FLYERS 2005-06 SEASON THREAD!

[PhillyGirl]

Just a reminder, Thursday night on CSN. Flyers/Devils 7pm.

[Seabiscuit36]

Comcast Video of Forsberg and Hatcher back at practice

[BigEd76]

Flyers win 5-3, now 4-0 in the preseason 

[Seabiscuit36]

Sharp shines in ugly exhibition

By Ray Parrillo

Inquirer Staff Writer


During a break in the action midway through the first period of last night's preseason game between the Flyers and New York Islanders at the Wachovia Center, the public address announcer cheerfully called out to the sparse crowd, "Are you ready for a new season?"

By then, the spectators had already expressed their discontent at watching a steady procession of players enter the penalty box, so their answer could have been, "Yeah, but..."

The National Hockey League wants to free its more skilled players from the grunt tactics that slowed the game to a snail's pace, and has mandated that the officials blow their whistles each time a player clutches, grabs or does anything else to impede a skater.

And it is delivering the message loud and clear during the preseason in an attempt to get the culprits to change their ways.

Whether stricter enforcement of rules dealing with obstruction works or not remains to be seen. For now, though, it is not a pretty sight.

There were 23 penalties and 23 power plays, including seven five-on-three advantages, in the Flyers' 5-3 win. Coach Ken Hitchcock said the penalties will continue to mount until the players adjust to the new rules.

"To me, it's once the level of intensity goes up, natural instincts kick in and some of the natural instincts aren't right and you get called," Hitchcock said. "Probably three-quarters of the penalties called were exactly what you're not supposed to do. But when you get revved up, the natural reaction is to reach out and grab. This is going to take time and we're going to have to be patient."

Whatever comes of the NHL game in the post-lockout era, Patrick Sharp hopes to be a part of it. Sharp, a standout for the Phantoms last season, made a statement by scoring two goals, adding an assist, and delivering a huge hit on Jason Blake early in the second period. He went scoreless in the first three preseason games.

"I thought I skated hard and competed on the puck," Sharp said. "I did come to work. I want to be part of this team and I have to earn a spot."

After making it clear that he thought Sharp had to step up his game to make the team, Hitchcock praised the 24-year-old.

"He played really well tonight," Hitchcock said. "He's played two of the four games really well. I think one of the problems with younger players is when they have success, they want it to come a little easier. I think what Patrick did today is what we expect every day from our younger guys, and that's just come and work. The offense will take care of itself. He really used his legs."

Hitchcock has no such concerns about 20-year-old rookie center Mike Richards, who simply was the best player on the ice. After the Isles jumped to a quick 2-0 lead, Richards got the Flyers going with a power-play goal as he, Simon Gagne and Kim Johnsson froze the Islanders with a crisp sequence of passes along the perimeter.

"He's a very unique player in that he has that rare combination of skill and competitiveness," Hitchcock said. "He's a gritty guy who can make plays, and that's a hard combination to beat."

Notes. Captain Keith Primeau (strained left shoulder) and defenseman Chris Therien (slight groin pull) sat out the game, but Hitchcock said he anticipates that both will be ready for tomorrow night's home game against New Jersey.

Hitchcock also held out the possibility that center Peter Forsberg and defenseman Derian Hatcher could make their first appearances as Flyers against the Devils.

"If [Forsberg and Hatcher] feel good after practice [Wednesday] or Thursday morning, then they'll play Thursday also," he said.

[SunMo]

"If [Forsberg and Hatcher] feel good after practice [Wednesday] or Thursday morning, then they'll play Thursday also," he said.

that would be sweet

[PhillyGirl]

I cannot wait to see these guys play. 

[BigEd76]

Game on CSN in 2 hours 

[PhillyGirl]

Game on CSN in 2 hours 

shtein, have to record The OC and Reunion....lol

[MDS]

Game on CSN in 2 hours 

shtein, have to record The OC and Reunion....lol

You watch that crap?

[PhillyGirl]

I might be a huge sports fan, but I AM still a chick.

[MDS]

And apparantley 15 years old.

[PhillyGirl]

Yes, because Reunion is a show for 15 year olds.

The OC is a soap opera, not a kiddie show. 

[MDS]

It's Beverly Hills 90210 for todays high schoolers. Act your age and watch Desperate Housewives for your cheesy soapy opera fix, like me.

[SunMo]

i guess it sounds like Forsberg won't play tonight after all


damn

[PhillyGirl]

It's Beverly Hills 90210 for todays high schoolers. Act your age and watch Desperate Housewives for your cheesy soapy opera fix, like me.

Just when I think you're less of an icehole, you prove me wrong.