tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14624428947360545072024-03-05T21:32:32.239-05:00Between the PipesChelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-44465599635191934192010-10-07T18:29:00.000-04:002010-10-07T18:29:58.135-04:003 Key Improvements the Flyers Need To Make in 2010-2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufRjBpKV7VACzauxlefKFaIAJjmWu5JjPNenkhDM_M571xDIvEjQDgnAfWIQP6DlRaIn2oY5hSeRy_P2twtunhOXEktKMiZUeQzYdZLJjlcHgQmzPVhoJEFIVfNgIkk16N3e1brMnf_mI/s1600/bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufRjBpKV7VACzauxlefKFaIAJjmWu5JjPNenkhDM_M571xDIvEjQDgnAfWIQP6DlRaIn2oY5hSeRy_P2twtunhOXEktKMiZUeQzYdZLJjlcHgQmzPVhoJEFIVfNgIkk16N3e1brMnf_mI/s400/bob.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>photo courtesy of Dave Sandford/Getty Images</i></div><br />
<b>3. Faceoffs</b><br />
All in all, the Flyers were average in the faceoff circle last year. That doesn’t sound terrible, so why the need for major improvement? The thing to note is the Flyers’ centers were awful when it counted: defensive zones draws while shorthanded, offensive zone draws on the powerplay, key moments late in games, etc. Faceoffs are one of those little things in the game that often go unmentioned and underappreciated but have a huge impact on the ice. Keep an eye on this throughout the season.<br />
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<b>2. Discipline</b><br />
I know, I know, I know. We’re the Broad Street Bullies. Orange and Black is synonymous with black and blue in the NHL, and for good reason. The Flyers are as physically demanding an opponent as any team can face. I don’t want to change that—not one bit. Philly has a reputation for taking unnecessary penalties, often for retaliation or overly-physical play. That being said, I think last year was actually a vast improvement in this category already. The team play tough as always, but—for the most part—managed to avoid taking bad penalties late in games. I hope to see this trend of discipline continue, along with the same rough-and-tumble, old time hockey that the Bullies are known for.<br />
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<b>1. Defense </b><br />
Look, it’s not as general as it sounds. Yes, defense wins games and even a Caps-loving puck bunny could tell you that. There’s one monumental thing I’m looking for from the Flyers’ blueline: minimize the number of quality shots by their opponents. If Bouch-Leight-Rovsky faces 30 shots a game, that doesn’t bother me as long as those shots are coming from the perimeter. Philly’s defensemen have to completely shut down the slot and force opponents to work around the point and the side boards. Furthermore, this is not just Chris Pronger’s job; defense is the responsibility of all five guys in front of the goalie. Centers have to be able to pivot in the slot to prevent east-to-west coast passing, and the wingers are responsible for nullifying active defensemen from getting into scoring position. The Flyers don’t have any Vezina Trophy candidates in net, but if they’re able to see all of the shots coming their way, they will stop them.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-64807729103160930392010-10-07T16:18:00.000-04:002010-10-07T16:18:24.096-04:00Oh, Hockey Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4WM_c1NUucoZUNbjCHNmoRAOgyGsqI-7jI-ZpeE78XY4ltboTckUvLm05U_EXDppRmlTBkr3aO1ZFhldBTl4E8MFXBU6hfLAsbqvWIfsE2Tzx9x4bS8pAjfe_0Xo4eFH92MPBTWGP_b5/s1600/AP100925013748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj4WM_c1NUucoZUNbjCHNmoRAOgyGsqI-7jI-ZpeE78XY4ltboTckUvLm05U_EXDppRmlTBkr3aO1ZFhldBTl4E8MFXBU6hfLAsbqvWIfsE2Tzx9x4bS8pAjfe_0Xo4eFH92MPBTWGP_b5/s1600/AP100925013748.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>photo courtesy of AP Photo/Andy King</i></div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-4981833172957271922010-08-09T20:15:00.001-04:002010-08-09T20:15:47.840-04:00Arbitrator Rules In Favor Of NHL, Nullifies Kovy's Contract<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFEsnX57DkEvXUFnhQ6w224WSLMw3XStvwY8AiqHXn8ZLTywAjSxCMYImneSGJn6wveW-QDiO3e0qUgqhCkxfXI6FXMZX3jOi5rOnrMOYmtDgKtOB8xyXLZNGKEmD2efnJ8mr7AT_xsp7/s1600/kovalchuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFEsnX57DkEvXUFnhQ6w224WSLMw3XStvwY8AiqHXn8ZLTywAjSxCMYImneSGJn6wveW-QDiO3e0qUgqhCkxfXI6FXMZX3jOi5rOnrMOYmtDgKtOB8xyXLZNGKEmD2efnJ8mr7AT_xsp7/s320/kovalchuk.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Photo Courtesy of: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</i></div><br />
Just when you thought it might finally be over, you hear the news: Ilya Kovalchuk is officially a free agent (again).<br />
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As promised, the outcome of the Kovalchuk fiasco between the NHL and NHLPA was announced today.<br />
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The arbitrator, Richard Bloch, decided to uphold the league's decision to void the Russian sniper's 17-year deal with the New Jersey Devils.<br />
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Bloch called it "a retirement contract," and claimed that the deal went "well beyond the typical retirement age for NHL players."<br />
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The NHL released this statement regarding the contract grievance:<br />
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<i>"We want to thank Arbitrator Bloch for his prompt resolution of a complex issue. His ruling is consistent with the League's view of the manner in which the Collective Bargaining Agreement should deal with contracts that circumvent the Salary Cap."</i><br />
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Of course, the NHLPA released a statement of their own soon after:<br />
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<i>"We have reviewed and respect Arbitrator Bloch's ruling in the Kovalchuk matter. We also note and appreciate his finding that nothing in his opinion should be read as suggesting that either the club or Ilya Kovalchuk operated in bad faith or on the basis of any assumption other than that the Standard Player Contract was fully compliant with the CBA. That has been our consistent position throughout. While we do not currently have a contract with Ilya Kovalchuk, discussions have resumed and we are hopeful that a contract will be reached that meets with the principles in Arbitrator Bloch's award and the NHL's approval."</i><br />
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What happens from here?<br />
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For starters, it's clear that Bloch's only problem with the deal was the fact that Kovalchuk would have to play until he was 44 to fulfill the contract.<br />
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If that's the case, all the Devils and Kovy have to do is work out a slightly shorter deal with the same type of front-loading to lower his cap hit.<br />
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Chris Pronger, for example, is signed until he becomes 42 years of age.<br />
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Since the NHL did not attack that contract (or Roberto Luongo or Marian Hossa's), it is fair to assume Kovalchuk could do the same.<br />
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Before the hearing, it was speculated that the NHL had no case because they had set no precedent against these deals in the past.<br />
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However, now that Bloch has decided age is the limiting factor, a new precedent has been set.<br />
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And while the league may be pleased with the short-term outcome of the case, the long-term consequences could prove to be much worse.<br />
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Many believe this argument is the beginning of another lockout in 2012, when the NHL and NHLPA will meet to renegotiate the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).<br />
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A lockout would be bad news for the league, players, and fans alike.<br />
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That being said, it's still a real possibility that there'll be no NHL in 2012 if this dispute isn't resolved properly.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-52846208331146437312010-08-03T16:38:00.000-04:002010-08-03T16:38:14.657-04:00Chris Pronger Latest Addition to Flyers' Offseason Surgery List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IU_-voFdvKFE5EAXhfxm2P_V8iF9fBTUPdVDHy11Pkqtov49KfCiE3zHSbRq28aMD1D75G4lr6kWRL5ys9FlpS4U90ARaLRPjoqAvnDeVg7He3YedCYZ_EGIU-fl92c65MSPSVQvZ_7I/s1600/prongerbyfuglien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IU_-voFdvKFE5EAXhfxm2P_V8iF9fBTUPdVDHy11Pkqtov49KfCiE3zHSbRq28aMD1D75G4lr6kWRL5ys9FlpS4U90ARaLRPjoqAvnDeVg7He3YedCYZ_EGIU-fl92c65MSPSVQvZ_7I/s320/prongerbyfuglien.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Photo Courtesy of: <span class="article-photo-wrapper"><span>Jim McIsaac/Getty Images</span></span></div><br />
105 games later, it's no surprise that the Black and Orange have become the Black and Blue.<br />
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According to several sources (and broken by Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly), both Chris Pronger and Dan Carcillo are currently recovering from successful offseason surgeries.<br />
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Last week, Pronger had arthroscopic knee surgery and Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren is confident about the timetable of his return.<br />
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"Chris Pronger had minor surgery on his right knee... He will be ready for the start of training camp."<br />
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It hasn't been confirmed when Carcillo had his abdominal and stomach surgery for his sports hernia, but it looks like he should return in time for the season as well.<br />
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These latest surgeries can be added to the Flyers' typical laundry list of offseason procedures. <br />
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Blair Betts and Ville Leino have also gone under the knife this summer. While Leino should be ready for training camp, it's likely that fans will have to wait until early November to see #11 back on the ice. <br />
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Leino had hip surgery while Betts had surgery on his shoulder. Betts dislocated his shoulder twice this season.<br />
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Mark Malinowski of The Hockey News interviewed him this past season and asked about his most painful moment.<br />
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"Dislocated my shoulder a few times."<br />
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We have to imagine Betts was joking around, as he has dislocated his shoulder upwards of 10 times during his NHL career.<br />
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Despite the extensive list of injured Flyers, keep in mind that this is has become a typical offseason for most NHL teams. <br />
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By the time training camp rolls around, look for the majority of the Orange and Black to be lacing up their skates and looking for another run at the Cup.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-12006825343052385422010-08-03T15:19:00.001-04:002010-08-03T16:40:16.422-04:00NHL Headlines: All The Signings You Missed This Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNJtWoWMQEChABISPfgvVcXRWROmbMsDE_YrymMMsyzO2cO9bBR4yaFI491QBRhPkdZ54bi5NKVFM07lzNnxmdDsXw-OZRHVMMji0j_tiwZAKY67VT3F9hva-VqD8JqN930_z4crpIG7c/s1600/mike+modano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNJtWoWMQEChABISPfgvVcXRWROmbMsDE_YrymMMsyzO2cO9bBR4yaFI491QBRhPkdZ54bi5NKVFM07lzNnxmdDsXw-OZRHVMMji0j_tiwZAKY67VT3F9hva-VqD8JqN930_z4crpIG7c/s320/mike+modano.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-style: italic;">Photo Courtesy of: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</span></div><br />
The biggest story of the week?<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span> <br />
Marty Turco is now a Chicago Blackhawk and Antti Niemi is filing for unemployment.<br />
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However, a lot has been going on in the hockey world other than the Turco/Niemi fiasco.<br />
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So...here's a recap of the past week's signings and departures you might have missed while you were constantly checking Twitter to see if the Flyers signed Niemi:<br />
