Ice on Broad Street

My take on the Career and High Cost of Rick Nash

2012-02-14T14:38:00.001-05:00

Broad Street Hockey posted a story about Rick Nash and the rumors surrounding him, earlier today. This got me thinking about if Rick Nash is traded how would the first 8+ years as a professional be remembered, or frankly, if it would be remembered at all.

If Rick Nash is sent away from the team that drafted him 1st overall back in 2002 in hopes that he would be the rock to build their team upon, how would his stint in Columbus be remembered? For starters, Nash is a five time all-star, a Rocket Richard Trophy winner, and an Olympic Gold Medalist. In addition, he has led Columbus is production since his breakout sophomore season, and graced the cover of NHL 2k9. If you want to see what he means and has meant to the Columbus franchise, take a look at the chart below. (courtsey of Wikipedia)

Points

Goals

Assists

Player	Pos	GP	G	A	Pts	P/G
Rick Nash*^[69]	LW	592	259	229	488	.81
David Vyborny^[70]	C	543	113	204	317	.58
Nikolai Zherdev^[71]	RW	283	76	105	181	.64
Geoff Sanderson^[72]	LW	261	88	80	168	.72
R.J. Umberger*	LW	246	74	84	158	.64
Manny Malhotra^[73]	C	344	53	92	145	.42
Kristian Huselius*	LW	187	58	84	142	.76
Ray Whitney^[74]	LW	151	45	95	140	.93
Jakub Voracek	RW	241	39	95	134	.56
Rostislav Klesla^[75]	D	515	41	92	133	.26

Player	Pos	G
Rick Nash*	LW	259
David Vyborny	C	113
Geoff Sanderson	LW	88
Nikolai Zherdev	RW	76
R.J. Umberger*	LW	74
Kristian Huselius*	LW	58
Tyler Wright^[76]	C	57
Jason Chimera	LW	54
Antoine Vermette*	C	53
Manny Malhotra	C	53

Player	Pos	A
Rick Nash*	LW	229
David Vyborny	C	204
Nikolai Zherdev	RW	105
Ray Whitney	LW	95
Jakub Voracek	RW	95
Manny Malhotra	C	92
Rostislav Klesla	D	92
Kristian Huselius*	LW	84
R.J. Umberger*	C	84
Espen Knutsen	C	81

However, this chart tells more than just how great of a piece Rick Nash is to Columbus. It also shows the reason why Columbus has only made the playoffs once in their 11 year existence, being swept in the 1st round by the Red Wings. In fact, it was the stellar play of goaltender Steve Mason who ultimately made the difference in getting the Blue Jackets into the post season.

The lack of any depth scoring or play-makers surrounding the perennial all star were well know problems haunting the organization. The only way to address this came through the draft, as middle of Ohio isn't exactly a place that hot free agents want to spend their time. Numerous draft picks fell out of stardom and gently drifted away into the fold in Columbus. For very much the same reasons that great potential seems to become handicapped in Edmonton.

Moves were made to get a supporting cast for their marque sniper. None bigger than the one made this summer by 3rd year GM Scott Howson who traded for accomplished scorer, Jeff Carter. Carter was supposed to be the prime piece that would boost Rick Nash's game and lead the Blue Jackets into the playoffs for only the second time.

But as many of us have seen everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. Carter and Columbus had a terrible start that was typified when their big pickup went down with a broken foot shortly after the season had begun. On top of this the Flyers were enjoying a great start and loving the pay coming from newcomers Jakub Voracek and Sean Couturier, both pieces acquired in the Jeff Carter deal.

Now that Columbus sits well out of playoff contention, without much hope that this group can turn it around, Howson is faced with a decision that will ultimately affect how he is remembered as a GM. Even if he sticks around in Columbus. To trade Rick Nash, or not to trade Rick Nash.

Rumors have been swirling that Nash would like a trade out of Columbus and many see his departure as a matter of time. To the surprise of few, virtually every team in the league has interest in the still budding star. Even the same team that Howson dealt with in the past summer. The Flyers undoubtedly have interest in Nash, and Howson undoubtedly feels that he needs to rectify the Jeff Carter trade, as there are also rumors that Carter wants out of Columbus as well.

Now if the Flyers want to deal for Nash it will likely cost them one JvR, Brayden Schenn, or Sean Couturier, if not two of them. As well as possibly Sergei Bobrovsky, to attempt to end the rotating door in net for the Blue Jackets. However, the Flyers are said to be in search of a defenseman to fill the 6'7" void left by captain Chris Pronger, who likely has played his last NHL game.

JvR seems to be the piece that the Flyers would be comfortable moving and many teams are likely to want a chance to buy into his sky-high potential that was showcased during the Flyers most recent playoff 'run'. But don't look to Howson letting the Flyers give up just JvR. Columbus would likely also want a couple of draft picks and another player with top tier NHL potential.

Moving backward, Nash may be only remembered to Columbus for what they can get in return for him. He has been a major contributor, but has never made them a force. (Although all the blame cannot be put upon him.) Columbus fans must look around at Pittsburgh, Washington, Chicago, even Tampa Bay and wonder if maybe Nash just isn't as great as some of these other top picks. I can say, not having a bias to Columbus, that I have never seen Nash as being on the level of Crosby, Ovechkin, Stamkos, or Toews.

Scott Howson must realize what Nash is outside of Columbus and move forward. In the process cleansing his team and getting pieces for both the near and distant future. He may be thrown under the bus and Columbus will get another GM who will likely have the same thing happen due to factors he cannot control. But few will have the guts to make some of the moves Howson did, in the trades he made and players he drafted. I am sure that through his stint with the Blue Jackets he has never looked for anything but players that could move his organization forward.

Hectic few months Deadpooled Ice on Broad Street

2012-02-12T14:37:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts over the recent few months. Between work and school I really haven't been able to watch much hockey. But shortly I will be able to return to my neanderthal-esque ways. Just in time for the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs.

Final Attempt at the WC Jersey

2011-11-19T17:02:00.001-05:00

Remember the old/new "Blazers" WC jersey concept? Sorry, but that's been widely regarded as nothing but a novelty jersey. Last week Y?!?! Sportz posted this about the Flyers new, new WC Jersey, this is yet again another Blazers style.

Man are these boring! Good thing no actual Flyers fans will have to see em in person, 3, 2, 1...

Anyway, the Flyers will reveal their REAL Winter Classic Jerseys on Monday!

Now lets see a comeback here in the 3rd!

Jody Shelley won't be cut by the Flyers

2011-10-06T12:18:00.001-04:00

He's too big of a part of the locker room. He's an example for the young guys. The Flyers brass likes him and will honor his contract, if they didn't he wouldn't be here. Think if the team released Blair Betts before him when Betts has had such a bigger role than Shelley in recent years, if the team was cutting guys solely based on on-ice contributions, Shelley would be gone. But they didn't. He's the kind of guy that Paul Holmgren and Peter Laviolette love, cutting a guy with great work-ethic and a great attitude could only hurt this young team.

The Russian Superstar Himself

2011-09-18T10:13:00.001-04:00

The NHL just linked this on Facebook, so for those of you who haven't seen it - here's Jagr as he steps on to the ice as a Flyers! Tough not to get excited about the NHL season when you hear an all-time great saying that he just wants to win.

Training Camp Line Combos
JVR - Giroux - Jagr
Hartnell - Briere - Voracek
Simmonds - Nylander - Talbot

via @D_Leed of The Hockey Guys.

Chris Pronger named 18th Flyers Captain

2011-09-17T10:11:00.000-04:00

Yesterday the Flyers finally anointed Chris Pronger the title that most say he's owned since his arrival in 2009. Pronger will ironically be the Flyers 18th captain in team history, as he replaces Mike Richards who was traded to the Kings in the off season.

He will have Kimmo Timonen and Daniel Briere wearing the 'A's beside him. Kimmo has been an assistant captain since his arrival in 2007, while Danny will be taking over for Jeff Carter. Danny had worn the 'A' in previous seasons when Both Simon Gagne and Jeff Carter had been injured.

Pronger hopes to be ready for Thursday October 6th when the Flyers enter TD Garden to face the Boston Bruins. The captain played just 50 games last season and will likely, hopefully if healthy, have plenty of days off this season.

Overseas Warehouses Selling Flyers Winter Classic Jerseys Too Soon

2011-08-31T15:07:00.000-04:00

Looking for my next Flyers jersey with Mike Richards shipped to LA, I found myself looking through overseas warehouse sites where excess NHL jerseys are sold for cheap. But while looking I came across something quite weird. These sites are selling a supposed 2012 Flyers Winter Classic Jersey.

These jersey websites have been greatly injuring the market that was once purely owned by the NHL. Now the companies who make these jersey are selling off what the NHL and other retailers do not buy, and at a fraction of the cost. The teams and league put in orders for what jerseys designs and players they would like to purchase, these warehouses then make up a huge amount of these and send them off to retailers. As previously stated the rest are sold online. Point being everything made is made as request of the leagues and retailers.

Here's the best part. The Flyers have not announced their 2012 Winter Classic jersey designs, yet these oversea warehouse sites are listing the Blazers look for sale as the WC jersey.

I look at Winnipeg's predicament, where they were in a rush to put in an order/design for their 2011-12 jerseys. The Flyers most likely were on a similar deadline where the warehouses wanted those designs quickly in order to start mass producing the style so retailers would have it right away.

It seems the overseas conductors haven't been paying too much attention for they are selling the Flyers 2012 Winter Classic jerseys before the game has even been announced. Here's a look at several sites doing so.

Is this a huge mistake by the sellers and the league? What do you think?

2011-12 Eastern Conference Predictions

2011-08-21T20:24:00.000-04:00

Now that the dust has settled on the hectic span that is wrongfully named the "offseason," we can now see our teams' pictures coming into focus. That means it's time to start throwing our two cents in on the upcoming six monthes. Here's my 2011-12 NHL Season Predictions for the Eastern Conference.

Washington Capitals - Once again the Caps take the East and along with depth scoring and a revamped goaltending group they serve as the early favorites.
Philadelphia Flyers - A new look offense is held together by outstanding defensive corps in front of Bryzgalov, a late push shots them into the division lead.
Buffalo Sabres - A strong start combined with a slow start by division rivals proves key in Buffalo as they grab their first division title under new ownership.
Pittsburgh Penguins - Lack of scoring is made up for by great team play and winning the games they should, a quiet team heading into the playoffs.
Boston Bruins - After a first half that had fans wondering the Bruins pulled together in what ends up being the toughes division in hockey.
Montreal Canadiens - Carey Price carries a team with a diminishing offense and aging defense. The Vezina contender finally give Montreal what they have sought after since Roy.
Carolina Hurricanes - Plenty of depth scoring sees the Canes as the top team at the half way point, but as reality sets in the team falters down the stretch.
Toronto Maple Leafs - The Leafs carries by a group of players looking to prove themselves make a late push after a productive trade deadline.
Florida Panthers - Outplayed by their division down the stretch, the Panthers inexperience gloomed large come march.
New York Rangers - An off year comes to a team who stacked up in the offseason. Under-performing depth players ultimately kill the blue shirts hopes.
Tampa Bay Lightning - An awful start sumarized by terrible play in net, the Bolts were headed to an unwelcome top pick in the draft. Until, Dustin Tokarski emerged and the team put together a late push.
New York Islanders - Depleted from a hectic offseason, the Isles build up hopes with hot stretches but they are too few and far apart.
New Jersey Devils - A new coach sends the Devils back 12 monthes and another dreadful season occurs. Team rebuilds at deadline.
Ottawa Senators - Nothing seems to click permanatly and the Sens sell shop to continue to build towards brighter days.
Winnipeg Jets - The NHL's newest team has a rough time due to travel and youth, however a first overall pick awaits them come late June.

