ConcreteBoard

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2005, 02:23:33 PM
I Cant WAIT  :crazy  Jersey has been orders...Mike Richards 19   :yay

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2005, 02:23:33 PMJersey has been orders...Mike Richards 19   :yay

Quote from: BigEd76 on August 29, 2005, 03:59:03 PM

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2005, 02:23:33 PMJersey has been orders...Mike Richards 19   :yay

Might want a refund.  He's wearing #18....  :-D

Quote from: BigEd76 on August 29, 2005, 03:59:03 PM

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2005, 02:23:33 PMJersey has been orders...Mike Richards 19   :yay

Might want a refund.  He's wearing #18....  :-D

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2005, 09:54:53 PM
:'(  typed too quick.....Is anyone going to the opener?

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on August 29, 2005, 09:54:53 PM
:'(  typed too quick.....Is anyone going to the opener?

Quote from: SD_Eagle on September 04, 2005, 11:06:34 AM
Pure speculation, but if this deal happened (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/12554044.htm) we'd be sick!  :o

Quote from: PhillyGirl on September 04, 2005, 08:53:05 PM

Quote from: SD_Eagle on September 04, 2005, 11:06:34 AM
Pure speculation, but if this deal happened (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/12554044.htm) we'd be sick!  :o

Eh, you can't know that. We have no idea how Smyth would work out to say that we'd be "sick".

Quote from: PhillyGirl on September 04, 2005, 10:31:54 PM
Hey, he COULD be good or great, but who knows? Too risky, IMO.

I'd rather have Handzus for this season.

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on September 05, 2005, 08:23:49 AM
I wonder if Hitch is on the same diet as Reid?

:-o

QuoteVeteran official Collins retires after 28 years


TORONTO -- Kevin Collins will not officiate in the NHL's post-lockout era.

On Friday, the NHL announced the retirement of Collins, who worked 1,964 regular-season games and 296 Stanley Cup playoff contests during a 28-year career as an on-ice official.

The 54-year-old Collins will join the NHL's officiating department as an officiating manager this season.

"Kevin's on-ice career was marked by excellence, dedication and passion for the game," NHL senior vice president and director of officiating Stephen Walkom said. "We thank him for his more than a quarter century [of] service to the league and look forward to having his experience and knowledge benefit our officials in the AHL and NHL this coming season."

Collins, who was selected to work 11 Stanley Cup Finals and two All-Star Games, also worked the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano and the World Cup of Hockey in 1996.

Following a 301-day lockout that wiped out the entire 2004-05 season, the NHL introduced a host of new rules to enhance the flow of the game and increase scoring.

Included in the new rules to which both players and officials must adapt are the red line being omitted to permit longer passes, nets being moved two feet closer to the end boards and goaltenders having both the size of their equipment and the areas from which they can handle the puck

Quote from: MDS on September 05, 2005, 04:21:37 PM
Now if only CB Bucknor and Alfonso Marquez can follow suit on baseball, we'd be in business.

Quote from: SD_Eagle on September 09, 2005, 08:35:46 PM
Hatcher and Forsberg injured  :boo (http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pressbox/archive/2116.asp) Should be ready by the season opener though.

QuoteUmberger earns attention as Flyers start camp

By Tim Panaccio

Inquirer Staff Writer


As a youngster growing up in Pittsburgh, R.J. Umberger fantasized about what it would be like to wear a Penguins sweater.

"Part of me always wanted to a Penguin," Umberger said. "Any kid wants to play in his hometown. It would have been childhood dream to play alongside Mario Lemieux. But the bigger dream was playing in the NHL."

Yesterday, as the Flyers opened training camp at the Skate Zone in Voorhees, Umberger was among the 52 Flyers and Phantoms players.

The 23-year-old would have a legitimate chance to make the NHL team if only he weren't a center. The Flyers already have five centers, including veterans Peter Forsberg, Keith Primeau and Michal Handzus.

"All I can do is my best, and whatever happens, I can't control," Umberger said. "What I can control is how hard I work."

Umberger joined the organization more than a year ago as a free agent out of Ohio State. He was an impact player on the Phantoms' Calder Cup championship run last season with 21 goals and a team-high 65 points, playing mostly on a line with Jon Sim. Sim might be a key to his sticking around.

Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock uses pairs of forwards on every line. For instance, Primeau and Sami Kapanen are a pair. Forsberg and Simon Gagne will be a pair when the former returns from right ankle surgery. Sim and Umberger are a familiar pair.

"We're going to take these pairs into exhibitions and see what they look like," Hitchcock said. "Umberger and Sim, [Patrick] Sharp and [Jeff] Carter are pairs. Why mess around with good chemistry?"

The coaching staff has told the 6-foot-2, 213-pound Umberger to use his size to hang onto the puck longer.

"We want him to play like Handzus and Primeau do, where you hang onto the puck and protect it," Hitchcock said. "For me, [Umberger] is a very intriguing player. He comes from a year off from college, does not play, comes into the American Hockey League and has good year, then comes in here and looks like a hell of a player."

That's where Sim comes in. He was the recipient of many a good pass from Umberger last season. Sim had 61 points (35 goals) as a Phantom.

"We work pretty well off each other," Sim said. "Some guys get together and it's natural chemistry. R.J. has to show Hitch he can play both ends of the rink. That was my problem when I was younger."

Added Umberger, "I love passing the puck. The biggest part of my game is seeing the ice, using my size and moving the puck, which is where Jon comes in because he's always open to shoot."

That was the case yesterday during an up-tempo scrimmage in which Umberger's line, including winger Josh Gratton, displayed some spark.

The longer it continues in camp, the better Umberger's chances.

"Maybe the best path to the NHL for me is through Philly," Umberger said with a smile.

Loose pucks. Look for OLN to announce this week that former Flyer Bill Clement has been hired as one of two studio hosts for NHL games this fall.

Mike Richter, Neil Smith and Pierre McGuire are finalists for the other in-studio anchor spot.

QuoteLook for OLN to announce this week that former Flyer Bill Clement has been hired as one of two studio hosts for NHL games this fall.

Quote from: BigEd76 on September 14, 2005, 12:44:47 PM
Primeau and Hitchcock on returning to practice (http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/media/video/flyers/091305-primeau.wmv)

Gagne and Esche on being back (http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/media/video/flyers/091305-gagne.wmv)

CSN also asked Therien about the Eagles and he says they'll rebound.  I feel better now....

Quote from: rjs246 on September 14, 2005, 08:55:43 PM
Does your mom need a date for next year's dinner? I'll only put out if she asks.

QuoteKapanen to undergo shoulder surgery Tuesday
By Tim Panaccio
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Incredibly, the Flyers have been stricken with another injury and it had nothing to do with training camp.

Right wing Sami Kapanen will undergo surgery Tuesday at Pennsylvania Hospital to repairs torn cartilage in his right shoulder and will be lost for at least 10 weeks.

Kapanen said he isn't sure, but he thinks he injured the shoulder nearly a month ago during a player scrimmage on his own when he fell to the ice.

Kapanen, Peter Forsberg (bursa sac surgery) and Derian Hatcher (torn left knee ligaments) have all suffered injuries outside of training camp.

"It was about three or four weeks back, I fell down," he said. "That has to be the one because I can't fingerpoint anything in the past three-four weeks of skating. It's been sore ever since then but I was still able to do the scrimmages."

Some days it hurt, some days he had no symptoms and the medical staff believed it was nothing more than a bruise. Trainer Jim McCrossin suspected something worse when Kapanen's physical showed he was losing strength in the shoulder. An MRI taken at Pennsylvania Hospital on Wednesday showed torn

QuoteThe Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have signed 6'1", 200-pound unrestricted free agent left wing Brian Savage to a one-year contract, according to club General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

"We felt that he has been a really good goal scorer in the National Hockey League, has good speed and is a skilled hockey player," said Clarke in making the announcement. "Losing (Sami) Kapanen (due to injury) for at least two months leaves us shallow at forward, so we thought that getting a player like Savage would really help our team."

Savage, 34, did not play during the 2004-05 season. During the 2003-04 season, he recorded 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points and 38 penalty minutes in 74 regular season games for the Phoenix Coyotes and St. Louis Blues.

Over parts of 11 NHL seasons (from 1993-94 through 2003-04) with the Montreal Canadiens, Phoenix and St. Louis, Savage has recorded 183 goals and 162 assists for 345 points and 293 penalty minutes in 608 regular season games. The five-time 20-goal scorer was originally drafted from Miami University by Montreal in the eighth round (171st overall) of the 1991 NHL Entry Draft.

QuoteSavage, 34, did not play during the 2004-05 season.

Quote from: FFatPatt on September 15, 2005, 05:51:07 PM

QuoteSavage, 34, did not play during the 2004-05 season.