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<ul><li>Mere hours after the Anaheim Ducks avoided going to arbitration with <b>James Wisniewski</b>, the club traded the burly defenseman to the New York Islanders for a future third-round draft pick. The 26-year-old has yet to reach his potential in the NHL, but finding himself as a big fish in a little pond next year might bring out the serious numbers he's capable of posting. (<a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/07/ducks-send-defenseman-james-wisniewski-to-the-islanders.html" mce_href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/07/ducks-send-defenseman-james-wisniewski-to-the-islanders.html" target="_blank"><i>Los Angeles Times</i></a>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>The New York Rangers acquired veteran center <b>Todd White</b> from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for and <b>Peter</b> <b>Rassmiller</b>. The blue shirts gain some depth at center, while Atlanta clears up almost $1 million in cap space by waiving Rassmiller and buying out Brashear's contract. (<i><a href="http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/blueshirts_get_white_from_atl_LmOxl7fOTq9DyLvLJHk6qJ" mce_href="http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/rangers/blueshirts_get_white_from_atl_LmOxl7fOTq9DyLvLJHk6qJ" target="_blank">NY Post</a></i>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>Twitter aficionado and former 1st round pick <b>Erik Johnson</b> re-signed with the St. Louis Blues. According to the team, the talented young defenseman committed to a two-year deal worth $5.6 million. There's little doubt that Johnson will be worth much more than that by the time his contract expires. (<i><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/article_507a70ab-3705-5996-98fb-4be39d019081.html" mce_href="http://www.stltoday.com/sports/hockey/professional/article_507a70ab-3705-5996-98fb-4be39d019081.html" target="_blank">St. Louis Dispatch</a></i>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>After getting hit by a truck and still showing up on time for a game in Philadelphia, then New York Islander <b>Brendan Witt </b>made a name for himself. Unfortunately, the Isles have decided to buy out the final year of Witt's contract and send him looking for work elsewhere--perhaps in the Iron Man industry. (<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=535319" mce_href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=535319">NHL.com</a>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>For all of you experts out there, the Anaheim Ducks announced the signing of free agent defenseman <b>Andy Sutton </b>to a $4.25 million, two-year deal. At 6'6" and 245 lbs, Sutton brings some serious physicality with him to the West Coast club. I'm not asking you this, I'm telling you. (<i><a href="http://ducks.ocregister.com/2010/08/02/ducks-expected-to-sign-sutton/41773/" mce_href="http://ducks.ocregister.com/2010/08/02/ducks-expected-to-sign-sutton/41773/">Orange County Register</a></i>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>The Brett Favre of the NHL, the great <b><span style="font-size: small;">Peter Forsberg</span></b>, is back on the ice. The incredibly skilled forward recently began practicing with his former Swedish team MoDo, informing the Swedish press that he "feels good and wants to play again." Coming to the NHL again? Probably not. (<a href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/reports-indicate-peter-forsberg-wants-to-play-for-modo-again-what-about-another-nhl-run.php" mce_href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/reports-indicate-peter-forsberg-wants-to-play-for-modo-again-what-about-another-nhl-run.php" target="_blank">ProHockey Talk</a>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>Over the past two months, the Buffalo Sabres blue-line has changed faces more times than Joan Rivers. While Buffalo lost Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman to free agency, they also picked up Jordan Leopold from the Pittsburgh Penguins and most recently <b>Shaone Morrissonn</b> from the Washington Capitals. The burly, hard-working defenseman is sure to fit in nicely with the Sabres. (<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=5432487" mce_href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=5432487" target="_blank">ESPN.com</a>)</li>
</ul><ul><li><b>Glen Metropolit</b>, veteran of seven NHL clubs--including the Philadelphia Flyers and most recently the Montreal Canadiens--signed a two-year deal with EV Zug of the Swedish Elite League. The 36-year-old center was always well-liked by teammates and fans for his personable demeanor and great work ethic. Best of luck to Metro in Europe. (<a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=329359" mce_href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=329359" target="_blank">TSN.ca</a>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>Speaking of dinosaurs, 40-year-old <b>Mike Modano </b>will announce on Thursday that he will be a Detroit Red Wing next season. Modano, a Michigan native, currently stands as the highest scoring American-born player in NHL history. After having spent twenty years in the same organization (MIN North Stars, Dallas Stars), it will be some sort of strange to see Modano sporting a Red Wings jersey next year. (<a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20100802/SPORTS05/100802064/1319/Mike-Modano-will-sign-with-the-Red-Wings" mce_href="http://www.freep.com/article/20100802/SPORTS05/100802064/1319/Mike-Modano-will-sign-with-the-Red-Wings" target="_blank"><i>Detroit Free Press</i></a>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>The #2 pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft, <b>Tyler Seguin</b>, finally came to terms with the Boston Bruins today. The 18-year-old centerman's contract is rumored to be for three years at $900,000 before bonuses. Despite the good news, the B's are already over the cap after signing Blake Wheeler to a one-year deal last week. Sure makes for an interesting rest of the summer in Beantown. (<a href="http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2010/08/seguin_to_sign.html" mce_href="http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2010/08/seguin_to_sign.html" target="_blank"><i>The Boston Globe</i></a>)</li>
</ul><ul><li>Finally, in news you probably couldn't care less about, the New York Islanders re-signed unrestricted free agent <b>Jon Sim </b>to a one-year deal. Unlike his last deal with the Isles, Sim agreed to a two-way contract that could send him to the team's AHL affiliate without a word from the veteran. (<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=535397" mce_href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=535397">NHL.com</a>)</li>
</ul><ul></ul>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-9443226887044739602010-08-02T17:37:00.002-04:002010-08-03T16:41:48.656-04:00Antti Niemi Not Coming To Philly, Flyers Ready To Ride The Leighton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhjotjJ1R2va-lghFqd66Dhg37rpgBhWJnA-LP9YOkUzrgjJNIaqfl8tXJ2jorDYyeuQuJHnScdfGnTEdh5G1MGXEjDStzZehTUyKc-DNRopX-H1dbNtbanPOfd-FZPH6eOwxrUjWUV1L/s1600/antti+niemi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhjotjJ1R2va-lghFqd66Dhg37rpgBhWJnA-LP9YOkUzrgjJNIaqfl8tXJ2jorDYyeuQuJHnScdfGnTEdh5G1MGXEjDStzZehTUyKc-DNRopX-H1dbNtbanPOfd-FZPH6eOwxrUjWUV1L/s320/antti+niemi2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo Courtesy of: Bruce Bennet/Getty Images</i> </div><br />
Paul Holmgren told reporters today that the Flyers are not interested in signing UFA goaltender Antti Niemi.<br />
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<a href="http://twitter.com/tpanotch">Tim Panaccio</a> of CSNPhilly, as well as <a href="http://twitter.com/BroadStBull">Sam Carchidi</a> of the Philadelphia Inquirer, tweeted the news just hours ago.<br />
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Niemi, who helped Chicago win the Stanley Cup last June, became a free agent today after the Chicago Blackhawks signed former Dallas Stars netminder Marty Turco and opted to let the young Finnish native walk.<br />
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Already in serious cap trouble, Chicago went with Turco between the pipes (and his $1.3 million, one-year deal) over Niemi and his arbitration award of $2.75 million.<br />
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The Blackhawks were hoping to sign and trade Niemi in an effort to acquire some aspiring talent or draft picks, but there simply was not enough of a market to ship Niemi for anything in return. (See Tim Thomas)<br />
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For the Flyers, it makes perfect sense that the team would decide to let Niemi find a starting role somewhere else.<br />
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Philadelphia isn't in the greatest cap situation themselves, and would have to move a few more pieces around in order to sign Niemi.<br />
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Additionally, Philadelphia has several goaltending prospects--namely 21-year-old Russian Sergei Bobrovsky--who will be making a run for the #1 spot in the next few years.<br />
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Teams left on Niemi's list?<br />
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Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks, and Edmonton Oilers.<br />
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No takers yet, but it would be hard to imagine a goaltender going from winning the Stanley Cup one season to finding himself a backup the next.<br />
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Keep an eye out for news about Niemi in the following weeks.<br />
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Meanwhile, keep checking out Between the Pipes for lots of hockey goodness!<br />
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-Stick tap to <a href="http://philabright.com/">Ryan Bright from Philabright</a> for the title idea!Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-69673441574369046422010-08-02T11:57:00.003-04:002010-08-03T16:42:54.346-04:00Confirmed: Marty Turco Now A Chicago Blackhawk, Niemi Set To Leave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f6uV-B6CXja24ZE6tc74nALsRfmPBNSFNXCsZ0HNqIgejsqCaearlc9q0dhTCAXEOY0NiteguJkjeHlGGbvEB5bu65U72ZwElksbmncXjpseYcsSOJ-sqbIytTU6HMlZV1JwgA6PJPOx/s1600/marty+turco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-f6uV-B6CXja24ZE6tc74nALsRfmPBNSFNXCsZ0HNqIgejsqCaearlc9q0dhTCAXEOY0NiteguJkjeHlGGbvEB5bu65U72ZwElksbmncXjpseYcsSOJ-sqbIytTU6HMlZV1JwgA6PJPOx/s320/marty+turco.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo Courtesy of: Jeff Vinnik/Getty Images</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hours after the rumors were claimed to be false, the Chicago Blackhawks finally confirmed today that they have signed former Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco to a one-year deal.<br />
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Furthermore, the 'Hawks have also declared that they are no longer interested in the services of Finnish rookie Antti Niemi, who helped the team capture the Stanley Cup last June.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last night reports surfaced from WGNTV in Chicago that the 35-year-old Turco was Chicago's new goalie, despite the fact that no member of the organization confirmed the signing.<br />
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This morning the club announced that the speculation surrounding the situation was correct, and that Niemi was indeed the odd man out after being awarded $2.75 million in his arbitration hearing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On the other hand, Turco is expected to make around $1.5 million this year, which is music to the ears of a team already over the salary cap.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Up to this point, Turco had played his entire career in the Stars organization, putting up 262 wins with .911 SV% and 2.31 GAA over ten seasons in the NHL.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The much younger Niemi leaves the windy city with a .912 SV%, 2.25 GAA, and Stanley Cup ring to boot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">While the Chicago faithful would have liked to see the up-and-coming netminder stay with the 'Hawks, cap issues often take precedence over fan-favorites. (<a href="http://btwnthepipes.blogspot.com/2010/07/going-going-gagne-playoff-hero-shipped.html">See: Simon Gagne</a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Teams rumored to be interested in Niemi are the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks.</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-60424967891619544642010-07-31T18:47:00.002-04:002010-08-03T16:44:43.591-04:00Is Marty Turco The Philadelphia Flyers New Starting Goaltender?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EvHB1WWMsArnU3l0lHYPQ4bXVVgRsl1jCfQuyUWJkT_W8nNckWgZiIssejtVN3U7Qxm1n6hh0i3c0PkbA2xv4Sgv0x0zGZWVlpwXURGWfT3NOwfYPheY7Qo2_mGdT5ZeyBBMLBe15rWD/s1600/marty+turco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EvHB1WWMsArnU3l0lHYPQ4bXVVgRsl1jCfQuyUWJkT_W8nNckWgZiIssejtVN3U7Qxm1n6hh0i3c0PkbA2xv4Sgv0x0zGZWVlpwXURGWfT3NOwfYPheY7Qo2_mGdT5ZeyBBMLBe15rWD/s320/marty+turco.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo Courtesy of: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Rumors surfaced yesterday that the Chicago Blackhawks had <a href="http://twitter.com/NHLSourcesSay/status/19950699780">reached a verbal agreement </a>with former Dallas Stars goaltender <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8460612#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Marty Turco</a>, contingent upon the outcome of current 'Hawks netminder <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474550#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Antti Niemi</a>'s arbitration case.<br />
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Turco's alleged contract was for one year at $1.5 million, if Chicago opted to trade or let Niemi walk after his hearing.<br />
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Several sources, including <a href="http://nhl.com/">NHL.com</a>, reported this afternoon that <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=535282">Niemi was awarded $2.75 million</a> by the arbitrator, giving the Blackhawks 48 hours to accept the offer or send the Finnish native packing.<br />
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What does this all mean?<br />
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Several analysts, including<a href="http://twitter.com/mirtle"> James Mirtle</a> of The Globe and Mail, believe that Chicago will find a way to keep Niemi and still get under the cap before the season starts.<br />
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Assuming that this holds true and Niemi stays in Chicago, Turco is not left with a plethora of options.<br />
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The Flyers are certainly a team that has expressed interest in the veteran goalie before, and one that would fit the "contender" criteria that Turco is looking for in his future club.<br />
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If the numbers from Turco's agreement with the Blackhawks were accurate, Philadelphia could certainly add his experience between the pipes and still easily maneuver their way under the salary cap.<br />
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As of today, the Flyers have just over $300K in cap space.<br />
