If anyone has been paying any attention to the NHL it is no doubt that you know about the impending lockout. With only three days left until the deadline, it is looking ever more ominous that this league is bound for its third lockout under the reign of commissioner Gary Bettman. The sides originially seemed to be close together and were actively talking, which is more than the NBA could say at this time last year, but as the months went on things got worse.
Originially the league owners wanted the revenue that the players made from league operations to drop from 57% to 43%. Perfect right? A 20% pay cut to open negotiations. In my opinion, it seems very much like the NHL Players Association is the good guy in this situation. They have made countless attempts to bargain with Bettman and the owners, led by Donald Fehr. They have agreed to give up more revenue, but talks don't seem to be progressing lately. It is nearly impossible to find a detailed report of the latest offers online. All we can be assured about is the sides are 'talking'.
You know the situation is getting bad when ESPN dedicates a whole 70 seconds on Sportscenter to talk about a possible lockout, which is what they did today. I had faith originially that this would get solved, but the sheer greed of the owners is looking to be too much. There are reports everyday that there is almost no one at the Flyers practice facility in Voorhees, NJ, on a daily basis, leading to more chances of a lockout.
It seems that much like the NBA, the NHL will most likely start in December of this year, to avoid missing the Winter Classic. Lord knows Bettman doesn't wanna miss out on that payday. I don't know why playing one more season under the current CBA and having weekly discussions during the year isn't an option, but it isn't.
As I prepare to head into my internship training next week, I know the Flyers organization will take care of me. There's good people in that organization, many of whom will lack real purpose until this lockout situation is over. Perhaps it isn't a bad thing that the only possible year that I can do this internship is during a lockout. It will afterall, give me an interesting perspective on things that most don't usually get. What Bettman and the owners don't see though, is the little people they are affecting. I still have an internship thankfully, but who knows about some of the workers in say New York or Nashville or the other 27 markets? Obviously the fans don't matter either. Why should the owners give care about the fans when there is precious money to be had?
Another lockout would be bad for this league, real bad. If your're a true hockey fan and remember the lockout in 2004 you also remember how long it took the leauge to recover. The NHL is hotter than ever right now. Their best teams are in huge markets and the product is better than ever, but it could be hard to win the casual fan back. I mean, people in Pittsburgh will most likely forget what hockey even is if the season is delayed. If they won't pay any attention to a losing team they certainly won't pay attention to a dormant team. (Had to take my usually jab at Pittsburgh)
Simply put, this whole situation is a mess. Greed lead us to this point in 2004 and it has done it again. I hope we will see the NHL start on time, but I won't get my hopes up. In the meantime go Phillies.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Weber Watch Over
Well that was fun for a while. The Predators, just minutes ago, have decided to match the Flyers $110 million offer sheet to Shea Weber. This isn't good for the Flyers, as the Rangers have just added Rick Nash to their offense for next to nothing, and Crosby probably has at least a good 20 games in him for the Penguins before he gets his annual concussion. At this point they could go after Bobby Ryan from Anaheim or Shane Doan from Phoenix and just hope their offense lets them win every game next season 9-7. There really aren't any defensemen left on the market that are going to make the D all that better.
While this news is a bummer, I have to give respect to the Nashville Predators' owner, David Poile, for sticking to his word that he would match any offer given to Weber...even if that does mean the team may eventually fold due to the fact that they have to pay Weber $3 million more than ALL of their ticket sale revenue next year. Still though, I've always kind of liked the Predators and their gnarly bright yellow uniforms. Le Predatores de Quebec has kind of a ring to it too I guess.
I'm simply more surprised about this than disappointed, but hey at least Weber won't be on any Eastern Conference team for the next 14 years. Unless when the Preds move to Quebec they get shifted to Eastern Conference, but that remains to be seen.
While this news is a bummer, I have to give respect to the Nashville Predators' owner, David Poile, for sticking to his word that he would match any offer given to Weber...even if that does mean the team may eventually fold due to the fact that they have to pay Weber $3 million more than ALL of their ticket sale revenue next year. Still though, I've always kind of liked the Predators and their gnarly bright yellow uniforms. Le Predatores de Quebec has kind of a ring to it too I guess.
