Now that most teams have their rosters pretty much ready, has anyone thought about who will finish where? Can Detroit repeat? etc, etc.
Would be nice to have something new to read here. The board has been pretty much dead since mid July.
I think the Rangers will be better. The Pens should fall off a bit with what they lost and who they have as replacements. I think we will be more consistant, and a stronger team than last year. I think New Jersey got older, and that may not work out for them as hoped. The Islanders...well, they are the Islanders.
Eric Lindros will not be part of a special ceremony the Philadelphia Flyers have planned next month at the infamous Spectrum arena.
As part of their September 27th preseason game against Carolina at their former home, the Flyers have invited all 15 captains back to take part in commemorative ceremonies, including Lindros who was named captain at the age of 21 in 1994. However, his tenure with the team ended in a bitter dispute with management, which included then general manager Bob Clarke.
While Clarke, Lou Angotti, Mel Bridgman, Dave Poulin, Ed Van Impe, Bill Barber, Ron Sutter and Kevin Primeau have confirmed their attendance, Lindros has declined because of a previous commitment according to senior vice president of business operations Shawn Tilger.
"We're going to put seasonticketholders back in their original seats," Tilger said of the celebration which will include a postgame skate with fans. Team executives and coaches will also wear the familiar orange blazers of the era.
The Flyers also plan on bringing back players from their 1973-74 and 1974-75 championship teams back for another ceremony on October 7.
The Spectrum, which saw the Flyers win two Stanley Cup titles, is scheduled to close and be demolished at the end of the 200809 season.
Posted on Aug 30, 2008, 9:33 PM from IP address 68.34.240.85
I was going to respond and say shame on Eric but from what I read in the Philly paper he hasn't responded yet.....not he turned them down
IF he doesn't come then shame on him....BC stood up for him on tv and he should bury the hatchet as well......I'd be very disappointed if he turns them down without a great reason......
Posted on Aug 31, 2008, 7:50 AM from IP address 71.230.176.193
I'm a bit confused by all of this as well. I would have liked for him to return to Philly on good terms and for a great reason.
If he doesn't show then I feel that he's making excuses to cover the fact that he's either ashamed or a coward, and that's a shame because it shouldn't be like that. There should be no bad blood by now. Clarke has extended his olive branch, Eric really should accept. It would look good for him, not the Flyers organization. Everyone already knows Lindros' situation, and how daddy runs the show. He needs to make some of his own "publicity" decisions, even if it requires swallowing his pride. The ceremony will go on without Eric Lindros, fans will enjoy it and Eric may look back at this as the perfect reason to get back into thew fold with regret.
Who knows, with our organizations past, they may even offer him a job. Hopefully not on the medical team though, he may still hold a few more grudges there.
Oh yeah, by the way...I read the article on THN's website, I believe.
Posted on Aug 31, 2008, 10:27 AM from IP address 68.34.240.85
Eklund says today that it's a close friend's mother's memorial
by Sedsey
Seems odd that a person has died and the service is so far removed, but we'll take it on faith I guess and let it rest.
I was mad as anybody about his refusal to play for us near the end and called him Traitor E for a long time. However, when you watch video of him playing for us you remember what an exciting time it was for Flyers fans. We expected to contend every year for the Cup, and in truth we were seeing good teams then.
Hopefully in the future Eric will appear given another chance to. It's good to see the organization and Clarke come off the hard line in recent months, and now it rests on his side when he is ready for it. As a fan, he doesn't owe me anything.
Posted on Sep 3, 2008, 6:04 PM from IP address 24.78.186.0
Thanks for a wonderful place to come and share opinions about the Flyers but even more so for the support group you have formed for so many of us. Whether we are going through difficult times or the best of times I have always found warmth from everyone.
Cheers, I tip my glass to you.
Bart
Posted on Aug 30, 2008, 4:37 PM from IP address 72.154.154.168
I thought it was around longer than that. I guess give or take a few weeks I personally have been here since the start then, and in all this time I have left a grand total of about 10 posts on other sites. Why? No need to travel...it's all here!
Posted on Sep 1, 2008, 2:20 PM from IP address 24.78.186.0
Great job. What else is there to say? THis is your party, we just happened to be walking down the street when you invited us [we sneaked] in.
Thank you for all the years of dedication.
You've/we've been here thru the coaching and goaltending carousel, the Lindros debacle, a few runs at the ECF, a new building, lots of jousting, Milksop, Coffey, Oates, god the list goes on.
My one lasting memory is Primeau slamming a wraparound home at the back door. #2 is Boucher's backside save in the playoffs. #3 is Richard's penalty shot. #4 is JR flying down the right boards. #5 is a time period... the first month having LeClair on the team, and the slow realization we had stepped in sh*t... the good kind.
Those are my top five since way back then.
You've all kept me here and sane in many ways since.
Outy, can I request dinner with Holmgren, for old times' sake?
Posted on Sep 3, 2008, 9:08 PM from IP address 69.141.252.230
Print Email Comment Tampa Bay acquire Meszaros for Kuba, Picard and first round pick
Andrej Meszaros had 36 points in 82 games for the Senators last season. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
The Hockey News
2008-08-29 19:33:37
Andrej Meszaros is the newest member of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Ottawa Senators have traded the defenseman to Tampa Bay for Filip Kuba, Alexandre Picard and a first round pick in 2009 the Lightning had originally received from the San Jose Sharks.
“We are very excited to acquire the rights of Andrej Meszaros this evening,” executive vice-president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said in a statement. “Andrej is a perfect fit within our plan to rebuild the Lightning into a contender. He has a strong all-around game, he competes, he moves the puck and he can handle big, strong forwards defensively. Perhaps most importantly, we’re pleased to add a 22-year old player with almost 250 NHL games already under his belt; we know Andrej will continue to grow and improve as he matures with the rest of our defense.”
