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Sim scores 3 for the Panthers

by Pelle31

has goals in 3 straight games....I still can't believe we let him go...he always worked hard.....and yet we still have Huggy Bear....

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 6:05 PM
from IP address 71.240.214.69

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Another fine move made be....

by WCF

the best GM in the league. In Clarke We Bust.

Posted on Feb 9, 2006, 5:28 AM
from IP address 152.132.8.197

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Sim had no future here under Hitchcock

by Outland

Clarke made the trade but it was Hitchcock that invariably was the force behind it. KH might not have come right out and said that he thinks they should get rid of Sim but by not playing him he showed what he thought of him. Again.
BC did Sim a favor and got him playing time in the bigs. It's not like he traded away a perennial all star or top tier player either. As trades go, it was inconsequential at best.

Pelle's question about Brashear is one that many have asked and even the most stalwart and staunch Flyer fans see no reasons why he is a keeper especially at a time when cap money is important.

Outs

Posted on Feb 9, 2006, 6:48 AM
from IP address 24.154.170.102

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John Sim? Seriously?? C'MON!!!!! -nm-

by BwB

;;;;

Posted on Feb 9, 2006, 11:40 AM
from IP address 71.242.15.55

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Sim - pshah!

by Icer

He's an AHL level scorer. He'll get a few - in streaks, but he won't do much to make the team better. Not a player for a team with cup aspirations.

Posted on Feb 9, 2006, 11:56 AM
from IP address 65.168.203.3

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Cup aspirations?

by WCF

Ice, do you seriously think this team has Cup aspirations? The way they play, it seems like they have no aspirations. Not until the injury jinx somehow stops, without Forsberg, this team has no shot at all of getting out of the East. There are way too many other teams who simply outwork the Flyers, have a mobile defense and have more than two guys who have speed and a decent scoring touch. Also, a lackluster transition game and not being opportunistic when presented a turnovers makes for a woulda, coulda, shoulda scenario. Maybe the GM will get a decent guy in here who works hard and has a scoring touch. Maybe. Man this sounds so like last year, and the year before that, and....

Posted on Feb 9, 2006, 1:35 PM
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They certainly do!

by Icer

You can aspire to something that's possibly out of your reach. You should aspire to things within your reach.

This team was the cup favorite entering the season. They are in a slump now, but played well early. If the injuries slow down, they are certainly capable of winning a cup. They would be a step further back with Sim's incomplete game in this system. You don't make roster moves based on the worst scenario.

Posted on Feb 9, 2006, 3:05 PM
from IP address 65.168.203.3

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Tonights most important letter isn't W

by Outland

We all know that it sure as hell isn't L either but it could be tolerated under the right circumstances. Tonights most important letter is E . There is certainly enough good players left on this team to lead the way and those players less skilled MUST do what they do best at all times. If you check well, do it. If you punish well, do it. If you want to be a part of what's happening, tell the coach thru actions. Let him know you want to be a factor. The players that are being counted on as our best MUST always play that way and lead threu example and not just words. If it's judged that a player is best at cleaning the men's room, then Hitch should send him in there.

I'm proud of Sami Kapanen for taking a vocal role and making that A on his jersey mean something but Sami also knows that he is one of the players that are counted on and his last couple weeks haven't exactly been anything to write home about. In fact, I already am at home so writing to myself while here would really make no sense would it? Anyway.......... Let's Go Flyers and lets get ourselves going in the right direction to gain our spot among the leagues best teams.

Outs

P.S. If you guys play like horsesh!t & the effort is horsesh!t, a W will not save you!!! Muhahahahahahaha

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 9:31 AM
from IP address 24.154.170.102

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I agree

by Omaha Flyer

The effort must be there, win or lose.

Unfortunately, I will miss the game tonight, unless I can find a hockey-friendly TV in the establishment I will be visiting. I'm just hoping that Creighton is not playing basketball tonight... that would increase my chances!

LET'S GO FLYERS!!!

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 1:09 PM
from IP address 199.67.7.151

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"W"ork ethic? "W"aste them? Go to the "W"ell? "W"reak havoc?

by Sedsey

I'll stick with the "W"'s...

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 2:12 PM
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'E'ffort 'E'mbraces 'E'ach & 'E'very 'E'xample 'E'xhibited

by Outland

Stick with the W's? Nah. STICK the W's and stick with Outland!

Out('E'ducated? 'E'arnest? 'E'legant?)land

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 3:09 PM
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Emergency!

by Sedsey

I haven't time for alliteration! I regret to inform everyone that I missed the flight to Philly, and so I will be unable to defeat the Islanders this evening.

I've placed a call to Grown Up Bob, who assured me he's sending better Flyers out this time. I had to admit that I actually was missing Desjardins. He laughed.

I am still miffed however, because I really wanted to roof it.

All I can do is wear ol #16 and watch. I haven't put it on since the last Devils game. It's been through the wash though, so maybe some spiff has returned. If the Flyers win, I'm taking credit.



Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 5:25 PM
from IP address 24.78.163.170

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That's right. It's "M"

by Rick Tocchet

As in, what's the Money line on tonight's game?

Glad you asked.

Flyers -170, Isles +150

And the point spread (just for you, Janet) 6.5, over -105.

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 6:03 PM
from IP address 66.15.48.40

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Randy Jones signed to 2 year extension

by Outland

From the Flyers site:

Flyers Sign Randy Jones to Contract Extension

Defenseman now signed for two more years

The Flyers announced that they have signed 6'2'', 195-pound defenseman Randy Jones to a two-year contract extension on Tuesday, according to club Assistant General Manager Paul Holmgren.

“Randy, like Freddy (Meyer), is in his third year and we feel like he has developed nicely and is very deserving of this new contract extension,” said Holmgren in making the announcement. “He has worked hard, and is a solid-two-way defenseman. We look forward to having him in the fold over the next few years.”

“The first word I think of is thrilling,” said Jones. “I am extremely excited. There is no better situation for me than being in Philadelphia. I love the city and I love playing here and love playing in front of the Philly fans.”

In 17 games with the Flyers this season, Jones has six assists and eight penalty minutes. Last season, he recorded five goals and 19 assists for 24 points and 32 penalty minutes in 69 games for the Phantoms in helping them to the Calder Cup Championship.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006


Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 11:05 PM
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Golly Gee, Mr. Jones!

by Sedsey

I love it and I love it and I love it. Or so he says.

Well, that is good work. I wonder if these recent signings are precursor to a trade? Ya know, the ol "let 'em know what his salary will be" trick. Player thinks he is set for the "long term", but is really being prepped for a swap.

Could it possibly be that somebody out there covets Jones or Meyer?

Only Grown Up Bob knows. I hope he catches somebody loaded in Vegas, without getting caught himself. Maybe Don Waddell...??

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 2:18 AM
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Only time will answer that

by Outland

No doubt that moving a player with a known 'fixed' (and undoubtedly low) income is much easier to peddle & it certainly is a possibility it could happen.

We also know the Flyers penchant for bringing back the familiar faces too.

Outs

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 9:09 AM
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So the question is...

by UDFlyer

... and I think you MAY have been alluding to this: Is Recchi really on the radar?

Or could Operation Slapshot (God I'm ALREADY tired of hearing that) have iced Clarkie's plans?

Posted on Feb 10, 2006, 9:30 PM
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Clarke moves in mysterious ways

by Outland

Not just Recchi, Matt. Lots of players in the NHL that have ties to the Flyers and I just wouldn't ever be surprised to hear a former one was suddenly back in town coming from another team or even someone coming out of a retirement.

I mentioned in another post that if Mark Recchi was REALLY wanted back by Hitchcock or the organization, I think the Flyers would have tried resigning him because he made it known it wouldn't be expensive.

Out(I don't think Somik is on the list but who knows)land

Posted on Feb 12, 2006, 8:07 PM
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I've decided to beat the Islanders by myself.

by Sedsey

I'll remind them that glory is long past, and not likely to return.

I'll remind them that Yashin is supposed to be their leader.

I'll remind them of all the D-Men they've traded away in the Milbury years.

By then, they'll surely be depressed, and I'll be able to walk in and bury it upstairs...you know, where Snow's "shoulders" used to be.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 5:30 PM
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brashear due for a whoopin

by JayBalls

please do. if the only teams the flyers beat from now to eternity were the islanders, rangers, and devils i would be a happy man. if the flyers arent up by at least 2 goals by the end of the first period donald brashear needs to thrash an islander senseless. I'm tired of this lifeless play. LET EM KNOW YOU'RE THERE!!!

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 5:52 PM
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The Tocchet story gets more interesting... Gretzky's wife involved

by Omaha Flyer

From Fox Sports...


Gambling bust involves Tocchet, Gretzky's wife
Associated Press
Posted: 3 minutes ago


EWING, N.J. (AP) - Wayne Gretzky's wife and about a half-dozen NHL players placed bets — but not on hockey — with a nationwide sports gambling ring financed by Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet, authorities said Tuesday.

Gretzky, hockey's greatest player, is in his first season coaching the Coyotes and is a part-owner of the team.
Actress-wife Janet Jones was among those implicated, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press, speaking on condition of anonymity because no bettors have been publicly identified.

State police Col. Rick Fuentes said an investigation into the New Jersey-based ring discovered the processing of more than 1,000 wagers, exceeding $1.7 million, on professional and college sports, mostly football and basketball.

The developments came at a sensitive time for the NHL, which is trying to win back fans after a season-long lockout and just days before many of its best players will showcase their talent at the Turin Olympics.

Tocchet was served with a criminal complaint Monday and was expected to travel from his Arizona home to answer charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, Fuentes said.

"It's not a hockey-related issue, it's a football thing. And at this time I can't comment any further," Tocchet said after the Coyotes practiced Tuesday.

Gretzky said Tocchet would be on the bench for Tuesday night's home game against Chicago, and it would be "business as usual."

"Everyone in the world is innocent until proven guilty," Gretzky said. "He's a great guy and a good friend. He's just going through a tough time right now, obviously, and we've got to let it run its course. It's a situation that's obviously a concern for the organization at this point."

Gretzky did not comment about his wife, and did not return a call from the AP.

Tocchet acknowledged that a New Jersey state trooper arrested in connection with the gambling ring case is his friend. Tocchet said he would cooperate with the investigation but didn't answer when asked if he'd surrender to authorities.

"We understand that Mr. Tocchet's conduct in no way involved betting on hockey," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. "And, while betting on football or other sports may be the pervasive issue, it in no way justifies poor judgment or otherwise alleged inappropriate conduct."

Authorities said Tocchet and state police Trooper James Harney were partners in the operation, with the ex-NHL forward providing the financing.

"Tocchet received illegal sports bets from wagers and funneled money back to New Jersey," Fuentes said.

Tocchet, one of three associate coaches on the Coyotes' staff, took over the head coaching duties for 10 days in December while Gretzky was with his dying mother.

The 41-year-old Tocchet played 18 years with six teams, including three seasons with the Coyotes from 1997-00. He is one of only two players in NHL history to collect 400 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes.

Tocchet was a fan favorite during his two stints with the Flyers (1984-92, 2000-02). Flyers star center Peter Forsberg on Tuesday described Tocchet as "a good guy, a funny guy."

"I think everybody is surprised," Forsberg said. "It's definitely not good for the sport to hear something like that."

Flyers forward Simon Gagne played briefly with Tocchet in Philadelphia and called him "one of the best guys I knew."

Harney, 40, was arrested Monday and has been suspended from the force. The eight-year police veteran was charged in an arrest warrant with official misconduct, promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. Another man accused of taking bets is James Ulmer, 40, who was charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.

Both men were free after posting 10 percent of their bail. Harney had $100,000 bail; Ulmer had $50,000 bail. The two men were expected to be arraigned in state Superior Court in Burlington County within two weeks.

Craig Mitnick, a lawyer representing Harney, said his client hadn't decided whether to contest the charges in court.

The police investigation into the ring started in October 2005 after authorities received a tip on Harney's sports wagering from his Marlton home, and taking phone calls during his patrol job based out of the agency's Moorestown station, Fuentes said.

Fuentes did not disclose the bettors' names and said charges against more individuals were possible. He described one of them as a "movie celebrity."

The gambling ring had a connection with organized crime in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, Fuentes said.

Starting Monday night, authorities seized property from Harney and Ulmer. State police seized $27,000 in currency, "voluminous" amounts of sports betting information and bank accounts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, Fuentes said.

A search of Harney's house recovered more than $250,000 worth of Rolex watches and nine plasma-screen televisions, including two from his bathroom.

In 1,144 NHL regular-season games, Tocchet had 440 goals, 512 assists and 2,972 penalty minutes with Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington and Phoenix. Tocchet won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992 and appeared in the Stanley Cup finals with Philadelphia in 1987. He appeared in four NHL All-Star Games: 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1993.

The NHL veteran was also hired by the Colorado Avalanche as an assistant coach in 2003.




Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 5:09 PM
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Huh? How does this do anything to hockey?

by Sedsey

C'mon Peter...not good for hockey? Why? How? Might as well throw all the W's in there while I am at it...we apparently have them to spare in Philly fandom anyways, since nobody on the team seems to want one...heh heh.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 5:21 PM
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OK Seds, I think I've got my finger on the pulse of this scandal now!!!

by Puck Addict

Darkness falls outside the office, yet light does dawn upon my head, and a bell sounds ringing in my ears.

Voila! Sedsy was right! Gagne's groin will be protected by the jersey! Wait - no. I mean, he was right about this betting thingy. Yes, THAT thingy!!!

Seds, let me know if I'm following you here.