I'm simply more surprised about this than disappointed, but hey at least Weber won't be on any Eastern Conference team for the next 14 years. Unless when the Preds move to Quebec they get shifted to Eastern Conference, but that remains to be seen.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Weber signs with Philly, for now
Last night, long after anyone had been thinking about hockey, Paul Holmgren, the mafia don of NHL owners, made some noise on the free agency market. Holmgren offered Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators, possibly the best defender in hockey, a 14-year $110 million offer sheet, which he signed. The Predators now have one week to match that offer, but that is looking very unlikely. Preds GM, David Poile, said earlier in the summer, after losing Ryan Suter, that he would match any offer given to Weber. Holmgren sure as hell called his bluff. I don't wanna talk about this at length now, since it just in the preliminary stages. Nashville has $13 million in cap room this offseason, but even if they match would Shea Weber really want to spend the rest of his career in Nashville? Only time will tell. Hopefully next season (assuming there is one) we can see Weber ramming Crosby's face into the boards instead of Henrik Zetterberg.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Free Agency Update
Now that we are a week into free agency and the dust is starting to settle it's time to take a look at the Flyer's new landscape. All things considered this has been a relatively unexciting offseason. While the Flyers threw huge offers at Parise and Suter, the posterboys of this summer's free agents, it wasn't exactly shocking that they did not land them. Parise said from the beginning that he did not want to play for another team in the Atlantic Division and Suter said that he wanted to go to a western team. The Wild are the big winners so far, having landed them both. If you listen to some the analysts on ESPN talk about hockey (which you should never ever do) they might have you believe that this is comparable to LeBron and Bosh teaming up to go to the Heat. That's the biggest load I've heard in a while. Landing Suter and Parise significantly improves the Wild, but it is only a start. They will definitely be a playoff team this year, but mark my words, they won't be winning their division. Let's not pretend that an overrated forward who was 20th in the league in goals last year and 45th in assists is comparable to LeBron James.
While not being able to sign Suter or Parise, especially Suter, kind of stinks, the Flyers may have never truly wanted them to begin with. Rumor has it Holmgren may have just used the available money to make an offer and drive up their price, which is smart because over in the depressing western part of PA the Penguins were also showing interest in Parise.
There are some familiar faces in Philly that we won't be seeing next year, the biggest of which is Jaromir Jagr. Jags bolted to Dallas for a cool $4.5 million. I can't really say I blame him. He has much less of a chance to win there, but for an extra $1.2 million in what could be his last season it made the most sense.
Matt Carle has also decided to take his talents elsewhere, to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Philly fans like to go back and forth over whether or not he is a good defensemen, but you'd have to be blind not to see that this move is bad for the Flyers. It wasn't worth the money that Carle was asking to keep him, roughly an extra $2 million a year, but losing any defenseman at this point hurts.
The Flyers have begun to slowly fill their holes on defense by adding Luke Schenn and Bruno Gervais. Gervais comes from Tampa Bay and frees up some cap space, his contract for 2 years at $1.65 million. Gervais was also the best man at Max Talbot's wedding, so hopefully that comradery will ease him into playing in Philadelphia. He is also right-handed, which is what the Flyers need on defense.
The other recent signing comes in the form of Ruslan Fedotenko. Fedotenko is coming back for his second stint with the Flyers after starting his career here in the early 2000's. Fedotenko found most of his success though playing with the 2004 Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and 2009 Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season he helped the New York Rangers advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Feds is a solid 2-way forward, who won't be phased by a little forchecking, like the Devils used to take the Flyers down 2 months ago.
The other noteworthy signing this offseason is backup goalie Michael Leighton. Bringing him back seems like a good move, especially at only $900,000. He's played in the cup with the Flyers before and most fans like him. I'm personally excited to see him back, hopefully he won't need to be used much this year however.
Basically, this year's crop of free agents didn't have too much to offer. Besides the Minnesota Wild, no team is going to end up signing anything more than a third or fourth-liner or some aging veterans singing their swan songs. The Flyers have made good moves this offseason and maintained a lot of cap space, which could come in handy next year when the free agent class is likely to include names like Shea Weber, Jerome Iginla, Corey Perry and Patrick Elias. Still would like to see some more moves on D, but so far I'd give the Flyers offseason a B.