The slacker took a year off?



Please, don't fail to see my sarcasm.

Quote from: FFatPatt on September 15, 2005, 06:07:02 PM
(There was no NHL last year.  Most players took the year off.)

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on September 16, 2005, 07:43:43 AM
I thought this would open the door for Umberger to play wing.  Im still holding out hope that they make a play for Ryan Smyth.  I saw he just signed a 2 or 3 year deal but i was hoping that was just getting he set to move.

QuoteSeptember 19, 2005
Flyers could move Handzus to wing
TheFourthPeriod.com


     Michal Handzus' name has been heard in a number of trade rumors circling around the NHL over the past few weeks, but that may all come to an end.

According to the Camden CourierPost, Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock is considering moving Handzus to right wing, a position he played regularly in St. Louis five years ago.

Handzus, 28, has been speculated to be on the Flyers' trade block due to the team's amount of talent up the middle.

One report suggested the team was trying to deal Handzus to Edmonton for Ryan Smyth, prior to Smyth signing a new deal with the Oilers.
   Click Here!
     
In 436 career NHL games with the Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes and Blues, Handzus has accumulated 101 goals and 147 assists for 248 points. He was traded to Philadelphia along with Robert Esche from Phoenix in exchange for Brian Boucher and a draft pick.

Quote from: BigEd76 on September 21, 2005, 03:18:38 PM
later this week vs the Devils, I think...

QuoteFlyers Defeat Islanders in Trenton, 2-1

Radivojevic nets the game-winner

Trenton, NJ – Branko Radivojevic broke a 1-1 tie with a goal in the third period that proved to be the game-winner, as the Philadelphia Flyers won their second preseason game in as many tries with a 2-1 victory over the New York Islanders at the Sovereign Bank Arena.

On the goal, Michal Handzus attempted a wrap-around and the puck bounced around traffic in the crease before Radivojevic poked it past a sprawled out Garth Snow at 5:57.

Philadelphia had to kill off three consecutive penalties to start the game, and then took the lead on a power play of its own. Defenseman Mike Rathje, who was a healthy scratch in the first game, floated a wrist shot from the high slot towards the net. Jon Sim screened Snow on the play for a goal at 9:16.

New York responded quickly with a power play goal by Wyatt Smith at 10:52 to tie the game. Goaltender Antero Niittymaki was unable to control a shot by Joel Bouchard, and Smith was left alone in front of the net to knock in the rebound.

The first altercation of the preseason came courtesy of an unlikely source from the Flyers' end, when rookie Mike Richards dropped the gloves with Bouchard about four and a half minutes into the second period. Richards got an instigator penalty, but New York was unable to capitalize. >:D

There was a scary moment for the Flyers when there was a collision between New York's Jason Blake and Niittymaki halfway through the third period. Niittymaki was shaken up on the play but remained in the game, and Blake was given a minor for goaltender interference.

Niittymaki played the entire game for the Flyers, stopping 23 of 24 shots. Snow also played from start to finish, allowing two goals on 25 shots.

There were several players dressing for the Flyers who did not play in the team's first preseason game in London. Michal Handzus, Eric Chouinard, Wade Skolney, Ben Eager and Jamie Storr (who did not play) were among them, as was Brian Savage, who signed with the club last week.

The Flyers open up the home portion of their preseason schedule on Saturday at the Wachovia Center when they host the Washington Capitals at 7:00 p.m.

FLYERS NOTES
With Keith Primeau not dressing for the game, Simon Gagne wore the "C", while Handzus and Donald Brashear were the assistant captains :yay. ... In addition to winning their second game, the Flyers also won their second post-game shootout, which follows every preseason NHL game. Richards and Gagne scored for the Flyers, while Niittymaki stopped two of the three attempts by the Islanders.

QuoteHitch looks for Pitkanen to develop his offense

By ED MORAN

morane@phillynews.com

Just before the start of the 2004 playoffs, Ken Hitchcock was talking about Joni Pitkanen and about why he had decided not to play the rookie in the postseason.

What he said was that Pitkanen was still just a kid. He belonged back home sunbathing in Helsinki instead of worrying about playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. "Overwhelmed" was another term Hitchcock used when asked why he had decided to bench the Flyers' talented Finnish rookie, who turned 22 Monday.

And then came the injuries to Kim Johnsson, Eric Desjardins and Magnus Ragnarsson, and Pitkanen was back in again.

But Hitchcock was proved right. Pitkanen seemed to get lost in the intense Eastern Conference final against Tampa Bay, and suffered a concussion in Game 4.

Last season's lockout meant that instead of being the young, inexperienced kid on the Flyers, Pitkanen was the NHL-experienced defenseman on the Phantoms, playing a dominant role in all aspects of the game.

He was a factor in the team's run to the Calder Cup championship from the start of the minor league year, and now both he and Hitchcock believe he has the foundation to become a factor on the Flyers' defense.

"I'm ready, I'm very excited," Pitkanen said. "I feel like I'm in good shape and it's very exciting. I know I'm a better player and I want to step up, make the next step, be a better player."

Tonight, the Flyers will get a chance to see if that is true. When they play the New York Islanders at the Sovereign Bank Arena in Trenton, N.J., Pitkanen will play his first NHL game since the 2004 playoffs.

It's hard for Pitkanen to talk about what he learned playing in the AHL and what he expects from himself in the coming season. He is shy by nature, and it doesn't help that he speaks only halting English.

Fortunately, he has been doing most of his talking on the ice. Pitkanen learned to play a more physical game last season, and that brought confidence.

When he reported to camp this summer, he was bigger, having gained more than 15 pounds of muscle. "I'm much bigger than before; now I'm 217," he said. "I get stronger; if guys come to hit, I can push back."

Paired with veteran Mike Rathje, who was signed as a free agent to help bring experience and a physical presence to the defense, Pitkanen is expected to use his added strength and experience not to defend but to help bring the game to the opposing net. He also has been moved from the left to the right side.

"We really like what we see at practice [with the pairing]," Hitchcock said. "It's really allowing [Pitkanen] to get up the ice and do what he does. This is the first real go for him on the right side, so this is going to be a process. We think from an offensive standpoint and a puck-movement standpoint, [Pitkanen] is going to be better playing over there."

Hitchcock is a little more than curious to see what happens to Pitkanen this season. He watched him grow in the AHL last season and he believes the player the Flyers took with the fourth overall pick in 2002 is ready to live up to the expectations placed on him back then.

But he knows there is still an issue with Pitkanen not doing what made him such a high draft pick: using the talent and speed that made him an offensive threat when he was a teenager playing in the Finnish elite league.

"We're looking for him to take the big step here during the season," Hitchcock said. "We see it at practice and we'd like to see him take the same steps in games. We would rather him make risky mistakes than play with hesitation. We're looking for him to play with risk and take chances... I think it's just that [Pitkanen] is a work in progress.

"A lot of people think that with younger, skilled defensemen, it's the defensive part of the game that needs work. It's not so. He's more than accomplished defensively. What we want him to do is get the puck and go. He's shown flashes of that at our level and flashes at the Phantoms' level, but we're looking for more consistency for him to get up and get going."

QuoteFlyers' Forsberg back on ice

Associated Press

VOORHEES, N.J. - Peter Forsberg skated Friday for the first time since having surgery on his right ankle, and the Philadelphia Flyers forward might return to practice early next week.

Forsberg, who had an infected bursa sac removed from his ankle on Sept. 12, felt some discomfort during the 10-minute skating session.

"I'm going to skate a little harder each day and we'll see about Monday," Forsberg said. "I'm happy to be back. I missed 11 days of training camp."

The Flyers training staff added extra padding to Forsberg's skate to reduce the amount of friction around the injury.

"I just had the stitches out this morning, so it was hurting a little bit," he said. "I wasn't trying to skate that hard, just get out there. It's good to be back on the ice."

The NHL's most valuable player in 2003 aims to play in at least one preseason game before the regular season begins on Oct. 5.

Forsberg is expected to center a line with veteran Simon Gagne and rookie Jeff Carter.

Quote from: Geowhizzer on September 23, 2005, 07:57:12 PM
Got the Center Ice package ready to go.  :yay

This could be a great season for the Flyers.  Looking forward to some hockey!  :evil

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on September 26, 2005, 08:25:51 AM
He's not a flyer anymore but it sounds like JR might be done he suffered another concussion Sunday night

Quote from: rjs246 on September 26, 2005, 08:50:30 AM
The NHL is better with JR in it. I hope he's alright. But if not I'm sure his millions of dollars and hot wife will comfort him slightly.

Quote from: ice grillin you on September 26, 2005, 11:53:08 AM
funny shtein...a quote from alexander ovechkin of the caps...i know the kid is like 14 and from russia but damn....