What do you think? Couple of picks don't sit well with you? Comment below with your thoughts!

Columbus introduces Jeff Carter

2011-07-21T10:43:00.000-04:00

Flyers ink their Remaining RFAs

2011-07-08T19:50:00.000-04:00

This past week the Flyers made well on their deals of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards signing two of the returnees to deals. Jakub Voracek, 21, spent the first three years of his career in Columbus before being shipped to Philly this summer in a deal that included Jeff Carter. Wayne Simmonds, 22, was shipped from Los Angeles in a deal that included Mike Richards.

Voracek was signed for one year at $2,250,000 while Simmonds took what many see as a pay-cut, signing on for two years at $1,750,000 per.

Both of which had already been introduced as Flyers to the media and will be ready for the start of training camp.

Maxime Talbot joins the Orange and Black

2011-07-08T19:39:00.000-04:00

The Flyers have signed former Pittsburgh Penguins Maxime Talbot to a 5 year deal worth $9,000,000. The 27 year old spent the previous six years of his career in the Steel City capturing a Stanley Cup in 2009. Talbot is a rowdy fourth liner who was a pivotal player on the Pens penalty kill over his career.

One of the main characters of HBO's 24/7 Caps and Pens series last season joins another team who is now gearing up for Winter Classic of their own. Talbot is a fiery competitor who many say is Ian Laperriere's replacement - not saying anyone can replace Lappy.

Talbot's contract was originally voided by the NHL due to 50% of his salary being dealt in the first two seasons, but the Flyers redid his deal and he is now officially a part of the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

Flyers Sign Andreas Lilja

2011-07-08T19:13:00.000-04:00

The Flyers have reached a two year deal worth $1,475,000 with unrestricted free agent defense man Andreas Lilja. The deal has his cap hit at $737,500 for each of his two seasons with the orange and black. Lilja spent last season with the Anaheim Ducks after playing the five previous seasons with the Detroit Red Wings where he captured a Stanley Cup in 2008.

Lilja is a defensive defense man who has had some flaws to match his accomplishments. He was a -15 last season in 52 games with the Anaheim Ducks, after signing in October a season after missing 55 games due to a concussion.

The 35 year old, whose birthday is Wednesday the 13th, is set to try and take over the spot left vacant by Sean O'Donnell on that last defensive pairing. Lilja will provide depth and experience to a team loaded with it. The Swede is undoubtedly looking for nothing more and nothing less than Stanley's Cup.

Flyers win the Jagr Lottery, Sign him for 1 year

2011-07-08T18:26:00.000-04:00

On July 1st the Flyers signed soon-to-be 40 year old Jaromir Jagr to a one year deal marking his return to the NHL. Jagr had spent the last three seasons in the KHL since leaving the New York Rangers following the 2007-08 season, his 18th season in the league.

Jaromir is regard as one of the best, if not the best, Russian players of all time. Through his career the sniper had racked up 1599 points in 1273 games, doing so on 646 goals and 953 assists through three different stops.

The Flyers were a late-comer in the bidding as they went on to sign Jagr almost just as reports broke that they were in on him. They had to beat out just one team, the team that Jagr had spend eleven years with - the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the end he signed with a new town after turning down more money than he signed for. The superstar signed on for one season at $3,300,000.

If you are a person scouting for new jerseys, you can expect Jagr to wear number 68, the same number he has worn his whole career.

Jagr would be a great fit in Ville Leino's old spot, next to Daniel Briere and Scotty Hartnell. He spends his time in the high slot luring defenders to create space and gearing up to use his one-timer that has helped him net almost seven-hundred goal in his NHL career.

On a personal note, I am ~~super excited~~ pleased about this signing. I grew up watching Jagr dominate in Pittsburgh and give the Flyers pains with the Capitals. It is always awesome when a superstar wants to play in your city and especially when this is likely his last spot in the NHL.

Flyers Trade Kris Versteeg to the Panthers

2011-07-01T16:12:00.002-04:00

Flyers have traded Kris Versteeg to the Florida Panthers for a 2nd and 3rd pick. Flyers now have over 4 million in cap space.

Flyers will NOT send Stamkos an Offer Sheet, Exploring other Options

2011-06-30T17:57:00.000-04:00

2nd Time using this Picture, stay quiet!

T Panotch just let the air out of the tires letting every eagerly, excited Flyers fan know that the Flyers are not going to send Steven Stamkos an offer sheet. The offer sheet was rumored to be for 12 years banking Stamkos $115,000,000. Holmgren told Tim that the Flyers would not be submitting an offer sheet, rather that they would make moves when free agency starts tomorrow at noon. Peter Luukko also backed up what Homer said saying that the Flyers will not

Stamkos's most obvious suitor, other than Tampa, looks to be the Toronto Maple Leafs who just two years ago went after Phil Kessel around this time of year.

The Flyers agenda going into free agency remains unknown, however there are thoughts that Erik Cole is one their radar. Cole won the cup in Carolina with Laviolette at the helm.

Another name is Mike Ryder of the champion Boston Bruins. Ryder is a good depth scorer who can play on the powerplay. He made $4,000,000 last season, a contract signed just one year removed from when the sniper notched 30 goals. This season Ryder tallied 18 goals and 41 points in 79 games.

The Flyers may look at an old face to fill a spot down the middle. Michal Handzus's name has been buzzing around lately. Handzus is a strong checking line center who has spent the last three seasons with the Kings.

Eklund just tweeted that the Flyers may be in on Jaromir Jagr, and with that we have the Free Agent Frenzy that is the reason for the season. Enjoy All!

Free Agent Sleeper: Kyle Wellwood

2011-06-30T17:03:00.003-04:00

Say that Stamkos is not in the Flyers future and Ville Leino is not re-signed. The team sits with four centers in Daniel Briere, Claude Giroux, Brayden Schenn, and Blair Betts. Schenn, despite his talent, has not played a full season in the NHL and Betts has faltered in the faceoff circle of late. In the minors the team has Ben Holmstrom, Jon Kalinski, and late bloomer Matt Read. But this team needs experience upfront badly and there may be one guy who can bridge the gap and fill the holes that come.

That answer may lie in Kyle Wellwood of the San Jose Sharks.Wellwood is set to become an unrestricted free agent after making less than 700k last season. He is leaving the Sharks after just one season since signing as a free agent after playing two seasons in Vancouver.

Wellwood started his career in Toronto, where he spent three season registering over 100 points. The 28 year old plays a two way game and is plenty capable of scoring, tallying 18 goals during the 2008-09 season. He can also log time on the penalty kill to fill the void left when the Flyers traded Darroll Powe.

Signing Wellwood to a multi-year deal would work out great as after next season the Windsor native could take over as the Flyers fourth line center when Blair Betts's contract expires. Kyle's younger brother Eric is a Flyers prospect, he played 3 games with the Flyers last season logging 1 assist. Eric could play along side his brother to form a shut down pairing on that 4th line.

Wellwood seems like a great fit, he can play most situation, cut down Schenn's workload and be yet another scoring threat for this team. His price tag should be low considering he only played 35 games with the San Jose Sharks last season, not because of injury rather he wasn't signed until the 17th of January. He still went on to log 13 points and put up an astounding plus/minus rating of + 10.

Rumor: Steven Stamkos spotted in Sea Isle Yesterday

2011-06-30T10:22:00.003-04:00

There is a rumor flying around that EA Sports' cover by, Steven Stamkos, was in Sea Isle, New Jersey yesterday looking at houses. This news coming just hours after the Flyers mulling over whether to give Stamkos a 12 year $115 million offer sheet as he sets to become a restricted free agent.

Sea Isle is located just over an hour from Philadelphia and merely 50 minutes from the Voorhees Flyers Skatezone, where the Flyers practice. The city was in the headlines recently as Jeff Carter boarded up the windows and doors of his house in Sea Isle after being traded to Columbus. Many Flyers players reside in Sea Isle during the offseason, even Dennis Seidenberg of the champion Boston Bruins kept his place down there after leaving the team.

The area is great in Sea Isle very little distractions and right on the beach. Stamkos could just be looking for a vacation home, but remember his resides in Tampa Bay right now. Doesn't make sense right?

Story originally broke on 610 WIP, a radio station out of Philly. Let me know what you guys think/hear, either comment below or tweet me @FlyersFire

Flyers to Offer Stamkos a 12 year deal

2011-06-29T15:24:00.001-04:00

Reports are now blooming about the Flyers prepariong to offer Tampa Bay's restricted free agent Steven Stamkos a 12 year deal worth $115,000,000. If signed the deal would have Stamkos's cap hit sitting around $9,580,000 per season. Remember if Stamkos signs the Flyers offer Tampa Bay still has a week to match or decline the deal.

As of right now the Flyers have upwards of $6,700,000 dollars in cap space and during the offseason they can go 10% over the cap. Leaving the team with over $13,000,000 in cap space as of right now. With Stamkos deal against the cap the team would be about $2,800,000 over the cap.

Answers to Stamkos, Leino, Schenn, Homer and More

2011-06-28T23:09:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of questions being asked ever since last Thursday's blow up, when Flyers GM Paul Holmgren traded away what was formerly the club's core in Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. In this post I will attempt to give you answers to all the questions I've heard since that cloudy June day turned bright for some and putrid for others.

If Holmgren can trade Jeff Carter and Mike Richards away without warning, after signing them to long term deals, why would any free agent ever want to sign in Philadelphia?

I don't see these deals a rupturing any kind of reputation that the Flyers organization or Paul Holmgren has built. Multiple time there had been reports on how Mike Richards was separating himself from the team, and along with him, his best friend Jeff Carter. In a championship locker room that does not happen. Multiple reporters covering the Flyers came out soon after the trades saying that the locker room atmosphere got a lot better. (Sam Carchidi)

Players and more importantly their agents understood why the Flyers made these moves. There should not be the slightest shiver as a free agent puts pen to paper to become a Flyer.

Why does Ville Leino want so much money? He's not worth $4 million.

Leino is set to be an unrestricted free agent on Friday, the Flyers eagerly want a contract done by then. There were reports that Leino's group turned down two offers from the Flyers during the season, also reports of Ville wanting around $4,000,000.

The Salary Cap just jumped up $5,000,000 and players are taking advantage of it, look at Brooks Laich and Kevin Bieska's new deals. Leino has been a valuable piece to this team, both during the regular season and the playoffs. That combined with his attitude and work ethic, versatility of playing any forward position; and you have a guy who could easily grab upwards of $4,000,000 on the open market.

Can we trade Shelley already?

I understand where you are coming from Shelley has not been a vital piece to this organization and he does have a cap hit that looks larger under the microscope the Flyers are dealing with. Shelley is a respected player both in the locker room and on the ice. He won't be leaving town until his contract is up, and don't ask if he can play in the Phantoms.

Are the Flyers after Stamkos?