While not being able to sign Suter or Parise, especially Suter, kind of stinks, the Flyers may have never truly wanted them to begin with. Rumor has it Holmgren may have just used the available money to make an offer and drive up their price, which is smart because over in the depressing western part of PA the Penguins were also showing interest in Parise.
There are some familiar faces in Philly that we won't be seeing next year, the biggest of which is Jaromir Jagr. Jags bolted to Dallas for a cool $4.5 million. I can't really say I blame him. He has much less of a chance to win there, but for an extra $1.2 million in what could be his last season it made the most sense.
Matt Carle has also decided to take his talents elsewhere, to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Philly fans like to go back and forth over whether or not he is a good defensemen, but you'd have to be blind not to see that this move is bad for the Flyers. It wasn't worth the money that Carle was asking to keep him, roughly an extra $2 million a year, but losing any defenseman at this point hurts.
The Flyers have begun to slowly fill their holes on defense by adding Luke Schenn and Bruno Gervais. Gervais comes from Tampa Bay and frees up some cap space, his contract for 2 years at $1.65 million. Gervais was also the best man at Max Talbot's wedding, so hopefully that comradery will ease him into playing in Philadelphia. He is also right-handed, which is what the Flyers need on defense.
The other recent signing comes in the form of Ruslan Fedotenko. Fedotenko is coming back for his second stint with the Flyers after starting his career here in the early 2000's. Fedotenko found most of his success though playing with the 2004 Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and 2009 Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season he helped the New York Rangers advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Feds is a solid 2-way forward, who won't be phased by a little forchecking, like the Devils used to take the Flyers down 2 months ago.
The other noteworthy signing this offseason is backup goalie Michael Leighton. Bringing him back seems like a good move, especially at only $900,000. He's played in the cup with the Flyers before and most fans like him. I'm personally excited to see him back, hopefully he won't need to be used much this year however.
Basically, this year's crop of free agents didn't have too much to offer. Besides the Minnesota Wild, no team is going to end up signing anything more than a third or fourth-liner or some aging veterans singing their swan songs. The Flyers have made good moves this offseason and maintained a lot of cap space, which could come in handy next year when the free agent class is likely to include names like Shea Weber, Jerome Iginla, Corey Perry and Patrick Elias. Still would like to see some more moves on D, but so far I'd give the Flyers offseason a B.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
All your Schenns are belong to us
I should have got to this yesterday, but I was too busy watching Jim Thome win the game for the Phillies before they returned to their typical losing form today. JVR has officially joined Bobrovsky in the summer trades class of '12. Forward James van Riemsdyk has been swapped straight up for defensemen Luke Schenn of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It should come as no surprise that JVR got traded, he was always mentioned going into the offseason. Now that the Flyers have Luke Schenn he can join his brother, Brayden. Getting brothers on your team is all the rage in the NHL these days.
This really isn't a huge steal for either teams. JVR and Luke Schenn are one in the same: players with huge potential who really haven't lived up to it yet. The added benefit the Flyers get though, is saving about $1 million in cap space and picking up a player who has not spent nearly as much time injured as JVR.
It will be bittersweet to say goodbye to JVR, as he has local appeal, hailing from New Jersey. Now that he's gone too the only Americans the Flyers really have on their main roster are Couturier and Carle (assuming he stays). JVR tweeted this:
Good to see him handling it with class. Best of luck, JVR. Hopefully Schenn is the defensive answer we so desperately need.
This really isn't a huge steal for either teams. JVR and Luke Schenn are one in the same: players with huge potential who really haven't lived up to it yet. The added benefit the Flyers get though, is saving about $1 million in cap space and picking up a player who has not spent nearly as much time injured as JVR.