"I play for team. If I score, I'm glad. If we win, I'm glad, too. We lose all games. We must win something. This game we win. We're happy."

QuoteSharp 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.

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

Quote from: BigEd76 on September 29, 2005, 05:14:16 PM
Game on CSN in 2 hours  :crazy

Quote from: PhillyGirl on September 29, 2005, 05:20:02 PM

Quote from: BigEd76 on September 29, 2005, 05:14:16 PM
Game on CSN in 2 hours  :crazy

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

Quote from: MDS on September 29, 2005, 05:43:59 PM
It's Beverly Hills 90210 for todays high schoolers. Act your age and watch Desperate Housewives for your cheesy soapy opera fix, like me.

Quote from: MDS on September 29, 2005, 06:55:11 PM
If you think I'm a nice guy, honey, you have a lot to learn. Well I'm sorta nice, I just like making fun of people I don't know. On message boards. About their interests and hobbies.

Boy I'm cool.

Quote from: MDS on September 29, 2005, 07:21:59 PM
Smite? Tool?  :-[

Quote from: BigEd76 on September 30, 2005, 09:49:11 AM
He's actually smaller than Primeau and Therien, if you can believe it...

Quote from: MURP on September 30, 2005, 03:39:38 PM
peter forsberg done for season (http://espn)

Quote from: MURP on September 30, 2005, 03:39:38 PM
peter forsberg done for season (http://espn)

Quote from: ice grillin you on September 30, 2005, 04:44:27 PM
banned?

Quote from: MURP on September 30, 2005, 03:39:38 PM
RJS done for season (http://espn)

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 01, 2005, 10:05:28 PM
Speaking of the Caps, I went down there on a bus trip in the early '80s and as God is my witness, the number of Flyers fans to Caps fans was literally 10 to 1 in that place.

Just a dark, dank, horrible place to watch a sporting event.

I hear their new arena is nice, though.  Too bad their team still sucks ass.

:-D

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 02, 2005, 08:22:05 PM
Wednesday night baby!!!!!!!!!!

Quote from: MDS on October 02, 2005, 08:23:25 PM
All new Lost!

Quote from: SD_Eagle on October 02, 2005, 08:27:05 PM

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 02, 2005, 08:22:05 PM
Wednesday night baby!!!!!!!!!!

Guess they're only showing it locally?  :-\

Quote from: SD_Eagle on October 02, 2005, 08:42:02 PM
YES! I get it and it's listed!  :yay Thanks...

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 02, 2005, 08:46:31 PM

Quote from: SD_Eagle on October 02, 2005, 08:42:02 PM
YES! I get it and it's listed!  :yay Thanks...

Only 1 1/2 months til you're watching on CSN.  :yay :yay :yay

Quote from: MDS on October 02, 2005, 09:07:08 PM
I see. Logical answer for everything!

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 02, 2005, 09:07:48 PM
They play in a new place compared to the 80s. They built a new arena in the 90s and its brighter and much nicer than the Crap Center. But its still 90% Flyers fans

i have a group of 50 seats for the flyers at caps in january...if anyone wants to road trip lemme know...

Quote from: rjs246 on October 04, 2005, 05:01:32 PM
Wow! Who knew?!?!

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 08:36:45 AM
im almost more excited to see the new comcast pavillion than i am the game.....almost...

QuotePosted on Wed, Oct. 05, 2005

Flyers Preview


Phil Sheridan | The icemen returneth, and it could get interesting

By Phil Sheridan

Inquirer Columnist


Those guys (what are they called again?) are back, ready to drop those little gizmos (the black rubber dealies), and skate in pursuit of that big silver thing (you know, Lord What's-His-Name's What-Have-You).

Hockey. That's it. They're going to be playing ice hockey again.

This is going to be a first: a league where the comeback player of the year is everybody.

Do you care? Will you rush back to the rink? Or are you going to make them win you back? After learning you could live without the NHL, are you interested in trying to live with it again?

The Flyers (those are the guys) will drop pucks (that's it!) against the New York Rangers tonight as they begin a season that could well end with them winning the Stanley Cup.

The Flyers' expectations are high, not because they built the best team through careful drafting and player development. No, the home team is a preseason favorite because it won the high-stakes equivalent of a fantasy-league draft after the NHL's ruinous lockout ended.

Peter Forsberg in, John LeClair out.

Derian Hatcher in, Jeremy Roenick out.

Mike Rathje in, Tony Amonte out.

Just like that, Flyers fans seemed willing to forgive and forget everything that transpired in the previous 12 months. The first major pro sports league to lose an entire season because of a labor dispute stumbled onto a remarkable bit of accidental genius.

In order to make the transition from uncapped fiscal lunacy to a tightly capped system, teams were given the one-time-only opportunity to get rid of high-priced players.

(Think the Phillies would like a chance to flush out the bad contracts? How about the 76ers?)

The resulting shuffle shook up the entire NHL. Instead of welcoming back the same old tired faces, all a year older, fans will get a chance to root for brand-new stars playing under radically changed rules. There should be more scoring, less clutching and grabbing, and all the free beer you can drink.

OK, that last part was made up. But the rest of it is real, and it should give hockey a chance to survive what looked like almost certain self-destruction.

Six months ago, the NHL looked bound for the scrap heap of obsolete sports leagues. It seemed ready to be tossed on top of the pile that includes the USFL and the XFL and the WHA. Cause of death: idiocy.

And now? It's a little early to say the lockout is completely forgotten. There are no doubt fans who will refuse to come back to the arena. But here in Philadelphia, ticket sales took off the moment the Flyers announced the signing of Forsberg. There is a definite buzz about the opening of this season.

After all, it's not as if Philadelphia fans can afford to be choosy. When the Phillies' season ended with them one victory short of a wild-card berth, the city's championship drought was extended yet again. Since the Sixers' 1983 title, the four major pro sports teams in town have completed a total of 88 seasons without a parade. The Eagles are in the middle of the 89th season and, once again, have a chance to end the drought.

Still, you can see why Flyers fans were fired up by the addition of Forsberg, one of the game's great offensive players.

A purist might argue that this season will be tainted by all the changes. Squint back through the mists of time to the 2004 Cup playoffs and that was a Flyers team that grew together organically. That's the kind of team you root for. This team is like one of those rock supergroups that never quite sound as good as the members' original, more authentic bands.

But if these Flyers can win that Cup, purists will be run right over by the parade. No one will care a bit how it came together. Besides, the long regular season and grueling playoffs will give this team and its fans plenty of time to get to know each other.

Right now, these Flyers look to be a fascinating mix.

There are the marquee additions - Forsberg and Hatcher.

There are the mainstays from '04 - Keith Primeau and Simon Gagne and Kim Johnsson and Robert Esche.

There are the kids - Mike Richards and Jeff Carter and Antero Niittymaki.

Of course, there is also the superb coaching of Ken Hitchcock to make it all work under the new rules. The teams that are quickest to understand the new game and how to take advantage of it will have an edge. Hitchcock gives the Flyers that edge.

It didn't seem possible, but here it is.

Hockey, which did all it could to drive us away, now is asking us to come back. The surprise is that the invitation may well be worth accepting.

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 05, 2005, 09:39:27 AM
Mmmmmm... crab fries.

:drool

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 05, 2005, 09:37:22 AM


Why do I feel the overwhelming impulse to punch Phil Sheridan in the face everytime I read one of his columns?

Quote from: Wingspan on October 05, 2005, 09:47:07 AM

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 05, 2005, 09:39:27 AM
Mmmmmm... crab fries.

:drool

mmmm $15 fries

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 05, 2005, 09:51:51 AM
LOL.  Exaggerate much?

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 05, 2005, 09:51:51 AM
Crab fries > you.

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 10:52:23 AM
and how can you hate melrose,...hes a goofball but fun to watch...kinda like jerry glanville

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 05, 2005, 10:59:42 AM

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 10:52:23 AM
and how can you hate melrose,...hes a goofball but fun to watch...kinda like jerry glanville

The fact that you like him confirms why I can't stand him. He's annoying. He's kinda like Merrill Hoge.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 05, 2005, 11:07:12 AM
He's as annoying, not as angering, but just as annoying.

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 10:52:23 AM
Crab fries > you

i never understood the crab fry infatuation...they are french fries with old bay seasoning on them...i just dont get it

and how can you hate melrose,...hes a goofball but fun to watch...kinda like jerry glanville

Quote from: Sun_Mo on October 05, 2005, 11:07:40 AM
i wouldn't compare anybody to Hoge.  the only thing comparable to Hoge is Satan, but that's even being a little harsh on Satan

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 05, 2005, 11:11:42 AM

As for Melrose, I don't like him for the same reason I don't like Irvin.  He's a loudmouth who never adds anything of value to the broadcast.  He'd be better off analyzing professional wrestling.  I want professionals in there; not moronic ex-jocks who can't utter a sentence without screaming.

