Flyers Hit Franchise Record Winless Streak as Roster Struggles Mount
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A winless 0-5-2 start and a lack of offensive production leave Philadelphia facing the worst opening in team history.
The Philadelphia Flyers have recorded the worst start in franchise history, falling to 0-5-2 after a 4-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday, as Sportsnet first reported. The team has been outscored 28-8 through seven games, including a 7-0 opening night defeat to Pittsburgh.
Flyers general manager Danny Briere told reporters in Boston that while it is not yet time to panic, the team lacks a dominant superstar capable of winning games alone. The roster is currently hampered by injuries to defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen and Cam York, as well as forward Travis Konecny. Furthermore, forward Trevor Zegras—who signed a four-year, $36.5 million extension following a 67-point campaign last season—has struggled, recording only two points and no goals so far this year.
Head coach Rick Tocchet, who has seen his team lose 13 of its last 14 games including the playoffs, admitted he is unsure if the team's struggles stem from pressure or experience. While captain Sean Couturier emphasized the need to "work and grind" to find a solution, pockets of fans have already begun calling for Tocchet's dismissal.
Despite the winless start, Briere noted that the team must work in the same direction to recover, while Tocchet warned against focusing too heavily on the long term during the current slump.