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However, that number reflects the eight defensemen and fourteen forwards currently on the team's roster.<br />
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It's quite likely that the Flyers will trim their lineup by at least two players by the time the season starts.<br />
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One option would be to send recent acquisition Matt Walker down to the AHL, freeing up an additional $1.7 million to sign Turco to a short-term deal.<br />
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The 35-year-old goaltender has all the right credentials, posting six consecutive seasons with 30 or more wins before stumbling a bit last year, reaching just 22 wins in 53 starts.<br />
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And if the Stanley Cup finals were any indication, it seems that Michael Leighton cannot compete at the top of his game consistently for an entire season.<br />
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Turco would finally give the Flyers some security in net, something the organization has been trying to pin down for decades.<br />
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Is Turco a godsend? No.<br />
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Would he be an improvement over the Flyers current goaltending situation? Absolutely.<br />
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Disagree? Comment and let us know what you think!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Chelsea & Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792844893254658454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-25588274525379061372010-07-27T16:42:00.005-04:002010-07-27T19:20:55.562-04:00The Guys You Love To Hate: The NHL's Top 5 Agitators<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQxdo6Ljc6wheyJH68YVDUyLIqLUwy1cS22ii7jvOKE2fMZ25wGXW9BTP6iKMoX9QK6gdFtyAv2GZKxLMAZVkoa8AbEr6Zvh2sRbq-SGtQ-bFtSfkiIvl9uHB8H4qskAwxSsNh_HmReN6/s1600/sean+avery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQxdo6Ljc6wheyJH68YVDUyLIqLUwy1cS22ii7jvOKE2fMZ25wGXW9BTP6iKMoX9QK6gdFtyAv2GZKxLMAZVkoa8AbEr6Zvh2sRbq-SGtQ-bFtSfkiIvl9uHB8H4qskAwxSsNh_HmReN6/s320/sean+avery.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Photo Courtesy of: <span class="article-photo-wrapper">Harry How/Getty Images</span></i></div><br />
Inspired by <a href="http://bit.ly/aH7sOR">TSN's top ten agitators of all-time</a>, here are the five best players at getting under your skin in the NHL right now.<br />
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5. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8465951#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Matt Cooke</a>, LW -- Pittsburgh Penguins (859 PIM's in 738 games)<br />
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At 5'11" and 205 lbs, Cooke is one of the smaller pests in the league. Despite his small stature, the Cookie Monster (as he's known in Pittsburgh) is one tough guy to play against.<br />
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While Cooke has been a trash-talker since his days in Vancouver, it wasn't until he knocked Boston Bruins center <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8462118#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Marc Savard</a> unconscious that his over-the-edge physical style of play saw NHL headlines.<br />
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The hit went unpenalized and Cooke was not suspended even though it was clear that he stuck out his elbow, catching Savard's head and sending him off the ice on a stretcher. Here's the hit:<br />
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Although the league did not discipline Cooke for injuring Savard, the hockey gods sought their revenge.<br />
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About a month after the hit, the world watched 19-year old rookie <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8475169#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Evander Kane</a> knockout Cooke with one punch this scrap:<br />
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Karma never tasted so sweet.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8459574#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Darcy Tucker</a>, RW -- Colorado Avalanche (1,410 PIM's in 947 games)<br />
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Tucker's spot is more of an ode to his days with the Toronto Maple Leafs than to his current play.<br />
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At 35 years of age and plagued with injury problems, Tucker is more of a veteran role player now and less of an instigator.<br />
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That being said, Tucker is one of the most intense guys to ever play the game.<br />
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He can yap with the best of them, and will hit anything that moves. Aside from crushing body checks, Tucker is best known for giving it his all every game, all over the ice.<br />
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People may hate him for flattening their favorite star players, but Tucker is universally respected for his infectious work ethic.<br />
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Plus, the world may never see another hit like this:<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468505#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Steve Ott</a>, C/LW -- Dallas Stars (831 PIM's in 410 games)<br />
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As you might imagine, a guy with twice as many penalty minutes as games and three different suspensions is a pretty good agitator. <br />
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Ott, like Tucker, is a player renowned for his non-stop hustle as well as his gritty play. <br />
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When he's not busy running his mouth, the Dallas pest can score his fair share of goals.<br />
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A first-round pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Ott sees ice-time on both the Stars' powerplay and penalty-killing units, not giving opponents respite from his constant verbal and physical abuse.<br />
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Here's the hit that earned Ott his most recent suspension last season:<br />
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2. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470666#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Daniel Carcillo</a>, LW -- Philadelphia Flyers (859 PIM's in 225 games)<br />
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Some players talk a lot but won't back it up.<br />
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Daniel Carcillo is not one of those guys.<br />
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Carbomb (as his teammates affectionately call him) is as hated for his cheeky personality as he is feared for his physical play and fighting ability.<br />
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A Carcillo hit is the equivalent of standing still in front of an oncoming freight train. Don't believe me? Just ask Jeff Carter:<br />
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How do you make it to #2 on the top agitator list? <br />
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Get 29 penalty minutes on one shift. Check.<br />
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<object height="500" width="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-etUuat5sTI&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-etUuat5sTI&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />
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Beat the snot out of an NHL superstar. Check.<br />
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<object height="500" width="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Prk2Lojjmbw&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Prk2Lojjmbw&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />
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Score clutch goals just to rub it in. Check.<br />
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<object height="500" width="405"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AeZbleqew6s&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AeZbleqew6s&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object><br />
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1. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468224#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Sean Avery</a>, LW -- New York Rangers (1,338 PIM's in 489 games)<br />
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You can't spell ass with Avery.<br />
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Well, technically you can but that's not the point.<br />
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When it comes to being the most annoying person to play against on the planet, Avery has mastered the art.<br />
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He simply will not shut up.<br />
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You're on the ice, he's talking to you.<br />
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You're on the bench, he's talking to you.<br />
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You're in the penalty box, he's talking to you.<br />
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Finally, you're so sick of him you take a cheap shot and force your team to play shorthanded for two minutes.<br />
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For Sean Avery, mission accomplished.<br />
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The objective of an agitator is to get the other team's star players off of their game. To have them thinking about beating the lights out of this guy instead of trying to score goals.<br />
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Avery is hands down the best in the game at frustrating opponents with constant nagging and occasional cheap shots.<br />
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Once the NHL has been forced to make a rule because of you, you've earned the top spot on our countdown.<br />
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<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ec_2oKWe2Gw&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ec_2oKWe2Gw&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-70345789304470068622010-07-26T15:13:00.002-04:002010-07-26T15:14:57.360-04:00Back in Black (And Orange): Fresh Start For The Flyers in 2010-2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCRcGboUlcp0nEvLbxyXGl4_wdjVkq6cp1aGSLvVTtkAKE67mmIOqc6Ic-4rxZ8ee_g3fndL6eFRUZf2I3tUImlUqePmNsE_nF-6oyQznTfn8WoFOQQgiFFjt_zWT7BFiATE5fKvwvcJr/s1600/richards+preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCRcGboUlcp0nEvLbxyXGl4_wdjVkq6cp1aGSLvVTtkAKE67mmIOqc6Ic-4rxZ8ee_g3fndL6eFRUZf2I3tUImlUqePmNsE_nF-6oyQznTfn8WoFOQQgiFFjt_zWT7BFiATE5fKvwvcJr/s320/richards+preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo Courtesy of: Bruce Bennet, Getty Images</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When Blackhawks phenom <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474141#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Patrick Kane</a> beat Philly netminder <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468038#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Michael Leighton</a> from an unholy angle to capture Chicago's first Cup in nearly five decades, it was a tough pill for Flyers fans to swallow.<br />
<br />
Disbelief quickly transformed into anger and disappointment.<br />
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Each day that passed was increasingly painful, and what would have otherwise been a fantastic season felt more like a gigantic failure for ending the way it did.<br />
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I couldn't help but self-masochistically watch the Cup parade through the Windy City, along with innumerable advertisements on <a href="http://nhl.com/">NHL.com</a> and <a href="http://espn.go.com/">ESPN</a> for Blackhawks 2010 Champion gear.<br />
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It felt like it would last a lifetime; nothing could take away the fact that the Flyers were that close to glory and collapsed at the very last second.<br />
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But at last, thoughts of last season are finally beginning to fade and now it's time to look forward.<br />
<br />
The offseason is a time for wounds to heal for players and fans alike, as well as to regain the strength and confidence required to compete for the greatest trophy in sports.<br />
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With that, let's take a look at your 2010-2011 Philadelphia Flyers.<br />
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The greatest change for the orange and black has already received plenty of analysis--<a href="http://btwnthepipes.blogspot.com/2010/07/going-going-gagne-playoff-hero-shipped.html">the Simon Gagne trade</a>.<br />
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In short, the absence of Gagne in the Flyers lineup makes room for <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473512#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Claude Giroux</a>, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474037#&navid=nhl-keymatch">James van Riemsdyk</a>, and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474551#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Ville Leino</a> to take their game to the next level and become high-impact players for Philly.<br />
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While all three of these young athletes have shown flashes of brilliance--especially in the playoffs--it's time for them to become more consistent contributors during the regular season.<br />
