A year ago, the Philadelphia Flyers lost in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a victim of a sweep by the Boston Bruins. The Flyers had six rookies in their final-game lineup, and no team got more production from its first-year players than Philadelphia. They lasted one more game in the second round this year, but following their five-game loss to the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, there remained a feeling of optimism thanks to the stunning development of a number of young players.Bobby Clarke Jersey

He also was the youngest player since 1945 to have a hat trick in a playoff game when he scored three goals and added an assist in Game 2 of the first round. Holmgren said. Coach Peter Laviolette agreed and said Couturier, who had 13 goals in 77 games during the regular season, could see an elevated offensive role next season. he said. s been an offensive guy his whole career.

Another pleasant surprise was rookie Eric Wellwood, who had just nine points in 35 combined regular-season and playoff games but arguably was the fastest player on the team. Holmgren said. t know if he had a point in the playoffs,Mike Richards Jersey but he killed penalties, he gave us energy, he used his speed … he was good. Very good.” Giroux did just that, finishing third in the League with 93 points — and despite playing just 10 playoff games, he still leads the League in goals, assists, points, power-play goals and shorthanded goals. Holmgren said. Holmgren also said he needs time to judge the future of defenseman and team captain Chris Pronger, who played just 13 games and none after Nov. 19 due to a concussion. ll play again. Holmgren said Ilya Bryzgalov Jersey going to play. t know. t have anything to back that up.”

Holmgren said he hopes to bring back Carle, who had four goals and 38 points in 82 regular-season games. he said. t work out a deal.” d like to see the 22-year-old develop into more of a goal-scorer; he had 18 in 78 regular- season games. I think he can work on his shot a little more; he can probably shoot the puck more. s going to continue to get better.” present is disappointing, those who went through the season believe the best is yet to come. s Flyers team to the group he was with in Pittsburgh that struggled in its first trip to the playoffs in 2007. he said. Jeff Carter Jersey

Judging by the way Jagr performed in the regular season, with 54 points in 73 games, the Flyers would love to have the No. 9 all-time point scorer in league history back for another campaign. Judging by the way Jagr performed in the postseason, with eight quiet points in 11 games, the Flyers could probably think of better ways to spend money in a salary-cap world. Jagr, 40, made $3. 3 million this season, which is about the going rate for his point production.