Article:Why Flyers need Foppa

As a Flyers season ticket holder, I am excited about the possibility of Peter "the Great" returning to the orange and black.

After being in the locker room and talking to some players and other reporters, the general feeling is that Peter Forsberg will be coming back to the Flyers. The equipment team has already been preparing for his return. The medical staff has all the orthopedic and massages therapists ready to go.

To answer the ongoing question around here about whether bringing Peter back will affect this team negatively, I say: no way!

This team can only benefit from this acquisition if it comes through. The Flyers will have four solid contributing lines that can all score and present playmaking ability. Plus, Forsberg already knows most of the team; except for the players we signed this past offseason and Scottie Upshall.

Now do I think this can be a signing that puts the Flyers atop the running for Lord Stanley's Cup? I personally think so, but on two conditions:

1. Goaltending

Both Antero Niittymaki and Martin Biron have had spurts of greatness this season, trying to provide us with a good-old goalie controversy, only to have one get beat pretty bad. One of these two guys has to step it up and do it fast, playoffs are approaching and the Flyers need to decide who their bread and butter is in goal.

2. Can Forsberg stay healthy?

We all know his history of injuries. Without them, this guy could have over 1,000-1,200 points by now.

Furthermore, we also know how he performs in the playoffs. Just ask Detroit and every other team he dominated through his trails with Colorado! If Forsberg can come in healthy, the Flyers will put him as third line center. If he can contribute consistently through the end of the season and into the postseason, then the Flyers are as good as anybody in the NHL!