Flyers Rookie Camp Roster Released

Among those there are 5 2010 draft picks including
Michael Chaput - 3rd rounder, two way forward.
Tye McGinn - 4th rounder led Gatineau in scoring in '09-'10.
Nick Luukko - 6th rounder and Peter Luukko's kid.

12 are on a tryout base including:
Bryan Flinn - who was 2nd in scoring for University of Maine behind Gustav Nyquist, a Red Wings prospect.
Chris Rawlings - a 6'5" goalie playing in NorthEastern where he posted a 2.83 GAA on a under .500 (winning percentage) team.

6 goalies have been invited including:
Sergei Bobrovsky - who signed in May and was stellar in the KHL.
Nicola Riopel - who won the QMJHL's player of the year in '09.

Those who won't be there include:
Joacim Eriksson - who shot up the radar playing in the Swedish Elite League, not participating because he wants to commit to his club team.

Full List of Flyer Invitees

Leighton Re-Signs

Back in December the flyers didn't think when they picked up Michael Leighton that he would be a crutial part in their run to the Finals. Today the Flyers signed the 29 year old to a 2 year deal.

This deal gives Leighton a shot to grow as a goaltender and get comfortable in one place for the 1st time in his career. The deal is worth $3.1M over the course of 2 years, meaning a 1.5M cap hit each year.

Leighton ended off with a 2.83 GAA and a .905 SV% in 34 games where he also picked up 17 wins and 1 shutout. Michael Leighton's best play may have came when he was thrown into the fire down 3 games to 1 versus Boston, he posted a GAA of 2.46 and a .916 SV% in 14 games where he posted 3 shutouts.

With this signing Philadelphia will go into tomorrow with some different thoughts. Turco and Nabokov both couldn't be signed and neither could Hamhuis. The Flyers may see their goaltending as being okay, and look toward the blueliners or offenders.

Nabokov, Turco, Leighton?

Yesterday Dan Ellis was grabbed by the Montreal Canadiens from the Predators, barring if he signs, the Flyers are out of another potential goalie. With reported troubles reaching an agreement with Turco or Nabokov the Flyers need to move quick.

Who's out there? Well not including Nabokov and Turco that Flyers can look to Michael Leighton. Most Philly fans see this as a last resort after his terrible performance in the Finals. However Holmgren expressed earlier this week that the club is optimistic that Leighton will be re-signed.

Leighton doesn't get enough praise for the job he had done. Coming in off of waivers and guiding the Flyers to a playoff spot. Many times players said that Leighton was the best player on the ice and kept them in games.

the 29 year old could shake the ghouls out of his closet and reclaim his place as the Flyers starting goalie if he's willing to sign for cheap. If Leighton re-signs, he will most likely sign for around $1M and compete with Johan Backlund and maybe a free agent for the Starting job.

Burning Up the QMJHL: Tye McGinn

Don't worry Flyers nation he is not Teddy Ginn Jr.'s irish cousin, so no disapointments. Tye McGinn was taken 119th pick overall in the 4th round by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Tye has played 2 season with the Gatineau Flames of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League talling 35 gaols and 57 assists in 98 games. Last season average better than a point per game with 62 points in 50 games.

McGinn has great size for a winger at 6'2" and plays a good offensive game with a bit of an edge as he's put up 75 penalty minutes in 2 seasons. McGinn also is a gifted passer, like former Gatineau Flame Claude Giroux, Tye tied the Flames record for most assists in a game with 5.

Got this video of McGinn fighting via PhilaBright

Flyers Contract Updates

With the Nhl's Free Agency period coming up soon the Flyers have some work to do. Powe, Leighton and Coburn still unsigned to name a few. Homer has to focus on some of these players while multitasking on Trades, Signings,and Nabi.

Darroll Powe is set to be an RFA so the Flyers have some time. Power played pivotal penalty kill roles as well as added a scoring potential when paired with Giroux and Asham or JVR. He made 0.5M this past year and will most likely want around the 1-2M range. Jon Kalinski could be a possible replacement.

Michael Leighton is set to be a Unrestricted Free Agent July 1st. Holmgren said recently that he is optimistic that the Flyers and Leighton can reach a deal. Most suspect that this will be a back up role. He will look for upwards of 1.5M most likely.

Arron Asham was a key player in the cup run who hot and cold play was enough from the 3rd line. Arron is set to be a UFA July 1st. The Flyers are likely to let him go with the great play of Nodl during the playoffs. The Minnesota Wild were said to be interested in the Powerforward who made 0.6M last season.

Daniel Carcillo is set to be an RFA however there is a lot of reports that the Flyers have already reached a deal with him and were planning to announce it after the draft. Carcillo is a tough guy to put a number on so he will most likely get signed for too much. He made 0.9M last season.

Danny Syvret is also set to be a UFA. He played 21 games and put up 2 goals and 2 assists. However his play is solid he just hasn't been able to translate his offensive production to the NHL. He made 0.6M last season, it will be interesting if he re-signs at age 25.

Lukas Krajicek is set to be a UFA and it doesn't seem like the Flyers are trying to change that. The Flyers have acknowledged that they need a #5 defenseman and that Bartulis is set to be the #6. Krajicek isn't a bad defenseman he just isn't what the Flyers need out of their bottom pair. Lukas made 0.7M last season.

Braydon Coburn's name has been a hot topic. He is set to be an RFA making 1.3M last season. With the dealing of Hamhuis it looks as Cobi will be re-signed. Cobi is said to want upwards of 3M. Coburn is looked at as the Flyers 3rd or 4th defenseman and the 24 year old played with Timonen last season.

Evgeni Nabokov isn't currently a Flyer but they are talking. Rumors were that Nabi wanted too much money, but with only one other team interested that being Tampa Bay Nabi may have to take a pay cut to play on a playoff team. Nabokov is set to be a UFA and made 5.4M last season for the Sharks.

Jared Ross is set to be a UFA this offseason. He has been a great call up and has shown his value as a scorer and playmaker in the AHL but hasn't been able to translate it to the NHL. The 27 year old made 0.5M last season.

Draft Moves and Talks

Through the draft the Flyers only made 2 trades, however both somewhat significant. Dan Hamhuis was the suprising tradee in the deal which saw him go to the Pens for a 3rd rounder in 2011.Jonathan Matsumoto who led the Phnatoms in scoring was traded for Carolina's 7th round pick.

Matsumoto is 23 and is set to be an RFA, but the promble is he's a center. Jon has all the tools to be in the NHL after four seasons in the minors. It was a good trade as he would have walked away if he'd not been traded.