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Secondary scoring was a huge factor for the Flyers success in 2008-2009 (six players with 30+ goals), but last year only <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470617#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Mike Richards</a> and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470604#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Jeff Carter</a> surpassed the 30-goal mark.<br />
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Even without Gagne, Philadelphia is still stacked offensively with the aforementioned Richards and Carter, in addition to <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8464975#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Daniel Briere</a>, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8468486#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Scott Hartnell</a>, and recently-signed <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3328">Nikolai Zherdev</a>.<br />
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Hartnell stumbled last year--posting 44 points in 81 games--but had a fantastic postseason, reminiscent of the 60-point player he was just two years ago.<br />
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With increased production from Hartnell and the team's young core, the Flyers will be a serious threat in the opponent's zone.<br />
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On the back end, Philadelphia has only improved upon what was already one of the best defensive units in the league this past season.<br />
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Led by grizzled veteran <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3328">Chris Pronger</a>, the Flyers defensive pairings feature a perfect blend of toughness and offensive ability.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8459670#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Kimmo Timonen</a> is year-in and year-out among the most consistent and responsible blue-liners in the game. Although he often goes unnoticed because of his size, Timonen's flawless positioning and anticipation make him incredibly frustrating for star forwards to play against.<br />
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Filling in alongside Pronger and Timonen are <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470640#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Matt Carle</a> and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470601#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Braydon Coburn</a>, respectively. Both of these young players are smart, smooth-skating defenseman that nicely complement their more-experienced defense partners.<br />
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GM Paul Holmgren also acquired <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471236#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Andrej Meszaros</a> from Tampa Bay and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8458637#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Sean O'Donnell</a> from Los Angeles to round out the Flyers third pairing. Both stand at 6'2" and at a combined 460 lbs, these two defensemen bring even more grit and sizey to a team that's renowned for their physical style of play.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471756#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Oskars Bartulis</a> and new acquisition <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471756#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Matt Walker</a> are the odd men out for Philadelphia, and will likely not see playing time unless one of the top-six gets hurt.<br />
<br />
In net, the Flyers will be sporting the less-than-threatening duo of Michael Leighton and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8462052#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Brian Boucher</a>. <br />
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That being said, if Leighton plays more consistently, he's as good of a starting goaltender as any other out there.<br />
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Boucher was reliable as a back-up last year, but struggled when he was shoved into the #1 spot due to <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469548#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Ray Emery'</a>s season-ending injury.<br />
<br />
Lastly, the Flyers added even more grit to their bottom lines by signing heavyweight enforcer <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8462535#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Jody Shelley</a> to a three-year deal. <br />
<br />
Contrary to what many have said and believe, Holmgren has every intention of giving Shelley serious playing time and not just using him as a pair of granite boxing gloves.<br />
<br />
All-in-all, the orange and black won't look as different next year as one might imagine, given the number of moves they've made this summer.<br />
<br />
For the most part, Philadelphia has managed keep their roster intact after just missing out on hoisting the Stanley Cup in June.<br />
<br />
The Flyers' careful balance between grit and skill that has been the shining star of this organization since its inception in 1967 remains strong today, and the team will undoubtedly make another serious run for the Cup next season.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-2652766675926535842010-07-23T14:43:00.003-04:002010-07-26T11:31:12.474-04:00The Top 3 Arbitration Hearings To Watch This Summer<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnznhmPzy1UBON2iohyphenhyphenylGpYL7Ev4I_XMZlNw-jtcxQlD5f8HOkf7C0aJOB3NYFamGTenNZIQnTLnbAn3f9OZPZSqDjVHNOYCXTeC9WR6Rb86nm90hWU-t237-BZhaNbVg74M3J-b_Zrdr/s1600/mason+raymond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnznhmPzy1UBON2iohyphenhyphenylGpYL7Ev4I_XMZlNw-jtcxQlD5f8HOkf7C0aJOB3NYFamGTenNZIQnTLnbAn3f9OZPZSqDjVHNOYCXTeC9WR6Rb86nm90hWU-t237-BZhaNbVg74M3J-b_Zrdr/s320/mason+raymond.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo Courtesy of NHLSourcesSay</i> </div><div class="MsoNormal">3. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471664#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Mason Raymond – LW</a> , Vancouver Canucks</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Canucks are already over the cap by more than $1 million and already sufficiently deep at left wing. </div><div class="MsoNormal">After scoring only 23 points in his first full season with Vancouver in 2008-2009, Raymond enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2010 where he doubled his point production, finishing with 25 goals and 28 assists.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Despite greatly improving over the past year, Raymond simply doesn’t fit into Vancouver’s plans for the future. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The Canucks have a consistent 80+ point LW in <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8467875#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Daniel Sedin</a> and a gritty goal-scorer on the same wing in <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470358#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Alexandre Burrows</a>, which would drop Raymond to the third line. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Sedin is under contract for four more years, and Burrows is set to make just $2 million for the next three years, a cheap price for a guy who has only missed one game through the past four seasons. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Moreover, Burrows has tallied 52 more points and 376 more PIM’s than Raymond over the last three years, as well as finishing a plus-68 over that time period.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/07/mason-raymond-gilbert-brule-jeff-schultz-and-andrew-ladd-file-for-salary-arbitration.php">TSN reported a couple weeks ago</a> that Raymond could be awarded $3 million per season, while rumors surfaced recently from <a href="http://twitter.com/NHLSourcesSay">HendricksHockey.net</a> that he is looking for as much as $3.5-4 million/year. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Even if those numbers are a bit high, there’s no question that the Canucks would rather let him walk and hang on to the cheaper and stronger option in Burrows, especially considering their current cap and roster situation.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">2. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470852#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Matt Moulson – LW</a> , New York Islanders</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnAgHRhmZewOaV4GI0mQJwaKYl0_6-wgnr3ysFjj8_yTVtWVvMfMtOgMn4uaYbqCE9NNEdpf9grtOG6zBqOfdDqd9diGljsbwzIaUS_uXyHbE1i43HXrQKoPM9wX_Atuvx5yXCkjrkUWJ/s320/matt+moulson.jpg" width="320" /><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i> Photo Courtesy of NetDugout.com</i></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Islanders are in the exact opposite position when it comes to the salary cap, nearly $7 million below the cap floor.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Of the eleven forwards currently on the New York’s roster, rookie sensation <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8475166#&navid=nhl-keymatch">John Tavares </a>is the highest paid at $3.75 million/year before bonuses. Seven of those nine players are currently making under $1 million per season.</div><div class="MsoNormal">So why not give Moulson—who scored thirty goals in his first complete NHL season—a hefty contract to try to get closer to the cap floor while also locking up more young talent? </div><div class="MsoNormal">No idea.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Islanders are in serious need of adding some salary to their roster, and Moulson gives them an easy solution.</div><div class="MsoNormal">There’s no reason for Moulson and the Isles to go to arbitration, so it’ll be interesting to see how this pans out.</div><div class="MsoNormal">1. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474550#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Antti Niemi – G</a> , Chicago Blackhawks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS1Oy9NsnKkAtd1R5SM2at898sJlc31ncgUOZx75S4VIql0o8NW3C5FgzgQakaKm9k84oUiBR3ghJn0ub8nIHWXHAFDwCD2WpSq4PTY96JwlEUwr1EB-Zay5XmhMqNjSXN13ftkSfhqOX/s320/antti+niemi.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-style: italic;">Photo Courtesy of ChicagoNow.com</span>Niemi’s arbitration case is by far the most anticipated hearing of the offseason—and for good reason.</div><div class="MsoNormal">After signing <a href="http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=272">Cristobal Huet to a 4-year, $22.5 million deal</a> last year, the Blackhawks never thought they’d find themselves in this situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Huet struggles throughout the 2009-2010 led coach Joel Quenneville to try out the Finnish rookie Niemi between the pipes.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Surely enough, Niemi shined in net and ultimately helped his team capture the Stanley Cup last June. </div><div class="MsoNormal">However, the good times in Chicago didn’t last long.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cap problems forced the team to get rid of <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470834#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Dustin Byfuglien</a>, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470280#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Ben Eager</a>, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471217#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Andrew Ladd</a>, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471346#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Kris Versteeg</a>, and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8464967#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Marty Reasoner</a> this offseason.</div><div class="MsoNormal">And now the moment that many Blackhawks fans have been dreading is growing close: Niemi’s arbitration case.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The ‘Hawks are barely $100,000 under the cap without re-signing Niemi, who made $800K last season.</div><div class="MsoNormal">While the rookie goaltender certainly benefited from Chicago’s incredibly strong defensive unit, his .912 save percentage and 2.25 GAA are no fluke either.</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s a sure thing that Niemi will be awarded a hefty sum by the arbitrator—the only questions that remain are exactly how much will he get and how will the Blackhawks make room to sign him.</div><div class="MsoNormal">That is, of course, if the Blackhawks decide to bring him back at all.</div><div class="MsoNormal">While fans and teammates alike would certainly love to see Niemi back in Chicago, the team may have no choice depending on the arbitrator’s ruling and their cap situation at the end of the summer.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Only time will tell where Niemi will be playing next season.</div>Chelsea & Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792844893254658454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-69274509120033006652010-07-22T12:56:00.002-04:002010-07-22T13:00:29.190-04:00Powe Signs One-Year Deal With Flyers, Trouble Brewing in Philly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjaL1a3Ic4SBpiPx8DM3fETJhaAquEK4UEHVfNuPtuubM0F9oy64BBhdqO6uFxce_oDcwnQUmb4rzeWy9dJZqcp0ZH8J1z16Lk9dVTNnE3BQ-4rUVFG5C62olGazu7PZgE8MgBw8wQScx/s1600/powe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjaL1a3Ic4SBpiPx8DM3fETJhaAquEK4UEHVfNuPtuubM0F9oy64BBhdqO6uFxce_oDcwnQUmb4rzeWy9dJZqcp0ZH8J1z16Lk9dVTNnE3BQ-4rUVFG5C62olGazu7PZgE8MgBw8wQScx/s320/powe.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo Courtesy of Jeff Hapeman</i> </div><br />