It will be bittersweet to say goodbye to JVR, as he has local appeal, hailing from New Jersey. Now that he's gone too the only Americans the Flyers really have on their main roster are Couturier and Carle (assuming he stays). JVR tweeted this:
Good to see him handling it with class. Best of luck, JVR. Hopefully Schenn is the defensive answer we so desperately need.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Sergei Bobrovsky Just Traded to Columbus
In what can not be considered too much of a surprise, Flyers' backup goalie Sergei Bobrovsky has apparently just been traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for 3 draft picks. Looks like the Flyers will continue to stock up on young talent. While most of us are Bobrovsky fans here in Philly it was definitely his time to go. Bobrovsky has too much potential to spend the next 8 years sitting behind Bryzgalov. Going to the Blue Jackets will give Bob a chance to spread his wings. Hopefully Columbus won't destroy Bob's notoriety though, as they tend to do with everyone there. Though if recent trade history is any indicator, Bob may very well be in for a Stanley Cup victory this coming season. We should know relatively soon who the Flyers get in exchange from this move as the draft is tomorrow in Pittsburgh. Good luck in hockey purgatory Bob.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
2012-13 Schedule Announced
The Flyers' 2012-13 season schedule came out an hour or two ago. Since the realignment proposal got shut down the schedule looks similar to last season. The first game of the year is at home on October 11 against the Boston Bruins. The season ends at home against the New York Rangers, just like it did that year they beat the Rangers in a shootout to make the playoffs and go to the cup. The Flyers return to their second home arena in Pittsburgh on February 12. Richards and Carter won't be in town at all as there is no home game against the Kings, just an away game January 3. JVR and the Blue Jackets won't be in town this season either. Just kidding....or am I? The full schedule lies below:
October 2012
| |||||||
| Date | Visitor | Home | Time (ET) | ||||
| Thu Oct 11, 2012 | Bruins | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Oct 13, 2012 | Flyers | Islanders | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Oct 18, 2012 | Penguins | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Oct 20, 2012 | Jets | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Oct 25, 2012 | Flyers | Canadiens | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Sat Oct 27, 2012 | Maple Leafs | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Oct 28, 2012 | Flyers | Sabres | 5:00 PM | ||||
| Tue Oct 30, 2012 | Stars | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
November 2012
| |||||||
| Date | Visitor | Home | Time (ET) | ||||
| Thu Nov 1, 2012 | Devils | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Nov 3, 2012 | Ducks | Flyers | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Nov 4, 2012 | Flyers | Rangers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Tue Nov 6, 2012 | Sabres | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Nov 8, 2012 | Flyers | Hurricanes | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Nov 10, 2012 | Hurricanes | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Tue Nov 13, 2012 | Wild | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Fri Nov 16, 2012 | Flyers | Sabres | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Nov 17, 2012 | Sabres | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Wed Nov 21, 2012 | Senators | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Fri Nov 23, 2012 | Jets | Flyers | 3:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Nov 24, 2012 | Flyers | Rangers | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Wed Nov 28, 2012 | Flyers | Maple Leafs | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Nov 29, 2012 | Flyers | Islanders | 7:00 PM | ||||
December 2012
| |||||||
| Date | Visitor | Home | Time (ET) | ||||
| Sat Dec 1, 2012 | Flyers | Panthers | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Tue Dec 4, 2012 | Flyers | Lightning | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Thu Dec 6, 2012 | Sharks | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Dec 8, 2012 | Flyers | Islanders | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Dec 9, 2012 | Islanders | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Tue Dec 11, 2012 | Devils | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Dec 13, 2012 | Flyers | Capitals | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Dec 15, 2012 | Hurricanes | Flyers | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Wed Dec 19, 2012 | Devils | Flyers | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Fri Dec 21, 2012 | Flyers | Devils | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Dec 23, 2012 | Flyers | Senators | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Dec 27, 2012 | Flyers | Predators | 8:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Dec 29, 2012 | Flyers | Blues | 8:00 PM | ||||