Tocchet's got friends in NJ. Of course, he still probably has a home here (that I figured). So he's a typical social guy in his forties, and like any irascible guy, he likes to put a few bucks on against the Cardinals every once in a while. Like you would at your work pool, just a step up or so. Not much. A few hundred. Maybe a little more. But the point is, like a workaday joe, he may occasionally place a wager.

So one day he's at the rink, and he mentions it in passing. A player has a mild interest, and asks Rick to do him a favor. Just a couple beans. What could it hurt? It's small-time money. Only for entertainment.

So, a few months pass, and 1 player turns into 6. It's a casual thing, and only when Rick gets the chance to head back east. In fact, Janet gets in on a game or two. They may put down 5-6 figures worth over the course of some considerable time.

Little does Ricky know, the boys back in Moorestown are tracking the trooper. And Voila! - just like inspiration - one of the coppers recognizes our favorite 2,000 PIM-man talking to his friend the trooper booky one day. Maybe out to lunch. Maybe at the coffee house. Maybe at the track. Who knows? Innocent. All small-time.

Just so happens, this troopers connected. Rick doesn't know - doesn't care. They're old friends. This trooper handles something close to 2 million a month. Rick doesn't know - doesn't care. This is just a step above some stupid office pool, for some friends back West, and heck! Janet's a fan.

SO really, this thing ain't above the level 1 out of every 10 of us may go to on occasion - maybe more. But some copper on a sting is out trolling for bass and instead ends up hooking a marlin. Or a Coyote. And so the coppers think, wow! There's some big-timers here! I can make a name for myself. And since Ricky's transporting cash across state lines with the intent to bet (I mean c'mon Rick, you really could just go to Vegas!!) there's a few more charges that can be thrown in there. All of a sudden, WHAMO, laundering comes into play. Charges get built up. And of course, the cop can't keep his mouth shut. This is his white whale! He can't keep the lid on it.

So Ricky has to plead guilty, enter a rehab clinic, and it's 2 yrs probie and time served. Janet gets a slap on the wrist because she's famous and married to Mr. Hockey and Gretz holds out on the nookie for 2 weeks as punishment for besmirching the family name.

Wham-o, slam-o, case shut; once and done.

Oh, and did I mention? We understand that Mr. Tocchet's conduct in no way involved betting on hockey.

Case closed.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 5:44 PM
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Though the Olympic haters may grind their teeth...

by Sedsey

...I'll leave a post celebrating the picking up of my brand new #21 Simon Gagne red Team Canada jersey. I want to wear it now, but I refuse to don it until game 1.

For our select group watching together, and our countrymen beyond our gathering, it is a hotly anticipated tourney, and I look forward to putting on the colours.

This now puts my "you need to/don't need to know" ratio at about 15%/85%, respectively.

Carry on.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 4:39 PM
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<Gnash, gnash>

by PA

I'm fine. Really. I don't mind. Go play for some national pride thingy you guys all talk about.

As long as Gagne comes back with both hands empty, not holding his groin.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 4:52 PM
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National pride thingy = Victory!

by Sedsey

Really, hockey is about the only thing your average Canadian will thump the chest over, making us far less boastful on the World stage than some of our cousins are perceived to be.

I will send a message to Hockey Canada regarding the protection of Gagne's groin. I figure my jersey will give him the power of health, whenever I wear it.

Whoops...conceit and superstition all at once. I better stop before I besmirch Canada's rep. Oh wait, I probably have already. Ok then, I stand on guard, yada, yada.

heh

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 5:25 PM
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Isle game predictions?

by Outland

I think the Flyers MUST come out with fire in their eyes. I expect to see an action packed 1st period and I suspect that the Flyer PK unit will be seeing some work. To what degree will likely depend on what officials work the game. We might even see Kapanen playing some defense before the game is over. I look for the team tough guys to be active.

That eye of the tiger fire and a kill 'em all attitude has largely been missing in Philly this year. It is one facet of the game that even a severely injured team can still perform and it's unfortunate that it hasn't been happening on our team with any regularity. It doesn't take a team of world class and name players to play with passion and energy. Like Kapanen said - he doesn't want to see the opposing team smiling and laughing as they leave the ice. Hit them and do it often. If we're going to get penalized then it's about time that the penalties we draw quit being the 'cheap stick' variety.

Bottom Line - IF the Flyers are playing hard, with passion and energy, finishing checks and leaving nothing in the lockerroom, there wouldn't be a whole lot of grumbling going on and team meetings being called. No guarantee that all the fans would accept going down swinging any better than what is transpiring now but I think most would say the effort was there and they all tried their best.

Outs





Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 2:54 PM
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Depends on the first 10 minutes of the game

by Omaha Flyer

If we come out in the state you mention above, then all will be fine.

If we play the first 10 as we have the past few games, then I suggest ordering 20 toe tags for the guys wearing the orange and black.

We can't continue going through the motions.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 3:35 PM
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good point

by Puck Addict

Outy, once again a good point at the end there. Got to agree that effort throughout the team is enough to let the players know that at least they are trying and keep the grousing down. Very perceptive point.

I'm worried that they are either tired, from playing a long stretch and also from having last year off (maybe it's finally telling), or too young, meaning that the younger guys don't have the grit to stick with the game when it's not coming naturally and understand that effort is what keeps you afloat until luck turns for you.



Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 3:46 PM
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Well, this won't help. Forsberg has setback in practice today, 2/7

by Puck Addict

From ESPN.com Updated: Feb. 7, 2006, 2:32 PM ET

Forsberg leaves Flyers practice early with tight groinAssociated Press


VOORHEES, N.J. -- Peter Forsberg's return to the Philadelphia Flyers' lineup is on hold and the star center's status for the Olympics remains uncertain.

Forsberg, the Flyers' leading scorer, left practice early on Tuesday because of tightness in his injured left groin. The former NHL MVP was hoping to play against the New York Islanders on Wednesday after missing the last five games and seven of the previous nine.

"It's a little step back," Forsberg said. "I didn't want to stay out there and re-injure it. It was getting worse during practice and I didn't want to take any chances. It's very frustrating. It's bad timing."

Forsberg still is hoping to lead Sweden in the Olympics at Turin. He has missed 13 games because of nagging groin injuries in his first season with Philadelphia.

Flyers chairman Ed Snider said last week he'd rather see his franchise player sit out the Olympics to be healthy for the playoffs. Struggling Philadelphia has won just four of its last 14 games after a 9-0-2 stretch and trails the New York Rangers by one point for first place in the Atlantic Division.

"We'll see how it feels by Friday," Forsberg said. "It's a hard decision to say no. I'm not going to rush to anything."

Forsberg has 15 goals and 47 assists for 62 points in 42 games for the Flyers. He signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract with Philadelphia after leading Colorado to two Stanley Cup championships during his nine years with the Avalanche.

The Flyers have been decimated by injuries this season. Former captain Keith Primeau is expected to miss the rest of the season because of a concussion that sidelined him in October. Defenseman Eric Desjardins has missed 37 games because of a concussion and a shoulder injury.

Defenseman Joni Pitkanen, goaltender Robert Esche and forwards Sami Kapanen and Turner Stevenson each have missed at least 20 games with various injuries.

Desjardins practiced again Tuesday and could return against the Islanders. Center Petr Nedved (groin) also might play Wednesday night. Defensemen Kim Johnsson (concussion symptoms), Mike Rathje (groin) and Chris Therien (head) and forward Branko Radivojevic (ankle) remain out.

"We had nine first-year players against Montreal," coach Ken Hitchcock said of a 5-0 loss to the Canadiens on Sunday. "We practiced with 15 players today. Everybody knows our situation. We're limping. Still, we're only one point out of first place."



Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 4:06 PM
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Rico hat trick???

by Sedsey

OK. Maybe it is glue...

Well, here are some things I would say I am certainly expecting:

Blake will score for NYI.

The Flyers will make whoever is playing for NYI in goal look better than he really is.

There will be at least one scrap.

It will take 3 goals for the Flyers to win. We'll need one of those on the PP.

It will go to OT.

Flyers win 3-2.

Nobody will be satisfied, despite the victory.

Yup. That's the way it'll go.





Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 4:34 PM
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any word on nedved?

by JayBalls

whats the status of petr nedved?


Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 2:51 PM
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Maybe Wednesday...if not then, he says Friday (nom)

by Sedsey

...

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 4:29 PM
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Nolan to philly

by Macho Flyer

Tell Clarke to give Owen a call with Primeau done we need his grit because we have to many finesse players

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 2:06 PM
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Rick Tocchett.......ouch

by flyguy

served w/ criminal complaint.Gambling ring and money laundering.Hes worn orange before and will wear orange again,only this time itll have more than 2 numbers on the back.
He will make a fine cabana boy in the big house.....LOL

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 12:52 PM
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Daddy Needs a New Pair of Shoes

by BOOOO!!!

Sports Gambling Ring Busted in NJLinked to Former Flyer, State Trooper
EWING, NJ-February 7, 2006 - New Jersey authorities said Tuesday they had busted a nationwide sports gambling ring financed by an NHL coach and run in part by a state police trooper.

Phoenix Coyotes associate coach Rick Tocchet was served with a criminal complaint Monday evening and was expected to travel from his Arizona home to answer charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy, said state police Col. Rick Fuentes.
Fuentes said over a 40-day period an investigation into the New Jersey-based ring discovered the processing of more than 1,000 wagers, exceeding $1.7 million, on professional and collegiate sports, mostly football and baseball. About a dozen current NHL players placed wagers, said Fuentes, who declined to identify them.

Authorities said state police Trooper James J. Harney and Tocchet were partners in the operation, with the former NHL forward providing the financing.

Harney, 40, of Marlton, was arrested Monday. The eight-year police veteran was charged in an arrest warrant with official misconduct, promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. Another man accused of taking bets is James A. Ulmer, 40 , of Swedesboro, who was charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.

Both men were free on bail. They are expected to be arraigned within two weeks in state Superior Court.

A message left with the Coyotes' media office in Arizona was not immediately returned Tuesday.

Tocchet, 41, played 18 years with six different teams including three seasons with the Coyotes from 1997 to 2000. He is one of only two players in NHL history to collect 400 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes during his career.


Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 12:57 PM
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Yeah, this doesn't look good

by Puck Addict

This is a darned shame. I can only imagine there's some substance here, a 40-day sting doesn't exactly smack of a frame-up. There must be a much larger story here.

Gotta say I'm also worried with a dozen or so NHLers implicated as participants, and Toc having such close ties to the Flyers.

Boy, another childhood idol seems to be falling from grace.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 1:05 PM
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Wow!

by Omaha Flyer

I don't know what else to say.

This saddens me.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 1:07 PM
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Was anybody killed? No?

by Sedsey

Hey, but the Prison Nation will probably do the following:

Put the cop on ice for oh, 75 years.

Give Rick a stern talking to. I know being a hockey coach doesn't give ya celebrity in the States, but he is still famous enough to walk.

Look for American media to hype this story hugely. They love nothing more than any chance to dump on hockey. Hockey is truth. They fear it.

As for me, I remain a supporter of Rick Tocchet.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 2:38 PM
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So, how much are you into him for ? (nm)

by Puck Addict

All smiles Seds, all smiles.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 2:47 PM
from IP address 65.248.232.253

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HAHAHAHA. That's funny. (nm)

by Outland

O

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 3:00 PM
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I agree with the gist

by Outland

What HUGE crime did Tocchett commit? The only thing that makes this even the least bit interesting is if athletes were betting on their own sports. That's a big no no.

You thoroughly lose me with the hockey is truth and they just want to dump on hockey spiel. Sniffing glue before you typed that?

Outs

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 2:59 PM
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Having fun with hockey

by Sedsey

Don't tell anybody, but I am trying to create a "hot button" issue to distract from teh Flyers woes...

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 4:25 PM
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In all seriousness...

by Puck Addict

I dunno Seds. I see them throwing the book at him on this one (I love crime metaphors). A few points.

1 - He's an active coach. Not like he's retired or anything. He's got a direct influence on younger players.

2 - This is now myNHL. Bettman is supposedly putting forth an image that this league is about the kids and family, and fun for all, and supporting Tocchet - which might help mitigate sentencing, if there were any wheels to be greased - is probably not going to happen right now. And if NHLers were involved as bettors, esp. if NHL games were involved, and Toch was facilitating it, the NHL is really going to let him hang out there on his own.

3 - This is Gretzky's team. He's the golden child. Having this linked to his organization does tarnish the image, even if just a smudge. Why would Gretz endorse this? (and I mean, by letting it go, if he were to do so, he's endorsing it...)

4 - NHL and all sports under a lot of scrutiny over the performance enhancing drugs. It doesn't do well to have this going on, either. The jist to the drug issues is that Congress wants to look good to the nation, as if they're saving our children from being influenced poorly. In the long run it's a good thing, if overzealous in representation now. But this trend in sports and America does not bode well for Toch and his 5 and dime betting ring.

5 - the US treats gambling differently than our friends in Canada. It's big sin down here. Can't say I agree, but it just is that way, and that won't help.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 3:14 PM
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Washing and Irony

by Sedsey

I find it humourous that a country famous for gambling locales such as the whole State of Nevada and Atlantic City, among others, has such knee-jerk reactions to betting.

I know how it will be dealt with. I know the "myNHL"ers will fall all over themselves as they run away from association at full speed.

I am saying that to me, it's nothing.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 4:28 PM
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Gotcha

by Puck Addict

I think I get your point. Not sure how America works these days myself, even as a citizen. We're an oxymoron wherever possible.

But truly, the thought that Toch's financing something fairly large here is a bit- untoward. I would mind less if he weren't currently coaching. It's just so - unseemly. I mean, doesn't he have more important things to do with his time?

