Eventually, the Philadelphia Flyers will be able to look back at this past season and what they accomplished against the Chicago Blackhawks and be proud of what they did. For some, that moment will come tonight, or later in the week. For others, it may take a bit longer.
For now, however, the Flyers are going to feel the sting of a loss in a series they were more than capable of winning.
This was one of the toughest seasons I’ve ever seen a hockey team get through and still be able make history in the postseason. Injuries to key players, a midseason collapse and a coaching change, and more goaltender issues than any team should ever have to deal with.
“We went through a lot this year as a group,” captain Mike Richards agreed after the game. “I can’t analyze the season right now, but like I said, we went through a lot. We’ve gone through a lot together. When you go through stuff like that, I think it brings the group closer together.”
Just like anytime a good, hard working team like this loses in the finals there is talk about how good this experience was for the players. While there is likely going to be a much different looking roster next season, there’s no reason why the Flyers can’t be in this position again in the near future. Of course, that’s not exactly what Richards was hoping to be talking about tonight.
“It was a good learning experience for us,” Richards said. “I mean, you have to take out of it what it takes to win. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough.”