Holmgren came out to the media on Friday say that he is optimistic the goaltender Michael Leighton would be re-sign. The concensus is that Leighton will be signed as a backup.

Flyers also have a deal with the Sharks to talk to Evgeni Nabokov who is set to be a Ufa on July 1st. The Flyers will have to give up a pick to SJ if the two sides agree on a deal by July 1st.

Draft Day Talk has Evgeni Nabokov Looking to Philly

With rumor after rumor about available goalies coming into the draft, nowhere was Evgeni Nabokov's name used in the same sentance as the Flyers. However after a lot of talking from teams during the draft Flyers GM Paul Holmgren met with Sharks GM Doug Wilson.

They were seen talking after Pittsburgh made the 20th pick, then again a few picks later. After vanishing off for a few moments Homer and Wilson re-appeared. The deal was not even close to set. But ends up giving the Flyers the right to negotiate with Nabi and his agent before July 1st.

Nabokov is set to be a Ufa July 1st and the race is on to get this 35 year old goaltender a contract. Last year Nabi took a 6 million dollar cap hit in 09-10. Being older and still has yet to hit the shores of a Stanley Cup Finals, Nabi could take a pay cut and with a 35+ contract it will decrease over the next few years, should he sign.

Evgeni has a career .912 sv% and a 2.39 GAA, spending 10 season with the Sharks. Nabi's numbers get slightly better in the playoffs .913 sv% and 2.29 GAA in 80 games where he's tacked 40 wins.

89th Overall: Michael Chaput

With the 89th overall pick on Saturday the Flyers took Center Michael Chaput. Chaput has played 2 season with Lewiston of the QMJHL. Combined 31 goals and 34 assists in 97 games.

Chaput is looked at as a Two way forward who can make his presence felt at both ends of the ice. 51% in faceoffs in his last year of juniors, something the Flyers desire. Also a tremendous skater, in a speed oriented QMJHL.

The younger brother of Carolina's prospect Stenfan Chaput. Has good size at 6'2" and only at 194lbs has room to grow. Set to be a powerful center with great two way ability.

Chaput models his game around Vancouver's Alex Burrows. Says he hope to be in NHL in 2 to 3 years. via Sam Carchidi of Philly.com.

Hamhuis off to Pittsburgh

Almost a week after the Flyers traded Ryan Parent to the Nashville Predators for Dan Hamhuis, Hammer is off to the division rival Pittsburgh Penguins for a 3rd rounder in 2011.

Deal doesn't make a lot of sense if for either side. Flyers must have decided that they could not afford Hamhuis or that Hamhuis wanted to test Free Agent waters. Pittsburgh has had controversy arounf defenseman Sergei Gonchar and if they would be able to re-sign him. This may be why a 3rd rounder was the price Pittsburgh would pay to acquire Hamhuis.

Hamhuis said he wanted to be acknowledged as the number 3 defenseman before being signed, whereas money had nothing to do with the non-signing. via Tim Panotchio.

If Hamhuis does re-sign in Pittsburgh it would spell big trouble in Philly. Holmgren said that 4 teams were interested in Dan Hamhuis, and he decided on their number 1 rival. Pittsburgh doesn't have the money to re-sign Gonchar, so Hamhuis seems even less reasonable.

Flyers talked off and on to Pens GM Ray Shero, a majority of the time talking before the Pens had made their 20th overall selection. It was said however that Shero didn't offer the 1st rounder.

Draft Day Runner

The Philadelphia Flyers were thought to have set this date to be their busiest. Plenty of rumors and players on the table around the league. Running blog live though Day 1 of the NHL Draft in Los Angeles.

8:15
No moves so far with Homer and Clarke.
Word is that Flyers have talked to La Kings' GM Dean Lombarti and Calgary Flames GM Daryll Sutter. Kings own 2 goalies in Bernier and Quick who are both NHL ready.

8:45
"Lets Go Flyers" chant starts in Staples Center. via Tim Panatchio. No word on Flyers talking to anyone for about an hour now.

Hamhuis to Pens?

8:50
Flyers have been talking to Pens GM Ray Shero off and on all night. Was said earlier this week that Pens have interest in Cobi. But with Hamhuis unsigned questions arise.
9:00
Saying Pens want the rights Hamhuis. Gonchar's still unsigned for next season.
9:20
Talks between Shero and Homer about Hamhuis are dead, for the time being. Coburn could still be a topic.
11:00
Homer and Shero go to Central Registry, perhaps to announce something.

Flyers-Sharks

9:45
Homer has been busy and just got done talking to San Jose's GM Wilson. Sharks lost Blake to retirement this offseason. Nabokov is set to be a UFA July 1st.
10:00
Homer and Wilson move out of sight to talk. via Frank Servalli.
10:10
Flyers and Sharks talking over the rights of soon to be UFA goalie Evgeni Nabokov. Sharks also have the 28th overall pick, just a sidenote.
10:45
Flyers and Sharks deal nearly completed, Homer plugging away. 28th pick not involved, no interest from Flyers side.

All ends at 11:02. Flyers look to be attempting to deal with Sharks for Nabi and Pens as well.
Announced after: Flyers Trade Dan Hamhuis to Pens for 2011 3rd Rounder.

Going into LA

Hearing Flyers could be very active at NHL Draft this Friday. Not one pick until the 3rd round at 89th overall. After they see a pick in each of the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th rounds. Last year the Flyers 1st pick came in the 3rd round as they selected Finnish defenseman Simon Bertillson.

That being said the Flyers have made a big trade on each of the 1st days of the past two of three drafts. 07 was Steve Eminger, 09 was Pronger, however both of the trades include the Flyers current 1st round draft pick.

The depth of the Flyers could be shaken up this Weekend. Coburn and Hamhuis are still unsigned, with Cobi being an Rfa and Hamhuis a Ufa come July 1st. So is Michael Leighton although the Flyers have been talking to his agent throughout this week. There is a need for a top goalie in the Flyers organization.

Rumors floating around forwards Hartnell and Carter as well. Much was said about how the Flyers inquired about Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas, Thomas is to make 5 million next year. Also rumors were going around about LAK GM Lombarti's man crush on Hartnell, and that goalie Jonathan Quick may be involved if anything goes through.

Award Goes to...

Hart: Sedin. Hendrik gets his and the Canucks 1st. Hate to say it but Ovi and Sid will be back, Sedin is a question mark.

Vezina: Miller. Olympics played a big role in this. Mixed with great play and stats, also carried a Buffalo team to a Divsion title. So maybe the Olympics were a side note.

