The Flyers went up against the Florida Panthers last night, in what was a big game for Florida considering they are only 1 point ahead of the Penguins in that 2nd wildcard spot (with a game in hand).

The Flyers played very well throughout the game, and had a mix of veteran and younger players contributing yet again.

Carter Hart was absolutely fantastic, stopping 41 of 44 shots. I understand thinking about trading him because of the rebuild we’re set to embark on and the thought of what he could bring back. But, who was the last goalie goalie traded that brought back proper market value? I’ll genuinely wait.

He’s 24 years old and if they actually do this rebuild right and are good/competing again in 3ish years, he’ll be right in the thick of his prime.

Young Guns Continue to Impress

Tyson Foerster added 2 more assists, he now has 1G-4A-5P in his first 6 NHL games.

Morgan Frost has 1G-3A-4P in his last 2 games. Him and Foerster have hit the ground running once Tyson came up to the big club. They have really fun chemistry.

Noah Cates, who has been terrific defensively this year, has 1G-3A-4P in his last 2 games.

Joel Farabee has finally started scoring again. He has goals in his last 3 games.

It’s nice to see from the young guys. Yeah, of course, a better draft pick is 100% the better outcome for the future of this team, but so are the young guys playing well. These guys hopefully look to be solid 2nd/3rd line players for you when you look to become relevant again.

He’s Not Bedard: You Still Want Him: Will Smith

In this edition of prospect spotlight, we take a look at Will Smith, who currently plays in the USHL for the USNTDP.

Smith has played 1C this year, centering future Boston College teammates, Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault.

Smith isn’t as small as some would like you to think, standing at 6’0 182 lbs. He has terrific hands, elite hockey IQ and could be a real problem on the PP for a team for a very long time.

If you want the more complete two-way player, Oliver Moore is your guy. If you just want someone with insane offensive talent, and you think you could slowly work with his defensive side, then Will is your guy.

Personally, us over here at The Liberty Yell think Smith is a winger in the NHL. He leaves a lot to be desired in his own end and we think giving him more space to work with, next to a center who drives play, could be ridiculously fun.

Cutter + Smith?

Regardless. Will Smith is a very, very talented player who will make a team in the Top 10 very happy.

Read More: THE BATTLE FOR BEDARD, 3/18 UPDATE

Projected pick range: #5-#8

Standings

As of this morning, the Flyers sit as the 6th worst team in the NHL. Despite beating FLA last night, Montreal beat Tampa (idk how) and still stayed 2 points behind us with a one more game played.

4th or 5th worse are certainly still in play, but 5th or 6th worse is where the Flyers will most-likely land.

Mandatory Credit: Johnny Ulecka