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 4:48 PM
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More important than maximizing profit at all costs??? Why, that's Un-American!!!

by Sedsey

But hey, on a day where outrage over a cartoon is getting people killed, any crazy thing is possible.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 5:28 PM
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Hey now -

by PA

No Americans were killed in the posting of this message.

Or the last one.

Or the one before that.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 5:46 PM
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Ah-ha! So we know the White House is not involved.

by Sedsey

That's a relief! I like to be "free".

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 6:09 PM
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Ah-ha! So we know the White House is not involved.

by Sedsey

That's a relief! I like to be "free".

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 6:10 PM
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A stern talking to...

by Omaha Flyer

You know... if this was as major as some of the things we're reading, wouldn't someone (I would assume Arizona officials on behalf of New Jersey or something like that) have arrested Tocchet by this point? Yes, he's going to New Jersey on his own accord to face the charges, but also still as a free man.

I agree with PA that this is a big black eye for the league, especially when you factor the Gretzky relationship into everything.

And yes... a big deal will be made of this.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 3:46 PM
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Whispers are that a major crime family is involved as well.

by Loki

I imagine it would be pretty tough to coach an NHL team from the witness protection program. How do you think Rick would handle the old guys playing for the Century Village Golden Geezer hockey club?

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 9:46 AM
from IP address 65.162.66.241

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Corleone's?

by Outland

Will Tocchet...gasp...be silenced & sleeping with the fish soon?

Will Gary Bettman be told to trash OLN, refuse to do it and then wake up (yeah, right Outy) to find the severed head of Colin Campbell staring at him?

Will the Flyers come out storming tonight and put on the biggest display of physical hockey seen in Philly since the long gone days of the Bullies?

Which of the above has the best chance of actually coming true?

Outs

P.S.Uhh....I've had MY eye on that job you mentioned & I'd appreciate if you wouldn't be advertising its availability. I could really use the money.

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 11:25 AM
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Colin Cowherd (ESPN Radio) mentioned a "family" name this morning

by Omaha Flyer

He actually mentioned the Scarfo (hope I didn't butcher the spelling too badly) family name on his show this morning when talking about the Tocchet story.

Again, the plot thickens. I can't help but to think this is all some sort of soap opera.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 8, 2006, 1:12 PM
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After reading the posts below, I now must ask...

by Omaha Flyer

Since there seems to be a growing concensus that we are NOT going to win the Cup this season (I'm still waiting until March ), my question is, do you make deals to rent players at the deadline?

What are your thoughts?

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 7:47 PM
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There's always exceptions...

by Puck Addict

First, I don't think this is over yet. I don't like how it's going, too eerily reminiscent of when Big E was here, and whenever he was hurt, the team would fold... but until the team gets back together after the break, I'm reserving opinion.

Second, the team is young. I think this is good in that a lot of this slump can be a youth thing.

Third, I'm not in this for a 1-year thing. After purging the vets, I'm not going to rent a player just to do it. If it's the right player, if there's a long-term thing possible, maybe. But after parting with young players for 10 years to get vets and having nothing to go on, I'm for sticking with what we have here and growing with this roster for a while.

But that said, this team still has a great chance, and unfortunately we have to be patient with their youthful inexperience at times.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 8:10 PM
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Growing concensus???

by Outland

That sounds like you're stretching things a bit there, Oafus.

Bad play in January - February does not automatically mean bad play the rest of the year. We'll get injured back, hopefully trim some dead weight and you can be sure if BC thinks this team has even the remotest chance, he'll be trying to wheel and deal. Don't forget that the Flyers had a snowballs chance in hell(the snowball might have had a better chance) of winning a Cup when BC made the deal for Oates.

I make no bones that I am not a happy camper with how the Flyers have been playing and I'm not real happy with the coach either but to say it's over now is definitely not for Yogi and me.

Outs

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 9:39 PM
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So I read too much into the posts below?

by Oafus de Opie

So the rumors I read below were greatly exaggerated? This team is not dead?

Just seemed like a very down tone. Yeah, we're losing ugly right now, but I'll be more concerned when we're losing ugly in March.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 8:54 AM
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I thought so but I can only speak for me & all the voices in my head :-)

by Outland

I have to do chores or I'll be beaten severely




Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 11:02 AM
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Is it even Feasible?

by CT-Flyer

Given how close the Flyers are to the cap, I'm not sure the whole "rent-a-player" scenario is even possible. Granted, the team is only paying a small portion of the salary come March, but cap issues definitely have much more of an impact than in the past.

That said, I'm with you Rob. I've not given up. The team is in a slump, has been riddled with injuries, and is filling in with a bunch of rookies and AHL players. It's understandable. Like many, I've been disappointed in their play of late. And, though I typically don't bash coaches (since I've got no expereince coaching a pro hockey team), I have to agree with Outs and others that there's something wrong with that aspect of the team as well.

But, I'll wait until April/May to decide who is going to win the Cup. If the Flyers get healthy and hot at the right time, it could very well be there's.

CT

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 9:48 AM
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What!?!?!?

by Icer

WCF, is that you?

a team that sends out a blue line of Hatcher Pitkanen jones M4 picard and no #6, with Richards, Carter, Handszus and no #4 center, in a mental funk and desperately in need of a break is certainly not likley to win a cup.

A team that has Hatcher, Rathje, Desjardin, Pitkanen, Johnsson, Therien, Jones, M4 sending outlet passes to Forsberg, Nedved, Richards, Carter + a decent Primeau replacement (or Prims himself) is a completely different team.

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 11:41 AM
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Read below... that's the impression I got

by Omaha Flyer

Our beloved Outmaster has since set me straight, but after reading through the many posts last night, I thought we were having a wake for this team.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 1:09 PM
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No, no,

by Icer

we're trying to WAKE this team!

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 1:43 PM
from IP address 65.168.203.3

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Ha! Nice play there! (nm)

by Omaha Flyer



Got it!



Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 1:43 PM
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Sweeeeeeeeet (nm) :-)

by OutL

O

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 1:51 PM
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Primeau told to forgoe rest of season!

by Loki

Was on Daily News live and also supposedly up on the Flyers web site. Gist of it is that Primeau was told by a doctor that he should not play this season. He is supposedly up in Toronto visiting an unnamed specialist to get a second opinion. Keith, in a statement, has said that he will make a decision soon, when he feels comfortable with making one. Stay tuned, but it looks like Keith will be a no-show for this season.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:37 PM
from IP address 70.18.177.156

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saw this on SPectors- any ideas?

by The Troll

"Recchi has been rumoured to be a disruptive influence in the Pens dressing room"

where has this come from? Strange, as a Flyer I thought he was a leader.
Reason why Clarkie didn't push so hard to resign him??

I find this hard to believe...

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:22 PM
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Word I got from a source in Pittsburg...

by Loki

was that Mark ran a game of strip Twister in the locker room. Supposedly upset some of the vets. ;P

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:39 PM
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Where there's smoke, there's fire

by Outland

Recchi wasn't a wallflower in Philly and, along with Keith Primeau, was extremely instrumental in the player 'revolt' against Bill Barber. When Barber was pointing fingers and blaming everyone but himself and doing it in the press, Recchi fired back in like manner & it when on like that the rest of the year. KP and Rex also didn't like the way Barber was treating the young players either and had plenty to say about that too.

I believe that Recchi actually talked himself out of town. He was a staunch union backer and he made some remarks to the media after a game one night that 'we' (the players union) would not put up with the owners bullying and if 'we' didn't get what we wanted, we'd sit out an entire year. You have to understand that this was an extremely bold statement coming from a guy who was going to be UFA at season end. Up until the time Rex made that statement, he and the Flyers had been having casual discussions about his resigning. That vanished completely when what he said became known and the Flyers chose to let him go (their TOP point getter!) even though they knew he wasn't looking for a killing and Pitt. signed him relatively cheap. I don't know how he and Hitchcock got along but something inside me says that if Hitch really wanted him back, he'd have been back no matter what. If Recchi fought with Barber about the way he treated the young guys, then he must have just loved Hitchcock and his approach to them


Outs

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 11:33 PM
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Is Valentine's Day the reason for all the Markov love?

by Omaha Flyer

And I ask because I've now seen a few posts expressing wishes that Dany was still a Flyer.

Of course, this prompts me to ask... has anyone watched any Nashville Predators games this season?

I've watched quite a few (what can I say? Terry Crisp is entertaining as an analyst), and see Markov making the same mistakes our youngsters are making, and being skated-around like he was standing still, which leads me to believe that he would be just another name in a long list of Flyers whipping boys.

I liked Dany when he was a Flyer, but after seeing him play this season, I don't believe he makes an impact on our current roster.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 3:28 PM
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If I could get one back, it would be Williams.

by Sedsey

A fast RW that scores...ah, it would be nice...

It should be noted that the amid the same old complaints from the last thousand years surfacing in these troubled times that some of these same malcontents would have had us moving away Gagne a couple years ago. "Too soft". "Doesn't score enough." etc etc

Nothing like a losing stretch to make 'em forget every good thing, and the harping does nothing but make a Sloth tired of the on ice crap get even more worn out.

Clarke pundits are hilarious in that they seem to think a change in GM would suddenly make magic. They would very likely overlook the growing stockpile of young talents in gushing over the new GM's performance that the recent Clarke led group has picked for us, should a successful season coincide.

We have reference to the unbelievable glut of injuries as somehow being related to the GM's office. If the medical staff has fault, then I could see it. But it seems like it is more of the same old axe grinding when times are tough.

I am not telling anybody that anything they are saying regarding the level of play is wrong. I do tell them that we saw much higher level performance from this team, during this season, with these players. I am not talking about win-loss totals. I am talking about the way the puck was moved on the ice by our team. It was nothing like the garbage we have seen recently. It starts from the defense, and we haven't had a full one for a long time.

In fact, TSN's McGuire stated the fact yesterday that we have not had our full lineup that wws expected out of camp for one day. That's right. Not one day.

If I cared, I would go around and show the equivalent subtractions from other teams that I guess must be so glorious, since the implication that we are so bad must mean that they are so good. Even if you kept the examination to purely the blueline of other teams, I would laugh if anybody told me they wouldn't run into similar problems.

But hey, just as it is our pastime to cheer the team, others gets their rocks off waiting for these times to pounce. Let 'em have their fun. If, and it is a big if, we can finally get a full healthy team, I hope to see them return in the same force with compliments. They'd all say they would if it happened, but mysteriously they never do appear when times are good.

Now, this week is one where ground should be at least maintained. NYI and Ovechkins at home, with a big one in Ottawa to close. The Rangers host Ottawa, and then go home and home with Toronto. I figure each team will take 2 of those 3. They say Forsberg and Nedved plan to be back for the Islanders game. Pitkanen should be in better step this week, and Rico is close.

READ THIS:

No Stanley Cup this year again. I don't expect it with all the new bodies. Next year, I see it as more realisitic, and the year after that is the opening window.

A change of guard takes time. It is painful. It'll be worth it.



Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:26 PM
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I agree about Williams

by Pelle31

he's got that speed outside that we need....he's also playing on the best team in the east IMO....

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:51 PM
from IP address 141.158.212.114

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Yeah, Justin would be nice to have right now

by Outlandius Ratsassticus Magnus

I wonder if him and Hitch exchange Christmas cards?

OisO

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 9:50 PM
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Re: Markov love

by Lone Star Flyer

Of course, this prompts me to ask... has anyone watched any Nashville Predators games this season?

No ... no, I haven't seen any games.

No, I wasn't at the game tonight.

No, I'm not drunk and pissed off that the final score was Stars 2, Predators 2, Vokoun's Stupidity 2.

---

Honestly, Markov hasn't looked that good for the Preds. With D-men like Timonen and Zidlicky on the team, I think they wanted him to play the role of big defensive-defenseman. He's not really a good fit for that, especially at his price tag ($2.4 million, which makes him one of the top paid Preds.) The team is hoping that a guy like Shea Weber can come along quickly and fill a role like that. In fact, Weber was just recently brought up because Markov's latest injury left him as a lineup question mark.

My guess is that the Predators will try to move him in the offseason. Defensive depth is where they are weak, and they are looking to bolster that by the trade deadline (Witt is the most commonly mentioned name.)

In his defense, he's been kind of banged up all season, and he really hasn't had a good chance to fit into the Preds scheme ...

---

But enough of this, this is a Flyers board.



Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 11:47 PM
from IP address 67.163.100.48

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almost pointless to watch until after the break

by JayBalls

this team is almost pointless to watch right now. Although i am against the olympics interrupting the NHL season, the break does play into the flyers favor this year. This current slump parlayed with all the injuries will hopefully halt and the team has an epiphany during Torino.

Still, I am baffled by all these injuries. Hockey is a high speed sport, and like football it is not a contact sport but a COLLISION sport. However, how come other clubs arent having injury problems? Could the training staff be to blame? Perhaps I'm delerious from the FLyers having a higher casualty rate than the D-Day landing, or who knows what. Still, injuries have nothing to do with careless and lazy play.
Be nice to grab some wins before the break.
JayBalls

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 2:40 PM
from IP address 159.91.148.197

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at this point

by Pelle31

it can only help to be off......even if Pete hurts himself again it'll still be a plus with others getting better and getting 37 back

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:57 PM
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The thrill is gone, B.B. ?

by Outland

If the morning paper reports are to be believed (and I find no reason not to)team Flyer is now team turmoil with unhappy camper as 1st listed occupation by Sami Kapanen and Derian Hatcher. Kapanen was 'screaming' at some teammates as they left the ice yesterday, Hatcher was calling out the team as a whole and Ken Hitchcock called another meeting.