Masterton: Theodore. Back up Goalie award? Just kidding, great contributions and great guy Jose Theodore rewarded for work off ice.

Lady Byng: St.Louis. Great play on the ice and under 10 PIM this year. Great player all of his career who plays the game the right way.

Calder: Myers. Tyler Myers towered over competion and beat out 1st overall pick Jonathan Taveres. Top of the line, big sized, Sabres defender.

Norris: Keith. Broke out and established himself as one of the league's best. Gold metalist, Cup champion, and perfect smile. Keith has the best dzone game, way better than Green. Green has more acting cred though.

Adams: Tippet. Great season from Coyotes headed by Coach Dave Tippet. Beating the odds, Tippet was the favorite when his Yotes finished 4th in the West.

Lindsay: Ovechkin. Players picked him, because player hate to play against him simple as that. 2nd year in a row.

Clancy: Doan. Excellent leader of a shattered Yotes team. Lead the play and set the tone everynight in the locker room and on the ice.

Selke: Datsyuk. Defensively minded on a team like Detroit, no wonder he's won 3 straight. Watch him play and you'll understand why he's the league's top devensive offenseman. Second to win 3 straight, Bob Gainey won 4 straight.

SideNote: Must Watch Bobby Ryan and Ryan Getzlaf's video from Awards. Look on NHL.com

Salary Cap to Increase

After the NHLPA agreed top extend the current C.B.A. another year, they went on to keep the 5% growth factor as well. Keeping the growth factor means the cap will be set to increase 5%. As a result the salary cap will look to be increased from $56.8 million to $59.6 million.

This changes the entire game plan for many GMs around the league, including Flyers GM Paul Holmgren. Just yesterday i wrote and article on Flyers rumors "Monday Mad with Rumors" now after this news the Flyers plans may have taken a turn as they could have $10.7 million to work with going into Friday's draft.

It was said that with the acquistion and planned signing of Dan Hamhuis that Braydon Coburn, set to be a RFA, was the odd man out and was being shopped around the league. 27 year old Hamhuis will look to get around 3.5 to 4 million, 24 year old Cobi is looking for atleast 3. With $10 million to work with the Flyers could sign both and still have around $5 million free.

A UFA list that includes Arron Asham, Lukas Krajicek and Michael Leighton, and a RFA list that includes Danny Carcillo and Darroll Powe. The Flyers could pick and choose between those 5 and still have room towards the cap.

That 5 million would also help the Flyers efforts to move in on a UFA goalie. With Backlund and Boucher already signed the Flyers attention will be turned toward an established starter. View the Article: ''UFA Goalie Market" for listings.

Breakout Star: Matt Carle

When you play with one of the best in the league it's hard to stand out, but Matt Carle did that this year. He along with linemate Chris Pronger were a combined plus 41. Carle took another step in living up to his 3.5 million dollar contract, adding an ofensive side to his game with 6 goals and 29 assists.

Coming off of a short postseason run last season with the Flyers picked up a huge key to their 2010 postseason run in Chris Pronger. Flyers knew what Pronger was capable of and also knew he was going to need a good defenseman to pair with. Matt Carle stepped up and asumed that role and he and Pronger seemed to always be on the same page.

Carle is described as a defenisve defenseman with offensive potential. He showed his offensive potential when he stepped up in the 3rd period with the Flyers trailing 1-0 to the New York Rangers, Carle netted the tying goal and turned the tides in the Flyers favor.

Also praised for great vision and speed to make plays. Carle knows how to find the open man, as evident when he tied a Flyers defensmen's record for 4 assists in a postseason game. Using his speed to make plays is something Carle is great at. As you recall on Giroux's game winner versus Chicago in Game 3 Carle started the rush at one end and set Claude up on the other.

Carle is set to be a Flyer for 2 more years and his 3.5 million dollar contract sets the bar for Coburn and Hamhuis, who are looking for extentions. With the acquistion of Hamhuis Carle cannot be sure who he will be paired with next season, however the alaskin native is capable of playing 25+ minutes a game at 25 years old.

Monday Mad with Rumors

With one trade in the books for Homer and the Flyers, the Flyers can sit back and watch. However rumors about many Flyers forwards, defensemen, and even goalies have shown the early trade may only have just set the tone for a busy offseason.

These next 2 weeks could see the Eastern Conference champions with a completely different look going into the 2010-11 season. The draft is where Homer likes to strike and the thought is this could happen again. Also remember Free Agency period starts July 1st.

Here's a look at some rumors and news that constantly tweet in my ear.

-Carter-

The Flyers, like the viewers of my blog, tend to see Carter as the odd man out. If rumors are true he is the one being shopped around the league. Carter and Richards are good friends going back to World Juniors, which may have been the only thing keeping him in town. However a drop off form 46 to 33 goals this season has made the 24 year old sniper expandable.

Toronto has been throw around a lot. With a need for a big impact player and a young goalie in their system (Gustavsson) the Leafs may have a deal on their hand. Carter is set to make 5 million next year and the is a RFA, if a trade is made Toronto will see two top snipers in Kessel and Carter that make close to 10 million.

-Leighton-

The thought was that Leighton earned his contract in the Eastern Conference Finals, but lost it in the Stanley Cup Finals. However the Flyers are still trying to sign Leighton but now that trust is lost a back-ups salary is in order. The question is if Leighton will stay here and work to become a number 1, or go and try to perform as a number 1 now.

With only 3 teams in need of a solid starting goalie the odds are in Philly's favor. Leighton will be looking for a long term deal where over the next few years he could challenge for the starting job.

-Hamhuis-

Flyers sold young Ryan Parent for 27 year old Dan Hamhuis on Saturday, now the challenge is to sign him. Estamated to want around 3.5 to 4 million, Hamhuis is a must sign after the trade. Talks between Hamhuis and Philly were set to start Monday, today.

-Coburn-

With Pronger, Timonen, Carle and Hamhuis all set to make over 3.5 million next season Braydon Coburn is set to be the odd man out. However with a great postseason and at 24 years old the Flyers could get a lot from this former Thrasher.

Vancouver is said to be very interested and it could cost them their 1st rounder in this years, Friday's, entry draft. Other teams are said to be interested as well. Homer said he likes his d-corps right now but Cobi's gonna want atleast a 2 million dollar raise from his 1.4 million salary right now.

-Hartnell-

Everyone was counting on the former Predators 1st rounder to be sent packing this offeseason. But and offseason that saw a line of Hartnell along with Briere and Leino take off now Scottie is a must keep.

