Kubina And Grossman Stabilizing Defense

After the Flyers embarassing 6-4 defeat to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Febuary 18th, Paul Holmgren went out and traded for defenseman Pavel Kubina.  Kubina alongside fellow newcomer Nicklas Grossman have definitely helped to stabilize the Flyers erratic defense.

Since Grossman and Kubina have joined, the Flyers are 6-2.  What's even more impressive is that the Flyers have given up a total of just 13 goals during those 8 games good for an approximate 1.62 GAA.  During that same span Bryzgalov also posted a shutout against the San Jose Sharks and last night against the Florida Panthers.

While some people may find the Flyers improved play coupled alongside the defensive acquisitions to be merely coincidental, I think that both Kubina and Grossman are having a significant impact on this team.  Both players are great at blocking shots, and both bring a much needed physical presence to this defense.

And it's not like the Flyers have played bad teams during their past 8 games.  Winnipeg is a playoff team, Florida is a playoff team, and the Red Wings are one of the best teams in the entire NHL.  I think that the two new defenders have definitely added to Bryzgalov's confidence.  He is playing fearlessly and he looks like he really is at the top of his game right now.  He is playing very aggressive and stopping just about anything.

Whether it's the addition of the new defenders or just the fact that Bryzgalov has hopefully finally found his game, the Flyers are definitely playing well right now.  Hopefully they can ride this momentum into a late playoff surge and propel their way deep into the playoffs.