Ray Emery : Disaster or Savior

A controversial helmet, punching a teammate, being late for practice, fighting with a trainer.

Yes the rap is long on Ray Emery, but then again, it is on the Philadelphia Flyers too.

Perfect match? Well maybe.

So far he's said all the right things. He understands this is his second and more than likely final shot at being a long-term NHL netminder.

But someone can claim they've changed all they want, when in reality Emery's past is what it is. And in a high pressure, intense sport that is the NHL on and off the ice, things can go bad in a hurry. Especially in a place like Philadelphia.

While there are fans who felt that some of the Flyers of this past season might have spent too much time thinking about partying and not enough time thinking about hockey. How will the addition of a guy with a colorful past help? I'm sure he will fit in just fine with the "Old City crew" but is that what the Flyers really want? Or do they want a solid cup winning goaltender?

That brings me to the other side of Ray Emery. The solid goaltender. His numbers have been solid throughout his short career. In 134 NHL games Emery is 71-40-14, with 8 shutouts a 2.71 goals against average, and .907 save percentage.

If he lives up to those numbers and keeps a level head, he and the Philadelphia Flyers will do just fine this season, and should be able to walk their way right into the playoffs.

Then comes the playoffs. Emery is 18-12 all time with a 2.46 GAA, .904 SA% and 3 shutouts. Those shutouts came in 06-07 when he led the Ottawa Senators within 3 wins of the Stanley Cup.

So the guy certainly seems to have the skills, and the experience. How long has it been since the Flyers have had a goaltender that actually has taken a team to the Cup finals? He also has those skeletons in his closet, that for the sake of all Flyers fans, we hope they stay right where they are.