It came out after the Flyers cup run that Hartnell went through a divorce from his wife this season. Which is something Flyers GM Paul Holmgren can side with as he had also been divorced mid-season.

Hartnell is set to make 4.2 million until 2014, a lot for a 14 goal man but if his Finals play, which saw 5 goals in 6 games, continues next year the Flyers and their fans can be sure he's worth it.

Great source in help feed this article: @BroadstBull, @Tpanotch, @Eklund.

Future Pest: Jon Kalinski

Picked in the 6th round of the 2007 round Jon Kalinski was the first of the Flyers '07 draftees to hit the ice with the big boys. Kalinski by trade is a left winger but has shown his ability to play either wing and even center. So versatile Kalinski is also a force in the defensive end.

Kalinski is the prototypical two way forward. Playing 3 years at Minnesota state Jon wasn't a top points producer, putting up 29 points in his 3 year career, which may have led to why he dropped to the 6th round.

Kalinski possess a great head in the defensive zone and makes plays regardless of physical torment. This led to a potentially fatal leg injury during his rookie season with the Flyers. However Kalinski has bounced back and developed an agitator side to him, that was seen often in college. Racking up 147 penalty minutes for Minnesota State, Kalinski tallied 29 in the AHL this season.

The game winner versus Vancouver's Corey Schiender in 2008 was Kalinski's 1st NHL goal. Meaning he scored before Jvr who was taken 2nd overall in '07. Jon isn't offensively handicapped, scouts say he has a knack for timely goals. Which is something any team could use, especially with the growing need of back end scoring.

Kalinski has played 22 NHL games over the past 2 season, but with Darroll Powe still not re-signed Kalinski's shot could be sooner rather than later. Jon projects to be a third line defensively smart yet offensively talented pest. A fun player to watch he can play with almost anyone, as his abilities are endless.

HockeyFuture.com: "He is willing to stand in and take physical punishment for the chance to make a play."

Trade: Dan Hamhuis to Philly

Just this afternoon the Flyers acquired Nashville Defenseman Dan Hamhuis from the Nashville Predators for former Predator draftee Ryan Parent. A shocker that GM Paul Holmgren seems to be getting a reputation for.

Ryan Parent has had a tough run in Philly and with a bad postseason he is now back with the team that drafted him. Parent was acquired for Peter Forsberg back in 2007 in a trade that also saw Scottie Upshall headed to Philly.

Dan Hamhuis played in Nashville for 6 years and tallied 23 gaols and 161 points in 483 games. However Hamhuis is known more for being a gritty defenseman, and will undoubtly bolster the Flyers toughness at the Blueline.

Hamhuis is set to be a free agent come July 1st, so the Flyers have 12 days to sign to the UFA. Coburn is also set to be RFA and could be the odd man out as he could ask for money the Flyers don't have. Carle also makes upwards of 3 million, but saw a lot of success next to Pronger this postseason.

Hamhuis was the 3rd defenseman in Nashville D-corps, and behind Ryan Suter and Shea Weber who will cost the Preds a lot, it was decided he could not be re-signed. Hamuis will settle in the Flyers second line most likely playing with Timonen as the Grit to Kimmo's finesse.

Dan Hamhuis said today: "I think Philadelphia has an unbelievable defense corps, to join a crops like that makes the Flyers the toughest in the league." Following "Ive heard nothing but great thing about the Flyers and the City of Philadelphia."

Holmgren said today: "Dan is a good all-around defenseman, he can play a lot of minutes and in many different situations, from powerplay to penalty kill."

Flyers Prospect: Joonas Lehtivuori

When i was dealing with the Article: Drafting Bolsters Defensive Future (June 16th), i talked about a young group of budding Flyers blueliners. But i left one out, Joonas Lehtivuori, a 2006 draftee of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Taken with the 101st overall pick in 2006 the Flyers got a great 6'0" puck moving defensman. Joonas is known for his great passing ability and much like Chris Pronger his first pass. He is highly touted for his hockey sense and great skating ability as well. However his size is a concern moving forward to the NHL.

After being drafted Joonas played 3 more years in the Finnish Pro Hockey League, where he compiled 33 points in 133 games. Which isn't bad for a small 20 year old defenseman playing against pros. There after Joonas directed his attention toward North American hockey, and signed with the Adirondack Phantoms.

Joonas faired well in his 1st year of play, talling 5 goals and 23 points in 66 games. Holmgren said on Lehtivuori: "Joonas is what you call a puck-skill defenseman, He played in Finland for 4 years so he's probably a little more advance than some of our other kids." -THN.

Homer's thoughts most mean that Lehtivuori could see an NHL call up before some of his AHL teamamtes if he progress steadily.

Flyers Goalie Scramble

After Jaroslav Halak's trade to the St.Louis Blues all the buzz around the hockey world is what ther goalies are available. Halak was an Restricted Free Agent along with Carey Price, one of them were expected to be dealt, and one of them was. It was said that the Flyers were in the bidding for Halak, but Homer denied.

A big question is, who will be the Flyers next goalie? Or better, who will they go out and get? My Answer is nobody. The Flyers have the guys in place right now to not have to go after a "big guy" in a sub-par free agent market.

Johan Backlund, their AHL affialate's starter and 21 game winner, received a 2 year extension earlier this week. The thought is that he will contend for the starting job. Backlund was a solid starter in Sweden were he played in over 200 games. Backlund showed promise in his only start this season, playing 2 periods and letting in 2 goals to Pittsburgh.

Michael Leighton is an interseting story and his fate will most likely rest in how much faith the Flyers have that the Finals were a result of his ankle injury. Jeff Reese, the Flyers goalie coach, will also have a say in what happens as he knows Leighton best. The Flyers have expressed interest to re-sign him but the question will be if they let him hit the market come July 1st.

That leaves Brian Boucher, the concensus is: what ever the Flyers do, he will most likely be the odd man out. That could either be to the Phantoms or the 34 year old will hit the market. Boucher made a case to be the back-up next year, however with any signing he is most likely as stated early, the odd man out.

If the Flyers didn't mean that Backlund would play for the starting job next season, then it wouldn't have been said. The staff has confidence in the soon to be 29 year old. Backlund could end up starting the year as a starter if the Flyers organization sees that he's adapted to North American hockey throughly.

Backlund would also make a great back-up/starter if Michael Leighton is re-signed. Leighton needs a place to grow fully and if the Flyers and Leighton feel like this is a fit, then this could be where you'd see the Flyers go with "the hot hand". This could be fatal but the organization seems to have confidence in both guys, at the moment.

