Probably Buffalo, who were recently better and just might end up ahead of the Flyers again this year, and they're in a harder division. But it doesn't much matter does it? Either way, if the Flyers are a couple wins ahead or a couple losses behind, they're still right in that same tier and they're doing nothing to move up out of it.
How are they doing nothing?
First year, you identify problems and make the necessary subtractions - done and done successfully (aside from the Hart issue but I suspect there were no takers and really, nobody wants to get into that)
Second year (this year) build a strong foundation, a solid culture to build from. Done. Team lacks talent for sure, but they work much harder than in previous years, they didn't quit on a lot of games, and their overall team attitude was much improved.
Third year (next year) you start building off that foundation and adding talent. This remains to be seen, but Michkov eventually is part of that.
I see no problem with what is happening.