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 11:21:32 AM
i must be retarded

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 11:21:32 AM
i must be retarded cause i like melrose...and i really like irvin

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 11:27:44 AM
best hockey announcers are in ny

rosen and davidson
rose and micheletti

almost anyone associated with hockey night in canada in fantastic as well

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 11:29:07 AM
it bothers me that Irvin touches everybody sitting near him on the set every Sunday

yeah that is a little disturbing...but i like him overall...then again i dont take people on tv very serious...i agree about aikman too...he might be the best football analyst ive ever heard

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 11:39:20 AM
gene hart was classic

i have hundreds of flyer games on tape as every fight they ever had from about 78 to 91 or so

one time eddie hospodar cross checked someone on the whalers...mighta been ray neufeld...but it was vicious...he even got suspended when it was hard to get suspended i the nhl...crosschecked dook right in the mouth...brutal...and while the guy is out on the iceall gene hart says is "the only way youre getting thru that is if youre a beaver"

in another all time classic fight glen cochrane beat the living daylights out of jeff brubaker at center ice of the spectrum...one of the great beatings in nhl history...or as gene put it "cochrane played the anvil chorus on brubakers head"

god i miss hockey in the 80's

Quote from: NGM on October 05, 2005, 11:45:54 AM
You might get a reprisal of the scoring Ice but anytime someone sneezes in the general vicinity of another player in the NHL now he's gonna feel a significant pinch in his wallet.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 05, 2005, 11:47:21 AM

Quote from: NGM on October 05, 2005, 11:45:54 AM
You might get a reprisal of the scoring Ice but anytime someone sneezes in the general vicinity of another player in the NHL now he's gonna feel a significant pinch in his wallet.

I think the whole penalty thing is really being blown out of proportion.

After a couple of months, the players will begin to alter their games to AVOID the penalties and it will open up the game so much more.

Quote from: NGM on October 05, 2005, 11:55:00 AM
I meant more along the lines of fighting PG.  Since the whole Bertuzzi thing the NHL has taken a lot of shtein from media/pansie ass fans during the PC era.  Nevermind that NASCAR drivers intentionally wreck each other at 180+ mph,  its a cash cow.  DANG! 

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 05, 2005, 11:57:52 AM

Quote from: NGM on October 05, 2005, 11:55:00 AM
I meant more along the lines of fighting PG.  Since the whole Bertuzzi thing the NHL has taken a lot of shtein from media/pansie ass fans during the PC era.  Nevermind that NASCAR drivers intentionally wreck each other at 180+ mph,  its a cash cow.  DANG! 

Ahh, my bad. Isn't the only difference in the fighting thing is in the last 5 minutes of the game?

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 05, 2005, 12:43:30 PM
it hasnt been prevalent since about 1991...you cant take away something that barely exists in the first place

fast fact: the last bench clearing brawl in the nhl was bwtn the flyers and islanders

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 05, 2005, 01:13:52 PM
This wasn't a pregame or post game. This was ALL Game. Don't you remember this?

http://s50.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2XI5BLJQCYYS51GY0CFDA0YTQC

QuoteThe page cannot be displayed

The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 05, 2005, 02:21:43 PM
works for me

try it again.

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on October 05, 2005, 07:24:24 PM
So farging excited!!  But OLNs regular picture sucks  :boo

Quote from: Geowhizzer on October 05, 2005, 07:52:24 PM
KNUBLE!!!!!!!!

Quote from: NGM on October 05, 2005, 08:42:33 PM
Damn they just got out of the box and they got another penalty.   :-D

Quote from: Geowhizzer on October 05, 2005, 09:41:54 PM
We waited two years for THIS??? :boom

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 05, 2005, 09:56:28 PM
:-D Yeah, season over.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 05, 2005, 09:50:30 PM
Yes, Geo....this is indicative of the whole season.  :-D

Hitch needs to work on the PP and badly.

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 06, 2005, 08:22:20 AM
this has nothing to do with last nights game...altho he was horrid...but its the same old story...good team not good enough goalie

on another note...what a farging goal by richards

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 06, 2005, 12:43:49 PM
once hatcher comes back therian isnt even allowed to say the word ice

Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on October 07, 2005, 04:33:59 AM
Macnow is reporting that Niitymaki will be starting in goal tonight....

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 07, 2005, 08:10:54 AM
he was scheduled to start two of the first five...since they have a week off after that...he was not scheduled to start friday...this was done mostly because esche struggled in the opener...plus nitty outplayed him in the preseason....you dont not start your number one goalie against the devils unless something is up

Quote from: FFatPatt on October 07, 2005, 08:03:25 PM
Losing again...

Quote from: SD_Eagle on October 07, 2005, 08:07:22 PM

Quote from: FFatPatt on October 07, 2005, 08:03:25 PM
Losing again...

At least they took their thumbs out of their butts after the first 5 minutes.

Quote from: SD_Eagle on October 07, 2005, 09:40:06 PM
farg OFF DEVILS!  >:D

5-2!

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 07, 2005, 10:23:44 PM
nitt-eee....nitt-ee....nitt-ee

give em the job...let him prove himself...not saying hes capable of taking them where they need to go but we all know esche isnt...so might as well go with ant until he proves otherwise

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 07, 2005, 10:47:09 PM
I'm not sold on either yet, but the competition is always welcome

esche has been in the league for parts or all of seven years...he was a low pick..i believe 4th round by phoenix out of the ohl...was not thought of much then...struggled basically his whole career until last season when he had a 'career' year...and even at that wasnt overly impressive...hes a solid goalie but not much more...not a guy that should be backstopping the favorite for the cup

i am in no way saying that nitty can win a cup either but WE KNOW ESCHE CANT...so lets go with the kid and see what he can do 

Quote from: SD_Eagle on October 07, 2005, 11:50:14 PM
I'm all for competition, but until proven otherwise Esche is our #1.

Quote from: TO is GOD on October 11, 2005, 10:21:16 PM
The Flyers suck so far this season. They aren't playing with much intensity. I love how seemless it looks for the Leafs to score on the PP but for us it's a mission.  :boo

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 11, 2005, 10:24:24 PM

Quote from: TO is GOD on October 11, 2005, 10:21:16 PM
The Flyers suck so far this season. They aren't playing with much intensity. I love how seemless it looks for the Leafs to score on the PP but for us it's a mission.  :boo

YOu know, "fans" like you make me ILL. Get lost, don't watch. PLEASE. You're starting this shtein ALREADY?

The farging Leafs were winless.

The Flyers had only played 2 games in a week and they don't play again until Friday. Hard to get some flow going with a zesty schedule makeup like that. Why don't we all wait until Hatcher and Seidenberg are back....and they start playing on a 3 game a week basis to get going?  ::)

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 11, 2005, 10:31:40 PM
Yes, because I said they're playing well.  ::)

They suck so far this season? They've played 3 games. They beat the crap out of the Devils and lost 2 other games...tonight's game was tied in the 3rd and decided by Kerry Fraser. I don't think they SUCK so far, they're not playing even close to where they WILL be, but to say they suck is typical of you.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 11, 2005, 10:31:40 PM
Yes, because I said they're playing well.  ::)

They suck so far this season? They've played 3 games. They beat the crap out of the Devils and lost 2 other games...tonight's game was tied in the 3rd and decided by Kerry Fraser. I don't think they SUCK so far, they're not playing even close to where they WILL be, but to say they suck is typical of you.

Quote from: TO is GOD on October 11, 2005, 10:45:51 PM
I don't care what the reason is. THEY AREN'T PLAYING WELL. That is the point. Don't give me the "don't watch them" shtein either. I'm a fan and I have every right to be critical. We just got beat in every facet of the game by a winless team. Not good. New players? I don't care. New rules? I don't care. They better get it together. No excuses. Excuses are for losers, and the weak.

Quote from: TO is GOD on October 11, 2005, 10:50:38 PM
You are the one crying. Listen to yourself. Instead of bitching about what matters(the team) you bitch about people bitching. What I am doing is called being critical. You are the only whiner here. But if you want to resort to acting like a child because you lost an argument then go for it.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 12, 2005, 07:37:02 AM

Quote from: TO is GOD on October 11, 2005, 10:50:38 PM
You are the one crying. Listen to yourself. Instead of bitching about what matters(the team) you bitch about people bitching. What I am doing is called being critical. You are the only whiner here. But if you want to resort to acting like a child because you lost an argument then go for it.

No, I didn't lose an arguement. You didn't even put up one.  ::)  They're called opinions. You jumping off the hockey bandwagon is fine by me though. I could deal with one less thread that you post on here.