As first reported by THN.com, the Lightning were trying to acquire Meszaros, but did not have a third round pick needed to provide compensation for signing the restricted free agent to an offer sheet. When they attempted to re-acquire their third round pick from Pittsburgh, the Lightning were reportedly rebuffed by Pens GM Ray Shero who wanted no part of an offer sheet.
By making this trade, the two sides avoid the offer sheet process and the Lightning now owns the rights to the 22-year-old restricted free agent. TSN is reporting the Lightning will sign their newly-acquired rearguard to a six-year contract averaging $4 million per season.
The 22-year-old from Povazska Bystrica, Slovakia, was Ottawa's first-round pick (23rd overall) in the 2004 NHL draft.
Kuba, a native of Ostrava, Czech Republic, has been with the Lightning for the past two seasons signing as a free agent in July 2006. He had six goals, 25 assists and 40 penalty minutes in 75 games last season. The six-foot-five, 225-pound defenceman has 207 points and 239 penalty minutes over 531 career games.
Picard, 22, a native of nearby Gatineau, Que., had three goals, three assists and 10 penalty minutes over 24 games with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Lightning last season. In his three-year NHL career, the six-foot-two, 225-pound Picard has six goals, 22 assists and 31 penalty minutes over 92 regular-season games.
- with files from the Canadian Press.
Posted on Aug 29, 2008, 10:49 PM from IP address 68.34.240.85
I get these NHL/NFL fantasy update e-mails...usually they are fairly accurate, but I had to laugh at this one I just read...
"Aug 27, 2008 06:56 PM CDT
Canucks will trade Gomez or Drury to add Sundin
The News
As we continue to track the courting of Mats Sundin, reports out of Vancouver indicate the Canucks are prepared to jettison either Chris Drury or Scott Gomez to make room under the salary cap should Sundin choose to come back to hockey for one more season and do so in a Vancouver uniform, according to the Ottawa Sun.
Our View
If Sundin had announced his intentions to play earlier this preseason, teams may have made moves to clear financial space for Sundin. As it stands, the teams that are actually capable of making him an offer is limited due to the length of time the future Hall of Famer is taking just to decide to between returning and retirement. Two teams still voicing public interest despite a lack of cap space are Philadelphia and New York, but neither has been rumored to be seeking trade options should Sundin choose to join their rosters."
Pretty bad mistake to place two high profile NYR FA signing from last year on the Canucks for them to traded to make room for Sundin, who makes every hockey fan sick by the constant watch on his lack of movement...heh heh
Posted on Aug 28, 2008, 10:00 PM from IP address 24.78.186.0
Seriously, it's the only mistake I've seen in a couple years, but I thought it was funny.
Fortunately for my wallet, I don't need any advice when it comes to drafting hockey pools, relying on my watchful eyes to find the money.
Fantasy football, on the other hand, is a nightmare! I just started a couple years ago, along with a high stakes elimination pool, and I am sick of the deluge of info. My draft is Sunday and I'll be gald when it's over, so I can stop reading about 3rd string RBs from Atlanta and such...heh heh
Posted on Aug 29, 2008, 3:14 PM from IP address 24.78.186.0
Philadelphia Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren on Monday confirmed that defenseman Bryan Berard will attend the team's training camp in September on a try-out basis. Berard, the first overall pick in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft (Ottawa), has played 10 NHL seasons with the New York Islanders, Toronto, New York Rangers. Boston, Chicago and Columbus. Last season, the 31-year-old played in 54 games with the Islanders, registering five goals and 17 assists for 22 points and 48 penalty minutes.
Holmgren, Berard and Flyers head coach John Stevens were all reached for comment today.
"Bryan has been around a number of years now. He has been a good defenseman for quite some time," said Holmgren. "I’m excited about Bryan’s willingness to come here on a try-out. It will certainly pick up the competition level of what is going to take place in training camp anytime you can add a player like him. This is kind of an out-of-the-blue thing. It just kind of popped up over the last week to 10 days. We are looking forward to seeing how he does.”
"Basically, my agent, Tommy Laidlaw, talked to Paul Holmgren and thought that this was something that we felt would be a good situation for me to show what I have," explained Berard. "I thank the Flyers for giving me this opportunity to try out. I am really looking forward to this. I have been around for a while. Training camps are nothing new for me. I like to come in and compete at a high level. I want to show them that I can play and hopefully make the team and to be able to contribute and help out in any way I can.”
"Bryan is player with a lot of experience and he’s had some really good years in the league," said Stevens. "Anytime a player of that type of caliber who wants to come and try out, it is a good thing. I think we will have a competitive camp. We have lots of preseason games so he will get the opportunity to play to see where he is at with our team."
Hmmmmmm........a puck moving defenseman 10 years and one eye too late?
Posted on Aug 25, 2008, 6:16 PM from IP address 68.34.240.85
It's a message to all the D-men under contract that if you aren't showing up ready for business from day one, your job can be lost in a hurry. That would be said of all camps, but with up to a dozen guys competing for six jobs, or 8-10 trying for 4 jobs if you leave out Coburn/Timonen...
Posted on Aug 25, 2008, 11:36 PM from IP address 24.78.186.0
Suppose Berard ends up as our 6th defenseman. He is a solid defenseman, but his strength has always been moving the puck and being on the Power play. If he has only a small amount of resonsibility, but could contribute on the 2nd PP unit and move the puck well, he could be a major asset. Our bottom rung of defensemen have always been mediocre with the puck, but having Berard around could be an excellent addition. I know he isn't going to score 50 points and give us the best PP in the league, but he could definitly strengthen the 2nd unit.