Phantoms' Menace: Jonathan Matsumoto

With the 79th overall pick in 2006 the Philadelphia Flyers selected an Ottawa Native by the name of Jonathan Matsumoto. Designated for another couple years at Bowling Green University Matsumoto was a relatively unknown going into the Draft. However the 3rd rounder is on the verge of becoming a legitimate steal.

Matsumoto played 3 seasons with Bowling Green of the CCHA, where he was a force. In his freshman year he led his team with 18 goals and 14 assists. Following up on that Jonathan had 20 goals and 48 points in 36 games. After 3 years with BGSU Matsumoto turned his attention toward the NHL.

Matsumoto just finished up his 3rd full professional season, putting up 30 goals and 62 points in 80 games, after a season that was him with 63 points in 78 games. Showing that he can score in college and in the AHL is one thing but proving it with the Flyers will be his hardest test.

With an already great socring potential Matsumoto brings another level to his game with his great playmaking ability. HockeysFuture.com's scouting report reads: "Brillant playmaking center who brings an infectious enthusiam to his game." Another thing that every GM loves to talk about is hockey sense, and this guy has that.

Matsumoto may be settling into his professional game at the age of 23. Expect to see him get a long look at during training camp, and possibly even get a shot at the starting roster. Matsumoto skills are very reminiscent of current Flyer Claude Girioux's skills. Going forward Matsumoto may contend for a starting job in those top 3 lines.

Drafting Bolsters Defensive Future

The Flyers have been known to draft well, as evident with their recent 1st round picks: Richards, Carter, Giroux, Downie, van Riemsdyk. All of whom are set to be powerful offensive forces in the NHL. However the Flyers blueline has been subject to debate ever since the days when Hatcher and Gauthier guarded it. So drafting top notch forwards doesn't seem like the obvious thing to do.

Luca Sbisa has great potential and was a steal with the 19th overall pick in 2008, but was sent to Anaheim the next year. The Flyers picked up one of the best defensemen in the game in Chris Pronger. Pronger along with Kimmo Timonen are two of the best blueline patrollers in the league. Matt Carle was a great pick up for as little as Steve Eminger, and is now settling in. Braydon Coburn, picked up in during the trade deadline, for Zhit (Alexei Zhitnik) is now a solid top 4 defenseman.

Beyond that it's a little shaky, Bartulis is signed for the next few years and will look to mature and stay in the NHL all next year. Ryan Parent, a definate star and captain with Guelph, now is struggling to find his Pro sea-legs.

The Flyers have done their best drafting however in the later rounds, picking up a group of solid young and blooming defenseman.

In 2006 the Flyers saw a Russian Defenseman by the name of Denis Boldrov and drafted him in the 2nd round. Kevin Marshall grew Flyers hopes in 2007 when after being drafted 41st overall he said he wants to be the next Chris Chelios. Tough guy Marc Andre Bourdon was selected in with the 68th overall pick in 2008. And in 2009 Simon Bertilsson was the 1st player taken by the Flyers, in the 3rd round.

Russian-born Denis Botrov was subject to controvery after playing 3 seasons in the KHL, but his intentions were always to make it to the NHL. This winter he took a step towards that goal and signed a contract with the Adirondack Phantoms of the AHL. He posted 1 goal and 3 assists but was a minus 11 in 17. Bodrov will continue to perfect his game to North American hockey next season.

Kevin Marshall (pictured aboved) had raised some eyebrows when saying he wanted to be the next Chris Chelios minutes after being drafted. After playing 4 years of hockey in the QMJHL, Marshall played his 1st professional season with the Phantoms this year. Marshall plays a tough style with great defensive awareness. He will continue to season in the AHL, before becoming the next Chris Chelios.


Marc Andre Bourdon, drafted 2 rounds behind Luca Sbisa, may be the reason the Flyers felt Sbisa was expandable. Bourdon was named to the QMJHL First All Star team twice in 08 and 09. In his Junior career he posted 147 points in 186 games, a definate offensive force and projects as an Offensive Defensman. Bourdon will, like Marshall, continue to season in the AHL for the next season or two.

The Flyers first pick in 2009 came on the second day of the draft, but they cashed in selecting Swedish Born Simon Bertilsson. Bertilsson at 6'0" is a very skilled skater but isn't an offensive force. He projects as a Defensive Defenseman that is said to have an excellent Hockey Sense. The Swede is breaking the traditional European trend and plays a physical style and loves boards play. Bertilsson has yet to break into North American Hockey, but at 18 he's showing great progress.

With a great young core of defensemen on their way the Flyers have to be satisfied. However Homer knows the time is now with guys like Pronger and Timonen in their primes. Homer will most likely go after defensman in Free Agency this summer, but has stated that this off season will be crutial for Parent's future. We'll see if another mid round defensive prospect is head the Flyers way this Draft. June 25 - 26 from LA.

Draft Prospect: Goalie Gru

If you watched the Memorial Cup this Spring you heard a growling coming from the crowd when the Windsor goalie would make a save. "Gruuuu!" adapted from the Belleville bleachers to the roaring Spitfire fans who migrated to Brandon, Manitoba. The reigning champions got a boost from the man they call Gru on their way to their 2nd straight title this Spring.

Philipp Grubauer's name came into focus after his trade midseason from the Belleville Bulls to the OHL powerhouse Windsor Spitfires. Grubauer posted a 2.37 GAA and a record of 13-1-2. While leading the star loaded team to a Memorial Cup Championship.

Grubauer's biggest feat may have been in the Division I Group A World Junior Championship. He went 5-0-0 with a GAA of 0.64 and a .974 Save Percentage. This boosted him to the 3rd rated goalie coming into June 25th's 2010 Entry Draft according to the International Scouting Service.

The Hockey News rates Grubauer as he 47th highest ranked player, this translates into a mid 2nd round pick. Goaltending is at a premium in the NHL right now and with many entering free agency this summer. Grubauer set a good stage for himself in WJC and it will be interesting to see how high he goes.

He has plenty of potential and having a 6'0" frame makes him a great prospect. However scouts views differ from top 10 star worthy to late round question. One scout said: "He has all the tools and he's a great kid." Hockeysfuture.com: "Technically sound, calm goaltender." Another scout: "He's quick and athletic."

Summer Surgeries

-Injuries-

Flyers reported Monday that two of their key players toward their cup run will be getting minor surgeries this offseason. These is the first of many i assume. However some may be held back from the press so they do not hurt a players trade value.

