PHILADELPHIA – Uncharacteristically out of the playoffs last season, the frustrated Flyers turned their summer into a game of fantasy hockey.
Time will tell if they win that game.
Either way, Philadelphia is different.
In came 33-year-old forward Vinny Lecavalier, given a five-year deal worth $22.5 million to spruce up the offense. In came 35-year-old defenseman Mark Streit, given a $21-million, four-year deal to shore up the defense. And in came 30-year-old goaltender Ray Emery — on a $1.65 million, one-year deal to join the Flyers a second time — to give Steve Mason some competition for the top spot.
Philadelphia even took a retreat to Lake Placid to help team rapport, and mesh the new faces in with the old ones.
This new-look bunch will debut — ready or not — vs. Toronto on Oct. 2.
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