Timmonen, Coburn and Jones are all locks to make the team. Leaving 3 spots and perhaps if the team carries a 7th dman up for grabs. Eminger, Vaananen, Kukkonen, Parent and Berard fighting for spots. Guenin will also be in camp, but I don't think he will beat out the rest.
I wonder who will make the team? Kukkonen already is playing at a disadvantage because Stevens is the coach. Eminger cost the team a 1st, so I would think he will be in. Not sure if Vaananen has a two way contract or not, but it's not like the Flyers don't have the cash to dump him on the Phantoms and pay him his, what, $1 million contract. Parent might be best served with another year getting major minutes with the Phantoms as oppossed to being a 3rd pairing defenseman in the NHL. I think d-men are best served getting more AHL time than forwards.
I think it will end up being Timonen, Coburn, Jones, Eminger, Kukkonen and Parent. Although I would really like to see Berard to make the team.
Posted on Aug 26, 2008, 11:38 AM from IP address 68.39.80.42
I only checked their front page briefly, but didn't see anything. Why do I expect the bands mentioned are on the lame side...?? Of course, they do play Pantera in Dallas and Colorado...
Posted on Aug 27, 2008, 4:44 AM from IP address 24.78.186.0
I found it lower on the page, besides...it was more of a generic "unison" of the two. But...They did mention Pantera and only Pantera. Hehehe...Pantera kicks many an ass. They deserve to be mentioned at least once a day in any conversation.
Posted on Aug 27, 2008, 8:57 PM from IP address 68.34.240.85
Similarities between hockey, heavy metal abound Doug Karda | NHL.com Correspondent Aug 20, 2008, 10:12 AM EDT
There are many similarities between hockey and heavy metal. Talent, unity and intensity are key factors for success in both.
Take a moment to think about all the great partnerships in life -- pairs that when one comes to mind, the other immediately and instinctively follows: Peanut butter and jelly, movies and popcorn, baseball and Cracker Jack.
These days, hockey and heavy metal is another symbiotic relationship to be included in that list.
Why do hockey and heavy metal fit together so well?
Mike Levine, a member of the Canadian power trio Triumph, has one answer, delivered tongue-and-cheek: "Other than (both are) usually played by a group of guys in hockey rinks who travel around a lot?"
Seriously though, these two disparate entities have become interwoven in the last little while. When you scratch the surface, hockey and heavy-metal music -- heck, any kind of music -- have more similarities than you might think.
Talent -- To make it in either the NHL or in the world of heavy metal, it takes a whole lot of talent. Sure, talent has to be somewhat of a given, but it's still a point to mention in this relationship. Each discipline boasts a specific type of talent that musicians in other genres or athletes other than hockey players can't possibly possess.
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You will never find a Milli Vanilli in the world of metal. There is no lip-syncing, no faking it and absolutely no pop music-style, cookie-cutter, pretty face that can sing and dance, but has no inkling of a G-clef. Heavy-metal musicians, for the most part, are craftsmen who put in an endless amount of work and creativity to produce their art.
Hockey is no different. The talents and abilities of NHL players is of a level that very few can truly comprehend.
Years back, I was at a morning skate for the worst team in hockey at the time. At the very end, there were only the healthy scratches and backup goaltender left. These remaining players weren't good enough to start on the worst team in hockey. They were flipping pucks to each other and smacking them in the net out of mid-air. They were taking breakaway practice and roofing the puck while shooting from between their legs. It was an awe-inspiring spectacle, especially considering the actual players playing that night were even more skilled.
Vinnie Paul, current Hellyeah drummer who first made a name for himself with Pantera, understands this dynamic better than most. Pantera, based out of Dallas, is one of the biggest -- and loudest -- metal bands in history.
"When the Stars came to Dallas, I ran into Craig Ludwig, we started talking and I told him how much I'd really like to go to a game," Paul said. "He hooked me up with seats the very next night to the next game and I was just floored.
"When I saw how fast and brutal, just how incredibly talented the skaters are … to me, a hockey player has to be every sport rolled into one: ice skater, baseball player, football player, etc. It's just incredible to watch!"
When I saw how fast and brutal, just how incredibly talented the skaters are … to me, a hockey player has to be every sport rolled into one: ice skater, baseball player, football player, etc. It's just incredible to watch! - Vinnie PaulUnity -- It is synergy and team play that differentiates the truly great band or team from all the pretenders to the throne.
Paul has been among the metal elite for many years and is as big a hockey fan as anyone. His proximity to the game and to certain members of the Dallas Stars has allowed himself to see the career similarities first hand.
"Camaraderie is big," says Paul. "The band members must have it with their crews, just as the players and their coaches."
In music, every note must be timed precisely to achieve the desired result. More so, each crew member must play his role and be on the same page as the band for the show to go off without a hitch. The same can be said on the ice. Behind the players are coaches, trainers, medical staff, video specialists, equipment managers and more. Only when every individual is in sync can a team truly reach its potential.
Levine turns serious on this subject, linking his passion for music with Canada's passion for hockey.
"It's about teamwork," Levine says. "Music requires the teamwork of the guys in the band, and like hockey, everybody's got to be coordinated. So it requires a lot of practice and a certain state of mind to be able to keep yourself up when perhaps you really don't feel like doing so."
Intensity -- This is the fuel that propels both heavy-metal music and the sport of hockey. It is required to fashion a meaningful performance in either arena.
You won't find a successful hockey player lacking passion and intensity on the ice. It just never happens. The same can be said for heavy-metal practitioners, who have made their willingness to leave it all on the stage each night a calling card.
Dallas Stars forward Jere Lehtinen has been a long-time fan of heavy metal music. He points to an attitude in the music that he also sees in successful hockey teams.