No secret that the games against TB and the Frenchies were travesties and organizational wide embarrassments. Injuries are being used as a crutch for what is piss poor performance and it has to stop. This team acting like headless chickens or a ship without a rudder has little or anything to do with injury. Basic fundamentals are not even being employed much of the time anymore. If veterans are not playing as proscribed or if call ups are not being prepared to play at the NHL level we have every right to ask why not. Why is this team seemingly un-focused, un-prepared, un-disciplined & fundamentally un-sound? Why does it have to depend on one or 2 players in order for it to succeed? What the hell kind of system is that and who is responsible for that nonsense? Why are they hanging their heads when adversity strikes? How long before Flyer fans start wearing paper bags?

Outs

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 9:20 AM
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The answer is????

by Macho Flyer

Bob Clarke is to blame here. Barber was with the Phantoms and they played with alot of emotion and heart then he comes here and the players are like zombies. No matter what coach we had here they all have the same problems.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 12:34 PM
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Bingo!

by WCF

That my friend is the common thread through all of the last decade, there is a connection. The sum of it's parts all lead back to BC. He tries to get it right, but he's no Ken Holland.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 1:26 PM
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was this your opion a month ago when we were kicking everyone's asses?

by Pelle31

you've all been around long enough to know I'm not a BC fan but I believe this is a very good team WHEN IT'S HEALTHY...we are beat up and playing lot's of young kids.....add to that we also have many new players coming in this year......BC IMO has done a decent job putting this team together.....my only gripe is we needed a little more speed and i wish we would have kept Markov

we just need to sit down and take a deep breathe and get through the Olympic break refreshed and ready to roll the last few months of the year.....IF we get healthy I like our chances.......question is do we have time to pull it all together again.....



Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 2:44 PM
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Like Outs eloquently said below...

by WCF

Even when they were winning in December, many of us, including myself, started to overlook their overall play in light of the wins they racked up. They played poorly in some of those wins only to pull out close games. They had trouble holding leads, committed many turnover giveaways that allowed teams to stay in those games when they easily could have blown out. This was all with PF in the lineup.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 3:54 PM
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Since they played Calgary

by Macho Flyer

They got the living crap beaten out of them and saw the same against Edmonton. This team takes hits and gets pushed around. I love the Nedved deal, he has 16 points and Phoenix who is starving for talent was benching him. We need players who play on the edge but that doesnt fit Clarkes style. How Brashear has made it this long I will never know but he now thinks he is a scorer and rarely plays a physical role.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:40 PM
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keeping huggy bear around is a joke......

by Pelle31

he isn't even protecting our top guys from getting hammered....what good is he? I'd rather see a young kid struggle and play hard than to watch Dino skate around

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:54 PM
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Our perspectives are very different

by Outland

This team might have been WINNING a little bit more a month ago but they certainly weren't 'kicking asses', mon ami.

My opinion of the team a month ago is not the same opinion I have today and that month ago opinion is certainly not as rosy and robust as your own. The signs of trouble were indisputably there during those road wins & just win baby doesn't quite cut it over the course of a long season. So, yes my opinion is changed but not drastically. Where I had hope that we'd make improvement as time went by it is now a statement that things have gone out of control and that's why I asked those questions.

I do not foment an opinion at the beginning of the year and then stick with that thru thick and thin. I don't buy stocks like that either. I'm not interested in where the stock (team) has been. I'm interested in where the stock (team) is going. The team has definitely taken steps backwards from where it was 2 months ago, 1 month ago and even 2 weeks ago. One month ago the team was still struggling to put together a 60 minute effort but getting some breaks & timely goaltending had them getting points on nights that the play of the skaters didn't really warrant them. Now things are balancing out and we are finding ourselves doing much of the same go thru the motions stuff but the god of fortune no longer smiles on us and we're paying dearly.

Is it all hopeless? No. EVERY team in this league has time to make themselves better even if they don't add or subtract a single player but my feeling is that BC will be working the phone. A lot.

Outs

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 9:18 PM
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it's the same team

by Icer

that was being lauded for playing a strong team game, for playing sound fundamental hockey. The coaching staffs of both teams were being praised for how well the callups jumped right in, how the players were able to continue doing the basics right. That was during that incredible road trip that had us wondering how a team could be so mentally tough against all odds.

And it all came crashing down in about 10 minutes' time.

This team fought through major adversity pretty much since the first faceoff in camp. Have they just finally completely burned out? They are pretty much all guys with a reputation of playing hard, cooperating with coaches, shown decent talent. Why are they all shells of that?

couple things:

I haven't done the math, but I do believe our current #2-6 defensemen's total experience equals less than half our #1's. Do we even have 6?

This team started 8 rookies yesterday. Next game will be 9. Rookies make mistakes. Doesn't account for vets maknig rookie mistakes, but we all know how we can get when the guys on the rink with us are making bad plays - it affects your own game.

It seems every time they step on the ice, another bad thing happens. Are they going into games thinking, what's going to go wrong tonight? Pretty much guarantees a bad outcome.

I hate to say it, but this team NEEDS an olympic break. Give the kids a mental break, remind the stars how the game is played.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 1:04 PM
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good post, Icer (nm)

by CaliFlyer

Barg rocks!

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 1:24 PM
from IP address 69.169.114.181

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I agree that they need the coming break badly

by Outland

It's a shame that all of our guys won't have a chance to rest up and heal and use the time to refocus and get some critically needed instruction. I wish that the Olympics were still just for amateurs and nit just for the reasons we discuss. Oh well.

A lot of the lauding (The radio and TV guys were great for that!) you speak of was, IMO, a tad inaccurate & over enthusiastic because the team was WINNING at that time. The W word! The team kept on winning and a lot of the not so good stuff was being overlooked by the media, the fans and the parade planners of Philadelphia. In no way do I think the coaching staff was overlooking anything and that is what is making this so hard to understand. These troubles didn't just start happening.

That road trip was a strong Flyer moment in time for sure but did they really play all that well? Even with the formidable Forsberg playing, if it wasn't for Niittymaki they would have probably absorbed a few losses to weaker teams that wouldn't have been disguising some of the weakness they have. This weakness didn't just appear. Well, not to me anyway. That road trip showed a lot of things if you looked for them and good, steady play wasn't one of them. All points on the road are a good thing but the way they played & got them left an uneasy feeling. I always have believed that whatever good fortune you get, you'll have to pay it back in due time. We won a lot of close contests then and now we're paying back what we took. They ended that trip with 2 bad losses. Detroit and the Devs waxed them good but the team still had the long long trip as a legit excuse to being rundown. The alarm bells that were sounding during the earlier part of the road trip were now screaming but they seemingly went un-heeded. The team came home and has had a rough time of it since. Not all games played have been poor but the team performance for the most part isn't very good.

You are right that having a ravaged D corp and 8-9 rookies is an obscene thing & they will make mistakes. I grant that it is possible for their problems to be taking the vets down with them but if it is we need to get rid of those vet guys no matter who they are. That is not acceptable. More injury now means more new faces but I've seen no new focus, game plan or adaptations for those new faces. What compensation for all this inexperience has been made by the coaching staff? I would have thought we'd have seen the Hitchcock staple of defense 1st and more emphasis put on positional play & safe breakouts but this version of Hitchcock reminds me too much of how he acted when he lost Primeau 2 years ago and now that he's lost Forsberg he seems the same way - lost in a fog.

Outs



Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 3:35 PM
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Exactly, and Umberger pretty much said as much...

by Loki

in yesterday's Inquirer article. Many of the young guys are hitting the wall at the same time. Two horrible plays by Meyer yesterday. Plays that were poor because they were mental mistakes. Kids need a break and it couldn't come sooner. Anyway, no need to really fret until we see who BC picks up to replace Primeau. Will be interesting to see what the team can add. Surely more teams will be dumping salary. Some have already begun. (Sorry, didn't mean to call you Shirley).

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 3:51 PM
from IP address 65.162.66.241

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It's lack of effort

by Puck Addict

Was at the Rangers game Sat., it was pretty clear to me that it was lack of hustle that hurt most.

During the first half of the game, the Flyers lost most one on one battles. They coasted a lot and while I hate accusing individuals of being blatantly lazy, there just didn't seem to be that much hustle.

Gagne was an exception. He seemed to always have juice. Same for Brashear, but he just is so undisciplined it doesn't go well for him most times regardless. Unusually, he almost saved our bacon by starting some rough stuff in the middle of the game that seemed to get the team going. A few goals and all was well. But in slumps all it takes is one bad bounce and the bottom can drop right out - which happened on a bad clear.

1 minute left, you're up, you're coasting to a win, and you ice the puck. Just dumb. No need for it. It was a lazy mistake.

Another ticket holder described it differently : if you play not to lose, you lose more often than not. The Flyers were trapping with a 1-goal lead. The Rangers kept at it.

Maybe he has a point. Maybe myNHL doesn't allow for one-goal leads. You have to get 2 or 3 before you can breathe easily.

The Montreal game was a different animal. #1 - why are they playing on Sunday afternoon before the Super Bowl? I know it was in Canada, but that's just stupid. Another case of the NHL closing its ears on reality. and #2, the game seemed to pick right up where the Ranger game left off, and now they are in complete tailspin.

If Sammy and Hatch are being vocal, so much more to them. A lot of this is just players not exerting the effort. Too many mistakes and coasting on the ice. Playing like 5 separate islands out there. No ability to read a play a few steps ahead. Most every mistake they are making now is not due to a poor play, but due to the fact that the Flyer player was 3 steps behind - if he'd have been where he was supposed to be in the first place, the play would never have even happened.

I'm more worried now than I thought I'd be - because I know that a team with this lack of work ethic can't go two rounds in the playoffs. And the only players speaking out are those few who were here 2 years ago and the aged vets. I wish JR were here now.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 6:29 PM
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J.R.

by Outland

I more or less said the same thing that with both JR and KP gone there's no fire brand on this team right now. It was good to hear that Sami Kapanen said something LOUDLY and that Hatcher is taking his new job quite seriously. Both those guys can lead by example and I think they will. I think the Islanders are going to be hit hard & often in the 1st period on Wednesday. I think the team is going to come "out" angry and with a purpose they haven't displayed for awhile now.

It's been a tough year for JR out in L.A. with that injury and all but one thing he hasn't had to put up with is this coach getting on his case all the time & being the star of the team. His spirits are holding up though and he told me he's taking the family on this little trip to Nebraska and they're all going to punk out some bozo that lives there. He sounded really happy about that prospect and good for him.


Outs



Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 11:55 PM
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You knew I'd read this based on title alone, didn't you? :-)

by Omaha Flyer

Please, JR, wait until August to come to Nebraska... I need time to plan your welcoming event! I have to invite the blonde guy in the cowboy hat (better known to Pelle as Herbie) and wait for the corn to grow (it's angry, you know) so we in Nebraska can put up our best front... gotta impress JR, you know.

(can't wait to meet the wife and kids) F
Rob

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 1:05 PM
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I counted on it, OO :-) (nm)

by Outland

:-O

Posted on Feb 7, 2006, 1:11 PM
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Rathje leaves game with groin strain

by Outland

Gee, where have we heard that before.

It just gets better and better all the time.

I predict that Trader Bob is going to be busy.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 5:04 PM
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And I think he should be !!

by Canadian Flyer

Guys like Kapanen , Hanzus and Knuble really have to step up when guys like Forsberg and Primeau are out. as far as defence go Meyer is doing us well but we still need a number one defence , someone who can contribute night after night. If Desjardin isn't back soon you'll se a guy like Gonchar or Witt coming in. I personally wish we would've kept Markov.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 9:46 PM
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What's that smell?

by Omaha Flyer

Sad... I sit here in Omaha while the Flyers are in Montreal, yet I can smell the stink of that first period performance all the way down here.

Why is it that a team who's also playing their second game in as many days, not to mention that it's their third in four days, is outhustling us they way they are? We're being dominated in every facet of the game so far.

My only other thought is that we're damn lucky it's only 1-0... it could be much worse.

Time to pull your heads out, boys.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 3:49 PM
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Hatcher's jock. It must have landed in Nebraska. (nom)

by Sedsey

ugh

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 4:00 PM
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Welllllllllll..................

by Outland

it could be my post denouncing Hitchcock for not making a line change yesterday that was not even possible to make

OR

it could be more of that fall behind style of play from the Flyers during which they take lazy stick penalties, make mental blunders that compound the problem, can't score when they have a man advantage and have the coach just stay the course on how he uses his players.

If not for Niittymaki, who knows how ugly it could be right now.

Out

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 4:02 PM
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It's pretty ugly

by Sedsey

Meyer with a terrible giveaway leads to the 2nd goal against.

The excuses go like this:

They waited on the tarmac for Eager and Picard to arrive from Hersey. They got in at 11:30 PM. They are playing the exact minimum hours allowed between games.

Do we buy that?

As it is, the game would be in reach with a spirited effort. As it feels, this will be a loss.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 4:39 PM
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how bout the 3rd?

by Downie16

??


Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 4:57 PM
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More of the same.

by Sedsey

It's hard to dump on the Flantoms. As posted above, Rathje goes down. It never ends.

Can't blame Frank today.

The team just can't survive an injury per game, which is our average lately.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 5:08 PM
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Some incense should be lit in honor of posts and crossbars too

by Outland

All I kept hearing was metal being rung. It sounded like one of those Christmas festivals where they play those big, long chimes. Niittymaki must be deaf by now.

That Windy meter is looking powerful & accurate these days. Gonna play hell with Outmaster 2k series sales.

Can you explain to me how Carter and Brashear have almost identical ice time& Savage has more? Or how Brashear warrants 4x's Stevenson's time? I'm no big Turner fan but the guy has better offensive skills then Brashear if his past is any indication.

Well, now it's 3-0 and it's ridiculous.

