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Posts Tagged Philadelphia Flyers

Wings trade Leino

Feb 6

Posted by Chris in News | 3 Comments

leinoThe Detroit Red Wings traded forward Ville Leino to the Philadelphia Flyers today for defenseman Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and a fifth-round pick in the 2011 NHL draft.

Leino has been the subject of trade speculation for some time now, especially with forward Johan Franzen on the verge of returning to action. The Finnish forward has been a disappointment this season, scoring only four goals and adding three assists in 42 games with Detroit. Leino has often been a healthy scratch and has been called out several times for his poor effort. However, after losing the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes, the Flyers may look to Leino to add some offensive depth for a long playoff run. With the injuries in Detroit this season, more pressure was placed on Leino to perform well. In Philly, the 26-year-old may thrive in a situation with less pressure to perform, especially if he gets time alongside guys like Richards or Carter.

Tollefsen, an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, should add some toughness to the Red Wings lineup and perhaps even help rejuvenate a defensive unit that plays with lackluster effort at times. With Tollefsen not afraid to drop the gloves, this could signal the end of Brad May’s playing time with the Wings. It’s been rumored that the Wings will waive May and send him to the minors where he may finish out the season before retiring.

The Red Wings were expected to drop salary in order to accommodate the return of Franzen this coming Tuesday. If Andreas Lilja returns after the Olympic break, which he is expected to, the Wings will need to clear additional salary cap space to fit them both in. However, the difference in salary between Leino and Tollefsen is only $200,000. This leads me to believe that the Wings aren’t done moving bodies yet. By waiving May, the Wings will gain an additional $500,000 under the cap. Ken Holland has stated several times that he doesn’t want to carry any more than seven defenseman on the roster. By adding Tollefsen, the Wings now have eight (nine when Lilja returns). With all things considered, defensemen Brett Lebda and Derek Meech could both be on their way out of Detroit within the next few days. Moving those two salaries would free up approximately $1.1 million in cap space. Add in the $500,000 from waiving May and the $200,000 cleared in the Leino deal and the Wings are under by almost $1.8 million, which should be enough to fit Lilja and Franzen back under the cap.

* All numbers are salaries according to cap space, not actual salary per season

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League’s Suspension Consistency

Jan 12

Posted by EB in News, Soap Box | 3 Comments

In last nights contest between the Minnesota Wild and the visiting team Pittsburgh Penguins, Pen’s Sergei Gonchar laid a questionably dirty and hgih hit on Wild winger Cal Clutterbuck.

The league this season is cutting down on head shots and recently displayed this by handing a suspension to Phoenix Coyote defenseman Ed Jovanovski for his elbow to New York Islanders John Tavares. The question becomes though, will the league suspend Gonchar?

The league has been under scrutiny for wanting to make the game a cleaner, safer game for the players, by removing dangerous plays. This year specifically by the means of removing head shots. Yet earlier in the season, when time to muscle up and stick to their guns, the league did not suspend Philadelphia Flyer’s Captain Mike Richards for a hit on Florida Panther’s star David Booth, leaving Booth on the IR to this day. So the question becomes, is the league playing favorites?

Recently stated, the league suspended defenseman Ed Jovanovski for an elbow to John Tavares’ head. Was this done because it was dangerous and shouldn’t be in the game? Was it done because it was blatantly obvious?  Or was it done because the person being hit was The John Tavares, the next greatest thing to hockey according to Canadian news for the past few years?

One would hope that that the league intends on removing dangerous plays, for the betterment of the players, but sometimes you do wonder if favorites are being played. Are you more likely to get a suspension if you hit a prominent figure in the NHL, or is the justice blind?

Underneath is the play where Gonchar took a run at Clutterbuck. You be the judge on a suspension or not.

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It’s outta here!

Dec 31

Posted by EB in News | 4 Comments

Fenway Park will play host to the 3rd annual Winter Classic at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The 37-foot-high Green Monster will look down upon the clashing of two gritty teams: The Boston Bruins and the visiting Philadelphia Flyers.

