In the wake of a disappointing 2016-17 season for both the Philadelphia Flyers and himself personally, Jakub Voracek evaluated his performance and the status of the team’s core in typically honest and blunt terms.



“We have what, won one series versus Pittsburgh in six years?” Voracek asked. “It’s not good enough. [The core is] in our prime years. We’ve got to make sure that we step up our game and get this team to the playoffs and start winning some series because if we don’t, [the core is] going to get broken up and we’ve got to win.”



Two and a half months into the 2017-18 season, the Flyers remain far from a lock to make the playoffs. But unlike last year, the most prominent members of the Philadelphia “core” are not to blame. Instead, they’ve been the primary reason why the Flyers are still within striking distance of a wild card spot, with Voracek leading the way. After giving himself a...