Quote from: BigEd76 on October 11, 2005, 10:31:14 PM


Also, Sharp got kicked in the face while sitting on the bench and sliced up his left cheek...  :poison

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 13, 2005, 12:22:45 PM
if anyone is interested i have two tickets to the flyers game on sat nov 5th

46 bones for the pair

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 15, 2005, 09:16:24 AM
Nitty was watching Forsberg's play on the Phanavision when that goal went in. And Geo, it wasn't from the blueline, it was from THE CENTER ICE LINE.  :boom

Hatcher is awesome. And he was "rusty" last night.

Pitkanen and Johnsson can both hit the net well with shots. As can Hatcher.

Quote from: TO is GOD on October 15, 2005, 10:30:26 PM
The penalties are out of control. I miss the old hockey. It was just better.

Quote from: Cerevant on October 16, 2005, 04:48:46 PM
Even with the penalties, the new NHL is just better.  Under the old rules, if Jersy gets a 2-0 lead in the first period, the game is over.  You can only watch the neutral zone trap for so long before your eyes start to bleed.

Quote from: Cerevant on October 16, 2005, 04:48:46 PM
Even with the penalties, the new NHL is just better.  Under the old rules, if Jersy gets a 2-0 lead in the first period, the game is over.  You can only watch the neutral zone trap for so long before your eyes start to bleed.

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on October 17, 2005, 03:44:39 PM
Bring up Umberger  :yay

QuoteGeneral manager Bob Clarke said he has no of trading to acquire a veteran and will not call up a replacement from the AHL because of salary cap considerations. The Flyers will carry only 12 forwards into Saturday's game at Toronto.

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 20, 2005, 04:35:16 PM
http://www.trendpimp.com/albums/crazy/hockey_fights.wmv

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 22, 2005, 09:32:38 PM
Eat shtein Lindros

Eat shtein Tucker

Eat shtein Quinn

Eat shtein Domi


Flyers win 5-2.

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 20, 2005, 04:35:16 PM
http://www.trendpimp.com/albums/crazy/hockey_fights.wmv

QuoteNews
Flyers winger Sami Kapanen, out because of right shoulder surgery, has been cleared to skate this weekend, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Views
Even though Kapanen has been cleared to skate, he likely won't be ready for game action until the latter part of November or early December

QuoteGagne made it 4-3 when he scored with each team a man down. Forsberg assisted on both of Gagne's goals, giving him a league-high 14.

"Every time I pass to Simon, there's a bigger chance he's going to score than I'm going to score," Forsberg said. "I'm going to give it up to him every time even if I didn't have a goal."

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on October 27, 2005, 10:39:44 PM
Great win  :yay  Damn refs were calling the flyers for the littlest infractions but letting Florida get away with murder on the ice and the Flyguys still came away with the WIN.  Pitkanen did a great job of adjusting to get that shot off he really worried me with his play after running into Savage. 

Quote from: MDS on October 28, 2005, 05:23:26 PM
worse than wheeler.

Quote from: Geowhizzer on October 28, 2005, 05:38:30 PM
I was spoiled in my childhood by the sports announcers:

Phils- Harry the K and Richie Ashburn
Eagles- Merrill Reese
Flyers- Gene Hart

We've had some good ones!

Quote from: PhillyGirl on October 28, 2005, 05:23:54 PM

Quote from: MDS on October 28, 2005, 05:23:26 PM
worse than wheeler.

BLASPHEMY!

Quote from: ice grillin you on October 29, 2005, 07:29:15 AM
this team is just not built for the new league

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 29, 2005, 09:45:58 AM
Gagne has serious speed.  Did anyone else notice him race out and nearly beat two defensemen last night at the start of a power play in the 3rd period?

Holy Jesus...

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 29, 2005, 10:53:19 AM
I just haven't seen the dedication to defense and hitting that are hallmarks of Hitchcock teams yet.  That's what concerns me most.

Last night certainly could have been an aberration but surrendering 7 goals plus a cheapie is disturbing whatever the circumstance.

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on October 29, 2005, 10:53:19 AMI just haven't seen the dedication to defense and hitting that are hallmarks of Hitchcock teams yet.

Quote from: Geowhizzer on October 29, 2005, 12:35:19 PM
That was my thought as well. The defense has, well, sucked. Not much else to say about it.

And, PG, it is 9 games into the season. Over ten percent of the season is over. Ten games where the Flyers have been quite inconsistent, and have had a lot of failures in the defensive end. I don't care if it is October or May, giving up five goals in the third period is not good.

Is it time to panic? No. But there is concern. A team 3.73 GAA is not going to get the Flyers very far in the postseason.

Quote from: Sgt PSN on October 29, 2005, 03:35:00 PM

Quote from: Geowhizzer on October 29, 2005, 12:35:19 PM
That was my thought as well. The defense has, well, sucked. Not much else to say about it.

And, PG, it is 9 games into the season. Over ten percent of the season is over. Ten games where the Flyers have been quite inconsistent, and have had a lot of failures in the defensive end. I don't care if it is October or May, giving up five goals in the third period is not good.

Is it time to panic? No. But there is concern. A team 3.73 GAA is not going to get the Flyers very far in the postseason.

You just don't get it, do you Geo?  It's early in the season and there is still plenty of time to right the ship.  It's not like winning a game or two this early in the season is going to make a difference in the long run.  Just ask the Phillies.  :P

Quote from: TO is GOD on October 31, 2005, 04:44:50 AM
The Eagles loss really took the excitement of this win outta me. It's good and all, but I'm really pissed off and it's going to take a helluva lot more than a Flyers win to sooth my anger.

Although this still is a very nice win. I hate the Sens. Esche is better than Nitty by the way.

QuoteFlyers' Primeau out indefinitely with concussion

The center took an elbow in the Montreal game. His condition is a continuation of past problems.

By Tim Panaccio

Inquirer Staff Writer

Flyers center Keith Primeau officially has another concussion and will be sidelined indefinitely.

The diagnosis was made yesterday by team neurologist Gerri McGinnis at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Trainer Jim McCrossin said that Primeau's concussion has not been graded for severity but that he is also suffering whiplash symptoms.

Primeau took an elbow to the head from Alexander Perezhogin during last Tuesday's game in Montreal. The whiplash effect involves tightness in the neck muscles, the trainer said.

"The significance of that is twofold," McCrossin explained. "It's causing an irritation and can slow down your circulation. Second, the muscles in the neck go up into the head. If they are tight, they are pulling down on the head and causing a headache. We're trying to relieve that symptom."

The 33-year-old Primeau, who missed Sunday's 5-3 win in Ottawa, has experienced headaches.

"When he lies down, he feels like he is spinning, and he also said his eyes feel busy," McCrossin said. "He may be focusing, but his eyes are going back and forth and they get fatigued."

The Flyers' medical staff is treating Primeau's injury as a continuation from February 2004, when he suffered one diagnosed concussion and perhaps two more concussions that were not diagnosed.

"We're treating it as that," McCrossin said. "... To say that this is his first concussion, I really couldn't say that because obviously, we had some earlier. Going back to the year 2004, if he had three then, this is his fourth or fifth. We have to do that way. We have to look at the symptoms. Each of the concussions Keith had, the symptoms were delayed [from the] onset."

McCrossin said there is no way to determine how much long-range damage Primeau may have suffered.

In a startling admission during an NHL conference call in August, Primeau said that he had still been experiencing post-concussion syndrome until May - a year after the 2004 playoffs when he was believed to have suffered two more concussions that went undetected because he was never tested.

"How many can he sustain?" McCrossin asked. "That goes to an individual basis and is beyond my scope. That is why we have experts in the field. That is why we are monitoring his symptoms daily. I wish I could answer that.

"... That is where [team physician Gary] Dorshimer and Dr. McGinnis and all the doctors who evaluate Keith have to come up with a decision. Keith's health is our first priority. There is life after hockey."

Under new NHL guidelines, a report on Primeau was submitted to the league, which is monitoring concussions. Primeau underwent neuro-psychological baseline testing yesterday and will be tested again in one week if his symptoms subside.

Loose pucks. Kim Johnsson will begin rehabilitation on his groin pull today. McCrossin said Johnsson was sore but could be back in the lineup by Thursday's home game against Washington.

It's not like Ottawa coach Bryan Murray to use the schedule as an excuse for losing, but that seemed to be his reaction after the loss to the Flyers.

"I wasn't very happy with the emotional state of our team to begin the game," he told the Toronto Globe and Mail. "No question about that... . It's a tough schedule when a team like the Flyers is able to sit in Ottawa, but that happens in our league. Both were big, emotional games. In Toronto [an 8-0 win the night before], we got ahead and just cut loose."

Back-to-back games are a staple in hockey. "I know what Bryan is saying because we felt the same way in the third period against Carolina," Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock said. The Flyers lost, 8-6, Friday at Carolina after beating the Florida Panthers at home the night before.