Yes, they will fight it out with just about 29 other teams to get the talented 21 year old sniper. Stamkos is a generational talent that now team can afford to pass up on given the chance to get him. Already a Richard Trophy winner Stamkos is a restricted free agent and head to free agency. If he signs an offer sheet, and Tampa declines to match, the likely compensation a team would pay is 4 1st rounders.

How are the Lightning going to handle Stamkos heading into July 1st?

Sides aren't close on reaching a deal with just 2 days remaining until Steven Stamkos hits the open market. While Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is ready for anything he will not lose Stam without a fight.

In a talk with the Tampa Tribune's Erik Erlendsson, he had pointed out that Yzerman and Stamkos's group are in what seems to be a "chicken fight." Stamkos's agent is holding the massive offer sheet deals rumored as a wedge to prop the soon to be free agent's price up as high as he can get it. He also mentioned that Yzerman has gotten the green light to match any offer, if he sees it as acceptable of course.

Will Brayden Schenn play in the NHL next season?

Brayden Schenn is currently entering the second year of his entry level contract worth $3,100,000. The 19 year old, 5th overall pick in the 2009 draft spent all of last season with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. He did fit in 7 games with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL tallying 7 points in 7 games, along with 2 points in 8 games with the LA Kings.

The question of if he stays with the team of not depends solely on what they do over the course of the next few days. If a new free agent center comes into town be prepared to see Schenn, Adirondack. If not he has a great shot of making the team with Darroll Powe gone. He does have the skill to make the jump.

Can Couturier compete for an NHL spot this year?

Falling to the Fyers at 8th overall many see Sean Couturier as the steal of the draft. Set to go number one overall, Sean was stricken with mono and lost some of his strength. Then sure-handed Ryan Nugent-Hopkins emerged and stole his spotlight.

Couturier is listed at 6'3" 193 lbs, with makes him a frail center with a big frame and plenty of room to grow. His skill level can only grow in the next few months as he gears up for his shot at making the club, right now his level stands around code dirty. He will compete and most likely stick around for a cup of tea in the orange and black but then be sent back the the QMJHL for the duration of the season.

What's going on with Sean O'Donnell?

He was set to retire at the end of last season but Pronger talked him back into playing, Being a key contributor on the blueline this season OD is either pumped or worn out. There is interest around the league in his services but at 39 the journey-man will want to stay put. The Flyers know this and so he is most likely the least of their worries.

What is the value of our goalies?

Since Bryzgalov is signed away for nine years there is a lot talk about clearing cap to improve other positions. One way to do this is to trade away Leighton or Bobrovsky or both.

I doubt any team is ready to jump on Leighton, after all he did clear waivers without any takers. He could play a back up role or hang around in the minors like last season. Bobrovsky should have several suitors if his name were to be put on the trade block. Tampa Bay and Florida are both in need of a top goaltender and have plenty of cap space to delve into. Those would be my top two place to look.

Photo: 3 of a Kind

2011-06-28T16:48:00.000-04:00

New Flyers: Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek try on the Orange and Black.

Flyers Sign Nodl & Sestito, Trade Powe

2011-06-27T17:19:00.002-04:00

Today the Flyers sign two upcoming stars, Tom Sestito and Andreas Nodl to new deals. Both were set to be restricted free agents, if unqualified today would have become unrestricted free agents come July 1st. These two are expected to make up the Flyers 4th line along with Betts next season. The Flyers currently sit with over $6.7M in cap space after Nodl's deal. (Cap)

Darroll Powe, also a RFA, was sent to Minnesota today in a trade that had to be done as the Flyers hoped to get any value they could for their soon to be UFA. The team got great return on Powe getting a 3rd round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Powe was a 4th liner capable of play center or winger and also a top contributor on the PK.

Sestito was acquired in a trade last season that sent Flyers first pick in the 2010 draft, Michael Chaput, to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sestito is a big 6'5" guy who can drop the gloves and score goals. Nodl played throughout the line up nearing 20 goals, he can also play on the PK.

The Flyers also sent qualifying offer to Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds and Jon Kalinski; meaning they stay RFAs. Offers were not sent to Dan Carcillo, Stefan Legein, Garrett Klotz and Brain Stewart making them all UFAs.

Newest Flyers pick their Numbers

2011-06-27T11:11:00.000-04:00

Yzerman Handcuffed by Tampa Bay's $30 Million Lost

2011-06-26T10:08:00.000-04:00

On May 2nd Forbes released an artice entitled "Tampa Bay Lightning To Post Huge Loss This Year Despite Stanley Cup Run". Where Mike Ozanian breaks down how Tampa went so far this year and still will post a pre-tax loss of $30M. Here's a piece from that article.

But the Lightning will still post a pretax loss of around $30 million even if they reach the finals, according to a person familiar with the Lightning’s finances. In large part this is because the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, which began with the 2005-06 season. Playoff teams must pay the N.H.L. a low six-figure fee to help cover the league’s costs to produce the playoffs, including expenses for travel, marketing and officiating. The fees increase each round. Also, teams are required to contribute part of their playoff ticket revenue to the N.H.L.’s revenue-sharing program, which redistributes money to the financially weaker teams.

This puts sophomore GM Steve Yzerman in a tough position. Although his team has upwards of $23M to spend before hitting the new $64.3M salary cap ceiling, the contracts he has to sign may not go over well with the people whose money he's spending.

It came out a few days ago that the Lightning were not going to be able to re-sign Simon Gagne, despite reports all throughout the year that they were planning on it. Now they have to turn their attention to Steven Stamkos, who is said to want around $7M per season. This is something that the Lightning clearly cannot commit to, they already give too much money to too many players on the team.

Lightning's highest paid players by 2011-12 Salaries:
Vincent Lecavalier - 10M
Martin St. Louis - 5.5M
Ryan Malone - 5.5M
Mattias Ohlund - 5.5M
Eric Brewer - 3.85M
Pavel Kubina - 3.5M

Also factor in that they Lightning have just 13 of the 20 players they need to fill their NHL roster signed. Lightning free agents include Stamkos, Ted Purcell, Simon Gagne, Sean Bergenheim, Adam Hall, Bruno Gervais, Matt Smaby, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Randy Jones, Mike Smith and Dwayne Roloson. The next thing to look at is 2012 free agents, for Tampa this list includes Victor Hedman, Pavel Kubina, Steve Downie, Domonic Moore, Dana Tyrell and Brent Clark.

If this organization is losing money and soon all of its players if Stamkos is signed to a deal worth $7M per, why would they sign Stamkos?

The question sounds stupid but this game is more than just cap space and how many stars a team can fit within their share. There are teams in the league not as lucky as they Flyers, Tampa is one of them. It is unknown what kind of budget they are working with right now, but there is a chance that Stamkos and a 20 man roster may not fit together.

Tampa Bay has to be in a bit of a crisis already without a goalie with significant NHL experience signed for next season. Add a 50 goal scorer's reluctance to sign and Yzerman may do something drastic. The Lightning are in a position where Stamkos leaving on an offer sheet only hurts them. With a majority of their team in the ladder years of their careers Tampa needs players who can play in the league now to stay competitive.

This plays right into the Flyers' hand. The Flyers have two NHL ready goalies, Leighton and Bob, who won't be put to much use while Bryzgalov is manning the pipes. They also have prospects down the middle out of nowhere, in the acquisition of Schenn and drafting Couturier and Cousins. Add that with the ownership of all their future first round picks and the Flyers could put together a solid offer to send Stevie Y before July 1st.

Don't rule out the chance of getting Stamkos, Philly.
And god bless Cap Geek.

Flyers Draft Day 2

2011-06-25T12:20:00.006-04:00

68th Overall Nick Cousins // Center // Sault Ste. Marie // OHL
Cousins was the first of many St. Marie's stars to go in the third round. At 5'11 Nick is average size for a center man. He plays a pesty game but also posted 68 points in 68 games, also scratching out 5 points in 7 games at the World-U18 games this year. His game could use some work but he is a stellar pick in the 3rd round. Follow him on Twitter @Cous27. Yahoo Q&A: Link NHL Profile: Link

116th Overall Colin Suellentrop // Defense // Oshawa // OHL
Suellentrop is a 6'2" defenseman who plays a gritty defensive game. He is not scared to drop the gloves either, but Suellentrop is responsible averaging 70 penalty minutes in his past two years of junior play. Scouting reports suggest he needs polish.

118 Overall Marcel Noebels // Left Wing // Seattle // WHL
Noebels had a great first year of junior with Seattle registering 28 goals and 54 points in 66 games. The -11 suggests he needs to work on his game at both ends, keep in mind his team was the 3rd worst in the WHL last season. Noebels will continue in juniors next season.

176th Overall Petr Placek // Right Wing // Hotchkiss // CT High School
Placek has the potential to be a huge steal. The young winger stands in at 6'4", 200 lbs and plays a smart game. Scouts rave about his intelligence and mentality. Some even saw him going in the first round, luckily he feel to Philly in the late 6th.

206 Overall Derek Mathers // Right Winger // Peterborough // OHL
Mathers is known for being a fighter with Peterborough. At 6'3" 226 he is NHL ready size-wise. Without any further ramblings, THIS:

Couturier talks with NHL Hot Stove

2011-06-25T09:27:00.004-04:00

This is from a conference call last night with the Flyers 8th overall pick, Sean Couturier. Article by Dave Strehle.

Cout has a great mentality and wot a great frame at 6'3" and hockey sense he could make this team right out of the gate. It's a wonder why this kid fell, not only the steal of the draft but possibly the bes player in the draft.

Transcript

Q: On the chances of playing in the NHL next year

“For sure this summer I’ve got to work hard. My main goal is to make the NHL next year. Once I get to camp I’ll be prepared. It’s up to the GM and staff to decide. I can’t really control that.”

Q: Had the Flyers been in touch with you?

“Yeah, actually I met them for the first time last night. It was a pretty good meeting. They seemed to have a lot of interest, but anything can happen in the draft. But now that the draft is over, I’m really glad to be a part of the Philadelphia Flyers.”

Q: Who did you meet with?

“Pretty much the whole staff was there.”

Q: Did you have a team in mind?

“No, not really. I didn’t really have any favorite team or anything. I didn’t really know what to expect. So just going to Philadelphia, I’m really happy.”

Q: Who did you root for growing up?

“I grew up following the Montreal Canadiens, but I wasn’t really a die-hard fan or anything.”

Q: I understand your father played hockey?

“Yeah. He played about 15 years of pro hockey, but mostly in the minors. Being around him was good for me.”

Q: What position did your dad play?

“He was a left wing and centerman.”

Q: So you got all the talent in the family?

“I don’t know… I was drafted before him so I was just bugging him about that.”

Q: I heard that you might have been a number one pick overall but you had some issue with fitness. Is that true, you had some mono?

“Yeah. I had mono at the end of last summer. It maybe slowed me down a bit through the season. But now, wherever I was drafted, I was going to be happy, and Philadelphia is a great place.”

Q: They couldn’t stop comparing you on TSN to Jordan Staal. Do you think that’s a fair comparison?

“Yeah. It’s a pretty good honor to be compared to him, but for sure, we’re similar in some ways.”

Q: Is there an area of your game you feel you need to improve?

“Well, especially making the most of my skating, my first two steps. I’ve been working on it since I was young, and there’s still a lot of improvement left to do. But I’m working on it, and overall, that’s about it.”

Q: The Flyers recently traded for Brayden Schenn. Is there a relationship between the two of you?