Ludwig, who was as intense a defenseman as has ever played the game, also understands the mindset that makes musicians and hockey players rise above the pack of their peers.
"I guess the word that comes to mind is intensity," Ludwig said. "These guys, when you're around them, they're intense at their job. Hockey players are the same. It's all they know. They've been doing it since they were kids. Their intensity and their drive, they've wanted to do all their lives."
Paul, the drummer, sees an even more basic underpinning that the two forums share: "The sheer brutality, the speed; the game is just so intense and that's what hard rock is all about. The intensity, pushing that level up further and further."
Of course, that energy is very hard to maintain through long stretches. Sickness, exhaustion and personal issues take their toll on everyone, even elite-level performers. But those performers have a trick of getting past these lulls that they are happy to share. It's all about the fans, they say. Without fans, sports and music disappear -- period. Fortunately, metal fans and hockey supporters are among the most passionate groups around.
If you happen to be a die-hard fan of either group, it's a safe bet you've found yourself in the minority now and again. Both hockey and metal, by their very nature, are the province of fanatics. They may not boast the number of followers attracted to other sports and musical styles, but it is anecdotally clear that hockey and metal fans are as passionate -- if not more so -- than any other group of fans.
Levine stressed the similarity of the fan experience shared by hockey players and musicians.
"We both feed off the crowd," Levine said. "Most teams obviously prefer to play at home because they have the crowd on their side. I guess there's a slight difference because in rock and roll/heavy metal, there is no home team. In every hockey rink, we get a home crowd."
Ludwig, retired for several years, still recalls the power of the crowd, the magic that a wave of noise can generate as it builds from the rafters and just washes over the players on the ice.
"As a player, you're sitting there and it just seems to fit," Ludwig said. "You want to -- and you need to -- hear it loud; especially when there's not a lot of life in the building. That's when guys start tapping their legs and hitting each other."
Then the adrenaline begins to flow, energy picks up, and it snowballs.
It's no wonder there seems to be a lot of professional jealousy between hockey players and metal musicians.
"For some reason, at least with the guys I've been around, we've always said that rock stars want to be hockey players and the hockey players want to be rock stars," says James LaBrie, lead singer of Canadian metal outfit Dream Theater.
Now you know why each side harbors dreams of filling the shoes/skates of the other. Their jobs are more common than anyone imagined.
Posted on Aug 27, 2008, 9:11 PM from IP address 68.34.240.85
He isn't anywhere near the #1 overall that he was drafted at, but I have always wanted to see him in Orange and Black. I am positive that he will make the team over some younger players. With our speed up front, he could add a huge other dimension to our team
Again...great pick up...I know he isn't signed, but he is and will be an improvement on Ossi.
Posted on Aug 27, 2008, 12:00 AM from IP address 70.67.189.52
He grew up as a close friend of former Flyer Brian Boucher in Woonsocket, RI. ESPN the mag did an article on the two shortly after Berard's eye injury and Boucher's playoff success.
Posted on Aug 27, 2008, 12:04 AM from IP address 68.39.80.42
While I always would like to see better players make the team, I'm not sure if the abilty of Berard is enough to unseat his challengers. I liken it somewhat to Milksop trying out for the NYR.
If Berard makes it, I'll cheer his name, but I see it as advertised...a walk-on tryout.
Posted on Aug 27, 2008, 4:43 AM from IP address 24.78.186.0
I just don't see it as a brilliant move or anything at this stage. He's at the point where he needed a walk-on tryout to continue his career. It costs the Flyers nothing to offer it.
As I said in the first reply I made it seems to have most value as a push for other players, and if he makes it, then good for him and us.
Posted on Aug 27, 2008, 3:15 PM from IP address 24.78.186.0
With the talk around the interent of Sundin possibly playing with a contender for $2 million for this season, it's not out of the realm of possibility for the Flyers to be interested. I know we are over the cap, but Sundin is the type of trade deadline acquisition teams pay through the nose for, so I ask:
Would you rather have Knuble or Sundin?
If Holmgren could get Sundin on the team for $2M or $2.5M, he probably wouldn't have much trouble finding a take for Knuble (just as an example of a name to throw out there) even if he has to trade a 6th round pick and Knuble for a 7th round pick, I think the upgrade to Sundin would be worth that. Play him on the wing. Move Briere to wing and let Sundin be your first line center. I think Briere is a better wing that Knuble and I think Sundin is a better Center than Briere, so you're improving inside and out.
He might just be trying to drive the price up and the Flyers might not have one bit of interest. But you never know...
Posted on Aug 20, 2008, 4:26 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
Briere is a PP specialisr. He needs people to hit him in the open and with skating room to succeed.
Knuble is board work specialist. He blows chunks in the opne ice but does good things when he plays simple and uses his body to block people out.
Two completely different styles. I can't see Knuble gone until the team determines if Hartnell can replace his style of work, Downie shows how far he can rise, and another year to bring JVR.
I would be shocked if Sundin was a Flyer. I'm wishing he would just sign somewhere to end the constant news. Even trying to ignore it, I hear too much.
At least it's not Anson Carter, I guess (for hockeybuzz readers)...
Posted on Aug 21, 2008, 2:46 AM from IP address 24.78.186.0
Report: Mats Sundin interested in signing with New York Rangers
THE CANADIAN PRESS
14 hours, 29 minutes ago
Buzz Up PrintUndecided free agent centre Mats Sundin has expressed interest in playing for the New York Rangers, according to a report in the New York Post.
The article cites a source as saying the 37-year-old former Toronto Maple Leafs captain has been in constant communication with the Rangers this week through his agent J.P. Barry. But the two parties have not reached the stage of contract negotiations.