Bridgestone's Winter Classic Green Monster scoreboard.

Bridgestone's Winter Classic Green Monster scoreboard.

The spectacle’s NHL roots started in 2003 with the Heritage classic, where the Edmonton Oilers hosted the Montreal Canadiens. In 2008, the Winter Classic as we know it was born with the Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the Buffalo Sabers in an outdoor game in Buffalo. Ratings soared and the following year the Detroit Red Wings faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wrigley Field. What was once a day of rest and relaxation, or more so torture with the absence of hockey, has turned into the thing to watch.

Although I was unable to watch my home team in person last year, in 2001 I was fortunate enough to be in attendance for the Cold War between college hockey teams Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing. I sat nearly in the highest row of Spartan Football Stadium, bundled up, huddled up against the stranger next to me and sitting on my hands for warmth, and loved every minute of it. The numbness of my body, the loud roars and the sport I love – hockey. The teams ended in a 3-3 tie. I could only imagine the excitement of the shootout at such an event. The memory will never be forgotten.

Snow flurries and an expected temperature in the mid-30s will surely make this an excellent game to watch. The Philadelphia Flyers have gone up and down this season resulting in the firing and hiring of a new head coach. Despite all of this, they are currently in 8th place within the Eastern Conference and are coming off of 4-game winning streak, the most recent win a 6 – 0 romp over the New York Rangers. Let’s hope they have not used up all their scoring. The home team, the Boston Bruins, are currently sitting 5th within the Eastern Conference and are playing consistent hockey. With the Green Monster looking down upon the team, the Bruins are hoping this is more of a home game than a road one, seeing their home record is considerably better at 12-6-3. Goalie Tim Thomas will be the key for the Bruins in this conference rivalry.

An outdoor game should be on the bucket list for any hockey fan. I look forward to this year’s excitement surrounding the event; the preparation, pre-game buildup, the special jerseys, and the game day itself. Both teams are not to fond of each other, and both teams need these points for a playoff chance. The only thing left to decide on is where to order the pizza from on gameday.

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K-F-C

Dec 22

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

Captain Ilya Kovalchuk of the Atalanta Thrashers.

Captain Ilya Kovalchuk of the Atalanta Thrashers.

K is for Kovalchuk:

The All-Star left wing and Captain of the Atlanta Thrashers has come to a “snag” in talks for a new contract with his current club.

Next year, Kovalchuk becomes an unrestricted free agent. Kovalchuk entered the league in the 2001-2002 season with Atlanta Thrashers, and has played with them since. He has been posting up consistent numbers, averaging 79 points in the five completed seasons he has played. Atlanta has had trouble in the past completing deals. Atlanta was unable to sign Marian Hossa a few seasons back.

Kovalchuk is one of the big names this year for potential free agents. It is expected he will sign with Atlanta and become their franchise player, however if not, oh what a fun time it will be come trade deadline.

F is for Fisticuffs:

The Florida Panthers visited the Philadelphia Flyers last night for some good ‘ol hockey.

The meeting was their first since October 24th, where Flyer’s captain Mike Richards hit winger David Booth. The hit, which was controversial in being a head shot or not, received no disciplinary action, but has taken Booth out of the lineup for an indefinite period of time. Booth is the future of the Panthers, but currently is only participating in “light” skating.

The game began with a bang, as the first period consisted of 3 fights, one less than 2 minutes in. The total fight count ended with 4, yet the one to make note of was Panther’s captain Bryan McCabe challenging Flyer’s captain Mike Richards to a fight 3 minutes and 42 seconds into the game. The two dropped the gloves, circled briefly with both captain C’s bearing on their chest, and began to throw their punches.

It is not often you see two captains going toe to toe in a fight. Respect to both captains, McCabe for setting the tone and the score, and for Richards taking responsibility for his previous actions on Booth. Hockey is scrutinized for it’s fighting, however self regulation such as this makes the game safer than if fighting were to be removed.