Daniel Carillo will get surgery on a sports hernia. He was scratched for games 1, 4-6 of the cup final. However Carcillo provided a physical presence and even a scoring touch scoring many big goals this postseason. He is a RFA this summer, but now that this has been released he should stay put.

Ville Leino will get surgery on his hip this summer. He set the Flyers rookie postseason point record in his 19 games this Spring. Imagine, this is what he's capable of doing while suffering from a hip injury, what is he capable when fully healthy. With a break out postseason Ville will hopefully be a Flyer for years to come.

UFA Goalie Market

Going into July 1st and the start of free agency the Flyers have a lot of questions to answer. The biggest one, who will be the goalie next year? With a sight that they have the team to win the cup this year, expectations are high and the goaltending is a hot topic. Michael Leighton seemed like the guy until he saw a 6 game series with the Hawks where he was thrown to the wolves for 20 goals against in parts of 6 games, 2 of which he was pulled for Brian Boucher.


Here a count down of the available Unrestricted Free Agent goalies going toward July 1st. Unrestricted means they will not be affiliated with their former team and their former team will not need anything in return for the signing come July 1st.




Tier 1: goalies who are Legitimate Starters, can start 50+ games.
1. Evgeni Nabokov, 34 -A
2. Dan Ellis, 30 - B
3. Chris Mason, 34 - B
4. Marty Turco, 34 - B
5. Michael Leighton, 29 -B
6. Martin Biron, 32 - C


Tier 2: 1b goalies, Goalies who can start 20-40 games a year and be used a back-ups.
7. Vesa Toskala, 33 - C
8. Manny Legace, 37 -C
9. Alex Auld, 29 - D
10. Ray Emery, 27 - D


Tier 3: Back-Ups, play the odd games.. unless you're behind Brodeur.
11. Brent Johnson, 33 - D
12. Antero Niittymaki, 30 - D
13. Yann Danis, 28 - D
14. Patrick Lalime, 35 - F
15. Johan Hedburg, 37 - F


Tier 4: 3rd Goalies, AHL regulars injury Call-ups.
16. Andrew Raycroft, 30 - F
17. Joey Macdonald, 30 -F


Unless the Flyers are looking into RFAs, goalies who's former team's will receive reparations for the signing, Michael Leighton is the best bang for your buck. This team also need defensive help so signing a goalie to a big contract could be wasteful when you have a potential big time starter on your team already.

Johan Backlund plans to Re-Sign

Last March when the Flyers signed Swedish goaltender Johan Backlund, they figured his season would be an adjusting one mostly spent will the A'Dack Phantoms of the AHL. However when injuries riddled the Flyers goaltending staff and starter Michael Leighton went down mixed with the awful play of Brian Boucher, Backlund was called on.

His 1st start was an odd one, on March 27th. His play was stellar letting in 2 goals on 24 shots versus a solid offensive in Pittsburgh. A sigh on relief came from Flyers nation as hope that they had found a goalie not named Boucher to carry them into the Playoffs. Going into the game Backlund had been battling groin problems, that seemed to out weight his undescribably desire to play. And at the start of the 3rd Boucher took over in net and the Flyers went on to lose 4-1.

In the lost Flyers Nation gained hope and were counting down the days until Backlund would be able to play again. GM Paul Holmgren was also impressed and expressed much interest to re-sign the soon to be 29 year old rookie.

Backlund played played 10 years of professional hockey back in Sweden, spending 4 seasons and playing over 200 games in the Swedish Elite League. In Adirondack, the Flyers AHL affiliate, Johan played 41 games posting 21 wins and 17 losses and a 2.79 GAA.

The assumption is that Backlund will compete for the starting job this season. The question is who will he be competing against? Michael Leighton is still an UFA and Brian Boucher has one year left on his contract. The contract was said to be a 2 year contract which will be key to his development and adjustment to North American Hockey.

Top 5 Flyers Playoffs Contributions

The Flyers saw an unexpected playoff run anchored by the unlikely, here are the Top 5 playoffs contributions from the 2010 Eastern Conference Champions. From shootout to Stanley Cup finals.

5. Brian Boucher
When Michael Leighton went down break dancing versus Nashville the Flyers were still among the Playoff bubble. So all hope fell into the hands of one time Flyers 1st round pick and now long time backup. Boucher started terribly and it looked as though the Flyers would end on the outside. However Bouch got settled in and got his game together for a 2-1 shootout win versus the Rangers for the 82nd game of the Regular Season.
From there on Boucher won 4 of 5 games versus the Devils in the First round and was outplaying Martin Brodeur. His run came to an end when Ryan Parent fell back on him and Bouch went down with a knee injury. He would return for the cup finals but back-up Leighton.

4. Blair Betts, Darroll Powe and Ian Laperriere
The Flyers 4th line was maybe the most dominant in the Playoffs, but it was their special teams ability that showed their true colors. The Flyers Pk was solid versus the Devils with Blair Betts and Ian Lapperriere leading the way. But then when Lappy went down his PK duties fell into Darroll Powe's hands. Powe responded well and him and Betts went a solid 21/22 against Montreal. Betts was the Flyers most dominate Faceoff man through out the playoffs most of his draws coming on the PK.
The Line of Powe Betts and Lappy were often used against the Hawks top line of Kane Toews and Bluff during the finals, where they provided a boost of energy and solid defensive play.

3. Chris Pronger and Kimmo Timonen
Not many people had more pressure on them once the Regular season turned Post season, and Chris Pronger responded playing a near 30 minutes a game. Agonizing offensemen and tourching them in the press. Kimmo's the quiet type who's play speaks for itself and it sure did during these playoffs. Kimmo finished with 1 goal and 10 assists and a team Defense high +6, also playing nearly 30 minutes a game.
Pronger knew he was doing his job when even after the Hawks won the cup he was still a hot topic. Chris finished a +5 with 4 goals and 14 assists. But his biggest contribution was his leadership, he never let the Flyers team get discouraged.

2. Ville Leino
The Finnish star turned Healthy Scratch turn Philadelphia Hero. Ville came into the playoffs a healthy scratch in the doghouse of Coach Laviolette. But after a huge break out against Boston Leino turned into a house hold name. Finishing the Playoffs with the Flyers single playoffs rookie points record, with 21 points in 19 games. Combine that with his team leading +10. Leino was a force and at many times the only light on a dim future seen often versus the Hawks.

