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Flyers schedule begins and ends friendly, but is challenging down the middle

New York Rangers v Philadelphia Flyers

of the New York Rangers of the Philadelphia Flyers during an NHL preseason game at Wells Fargo Center on September 26, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Bruce Bennett

With the 2011-12 season rapidly approaching, the gang at PHT decided to take a look at all 30 NHL teams’ schedules. Each team’s highs and lows will be studied in detail to give you an idea of what the future might hold for each squad.

Note: Mileage figures via On the Forecheck’s “Super Schedule.”

Philadelphia Flyers schedule analysis

Total mileage: 34,193 (seventh lowest in the NHL, second most in Atlantic Division)

Back-to-back games: 13

Toughest stretches

For the most part, the Flyers have a pretty friendly schedule, with most of their big spans being at home.

November concludes with a tough stretch of five road games in six, but the end of 2011 could be especially hairy for a team that will employ a man known for his early-90s mullet.

The Flyers will play two road games against 2010-11 playoff teams (Dec. 13 vs. Washington; Dec 15. against Montreal) before they host a home contest against Boston. After that challenging trio of games, the Flyers will play five consecutive road games during the holiday season. The trip takes them to Colorado (Dec. 19), Dallas (Dec. 19), Madison Square Garden vs. the Rangers (Dec. 23), Tampa Bay (Dec. 27) and then concludes in a dramatic fashion. The Flyers will face their cross-state rivals while dealing with the cascade of boos that will greet Jaromir Jagr in Pittsburgh on Dec. 29.

The Flyers’ chances of winning the Atlantic could be quite promising if they do well during those two especially daunting stretches.

Easiest periods

After playing two road games to begin the season, the Flyers hope to stock up on a home-heavy run. From Oct. 12 to the end of that month, they’ll play seven of nine games in Philly. (To extend it a bit further, they’ll play nine of 12 games at home starting on Oct. 12.)

February and March might combine to be their best two months of the season, though.

Starting on January 31, the Flyers will play nine of 11 games at home (concluding with a Feb. 18 contest against the Penguins). March presents a golden opportunity as well, with 10 of their 15 games coming at home - including five of their last six to end that month.

Overall outlook

In the grand scheme of things, the Flyers’ schedule seems very favorable. Surviving tough stretches in November and December will be key for them to keep their composure and capitalize on fantastic opportunities in February and March. Don’t be surprised if people are confounded by Philly’s up-and-down season, when perhaps it will have a lot to do with their schedule.

The Flyers went through an off-season of upheaval, but if they can start strong and weather a storm midway through 2011-12, they could very well win another Atlantic Division title. Judging from their late schedule, they shouldn’t be taken lightly even if the Flyers find themselves behind going into late January.