| Mon Dec 31, 2012 | Flyers | Coyotes | 9:00 PM | ||||
January 2013
| |||||||
| Date | Visitor | Home | Time (ET) | ||||
| Thu Jan 3, 2013 | Flyers | Kings | 10:30 PM | ||||
| Sat Jan 5, 2013 | Flyers | Sharks | 10:30 PM | ||||
| Sun Jan 6, 2013 | Flyers | Canucks | 9:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Jan 10, 2013 | Canadiens | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Jan 12, 2013 | Rangers | Flyers | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Tue Jan 15, 2013 | Flyers | Jets | 8:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Jan 17, 2013 | Capitals | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Jan 19, 2013 | Flames | Flyers | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Jan 20, 2013 | Flyers | Blackhawks | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Wed Jan 23, 2013 | Maple Leafs | Flyers | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Tue Jan 29, 2013 | Flyers | Wild | 8:00 PM | ||||
February 2013
| |||||||
| Date | Visitor | Home | Time (ET) | ||||
| Fri Feb 1, 2013 | Flyers | Capitals | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Feb 2, 2013 | Red Wings | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Tue Feb 5, 2013 | Lightning | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Feb 7, 2013 | Panthers | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Feb 9, 2013 | Oilers | Flyers | 2:00 PM | ||||
| Tue Feb 12, 2013 | Flyers | Penguins | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Feb 14, 2013 | Flyers | Blue Jackets | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Fri Feb 15, 2013 | Flyers | Devils | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Feb 17, 2013 | Flyers | Rangers | TBD | ||||
| Wed Feb 20, 2013 | Flyers | Penguins | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Thu Feb 21, 2013 | Panthers | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Feb 23, 2013 | Avalanche | Flyers | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Mon Feb 25, 2013 | Rangers | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Wed Feb 27, 2013 | Capitals | Flyers | 7:30 PM | ||||
March 2013
| |||||||
| Date | Visitor | Home | Time (ET) | ||||
| Fri Mar 1, 2013 | Islanders | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Mar 2, 2013 | Flyers | Maple Leafs | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Mon Mar 4, 2013 | Lightning | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Mar 9, 2013 | Flyers | Bruins | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Mar 10, 2013 | Blackhawks | Flyers | 3:00 PM | ||||
| Wed Mar 13, 2013 | Flyers | Devils | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Fri Mar 15, 2013 | Canadiens | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Mar 17, 2013 | Flyers | Panthers | 6:00 PM | ||||
| Mon Mar 18, 2013 | Flyers | Lightning | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Fri Mar 22, 2013 | Flyers | Hurricanes | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Mar 24, 2013 | Flyers | Penguins | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Tue Mar 26, 2013 | Penguins | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Mar 28, 2013 | Islanders | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Mar 30, 2013 | Flyers | Bruins | 1:00 PM | ||||
| Sun Mar 31, 2013 | Bruins | Flyers | 7:30 PM | ||||
April 2013
| |||||||
| Date | Visitor | Home | Time (ET) | ||||
| Tue Apr 2, 2013 | Flyers | Canadiens | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Thu Apr 4, 2013 | Flyers | Senators | 7:30 PM | ||||
| Sat Apr 6, 2013 | Flyers | Jets | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Tue Apr 9, 2013 | Penguins | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Thu Apr 11, 2013 | Senators | Flyers | 7:00 PM | ||||
| Sat Apr 13, 2013 | Rangers | Flyers | 3:00 PM | ||||
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Update: Pronger's House for Sale
Crossing Broad (a more reliable site than this) reported yesterday via a Haddonfield resident that Chris Pronger's house, which he rents from former Flyer Jason Smith, is apparently up for sale. This adds fuel to the rumor that Pronger is done. GM Paul Holmgren was quick to address the rumor last week, saying the Pronger was going to St. Louis for awhile because of an illness in his wife's family. Of course Holmgren pretty much has to say this in order to save the Flyers money. If Pronger officially retires this season it means a huge salary cap hit for the team. If he doesn't officially reitre he can stay on long-term injured reserve basically until his contract is up like Ian Laperriere did before he retired last week.
For all we know Pronger could just be moving somewhere else, maybe Manayunk, maybe the Main Line, but it shall be interesting to see where he turns up after this year, even if it's not with the Flyers.
