Since the Boston Bruins took a 3-0 series lead on them back on May 5th, the Philadelphia Flyers are 8-1. In other words that was the day that this team, the same inconsistent team that was on the ice for six months in the regular season, decided that the most important thing in their minds was going to be their playoff run in hopes of hoisting a shiny silver bowl in mid-June.
They say that The Stanley Cup Playoffs is a “marathon that requires a sprint,” and well, if that is the case, then Mike Richards might as well be running way ahead of the rest, baton in hand. He has been the Flyers’ best player, and could possibly win The Conn Smythe Trophy if he can squeeze out just four more victories from his resilient team.
Richards, even at the young age of 25, understands the magnitude of the situation and his position on the hockey club. He has taken charge of The Orange and Black in this playoff run with an unprecedented 21 points in 17 games. Yet, most importantly, his impact is contagious as his presence is noticed far beyond the night’s score-sheet. Night in and night out, Richards has willed his team to victory, even when it seemed impossible.
It is easy to notice that then-GM Bobby Clarke drafted Richards with the intention of eventually anointing him captain, in a way he is a Clarke continuum. Not to say Clarke molded Richards, but after all, his style of play is quite reminiscent of number 16’s. In the new wave of young captains (i.e. Richards, Jonathan Toews, Sidney Crosby, etc.) Richards remains the quintessential team leader for The Broad St. Bullies.
It is safe to say that Mike Richards will be the captain of The Philadelphia Flyers for quite some time. A captain takes the biggest of stages and uses them as his own personal platform, if Richards continues to do that the Flyers will greet Broad St. with Lord Stanley.
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