1. Peter Laviolette
The 14th seed in the Eastern Conference wasn't the ideal place to start for newly hired coach Peter Laviolette. Add in the fact your two biggest player, top scorer Mike Richards and tough-guy Chris Pronger, weren't exactly at eye level. And Peter Laviolette didn't have a cake walk to the playoffs. However after a few weeks of cohession between the Flyers players and Lavi's system the Flyers found themselves right outside of a playoff spot.
That playoff spot didn't come easy, as it was won in the last second possible. Laviolette never stopped believing his team was good enough to win the cup and his sense of what it takes to win was unquestioned in the Flyers locker room.

Rookie Report: James van Riemsdyk

-Rookie Report-

With 2nd overall pick in the 2007 draft the Flyers selected Middletown New Jersey breakout star James vanRiemsdyk. Controversy inclined soon after. Jvr decided that college was the best option for his development, while the Flyers though other wise. After a season at UNH, Jvr turned his focus toward the NHL and becoming an everyday player. Going into the season unsure if he would even make the roster Jvr fought through it and made the opening day roster.

Through his first month Jvr had gone 5 games beofre scoring his 1st NHL goal versus Florida. He finished the year with some highs and lows, scoring droughts cancelled out by amazing potential inspiring goals. He finished the regular season with 15 goals and 20 assists in a solid 78 games, 6 of the goals were game winners.

Slumping into the playoffs the Flyers were going to need a complete turn around if they want to last. Jvr carried a 16 game goal-less streak in Game 7 versus Boston, where when the Flyers need a goal most and Jvr came through scoring a goal and pushed the Flyers toward the Win. van Riemsdyk finished the playoffs with a sad 3 goals and 3 assists, the Flyers expected more from the 15 goal scorer in the regular season.

A 99 game season is tough for any 20 year old. But it gave him a real idea on what it takes to be a winner in this league.

Jvr has areas to improve in his game going into the offseason. His 6'3" frame gives hopes of a great power forward, but at 200 lbs he's a string bean. If Jvr hits the gym, he is a jersey boy, he could gain 15 or 20 pounds of muscle and become a force in front of the net and add a lot of strength to his already extremely powerful shot.

Jvr's shot was his best quality going into the season and was on to begin the year. However toward the ladder part of the year that shot was not being used and was not seen for long stretches. Mostly due to his lack of strength to get to the shooting positions. He must work on finding his hot spots and learning when to shoot and when to pass.

Going forward into next year Jvr will most likely see an increase of minutes with moves potentially coming in Philly. Giroux and van Riemsdyk found a chemistry late and Jvr stole some of Claude's passing touch and the two were connecting great plays on a nightly basis. These two could make for a great 2nd line for the Flyers playing beside a guy like Carter or Briere.

Ice on Broad Street's Offseason Schedule

A Vague look at Ice on Broad Street's Offseason.

-June-

• What Have We Learned from the Playoffs, Stanley Cup Finals.
• Player Report and Analysis
• Rookie Report
• Prospect Ratings

-Draft-

• What the Flyers need and have gotten in Recent years.
• Results and Analysis

-Free Agency-

• Who's out come July 1st
• What do the Flyers Need

-Looking Forward-

• Next Season's lineup
• Key Accusions and Future Stars

Stanley Cup Game 6 Notes

This is do or die territory not unfamiliar to the Flyers, they're down 3-2 and are looking to force a game 7. The Flyers are 9-1 in the playoffs at home and 2-0 in the Finals. Game 6 in Philadelphia tonight.

-News-

After Game 5's 7-4 loss there was controversy about Flyers goaltending and if Leighton would get the call. Peter Laviolette quieted concerns Tuesday when saying: We have the best goalie in the playoffs, i didn't think we had to announce it." So Michael Leighton will be the game 6 starter, he is 5-0 in the Wach this postseason and has only lossed 2 games there all season.

Danny Carcillo has been a healthy scratch since Game 3, where James vanRiemsdyk had taken his spot back and has put up a goal and an assist in 2 games. Lavi likes to toy wth his lineup after a loss and Carcillo has not been informed whether he will play or not.

-Notes-

Hawks:

Chicago has never faced elimination in these playoffs.

Byfuglien put up 2 goals and 2 assists in Game 5, after being a mere -3 with 1 assist.

Niemi didn't look too solid allowing 4 goals in Game 5, 2 goals in the 3rd.

Flyers:

Leino has had points in everygame but game 2 in Chicago.

Claude Giroux has 5 goals and 8 assists at home this postseason.

Flyers have out scored their opponents at home these playoffs 37-20

-Keys-

• Flyers have been put in this spot before and are 5-0 when facing elimination this year.


• Leighton has been stellar at home and a big game could push Chicago to the edge heading into a possible game 7. Flyers are 9-1 at home this Postseason.


• Pronger was a -5 that last game but being Pronger he's ready for tonight saying: "All i'm focusing on is the game tonight."

Believe Flyers Nation

Home Sweet Leighton

Michael Leighton may be the sole reason behind the Flyers 9-1 record at the Wachovia Center this post season. He didn't play the first 4 2 games, where Boucher put up a 3-1 record, but in the last 5 games Leighton he has been perfect going 5-0. Home success has been a key component to the Flyers playoff run thus far, as they have won their last 6 home games. Including 2 games versus the Bruins in their historical comeback approach.

Michael Leighton has been solid at home all season only losing 2 games at the Wach all season. With stats like these all the Flyers need is at least one win on the road to capture a cup. With the Flyers and Leighton having massive amounts of trouble in the United Center they are undoubtedly happy to see game 6 taking place in Philly.

Game 6 is his chance to make a stand an with a solid game letting slim to nothing by him, he could sent Chicago home guessing. This would come in huge for his confidence and the team's confidence in him. Niemi has been just as shaky and between the two for them they have let in 36 goals in just 5 games. A shut down performance by Leighton would buck the trend and give the Flyers the advantage going into Friday's game 7.

The 29 year old "rookie" will bring his A-game Wednesday and with it a thirst to prove the team who drafted him over 10 years ago and gave up shortly after, the Hawks.

Nightmare on Madison Ave

Well if you couldn't tell from the first 4 games then Game 5 should have gotten the message across, this series is gonna be dominated by the Home team. The Flyers, coming off of a home sweep finished by a 5-3 win on Friday leading to numerous questions if the Hawks were done. Well the Hawks killed that and even now have many asking if the Flyers are done.

The Flyers had things going there way leaving Philly, Niemi was solved, Chicago's top scorers were asleep, Pronger was stopping everything that moved, and their 1st line was somewhat awake. All of that changed once they crossed into the Central Time Zone.