For all we know Pronger could just be moving somewhere else, maybe Manayunk, maybe the Main Line, but it shall be interesting to see where he turns up after this year, even if it's not with the Flyers.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Next up on the trade rumor front: JVR for Nash
Now that it's the offseason it's that time again to start discussing trade possibilities. James van Riemsdyk is no stranger to being talked about when it comes to possible trades, so it was no surprise his name would come up soon. Sure enough, NBC 10's Howard Eskin reported last night that the Flyers are weighing trading JvR to Columbus for Rick Nash. Apparently though, in an effort not to go, JvR is holding up on getting surgery done on his torn labrum. While Holmgren said the delay is due to an infection in JvR's foot, could you really blame JvR for not wanting to go to hockey purgatory in Columbus?
Plus, this whole JvR for Nash thing does not make a whole lot of sense. Why would we need to bring Rick Nash aboard when defense is really what we need to worry about this offseason. The Flyers were already 2nd in the league last season in goals per game. If JvR gets traded for Nash, not only do the Flyers pick up an extra $3.5 million in cap hit, but who's left to go to try and sign Shea Weber from the Predators? While I do love JvR, I'd be fine seeing him go for a worthy replacement for Pronger. Perhaps JvR hasn't seen the best of his days yet, but I don't think the offense will struggle too much without him. If he and Matt Carle both go though, we won't really have any Americans on the roster anymore, besides Couturier.
What it all comes down to is that JvR should only be traded for defensive pieces. And even if JvR does not want to leave he should at least look on the bright side. If Holmgren trades you, there's a pretty good chance you'll be in the Stanley Cup Finals in the near future.
Plus, this whole JvR for Nash thing does not make a whole lot of sense. Why would we need to bring Rick Nash aboard when defense is really what we need to worry about this offseason. The Flyers were already 2nd in the league last season in goals per game. If JvR gets traded for Nash, not only do the Flyers pick up an extra $3.5 million in cap hit, but who's left to go to try and sign Shea Weber from the Predators? While I do love JvR, I'd be fine seeing him go for a worthy replacement for Pronger. Perhaps JvR hasn't seen the best of his days yet, but I don't think the offense will struggle too much without him. If he and Matt Carle both go though, we won't really have any Americans on the roster anymore, besides Couturier.
What it all comes down to is that JvR should only be traded for defensive pieces. And even if JvR does not want to leave he should at least look on the bright side. If Holmgren trades you, there's a pretty good chance you'll be in the Stanley Cup Finals in the near future.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Breaking: Stanley Cup to feature Gagne's name
Looks like my pick of Flyers West in 7 probably won't being coming to fruition now, but you never know. The Kings played their best game of the series yet last night, blanking the Devils 4-0. Our old friend Jeff Carter made some noise with 1 goal last night, but he isn't the former Flyer this post is about. The Flyers no.1 overall pick in 1998, Simon Gagne, returned last night for his first game since suffering a concussion on December 26. He may have only got 6:39 of ice time and had 3 shots on goal, but the important thing is that he played. So now when that Stanley Cup trophy gets engraved when the Kings (presumably) win it, he'll get his name on there. Couldn't have happened to a classier guy. Gagne played his heart out in Philly, so it would be great to see him achieve every player's ultimate goal. It still amuses me that some people seem to think there is a bitter vendetta most Flyers fans have against Carter, Richards and the Kings. I'm excited for this series to wrap up. Go Flyers West!
Note: Did anyone catch the giant Jersey Shore castmember heads that LA fans were holding up behind the Devil's bench? Priceless.
Note: Did anyone catch the giant Jersey Shore castmember heads that LA fans were holding up behind the Devil's bench? Priceless.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Could Pronger be nearing the end?
Flyers GM Paul Holmgren stated on Philly.com yesterday that he expects Chris Pronger, age 37, to return next season. Pronger has been plagued by injuries as of late, and missed the majority of the 2011-12 season due to post-concussion syndromes and a knee injury. Rumors began circulating about his retirement a few days ago, when fans who live close to his Haddonfield, NJ home saw moving trucks outside. Holmgren was quick to state that Pronger is just spending sometime in St. Louis due to an illness in his wife's family and not retiring.