“We played together at World Juniors. It was a good experience just being around him and everything. But outside of that, we’d never met before.”

Q: What is your height and weight?

“About 6-3½, about 200 pounds.”

Q: What is it about the NHL game you think you would be best at?

“Probably my hockey sense, my two-way game is pretty solid. I’m pretty reliable defensively, and offensively I’m pretty good at protecting and controlling the puck.”

Q: What was your opinion of what happened with the Flyers yesterday?

“I was actually pretty surprised, didn’t really expect it. After thinking about it, I knew I could be drafted there, and now that I’m drafted that’s pretty special.”

Q: Do you think there is more room for you now than there was yesterday?

“Yeah, maybe. I haven’t really thought about it. It’s going to be up to me with my work ethic, keep working hard through the summer, and once I get to camp it’s going to be up to me to prove myself.”

Flyers take Sean Couturier with the 8th Overall Pick

2011-06-24T20:41:00.002-04:00

Once thought to be the number one pick in the draft, Sean Couturier fell to the 8th overall pick in the NHL draft and the Flyer bit. Couturier logged two consecutive 96 points seasons in the QMJHLfor Drummondville.

When asked if he thought the center man would be available at their pick Homer said: “No, we didn’t,” Holmgren said. “But it’s certainly something we thought about. We’re excited. We’re happy we were able to draft Sean.”

Couturier will look to fill the role left by Carter in the years to come. He is a two-way center with great offensive potential and speed.

Reports

MyNHLDraft.com's Ryan Jaret
One of top player makers in this years draft, Speed and stick skills make him a threat to score whenever hes on the ice. Solid 2-way player who shows commitment to defensive end.

NHL Central Scouting's Chris Bordeleau
“At his size, he'll be hard to pass up in the draft. He possesses a very good work ethic and he's out there for every important faceoff. He's very responsible in the defensive aspect of the game -- a rare quality for such a young player in junior hockey."

NHL Central Scouting's Chris Edwards
“Sean has excellent puckhandling and playmaking ability; he sees the ice and reads the play very well . . . He's extremely smart and gets himself into good scoring position. He plays a solid two-way game and is very responsible defensively.”

Flyers eying Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos

2011-06-24T16:29:00.000-04:00

He's practically already in with the Flyers. harhar.

Without cap space or without Stamkos? This is a question that we should have the answer to soon. Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman is faced with potentially losing his star center, Steven Stamkos, and he may look for a good return as soon as tonight.

One thing that really took me by surprise is that Eric Brewer was signed to an extension today before Stamkos. Look at the way that Holmgren handled Bryzgalov, nothing else went forward until a deal was reached and signed. Look at the way Montreal went after Markov first and foremost. Now Yzerman has seemed to move on and is now going after some of his other free agents.

I can only see this meaning one of two things: Stamkos is signed and they are waiting to announce it or a deal between the two sides cannot be reached and Yzerman and his staff have moved on.

I have also heard that Stamkos does not want to re-sign in Tampa Bay. I am unsure of why that is. Could be because of the team's direction or the weight he carries there. Sources are disclosed.

If it is the latter of the two cases above, who and what will the Flyers likely have to give up for the 21 year old sniper? Brayden Schenn's name has been thrown around, after all the Lightning will have to fill his position as the second line center. Sergei Bobrovsky seems like the obvious guess, the Lightning need a goalie and Bob is clearly available now that Bryzgalov is signed for 9 years.

Draft picks will also play a big role if a deal is made. The Flyers currently hold the 8th overall pick in this year's draft, along with all of their future 1sts. There has been talk of the Flyers moving up into the top three and with that then moving their potential top three pick in a deal that would involve Stamkos.

The Tampa Bay fan is looking at this situation saying "we have over $23M -with Brewer signed- what is everyone making such a big deal about? Stamkos will sign and then we'll get to the rest of the team."

Who is the rest of the team? Tampa Bay's defense, though heroic in the playoffs, lacks stability and has little potential outside of Hedman. The goaltending is a huge question mark with both Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith set to be UFAs.

If Holmgren has said anything in the past two days it's that there is no quick fix that lasts for years. Tampa sees this and thinks they might have to sacrifice now to make a better team for the future. Yzerman is at a crossroads knowing that he does not have many prospects and may see Stamkos as a way to build his team up at every position.

Claude Giroux reacts to the Trades

2011-06-24T12:56:00.000-04:00

Follow FlyersinHD on Youtube

The Hangover Part 3: Flyers Edition

2011-06-24T11:20:00.003-04:00

What happened?
Why is Mike Richards wearing a Kings jersey?
Don't freak out, but Ilya Bryzgalov is handing out free money.
WHAT?! Jeff Carter's highlights hardly go with that Blue Jackets jersey!

Here's a look at yesterday's moves the Flyers made, in case you feel like you were roofied.

The Flyers blew the house down yesterday making three blockbuster deals in what seemed like 10 minutes. It started with Jeff Carter being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, then out of absolute darkness the Flyers captain Mike Richards was sent to the LA Kings, all followed by Bryzgalov signing a deal that will keep him in Philly for his career.

Jeff Carter to Columbus

Around 4pm et yesterday, new broke that the Flyers had fianlly moved the former 40 goal scorer, Jeff Carter, to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Carter will take on a huge roll with the team, he will be their top center and looked at to help propel them into the post season for only what would be the 2nd time in franchise history.

Voracek is known for is Blonde Locks

In return the Flyers got exactly what they needed, a young winger in Jakub Voracek and two draft picks. Voracek was drafted 7th overall in 2007 by the Blue Jackets, since he has played four season gathering 134 points in 241 games. The Slovakian winger plays a play-making style similar to that of Claude Giroux. Voracek a logged 95 of his career point by way of the assist. He will play great aside a group like JvR and Giroux similar to the role that Zherdev held in the playoffs this past spring. He will be 22 in August and is a restricted free agent.

The Flyers also acquired the 8th overall and 116th overall picks in this year's draft. There is also much rumor that the Flyers are very keen om Gabriel Landeskog a winger who resides as the captain Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. He is set to go in the top five, one if not both of these picks could go by 8pm tonight.

Mike Richards to Los Angeles

Just minutes after the Carter deal rumor broke the Mike Richards was being sent to the Los Angeles Kings. This became true as soon as it was rumored. Richards, like Carter, will take over a the top center in Los Angeles and likely play aside Dustin Brown, who plays a similar style to Richy.

The Flyers got great return on the 26 year old, they grabbed highly touted prospect Brayden Schenn who is the younger brother of the Leafs Luke Schenn along with Wayne Simmonds who plays one of the most fun games to watch in the league. Brayden at just 19 is heavily compared to Richards in the he plays a two-way game and scores a ton. Drafted 5th overall in 2009 by the Kings, Schenn has played 9 games in the NHL registering just 2 points. His upside is astounding however, he tallied 99 points in 59 games in his last season of juniors, 2009-10. He is signed for 3 years at $3.1M.

Teammates Status

Wayne Simmonds plays an in your face, all out, Philadelphia style of hockey. He doesn't get on ESPN's top ten but he will win you games.Simmonds was drafted 61st overall in 2007 by the Kings and has played 3 seasons with the Kings logging 93 points. The Ontario native is an ideal 3rd liner who excels at both ends of the ice and can play on both the penalty kill and the power play. The soon to be 23 year old is now a restricted free agent due for a raise from his $800K he made last season.

Ilya Bryzgalov Signs on for 9 years

Just after the two deals put many fans in a tizzy, the Flyers went ahead and secured the net minder of their future. Bryzgalov had finally signed his deal netting him $51M over 9 years, at a great cap hit of just $5.6M. Holmgren on Bobrovsky's Future: "Last time I checked you need two goalies to play."

The RFAs

This leaves the Flyers with over $7.5M to spend getting this team signed. Ville Leino, as addressed last night by Holmgren, is the Flyers main target - he will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1st. While the newly acquired Simmonds and Voracek are both looking for new contracts as they are set to be restricted free agents. Don't forget about Powe, Carcillo and Nodl who all seem like they will re-signed as restricted free agents as well.

Leino, Simmonds and Voracek all seem to be around the $2M+ range. Powe, Nodl and Carcillo sit around $1M. Meaning signing all won't fit. Another move could be made, all is spectulation now but the Flyers may move another forward to move up in the draft and snag Landeskog.

Here's is the RFA Compensation Bracket. If any team signs a Flyers RFA based on the contract signed - if the Flyers decline to match it - this is what the Flyers would receive.

The Draft is on VS tonight, don't miss out by drinking anything Alan gives you.

Flyers Lock Up Ilya Bryzgalov for 9 Years

2011-06-23T20:25:00.000-04:00

The deal is worth $ 51M a cap hit of $ 5.6M for all nine years.

Bryzgalov is entering his seventh full NHL, but at 30 years old this may be his biggest yet. There are huge expectations and demands for this team who won't settle for anything less than a cup. Many feel the Russian goaltender has all the answers.

In his past four seasons in Phoenix, Bryzgalov stunned critics and his former team - the Anaheim Duck - who put him on waivers back in 2007. Last season his number fell a bit but so did the play of the Yotes defense. Regardless Bryz managed to put up a goals against average under 2.5 and tied his career best with a .921 save percentage.

In the past two seasons Ilya's Coyotes were dismantled by the always ready Detroit Red Wings. Don;t blame Bryzgalov, his defense was reminiscent of the Flyers versus the Bruins this past May. With a new team in front of him watch out for Bryzgalov as he attempts to set new career highs and tear down already sky-rocking expectations.

The Flyers have some moves to make now. Expect a trade to happen at the draft on Friday. Until then tweet me @FlyersFire, Comment in the box below or on the sidebar of every page, or send me an e-mail at Codywilliamgray@gmail.com.

Mike Richards traded to Los Angeles for Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds

2011-06-23T17:36:00.002-04:00

Just after Carter was traded, rumors busted that Mike Richards was headed to Los Angeles. The deal involving the Flyers captain brought back a polished return.


Stolen from Selver :3

Los Angeles gets
Mike Richards

Philadelphia gets
Brayden Schenn
Wayne Simmonds
2011 2nd round pick

Schenn is making 3.1M while Simmonds is another restricted free agent. Schenn has always been compared to a younger Mike Richards. The Flyers have gained 3 picks today, they could be moved.

Jeff Carter traded to Columbus for Voracek

2011-06-23T17:30:00.002-04:00

Around 4pm news broke that the Flyers had traded their star center Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a trade that was rumored to happen for months.

Columbus gets
Jeff Carter

Philadelphia gets
Jakub Voracek
1st round pick (8th overall)
3rd round pick

Paul Holmgren made his first of many deals moving Carter and his 11 year $5.272M contract.

Voracek is set to be a restricted free agent making $1.25M last season. The Flyers can protect him by filing for arbitration. With the 8th overall pick the Flyers will likely go after a defensman.

Rumor Round-Up: Top Flyers Rumors entering the Draft

2011-06-23T11:35:00.000-04:00

This Friday Minnesota will hold the NHL Entry Draft where as the league says stars of tomorrow are born. But this Friday be sure to look out for more than just the draftees. Multiple trades may go down including a possible 5 in the top 10 picks, not including the teams trying to squeeze into the top 10.