The Flyers' power play finally ranks in the top 10 (ninth) in the league at 19.7 percent (18 for 81).

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 01, 2005, 11:08:09 AM
yeah i got you

hows that loot coming along

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 01, 2005, 10:43:03 AM
BTW

flyers at caps friday nite january 6th

i got four tickets left out of our group of 50 if anyone wants to make the trip

20 bones

Quote from: Philly_Crew on November 01, 2005, 04:10:49 PM

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 01, 2005, 10:43:03 AM
BTW

flyers at caps friday nite january 6th

i got four tickets left out of our group of 50 if anyone wants to make the trip

20 bones

I'll go with you IGU.  How much are the tix?

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on November 01, 2005, 12:52:08 PM
Well here is my proposal to Primeau's injury.  He now has a history of concussions that are affecting him for longer periods of time(over a year from his last to recover).  Move Primeau to an assistant coach position much like they did with Tocchett a few years back.  If possible cancel his contract next year du2 retirement and resign Gagne.  Umberger is a good player in the new NHL and fits in well with our style of hockey.  Primeau was a liablility because of his acceleration and puck handling.  I love Primeau but i think he's better suited to hang up the skates and learn the coaching craft from Hitch.

QuoteD. Seidenberg D    0    0    -1    2    0    1    0    0    1    0    2    22    21:25    

Quote from: rjs246 on November 04, 2005, 08:36:16 AM

QuoteD. Seidenberg D    0    0    -1    2    0    1    0    0    1    0    2    22    21:25    

Your team wins 8-1 and you've got a minus one for the evening while playing 21+ minutes? Fired.

Quote from: FFatPatt on November 04, 2005, 10:48:44 AM
C'mon, PG... don't defend him.  Seidenberg obvious had a very poor game, and likely sucks overall.

Quote from: FFatPatt on November 04, 2005, 11:59:57 AM
I wasn't talking about Kovalchuk.  I was talking about Seidenturd.

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 04, 2005, 12:08:24 PM
one day yous will learn that there isnt a single player on any roster in the city who sucks

Quote from: PhillyGirl on November 04, 2005, 10:51:38 AM

Quote from: FFatPatt on November 04, 2005, 10:48:44 AM
C'mon, PG... don't defend him.  Seidenberg obvious had a very poor game, and likely sucks overall.

If you've seen more than 2 Flyers games EVER, you know that Seidenberg does not suck and its very difficult for anyone to have a very poor game in an 8-1 win.  ::)

Quote from: PhillyGirl on November 05, 2005, 07:15:34 PM
Gagne and Forsberg is a dream combo come true.

Quote from: SD_Eagle on October 05, 2005, 07:48:53 PM
FORSBERG TO GAGNE SCORE!!!!

Get used to hearing that A LOT this season!

1-1

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 05, 2005, 10:50:27 PM
esche won it for them

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 05, 2005, 11:25:11 PM
doesnt suck...just not good enough to win a cup...there isnt a starting goalie in the history of the nhl that hasnt won a game for his team...

btw i was trying to be positive tonight as all my beloveds won today but you had to go and wreck it...so ill just remind you that esche did give up his requisite bad goal tonite...

Quote from: BigEd76 on November 08, 2005, 06:59:36 PM
Time for the Bruins.  OLN tonight...

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 09, 2005, 08:02:05 AMi dont know if you were watching the oln feed last night but they had projections for a lot of players...gagne is on pace for 105 goals

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 10, 2005, 01:33:00 PM
He better stay awake in the 3rd.

and when therian is on the ice

Quote from: MURP on November 10, 2005, 05:42:02 PM
(http://i.a.cnn.net/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/11/07/1108.nhlfights/fight4.jpg)

Quote from: MURP on November 10, 2005, 05:42:02 PM
(http://i.a.cnn.net/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/11/07/1108.nhlfights/fight4.jpg)

Quote from: henchmanUK on November 11, 2005, 09:49:55 AM
I am now INTERESTED in the NHL after seeing that pic! LET'S GO FLYERS!

QuoteThis win over Islanders was kid stuff

By ED MORAN

morane@phillynews.com

THEY COULD be called the Brat Pack because they're all so young.

But that wouldn't be right. There isn't a disrespectful one among them.

Still, the New York Islanders might not see it that way.

On a night when the veterans came out asleep in the first period, they got a wake-up call in the second by the kids who fought and scrapped and scored until the Flyers logged a 3-2 win over theIslanders at the Wachovia Center.

The unofficial kid captain, Mike Richards, lit the fuse at the end of a bad first period in which the Flyers fell behind, 2-0. Ripping off his helmet, Richards took on one of the tougher Islander brawlers, Arron Asham. Richards took a couple of fists to the head, but the effort sparked life into the Flyers.

His heroics were followed by a two-goal effort from Patrick Sharp and one goal by Jeff Carter.

Antero Niittymaki survived a 20-minute puck bath in the first period that was largely the result of the Islanders' hitting and the Flyers' inability to deal with it effectively. But he went on to notch the third win of his rookie season, stopping 38 of 40 shots.

"It's great to have those guys," said Peter Forsberg, who had a rare night without a point. "[Richards] comes out there and shows a lot of heart and does a great job and then [Carter] goes out and gets the tying goal.

"It's great to see. They've been playing great all year and [Sharp] scores a couple of goals. All those young guys are playing great."

The Flyers were as flat in the first 20 minutes as they have been in any opening period this season. Passes and shots sailed wide, defensive coverage was nonexistent, and board battles, forget about it.

By the time the clock said there was 11:30 left, the Flyers were already down in shots, 7-1.

By the time they were down 10-2, they were also down 1-0 on the scoreboard. Miroslav Satan, always a problem for the Flyers no matter what uniform he wears, scored on the second Islander power play from the side of the net.

New York got the second during a two-man advantage less than a minute later. Mike York took a shot from the point that hit Joni Pitkanen on the way in and tipped down, making it 2-0 Islanders.

The Flyers ended the period down in shots, 20-5. But it wasn't enough to unhinge Niittymaki.

"It happens," Niittymaki said. "I think the preseason game this year against them I had a period where there 19 shots and it was 2-0 too, so I wasn't worried about it. We held them and bounced back pretty well, so I knew it was going to be like that game."

Between periods, coach Ken Hitchcock had a few things to say to his team and they reacted. Hitchcock didn't mention that in his postgame comments, but Forsberg did.

"It was not a pretty period and we got to hear it, too," he said.

And it was the kids who responded.

"We know the first period is definitely not the way we want to play," Carter said. "We came out flat and weren't ready to go, but we regrouped and came out hard in the second."

Sharp pulled the Flyers to within one with a shot from the top of the faceoff circle that might have been deflected by Carter coming through the crease. No matter, it went in and the score went to 2-1.

Later, Sharp said it was Richards' fight with Asham that served as a motivator.

"It definitely impressed me and gave me a little jump in my legs," Sharp said. "For a 20-year-old kid to take on anybody - let alone one of the tougher guys - was pretty impressive and just shows the character that he has and the leadership that he has."

The Flyers got a break at 16:53 of the second. R.J. Umberger took the puck to the net but Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro stopped him and poke-checked the puck out to Carter. His shot was also stopped, but the puck hit Alexei Zhitnik in the crease and deflected in, tying the game at 2-2.

"R.J. was hustling pretty good there," Carter said. "He got pulled down and actually one of their guys kicked it in, but I'll take it."

The Flyers took the lead in the third, again on the kids' work. Carter muscled the puck around the net, holding off an Islanders defender while Kim Johnsson came in from the point to take the puck into the corner. Johnsson got the puck out to Sharp, who one-timed his second goal in at 2:36.

It was the game-winner.

"I thought a lot of the young guys really played well tonight," Hitchcock said. "They helped us come back. Richards' fight, to show courage like that... Asham's a pretty big boy and he knows how to fight.

"Then some of the physical play, especially guys like Umberger. Sharp played a heck of a hockey game. We got a lot from him. [The kids] gave us the energy tonight."

Still, Hitchcock was concerned about how the Flyers opened the game and took the opportunity to make sure his team knew it. The Islanders came out hitting and the Flyers did not respond - except to back off.

"We've got to have a better reaction to getting checked," Hitchcock said. "The same thing that happened in the Boston game [Tuesday] happened again. We didn't react to getting checked very well.

"We didn't enter the zone the right way, we tried to work it through people, we got checked off the puck. They were coming at us in waves in the first period and it was the same thing in the Boston game. We kept turning the puck over."

Quote from: BigEd76 on November 13, 2005, 03:19:31 PM
As good as the Flyers have been so far, there are 6 teams with better records than them....