The Panthers dominated the score board, winning 4-1, moving them to 8th place in the East, and sending the Flyers into a speedy decline to second to the bottom of the conference.

Martin Brodeur is interviewed after recording his 104th career shutout in an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh Monday, Dec. 21, 2009.

Martin Brodeur is interviewed after recording his 104th career shutout in an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Pittsburgh Monday, Dec. 21, 2009.

C is for Champion:

New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur broke the shutout record, posting his 104th of his career in a 4-0 win over the defending Cup Champions Pittsburgh Penguins. The record previously belonged to Detroit Red Wing’s Terry Sawchuk.

Brodeur, smiling from ear to ear took many photos with teammates and his puck inscribed with “104.” It is good to see the emotion and love for the game, and Devils forward Zach Parise said it best about the milestone, “I mean, it’s pretty fun. I’m sure it’s fun for him but it’s pretty cool for us too.”

The record stood for 39 years. Ironically, Sawchuk’s last shutout was against the Penguins on February 1, 1970.

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Winter Classic Rink Construction Video

Dec 17

Posted by Eddie in Media | 3 Comments

With the Winter Classic only 2 weeks away in Boston, below is a time-lapse video from the construction of the rink at Fenway Park.

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Daniel Carcillo One Punches Matt Bradley

Dec 5

Posted by Matt in Media, News | 2 Comments

Daniel Carcillo tried to provide a little energy for the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, but it ended up working against him big time. After Matt Bradley delivered a hit on Carcillo against the boards, Carcillo gave a few cross checks back to Bradley. Carcillo was quick to drop his gloves after that, and knocked Bradley down with one huge punch before Bradley’s gloves even hit the ice.

Bradley did not return to the game after the punch. The Capitals, however, avenged the punch as they scored three goals on the resulting power play. The game finished in a blowout as Nicklas Backstrom had a goal and four assists, and Mike Green added two goals and two assists in the 8-2 victory.

Update: Carcillo has received a four game suspension from the incident.

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Hello Again

Nov 12

Posted by EB in News | 1 Comment

Brian McGrattan and Ray Emery fight during an Ottawa Senator's practice in 2008.

Brian McGrattan and Ray Emery fight during an Ottawa Senator's practice in 2008.

It seemed just yesterday the Ottawa Senators were in the tabloids for pesky players adding more drama than a paternity test on Maury. Well it was not to long ago that Dany Heatley was in the news, but before Heatley, goaltender Ray Emery was the center of attention.

Emery played with the Senators for 5 seasons, starting in the ‘02-’03 season. Emery was later let go after the ‘07-’08 season. In a nutshell, he was let go for being a cancer to team morale. No other team took the risk on the young goaltender in the ‘08-’09 season, forcing him to play oversees in the KHL if he still wished to play at a competitive level.

This year Emery is back, and looking better than ever with the Philadelphia Flyers. Posting a 9-3-0 record with 2.27 goals against average and a .922 save percentage, makes you wonder, “Could there have been something in the water over in Russia?”.

Tonight the Flyers host the Senators for the first time, allowing Emery to take the spotlight and try to shut down his old team. Although a year has passed, I’m pretty certain the wound is still fresh.

The Flyers are currently on a 4 game winning streak, taking them to 9-4-1 overall for 4th place in the Atlantic Division. The Senators on the other hand are up and down with winning and losing, yet 2nd overall in the Northeast Division with a 8-5-2 record. The two teams are only one position apart within the Eastern Conference, so look for a hard hitting fast paced game.

Words of wisdom to those on the Flyer’s bench. If the Senators chase Emery from the net, do not assist with putting on his hat.

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Niklas Hagman Goal vs Flyers

Sep 22

Posted by Matt in Media | 1 Comment

Niklas Hagman, boy he’s got hands. He showed them off in pre-season action against the Flyers on September 19th. Watch this video, dangle + snipe.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Phoenix Coyotes

Sep 17

Posted by EB in Season Previews | 1 Comment

No greater is the need to have a winning season other than right now for the Phoenix Coyotes. With the future of the team in question, the team must go on and is doing so.

