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Philadelphia Flyers 2021 season preview: All the ingredients are in place for a big playoff run

Andre Ringuette/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images

The Philadelphia Flyers had an encouraging first regular season under Alain Vigneault, but it was in the 2020 postseason when they really took off.

After winning the No. 1 seed thanks to their round-robin play, the group established a clear identity and had numerous breakout individual performances en route to a strong showing in making the conference semifinals.

As the 2020-21 season looms, they appear to be one of the stronger contenders in the East Division. Here's everything you need to know about the Flyers heading into this season:


Big question: What impact will a healthy Oskar Lindblom and Nolan Patrick have on this team?

Lindblom was on the verge of breaking out last season -- 11 goals in 30 games -- before a rare bone cancer diagnosis derailed his season. Lindblom served as an off-ice inspiration for the team, and after completing his chemotherapy last year, the 24-year-old is poised to return.

The Flyers are also hoping to welcome back Patrick, the No. 2 pick of the 2017 draft. Patrick missed all of last season dealing with a migraine disorder. In an ideal world, these two forwards add a boost to an already well-performing offense: The Flyers ranked seventh in the league last season with 3.29 goals per game.