It's a tricky situation to think about. I've felt since the start of this season that even if Pronger returns in 2012, he only has a couple more games in him. Holmgren obviously would have to quell rumors that Pronger is retiring in order not to drive the price up for defensive prospects he may be looking at. If other teams knew for a fact that Pronger was going to retire then it would become more obvious how screwed the Flyers are on D; thus, asking prices for say, Ryan Suter, would go sky high. Holmgren probably wants Pronger to stick around, even if he stays on long term injured reserve, to avoid the huge cap hit his retirment would cause.
I've enjoyed watching Pronger play for years now, long before he was on the Flyers even. It may be his time to go though. According to his wife he is not showing much improve in terms of the post-concussion syndromes. Why risk it? Pronger has a Hart Trophy, a James Norris Trophy, a Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals and is a 6-time all star. He's had a great career and if he is seriously considering retirement he's earned it. I hope to see Pronger on the ice next season, if only for a few more games, but if retirement is in his near future, I'd say good luck and great career.
It's a tricky situation to think about. I've felt since the start of this season that even if Pronger returns in 2012, he only has a couple more games in him. Holmgren obviously would have to quell rumors that Pronger is retiring in order not to drive the price up for defensive prospects he may be looking at. If other teams knew for a fact that Pronger was going to retire then it would become more obvious how screwed the Flyers are on D; thus, asking prices for say, Ryan Suter, would go sky high. Holmgren probably wants Pronger to stick around, even if he stays on long term injured reserve, to avoid the huge cap hit his retirment would cause.
I've enjoyed watching Pronger play for years now, long before he was on the Flyers even. It may be his time to go though. According to his wife he is not showing much improve in terms of the post-concussion syndromes. Why risk it? Pronger has a Hart Trophy, a James Norris Trophy, a Stanley Cup, two Olympic gold medals and is a 6-time all star. He's had a great career and if he is seriously considering retirement he's earned it. I hope to see Pronger on the ice next season, if only for a few more games, but if retirement is in his near future, I'd say good luck and great career.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Random Notes from Game 1
This may not have much to do with the Flyers, but like I predicted this is shaping up to be an excellent series. Of course game 1 would go to overtime, just made it all the better. Here are a few random musings I thought about during game 1 of the series.
-Some of the lesser known Kings players, like Nolan and Fraser, really stepped it up tonight. The Kings played like that complete team they are. The Devils aggressive forecheck came out in the later parts of the game, but the Kings reacted very calmly and persevered. Wish the Flyers could have done that a few weeks ago.
-I don't know if anyone had ever picked up on this, because NBC hardly ever mentions it, but apparently Martin Brodeur is rather old.
-During the postgame interview: Anze Kopitar's eyes are eerily white...like super white.
-Also, for a guy who was born in the former Yugoslav Republic, Anze Kopitar speaks some damn good English.
-Friend of the BSB (whether he knows it yet or not), Dan G, got his first breakthrough taste of fame tonight with his hilarious antics behind Kopitar during the postgame interview. It actually makes a Pierre McGuire interview bearable to see someone you know on screen.
Game 2 on Saturday. It makes no sense that the NHL is placing the extra day of rest in between the two games in New Jersey. I suppose you gain 3 hours on the flight out to Los Angeles, but really? Oh well, still can't wait.
-Some of the lesser known Kings players, like Nolan and Fraser, really stepped it up tonight. The Kings played like that complete team they are. The Devils aggressive forecheck came out in the later parts of the game, but the Kings reacted very calmly and persevered. Wish the Flyers could have done that a few weeks ago.
-I don't know if anyone had ever picked up on this, because NBC hardly ever mentions it, but apparently Martin Brodeur is rather old.
-During the postgame interview: Anze Kopitar's eyes are eerily white...like super white.
-Also, for a guy who was born in the former Yugoslav Republic, Anze Kopitar speaks some damn good English.
-Friend of the BSB (whether he knows it yet or not), Dan G, got his first breakthrough taste of fame tonight with his hilarious antics behind Kopitar during the postgame interview. It actually makes a Pierre McGuire interview bearable to see someone you know on screen.