Outs

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 4:59 PM
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So Windy it blew out groins

by Sedsey

I don't think anybody could fairly write an indictment of the season based on the roster we are forced to have lately.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 5:09 PM
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Windy Meter is broken

by WCF

How does that Elton John song go, "it's sad, so sad, it's a sad, sad situation, and it's getting more absurb..."

Outs, you know how I have been spouting about the Philly curse for years and how some here scoff at it, but the Windy Meter is clearly pointing is that direction again. Injuries are one thing, but this Flyers Flight of the Phoenix we are seeing has taken on a life of it's own. No team is sports gets injuries as frequently as this team. Why is this happening? No clear answers, but other forces are at work here. I am clearly convinced that the bad karma of this team leads back to management of an organization in which everything they try just doesn't pan out.

Plus this is a team that just never seems to learn from lessons past. Old man Hatcher's quote supports this: "We're making the same mistakes, some of those goals were just blatant mistakes. They were tonight and the night before that and the night before that. Everyone makes mistakes, but not the same ones all the time."

Many of the same complaints we have with this team going back to the Finals sweep vs. the Wings simply have not changed. Bad personnel decisions, up and down streakiness, unbalanced scoring, turnover prone defense, slow, slew footed forwards, can't put together a strong 60 minute effort, not physical enough, teammates don't defend eachother, scoring is at best inconsistent, role players don't step up when needed, cycling never ends and they refuse to attack the net, one line team,....the litany could go on forever. Who's fault is this? Why don't things change? Why can't the supposedly decent coach we have figure some of this out?

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 8:07 AM
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You are absolutely right

by Macho Flyer

You are right about the Flyers since the Red Wings series and this team playing like a bunch of zombies. The only connection from that year and to the present is CLARKE. He is out to prove the Broad Street mentality can't win in hockey so we must win only on skill.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 9:05 AM
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The supposedly decent coach

by Outland

I really thought my Outmaster 2k +6 was broken when it once translated what Hitchcock said to - 'I'm the lost 5th stooge, Hitch. I have a boner'. Now, I'm not so sure.

It also had translated about him being a jackass of biblical proportion. Hmmmmmmmmmm. I owe that machine some lube time and lovin'.

Out(Krusty the clown could get as much out of these guys right now)land


Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 9:07 AM
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Ice time on the lower lines

by CaliFlyer

Actually, I think Brash has played pretty well in the last couple of games. I do have to agree that I don't see how Savage has been earning his ice time, and I would very much like to see Carter getting more time every game.

I have to agree that Hitch's logic is starting to get on my nerves. The only explanation I can give for some of the boneheaded plays we're seeing is that some guys are just getting worn down and burnt out. I really think we need to roll four lines for a couple of games (assuming no further injuries, of ourse). I don't think that'll help us win in the short term, but it will help these guys to get out of this funk.

Then again, with losing another D-man to injury... I don't know how good our chances are of winning in the near time anyway.

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 12:33 PM
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Did anybody besides me............

by Outland

Do a double take when seeing Richards lining up to take the faceoff in our end with a minute left and maybe ask out loud 'where in the hell is Handzus'? Nothing against the kid because he played one helluva game game today but he got totally schooled & outmuscled by Rucchin on that most important faceoff and it led to a very bad thing. Yeah, Mike has to learn but isn't there an unwritten rule that says you go with your strongest faceoff man in those situations and that another center is out there if he gets tossed? Neither one of those parameters were being met. I saw many a night that BC or Lindros were trotted out in those situations and with good reason. Hell, I literally saw Rick McLeish roll his eyes (yeah, I had GREAT seats at the old Spectrum) as Shero sent Clarke out but that time it was only to be back up to McLeish. Since Hitchcock is well known for benching his players that make costly mental errors, I wonder if he intends to hand the reins over to Murray or Fleming for a game?

I wonder what in the hell Joni Pitkanen was thinking as the 3rd period was ending? He got called for tripping and could have easily been nailed for a slash too. So much for being aware of what's going on. I know Pitkanen is still young but that was just brutal. He definitely won't be accused of being a thinking man's D man with moves like that.

Kudos to Brashear for finally waking up and playing a strong forceful game but just as much as I praise him for his physical play I must damn him for being a stonehanded, non skilled player who continually blows good feeds and setups.

So much was made of the Flyer shrinking bench by the 3 stooges today yet isn't that usually the way a KH run game ends up anyway? Roll 3 lines and play the best 5 D guys forever? Did anyone even know that Kavanagh played today? Did anyone see Umberger play any center today after Nedved went down? I saw the game but didn't notice that and won't deride it not happening if in fact it did. I thought that we'd have Umberger play center a few shifts with Stevenson (6 + minutes?) and the suddenly alive Brashear to give a couple breathers.

Outs

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 10:42 PM
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Two faceoffs

by Sedsey

That was the game.

I was all ready to celebrate a Flyer win that featured some of everything we complain is lacking. A "stand up" scrap. A true finishing check. A big goal off the rush.

I looked at the scoresheets to back up some impressions.

First off, Kavanaugh was on the ice for the first Ranger goal, and that was it for him. 2:39 for the game. Therien takes a "head injury". Brashear, Savage, and Jones all go forward to log 11:20, 15:44, and 13:00. Read again. Savage plays 15:44. No wonder we're having trouble.

Nedved has a groin pull. Carter's ice goes up. He scores. Go figure.

Umberger gets 15:58, records a shot, and fades into the sunset.

Letter to Hitchcock. Please get away from the Hatcher/Rathje combo. 3 goals against today, standing still and leaving me wondering what for?

To THE FACEOFFS.

Over the game, the Flyers are shredding. I also wondered why it wasn't Handzus, but Hitchcock kept the Richards/Gagne/Knuble combo out there. I do believe it happened after Richards shot a hard around that no teammate was positioned to prevent going for icing, so Hitchcock can't change the lines.

At finish, Carter and Richards are statistically better than Handzus, though we must remember that Handzus gets the "dirty" draws whewn possible.

Anyways, Carter was 11-3, Richards 9-5, Nedved 5-0, Handzus 11-10, and Kavanaugh 2-1.

But, when it counts the most, with angst behind the bench I am sure, Richards gets fooled by Rucchin, and then tied up. Knuble is slow to get to his point, and it's tied. So, this line literally gave and took away during this game.

Right around that time was when Meyer low bridged Rucinsky in a quick revenge move. Too bad it woke him up, because he directly hurt us after that.

Pitkanen is worth some forgiveness, but no doubt that was a dull-witted move near the end.

The PP is on. I am heard to be calling out, "Let Tyutin take the shot. Let Tyutin take the shot."

It happens. Esche sees it all the way and saves. No rebound. The strength of Hatcher/Rathje shows as they do have the ability to box guys out. However, when quickness is in demand...

We get Handzus to take the draw. All is as expected. Jagr begins to float off to the far wing. Handzus loses the draw. He then falls down along the side wall. Hatcher and Rathje are slow. The puck moves faster.

The Rangers let Jagr take the shot.

We lose.

"Now you know how we felt!", the Rangers fans say.

Two faceoffs.

Two faceoffs.

An icing that should never have been. I do believe they were thinking about changing, which is why Richards rocked it out in the first place. Still, no puck support costs the game.

A mental mistake. Two faceoffs.

But, overall, I say KEEP IT UP! If that game is emulated on a regular basis, we'll start beating good teams. FINALLY some spirit, even if it came in another "less than 60" affair.

Nedved and Therien are out now. Handzus is going to be absolutely demolished by the end of next week. Same goes for Hatcher, as you mentioned recently.

So close to glory, which makes the pain greater.

The most telling stat today. NYR PP: 2/4 Philly Pico Play: 0/6

(wow...NHL.com doesn't even have updated standings. I had to go to TSN.)

So, the game in hand. An even better effort against The Hated, and first place doesn't have to worry about memory for a day. There is a 9 pt buffer on 6-7 TB/NJ. Even after all this, recovery is still possible.

DEMAND VICTORY ON SUPER SUNDAY!

Richards scores 2. Flyers win 4-2.











Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 1:37 AM
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Agree on a lot

by CaliFlyer

Richie had a really good game. Yeah, he got beat on that final draw in regular time, but Rucchin is no slouch -- he's the Rangers' go-to faceoff guy. I think Handzus could have taken him, but that new icing rule prevented that. Oh well.

This was a pretty good Flyers game, nonetheless. They lost, but it wasn't for the reasons that have been frustrating the hell out of us for the past several weeks. And even with Pitkanen's mistake at the end, I'll take his contributions to the offense and great passing. There were several times in the game where I remarked to the other guys watching what a difference his passing made in the flow of the offense. If we get Rico and a healthy Johnsson back, I have no doubts that we'll see the kind of scoring that characterized the Flyers earlier in this season. Our current reliance on grinding is a function of the current defense.

Hatcher, Rathje, Freddy 4, Rico, Johnsson, and Pitkanen would make this a team with a good D and the ability to score on the rush or by cycling, if you ask me. We just haven't had a chance to see it in a long time. I just hope Johnsson is recovered by the time we go into the stretch...

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 3:47 AM
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The injury cliche

by Sedsey

Many people have tired of it to the point they seemingly don't realize the terrible impact of injuries. They expect to beat the best teams in the NHL with a patchwork roster, and quickly forget what we saw when they resembled health.

The biggest point of contention will be over the record vs top 2 in every division, which is an awful 6-17.

I think as you do on the return of defensemen. There will always be concerns, but that will turn a lot around.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 3:58 PM
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I sure blew that faceoff call

by Ovaland

Well, poach my ass! Is the 'yolk'(groan)now on me? As I said to Cali, I flat "out" forgot about that new rule and now it is I that must wear dripping egg on my mug. I shall give up the reins of posting at some later date (or earlier as it suits me) as a fitting punishment for my foolishness

Kavanagh - my point was that the 3 booth stooges just kept harping about how short benched the team was when the game plan was basically unfolding like every other Hitchcock run game. I personally didn't expect Kavanagh to play a whole lot yesterday but that his not being used a little bit more escaped Manny, the Mo and Jack-off upstairs. You can assume who is who. IF he was sat down because he was out there on the 1st NYR score, then that was wrong unless it was him in the #6 uni doing yeoman mean face work in place of the injured There it's in.

The Rathje & Hatcher combo was the best KH had to go with when looking at the situations they were used in. Those moves seemed to be no brainers (oneway or the other)

I can't find it in myself to say keep what they did up for because even though they once again came back they are still digging themselves into a deep hole and have to come back. The NYR are a good enough team but I am not hearing the name Rangers and Cup contenders being used very much in the same sentence let alone a paragraph. The PP seems to be 0 for the last decade and the PK , though improved, still looks to much like a work in progress at times.

Out(scrambled not stirred)land

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 9:08 AM
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I literally had my wish...

by Sedsey

1-0 after 1. Lame start. Picard and Eager in the game.

Hatcher gets humiliated by Perezhogin. Pitkanen takes the same penalty in a "MyNHL" sequence. Koivu also falls victim to "myNHL".

Thanks, Frank. Niittymaki saves everybody's ass repeatedly.

Patient Ken moves Handzus to the Gagne/Knuble line. Richards head spinning?

The icing play almost does it again. Carter loses the draw to Koivu, and Hateds almost score.

GrampO is correct in saying the Hatcher/Rathje combo is the best we can do. 2 man advantage goal. Extended sequence starts after Handzus faceoff loss. Flyers never recover.

So, since I am getting a brutally literal translation of my "more of the same" wish, I'll expect an intensely fired up second period.

Of course, whenever this game has had flow, and there have been some high tempo exchanges (Hit the net, Simon!), I hear the PIM whistle blow. They say these days that the players will take a year to "get it". How long for the "myNHL" contingent of refs to learn how to enforce the rules without sacrificing the entertainment value. If it were easy, I guess they'd all do it...

Thanks again, Frank. Whatever goes from here, you've given the chance.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 3:53 PM
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No choice

by CaliFlyer

You forget, that faceoff occurred because the Flyers iced the puck. Richards was the center on the ice, Zeus was stuck on the bench.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 3:39 AM
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You're spot on Cali. I forgot that fact (nm)

by Outland

O

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 8:26 AM
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Injury parade continues

by Marty Mason

As does home ice ineptness.

What a horrible way to lose after fighting back to take the lead.

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 7:35 PM
from IP address 4.254.220.249

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Downie stats

by Wanger16

20 Steve Downie (total) 20 13 23 36 +5 62 8 0 1.80 3.10

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 3:39 PM
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What time.........

by Greg

do you recommend me getting to the Wachovia center to see pregame warmups?

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 10:00 AM
from IP address 69.115.18.93

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What time?

by Ek9

Show up about midway through the first -- the same time the Flyers show up.

And leave with 7-8 min left in the 3rd.

You won't miss a thing.

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 8:01 PM
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Kapanen speaks on 'slide' - article link

by OutL

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16065398&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18170&rfi=6

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 8:56 AM
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The bluster is keen, but let's see some passion!

by Sedsey

The wolves are circling, waiting to feast on the bones of Flyer defeat, but passionate battle will drive them howling back into the darkness.

(That's a play that involves Sami Hockey scoring off a one timer from a cycling Handzus...maybe that's why they are having trouble...I mean, when somebody yells "circling wolves" on the bench, it can be hard to translate)

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 11:43 AM
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Turn the other cheek

by Macho Flyer

Why do the Flyers continue to not stick up for each other. How many times do you see a Flyer get hammered into the boards or in the open ice and no one returns the favor. Or scrums around the net they just skate away instead of hacking away at the goalie. Is it Clarke?

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 12:25 PM
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Tough as a Creampuff

by The Hangman

The problem is that the Philadelphia Flyers are trying to be the Dallas Stars. That's because Hitchcock wants it that way, and he was given too much rope.