With the <a href="http://btwnthepipes.blogspot.com/2010/07/going-going-gagne-playoff-hero-shipped.html" mce_href="http://btwnthepipes.blogspot.com/2010/07/going-going-gagne-playoff-hero-shipped.html" target="_blank">Gagne trade</a><span class="mceItemHidden"> still fresh in the minds of Philadelphia Flyers fans, the re-signing of Princeton graduate <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473932#&navid=nhl-keymatch" mce_href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473932#&navid=nhl-keymatch" target="_blank"><span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">Darroll</span> <span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">Powe</span></a> flew greatly under the radar last night.</span><br />
<br />
The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tb/a519A" mce_href="http://bleacherreport.com/tb/a519A" target="_blank">Philadelphia Daily News</a> reported that Powe's new deal is a worth $725,000, an increase from only $532,500 last year.<br />
<br />
<span class="mceItemHidden"><span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">Powe</span> laced up his skates for 63 games last season, tallying 15 points and racking up 54 PIM's for the orange and black.</span><br />
<br />
As is often the case, with good news comes bad news as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://twitter.com/sbaicker" mce_href="http://twitter.com/sbaicker" target="_blank"><span class="mceItemHidden">Sarah <span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">Baicker</span></span></a><span class="mceItemHidden"> of <span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">CSN</span> Philly </span><a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/07/21/10/Betts-Could-Be-Four-Months-From-Return/landing_flyerandice.html?blockID=275183&feedID=6572" mce_href="http://www.csnphilly.com/07/21/10/Betts-Could-Be-Four-Months-From-Return/landing_flyerandice.html?blockID=275183&feedID=6572" target="_blank">spoke with forward Blair Betts</a><span class="mceItemHidden"> yesterday, who informed her that he is four months away from returning from off-season shoulder surgery.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="mceItemHidden">Betts was a staple on the Flyers penalty killing unit in 2009-2010, in addition to a great face-off man.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="mceItemHidden">While Philadelphia will miss Betts's shot-blocking prowess and contagious work ethic, his absence will allow <span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">Darroll</span> <span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">Powe</span>--a natural <span class="mceItemHiddenSpellWord">centerman</span>--to shift over from left wing back to his preferred position in the middle.</span><br />
<br />
Powe's one-year deal makes him one of nine Philadelphia Flyers currently on the roster eligible to become restricted or unrestricted free agents next summer.<br />
<a name='more'></a>Along with Powe, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470604#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Jeff Carter</a>, <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473512#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Claude Giroux</a>, and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470666#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Daniel Carcillo</a> will all become RFA's in July 2010 barring any mid-season trades or contract extensions.<br />
<br />
Of those four players, Claude Giroux is the most interesting case.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=748" mce_href="http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=748" target="_blank">Giroux's entry-level contract</a>--which has a meager cap hit of just over $800K--expires after this season, leaving the Flyers in a tough spot.<br />
<br />
The 22 year-old centerman played in all 82 games last year, notching 16 goals and 31 assists in his sophomore campaign.<br />
<br />
Giroux exploded in the Flyers playoff run for 21 points in 23 games, including his game-winning overtime goal in Game Three of the Stanley Cup Finals.<br />
<br />
There's no doubt that Ontario native is due for a serious raise next season if the Flyers hope to keep him in their lineup.<br />
<br />
The bottom line is that Philadelphia has to start planning right now for next off-season if they want to avoid another devastating Simon Gagne for cap space type trade.<br />
<br />
The Philly faithful are already irate after GM Paul Holmgren's moves this summer, and without proper consideration and preparation, next off-season could see a full-scale riot down Broad Street.Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-44417556174434532182010-07-21T12:14:00.004-04:002010-07-21T12:44:48.097-04:00Enough Is Enough: League Takes A Stand, Denies Kovalchuk's New Contract<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvaapgp2iyVn956u5kAxPHw0dtsiepEsf7pJGuzT0gKLDLaorI_xbtOX26YIpCQAbgoWktqzO2ZYYGtmOp5-0oa0Es9o2jbpaEZGIBQXAbfV1QPfNCUKqRe_Nui1W2vdvr6fYtQkeiOh0/s1600/bettman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHvaapgp2iyVn956u5kAxPHw0dtsiepEsf7pJGuzT0gKLDLaorI_xbtOX26YIpCQAbgoWktqzO2ZYYGtmOp5-0oa0Es9o2jbpaEZGIBQXAbfV1QPfNCUKqRe_Nui1W2vdvr6fYtQkeiOh0/s320/bettman.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i> NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Photo: Brian Bahr/Getty Images</i></div><div class="MsoNormal">Around 10 PM last night, while New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello was tucking Ilya Kovalchuk into bed, Canadian news sources TSN and RDS reported that the NHL had rejected the Russian superstar’s new 17-year deal.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The reason? According to the <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=534725">league’s official statement</a> released this morning, the contract circumvents the salary cap and the CBA. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Well no kidding Mr. Bettman, an illiterate monkey could have told me that. (<a href="http://alltopmovies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/arnold-schwarzenegger-kindergarten-cop.jpg">See: Arnold Schwarzenegger</a>)</div><div class="MsoNormal">All joking aside, the fact that the commissioner and his cronies finally decided to challenge this type of contract is a major development.</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, analysts do not believe that the NHL will retroactively void the contracts of players like Chris Pronger, Marian Hossa, Roberto Luongo, etc.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Many hockey writers have condemned those players and their respective teams for agreeing to similar front-loaded deals, but only <a href="http://twitter.com/Real_ESPNLeBrun">ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun</a> pointed out that none of those athletes are signed until age 44, which is clearly where Kovy and the Devils crossed the line this time.</div><div class="MsoNormal">General managers having been pushing their luck up until now, and the Kovalchuk deal finally forced the league to hand down more than a slap on the wrist for dodging the salary cap.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Is it too little too late? We’ll have to wait and see how this all plays out.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, keep in mind that the current CBA doesn’t expire for another two years, and the last time it was renegotiated resulted in the <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1992793">2004-2005 NHL lockout</a>.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">On a lighter note, enjoy these great finds by Chelsea: </div><div class="MsoNormal">1. <a href="http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2010/07/21/the-latest-updates-from-ilya-kovalchuks-facebook-news-feed/">Kovalchuk's facebook account</a> courtesy of Neil Greenberg from the <a href="http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/">Russian Machine Never Breaks</a> blog:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswKbnNBS_akzEM1yeDMBhSdxRDshZUv64NsBlx9oB7FNwwb4dObADj4D44MG5KqfUDJpF9fDFCzWw_FjU9PirHq9RWpzy-dxXckbECkjlqsBIlIfrlPPfcz3z5n0dbaXupg-EIUey5E_s/s1600/kovy+facebook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswKbnNBS_akzEM1yeDMBhSdxRDshZUv64NsBlx9oB7FNwwb4dObADj4D44MG5KqfUDJpF9fDFCzWw_FjU9PirHq9RWpzy-dxXckbECkjlqsBIlIfrlPPfcz3z5n0dbaXupg-EIUey5E_s/s400/kovy+facebook.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
2. The <a href="http://prosportsblogging.com/nhl-hockey/around-the-rinks/nhls-official-notification-on-voiding-kovalchuks-contract/">NHL's "Official" statement</a> regarding the Kovalchuk contract, courtesy of Corey Krakower from <a href="http://prosportsblogging.com/">ProSports Blogging</a>:</div>From: Gary Bettman <southerncomfort@nhl.com><br />
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2010<br />
To: Lou Lamoriello <wejammin@njdevils.com></wejammin@njdevils.com></southerncomfort@nhl.com><br />
<b>Subject: Kovalchuk contract</b><br />
<br />
Lou,<br />
<br />
I regret to inform you that the contract agreed upon between Ilya Kovalchuk, his agent Jay Grossman and the New Jersey Devils for $102 million dollars over 17 years has been rejected by the National Hockey League due to cap circumvention. The various detailed reasons for our ruling are listed below.<br />
<ul><li>The NHL deems it to be cap circumvention for a player to sign a contract taking them to age 44, or, as it is more commonly known, “Chris Chelios’ Prime”.</li>
<li>The NHL’s “Email Expert” has found evidence that this was a retirement contract, based on information obtained from your personal email. To answer what is sure to be your follow up question, yes, we have in fact re-hired Ted Saskin.</li>
<li>The NHL did not agree with your comments that “since the Red Wings signed Zetterberg and Franzen to similar deals, there is no reason to void Kovalchuk’s contract”. Zetterberg and Franzen will both be 40 at the end of their deals and there is no reason for the league to believe they won’t be playing at that age, because it is still lower than the average age on Detroit</li>
<li>A 17-year contract is not an appropriate number of years. Rick DiPietro’s 15-year contract is a special circumstance, and the league only allowed that deal because we felt bad that DiPietro lifted the pen to sign the contract and broke his arm.</li>
<li>The final years on the contract are too low in salary and it is obvious that the player has no interest in honoring the contract’s final years. We understand that Chris Pronger’s contract has the same structure, and we were planning on rejecting that contract too, but Pronger stole our VOID Stamps.</li>
<li>One of the main issues is the major salary fluctuation throughout the contract. The difference between the max salary and minimum salary is over $10 million dollars. Do not cite Roberto Luongo’s arrangement as justification. There is a “Stanley Cup Clause” in his contract that states “the player will honor every year of the contract until he has won a Stanley Cup.” The NHL therefore expects Luongo to be playing until he’s at least 50.</li>
<li>The NHL’s insurance policy would not allow us to insure the contract, due to a “questionable medical history, specifically a chronic choking condition”.</li>
<li>Finally, we scrutinize the dollar value of every deal and the NHL finds $6 million per season to be drastic overpayment for a player who has played in only 27 NHL games. We acknowledge that you have sent us his career statistics, but those numbers list 594 games played for the Atlanta Thrashers. Please send the league support documents outlining what franchise this is, what league they play in and who their owner is, because we have never heard of this team.</li>
</ul>Please note that you now have 3 options available to you. 1 – you can re-submit a revised contract; 2 – you can file a grievance and we will take up the matter with the same arbitrator that ruled against Jim Balsille; or 3 – you can agree to have the contract voided and work out a new deal, while also giving Dean Lombardi and the LA Kings a thirteenth chance to re-open negotiations.<br />
<br />
I look forward to hearing from you.<br />
<br />
Yours truly,<br />
<br />
Gary Bettman<br />
<br />
p.s. While writing this email, an unidentified man ran by my office 5 times and tried to throw a puck at me but kept missing wide. I know you’re upset but please tell Kovalchuk to stop it. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-48845352508731060082010-07-20T14:42:00.004-04:002010-07-20T15:16:41.374-04:00Room For Improvement: Getting To Know The Salary Cap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSiCswXFdv-iYSJy8pB946zygoYW-GvxtRYmxnLntUECFNK9I4kT1BS4b98zJC4ReUcP40WwWfwJKlK0E8mug0U32jIoPk2VyeRAPAVD5mU3-sDUazOAFYmCfU_zko2PPtROEfQrGSVVy/s400/kovalchuk.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i> Al Bello/Getty Images</i> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Ilya Kovalchuk’s new 17-year contract with the New Jersey Devils has sparked more talk in the NHL than just free agent signings and trades. </div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This monstrous deal, along with several other recent signings, has reignited the fierce debate over the league’s salary cap and collective bargaining agreement (CBA).</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The experts have all had their say, now it’s time for fans to weigh in on one of the NHL’s biggest issues.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Let’s start by examining <a href="http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=339">Mr. Kovalchuk’s long-term agreement</a> with the Devils, which peaks at $11.5 million/year from 2012-2017, before dropping to $550K for the last five years of the contract.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">After all is said and done, the Russian sniper’s cap hit is only $6 million/year. If Kovalchuk retires early—you know, before he turns 44—then the Devils will have to pay the remainder of the money but it will not count against the cap.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This type of front-loaded contract has received a lot of criticism from the media, as well as NHL investigations, over the past year. (See <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/NHL-would-like-to-know-when-Chris-Pronger-will-r?urn=nhl,180122">Chris Pronger</a> and <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/rumors/post/NHL-investigating-Marian-Hossa-contract-with-Chi?urn=nhl,180047">Marian Hossa</a>)</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Basically, the Devils could’ve signed Kovalchuk for 25 years and it wouldn’t have mattered, as long as the league approved the deal. It’s a loophole in the CBA that allows teams to lower the cap hit of elite players without holding them responsible for the ethical implications of these kinds of deals.