It was Niemi's game to win as the Hawks chased Leighton out after a 1st period where they scored 3 goals. In doing so he stopped 24 of 28 shots that came his way. But those Four goals are defiantly something to build on as 2 of them came in the 3rd, where Niemi was been lights out as of late.

The Trio of Kane Toews and Bluff were seperated for the 3rd period of Friday's game 4 loss where they almost mounted a comeback. So they stayed seperated. Kane played along side Sharp and Ladd, Toews with Kopecky and Hossa, Bluff with Bolland and Versteeg. Big Bluff, Cuff, call him what you will broke out on the Powerplay with a goal off a tip in in front from a pass from Toews. Bluff ended his night with a empty netter from center ice around Pronger and 2 assists.

Speaking of Pronger, he put up a -5 with 0 goals or assists in over 28 minutes. The -5 was a career worst for the big guy. To add insult to injury Bluff was all over him with hit after hit, this may have taken Pronger out of his game. Looking at the goals he was on for none were really his fault. Carle was playing just as badly ending a -3.

What can Philadelphia take out of a loss which saw their starting goalie fail them and get pulled early, your top Defenseman way in the negatives ,and your top scorers slump?

• The Flyers never quit they made it a game all the way through until Bluff's empty netter.


• Guys like Leino and Jvr stayed hot as they made crutial plays in the final period.


• Niemi still does not look comfortable in net, a big game in Philly could destroy him for Game 7 in Chicago.

They Flyers seem to get awful comfortable and never seem to really work until their backs are against the wall. Peter Laviolette always says the team that wants it more will win. Chicago wanted it more, they turned it into a must win and Philadelphia wasn't prepare for the energy Chicago came out with. Chicago stole the Momentum, now on Wednesday it's Philly's turn to take it back, and force a Game 7.

Stanley Cup Game 5 Notes

Chicago swept in Chicago, Philly swept in Philly. Now to Game 5 in Madhouse on Madison, Series tied at 2. It's a best of three from here on out. Instead of an analysis i'll be doing some quotes in this section. Enjoy you Game 5 Hockey Fans!

"We've have got to Believe it's ours. We know we've got more as a team, we haven't gotten to that level yet. It's in our control, We've got to find a way to do it tonight. There's no more time to waste, we have to bring everything tonight." -Captain Jonathan Toews

"I think there's another level for us to get to. and i think it starts morein the battle areas and having the puck more."-Coach Quenneville

Flyers Laviolette decided not to share his comments on the Hawks players. As most Flyers did.

-Notes-

Chicago saw success in the third period with these lines and will most likely go with these same lines:

Byfuglien Toews Ladd

Hossa Sharp Kopecky

Kane Bolland Versteeg

Brouwer Madden Eager

Philadelphia will most likely run the same combos as Game 4:

Gagne Richards Carter

Hartnell Briere Leino

Jvr Giroux Asham

Powe Betts Laperierre

Matchup to Watch: Timonen Should be matched with Kane and Pronger with Toews. With Krajeck taking Hossa or Sharp's line.

Players to Watch:

JVR, confidence is up.

Giroux, he's on right now and Jvr's just getting started.

Niemi, Could have a turn around and make some big saves.

Toews, new lines could be very beneficial.

Game 5 at 8pm east from Chicago

First Line Woes, Second Line Woahs

Going into the Stanley Cup Final a lot was made about the Talent and Scoring of these two teams' top lines. On Chicago's side Toews Byfuglien and Kane were making top headlines everyday, Toews especially with his hunt for the Hawks all time postseason points record, set by Denis Savard back in 85. The Flyers weren't chasing any records but instead were breaking them by being the only the 3rd team in history to come back from down 3-0, this charge was led by their top scorers in Gagne and Richards.

However 4 games into the Cup Finals the top 2 lines have a combined 4 goals. not that big of a deal except there have been a total of 29 goals scored. So if the Top Guns aren't doing it then who is? The answer is the depth scorers. The key to any elongated playoff run is to get goal scoring from all ends of the offensive spectrum, and these two teams have that down pat.

The Flyers second line of Briere Hartnell and Leino have now comibined for 7 goals and have scored 3 in one game twice. Yesterday Leino got his 7th of the postseason, a new Flyers record for postseason goals as a rookie. While Briere leads the team in goals with 11 this postseason, and Hartnell has had a postseason good enough to forget his regular season, he has 14 points in 21 games after heating up versus Boston. Claude Giroux scored the game winner in Game 3 and then turned around to score his 10th goal in Game 4.

Chicago has relied on the sporatic scoring of the bottom liners. Troy Brouwer after only scoring 2 goals going into the Finals scored 2 in Game 1. That same game when Andrew Ladd was scratched due to an ijury Tomas Kopecky stepped up and got the Game winner. In Game 2 it was former Flyer Ben Eager who got the game winner late in the second with a great wrister over Leighton's glove. Game 3 Brent Sopel tallied his 1st of the playoffs to tie the game at 2.

The main story for Chicago is David Bolland after only playing 36 games in the Regular season and scoring 6 goals, he's played great in the postseason and scored his 7th in Game 4. After settling in to a offensive third line role for the Hawks he's been on a role.

Flyers Top scorers somewhat broke out in Game 4 though scoring 2 of the Flyers 5 goals. After scoring just one in the last 3 games. Richy scored the first goal and set the tone, while Carter put the icing on the cake and tapped in an empty netter. (Sounds like game 5 versus Montreal.) However the chemistry still isn't flowing, it could be because of the tight Chicago Defense or just a lack of cohesiveness.

Chicago's top line has been quite an issue for the Hawks, only 1 goal in 4 games. When Toews hooked up with Kane in the 3rd period of Game 3 many thought they were about to go off. But in Game 4 the line showed no momentum, as they were a combined -6.

-Stat Breakdown-

Toews: Entering the leagues top scorer only has put up 1 assist, -3

Kane: Has been the most productive with 1 goal, 2 assists, -6

Byfuglien: Call him Big Bluff, with all the hype. He's put up: 1 assist, -3

Richards: Flyers captain has had a poor offensive showing. 1 goal 1 assist, -4

Gagne: Flyers most key scorer in this run, 1 goal, -5

Carter: after scoring 2 to seal off Montreal he put up 1 goal 1 assist, -5

-Analysis-

If these two lines break out this series will some how get even better than it has been already. But the main cause to this slumping has been the Solid play of the Defense. Chris Pronger has done a grea job of shutting down Toews on the boards and Byfuglien in front. While Duncan Ketih has broken up countless plays and blocked many shots by that top Flyers lines. Good defensive play has been the storyline for these horrendous showings from the Top Guns.