The Maple Leafs have said that they want to move up from the 25th pick in the draft, they also hold the 30th. Ever since the Oilers nabbed the 1st overall pick there has been rumors that they may look to trade it. The Isles (5th overall), Sens (6th) and Blue Jackets (8th) are both are thought to want to move their top 10 pick. While the Jets may want to move up from their seat at 7th overall to grab a Canadian-born offenseman such as Ryan Strome or Jonathan Huberdeau. At 10th overall the Wild are in defenseman country, but as GM Chuck Fletcher has said, he does not like taking defenseman high in the draft.

The Flyers have been all the talk as of late, Bryzgalov is signed/unsigned and overpaid/under-appreciated and everyone knows Jeff Carter sucks/is one of the most gifted players in the game. So who will be in and who will be out?

First let's analyze what was said above. The Flyers have not been rumored to have been talking to the Isles, Sens, Wild or Oilers. While they have history with the Leafs, who hold the Flyers first overall pick at 25, and rumors have been flying round about a possible trade with the now-or-never Columbus organization.

The Jets are rumored to be looking to move defenseman Zach Bogosian, he could be in a package deal for someone. The 21 year old is set to make upwards of 3 million next season so he is most likely not on the Flyers short list.

The Wild are rumored to be shopping defenseman Brett Burns, who could fly onto the Flyers radar if the team sends away Matt Carle. Carle is rumored to be an option that the Blue Jackets may explore.

Columbus is looking for a big splash this summer, their GM has already announced their want for a solid defenseman come July 1st , when free agency starts, and a bolstered offense. Earlier in the offseason a deal involving Jeff Carter was being tossed around and so far nothing has stuck, but sides are said to be very close. As I said earlier Matt Carle is on Columbus's radar, the team needs defense and he may be on guy who they could be able to get out of the Flyers, if not Carter. The Flyers have interest in moving up in the draft, they stand to have their first pick in the 3rd round, they are looking into the 8th overall pick which would land them a top-notch defensive prospects.

Braydon Coburn is hailing a lot of attention, as he should. Cobi is set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer and the Flyers will have their hands full with Versteeg, JvR and Carle all become free agents as well. I don't Coburn being moved for anything less than an outstanding offer, like that of Carter.

From my friend at @HockeyBreak, when I asked what was happening with Leino and if it all depended on Bryzgalov, he responded that yes it did in fact rely on Bryzgalov. Expect if the Flyers have the money and make a move at the draft or by July 1st that they will pursue Leino.

Bryzgalov's deal is very unclear at this point. Many speculating that it will around 6-7 million and a length upwards of at least 5 years. The deal is set to be done by July 1st, no worries.

This undoubtedly throws Bobrovsky's name into the rumor mill. Speculation is that Florida, who will lose Tomas Vokoun this summer, and Columbus, who is not pleased with Steve Mason at the helm. More will come as the details to Bryzgalov's deal are released.

Laperriere among Finalists for Masterton Trophy

2011-06-22T18:03:00.001-04:00

Each year the NHL awards the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of hockey. The award is named after Bill Masterton, who died from an injury he suffered during a game and is the only player in NHL history to die as a direct result of an on-ice incident during a game.

The Flyers Ian Laperriere was announced as a finalist for the Bill Masterton Award. He was award the nomination as well as Ray Emery, who returned to net this season after a potential career ending hip injury, and Daymond Langkow who missed a year due to a spinal cord injury after being hit with a shot by his on player in the 2009-10 season.

Every Flyers fan knows about what Lappy gave to the team on and off the ice. Lets hope this one goes out to a guy who gave his all, even when he had nothing left to give.

Predictions:
Hart - Perry
Vezina - Rinne
Selke - Kesler
Adams - Trotz
Calder - Grabner
Byng - St. Louis

Shut Up and Watch This

2011-06-22T10:34:00.001-04:00

If I must reiterate the goal of this Flyers team is to win the Stanley Cup. Let's look back on how this team hasn't accomplished this in recent attempts. 2010 the Flyers make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, and their goaltending fell apart.
Cry:

Then a better team from head to toe stepped into the picture, only to play a disappointing first round and be utterly dominated by a Bruins team that was easily beatable. Our defense looked awful and Bob and Bouch continued to fight over whose goals against average was higher. Weep:

Feel destroyed yet? Okay, so you're probably wondering why I put you through that. To build up for this, this is why Bryzgalov has to be the Flyers starting goalie regardless of price, years or your father's distrust in Russians. Rejoice:

NHL Salary Cap to Tend to Flyers Needs

2011-06-20T11:57:00.000-04:00

It's been reported through out the past month that the NHL salary cap may be raised greatly from where it now sits at 58 million. Today endless tweets are raining down that the cap will be bumped up to 64 million, a increase of 5 million. And what team does this help the most? How about our Philadelphia Flyers who are struggling to move salaries to make room for Ilya Bryzgalov. Not anymore?

This helps the Flyers out in every way. Now they can sign Bryzgalov to what is expected to be a 5 million dollar contract - the two sides meet again tomorrow - and still be cap compliant. However, tight up against the cap is not where the Flyers want to be this season. Jvr, Coburn, Carle and Versteeg all need new contracts next summer. And this summer Leino, Nodl, Powe, O'Donnell and Carcillo are waiting on their renewals.

Seeing this situation someone still has to be on the move, but there is a bright side to this. The salary cap bumped up 5 million meaning the cap floor - how much a team must spend- also raised. Now teams must spend 48 million on their players salaries. Right now there are 19 teams whose players payroll is under the league minimum 48 million, list at bottom.

Moving players with big contract gets that much easier for the Flyers as now teams have to bulk up their salary responsibly. This could mean jumping on some of the Flyers who are on the trade block and whose value just went up.

Many are speculating that Nodl, Powe and Carcillo will now be in the team's target as they look to lock up some of their own free agents. Leino has also gained some steam as the team can now consider bring back their first line winger, who already said he would take a pay-cut to hang around Philly.

Teams Under 48M: Kings(47) Canucks(45) Sabres(44) Sens(44) Habs(42) Rangers(42) Leafs(41) Predators(40) Blues(39) Stars(38) JACKETS(37) Oilers(37) Lightning(37) Islanders(36) Jets(35) Avs(32) Coyotes(31) Hurricanes(31) PANTHERS(18)

Keep in mind these teams do not have a full 20 man roster, most teams around 40M+ should reach 48M by signing a full 20 man roster. Still look at Columbus at 37M and Florida at just 18M.

With the 8th Overall Pick in the 2011 Entry Draft the Flyers Select

2011-06-18T11:57:00.000-04:00

If the rumors are true that the Flyers are considering a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets that would send Jeff Carter to Columbus for playmaking-winger Jacob Voracek and the 8th overall pick in this year's draft, this is who the Flyers might target.

First we need the first seven picks out of the way.
1) Edmonton selects Ryan Nuggent-Hopkins
2) Colorado selects Adam Larsson
3) Florida selects Ryan Strome
4) New Jersey selects Gabriel Landeskog
5) NY Islanders select Dougie Hamilton
6) Ottawa selects Jonathan Huberdeau
7) Winnipeg selects Sean Couturier

And with the 8th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota the Philadelphia Flyers... are looking at a few good defenseman who are still one the board.

Ryan Murphy - Kitchener - an offensive defenseman whose game is comparable to Mike Green.
Nathan Beaulieu - Saint John - an offensive defenseman much like Murphy, comparable to Dan Boyle.
Duncan Siemens - Saskatoon - stay at home defenseman who compares to a young Jay Bouwmeester.

After much deliberation the Flyers select 6'3" defenseman Duncan Siemens. Siemens fits well into the group of prospects the Flyers have in their system right now. The Flyers have seen a lot of Siemens as they have sent scouts to see Adam Morrison, their first pick in 2009 who also plays in Saskatoon.

Now the Flyers have three solid two-way defensemen Erik Gustafsson, Joonas Lehtivuori and Kevin Marshall; a promising offensive defenseman in Marc-Andre Bourdon; and now stay-at-home defenseman Duncan Siemens.

Right now the Flyers have 6 defenseman on their roster: Pronger, Timonen, Carle, Coburn, Meszaros and Bartulis. However, go a year into the future and Coburn and Carle are free agents. Another year, Bartulis and Timonen are free agents. Three years from now, Meszaros will be a free agent. Prospects are at a premium for the Flyers in the next few years.

Siemens could play right away, he has a great frame and plays a smart game. He is considered a stay-at-home player but he did rack up 43 in 72 games last year in the WHL. He possesses a great shot and can play all special teams.

The NHL draft is June 24th on VS USA.

Has Bryzgalov been Signed?

2011-06-17T14:49:00.001-04:00

Don't hold your breathe waiting on the answer.

Not because the Flyers don't plan on signing him. In fact it has been reported that the negotiations are going smoothly and Bryzgalov looks to possibly already been unofficially signed. Here tpanotch giving a great look into why we won't know about a deal between the Flyers and Bryzgalov before June 30th.

Here’s the rub: it’s entirely possible that the Flyers already have the framework for a deal with Bryzgalov, but it’s unfinished. Even if the deal got done this weekend, the Flyers can’t announce it until June 30.

Why? Because this is where the tagging issue comes in under the CBA. The new salary cap is slated to be announced on June 30. At present, the Flyers have less than $450,000 in cap space for next season under the current cap ceiling of $59.4 million.

Once Bryzgalov signs the contract, the Flyers have to move players and money because they would exceed the tagging space for next season. It has been reported the cap will rise to between $62.2 and $63.5 million for next season.

Also, it’s to Holmgren’s advantage not to announce a deal until he trades a player or players. That way, other clubs don’t hold the Flyers up to ransom, knowing they have to be cap compliant.

Stop me if I'm going too far but a deal may very well already be in place and the Flyers now hold the ultimate advantage in the trade market. As now they will be the only ones knwoing their cap situation, while other teams will not know if Bryzgalov is even signed.

Maybe I'm losing my mind. Maybe all these capgeek cap calculator are taking their toll. But here are some of @BryzGoalie30's tweet translated to English: (Both Today)

"Negotiations, negotiations, negotiations."

"Wait for the news! Soon, soon"

More to come...

Flyers brass meeting with Bryzgalov a Success

2011-06-16T18:27:00.003-04:00

Despite the shot to their reputation.

Yesterday the Flyers top target, Ilya Bryzgalov, flew in from his native Russia. He was quickly greet by Ed Snider's personal jet which was flown to Washington to greet the goaltender. The Flyers organization met with the 30 year old Bryzgalov and his agent Rich Winter today.

Of the first to met with Bryzgalov was goalie coach Jeff Reese. Reese has dealt with Boucher, Bobrovsky, Leighton, Johan Backlund and Ray Emery over the course of the past two seasons - I'm sure he's glad to see an accomplished goaltender walk though his doors. Reese had this to say about Bryz.

“He seems like a really pleasant, easy going guy and he has very good perspective on the game,” Reese said. “If we sign him, I think we’ll be able to get along great. I was impressed with him.”

According to Tim Panaccio the meeting between the Flyers and Bryzgalov went into the night, ending recently inferring that all was going well and Bryzgalov will hopefully be signed by draft day, June 24th.

Many proposed trade rumors circle around picks in the is upcoming draft, making the Flyers deal with Bryzgalov rushed at the moment. Bryz has to be signed before any of the other wheels start moving, wheels that will likely include one of Matt Carle, Jeff Carter, or Kris Versteeg.