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In today’s <a href="http://www.nj.com/devils/index.ssf/2010/07/ilya_kovalchuk_arrives_at_prud.html">press conference at the Prudential Center in Newark</a>, Kovalchuk declared that he sees himself still playing in the NHL at 44 years of age. That, as you should very well already know, is a complete hoax.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">There’s no doubt that he will retire before the contract ends, and per the current NHL regulations, the Devils will see no repercussions for their unethical deal. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Why unethical?</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Think of this way: is it still wrong to break the rules when you know you won’t get caught? </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Just because there’s a loopholes, it does not give teams the right to take advantage of the system.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Earlier today on Twitter, staff writer for The Globe and Mail James Mirtle <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Mirtle-vs-Wyshynski-Zetterberg-and-the-evils-o;_ylt=ArLnLjUTceiNcoS4zA_RY8p.ppJ4?urn=nhl,137856">posted a link to a debate</a> from January between himself and Puck Daddy writer Greg Wyshynski over long-term contracts and the CBA.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Normally I find myself nodding my head to Wyshynski’s ideas, while involuntarily shrieking and convulsing to Mirtle’s comments.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Today, however, was not a normal day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In regards to front-loaded contracts, Wyshynski believes “that's a valid, non-destructive cheat around the cap and shouldn't be addressed by the NHL. Teams like the <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/tam/;_ylt=AqDR40aqSRrSvrVJaFnYUwN.ppJ4">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> are taking a risk in front-loading these deals (usually with NTC provisions as well in the early years) that, to me, counterbalances the creative accounting that brings down the cap hit.” </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Forget creative accounting, its plain cheating. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Just because a team has the money to pay a player for ten years after he hangs up his skates doesn’t mean they can dodge what should be their cap hit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And as for risk, that depends on the deal. As Mirtle pointed out, the gamble is big on young athletes like Mike Richards ($69mil/12yr) and Rick DiPietro ($67.5mil/15yr), the latter who has only played 13 games for the New York Islanders over the past two seasons.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If your player gets hurt early in the contract, you’re out of luck. That's a legitimate roll of the dice for general managers trying to reduce the cap hit of a player.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">On the other hand, there’s little risk signing a thirty-something year old to a big contract because he’ll be retiring before you even know it anyway.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">What I want to point out is that long-term deals are not the problem; contracts that extend until a player’s forties are the unethical ones.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">For a Richards or DiPietro, the length of the commitment is substantial but both players will be a reasonable age when the contract expires, and lowering the cap hit is fair in this case.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">If a guy is going to play that long, by all means give him the biggest contract you want to and dodge the cap.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> But Kovalchuk’s pact with the Devils is a prime example of cheating the system and should be banned by the league.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And if Kovy wasn’t kidding about playing until he’s 44, someone should have Chris Chelios give him a wake-up call.<br />
<br />
I'm a big fan of the salary cap; it keeps the league competitive and avoids franchises like the Yankees who can buy championships.<br />
<br />
That being said, the NHL needs to adjust a couple things.<br />
<br />
First, they have to close the Kovalchuk loophole by limiting contract length if and only if the player will be 40 or older by the time it expires. <br />
<br />
Second, as Mirtle pointed out, they have to change the cap floor. If a team can sport a full roster and be a contender, it shouldn't matter how little they spend. Leave that to the GM's of the league to figure out.</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-32861827503404819112010-07-19T19:44:00.007-04:002010-07-19T21:23:36.761-04:00Going, Going, Gagne: Playoff Hero Shipped to Tampa Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF7-dTeAHgIhq-cSz6m6RcGyq7ko76kGkbxmteJ7Fa6eS-qd6p6fyWtS-hGeOFAgM64Zp75ZQXOgBHA0nbasJHw49JdSUrT4yoPwSs-yG6t9-MectggxUuigY_GftQX4BTjcLkSYpVMfB/s1600/gagneceleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxF7-dTeAHgIhq-cSz6m6RcGyq7ko76kGkbxmteJ7Fa6eS-qd6p6fyWtS-hGeOFAgM64Zp75ZQXOgBHA0nbasJHw49JdSUrT4yoPwSs-yG6t9-MectggxUuigY_GftQX4BTjcLkSYpVMfB/s400/gagneceleb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Gagne celebrating his</span><span style="font-size: small;"> OT-winner against Boston last May. Photo: Matt Slocum, AP</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
It all happened so fast.</div><div class="MsoNormal">After more than two weeks of deliberation,<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469454#&navid=nhl-keymatch"> Ilya Kovalchuk</a> finally re-signed with the New Jersey Devils this morning via <a href="http://twitter.com/NHLDevils">the team’s official Twitter</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Cue anticipated domino effect.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Within hours, sources were reporting that Flyers GM Paul Holmgren had traded <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8467346#&navid=nhl-keymatch">Simon Gagne</a> to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Shortly after the rumor was confirmed, the exact terms of the deal were revealed as well:</div><ul><li><b>To Tampa Bay:</b> LW Simon Gagne with one year left on his contract before becoming a UFA next summer. <a href="http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=742">Cap Hit: $5.25 million/year.</a></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><b>To Philadelphia:</b> A 4<sup>th</sup> round pick in next year’s entry draft and <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8467408#&navid=nhl-keymatch">D Matt Walker</a> with three years left on his contract before becoming a UFA in the summer of 2013. <a href="http://www.capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=259">Cap Hit: $1.7 million/year.</a></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Flyers needed to clear cap space, but this felt very rushed. There’s no question that half of the NHL was interested in Gagne’s services, so why not wait for a better offer?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bringing back a top-six forward would nullify the cap relief created by trading Gagne; that’s not what I’m suggesting the Flyers should have done. I’m simply talking about acquiring prospects or a veteran winger for the 3<sup>rd</sup> line.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Several Flyers analysts, including <a href="http://twitter.com/sbaicker">CSN Philly’s Sarah Baicker</a>, believe that Walker might be sent to the Phantoms to avoid his cap hit this season. If that’s the case, then Gagne was essentially traded for a 4<sup>th</sup> rounder in the 2011 draft.</div><div class="MsoNormal">That plain hurts.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Gagne’s numbers and leadership command much, much more than a measly late-round pick. The guy is a forty-goal scorer when healthy, as well as an incredibly responsible two-way forward.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Oh, and don’t forget clutch. Five regular season overtime game-winning goals and two overtime winners in the postseason.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Forget the numbers for a minute and consider this: Gagne has the natural ability and pure skill that most players work their entire careers to try to emulate. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m talking about the kind of hockey smarts you can’t teach in books or hockey camp or even games and practice.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Gagne’s vision, anticipation, and understanding of the game is enough to make Peter Forsberg choke on his Swedish meatballs. </div><div class="MsoNormal">He’s just that good.</div><div class="MsoNormal">On a more personal note, I grew up watching him play. Gagne was as much a part of my childhood as lincoln logs and Disney movies.</div><div class="MsoNormal">My first Flyers jersey was an orange CCM Gagne replica. </div><div class="MsoNormal">I remember post-game interviews before he knew a word of English. </div><div class="MsoNormal">My dad took me to Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals in 2004 when Gagne scored in overtime against Tampa Bay to send the series of seven.</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’m already dreading seeing Simon in a Bolts jersey, but still wish him nothing but the best for the remainder of his career. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Who knows, maybe he’ll retire a Flyer. One can only hope.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here’s my top five Simon Gagne moments of the last few years:</div><div class="MsoNormal">5. Scuffle With Anton Volchenkov, 3/23/2010: <br />
<br />
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4. Coatesy's Corner - French Connection, 4/9/2009:<br />
<br />
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3. Game Four OT Winner Against Boston, 5/7/2010:<br />
<br />
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2. Game Six OT Winner Against Tampa Bay, 5/20/2004:<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OcdaVng8JnQ&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OcdaVng8JnQ&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
1. Game Seven GWG Against Boston, Capping Greatest Comeback in Flyers History, 5/14/2010:<br />
<br />
<object height="405" width="500"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/cMqxFljrpUc&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/cMqxFljrpUc&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="405"></embed></object></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-36258497119800949562010-04-14T15:35:00.000-04:002010-04-14T15:35:14.898-04:002010 West Playoff Matchups, Round 1<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Colorado Avalanche</b></span><br />
<b>San Jose</b>: (51-20-11, 113 pts)<br />
<b>Colorado</b>: (43-30-9, 95 pts)<br />
<b>Season Series</b>: Tied 2-2<br />
<b>San Jose History</b>: San Jose has four division titles, and has only made it to the conference finals once in its seventeen year history. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs all four seasons. The Sharks have only failed to qualify for the playoffs five times. Last year they finished first in the West and the league with 117 points, but lost in six games in the first round to the Ducks. The three seasons before that, the Sharks lost each time in the second round in six games.<br />
<b>Colorado History</b>: Colorado has eight division titles and two Stanley Cup wins, the last of which is from the ’00-01 season. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs twice. Last season, the Avalanche finished last in the West and 28th in the league with 69 points. They have qualified for the playoffs eleven times in their thirteen year history.<br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea’s Prediction</b>: Sharks in five.<br />
<b>Adam’s Prediction</b>: Avalanche in six.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (7) Nashville Predators</b></span><br />
<b>Chicago</b>: (52-22-8, 112 pts)<br />
<b>Nashville</b>: (47-29-6, 100 pts)<br />
<b>Season Series</b>: 4-2 Blackhawks<br />
<b>Chicago History</b>: Chicago has fourteen division titles and three Stanley Cup wins, though the last one is from the ’60-61 season. In the last four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs once. Last year the Blackhawks finished fourth in the West with 104 points. They fought their way to the conference finals, but lost to the Red Wings in five games. They have failed to qualify for the playoffs nine times in the past eleven seasons.<br />
<b>Nashville History</b>: Nashville has no titles. In the last four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs three times. The Predators have qualified for the playoffs four times in their ten season history, but they have failed to advance past the first round. In their last appearance in the ’07-08 season, they lost in six games to the Red Wings. Last year the Predators finished tenth in the West with 88 points.<br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea’s Prediction</b>: Blackhawks in six.<br />
<b>Adam’s Prediction</b>: Blackhawks in five.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) Los Angeles Kings</b></span><br />
<b>Vancouver</b>: (49-28-5, 103 pts)<br />
<b>Los Angeles</b>: (46-27-9, 101 pts)<br />
Season Series: 3-1 Vancouver<br />
<b>Vancouver History</b>: Vancouver has six division titles and two conference titles. In the last four years, they have qualified for the playoffs twice. Last year they finished third in the West with 100 points, but lost in six games in the second round to the Blackhawks. The Canucks have failed to qualify for the playoffs six times in the past twelve seasons.<br />
