout; Richards can.

In reality, I really feel that Richards is the best captains of this league. Simply because of what Richards does for this team.  If there is a hit or a goal or a pass the team depends on Richards to get it. Richards does not expect his team mates to do anything he can’t do himself. He leads this team by example and by his ability.  Great insight Dustin; Richards is Mr. Flyer.

And most of all, give me your prediction on how the Flyers will do. How far will they go?
If I can make a comparison…The Flyers of this season compare to the Philadelphia Phillies of 2008, in my opinion. Much like the Phillies, they have the talent and the roster to win a championship, but can it happen? The Phillies were the hottest team entering the playoffs the year they won. It came down to the pitching, and pitching was there – and they won the series. If the Flyers can enter the post-season on a hot streak and their goaltending (pitching) is there, there is no doubt in my mind the Flyers can win the cup. We all know the Flyers are stacked upfront with skillful forwards. But like always, it comes down to defense and goaltending. If I had to make a prediction right now, I would say the Flyers make it to the the Eastern Conference Final and lose. But I don’t think a cup is too far down the road.

I think Philly is close, mostly for one reason – the signing of Emery. I think he could very well be the final piece of the puzzle. Philly has one of the deepest groups of forwards in the league. Richards Carter lead this team, and of course one of the best defenses in the league led by Pronger. This team could easily win the cup this year. Another great insight by my friend Dustin.

Hey, I would love to thank Dustin and tell you where he blogs at:
Dustin Leed

Philadelphia Flyers Beat Writer
www.CrashtheCrease.com
www.HendricksHockey.com
www.Phillysportsspace.com

Thanks again, Dustin.

Until next time, take care.

Randy