The Rangers have approximately US$2 million of cap space to spend on the 2008-09 roster.
The report also suggests Sundin, who recorded 78 points (32-46) last season, has no interest in returning to the Leafs, nor does he have interest in joining Montreal or Vancouver, which has offered a two-year, $20-million deal.
According to the report, Philadelphia is also in the mix, with GM Paul Holmgren aggressively pursuing the first-line centre
Posted on Aug 18, 2008, 8:01 AM from IP address 71.255.189.98
to light a fire under the Rangers by telling some internet blogger that Philly was interested in him as well. How would the Flyers fit him under the cap?
Posted on Aug 18, 2008, 9:07 AM from IP address 12.15.114.6
With the exception of the comments that Philly would be interested in Sundin if Carter was moved for a defenseman, it's damn near word-for-word what was posted on Hockey Buzz over the weekend.
How many times now have we allegedly been getting Sundin?
Rob
Posted on Aug 18, 2008, 1:32 PM from IP address 199.67.7.151
Felix Potvin from Tor to MTL
Eric Lindros from PHI to TOR
Mark Recchi and Mats Sundin to PHI
So yeah, it's been a popular rumor for some time.
Rumours sell papers and get internet traffic up, that's all it is. Maybe Holmgren has talked to him, but it's nothing to get excited over until we see it break on TSN or ESPN.
Posted on Aug 18, 2008, 7:36 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
It's as bad as the Fedorov rumors from 10 years ago
by ABQ Flyer
Seemed like every other week, Fedorov was coming to Philly. Hell, I even remember reports where Fedorov's dad was saying he should be a Flyer.
I just got a kick out of the article being damn near word-for-word what Eklund posted over the weekend, yet the "Canadian Press" neglected the part that Sundin was an option for Philly should they move Carter for Bouwmeester (or some mystery defenseman). Either way, it sounds like a bunch of bunk to me. I may be no Einstein (and several will attest to that), but the numbers just don't add up.
Rob
Posted on Aug 18, 2008, 7:46 PM from IP address 76.18.89.246
Former Columbus GM Doug MacLean on a Toronto radio station said he talked with his sources and he confirmed that Sundin would like to go to New York or Philly.
Posted on Aug 18, 2008, 10:32 PM from IP address 216.121.242.159
Essentially trading youth for age. I know Blowmester is young, but what has he seriously done? Most minutes?...whippty do. I could play for Florida and I'd be a top minutes getter also. Lets not forget that he is UFA next summer. No guaranty he would stay. As far as Sundin goes....where exactly would he fit? We are already getting a 2x 40 goal scorer back, who by his own accounts, says he is feeling better than ever, and is itching to get on with it. We don't need Sundin, and I don't want him. He would take minutes away from a young guy.
Posted on Aug 19, 2008, 6:30 PM from IP address 70.67.189.52
My daughter and I flew home yesterday after 2-1/2 months in Ukraine. My wife and newly adopted son will fly home on the 21st because of the insane flight schedules of Malev airline. My daughter has NEVER been without her Mom so to be separated for 7 days will be hell for her but we are home and she is thrilled about that! I would like to thank all the people on this board for all the well wishes and kind thoughts it was nice to be able to read them and it gave us a source of strength when our strength was dwindling.
fff
Posted on Aug 15, 2008, 11:13 AM from IP address 207.112.5.9
Thanks Gary, my wife and son come home tomorrow. We can all start getting use to having a new member in our little family. My 5 yr old has already started preparing for Bohdan. Yesterday she was packing her stuffies in a box and sealing it up with tape!! Should be fun!
Keith
Posted on Aug 20, 2008, 8:43 AM from IP address 209.90.142.126
Stevens gets contract extension. I was hoping for a big change... :(
by Russian Flyer
FLYERS AND JOHN STEVENS AGREE TO CONTRACT EXTENSION
Flyers’ Head Coach Signed Through 2010-11 Season
The Philadelphia Flyers today announced that they have reached an agreement on a two-year contract extension with Head Coach John Stevens, according to club General Manager Paul Holmgren. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.
“John is very deserving of this new contract,” said Holmgren in making the announcement. “He is a very energetic coach who brings a lot of enthusiasm and passion to the game and we look forward to working together over the next few years.”
"John has done a fantastic job,” said Comcast-Spectacor President and Chief Operating Officer Peter A. Luukko. “He has a great relationship with our younger players, dating back to the Phantoms’ Calder Cup Championship, and he certainly has a great rapport with the veterans on the team. It is obvious with our long playoff run last season that John has done an excellent job."
“I am very excited,” said Stevens. “This is something that we talked about in the early part of the summer. We knew that it was just a matter of time before we got it done. I love being a part of this organization and the direction that the team is heading. I am extremely happy to be a part of it moving forward.”
Stevens, 42, led the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals after posting a 42-29-11 record and 95 points to finish fourth in the Atlantic Division and sixth in the Eastern Conference in 2007-08, his first full season as the club’s head coach. The Flyers finished 39 points and 20 wins ahead of their totals from the previous season (22-48-12 for 56 points in 2006-07). Their 39-point turnaround was the most of any team in the National Hockey League this past season. In recognition of his work during the 2007-08 season, he was named Coach of the Year by The Hockey News.
Over the last two seasons (2006-07 and 2007-08), he has a 63-71-22 record in 156 career NHL games coached after being promoted from assistant coach on October 22, 2006. He is the 16th head coach in Flyers history and the fourth former Flyer to be named the team’s head coach. He was named assistant coach of the Flyers on June 5, 2006.