Detroit = 15-2-1
Montreal = 12-3-3
Ottawa = 13-2-0
Carolina = 12-3-1
Nashville = 11-2-3
NY Rangers = 11-5-3

Quote from: phattymatty on November 16, 2005, 07:12:37 PM
Flyers are on OLN for you non-Philly peeps.

Quote from: MDS on November 16, 2005, 10:21:49 PM
did they win?

Quote from: mcnabbmvp on November 19, 2005, 10:20:31 PM
OMG they didn't blow a lead :o :o

Quote from: BigEd76 on November 25, 2005, 01:33:57 PM
Flyers lead 4-3 after 2 periods.  Gagne scored the first goal and Forsberg scored the next 3....  :yay

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 25, 2005, 01:53:15 PM
im listening not watching but thats wrong according to the radio guys...forsberg with the hatrick

Quote from: ice grillin you on November 25, 2005, 01:55:33 PM
he also is out with a groin injury...and will not return

not so nice

Quote from: PhillyGirl on November 25, 2005, 02:14:03 PM
Didn't Forsberg have a concussion or injury that made him miss most of last overseas season?

Quote from: MDS on November 29, 2005, 11:27:01 AM
they need a goalie. bring back vanbeisbrook

Quote from: MDS on November 29, 2005, 11:03:51 PM
they need a goalie

QuoteClarke: No interest in Luongo

By WAYNE FISH
phillyBurbs.com

PHILADELPHIA - If the Flyers are shopping for a goaltender - and the hot rumor is they're interested in Florida's Roberto Luongo - it's news to general manager Bob Clarke.

Clarke acknowledged Tuesday night that several clubs have called, one offering a goaltender in trade, especially after the news got out that Robert Esche would be out at least another week with an abdominal muscle injury.

But Clarke said Florida is not one of the teams with which he's had conversations.

"I haven't spoken with [Florida GM] Mike Keenan in some time,'' Clarke said before the Flyers-Flames game.

"We like our goaltending. We're not interested at all [in Luongo]. When Esche got hurt, we had other teams call us, not Florida, but we have no interest.''

Buffalo has three NHL-caliber goalies (although Ryan Miller is currently injured), but the Sabres were not one of the teams to approach the Flyers.

"One inquired to see if we wanted to acquire one of theirs,'' Clarke said. "But we didn't. We're fine with what we have. You lose a goalie for a couple weeks, we have someone else to play, that's not a problem.''

Besides, Luongo makes $3.2 million per year, and the Flyers are only about a million under the $39 million salary cap, so a substantial player would have to go to the Panthers to balance the deal.

Florida undoubtedly would want a young star such as Jeff Carter or Mike Richards, and those two players are totally untouchable.

"We have [Antero] Niittymaki,'' Clarke said. "It's time for him to play. He's a good young goalie.''

Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 08, 2005, 11:04:56 AM

not that Clarke has never lied before, but just wanted to throw that out there.

Quote from: ice grillin you on December 08, 2005, 12:40:37 PM
since Clarke is actively denying interest, that Luongo will be in Orange and Black by the weekend.

if he wasnt a great goalie id be with you

Quote from: BigEd76 on December 15, 2005, 06:00:51 PM
Tonight's game was pushed back to 7:38pm because the Walt Whitman bridge is closed and only a few players have arrived...

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on December 18, 2005, 11:35:44 AM
Why was the Walt Whitman closed?

Quote from: jeffreyjpa on December 22, 2005, 09:26:04 PM
Came mighty close to blowing it...probably fortunate Spezza couldn't play tonight.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on December 22, 2005, 09:39:56 PM
That call on Hatcher was preposterous.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on December 22, 2005, 09:39:56 PM

Quote from: jeffreyjpa on December 22, 2005, 09:26:04 PM
Came mighty close to blowing it...probably fortunate Spezza couldn't play tonight.

Oh please. With the number of Flyers hurt, that's a RIDICULOUS statement.

Quote from: Sun_Mo on December 23, 2005, 09:03:36 AM
the Hatcher elbow call was a good call.  but not if you listen to the guys in the booth.  Hatch led with his elbow and hit the guy in the head, that's elbowing.  Fischer didn't duck down, his head stayed at the same level the entire time.  it was a sweet hit, but the ref made a good call.

Quote from: ice grillin you on December 28, 2005, 10:04:03 PM
the god richards almost with the gordie howe hat trick...including the best hit ive seen in quite a while

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 02, 2006, 11:54:37 AM
not that anyone cares...but flyers play in an hour

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 02, 2006, 03:38:34 PM
nitty cent keepin things real

flyers one pt back of ottawa for the nhl lead...pretty damn impressive with all the injuries theyve had

Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 02, 2006, 04:36:09 PM

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 02, 2006, 03:38:34 PM
nitty cent keepin things real

flyers one pt back of ottawa for the nhl lead...pretty damn impressive with all the injuries theyve had

11 of 12 possible points on this road trip so far, that's impressive

does anybody remember Keith Primeau anymore

Quote from: Geowhizzer on January 02, 2006, 04:38:17 PM

Quote from: Sun_Mo on January 02, 2006, 04:36:09 PM

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 02, 2006, 03:38:34 PM
nitty cent keepin things real

flyers one pt back of ottawa for the nhl lead...pretty damn impressive with all the injuries theyve had

11 of 12 possible points on this road trip so far, that's impressive

does anybody remember Keith Primeau anymore

More to the point, does Keith Primeau remember Keith Primeau at this point?

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 02, 2006, 06:14:16 PM
.where as esche has hit his and we all know he has no chance of leading a team to a cup

Quote from: PhillyGirl on January 03, 2006, 07:31:07 AM
Esche USED to be good? So just a few games into the season, where he's been hurt most of it, is enough to base that assumption that he is "no longer good?"

Esche carried this team with Kapanen having to go back on Defense in 2004. ITs not like there was another season between then and now to make some sort of CHANGE in that view.

Nitty has been great, of course! Only an icehole wouldn't see that.

But to say Esche isn't capable of putting together a string of games like that (as we've SEEN HIM DO IN THE PAST) is preposterous.

Quote from: jeffreyjpa on January 03, 2006, 06:50:29 PM
Yeah, and Reno Mahe leads the NFL in punt return yardage...

Ed, you're having a big day pointing out positive stats for "the Philadelphia fans' whipping boys", aren't cha?    :D

If only Bundy were Mormon...

Quote from: phattymatty on January 06, 2006, 10:02:01 AM
6-1 on the record road trip, 5 games going to overtime.  awesome.

and they will pay back the caps tonight.  i'll be there.

Quote from: SD_Eagle on January 06, 2006, 10:03:32 AM
I got up to take a leak at the end of regualation, come back and the games over.

Quote from: rjs246 on January 07, 2006, 12:40:58 PM
That's an awesome article.

Quote from: Jerome99RIP on January 07, 2006, 12:54:56 PM
The Flyers dominated that game last night.

Quote from: BigEd76 on January 09, 2006, 09:40:26 PM
Pretty much dominated tonight in Jersey.  They better not play like this in Chicago or Detroit...

QuoteIf Chicago was tough, Detroit will be a huge challenge. The Flyers haven't won there since 1988-89 under Paul Holmgren. They are 0-14-2, including the four-game Red Wings sweep in the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals.

"I didn't know that, but we took a year off [for the lockout], so all bets are off," Hitchcock said.

Quote from: DutchBird on January 13, 2006, 12:57:51 AM
According to the box-score, a tie did not exactly happen... still, looking at this, I did not realize the Flyers are actually the top team in the NHL right now... wow...

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on January 14, 2006, 12:07:54 PM
Flyers Coverage map for NHL on NBC 1-14 (http://www.gribblenation.net/personal/jp/nhl-nbc-011406.gif=)

Quote404 Error
The requested file does not exist at Gribblenation.com.

The page you are looking for might have been removed,
had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.


Check to make sure you have entered the URL correctly.

Click the Back button to try another link.

Go to the Gribblenation.com Home Page, and then look for links to the information you want.

© 2005, Gribblenation.net 

Quote from: SD_Eagle on January 14, 2006, 04:43:22 PM
Colorado wins in OT 4-3.

Brillant move by Hitchcock pulling the goalie with 3 minutes left and the PP (probably would have called him an idiot if the Avs would have scored). The Avs dominated OT, even when they weren't on the PP. Nitty did his best to keep them alive until the goal.

Quotea team source said Therien could be bought out of his contract or waived this week once Joni Pitkanen returns to the lineup Thursday .. Niittymaki was officially named to the Finnish Olympic team Saturday replacing Calgary's Miikka Kiprusoff.

Quote from: Geowhizzer on January 14, 2006, 04:46:46 PM

Quote from: SD_Eagle on January 14, 2006, 04:43:22 PM
Nitty did his best to keep them alive until the goal.

Can't blame Nitty... the goalie can only do so much.

