It seemed like a good idea at the time. Peter Forsberg desired a return to the NHL and the Philadelphia Flyers were at the top of his list.
At the outset of February, the Flyers were playing an impressive brand of hockey, kicking the month off with a dominant 3-0 win against the Anaheim Ducks that featured a Martin Biron shutout and a Mike Knuble hat trick.
The outlook was bright for the Fly-guys. A 29-17-5 record was good for 1st place in the Atlantic Division.
A season that began with moderate expectations was quickly inspiring hope for more, hope for a run at the vaunted Cup.
The day after the victory over the Ducks, when GM Paul Holmgren returned from Sweden after sitting down with Peter Forsberg, it seemed like a blessing.
There were a few dissenting opinions, conjuring past images of Forsberg refusing a shootout opportunity, missing time due to injury only to lead Sweden to Gold, and generally questioning a man with the nickname Foppy.
All that said the situation was ripe for Forsberg’s triumphant return. The leadership contingent of Smith, Timonen, and Richards was in place. There would be no pressure on Forsberg to skate major minutes or perform magic acts as the team was already successful. The only thing required of him would be to fit in on a 2nd line and add his experience, skill, and speed. In an arms race in pursuit of the Cup, how could that be a bad thing?
And then the Forsberg follies began. (more…)