Prior to joining the Flyers’ coaching staff, Stevens was the head coach of the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, for six seasons (2000-01 through 2005-06) and led the team to the Calder Cup Championship in 2005. Stevens’ career AHL coaching record is 230-181-33-25 in 480 regular season games, not including 11 shootout losses. He has a 29-19 record in 48 career AHL playoff games. Stevens was named the second-ever head coach of the Phantoms on June 8, 2000. His 480 games coached and 230 career wins are the most in Phantoms history. He was named an assistant coach for the Phantoms on February 10, 1999, after announcing his retirement from hockey due to an eye injury.
A native of Campbellton , New Brunswick , Stevens played 15 seasons of professional hockey as a defenseman (1984-85 to 1998-99), including 53 career NHL games with the Flyers and Hartford Whalers. Over parts of five seasons (1986-87 and 1987-88 with the Flyers and 1990-91, 1991-92 and 1993-94 with Hartford), Stevens recorded 10 assists and 48 penalty minutes in 53 games. He was a member of three Calder Cup Championship teams as a player (Hershey – 1988, Springfield – 1991 and Philadelphia – 1998) and won the Barry Ashbee Award as the Phantoms’ top defenseman for the 1996-97 season. He was named the Phantoms’ first-ever captain on October 1, 1996. Stevens was originally drafted by the Flyers in the third round (47th overall) of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.
Posted on Aug 14, 2008, 2:43 PM from IP address 158.130.17.250
Hitchcock's contract wasn't anywhere near finished when he got canned. It's a little bit of financial security for him, but not job security. Snider has no problem dropping the hammer even if it means that the team will be paying a coach for the next two seasons.
Posted on Aug 15, 2008, 12:51 AM from IP address 68.39.80.42
Ask John Stevens...softball questions with fluff answers
by Sedsey
Now having read the secoind installment of the series, I call it as my title suggests, and no surprise at that.
Nobody asked about Kukkonen? Eminger and Vassanen have loads of potential? Nobody asked, amid all the Downie questions, why he was singled out last year and if that was a coaching mistake?
On and on...
Posted on Aug 13, 2008, 8:46 PM from IP address 24.78.186.0
I know I'll get plenty of sarcastic, "well what did you expect?" replies, but I just feel those "Q&A with the team/coach/GM" are a total waste of time. I'll wager those questions were scripted weeks before this whole scheme was cooked up. Whatever.
Posted on Aug 13, 2008, 9:45 PM from IP address 68.34.240.85
Flyers Captains invited to attend ceremony on September 27 (Bill Meltzer)
by ABQ Flyer
Here's an excerpt from Bill's Odds & Ends column from today.
While I was away last week, the Philadelphia Daily News reported that the Flyers have invited "all living captains" from team history to participate in a special ceremony that will take place at the September 27 exhibition game against the Hurricanes.
Apart from failing to note that every captain in club history is still alive, the article neglected to mention the most intriguing question raised by the announcement of the planned ceremony: Will Eric Lindros accept the invitation?
I hope so. In the time since Lindros announced his retirement last year, there have been signs of increased willingness by the Flyers to put aside the bitter end to Lindros' Flyers career and acknowledge his place in team history. Even former GM Bob Clarke went on TV to say he believes Lindros is worthy of Hall of Fame induction despite his injury-ravaged career that also saw him lose two full seasons to holdouts, half a season to the 1994 lockout and the entire 2004-05 season to a lockout.
A personal note: Last season, when I suggested devoting an article in the Great Moments series to the birth of the Legion of Doom line, the Flyers ran the article without hesitation on their official site.
I have no idea where Eric Lindros stands on making peace with the Flyers, but the celebration at the Spectrum seems like as good of a time as any to bring closure to his Flyers career. Love him or hate him, Number 88 played a huge role in team history and for a period of several seasons was every bit the dominant NHL player he was hyped to be.
Among the Flyers' other captains, last year's captain Jason Smith obviously won't be able to attend because he's now with Ottawa. It also seems unlikely that Peter Forsberg will come. Otherwise, the event should be well attended by most of the club's past captains, the oldest of whom (Lou Angotti, the team's first captain) is 70 years old.
History of Flyers captaincy:
Lou Angotti 1967–68
Ed Van Impe 1968–73
Bobby Clarke 1973–79 and 1982-84
Mel Bridgman, 1979–81
Bill Barber, 1981–82
Dave Poulin, 1984–89
Ron Sutter, 1989–91
Rick Tocchet, 1991–92
Kevin Dineen, 1993–94
Eric Lindros, 1994–2000
Eric Desjardins, 2000–01
Keith Primeau, 2001–06
Derian Hatcher, 2006
Peter Forsberg, 2006–07
Jason Smith, 2007–08
I, for one, would like to see Lindros attend this event, and hopefully let the "healing process" begin for the organization and one of its greatest players.
Rob
Posted on Aug 11, 2008, 8:49 PM from IP address 76.18.89.246
The ending was ugly, but give the guy some credit, he really wanted to win here and gave us some great moments. He was a headache at times, but Clarke made EVERYTHING worse because of his horrible people skills.
Posted on Aug 12, 2008, 12:26 PM from IP address 152.132.8.197
I too had major issue with the Big Baby, however time heals all wounds. Let bygones be gyones. He should come back for the ceremony and I think he gets a big-time applause.
BTW...I always thought Eric got too much credit for the Wachovia Center being built. Yes, having a big-named player such as Eric made it a lot easier to accquire the funding. But do seriously think for one minute that Ed Snider couldn't have gotten that deal done anyway??? Ed knows more about making big money deals than any of us could ever hope to learn in our life time. That's why he has the kind of $ he does, and we are all in a somewhat lower tax bracket.
Posted on Aug 12, 2008, 12:38 PM from IP address 155.91.45.232
Look at Mitch Williams, he's one of the favorite guests on Comcast talk shows. For a few years, I don't think anyone in Philly even wanted to look at him.