QuotePitkanen likely to return this week

By WAYNE FISH
phillyBurbs.com

With a clearance to practice for the first time today, Flyers defenseman Joni Pitkanen appears set to make his return sometime this week.

Pitkanen, sidelined since Dec. 6 due to abdominal surgery, has been skating on his own for more than a week.

Before the injury, Pitkanen was off to a red-hot start. He was fourth among NHL defensemen in scoring and the plus/minus leader on the Flyers.

The injury, which amounts to a sports hernia, takes about six weeks to heal, so Pitkanen should be back in the lineup no later than Saturday's game at Pittsburgh.

"I would say Joni is probable for Thursday [against Boston] or, if not, then Saturday,'' head trainer Jim McCrossin said on Sunday.

"I want him to have a couple good hard practices. He feels good, he has none of the discomfort that he had prior to surgery. He will practice with no limitations [today]."

When Pitkanen returns, the Flyers have an interesting decision to make.

Rookies Freddy Meyer and Randy Jones have played well filling in for Pitkanen and Eric Desjardins (shoulder surgery).

This means the Flyers appear to have four players (Meyer, Jones, Dennis Seidenberg and Chris Therien) vying for two spots on the roster.

Seidenberg was scratched from Saturday's game.

Both Seidenberg and Therien would have to clear waivers before they could be assigned to the Phantoms of the American Hockey League.

Meanwhile, goaltender Robert Esche is scheduled to practice today with the Flyers for the first time since aggravating a groin injury on Dec. 15.

McCrossin said Esche is expected to be eased back into action.

"He will only practice for a certain amount of time until he feels fatigue in the groin area,'' McCrossin said.

On Saturday, general manager Bob Clarke said he had no problem with Esche playing in the Olympics next month and McCrossin concurred.

"I guess there's always that hidden fear that you never want to admit that you have with any of these guys going back and playing in the Olympics,'' McCrossin said. "But I feel very good that everything has been done for Robert that can be done.

"We've brought him to the appropriate doctors, we've built him back up. He's lighter than he's ever been and that should help him, too.''

Hitchcock awaits word

There was no news from the NHL on Sunday regarding possible disciplinary action for Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock for comments he made about the officiating after Saturday's 4-3 loss to Colorado.

Hitchcock said the word "dive'' at least three times in describing the hooking penalty assessed by Don Koharski to Mike Rathje (for pulling down the Avalanche's Joe Sakic) in overtime, which led to Alex Tanguay's winning goal.

An NHL official said Sunday that the league is aware of Hitchcock's comments and that, should the league impose any sort of discipline, it would come from NHL executive vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell.

The official also said that there is no timetable for making a decision and that there is no guarantee the decision would be made public. The decision does not have to be made prior to the Flyers' next game, which is Tuesday night against Carolina. Penalties could include a fine, suspension or both.

Quote from: PhillyGirl on January 16, 2006, 11:36:40 AM
1. Please, let Therien go.

2. Welcome back Pits.

3. If Barnaby comes here, I'll never root for him. I farging hate him. He's Darcy Tucker to me.

Quote from: rjs246 on January 16, 2006, 03:56:20 PM
I farging hate Barnaby because I always wished his annoying ass was a Flyer. He would instantly go from one of my most hated to one of my favorites.

Quote from: FFatPatt on January 17, 2006, 04:10:40 PM
I post, you decide...

For tonights Hurricanes at Flyers game, do I....

a.) Enjoy the game in the comfort of my own home on my brand new TV.
b.) Go to a nearby bar to take in the game with the Hurricanes' "Storm Squad (http://www.carolinahurricanes.com/custom/rad7D589.asp)" cheerleaders.

Time's yours.

Quote from: rjs246 on January 17, 2006, 04:20:28 PM
c.) stab yourself in the shin

QuoteWhat is the best technological invention of the last ten years?
The superimposed graphics on the football field

Italian, Mexican or Chinese food?
Whichever one I have a buy-one, get-one-free coupon for

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 17, 2006, 04:29:48 PM
btw i would do holly in the butt

Quote from: FFatPatt on January 17, 2006, 08:00:51 PM
Let me know if you need a place to crash in the Raleigh area when you come to visit, Phreak.

Quote from: FFatPatt on January 17, 2006, 08:00:51 PM
Let me know if you need a place to crash in the Raleigh area when you come to visit, Phreak.

Quote from: rjs246 on January 17, 2006, 09:50:23 PM
How can you hate a team with seven fans?

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 19, 2006, 09:01:20 PM
man they look horrid tonight...especially nitty...if you watch him he is going down to his knees at the slightest hint of a shot...i dont know if hes fatigued or what but he has no confidence right now...randy jones is turnover machine...three tonite...and needs to go down to the phantoms

Quote from: BigEd76 on January 20, 2006, 03:55:18 PM
CLARKE LUVS HIM SUM COYOTES

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on January 20, 2006, 03:43:39 PM
What a stupid trade.  CUT THERIEN not Trade another young player for a washed up player

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 21, 2006, 04:49:50 PM
W - esche
L - penguins

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 20, 2006, 03:06:19 PM
because nedved cant play anymore...nor does he really want to

i suppose therian gets released today as well

im thinking they did this because forsberg has a sports hernia and will be out until the playoffs or thereabouts

QuoteFlyers Notes | Forsberg returns to lineup tonight

Flyers Notes

The Flyers' practice yesterday was brief, but it was long enough determine that center Peter Forsberg will return to the lineup for tonight's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Wachovia Center.

Forsberg has missed the last two games with a mild left groin strain.

"He will play," Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock said after the workout at the Skate Zone in Voorhees, Camden County. "He felt 100 percent, actually."

Forsberg skated freely during yesterday's practice, but he is still preaching caution.

"You really have to be careful with an injury like this, and I wouldn't go out there if I didn't feel 100 percent," said Forsberg, who is second in the NHL with 45 assists. "I could almost go full [yesterday] and felt fine, and if there are no setbacks [today] when I skate, I should be fine."

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 23, 2006, 09:44:58 PM
richards again shows why hes my favorite athlete in the city right now

Quote from: MDS on January 25, 2006, 10:13:34 PM
some guy named whatever scored 4 goals.

Quote from: MDS on January 25, 2006, 10:19:41 PM
i always thought brindamour was like 55 when he was here, i cant believe hes still playing. and doing well.

Quote from: NGM on January 25, 2006, 10:49:28 PM
Sami Kappanen?

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on January 25, 2006, 10:55:22 PM
Primeau.  Who by the way is most likely not returning this regular season.  Ed,  my buddy and i were trying to figure out if Primeau retires lets say a week after the olympics.  Can he come back in the post season to play.  I know there arent any playoff cap #'s to worry about, and would that leave the door open for one more move down the road?

Quote from: PhillyPhreak54 on January 26, 2006, 08:52:16 AM
I know guys want to play for their country and all that,

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on January 26, 2006, 01:10:46 PM
any updates on Branko Ed? 

Quote from: BigEd76 on January 26, 2006, 03:54:36 PM
small tear....not as bad as Nomar or Jermaine O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2307303)

Quote from: SD_Eagle on January 28, 2006, 04:11:14 PM
Flyers getting their asses handed to them. No way we can beat the Lighting in the playoffs, they have way too much speed.

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 28, 2006, 04:37:53 PM
The Flyers would sweep them in the playoffs. The regular season record against them means nothing. When it comes to the big-time the Flyers are the superior team.

1. the flyers will sweep no one in the playoffs with the goaltending they have

2. flyers are not superior to tampa they are 0-3 against them this year

3. flyers cannot beat good teams or teams with better goaltending..they are now 10-16 vs teams over .500


the only hope against tampa in the playoffs...were they to face them...is that they have as bad goaltending as the fyers do...unfortunately their skaters are much better...even if the flyers are healthy

Quote from: ice grillin you on January 28, 2006, 04:37:53 PM
The Flyers would sweep them in the playoffs. The regular season record against them means nothing. When it comes to the big-time the Flyers are the superior team.

1. the flyers will sweep no one in the playoffs with the goaltending they have

2. flyers are not superior to tampa they are 0-3 against them this year

3. flyers cannot beat good teams or teams with better goaltending..they are now 10-16 vs teams over .500


the only hope against tampa in the playoffs...were they to face them...is that they have as bad goaltending as the fyers do...unfortunately their skaters are much better...even if the flyers are healthy

Quote from: Philly Forever on January 28, 2006, 09:52:27 PM
I like Esche better than Luongo. He's overrated IMO.

I still disagree with you. I think Nitty is plenty capable of a championship goalie.

Quote from: Seabiscuit36 on January 28, 2006, 10:41:04 PM
  Injuries are really taking a toll on a team that has lost something like 130 games to injury. 

Quote from: BigEd76 on January 29, 2006, 02:00:48 PM
Derian Hatcher named captain