<b>Los Angeles History</b>: Los Angeles has 1 division title and 1 conference title. In the last four years, they have failed qualified for the playoffs. The Kings have failed to qualify for the playoffs eleven times in fifteen seasons. Their last appearance was during the ’01-02 season, and they lost in the first round in seven games to the Avalanche. Last year the Kings finished fourteenth in the West with 79 points. <br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea’s Prediction</b>: Kings in seven.<br />
<b>Adam’s Prediction</b>: Canucks in five.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(4) Phoenix Coyotes vs. (5) Detroit Red Wings</b></span><br />
<b>Phoenix</b>: (50-25-7, 107 pts)<br />
<b>Detroit</b>: (44-24-14, 102 pts)<br />
<b>Season Series</b>: Tied 2-2<br />
<b>Phoenix History</b>: Phoenix has no titles. In the last four years, they have failed to qualify for the playoffs. The Coyotes have failed to qualify for the playoffs seven times in their twelve year history. Their last appearance was during the ’01-02 season, and they lost in the first round in five games to the Sharks. Last year the Coyotes finished thirteenth in the West with 79 points.<br />
<b>Detroit History</b>: Detroit has 28 division titles and eleven Stanley Cup wins, their last being from the ’07-08 season. In the last four years, they have qualified for the playoffs all four seasons. In these four seasons, the Red Wings have also won their division each season, and have appeared in the Stanley Cup finals twice. Last year they finished second in the West with 112 points, but lost in seven games in the finals to the Penguins.<br />
<br />
<b>Chelsea’s Prediction</b>: Red Wings in five.<br />
<b>Adam’s Prediction</b>: Phoenix in seven.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-40512373516350252472010-04-14T15:32:00.000-04:002010-04-14T15:32:58.589-04:002010 East Playoff Matchups, Round 1<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(1) Washington Capitals vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens</b></span><br />
<b>Washington</b>: (54-15-13, 121 pts)<br />
<b>Montreal</b>: (39-33-10, 88 pts)<br />
<b>Season Series</b>: Tied 2-2<br />
<b>Washington History</b>: Washington has five division titles and one conference title. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs twice. The Caps have failed to qualify for the playoffs five times in ten seasons. Two seasons ago they fell in the first round in seven games to the Flyers. Last year they finished second in the East with 108 points, but lost to the Penguins in the conference semifinals. The Caps have gone to seven games in their last three playoff series. <br />
<b>Montreal History</b>: Montreal has 35 division titles and 24 Stanley Cup wins, though the last one was in the ’92-93 season. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs three times. Last year the Habs finished eighth in the East with 93 points, but were swept in the first round by the Bruins. The season before that, they lost to the Flyers in five games in the second round. Montreal has also failed to qualify for the playoffs five times in the past ten seasons. <br />
<b>Chelsea’s Prediction</b>: Caps in six.<br />
<b>Adam’s Prediction</b>: Caps in four.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">(2) New Jersey Devils vs. (7) Philadelphia Flyers</span></b><br />
<b>New Jersey</b>: (48-27-7, 103 pts)<br />
<b>Philadelphia</b>: (41-35-6, 88 pts)<br />
<b>Season Series</b>: 5-1 Flyers<br />
<b>New Jersey History</b>: New Jersey has nine division titles and three Stanley Cup wins, though the last one was in the ’02-03 season. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs all four seasons. The Devils have failed to qualify for the playoffs only once in the past twenty seasons. Despite winning their division three of the past four years, the Devils haven’t been able to advance past the second round in this time period. Last year they finished third in the East with 106 points, but lost in the first round to the Hurricanes in seven games. <br />
<b>Philadelphia History</b>: Philadelphia has fifteen division titles and two Stanley Cup wins, though the last one was in the ’74-75 season. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs three times. The Flyers best run in recent years was in the ’07-08 season where they lost to the Penguins in the conference finals in five games. They have qualified for the playoffs thirteen times in the last fourteen seasons. Last year they finished fifth in the East with 99 points, but lost in the first round to the Penguins in six games. <br />
<b>Chelsea’s Prediction</b>: Flyers in seven.<br />
<b>Adam’s Prediction</b>: Flyers in six.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(3) Buffalo Sabres vs. (6) Boston Bruins</b></span><br />
<b>Buffalo</b>: (45-27-10, 100 pts)<br />
<b>Boston</b>: (39-30-13, 91 pts)<br />
<b>Season Series</b>: 4-2 Bruins<br />
<b>Buffalo History</b>: Buffalo has six division titles and two conference titles. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs twice. Though they haven’t qualified in the past two seasons, the Sabres made it to the conference finals both years before that. They lost those series’ to the Hurricanes and the Senators. The Sabres have failed to qualify for the playoffs five times in the past ten seasons. Last year they finished tenth in the East with 91 points.<br />
<b>Boston History</b>: Boston has 25 division titles and five Stanley Cup wins, though the last one was in the ’71-’72 season. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs twice, both coming in the past two years. They have qualified for the playoffs seven times in the past twelve seasons. Two years ago, they lost in seven games to the Canadiens in the first round. Last year the Bruins finished first in the East with 116 points, but lost to the Hurricanes in a seven game series in the second round after sweeping the Canadiens. <br />
<b>Chelsea’s Prediction</b>: Sabres in five.<br />
<b>Adam’s Prediction</b>: Sabres in seven.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(4) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (5) Ottawa Senators</b></span><br />
<b>Pittsburgh</b>: (47-28-7, 101 pts)<br />
<b>Ottawa</b>: (44-32-6, 94 pts)<br />
<b>Season Series</b>: Tied 2-2<br />
<b>Pittsburgh History</b>: Pittsburgh has six division titles and three Stanley Cup wins, including last season’s title. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs three times. They’ve been in the Stanley Cup finals for the past two years. The Penguins have qualified for the playoffs six times in the past ten seasons. Last year they finished fourth in the East with 99 points.<br />
<b>Ottawa History</b>: Ottawa has four division titles and one conference title. In the past four years, they’ve qualified for the playoffs three times. Though they failed to qualify last season, the Senators were the conference champions in the ’06-07 season. The next season they fell in four games to the Penguins in the first round. The Senators have qualified for the playoffs eleven times in the past twelve years, and eleven times in their sixteen season history. Last year they finished eleventh in the East with 83 points.<br />
<b>Chelsea’s Prediction</b>: Ottawa in seven.<br />
<b>Adam’s Prediction</b>: Penguins in five.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-34741272334384538062010-04-13T13:56:00.000-04:002010-04-14T23:37:16.514-04:00After Flyers edge Rangers, playoffs set to startAdam, a Senior Staff Writer for the Tufts Daily, has published another article for the Inside the NHL column about the start of the playoffs. Please take the time to check it out <a href="http://www.tuftsdaily.com/inside-the-nhl-after-flyers-edge-rangers-playoffs-set-to-start-1.2220798">here</a>, and make sure to leave him a comment.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-71543189339429922282010-04-11T23:07:00.000-04:002010-04-11T23:07:55.918-04:00A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46VQ3IHc1_3yWbzjfQlf77aKfhEYWctqmw4mH6km8U625yvuy1p6k0mJQJcn2m4ngGn53tdw3chwoddx5TXgaomVq37kRsvHBUPt6ZzN06mLQfcog91V0ognRt3W_YrkpQzXPgIEfQrhL/s1600/BOOSH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46VQ3IHc1_3yWbzjfQlf77aKfhEYWctqmw4mH6km8U625yvuy1p6k0mJQJcn2m4ngGn53tdw3chwoddx5TXgaomVq37kRsvHBUPt6ZzN06mLQfcog91V0ognRt3W_YrkpQzXPgIEfQrhL/s400/BOOSH.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>AP Photo/ Matt Slocum</i></div>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-54482947386520888452010-04-07T19:44:00.000-04:002010-04-07T19:44:25.061-04:00Capitals powering strong through seasonAdam, a Senior Staff Writer for the Tufts Daily, has published another article for the Inside the NHL column. Please take the time to check it out <a href="http://www.tuftsdaily.com/sports/inside-the-nhl-capitals-powering-strong-through-season-1.2214039">here</a>, and make sure to leave him a comment.Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-9961779158830834062010-01-01T12:47:00.000-05:002010-01-01T12:47:52.198-05:002010 Winter Classic Live Blog<div align="center"><br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="550" scrolling="no" src="http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=9a5e9f4f05/height=550/width=470" width="470">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;altcast_code=9a5e9f4f05" &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;2010 Winter Classic&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe><br />
</div><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Chelsea & Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792844893254658454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-2468650512407357272009-12-31T22:04:00.003-05:002010-01-01T14:06:09.912-05:00Winter Classic Preview and Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TlzpX111xBxmJphwaXpagsFacV-RqNaZS66MdNDOPyGOE9bA5oVOn7ejyuIpjQ0tbpTibtcq7Xe3k-0WnYMFXG-RtGsjB6Iufau1NmUo1LtS0zCDPGKyotxvwU7vQT0TS3U_Bij_vQfE/s1600-h/winter+classic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6TlzpX111xBxmJphwaXpagsFacV-RqNaZS66MdNDOPyGOE9bA5oVOn7ejyuIpjQ0tbpTibtcq7Xe3k-0WnYMFXG-RtGsjB6Iufau1NmUo1LtS0zCDPGKyotxvwU7vQT0TS3U_Bij_vQfE/s400/winter+classic.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The day has finally come: the 2010 Bridgestone Winter Classic between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park will take place tomorrow at 1:00 PM EST.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Feel free to smile.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, for BTP's preview and predictions for tomorrow's game. While the Flyers were practicing for the Classic last night in New York, the Bruins were working over the Atlanta Thrashers, outscoring them 4-0 on three first period goals.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even Bill Clement could tell you that tomorrow features a big game for both teams. The Flyers and the Bruins both need those two points, and will make sure that the majesty of the Classic does not overshadow the importance of this regular season matchup.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enough for the obvious, time for some bold predictions.<br />
</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Adam's Predictions:<br />
</div><ul><li>First thing's first, the Fenway Classic will definitely include the first-ever fight in an NHL outdoor game. The Flyers and Bruins always have heated battles, and tomorrow will certainly not be any different. Who's dropping the gloves first? Laperriere and Thornton. Let's go Lappy.</li>
<li>Not a lot of goals. Boston's Tim Thomas isn't having his best season to date, but BTP's not forgetting that he won the Vezina Trophy last year. Michael Leighton appears to be getting the start in net tomorrow, and the Flyers are definitely hoping to ride his hot hand to the victory. Moreover, if it does snow tomorrow, pretty plays are gonna be difficult to execute, thus lowering the chances of many goals being scored. See: 2008 Winter Classic.<br />
</li>
<li>Final Score: Flyers 3, Boston 2. Richie lights the lamp twice, Gags adds his fourth goal in two games. Briere has two assists. Bruins scorers: Savard and Chara. Powerplay goals.<br />
<br />
</li>
</ul>Chelsea's Predictions:<br />
<ul><li>I'll agree with Adam-- there will definitely be a fight. But I think there's a better chance of finding Hartnell or Carcillo out for the Flyers. Carcillo leads the team in penalty minutes and Hartnell had six penalty minutes in the last game against the Bruins, including two for unsportsmanlike conduct.</li>
<li>Final Score: Flyers 3, Boston 1. Goals from Sturm, Richards, Gagne, and Giroux. Tight game with the third goal as an empty netter solidifying the win in the last minute.<br />
</li>
</ul><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden" /><!--Session data--><input id="jsProxy" onclick="jsCall();" type="hidden" /><div id="refHTML"></div>Chelsea & Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00792844893254658454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-16300025131473495792009-12-31T02:29:00.008-05:002009-12-31T19:22:27.092-05:00Gagne nets hat trick as Leighton blanks Rangers 6-0<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERllyOR8PHYwmVGiSPA5E4iC_JmdtR4n-4eSJ52xGv9uQ5bGFarqawAdx0bxMs9lhtHthcifisCZrCJrFebnZ9_rEwboa1IMkAC9f6GE1yMQfeqhrPuGUTnMFGQVHLN9Cjux0ydQW5YAu/s1600-h/Leighton+Boss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERllyOR8PHYwmVGiSPA5E4iC_JmdtR4n-4eSJ52xGv9uQ5bGFarqawAdx0bxMs9lhtHthcifisCZrCJrFebnZ9_rEwboa1IMkAC9f6GE1yMQfeqhrPuGUTnMFGQVHLN9Cjux0ydQW5YAu/s320/Leighton+Boss.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Michael Leighton takes a drink while waiting for play to resume during the Philadelphia Flyers' win over the New York Rangers.</span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tonight the Philadelphia Flyers won their fourth straight game, crushing the New York Rangers 6-0. In what was arguably the most convincing win of the four, Simon Gagne scored the last three for the boys in orange, earning himself a natural hat trick.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Setting the tone early was crucial tonight for the Flyers. In their last matchup against the Rangers, New York scored five minutes into the game, forcing Flyers Coach Peter Laviolette to call a timeout and turn his team around. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Flyers accomplished this, with Blair Betts scoring less than a minute into the first period. After a turnover, Ian Laperriere brought the puck in and put it on net quickly, allowing Betts to capitalize on the rebound.<br />