Posted on Aug 12, 2008, 1:16 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
He would have built the arena, sure, but part of that decision was having a star player. Don't think that wasn't part of the reason they offered Quebec so much for him
Posted on Aug 13, 2008, 11:38 AM from IP address 65.168.203.3
It's ironic to see such vitriol towards a player who did nothing but play hard for this team. Yes, things were F'd up in the end, but I credit that more to his parents than to the kid himself. He had a very close relationship with his folks and trusted them, no matter what. Heck, he was in his mid- to late-20s and relatively ignorant towards "life". He was pampered from the time he was in his teens and grew up in that atmosphere. What else was to be expected?
I, too, find it ironic that someone who went through such a tough time adopting a child could bare such hate toward a sports figure, and athlete. Usually that type of experience "softens" people up.
Posted on Aug 13, 2008, 8:36 PM from IP address 69.80.226.113
This guy has been a hothead here for years, always flaming folks for anything he doesn't agree with. Bet he does that in the real world too. That comment about Eric is typical, too bad for that poor adopted kid from Kiev.
Posted on Aug 14, 2008, 7:54 AM from IP address 152.132.8.197
but this has nothing to do with his kid. To take on someone else s child for their lifetime is a huge commitment. Shows a huge heart and a loving household.
Just because the bad taste of Lindros is still in his mouth doesn't mean he will make a bad father. I totally disagree with his stance on Lindros. It was easily half Clarke's fault. If Clarke had built a team like our current one around him, we would have won multiple championships, and he would be loved more than Clarke the player.
I'm positive that Lindros wishes things ended differently here.
By the way, how is the little boy now? Are you home yet?
Posted on Aug 14, 2008, 11:03 AM from IP address 70.67.189.52
"This guy has been a hothead here for years, always flaming folks for anything he doesn't agree with. Bet he does that in the real world too. That comment about Eric is typical, too bad for that poor adopted kid from Kiev."
All I did in the above post was type my opinion of a player, that is it!!! You on the other hand wrote your little editorial about my son and I. Because the extent of your life is typing messages on this board I can feel sorry for you and let it go.
If you think I haven't softened then ask some regulars how I would have dealt with your attack 5 yrs ago.
People who live in glass houses...
fff
Posted on Aug 15, 2008, 11:03 AM from IP address 207.112.5.9
Lindros gave his body and heart to this organization for years. There was ugliness at the end on both sides, and I don't know what the root cause of it was. I wasn't behind the doors seeing what happened between Clarke and Lindros. I'd love to see the Flyers honor a player that left everything he had on the ice every time he went out there.
On another note though, the article mentions Smith not being able to come but what about guys like Rick Tocchet who is a coach with Tampa Bay? He most likely won't be able to make it either.
Posted on Aug 12, 2008, 1:14 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
Besides Tocchet, last I remember, isn't Bill Barber an assistant coach somewhere in the southeast? That would affect his appearrance as well I would immagine.
Posted on Aug 12, 2008, 6:19 PM from IP address 68.34.240.85
The only thing that I begrudge from him is that on many nights he is almost invisible. If he had half of the resolve of Lindros, he'd be an all-star with the talent and physical gifts he has.
Posted on Aug 13, 2008, 7:31 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
Smith is the only one currently playing for another NHL team. I would think that's why he would not be invited. Tocchet, being only a coach should be able to make the trip.
Posted on Aug 13, 2008, 12:06 PM from IP address 206.210.73.2
I've contemplated the team trading for him and have come to a disagreement with myself over his value. We certainly have a large cache of talent with our forwards. We lost some with RJ's trade but still feel we could easily move a player, we'll say Carter, since that is the name I have heard bandied about not only here but on trade rumour mills as well. But then, if the team was forced to add in someone like JVR or Giroux, the price is starting to look very steep. More so with JVR than with Giroux because of where they were drafted, but both are extremely well thought of prospects. JVR could be the next premier power forward in the league. Giroux could be an extremely effective 1st line winger, maybe more. I can't remember the last time we had a pair of young players on that level, perhaps Gagne and Williams together but I don't think any of us thought Williams would be as good as he has been since going to CAR.
Of course, it is the argument of trading potential for production. We would be landed a defenseman that, on a good team, might be a Norris Trophy winner. He has been very good on an inconsistent and shallow Panthers team. He put up 15 goals last year, led the NHL in Time on Ice and can skate unbelieveably well, not just for his 6'4 size but for any NHL player. His size and speed would be a tremendous asset when playing Crosby and Malkin in the postseason, a team we a likely to run into for the next few seasons in the playoffs. If you could run Coburn and Timonen against one and JB plus whomever against the other, it would be a huge help. The Ducks paid dearly for Pronger, a guy that Bouwmeester could be minus the nasty streak, but he had already been a Norris and Hart trophy winner. Bouwmeester isn't on Pronger's level but does have Norris caliber upside. So really in a way, we would also be dealing for potential.
If Holmgren is looking to land him, I hope it would be for Carter and picks or prospects that aren't JVR or Giroux. Those are the guys that could push them team to an even higher level. Moving Carter's contract would also allow the team to free up space to fit JB on the team, and actually save about $1 million this season. It could get pricey, but you don't win the Stanley Cup with medicore defensemen. I don't want to have a good team, top heavy with forwards to make some noise in the playoffs but too weak on the blueline to win it all. Use the overabundance of forwards to make the team more complete. We underpaid for Coburn and Timonene, if we overpay a little for Bouwmeester than so be it.
Or we could just wait until next summer and try to sign him as a UFA...