Game 2 on Saturday. It makes no sense that the NHL is placing the extra day of rest in between the two games in New Jersey. I suppose you gain 3 hours on the flight out to Los Angeles, but really? Oh well, still can't wait.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Ed Snider says Bryzgalov "not prepared for Philadelphia fans", takes blame for 20 year goalie carousel
Now that the 2011-12 season is officially over there isn't too much to talk about, at least not yet. Flyers chairman Ed Snider did an interview with Broad Street Bull today where he talked about much scrutinized goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov's first season in Philadelphia. Here's a lengthy quote from Snide-money:
As far as the Philadelphia fans go, it is no doubt that we tend to eat our young when it comes to sports. Goalies to have it especially bad too. Bryzgalov was not ready for the magnitude of attention that is paid to the Flyers. It's fairly obvious that our players are under much more of a microscope than players in Phoenix, Bryz's last team. It's a pressureful job, but I feel like Bryz will adapt. I'm not ready to leave the Bryzwagon quite yet, like 75% of Flyers fans have. This season was still a success in my book. We've got a great young core that has nowhere to go but up. Perhaps I'll feel different this time next year, but for now Bryz still has my backing. The Flyers spent $51 million on him, so whether you like his play or not, you might as well get ready for the long haul.
On another note, the Stanley Cup final begins tomorrow. This is one of the best series hockey fans could have asked for. The Kings, with their physical, fast-paced offense clash with a defense for the New Jersey Devils, the likes of which they have not seen yet in the Western Conference playoffs. This series will not end quickly. I see it going seven, but the Kings will be too much for the Marty and the Devils due to their completeness as a team. Kings in 7. Hopefully Richards will bring the cup back to Philly for a day or two. I still have nothing but positive feelings for the guy, and even if you don't wanna see him and Carter hoisting the cup in another city, how could you bring yourself to root for the Devils?
"It went from shaky at times to spectacular at tikes. The Bryz we saw in March" — the goalie was named the league's player of the month — "I hope will be the Bryz that we see consistently in the future. I think he wasn't prepared for Philadelphia fans and the microscope that he's under. I think we're tougher on goalies maybe than any other team in the league. I think our fans are frustrated, and rightfully so, for the goaltending carousel that we've had through the years. It's the problem of management, not of Bryzgalov. We blew it and we created the situation (in the past). I watch the playoffs and regular season games, and ALL goalies let in bad goals, but when a goalie in Philadelphia lets in a bad goal, it's like a disaster."Snider pretty much has to back Bryzgalov. If he didn't that could be the final straw that breaks Bryz's super sensitive ego. I like Snider backing Bryz though. I'm not one of those people who is calling for Bryz's head after just one season under contract. We'd better hope that he plays better if we're stuck with him for 8 more years. I truly think that he'll turn it around though. Let's not forget he was one of the only players that actually showed up for the series against the New Jersey Devils.
As far as the Philadelphia fans go, it is no doubt that we tend to eat our young when it comes to sports. Goalies to have it especially bad too. Bryzgalov was not ready for the magnitude of attention that is paid to the Flyers. It's fairly obvious that our players are under much more of a microscope than players in Phoenix, Bryz's last team. It's a pressureful job, but I feel like Bryz will adapt. I'm not ready to leave the Bryzwagon quite yet, like 75% of Flyers fans have. This season was still a success in my book. We've got a great young core that has nowhere to go but up. Perhaps I'll feel different this time next year, but for now Bryz still has my backing. The Flyers spent $51 million on him, so whether you like his play or not, you might as well get ready for the long haul.
On another note, the Stanley Cup final begins tomorrow. This is one of the best series hockey fans could have asked for. The Kings, with their physical, fast-paced offense clash with a defense for the New Jersey Devils, the likes of which they have not seen yet in the Western Conference playoffs. This series will not end quickly. I see it going seven, but the Kings will be too much for the Marty and the Devils due to their completeness as a team. Kings in 7. Hopefully Richards will bring the cup back to Philly for a day or two. I still have nothing but positive feelings for the guy, and even if you don't wanna see him and Carter hoisting the cup in another city, how could you bring yourself to root for the Devils?
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