</div><a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Halfway through the first, Danny Briere scored on a wrist shot similar to some of his shootout moves after hard work by Mike Richards and Jeff Carter set him up.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Claude Giroux netted a rebound through a screen by Richards to tally the third goal of the game.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the first stanza, Rangers Coach John Tortorella benched netminder Henrik Lundqvist for rookie Chad Johnson. It would be an NHL debut to remember.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gagne began his natural hat trick just 23 seconds into the second period. After an offensive zone turnover, Johnson let in Gagne's wrist shot on his first shot faced in an NHL game.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But the scoring didn't stop there. Gagne was sure to give Johnson a warm welcome.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His next goal came on a 5 on 3 power play opportunity. Gagne tipped the puck in with just over five minutes left in the second. The Flyers worked with considerable patience as the seconds wound down to get the puck past Johnson.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gagne secured his hat trick halfway through the third period, after perfect passes from Giroux and Richards. This is his second hat trick against the Rangers.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Laviolette is obviously pleased with the Flyers streak, and hopes that it will continue. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"I don't know if you ever see one coming. You hope to win every game, but that's unrealistic. You want to make sure you're playing well and doing the things you need to do in order to win hockey games, and I feel like we're starting to take steps toward doing that."<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Flyers' next matchup is the much anticipated Winter Classic against the Boston Bruins on January 1st. <br />
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</div>Other Mentionables:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li>Five Flyers have been named to Olympic teams: Richards and Chris Pronger (Canada), Oskars Bartulis (Latvia), Kimmo Timmonen (Finland), and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (Norway). Pronger was also given the title of alternative captain. The following former Flyers will join them: Patrick Thoresen (Norway), Joni Pitkanen, Antero Niittymaki, and Lasse Kukkonen (Finland). Carter is an alternate for Team Canada.<br />
</li>
<li>My favorite quote of the night from the Flyers announcers: "It looks like the Rangers are standing still."</li>
<li>Rebounds were the key to tonight's game, on both ends of the ice. Throughout the game, the Flyers kept pressure on both Lundqvist and Johnson in front of the net. They took advantage of several rebounds and converted them into goals. On the other end, the Flyers cleared rebounds from Michael Leighton, giving the Rangers many less scoring chances. In his end of the game interview, Leighton acknowledged the absence of rebounds, which obviously made his job easier tonight.<br />
</li>
<li>There were several odd man rushes for the Rangers, but they were all thwarted. At one point, Leighton was kept out of the net for an extended period of time after Scott Hartnell crashed into him. Braydon Coburn manned the net and the Rangers failed to score.</li>
<li>The Rangers didn't reach double digits in shots until the last few minutes of the second period. The final shots total was 31-22 in favor of the Flyers.<br />
</li>
<li>When the last minute of play was announced in the second period, fans at Madison Square Garden cheered.</li>
<li>While the Flyers may not have been there for the full sixty, they showed up for significant parts of all three periods, and never stopped attacking the net.<br />
</li>
<li>Leighton earned his 4th career shutout tonight, and his first of the season. He also debuted his new mask tonight, which features the Philly skyline.<br />
</li>
<li>In his end of the game interview, Gagne mentioned that one of the reasons that the Flyers have been winning as of late is because the team is making smart plays and isn't nervous when they get the puck.</li>
<li>Hartnell got called for a penalty in the first after a collision and exchange with Sean Avery, but the penalties were offsetting as they were both called for fighting.</li>
<li>Richards was a plus four on the night. He has recorded four goals in the last three games.<br />
</li>
</ul>Chelseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16877517949754947886noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-48350588685480774762009-12-28T15:08:00.001-05:002009-12-30T19:38:16.522-05:00Carter's Big Weekend Helps Lift Flyers to Wins in Carolina and New York<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEzHVqYraP-QvF3WQPICQ64eh5FN5UA_fZsiTwKAaTJUMrhzlDyledW90m1HkoNi6zHQtf1XPKuzaWttNOUsKrRDhJtHSUBTrpKT9T4GCK4Es_HFIQPqCak0kZigxTFYj_y40oGD2QTP-/s1600-h/carter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEzHVqYraP-QvF3WQPICQ64eh5FN5UA_fZsiTwKAaTJUMrhzlDyledW90m1HkoNi6zHQtf1XPKuzaWttNOUsKrRDhJtHSUBTrpKT9T4GCK4Es_HFIQPqCak0kZigxTFYj_y40oGD2QTP-/s400/carter.JPG" /></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">When teams are slumping, coaches and general managers call on their star players to rejuvenate their lineup. Jeff Carter answered the call, tallying two goals and an assist in back-to-back wins against the Hurricanes and Islanders.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Carter seems to have rediscovered his form, scoring on two beautiful goals reminscent of last year’s 46-goal season. Carter had five shots in each of this weekend’s games, converting on two of them when he beat Carolina’s Cam Ward on a snapshot upstairs on Saturday, and then powered a wrist shot nine-hole on New York’s Martin Biron on Sunday.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Moreover, Carter’s determined play the last couple of weeks has been an inspiration to the whole team. Regardless of the Flyers’ struggles, Carts has been buzzing all over the ice, getting to loose pucks and creating scoring chances. <br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Additionally, the captain has also stepped his play as of late. Mike Richards notched two goals and assist in last Wednesday’s victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as the opening goal in Saturday’s contest against the Hurricanes.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Carter and Richards aren’t the only stars helping to boost the Flyers’ offense over the current road trip. Danny Briere scored two goals and picked up an assist in this weekend’s play, while Simon Gagne—fresh off surgery to repair a double hernia—picked up two points in the game against Tampa last week.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Gagne has been impressive since his return, skating hard and even throwing the body around a bit. Gags has 11 shots in his first five games played since late October, in addition to enjoying first-line duties with Mike Richards and Claude Giroux.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Not to be forgotten is Michael Leighton, who was forced into the starter’s spot following injuries to Ray Emery and Brian Boucher. Leighton has been strong since coming in relief for Boucher, winning his last three starts after not having won a game since November 15<sup>th</sup>—playing for the Carolina Hurricanes. <o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Over the past three games, Leighton has a stellar 2.15 GAA and .933 save percentage.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, the Flyers three consecutive wins have not come easily or without controversy. They blew a 2-0 lead in Tampa before taking over the game in the third period, and managed to give up a 3-0 lead in Carolina. <o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Hurricanes scored three times in the third period to send the game to a shootout, where Danny Briere and Mike Richards beat Ward for the win.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yesterday, the Islanders tied the game at 1-1 just a few minutes into the second period, before Jeff Carter scored on an odd-man rush to take the lead at 2-1. In the third period, Briere had a goal disallowed that would have padded the Flyers’ lead to two goals with little time left to play. <o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Flyers aggressively killed off two penalties in the third to keep the score at 2-1, with notable help from Michael Leighton in the back end.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Regardless of their sloppy play at times, the Flyers have persevered and found ways to win games. And while two points are two points no matter how you get them, the black and orange are going to have a tough time getting any points if they don’t tighten up in their own end.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s great that the Laviolette system is starting to click and that we’re scoring goals, but other teams are not going to be as forgiving as the Lightning and ‘Canes. <o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bottom line: <o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Yes, we’re getting better. Yes, we showed grit and held on for a couple tough wins. But if the Flyers give up leads to teams like the Penguins and Devils, we’ll be lucky to make it to overtime and get any points at all. <o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hopefully the confidence the Flyers have gained over this road trip so far will keep them from making the same mistakes they made in Tampa Bay and Carolina.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">God knows they can’t afford it.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Side Notes:<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A week ago, the Flyers were 2<sup>nd</sup> to last in points in the NHL. Today, the Flyguys are two points away from a playoff spot.<o:p></o:p><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Matt Stairs: <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=511309&navid=DL%7CNHL%7Chome">Traitor?</a><o:p></o:p><br />
</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1462442894736054507.post-13538881832456378902009-12-26T15:42:00.002-05:002009-12-31T19:23:55.531-05:00Flyers Weekend Preview: Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders<style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkYA6f_bDzsnovF6D46ZPnncNjYPNMwZ0I2ancf7oVNvK-ppht1fM7Mk4s3zJ7q-7zs95gS7eR47XHh8-AOEV75f_eTO5u62cDOla51LKEnKjZsHxjwXzCFZG-qi3ABj4SONs6gKvVTya/s1600-h/flyers+islanders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkYA6f_bDzsnovF6D46ZPnncNjYPNMwZ0I2ancf7oVNvK-ppht1fM7Mk4s3zJ7q-7zs95gS7eR47XHh8-AOEV75f_eTO5u62cDOla51LKEnKjZsHxjwXzCFZG-qi3ABj4SONs6gKvVTya/s640/flyers+islanders.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Not to worry, Between the Pipes is back from their holiday hiatus and stronger than ever!<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tonight’s toilet bowl matchup between the flailing Philadelphia Flyers and NHL-worst Carolina Hurricanes is sure to be...well, interesting if nothing else. The Flyers are coming off of their third win in fourteen games, and the Hurricanes’ defense is still more porous than Spongebob Squarepants. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Flyers battled in Tampa Bay on Wednesday, picking apart Mike Smith for two first-period goals, before giving up two goals of their own in the second to tie the game at 2-2. Blair Betts added his second goal of the game at the midpoint of the third period, deflecting an Oskars Bartulis shot past Smith to give the Flyers a 3-2 lead. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mike Richards also cashed in for his second goal on a beautiful shot on a 2-1 break with Darroll Powe to extend the Flyers lead to 4-2 with less than three minutes to play in regulation. Simon Gagne added an empty-netter to secure the win for the boys in orange. Michael Leighton made 31 saves on 33 shots in the Flyers 5-2 win.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The game matched the Flyers season thus far—a complete rollercoaster. Strong first period play led to a 2-0 lead, before a few lazy shifts later the Flyers ended up tied with the Lightning. However, despite a second-period letdown, the Flyers managed to stand tall and outplay the opponent when it mattered. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a team who hasn’t won back-to-back games since November 18<sup>th</sup>, I’d say overcoming that type of adversity is definitely a good sign.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The hockey gods gave the Flyers a Christmas present of sorts this weekend, with games against the last place Hurricanes and yes, you called it, the New York Islanders. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Keep in mind the Flyers have won 15 of their past 16 meetings with New York, not having lost to the Islanders since February 12, 2008.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If the Flyers were ever looking for an easy way out of this midseason skid, this weekend presents them with that opportunity. There is no such thing as a sure-win, but the Canes and Islanders are the best shot the Flyers have. <br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s hope a win on paper is a win on the ice.<br />
</div>Adamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032283443625432587noreply@blogger.com0