There are tough players who are playing weak, and that order comes from the bench.

The Flyers won't win more than one round this year, because the old guys are past prime, and the young guys aren't ready. With Hitchcock as coach, they'll never show balls ever, and that will set them back.

I never saw any team win the Cup with stick checks and skating backwards.

Anybody that thinks this team is as good as the record says has their head in the noose. Let's hope they hang those idiots high, and maybe some real people will be heard for a change.

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 1:59 PM
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Good Points

by Macho Flyer

But i have seen this with other coaches here in Philly where our players get destroyed and our guys dont do anything about it. Didnt Hatcher fight in Dallas?

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 5:34 PM
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Hatcher

by Outland

Hatcher was and still is a hardnosed player but he was not one to drop the gloves with any regularity. You might remember him and 88 having a go at it in Dallas one night right after BC challenged the team to show they had life in them. I also remember Hatcher fighting Iginla a couple years ago in the playoffs too. In both instances Hatcher wasn't the aggressor.

At least Brashear did his job today and took on a guy who had just run Handzus. This game today might have been one of Brashear's best all year & an effort like that in the previous games might suffice to keep the folks (me included) off his back and not question his value BUT once again his lack of skill was apparent on 2 great setups and you just can't blow those kind of opps.

Outs

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 9:32 PM
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Sorry

by Macho Flyer

Didnt see the game tonight, too many Rum and Cokes but the boxscores shows at least some of the flyers stood up for themselves. Maybe a step in the right direction. Mr. Line needs to stop visiting the winery's and get back on here. Ols School hockey RULES

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 10:06 PM
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yah. The Stars won a Cup. (nom)

by Sedsey

...

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 1:39 AM
from IP address 24.78.163.170

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That's hardly an endorsement for him to be Supercoach

by OutL

The list is pretty long of coaches who have won 'A' Cup and you won't find many of them being talked about when the subject of great coaches comes up. Short refresher gives ya Hartley and Crawford with the powerful Av teams, Crisp in Calagry, Johnson with a Lemieux Pen team, Totorella, LeMaire, Demers and it goes on.

Dallas had talent coming out the ass in those days at D (best in hockey bar none), at forward and in goal with 'I'll give ya a million if ya let me go' Belfour. That they won a Cup is an accomplishment but it was ONE Cup with those HoF player laden teams too. Did they win that Cup because of him or perhaps in spite of him?

Outs

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 9:41 AM
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I thought the offer was a billion

by Omaha Flyer

Either way, gotta give Eddie credit for trying!

Of course, there are those who will argue that Dallas and Buffalo should still be playing because Hull was in the crease, but I'll leave that debate for the Sabres fans.

(taking a bit of a sanity break here at work) F
Rob

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 1:07 PM
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Mighty Mite Freddy gets a two year contract extension

by Omaha Flyer

From Yahoo...



Meyer signs two-year extension

February 3, 2006

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Flyers signed rookie defenseman Freddy Meyer to a two-year contract extension on Friday.

Terms were not announced.

The 25-year-old Meyer has four goals and seven assists for 11 points and 17 penalty minutes in 28 games for the Flyers this season. He is tied for third among NHL rookies with plus-11 rating.

He also has six points and 22 penalty minutes in 11 games for the Flyers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, this season.

"This is an exciting time for me right now," said Meyer. "This is a great organization and I am happy to be a part of it for another two years at least."



Updated on Friday, Feb 3, 2006 8:02 pm EST


F
Rob



Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 7:52 AM
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Great!! (part 2)

by Sedsey

Just reward.

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 11:14 AM
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Yes, it is (nm)

by Outland

OOOOOOOOO

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 11:09 PM
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Is the game 2PM EST or 5PM EST?

by Sedsey

I've seen both. Both official websites list 5PM EST.

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 3:50 AM
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Its 5PM Seds!!!! :)

by FlyerForumFaithful

nm

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 7:21 AM
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Great!

by Sedsey

2 PM would have meant missing 2 periods. 5 PM means seeing it all.

We'll see if that is still "great" by 5:30...

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 11:13 AM
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That's 4PM to those of us

by Marty Mason

in the good timezone, eh Seds? Course you're a lot younger than me, so maybe news at 10 doesn't mean as much to you.

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 11:19 AM
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CST for me! (and you)

by Sedsey

Well, if news at 10 proclaims victory, then I'll tune in!



Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 11:44 AM
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The 10 PM news was beat. (nom)

by Sedsey

lame, even.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 1:40 AM
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High praise from Hartley; Avs injured

by Sedsey

http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=10460&hubname=

"Thrashers star Ilya Kovalchuk practiced on Thursday on the third line with Serge Aubin and Jim Slater. He will stay there for one game as punishment for playing with an illegal stick. Peter Bondra took Kovalchuk's spot on the top line with Marc Savard and Scott Mellanby. - Atlanta Journal Constitution"

Punishment, eh? I'd love to be Aubin or Slater, reading that. heh heh

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=153457&hubname=nhl

" Avs lose Vaananen, Hejduk to injury


Ossi Vaananen

TSN.ca Staff

2/3/2006 10:41:41 AM

The Colorado Avalanche might have lost defenceman Ossi Vaananen for the season after he suffered a broken ankle in Thursday's loss to Nashville.

Vaananen, who leads the Avs with a +10 rating, broke his ankle after getting hit hard into the boards by Nashville's Darcy Hordichuk. Vaananen will have surgery today.

"(The injury) is definitely long term," coach Joel Quenneville told the Rocky Mountain News. "It's an extensive injury. I don't want to say a year, but it'll be a long rehab."

Vaananen, who was scheduled to play for Finland in the Olympics, will certainly miss the Games.

The Avalanche also lost forward Milan Hejduk during the game after he was hit by Mark Eaton and suffered an upper body injury. Hejduk, who is slated to play for the Czech Republic in the Olympics, will be re-evaluated by medical staff later today."

It happens to other teams! What a relief.





Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 6:38 PM
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Ryan Potulny...HF article

by Downie16

Ryan Potulny, C
Junior, University of Minnesota (WCHA)
Drafted: 2003 (3rd round, 87th overall)
A pure offensive talent who is currently one of the top candidates for this year's Hobey Baker Award (the honor annually bestowed upon the nation's top collegiate performer), Potulny has simply been piling up the points since the puck was dropped to start the season for the fourth-ranked Golden Gophers.

The junior forward currently leads the team and ranks sixth in the nation with 39 points (20 goals, 19 assists) in 28 games. His line, with fellow junior Danny Irmen (MIN) and freshman Ryan Stoa (COL), has been the most consistent and dominant combination on a Gophers lineup that boasts an amazing 14 NHL-drafted prospects.

Potulny has done most of his damage on UM’s top-ranked power play, where he has teamed with Phil Kessel, the projected top pick in this summer’s entry draft, to form a lethal one-two punch. Potulny’s 11 goals with the man advantage co-lead the nation, while Kessel is tied for 15th with 7.

To date, Potulny has recorded ten multi-point games this season, as well as four multi-goal games. In his 28 games, there have been only seven games where he didn't tally a point. All but one of those games ended in either ties or losses for Minnesota.

The brother of former Minnesota captain Grant Potulny, Ryan possesses tremendous puck skills, creativity and a gifted offensive flair. He boasts an array of deadly accurate shots, particularly his wrister from anywhere near the right circle. While not blazingly fast, Potulny is an above average skater who tends to find the quickest route from point to point.

He has great anticipation and uses his teammates well. Potulny is not noted for his defensive play, but is no worse than adequate in that regard. He has done a solid job of getting back to help out in his own zone this season, and has improved his coverage in the neutral zone. He does not kill penalties for the Gophers.

One of Potulny's most memorable performances came back on November 25th versus Michigan in the College Hockey Showcase. In the contest, he netted his second career hat trick to help lead Minnesota to a 6-3 win. Potulny has been named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week twice this season and was named MVP at the Dodge Holiday Classic tournament in late December.

There was plenty of speculation in Philadelphia this past summer about Potulny potentially signing with the Flyers and suiting up for the Phantoms of the AHL. The talented forward opted to return to the Twin Cities this season, but it may be just a matter of time before he arrives on Broad Street.



Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 3:54 PM
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Hitchcock will make him a checker

by The Hangman

Look how Fat Ken is trying to ruin Carter.

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 2:01 PM
from IP address 24.79.94.94

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Or have him traded (nm)

by Outland

O

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 11:05 AM
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An opinion

by Outland

And for what it is, I say you really shouldn't be all that surprised or dismayed about the current state of the Philadelphia Flyers. Take a moment to go over the team roster and try not to let hype, bias and anointings stand in your way. Be honest in assessing what the player is TODAY and not what he can be, should be or once was.

Primeau - He's missed but not as much for the reasons that many would believe. Still, a loss for the team. It's hard to lose 2 spark plugs like JR and KP without replacing that kind of emotion. I'm sure KP has reassessed his opinions of one Eric Lindros during these trying months.

Kapanen - works very hard but still is the same streaky and inconsistent Sami on offense. His defensive lapses and miscues do tend to get glossed over because he's good guy Sami.

Gagne - now he's a scoring machine and all it took was massive rule changes. A bright spot for the organization nonetheless. Really wasn't a good choice to be KP's replacement and he understood that & I applaud him for it.


Forsberg - best player in the game IF he wasn't an injury magnet. The org. knew it when they signed him and so did the realistic fans. Sometimes it be like that but any team and organization is remiss to hang their hats on a guy with an injury history like that but that is exactly what the Flyers did. Avs got away with it because of other stars they had but it's a little different here in Philly.


Knuble - good player who'll work for his money but not a star player without having better players to work with. A complement type only and when the load shifts he often has trouble.

Handzus - another good player but not a star player to rely on as heavily as KH has. Zus has always been about being good at D and respectible at offense but he's getting worn down by all the extra work too. Solid guy to have on a team but....

Brashear - works hard and tries his best but he lacks tools and BC was really a fool to keep him at such a price even if he dropped gloves every night.

Richards & Carter - both are still learning and they really need to learn more. To be blunt, neither has played like the pre season hype given them (that is as serious contenders for rookie of the year)Both definitely were victims of overhype and overexpectation by many fans and quite possibly by their coach & GM too. I saw Richards as being overused by KH and Carter as being underused by KH. I still think Carter needs a few more minutes a night than the under 12 he gets.

Umberger - rookie and a pleasant surprise. Also learning as he goes and he has shown he can contribute offensively in the role given him. I'd like to see him get some more ice time as well

Stevenson - a typical grinder type and always will be. That is, when he isn't on the sidelines. Not greatly skilled but can chip in some offense every now and then.

Nedved - good idea to get a player like him to support an offense but there was really a good reason he was available too. For a team that is finding itself being consistently outworked, the move to pick up Nedved is puzzling because he's never been known for a hard nosed work ethic or backchecker. Oh that's right. He's here to score and help the PP. Just like when Savage was brought in?

Savage - he does try hard, works hard but he's just not the offensive player he once was. Has not really helped the team to the point that he'd be missed if not with it. I do express shock that he hasn't gone on one of his patented scoring streaks under these new rules.

Eager - has fire and a decent smattering of skills but he'll never get much of a chance to develop them as long as he's down the list under guys who have seen better days already.

Radivojevic - decent enough 3/4 liner and has a good work ethic. His injury is a tough break for him but when push comes to shove, his absence is not going to matter much in the grand scheme of things. Ever. Just like quite a few others on the team right now.

Pitkanen - has the tools to be excellent all around but also is very young (sometimes foolish) and must continue to learn. He will too. When his offensive game is cooking, that's when he needs to think about not negating that with poor decisions on defense when trying to make another offensive play.

Johnsson - hasn't been right much of the year. Could be an accumulation of things - injury, his new partner(s), roles and coaches decisions. Whatever it is, it's not the play we've been accustomed too. Hard to trust him in key situations anymore.

Desjardins - they miss his right point shot on the PP and his playmaking ability. If anyone says that he is missed on the defensive side of things especially on the PK, they are wrong. PK actually improved when he went out because he and Zus were a poor tandem with stats to back that up. Showing he is brittle anymore and how much longer he can play is anyone's guess. This 'new NHL' is made to order for him though.

Hatcher - KH is going to burn him out for all he has him doing. It's not like Hatch is in his 20's anymore. Goes back to KH being a mistrusting soul and he invariably proves me right. Hatcher has given stability but he can only do so much. He's not built for the 'new NHL' but has worked hard to adapt and I think he's a great choice as Captain and mentor.

Rathje - hard to figure this guy. Some nights he looks like an all-star and some nights he looks like a Norfolk Admiral. His size, strength and reach are big plusses but, like Hatcher, this game is faster and that split second it takes to react can be a killer. Still, I think he's a good player to have back there for us.

Meyer - has a decent D game and spirit but his 5'10" size (very likely under that) will always be seen as a problem. I have absolutely no qualms thinking he's good enough to make 3rd pair but I don't see much more upside than that.

Jones - being taller(longer reach) and perhaps having more natural offensive ability than Meyer could give him an edge when it comes to being kept in the bigs or not.

Therien - his best days are truly behind him. He still works and tries but he just makes too many glaring mental miscues at times. Better to play the young guys and have them learn their trade in the regular season. Decent enough injury fill in but definitely not a top 6 for us anymore.

Esche - I don't see Esche as being a problem or the who needs him player that some think he is. His play since coming back from injury has been good and it's not his or Niittymaki's fault that the team plays like garbage in front of them and allows more and more kill zone shots against them.

Niittymaki - living up to the hype he got years ago as the next big thing in nets for us but I don't think his overall play and numbers make him a standout from Esche at all. Granted, the coach tried to kill him and his game went south with that but he's still got to show he can be more consistent in his performances. Whether him or Esche play as # 1 is not the point because if the team play in front of them isn't good, their nights are going to be tough as hell.

