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The NHL, with the exception of an NBC Sports' national game tonight between Detroit and Montreal, wrapped up its unofficial first half of the season Tuesday, the final full night of action before a week long All-Star break.

The Philadelphia Flyers have much to consider during this week of inaction following their shootout victory over the Southeast Division leading Florida Panthers (tied with the Washington Capitals; although they would all be tied with New Jersey for fourth place in the Atlantic division with 55 points a piece).

Sure, the season has started off well. The Flyers are second in the Atlantic Division and fourth overall (third most points) in the Eastern Conference with a 29-14-5 record through the first 48 games.

63 points before the All-Star break is a solid output considering the roster turnover in the offseason, but the Flyers are 1-4-1 against the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers—their main competition in the Eastern Conference, a record that does not bode well for any potential playoff match-up.

The stretch drive begins in seven days, however, as the post-break sprint to the playoffs begins next Tuesday, when the Flyers host the Winnipeg Jets in their first game back.

Considering the "real season" is just about to begin, here are the seven reasons the All-Star break has come at the perfect time for the Philadelphia Flyers.