Posted on Aug 9, 2008, 12:49 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
I like Carter but I don't think he plays hard every night.....50% of the time you don't even know he's out there.....Williams plays hard every game he's out there....I personally like him more than Carter.....
the idea that Carter being traded would put a hole at center just doesn't cut it.....Carter is a winger who they play at center.....he's not a setup man.....he's not good at faceoffs......he's a finisher....he should be a right winger IMO....
Posted on Aug 9, 2008, 7:45 PM from IP address 96.247.155.100
And if you trade Carter, who are your centers long term and short term? Guess you might need to make a trade? I think we are fortunate to have both Carter and Richards, but we shouldn't lose sight of their youth and development.
Hey, I like Bouwmeester, but we have two stud dmen. It would be great to have Bouwmeester, but at the cost of Carter? I don't think so. You may be down on him, but I don't see it. He has shown great improvement and he is a center. Take a look at the distribution of minutes, he's not a typical third line center.
If we pull off the trade, it needs to be from wingers and not Carter.......that is where we have excess.
I guess the last point is how do we pay for Bouwmeester, Coburn and Timmo? But, we can save that for a later discussion.
Posted on Aug 9, 2008, 8:00 PM from IP address 71.180.123.50
you know he's the guy who rubs it in our face every time we play the Canes....usually has 2-3 points against us...he and Brindy seem to stick it to us everytime.....
I still contend Carter isn't a true center and if we can trade our third line center for a young stud #1 D I think we're crazy not to.....
as far as a replacement for Carter...Downie plays center....I also believe they were looking at Giroux at center as well.......
I like Carter...I really do...when he's on his game he can be a dominant player.....problem is that only happens for 5 games stratches a few times of the year....otherwise he's one of the most invisible players we have....he doesn't use his size to get into a player either.....he's a 6'3 Briere
Posted on Aug 10, 2008, 9:25 AM from IP address 96.247.155.100
Not that we have a choice, but Carter isn't going anywhere. He and Richards will be our centers for years to come. In fact, I suspect that if Homer thought, for a second, that Richards and Carter would come along as quickly as they have, he would NEVER have signed Briere. Never. No way. I also think he will be the winger that you want Carter to be.
If we go back in time, we had a guy named Williams that was lazy, inconsistent, and did not mesh well with the team. We had a need for a dman. So, as many trades are made, we made a trade out of need. Does Williams look pretty decent now? Sure, but in a couple more years, you will regret comparing Carter to Williams.
I am positive that Carter will prove to be a far superior player, and a center to boot!!
So........do you think we could afford Bouwmeester? I would love to have him, but am not sure we can afford him.
Would you trade Coburn for him?
Posted on Aug 10, 2008, 11:54 AM from IP address 71.180.123.50
You hold on to talented young defensemen unless there is no way you can keep, i.e. you are the Sabres. If I had to have my choice of the two, I would pick Bouwmeester but trading one for the other doesn't make sense. We need more quality defensemen, not a better guy for the 1st pair.
Posted on Aug 10, 2008, 12:35 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
We might have to make something else happen in the future, but we would fit under the cap this season. In fact, I think Bouwmeester is making $1 million less this upcoming season. Next year, changes would obviously have to be made. But my point is that Anaheim won the Cup with their premier defensemen and a solid cast up front including a lot of younger players, which is something we have. We would not only have three outstanding defensemen, but two of them would be very young and could be mainstays on the club for 10 years.
Posted on Aug 11, 2008, 6:42 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
Carter hasn't scratched the surface. Of course it is all up to him and he does seem to float some nights. I still think the light bulb is going to go off in his head and he will be an outstanding player. I only hope that when it happens he is wearing O&B.
Posted on Aug 10, 2008, 8:36 AM from IP address 12.15.103.163
But more so I think it is because of the mental strain from playing on a team that gives away it's best players for pennies on the dollar. Roberto Luongo for a over the hill Bertuzzi?
Heck, with the deals they got for Luongo and Jokinen, we might be able to get Bouwmeester for Kevin Marshall and a stack of old Genisis CDs.
Posted on Aug 10, 2008, 11:03 AM from IP address 68.39.80.42
when he was wearing the O&B, he was knocked regularly, and labeled trade bait, for his inconsistency. So he was traded young (at that age where many players are inconsistent), and we watched him mature into his potential elsewhere.
Carter has far more talent than Williams. Have we learned anything?
Posted on Aug 11, 2008, 11:36 AM from IP address 65.168.203.3
you will create an even bigger hole at center for the Flyers than we had previously at D. We have plenty of depth at wing and that is where we should deal from, otherwise we are hurting ourselves long term at center.
Posted on Aug 9, 2008, 6:54 PM from IP address 71.180.123.50
If you remember, in the playoffs we had Briere playing on the wing rather than having one of Carter, Richards or Briere get 3rd line ice time. We could use a servicable 3rd line center in the Mike Sillinger mold, a smart two way player that can win a lot of faceoffs.
Posted on Aug 9, 2008, 7:56 PM from IP address 68.39.80.42
Personally, I'm of the opinion that any deal for Bouwmeester must include Carter just based on money alone. I would also think that Florida would want one of our young defensemen in return as well (not one of the forwards as everyone else seems to be speculating), but that's just my opinion.
Everyone's thoughts on Coburn has surprised me. Yes, playing for the Flyers, he's a top-2 guy. But put him on the "legitimate contenders" around the NHL, and you're looking at a 3-4 guy. Not saying that the kid's a slouch or can never be one of the league's best, I just see our opinion of him at this stage of his career as being a bit over-rated.
Bouwmeester pros:
I am of the opinion that Bouwmeester is a bonafide top-2 defenseman on darn near every team in the NHL, but again, just my opinion here.
A defenseman who can log major minutes, and plays very well in his own end, not to mention his offensive skills (any Flyers d-men score 15 goals last season?).