The team has been getting outworked consistently of late and that is surely not acceptable to anyone. How much of the malaise is player related and how much is coaching related is really unknown by me but I tend to think that the coaching needs to bear more of the brunt for what is going on right now. Bottom line - I'd be grateful the team has won as much as it has considering all the injuries, rookies and over the hill gangers we have. IMO, it's still early to be overexcited about anything going wrong. This Olympic season will give a lot of players a good rest and I think that's what most of them need after a crammed to the gills pre-Olympic schedule. I'd rather see all our Olympic guys staying home and relaxing but that's not going to happen. All we can hope for is that nobody gets seriously injured and pick it up after the break.

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 3:43 PM
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A response

by Sedsey

Generally speaking, I agree with the overall thrust of your triumphant return posting.

Without Primer, we lost a lot of fighting spirit. It is very lame of those left to back up and off so much. That's the area where he would give spark, but it isn't meant to be. When looking at the team, the unexpected loss of Primeau must be considered.

Sami Hockey has backtracked significantly lately. His +/- is nothing to rave about, and his puck support has lagged from just a few weeks ago. We are forced to rely on him for some goals, and he isn't/can't doing/do it.

Gagne is great, but not so great that he dominates without his center. I doubt Nedved will do the same for him, but it was a great pass for a goal yesterday. His next challenge will be to gain the ability to make his linemates better offensively.

Forsberg is exactly what we figured on. Great performance when in, but hurt a lot. Still, I'd say we are better off with it as it is, as opposed to not signing him.

Knuble is a necessary element that makes a line solid. By himself, it doesn't happen, but he wins a lot of pucks on the wall. No speed to speak of, and that eliminates a lot of chances from the rush.

Handzus is a good one, but he is very slow, and always will be. He'll win the draws, be good in coverage, and score some goals, but we can't count on him to score the big ones.

Brashear has had his best stretch this week. He still isn't worth the cash. He has to go.

Richards is exactly where I figured he would be. He does disappear at times from the offense, but rarely hurts us on the backcheck. I consider him ahead of the "NHL development" curve than Carter, and talk of future Captaincy is not unfounded.

Carter needs more jam. Even at that, the guy has 12 goals, and 5 of them won games. Rookie of the year? Not a chance. Offensive star by next season? Pretty close, I'll bet.

Umberger needs more ice. So does Jeff. I agree.

Stevenson has a better mindset for his role than Donald has, so I'd take him if I had to choose between the two. Other than that, he hasn't done much to make me a fan.

Nedved makes me wince. I can't see him truly helping our team in the big picture, but I do understand that a GM must take such chances in today's market.

Savage is taking ice time away from guys that have upside, as you say. We don't move forward until he moves out.

Eager would make more defensive mistakes than Savage, and I'd accept that if he got his playing time. At least the guy shows some forechecking enthusiasm.

Radivojevic is a check line forward. He'll never score enough to have top value. Another guy that will need replacing.

Pitkanen does make some defensive zone errors, but he brings a sorely needed offensive dimension from the backline. This team's forwards would have much greater success if we had another couple showing his type of tools, and I wouldn't call his defensive work as bad as a Ozolinsh or Housley, for example. He will improve still, and that is exciting.

Johnsson is not Johnsson. Agreed, and GREATLY missed.

Desjardins will just not be phased out, it seems. This defensive unit misses him, and that might be a sad statement. I agree that it's the PP that needs him more than the PK. Guys like this underline why it is a huge problem that the Flyers have no sense of "frontier justice." They need protection.

Hatcher will burn out, I agree. I think his play has been terrific this year, with all factors considered. A good choice as Captain, since he is one of the few to throw the body and show some spirit on a nightly basis.

Rathje inconsistant play is a bane in these injury days. You'd think he would have developed better than this, but I guess we could (and do) worse on the blueline.

Meyer is ideally a third pair guy. I think the fact that he is the only one (it seems) that can stand up our blueline, not get beat too often to the outside, and play with some fire disgraces the rest of the unit.

I don't have a handle on Jones yet. He beats Therien, but that ain't tough.

Therien is done. I am sure they never anticipated he'd have to play so much. Blaming him for failure is ridiculous, and that has been one of the Great Debates this year. But, we need him gone.

Goaltending needs more support. Enough said on that.

Getting outworked is indeed unacceptable, and that falls to the veterans to lead. It just may be that we have the wrong veteran mix right now. I know a guy like Nedved won't have the guys charging out.

The circumstances of this season make our standing incredible. Many things are wrong, but to cry "doom" is pitiful give those circumstances. Young guys are rising, but they understandably have down patches. A lack of trust from Coaching hurts this develeopment some. However, Carter had a goal on his stick on the PP last game, and we needed him to bury his chance. It's the old cliche of "do more for more ice time, but you say you can't get going without ice time".

As always, I see no profit in harping away at the same points after every loss this season. I cannot see where the entertainment value is in it. I cannot understand why the most negative even bother to watch, since they "know" the team will ultimately fail. It seems like some people hate almost every player on the roster, so how do they remain fans of the team? A mystery.

Speaking of the youth, it really is a game-to-game, day-to-day assessment.

I think our Coaching staff has a lot of responsibility to bear for the "don't hurt me" mindset that is undermining the franchise tradition of team toughness.

But if the people give up so easily, how can they expect the blood and guts effort from the team?

All I know is that when this team was (mostly) healthy, they did a lot of things that people are complained about lacking now. I saw moving feet on the PP. I saw offense sparked from defensemen headman passes and puck carrying. I saw attacks off the rush. I saw plenty of goals.

That suggests that we have the capability. I wonder why nobody jumps as quick on a team like Ottawa, that has experienced many of the same vacillations in play when injured. They ended up tromping Pittsburgh last night, but they weren't looking good for two periods. This after a terrible week for one of The Annoited Clubs.

I watch a lot of hockey. I have seen struggles from every top team this year. One night, the Red Wings (example) look like a powerhouse, and the next they are running around looking helpless. If a person focuses hard on one team, you'll see what is "wrong" with them.

I hope we get a better effort against NYR and Mtl this weekend. Hoping is all we can do, as we don't set the lineup, change lines, make trades, take shifts, or even sell tickets for the team. I'm not happy with the team spirit these days, but I won't give up.

This franchise's drafting record has taken a 180 degree turn in recent years. Help is on the way. We may endure more pain until then, but the signs are positive.

So...

GO FLYERS GO!

(curse me for caring...heh)



Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 4:50 PM
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Another response :-)

by Omaha Flyer

For the most part, it's hard to disagree with what has been said.

However... I'm not seeing the same things in Jones that, by the sounds of things, everyone else is seeing. Personally, I'd keep Meyer over Jones based on what I've seen of the two. I think that Mighty Mite Freddy can offer more to this team at this point in time, and works best when paired with a big guy (normally Hatcher and sometimes Therien - yes, a little love for Mean Face).

As for our goaltending... I'm not sure that we have a defined #1. I think that both guys are very capable in that slot, but don't really see one standing far and above the other. Both have holes in their game, and both "look" better when the defense is playing well.

And one last note... while it may seem harsh, I can't help but think of Mikael Renberg and Brent Fedyk when I hear the name Knuble. Yes, I know it's unfair because Knuble was a good player before coming to Philly, but make no bones about it, without Gagne and Forsberg, he doesn't have twenty-some-odd goals at this point of the season.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 5:31 PM
from IP address 4.228.168.180

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An accurate opinion at that

by WCF

I'd say that was a very fair and objective assessment of why the team is what it is. Before they went on their annual December sojourn, I think you had your doubts about the team makeup and you know I did (surprise!), but the poor play coupled with the injuries is beyond how bad I though it might get if PF was out for any length of time. Losing to Les Habs 5-0 is about as low as they can go. Or can they go lower?

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 8:15 AM
from IP address 152.132.8.197

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Let's hope it's the low point, Windy

by Omaha Flyer

Guess we'll find out Wednesday night against the Fishsticks.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 6, 2006, 4:39 PM
from IP address 199.67.7.151

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Gee, and not a mention of Boucher's trade by the Yotes

by Outland

From Spectors:

THE CALGARY FLAMES LAST NIGHT DEALT GOALTENDER PHILLIPE SAUVE AND CENTRE STEVEN REINPRECHT TO THE PHOENIX COYOTES IN EXCHANGE FOR GOALTENDER BRIAN BOUCHER AND LEFT WING MIKE LECLERC.

Spector's Note: My thanks to everyone who sent this in. No surprise here as to the players who got dealt. Flames GM Darryl Sutter criticized Sauve's performance last week leading to expectations he'd be in the market for a backup, while Reinprecht was rumoured to be on the block for some time now. Boucher has been struggling with injuries this season, having lost his starting role to Curtis Joseph (whom the Coyotes might consider retaining after this move) and his long-term future with the club was threatened by David LeNeveu. With depth at left wing but lacking scoring depth at centre, Leclerc was the odd man out. With this move expect speculation of the Flames pursuing Florida's Olli Jokinen to pick up.

OL

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 2:53 PM
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That's right! I meant to.

by Sedsey

There is another deal for the critics to muse, though it didn't get as many raspberries as the Ouellet trade.

Boucher will play 2 games straight for the Flames only if Kipper is down. It'll hurt him to sit out so long, and his play will suffer. Calgary fans may end up wondering why they got him, but the fact is he is there only for disasters.

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 4:00 PM
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And Cechmanek is sitting home eating chips and watching TV

by Omaha Flyer

And no one seemed to care about that either.

Oh wait... I can't really say that with Truefan still creaming over good old Roman, now can I?

The Water Boy is just another in the long list of rabble who have played between the pipes for the Flyers over the past 15 seasons, and this trade basically should tell him that it's pretty well over for him now.

F
Rob



P.S. About my e-mail request... was wondering if the "facilities" were still open.



Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 4:23 PM
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Here is what you must do

by Outland

To get my e-mail addy you must tie both legs together with a brown belt, tape your mouth shut with grey duct tape and clap like a seal while trying to say I want a fish and I want it now.

OR.......

You can go back to the answers to your Olympic question and look for a post by that brilliant & scholarly writer Many Stickers John asking if you are that puke guy. Read that post and in there is what appears to be an e-mail addy that I believe could possibly put you in touch with the one true Outland. I saw the post to Seden about his being an optimist with a capital O but there is only one real capital O and it ain't Oscar Robertson or Overstock.com though the babes in the Overstock.com commercials might(and I say MIGHT) have better legs than me.

NOTE:if e-mail addy is being sought to complain about a defective Outmaster 2k+6, it's all a lie, a ruse, a canard and the one in the post will not reach that gets better looking as he gets older stately gentleman, Monsieur Outlande du lac.

Actually, I liked RC's numbers for the Flyers but the approach used to make the point and to not know about the RC going ballistic episode made me not offer up support.

Out(knows nothing but still speaks)land

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 4:51 PM
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Yeah... I saw that...

by Omaha Flyer

...but now I'm lazy!

I'll drop you a line shortly, oh brilliant and powerful Outmaster.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 4:56 PM
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The Windy Meter

by Sedsey

1 for 2 in the "for sure" loss column, and now 2 points up on NYR with a game in hand.



Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 9:45 PM
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More losses on way?

by WCF

This quote from one of their own players sums up why the Flyers have little chance to be favored in the East to do anything:

"They challenged us," Esche said. "Both [the Rangers] and Buffalo, their forwards are so skilled, they are always in attack mode. That is why we give up shorthanded opportunities."

To me, in a nutshell, that is why even with Forsberg, the Flyers are a flatfooted team that lacks both enough skill and speed at the forwards to counteract the kind of game that all good teams employ against them. They don't attack enough out of fear of the dreaded turnover and inability to play pond hockey with the fleet teams. With PR, the team is still too error-prone to the point were all fast and talented teams have it all over us (see Tampa, Buffalo, Carolina, NJD and even the NYR (we were lucky to win that last one).

I will be stunned if they beat the NYR again tomorrow and equally stunned if they stay in first place by the Olympic Break.

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 5:49 AM
from IP address 152.132.8.197

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And one more thing....

by WCF

If we scored a goal off the rush just once I would probably collapse. I watch a lot of games around the league, and we have got to be one of the only teams that can't generate 2 on 1's, breakaways (once in a while a 3-2) I would like to see a stat of odd man rushes for and against. Everything the Flyers do is constantly out of the corner, or we chip it in to the side boards pull up wait, cycle, cycle some more, try a centering pass that usually leaves the zone, or it goes to the point and the shot is blocked. This kind of hockey in the NEW NHL will not cut it. There is no zip or finesse on any of their playmaking. Aside from Forsberg this team has ZERO CREATIVITY.

Most of the Flyers goals are in tight jams at the net, deflections, or passes off the side boards(FORSBERG). Watch CAR,OTT,NYR,DET,BUF,DAL to name a few, they all have at least a line of creative players with speed. Hitch is a decent coach defensivly, but his stlye limits our fast players. Why can't we attempt to put a line together of just offensive ability just for a ONE game. Let them just go for it offensivly, what is the worst that can happen? We loose the game or they get shut down, it's happening regularly anyway.

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 8:16 AM
from IP address 152.132.8.197

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agreed

by Icer

and the harder they work to get out of a slump, the worse it gets.

GET OFF THE BOARDS!!!!!!!!!!

Goals come from the triangle. The Flyers defense is so good, they are playing the other team's defense, too.

Hint to the Flyers forwards: the defense WANTS you in the corners.

I don't think it's talent level. Is it a top-down Clarke-style attitude? hard work hockey > pretty hockey? Not anymore!