This may be premature but my guess would be if Bryzgalov isn't signed by June 24th the Flyers will move on. This could mean the Flyers shifting their attention to a Jonathan Bernier or Steve Mason, both of whom have been rumored to be just outside the Flyers target which now rests on Bryzgalov.

More to come...

Congratulations to Mark Recchi on an Amazing Career!

2011-06-16T10:37:00.000-04:00

First off I should congratulate the Boston Bruins in their great resiliency this playoff run and winning Lord Stanley.

Recchi, thank you for all you contributions and play over your 22 years in the National Hockey, including your 10 seasons with the Flyers where you set the single-season points record with 123 points in '92-'93.

Through out my childhood, in my eary days as a fan, I remember watch guys like Recchi, Roenick, and LeClair. What a great time it was to grow up a Flyers fans. Here's to the glory days.

Flyers Sergei Bobrovsky now Caught in Swirling Trade Rumors

2011-06-15T10:45:00.003-04:00

Just as recent as this winter, Sergei Bobrovsky was touted as the Flyers goaltender of the future. However a treacherous spring campaign seemed to completely relinquish and hope the Flyers brass had that Bob would be their starter come October.

This is an unfair picture.

Only a month after the Flyers were swept by the Boston Bruins in their second round playoff match up the organization took a step in solidifying their presence in net. The team traded for the rights of the top free agent netminder in this year's market, Ilya Bryzgalov, who spent four seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes.

From an instant everyone wondered how the Flyers could manipulate their roster to allow room for Bryzgalov to fit soundly seeing as he wants to be paid upwards of 5 million. Then the question of length wore on, how long will Bryzgalov want or more important how long do the Flyers want him in Philly?

Here is a quote from Bryzgalov's stolen right from the recorder of Sam Carchidi himself:

"I am pleased the Flyers thought enough of me to make the trade with the Coyotes," Bryzgalov said in a statement. "Philadelphia is a great city, a great organization, and a great team with a rich history. I am looking forward to meeting with Paul Holmgren to discuss the possibility of us working together for many years to come."

So say both the Flyers and Bryzgalov decide that a long term deal is for the best, what will happen to young 23 year old Sergei Bobrovsky?

Bobrovsky had a stellar rookie campaign clocking out with 28 wins and a 2.59 goals against average. (It wasn't until Bryzgalov's eighth year in the league that he reached that plateau.) There is always a market for a young goalie with stellar potential, so if the Flyers decide to move him there will be plenty of suitors making for a hefty return.

Up until I started writing this I could not find any reason why the Flyers would start picking away at their core to sign this Bryzgalov fellow. But as I sit back and think about Bryzgalov's gaudy numbers, excellent positioning and above average speed, I can only wonder how long it would take young Sergei Bobrovsky to get to his level of play.

The Flyers organization, as I criticized in my last post, has been completely neglecting their future. Maybe this will be the start of them dishing out the present and reaching for the always uncertain future.

Florida Panthers

Tallon as GM of the Hawks.

If Bobrovsky goes their will be plenty of suitors, as stated earlier. The main team I look to is the Florida Panthers. The Panthers and new GM Dale Tallon have been accurately or inaccurately connected to the Flyers Kris Versteeg. Tallon traded for Versteeg and watched him grow into the player he is today. Florida also does have a former Blackhawk on their roster, Jack Skille.

The second reason I would expect Florida to be in the running, their star goaltender Tomas Vokoun is set to be an unrestricted free agent. The Panthers have Scott Clemmensen signed but he's a backup at this point in his career, they also have their top prospect Jacob Markstrom signed, however he has just one game of NHL experience. Bobrovsky would undoubtedly become the top goalie in Florida for years to come.

The potential deal may include Sergei Bobrovsky and Kris Versteeg for a young defenseman, given the 2012 Flyers free agent class, and a draft pick Florida a top pick, which I would be shocked if they moved. The Flyers need any draft picks at this point with their first pick coming in the 4th round of this year's draft.

Columbus Blue Jackets

A team the continues to come up in Flyers trade rumors is the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets are and have been since drafting Rick Nash in 2002 searching for a top line center man to compliment Nash. The rumor of Jeff Carter heading to the Columbus Blue Jackets came about ast offseason and is back again this one.

Now Bobrovsky's name is coming up in the rumor as well. Last week it came out that the Flyers top target was Steve Mason, Columbus's goaltender, but they could not reach a deal with the team and decided to move onto to Ilya Bryzgalov. As the chain continues the Flyers may send both Jeff Carter and Sergei Bobrovsky to Columbus for what presumably would be Jacob Voracek, Steve Mason, and a 1st rounder.

I will cover this rumor and any others further as more develops.

Letter of Complaint to Paul Holmgren

2011-06-13T12:15:00.002-04:00

Holmgren served as Assistant GM from 1999-2006.

The Flyers had until June 1st to sign many of their prospects to deals to keep them within the rights of the organization. Of those left unsigned were Joacim Eriksson, Simon Bertilsson, Nicola Riopel and David Labrecque. This cements the theory that Paul Holmgren has very little clue of how to develop talent.

It is very hard to be angry at a guy who has brought in guys like Chris Pronger and Andrej Meszaros and re-signed core players like Claude Giroux, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. But this is getting old.

The depth in the Flyers Organization is nearing an all time low. Paul Holmgren has traded 27 draft picks in just five years since becoming general manager. Through sell on young talent and consistently neglecting the draft the Flyers prospects system has become one of the worst in the league.

A small bit of confusion was planted in Flyers fans minds when Paul Holmgren traded Micheal Ratchuk, a captain at Michigan, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Stefan Legein, who quit hockey after being drafted. The next season he traded his top pick in the 2010 draft Michael Chaput, also to Columbus.

Even trades at the NHL level have been suspect at times. The trade that sent Scott Upshall and a 3rd round pick to Phoenix for Dan Carcillo was absolutely terrible and reared it's head to hurt the Flyers as they fell in the first round to the Pittsburgh Penguins later that year.

Once again, it is very tough to call Homer out on anything. After all, he took a tragic situation and turned it into a perennial winner. The one problem, and I'm sure I'm not alone on this, would be his constant neglect to the farm system.

Off of Broad: Ryan Kesler was a Flyer

2011-06-12T19:23:00.001-04:00

Off of Broad is a section where Ice on Broad Street leaves it domain and wonders onto other teams avenues. In this section news from throughout the NHL will appear. Look for the title and tune in.

Ryan Kesler has shot up the ranks and become not only a top scorer but also one of the most recognized two way players in the game. Now playing in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Vancouver Canucks, Ryan has tallied 19 points in 23 post season games this spring. But at one point the Flyers had signed Ryan Kesler to a contract.

On September 12th 2006 the Flyers had announce they had signed a young center man, then a restricted free agent, by the name of Ryan Kesler to an offer sheet. Here's some of the Flyers release that morning. From the Flyers official Website post on 9/12/06.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have signed 6'2", 195-pound center Ryan Kesler to a one-year offer sheet, according to club General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

"The Flyers have signed a one-year offer sheet with Group Two restricted free agent forward Ryan Kesler," said Clarke in making the announcement. "The Vancouver Canucks have the option to match the offer or to take a second round pick from the Flyers in next year's NHL Entry Draft. Obviously, being a Group Two free agent gives Vancouver a week to decide whether or not they want to match our offer."

At that point Kesler was just 22 years old and fighting for a chance in the NHL with only one season under his belt. Kesler accepted the offer sheet and was just a week away from becoming a Flyer and completing a trio of center men that would also include Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. Everything was going smooth, the Flyers had signed the potential all-star center to a one-year deal and only had to spare a 2nd round pick.

Kesler was drafted 23rd overall in 2003 by the Vancouver Canucks

There was very much uproar from around the sporting world. Hockey fans everywhere doubting the salary cap error and asking for justice. Some fans even calling for the Canucks to do fight fire with fire and sign Joni Pitkanen or Jeff Carter (down the road) to an offer sheet.

Many Canucks fans feared that Kesler would get away from the organization as the Flyers signed him to a 1.9 million dollar deal. A deal that may though Nonis and the Canucks would be reluctant to match. But just days later Nonis fired back matching the Flyers offer on one of his top commodities for the future.

This was the first time that this was utilized in great extent and therefore there was a large backlash for the Flyers as they were labelled as attempting to "steal" Kesler. Even though they were playing within the rule set by the NHL and the NHLPA.

We've seen this recently, as just a few years back, as the then financially hand-cuffed Buffalo Sabres were forced to spend top dollar to match the Edmonton Oilers off sheet to young winger Thomas Vanek. The move was just about as well played as can be, Tambellini took a shot just as the Sabres were losing Drury and Briere. This was thought to be the start of something big, bidding wars for RFAs.

Sadly for some and happily for others the NHL owners and general managers aren't that conniving, or they just haven't seen the benfits. One or the other.

Back on topic, Kesler has since signed a six year extension and is set to be with the potential cup winning Vancouver Canucks for another five seasons after this spring's run ends.

Flyers Power Rankings 6/12/11

2011-06-12T12:12:00.001-04:00

I'm going to start doing this every couple of weeks. I'll rank the Flyers individual members in different categories depending on the season.

For the offseason I rate the players on:
Fans Support
Most Previous Season
Trade Value
Situation*

*Situation with Organization
Color System: Green - Untouchable, Yellow - Iffy, Orange - In Trouble, Red - Likely Gone

1) Daniel Briere - Fans are still in love and he keeps producing. The only flaw is his large contract, but despite all the Flyers cap needs his name has not been brought up once.

2) Kimmo Timonen - Like Briere, Timonen's name has not been brought up in any rumors or uproars despite have a huge contract.

3) Claude Giroux - Stepped up and made his first all-star game last season. Fans love his play and the
contract he signed last summer.

4) Mike Richards - Constantly battling the media, Richards and his teammates stepped up to turn down everything being said about the captain and shot down all rumors about him.

5) Scott Hartnell - He's some how dodged every rumor that has flown his way in rout to become a somewhat untouchable ecen with a 4.2 million dollar contract.

6) Chris Pronger - Due to his injury and the uncertainty that came with it Pronger's ranking has dropped. Still at number 6 for the way he supported captain Mike Richards. And he's a monster.

7) James van Riemsdyk - If it weren't for the constant trade rumors that come with a young budding forward JVR would a lot higher, especially with his terrific offseason.

8) Andrej Meszaros - The first year Flyer really stepped into the spotlight this season becoming one of their top defenseman by the end of the year. Once again, a hefty contract and no trade rumors.

9) Braydon Coburn - Despite the trade rumors that come with a player entering the last year on their contract, Coburn has blossomed with the team becoming an outstanding defensive defensemen.

10) Ville Leino - Wouldn't expect a player who seems so in trouble of being this high? Well that's how much the Flyers organization and fans love the player he is.

11) Blair Betts - Not the face-off man he used to be but still is a great defensive forward and the undisputed fourth line's center.

12) Jeff Carter - If you haven't heard, Carter is going to be traded to every team to Anaheim to the KHL. Holmgren is hesitant on dealing him, so he banks into the "iffy" category.

13) Sergei Bobrovsky - A terrible post season only led to the Flyers going out and trading for potential starting goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. But his future will be in the orange and black.

14) Ilya Bryzgalov - Probably the most talked about Flyers, isn't even a Flyer yet. His situation is very murky right now and a deal needs to be done soon before the Flyers lose his rights.