The team has made only few acquisitions to increase depth and talent. Starting with goalie, Jason Labarbera has signed with the team. Last year Labarbera split his time between two clubs, the L.A. Kings and the Vancouver Canucks. Combining his stats, he posted 8 wins, 10 losses and 6 overtime losses in 28 games with a .901 save percentage. His expectations should be no more than providing a solid back up position to starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov.

The Phoenix Coyote’s seem to be transitioning into a more puck moving club, as they have gotten rid of their enforcers. Last season Daniel Carcillo was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, as this season they have decided not to sign right wing Brian McGrattan to the Calgary Flames. The Flames have also picked up Nigel Dawes off of waivers from the Coyotes.

Perhaps the only two other players to make note of that will be joining the Coyote’s roster is that of defenseman Adrian Aucoin and the return of forward Radim Vrbata.

Aucoin holds an Olympic silver medal from 1994, played in the NHL All Star game in the 2003 – 2004 season and is a solid defenseman. The veteran defenseman will be able to provide wisdom and knowledge to the relatively young defense of the Coyote’s, as well as production on the power play.

Young forward Peter Mueller will be reunited with the return of winger Radim Vrbata.

Young forward Peter Mueller will be reunited with the return of winger Radim Vrbata.

The return of Radim Vrbata should ignite some offensive sparks with young forward Peter Mueller.  Vrbata winged a line of then rookie Peter Mueller. Together they were able to provide an offensive threat, combining for 49 goals, 61 assists totaling 110 points.

The Coyote’s have the talent to be a good hockey team. Captain and excellent two way player Shane Doan, up and coming Scottie Upshall, as well as veteran assistant captain Ed Jovanovski. The team was on pace to make the playoffs last season, only to fall hard and ending in 13th place. With the club’s future in question, even the question of Wayne Gretzky being head coach, the team could be an absolute wreck with the side distractions, or have an excellent season later to be made into a sports motivational movie.

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Philadelphia Flyers

Sep 4

Posted by EB in Season Previews | No Comments

The Philadelphia Flyers have made numerous off season acquisitions that brings one word to mind: “tough”.

Ray Emery joins the Broad Street Bullies this upcoming season.

Ray Emery joins the Broad Street Bullies this upcoming season.

Baby blue eyed goaltender Martin Biron will be replaced by bad boy Ray Emery. Emery played last season in the KHL posting 22 wins in 36 games with a 92.6 save percentage and a 2.12 goals against average. The numbers show immense improvement from playing with the Ottawa Senators in the ’07-’08 season, however the quality of play overseas is questionable in comparison to the NHL. A question that will be answered in time is whether or not his act as cleaned up? This though of course may or may not be wanted by the rough Philly fans.

The blue line has gained size and grit as Chris Pronger and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen will be donning the orange and black this season. Pronger, a seasoned veteran and a Stanley Cup winner, may be the most significant off season acquisition for the Flyers run for the cup. Pronger currently ranks 4th in playoff experience among NHL defenseman with 143 games played.

Offensively the Flyers have lost right wing Mike Knuble to Washington, however have replaced him with Ian Laperriere from the Colorado Avalanche. Tit for tat Knuble puts more points on the board, however when it comes to enforcing, Laperriere takes the cake. Pair him up with last season’s pickup Daniel Carcillo, it will be interesting to see what team dares to take any liberties with goal scorers Danny Briere, Simon Gagne and captain Mike Richards.

This year the Flyers have a very competitive team, a well balance of grit and finesse that will be a force to be reckoned with. Look for them to be competing fiercely for first place within the Atlantic divison as well as the Eastern Conference. The last question to be asked is how soon before the Broad Street Bullies trademark is restored to this season’s roster.

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