If I hear announcers talk about "great cycling" much longer, I'm gonna make a trip to the booth!

Move the puck! Get the goalie out of position!

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 12:24 PM
from IP address 65.168.203.3

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It starts on the blueline

by Sedsey

The headman pass and threat of a defenseman rushing haven't been there. Earlier this season, when all was relatively healthy, I did see goals off the rush, 2 on 1's, and breakaways. In the last couple months, without Pitkanen, Desjardins, and a half assed Kim Johnsson, it wasn't there.



Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 12:56 PM
from IP address 24.78.163.170

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Make that tied with 70, and a game in hand. (nom)

by Sedsey

Will it all blow away this weekend?

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 1:02 PM
from IP address 24.78.163.170

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Make it 4 points back.

by The Hangman

No balls = no wins = no points = 2nd place, going on third.

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 2:02 PM
from IP address 24.79.94.94

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Brashear: his two mistakes caused us two goals. Esche at his “best” allowing goals #2 & #3

by Truefan

Why do we need these two players?

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 9:02 PM
from IP address 66.72.73.7

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I didn't see Richards or Savage back on goal #2

by Sedsey

Gonna fire them too?

Brashear was too slow to catch Roy, but he was the hardest forward coming back on that play.

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 9:42 PM
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Sedsey, I would rather fire you. And you left with firing bomb up your a$s, Mr. Optimist.

by Truefan

Optimist with a capital O.

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 11:24 PM
from IP address 66.72.73.7

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I envy you for your calm demeanour. (nom)

by Sedsey

blah

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 11:47 PM
from IP address 24.78.163.170

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I am sure you can give good French.

by Truefan

Sorry mister Optimist. I don't speak French. But here... have some freedom fries.

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 12:49 AM
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It's fun to be you.

by Sedsey

Try one day without bitching.

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 12:52 PM
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are you referring to brashear and eshce?

by JayBalls

are you referring to brashear and esche when you say "why do we need these two players"? Brashear needs to pick it up. If you are referring to Esche then i agree with you, no need for two starting goalies when our team is in desperate need of skaters. I beleive in Niittymaki. Eshy played well tonight but still overall is not as good as Niittymaki. Niitty was our man on that roadtrip when the Flyers were hot. We'll see as this thing progresses. Overall, our flyers need to wake up and cut out these breakdowns that lately have been killing them, especially when we fail to capitalize on the oppositions mistakes.
Keep the faith.
JayBalls

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 11:01 PM
from IP address 159.91.148.197

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TrueFan of what?

by Icer

can't be hockey - you don't know the game.

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 12:25 PM
from IP address 65.168.203.3

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As everyone knows...

by Loki

it's easy to have future hall of famers at every position when there is or isn't a salary cap. It's much easier when there's a salary cap, of course, because all future hall of famers are more than happy to play for five hundred thousand dollars a year. o_O

Posted on Feb 4, 2006, 2:43 PM
from IP address 70.104.80.135

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Did you get that package? (nom)

by Sedsey

...

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 1:40 AM
from IP address 24.78.163.170

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Yup. Thanks much.

by Loki

Actually meant to post that I did, but then got sidetracked, had a senior moment and then logged off. Thinking to myself, Hmmm, I seem to remember that I wanted to do something else but can't remember what. heh.

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 11:58 AM
from IP address 70.17.42.239

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Good stuff (nom)

by Sedsey

WJC GOLD

Posted on Feb 5, 2006, 5:41 PM
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Second period thoughts

by Omaha Flyer

We did play better, but mental errors have created a 3-1 Buffalo lead.

Not a whole heck of a lot I can say other than that.

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 8:34 PM
from IP address 4.228.171.192

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esche, carter

by JayBalls

during this slump, the flyers have had not been capitalizing on quality chances (see carter tonight on that 5 on 3). Esche let in some fluke goals. Be nice to see some more 3rd period heroics tonight.

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 8:49 PM
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Carter's miss was huge

by Sedsey

It looked like he had the time, watching it on TV. As it goes, it is a difference, but we'll never know if it was THE difference.

The bottom line is that the Flyers were outworked more than they pressured overall, and Miller made some awesome saves.

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 9:40 PM
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L O D line in early 90's

by mike

i have bet with a friend about who was one the L O D line back in the 90's...i know LINDROSS and BRIND'AMORE were two ....who was the other???? please help

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 8:11 PM
from IP address 65.31.103.83

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Way Off :)

by FlyerForumFaithful

It was the mid 90's and it was Lindros, Leclair, and Mikael Renberg!!

Brind'Amour was not part of that line however!!

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 8:16 PM
from IP address 69.250.10.30

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Re: Way Off :)

by mike

thanks, the bet was a wash!!!!! great forum!!!

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 8:34 PM
from IP address 65.31.103.83

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The Early 90's was the Crazy 8s....

by The Animal

Do you remember who they were?

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 1:35 AM
from IP address 71.241.98.62

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I know

by Macho Flyer

Brent Fedyk Mark Recchi Eric Lindros

Posted on Feb 3, 2006, 8:51 AM
from IP address 209.50.155.10

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A Fortunate First

by Sedsey

Nice pass by Nedved to Gagne, in a spot he learned to find during international efforts, and it is lucky to be tied after 1.

I want more. Where's that physical play I was reading about today...??

If anybody was asleep on the bench, that post hit should have woken them up.

I hope they can put that behind them, and finish with a strong 40.

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 7:48 PM
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First period thoughts

by Omaha Flyer

I had a note that we were dominated in the first 10 minutes of the period. Unfortunately, that domination by Buffalo continued throughout the period... they out-hustled us in the opening frame.

Gotta throw a shout-out to Freddy for the nice play to break up a Buffalo 2-on-1.

Nedved comes up with a sweet behind the pass to a wide-open Gagne to give us a 1-0 lead.

Mistakes, mistakes, mistakes... we've gotten away with quite a few. Campbell doinks a shot off the post and Numinnen is left all alone on the PP... if not for a bad pass, he scores.

The Buffalo goal was a rather ugly sight... all sorts of guys in front of the net, especially in the crease.

Have to correct the mental errors of the first or we could be in for a long night.

LET'S GO FLYERS!

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 7:46 PM
from IP address 4.228.171.192

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Meyer Magic

by Sedsey

Believe the hype. Freddie is the next Don Sweeney.

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 7:49 PM
from IP address 24.78.163.170

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Gratton recalld for the game tonight

by Pelle31

there will be at least 1 Flyer on the ice to police it

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 5:12 PM
from IP address 207.68.119.168

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Okay... just for the record... who's opposed to our guys going to the Olympics?

by Omaha Flyer

Because I am genuinely curious.

I'll throw my view on the whole thing out a little later (though it was mentioned in a previous post ).

F
Rob

Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 1:04 PM
from IP address 199.67.7.151

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I'm opposed

by Marty Mason

to anyone going who is nursing an injury or coming off one. They do not display a team attitude by going in my opinion.

Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 4:22 PM
from IP address 199.253.130.17

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I agree MM

by Downie16

nm


Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 8:02 PM
from IP address 66.183.178.65

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Mixed.

by CT-Flyer

First, I really liked the Olympics better before they allowed pros (in all sports). Who can forget the 1980 "Miracle". Incredible!!!

As a Flyers fan, I'd hate to see one of our guys go over there and get injured.

As an American, I'd like to see the best U.S. team take the ice.

So, I'm torn. I'd really like it better if players from every NHL team BUT the Flyers were allowed to play.

So, I'm not making a choice here...just riding the fence.

CT

Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 4:52 PM
from IP address 64.252.37.100

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Very Much Against It

by FlyerForumFaithful

We are always decimated with injuries as it is.....these guys should take the 3 weeks and get healthy for chrissakes. I hate to think of Forsberg playing in the olympics and then coming back for the final stretch.......he needs to heal!! That is where the loyalty should be for these guys....their jobs!!

Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 5:38 PM
from IP address 69.250.10.30

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as long as they are 100% healthy I have no problem with it

by Pelle31

the NHL wants them there badly enough to promote the sport and they even shut down the season so they can play in it......



Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 6:10 PM
from IP address 207.68.122.200

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against it

by

I don't think Olympic hockey means anything anymore now that's it's mostly NHL players, I hate that it disrupts the NHL season, and the Flyers are already in a precarious situation with injuries. I see no upside to it. Just my opinion.

Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 8:35 PM
from IP address 71.224.93.107

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as a Flyer fan it does stink...as a hockey fan it's great

by Pelle31

it's like the World Cup...anytime you can get the elite of the elite on the ice it's great to watch.......there is always passion in these games that adds to it.....

I agree there's no upside as a Flyer fan but it's the same for every team that has players in the tourney.....heck half of the Senators could get hurt...if they lose hasek they are done like dinner

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 5:08 PM
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Enjoy what is.

by Sedsey

I do not like the concept of professionals in the Olympics. They are mass marketing events regardless, yes, but I thought it was meant to showcase the finest in amateur sports.

However, any time you can arrange for a national team tournament with the best players, I am very stoked to watch it. I understand the injury concern being heightened with Flyers players going, but since it is to be, why don't we get ready for an awesome display?

The last one was great, and I'm sure this one will be too. Maybe we can hope that a good Olympics will elevate some players, rather than fretting over possible injuries. I see Gagne as a fine example of a player that gained confidence from Olympic and World Championship duties. What might it do for Pitkanen?

I made the point to people the last time out. If I were a Penguins fan <guffaw>, I would have been mighty peeved with Mario saving it up for Team Canada., was my past example. I can't tell people that don't like it that their fears are unfounded.

All I know is that we here in Winnipeg will be ready to enjoy some awesome hockey. Canada will repeat!



Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 4:35 AM
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Not even if he were my son!

by Uncle Ed

"He’s under tremendous pressure in Sweden, I understand that," Snider was quoted as saying. "He’s their top player. I feel bad for Peter, but if he was my son, I would tell him to just say no."

heh heh

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16050518&BRD=1675&PAG=461&dept_id=18170&rfi=6

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 4:41 AM
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Against any pros

by Icer

The worst thing that happened to the olympics was allowing the pros to compete. The pros already have a stage - where can the amatuers play? I know, Russia's teams were pro. But that was before the world's pros all started going to the pro leagues, and before the cold war ended. The Russian army team wouldn't be as star studded now.

No more Miracle on ice..........

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 11:05 AM
from IP address 65.168.203.3

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The Troll

by against

nm

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 11:41 AM
from IP address 198.97.93.137

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Aren't you that 'Puke' guy? :-o

by Many Stickers John

I believe you had asked for this, heave boy.

rjh16@zoominternet.net

Oh. The question. I'm with those who don't like seeing pros in the Olympics and think that an injured player shouldn't be going anywhere to play.


Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 12:27 PM
from IP address 24.154.170.102

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Thanks for playing everyone! Interesting stuff said both ways

by Omaha Flyer

I wanted to get a feel for what everybody thought about OUR players competing in the Olympics, but got a much better discussion this way.

I'll start off by saying that I've never really cared for professional athletes competing in the Olympics. I believe thanks can be given to the 1988 men's basketball team, who didn't win the gold, for the pros competing today.

But I digress...


Since this is the way the games are set up now, I have no problems with the NHLers playing for their respective countries.

At this point in time, I believe that loyalty to your NHL employer is not as strong as loyalty to your country. Maybe it's the after effects of the lock-out or maybe it's more deeply rooted, but I can not and will not fault players for wanting to represent their country on the world stage. I can say that if I were in their position, I would want to represent my country as well.


As for our players (especially one Peter Forsberg)...

I began getting concerned about the Olympics causing problems for us when the injury bug bit both Pitkanen and Desjardins. With Hatcher logging more and more ice time, I had visions of him wearing down come playoff time. And then Forsberg's groin troubles came to center stage.

Again... while I'd like to see OUR guys rest up and get healthy, I'm not going to fault them for wanting to represent their countries. I guess that in this regard, I'm on the fence like my linemate, CT.


For what it's worth, I'd rather see the Olympics as a amateur event, but since it's no longer set up that way, really have no problems with the guys playing in the event.

(that was clear as mud, eh?) F
Rob

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 12:28 PM
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totally against it

by JayBalls

The most prestigious hockey league in the world should not interrupt its season so it's players can participate in an even originally designed for amateurs. If you want to see the best players in the world represent their country, then the winter olympics are the wrong place. Its not like its a longstanding tradtion to send NHL players into the olympics. Maybe they could do what baseball is trying and hold thier international competition in the offseason.
JayBalls

Posted on Feb 2, 2006, 5:02 PM
from IP address 159.91.148.197

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lindros not on leafs roster?

by valjean

whats up? he hasnt played in forever, and now hes not on the roster? anyone know whats going on??

Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 1:54 AM
from IP address 68.32.151.191

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isn't he on injured reserve?

by Lone Star Flyer

Wrist injury of some kind.

Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 5:08 PM
from IP address 66.15.48.40

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I don't like this....Peter Forsberg interview

by Downie16


Do you still plan on playing in the Olympics?
PF: “We came down here and if there was anything else going on then I might be in trouble, but now everything seems to be fine. If I feel healthy and I feel good until the Olympics and everything feels fine, and if I don’t re-injure it or nothing like that, then there should be no problem going over and playing in the Olympics.”

Tuesday, January 31, 2006


Posted on Feb 1, 2006, 12:08 AM
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what are our chances for tuzzi....

by devil killer

i heard some people talkin about the flyers being interested in Bertuzzi. with Primeau out and Weight being traded to carolina do you guys think the flyers will trade for him?

Posted on Jan 31, 2006, 7:11 PM
from IP address 69.69.78.121

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probably a defensman, what else? -nm-

by BwB

..

Posted on Jan 31, 2006, 8:21 PM
from IP address 71.242.63.40

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