15) Andreas Nodl - Still a restricted free agent this summer, Nodl is the least of the Flyers worries at this point. Expect him back next season, but still without a contract it's iffy.

16) Sean O'Donnell - No word on what OD will be doing next season, but if he decides to play another year you can bet it will be with the orange and black.

17) Matt Carle - As said many times, Carle is the odd man out if Holmgren decides not to trade Carter or Versteeg. With one year left on his deal, don't expected here long either way.

18) Darroll Powe - Fans seem split on whether to re-sign the 26 year old utility player. He's a great bang for your buck playing top PK minutes at only 400k.

19) Kris Versteeg - You either love him or hate him. Trade value is very low on Steeger as he would be going to his 5th team at only age 25.

20) Brian Boucher - Fans still love the guy despite his collapse in the post season. If the Flyers don't reach a deal with Bryzgalov he could return but it's unlikely.

21) Jody Shelley - Ranked so low for his lack of, well, much of anything this year. Deadly combo when added to a contract that some would say if unfavorable.

22) Dan Carcillo - It seems as though, with little cap space or tolerance, Car Bomb's time in the orange and black will come to an end.

23) Nik Zherdev - Flyers fans knew it was a one and done deal with Z, however that didn't stop them from rooting for the guy. Doubt he returns especially with these rumors about him and his wife flying around.

For more follow me on twitter @Iceonbroadst and send me a tweet!

Flyers Free Agency: The Case of Darroll Powe

2011-06-11T09:23:00.004-04:00

Darroll Powe is factor at both ends of the ice.

Name Darroll Powe
Age 25
Position Winger
Roles Penalty Killer
Status Restricted Free Agent

Cases For:
Top penalty killer
Lead energy player
Explosive Speed
Can play with any line
Can play against any line

Cases Against:
Lack of points production
Wealth of replacements
Could sign for more in open market
Tightness of Salary Cap

If you recall Powe was a restrict free agent last years as well. The Flyers worked a deal for $725,700. There are two thing iI look at that could stop them from doing that again this summer.
1) Powe's one year deal was to see if he would develop further.
2) Powe will seek a bigger paycheck.

The easiest option is to try to get Powe on another one year deal. At that point his and Betts's contracts will expire at the same time and the Flyers can make a complete decision on to where to go and who with on that 4th line.

If re-signed, Powe would fit nicely aside either Giroux and Van Riemsdyk or Richards and Versteeg/Carter. He may have to due to the free agents.

Flyers Combos As of Now
Hartnell -- Briere -- Leino(UFA)
van Riemsdyk -- Giroux -- Carter
Zherdev(UFA) -- Richards -- Versteeg
Powe(RFA) -- Betts -- Carcillo(RFA)

Fan Vote: "Would You Re-Sign Darroll Powe?"60% Yes 40% NO

If not Carter then Who?

2011-06-10T11:36:00.002-04:00

In my last post I talked about the possibility of Jeff Carter being traded away to make space for Ilya Bryzgalov, who was acquired on Tuesday. Several reporters have said what many Flyers fans hate to hear, and that is the Flyers organization will try their best to not trade Carter.

Holmgren has said in the past when these rumors had come up that Carter is part of the core of the team and he will not look to trade him. Right now is the biggest test to those words. The Flyers are in huge need of a goalie and some salary cap relief. But if Homer stands by his words who or whom may be destine for another team?

1) The easiest guy to pin is winger Kris Versteeg. He has only been with the Flyers for half a season, and a somewhat disappointing one at that. Steeger is set to make 3 million next season in the last year of his contract with the Flyers. Given the small chance that the Flyers will be able to resign him makes him an easy out.

2) Running in a close and very similar second is Matt Carle. Carle had a great season this past year but he failed to set himself apart from Meszaros or Coburn. Next summer Carle and Coburn will be free agents, given that Coburn is younger and has more tenure he will likely be the one they decide to keep a hold of. Meaning Carle may be in his last season as a Flyer, much like that of Versteeg.

3) Set to be an unrestricted free agent, Ville Leino wil most likely not be coming back. This won't provide any cap relief but is a glaring side-effect of signing Bryzgalov and trying to keep Carter. Leino made under 1 milliom the past two seasons.

4) Another option to explore is the cap relief that the retiring of Ian Laperriere would bring to the Flyers. It sounds sad, but that's the NHL that we live in today. One of the most loved Flyers may be asked to hang up the skates in order to give his team a better chance at a championship. Lappy is in the last year of his contract set to make 1.15 million.

More rumors will undoubtedly come out as time progresses and headlines set away from the Stanley Cup Finals. I did read an article in my last post that the Carter for Voracek deal would happen, if at all, at the draft.

Rumor making Jeff Carter blue as Bryz joins the team

2011-06-09T20:32:00.000-04:00

What seemed like just minutes after the Flyers acquired Ilya Bryzgalov, Jeff Carter's name was already swirling around in endless trade rumors. Many of which did not withstand through any pressure. But there is one that has risen to become a legitimate possibility if the Flyers have to trade their star center.

Background
The Flyers have 5 centers on contract right now: Carter, Briere, Richards, Giroux and Betts. Even though Giroux and Briere have been known to play at the wing they are both much more effective in the middle.

Then the salary cap. Bryz apparently want to be paid at least $6,000,000 and the Flyers only have very little to spend without any free agent -such as Leino Nodl or O'Donnell- signed.

Carter is set to make 5 million each season for the next 11 season if the Flyers retain him. However they only have until July 1st to move him as his No Movement Clause kicks in then.

Rumors
Here we are at last, faced with the actual possibility that Holmgren may send Carter packing. The one rumor that keeps coming up is Jeff Carter to Columbus.

Philadelphia Gets:
Jakub Voracek - 21 year old, Right Winger
1st round pick in 2011 Draft (8th Overall)

Columbus Gets:
Jeff Carter - 26 year old, Center

The Flyers would get a restricted free agent who is set for a pay raise, but on the flip side Voracek has a wealth of potential. Drafted 7th overall in 2007, Voracek is a 6'1" winger with a great frame and an admirable playmaking ability - logging 95 assists in his three professional seasons.

This may be hard to imagine but Homer may actually trade for a draft pick. Considering he's trade 27 of them away since become GM this is news-worthy material.

News
CBJ GM has top target on Carter
Carter to Columbus

Flyers Acquired the Rights to Bryzgalov

2011-06-08T12:45:00.000-04:00

The Flyers have trade Phantoms' enforcer Matt Clarkson and their 2012 third round draft pick to the Phoenix Coyotes for goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. Bryz is set to be a UFA on July 1st, a deal must be reached before that point or Bryzgalov will become available to sign with any team without any compensation.

Breaking Down Thrashers Jetting off to Winnipeg

2011-05-31T22:35:00.000-04:00

As per unreliable sources on twitter and then a glance at TSN.ca's homepage, the Atlanta Thrashers are on their way to Winnipeg. A deal was reached on Monday and report spouted out today that the two sides had agreed on a deal to sell the Thrashers to True North Sports. True North Sports have plans to move the Thrashers to Manitoba for this upcoming season.

Southern Routes
This means now there will be seven Canadian teams. The Winnipeg "Thrashers" will continue to play in the Southeast Division. The NHL apparently was not prepared for the move. This means the awful travel schedule will undoubtedly be the ultimate test for this young team.

Team Outlook
Evander Kane and Bryan Little are the future on Offense, while Tobias Enstrom and Zack Bogosian make up the blueline, and Pavelec looks to be setting into an all star role in net. Andrew Ladd was awarded with the captain's "C" last season, in only his 1st in Atlanta.He was acquired in the deal that also brought Dustin Byfugien to the Thrashers.

The offense could use some big names up front to compliment Nik Antropov and Bryan Little. While the blueline needs to be geared a tad more towards defense and protecting Pavalec. Good news, Winnipeg has over 23 million in cap space. Bad news, their is no word on the budget has been set at.

Stirring the Pot
With a few top tier goalies set to become free agents, Winnipeg could send Pavelec packing in a deal to ring-in a top offense man or two. As offensive hep has to be a top concern heading into a "first season." Fans like goals, so a top line forward seems appropriate as no one can be TOO excited about a rebuilding team.

What about Phoenix?
So now what's going to happen to that struggling team over in Glendale, Arizona?
Luckily earlier this month Glandale approved another 25 million to keep the Yotes in Phoenix for another year. But after that is clearly unknown. Their "homeland" was just abducted and now there are not many options left. Calling Jim Balsillie, NHL?

NHL Summer Buyers Needs

2011-05-29T12:06:00.000-04:00

This is taking in upcoming free agents, cap space and team play over the past years. Take a look at each NHL team's needs heading into this summer.

Anaheim Ducks
Top Needs: Top 9 Forwards
Secondary Needs: Goaltending

Atlanta Thrasher
Top Needs: Defensive Forwards
Secondary Needs: Defensive Defensemen

Boston Bruins
Top Needs: Numbers 2 and 4 Defensemen
Secondary Needs: Secondary Scoring

Buffalo Sabres
Top Needs: Role Players
Secondary Needs: Playmaking Center

Calgary Flames
Top Needs: Top Center
Secondary Needs: Defensive Depth

Carolina Hurricanes
Top Needs: Youthful Forwards
Secondary Needs: Offensive Depth

Chicago Blackhawks
Top Needs: Offensive Depth / Role Players
Secondary Needs: Back-Up Goalie

Colorado Avs
Top Needs: Experienced Forwards
Secondary Needs: Top 4 Defensemen

Columbus Blue Jackets
Top Needs: Revamped Defensive Corps
Secondary Needs: Top Center

Dallas Stars
Top Needs: Top 6 Forward
Secondary Needs: Role Players

Detroit Red Wings
Top Needs: Defensive Depth
Secondary Needs: Offensive Depth / Penalty Killers

Edmonton Oilers
Top Needs: Goaltender
Secondary Needs: 3 & 4 Defensemen

Florida Panthers
Top Needs: Top 6 Offensemen
Secondary Needs: Top Goalie

Los Angeles Kings
Top Needs: Compliment Forwards
Secondary Needs: Secondary Scorer

Minnesota Wild
Top Needs: Top Line Fowards
Secondary Needs: Defensive Depth

Montreal Canadiens
Top Needs: Rebuilt Defensive Corps
Secondary Needs: Second Line Forwards

Nashville Predators
Top Needs: Top Scorer
Secondary Needs: Defensive Depth

New Jersey Devils
Top Needs: Playmaking Center / Winger
Secondary Needs: Defensive Leader

New York Islanders
Top Needs: Top Defenseman
Secondary Needs: Back-Up Goaltender

New York Rangers
Top Needs: Finesse Top Center
Secondary Needs: Experienced 6th Defenseman

Ottawa Senators
Top Needs: Second Line Fowards
Secondary Needs: 5 & 6 Defensemen

Philadelphia Flyers
Top Needs: Top Goaltender
Secondary Needs: 6th Defenseman

Phoenix Coyotes
Top Needs: Top Goaltender
Secondary Needs: Top Defensive Pairing

Pittsburgh Penguins
Top Needs: Secondary Scoring
Secondary Needs: Experienced Forwards

San Jose Sharks
Top Needs: Nothing Drastic
Secondary Needs: Fourth Liners

St. Louis Blues
Top Needs: Experienced Forwards
Secondary Needs: 5 & 6 Defensemen

Tampa Bay Lightning
Top Needs: Goaltending
Secondary Needs: Revamped Defensive Corps

Toronto Maple Leafs
Top Needs: Bulked Up Defense
Secondary Needs: Offensive Depth

Vancouver Canucks
Top Needs: Secondary Scoring
Secondary Needs: Defensive Depth

Washington Capitals
Top Needs: Revamped Defensive Corps
Secondary Needs: Goaltending

Feel free to correct anything I put down here that you don't agree with. And ask if you are not clear about anything. Thanks for reading.

Ice on Broad Street's Stanley Cup Finals Central

2011-05-28T16:12:00.002-04:00

6/10
Game 1-4 we all taken by the home teams in rout to making this series a best of three. Game 5 is tonight at 8est on NBC. the struggling Roberto Luongo will get the start for the Canucks as they look to keep the trend going and take game 5 at home. Boston will look to get the series first road win and carry the momentum they have built up through the past two games.

Preview

The Vancouver Canucks will verse the Boston Bruins in the ole fashioned fight for Lord Stanley's Cup beginning Wednesday July 1st. This is everything you need to know.

Schedule
All Games on NBC, CBC and RDS at 8PM EST - 7PM CST - 6PM MST - 5PM PST

Game 1: @ Vancouver, Wednesday June 1st
Game 2: @ Vancouver, Saturday June 4th
Game 3: @ Boston, Monday June 6th
Game 4: @Boston, Wednesday June 8th
*Game 5: @Vancouver, Friday June 10th
*Game 6: @Boston Monday June 13th
*Game 7: @Vancouver Wednesday July 15th
(* If necessary)

Historical Background

Last Cups
Boston: 1972
Vancouver: Never

Vancouver entered the league in 1970 and since has only been to the Stanley Cup Finals twice, losing both time. Once in 1982 losing to the Islanders and again in 1994 losing to the Rangers. They have never met the Bruins in the playoffs.

The Bruins have won five championships dating back to their first win in 1929 when they defeated the Rangers 2-0 in a best of 3 series. Their two most recent cup victories came in 1970 and '72, none since. They have been in five Stanley Cup Finals since with this being their 6th, in total winning 5 games in 5 trips since '72.

Cup winners
Vancouver has 1 cup winner on their roster in Mikeal Samuelsson (Detroit, 2008)
Boston also has just 1 cup winner on their roster in Mark Recchi who has 2 rings (Pittsburgh '91, Carolina '05)

Experience has shown to reign key in the finals and these team draw equal. Samuelsson dramatically stepped up for the Wings in '08 scoring when it counted. Recchi is proof that age is nothing but a number, one of the smartest players in the game will look to raise the cup for yet another time.

The Regular Season

Storylines
Vancouver all out dominated this season winning 54 games and easily sealing the President's Trophy given to the top team in the league. They also had a league best 262 goals for and the best (Goals For)/(Goals Against) difference scoring 77 more goals then they had given up, in 82 games.
The Sedin's made a case for duel MVP candidates with another great season topping 90 points, Daniel with 104 on 41 goals and Henrik with 94 on a league high 75 assists. Breakout star Ryan Kesler also put 41 pucks behind the line to set a new career high. Do not forget about Roberto Luongo, he posted a 2.11 GAA to compliment his 38 wins and a Vezina Nomination.

There is another Vezina candidate on Boston who has something to say about Luongo's chance. Tim Thomas had a comeback year of the ages racking up 35 wins on a league low 2.00 GAA. Boston finished 3rd in the eastern conference with 46 wins, enough to lock up the Northeast Division title. There was a tied for the top point getter on the Bruins as playmaking David Krejci and powerforward Milan Lucic both tallied 62 points, a drastic contrast from the Canucks top scorers. Boston's defense is led by Zdeno Chara who ended the year with 44 points and a team high +33 +/-.

Team Leaders
Vancouver
Goals - Daniel Sedin, Ryan Kesler - 41
Assits - Henrik Sedin - 75
Points - Daniel Sedin - 104
Powerplay Goals - Daniel Sedin - 18
Shorthanded Goals - Ryan Kesler - 3
Plus/Minus - Kevin Bieksa - 32
Shooting Percentage - Alex Burrows - 17%

Bruins
Goals - Milan Lucic - 30
Assists - David Krejci - 49
Points - David Krejci, Milan Lucic - 62
Powerplay Goals - Zdeno Chara, Micheal Ryder - 8
Shorthanded Goals - Brad Marchant - 5
Plus/Minus - Zdeno Chara - 33
Shooting Percentage - Milan Lucic - 17%

The Postseason

Series Breakdown
Vancouver has defeated the Blackhawks, Predators and Sharks to seal a bid into the Final dance.
A close call in round one after losing three straight to come up with a huge overtime win in Game 7 versus their former reoccurring-postseason roadblock the Chicago Blackhawks. Questions continued in their second round series against the Nashville Predators where they pulled in 6 games despite Nashville's rising star in net Pekka Rinne. Then came redemption, the Canucks shut the hockey world up by completely dismantling the San Jose Sharks in just 5 games winning on Kevin Bieska Game 5 goal, and scoring 20 goals in the 5 games.

The Bruins had their own form of redemption in the second round. Just after barely slipping by their rival Montreal Canadiens in a tight Game 7, the Bruins they swept the Philadelphia Flyers, utterly dominating them in four straight games. Tampa Bay posed the biggest threat and took Boston into the 3rd period of Game 7 when finally the Bruins broke the 0-0 deadlock and stole the game on a Nathan Horton goal with 8 minutes remaining in regulation.

Team Leaders
Vancouver
Goals - Daniel Sedin - 8
Assits - Henrik Sedin - 19
Points - Henrik Sedin - 21
Plus/Minus - Kevin Bieksa- 10

Boston
Goals - David Krejci - 10
Assists - Patrice Bergeron - 11
Points - David Krejci, Nathan Horton - 17
Plus/Minus - Zdeno Chara - 10

Stunning Stat
Vancouver
Daniel and Henrik are a combined -8.

Boston
David Krejci has a shooting percentage of 27%.

Transactions

Season's Bests
Vancouver
Signing Manny Malhorta as a free agent on July 1st. Injured all postseason, but still a leader and best penalty killer and faceoff all season.

Boston
Trading for Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell on June 22nd. Horton has a team high share with 17 points this postseason and Campbell has been the Bruins most consistent penalty killer.
Trading for Rich Peverley on February 18th. Peverley has been great with the Bruins despite his lack of production. His all out play has made him a 3rd line stud in Boston.

(This post will be constantly updated as the series progresses)

A Case to Go Off the Board: Goaltending

2011-05-28T14:23:00.001-04:00

Let me lead off by stating that the two goaltender in this year's Stanley Cup Finals are both Vezina candidates and quite possibly the best players on their respective teams. A big change from last year's Leighton versus Niemi show. However, over time it has shown that solid goaltending makes for a smooth spring jog to the finish.

The goalie market isn't as deep as it has been in years previous, but neither are the teams who are in need of a goaltender. The top two teams spotlighted are the Washington Capitals and our Philadelphia Flyers. Teams outside of the media chatter included the Oilers, Ducks, Lightning, Coyotes and Blackhawks.

The goalies set to become available include Tomas Vokoun, Ilya Bryzgalov, Marty Turco, and Dwayne Roloson. Leaving a few over-shadowed that could become the next stars between the pipes. These are some names to look out for come July 1st.

Thomas Greiss, an promising young goaltender who served as Nabokov's backup and up until the point when the Sharks signed Niemi was set to share the starting job with Niittymaki. Greiss has shinned at every level and has adapted well to North American hockey since coming over in the 2006-07. This passed season the 25 year old was assigned to Brynas of the Swedish Elite League (SEL) where he posted a GAA under 3.00 and a save percentage over .900 in 32 games.

Mike Smith, once a blue-chip now a question mark in Tampa Bay. The hockey world got a glimpse into Smith's potential last Saturday when he stole Game 4 from Boston going 42 minutes stopping all 21 shots that came his way. Then in Game 5 he suffered the loss after two goals that were clearly not his fault, one-timers with not defensive help.
The 29 years old's time in Tampa has been depleting to say the least. He has been plagued by bad teams in front of him and a front offfice that was always looking for an upgrade. He's one of the guys who would be an interesting experiment if he got placed behind a tough defense like that of Philly's or Washington's.

Jose Theodore, now this name may go straight through your ears and cause sickness but the 35 year old may have something left in him. Hear me out guys, Theodore proved that he was still able to steal a game this season when he versed the Dallas Stars in the final game of the regular season, with Dallas in a do or die situation. Theodore stood tall stopping 26 of 29 shots in route to a 5-3 win at home.
This season, his first with Minnesota, Theodore went 13-11 with a goal against average of 2.71, his 2nd lowest since his hay-day in Montreal. Jose still has the make to become a very solid 50-60 games starter next season.

Mark Dekanich, this 25 year old product of the Nashivlle Predators system is primed to make an impact at the NHL level. Dekanich has posted gaudy stats in the AHL with Milwaukee, this past season he set career bests in both GAA with 2.02 and save percentage with .931% in 43 games. It's tough to say if he will be let go, he's NHL ready however Rinne is Vezina ready. Dekanich will need half of a year to adjust to the NHL grind but he is one helluva prospect.

Spread the word on these guys and impress your friends and family members with this knowledge. Eh maybe not, but thanks for reading.

The Third Round Playoff Picture

2011-05-28T14:22:00.001-04:00

as of 5/27/11

East

3) Boston Bruins

4-3
~~5) Tampa Bay Lightning~~

West

1) Vancouver Canucks

4-1
~~2) San Jose Sharks~~

Revisiting Patrick Thoresen

2011-05-22T12:41:00.000-04:00

Although Thoresen's stint with the Flyers only reads 35 games, his play is well remembered by Flyers fans. Known in his days of North American hockey as a fourth line utility player, Thor has grown into a prominent scorer in the KHL only three seasons removed from his NHL days.

This past season, Thor became the first Norwegian born player to win the Gagarin Cup, the KHL championship trophy award to the team who wins the playoffs. Now with one cup and over 120 points under his belt over the past two seasons Thoresen will make yet another run at playing in North America.

Every offseason since leaving the Flyers for European Hockey, Thoresen has sat in the open market and has received plenty of contract offers. The main problem has been his demand for a one-way contract when teams consistently offer him two-way deals.

One-way contracts mean a player would have to pass through waivers before being sent to the AHL. Two-ways contracts do not entail a player to pass through waivers before being sent down.

Thoresen has proven over the past three seasons that he has changed his game post over 20 goals and 50 points in both the Swiss and Russian professional leagues. One could make a case that he has always been a scorer, as Thor tallied 108 points on 75 assists in his final year of juniors in the QMJHL.

So will this be the year that the journeyman will return to the NHL? What team will he return with?

I would doubt the Flyers would offer Thoresen a one way deal with already so many players signed on their top three lines. However, if Leino and Zherdev aren't re-signed the Flyers would be in the market for a winger to patch up their 3rd line. A hungry Thoresen would most likely not charge much for a shot at redemption.

Fresh Ice Cuts: Dan Carcillo, Winter Classic

2011-05-18T12:50:00.001-04:00

Danny Carcillo Suspended
Car ~~Accident~~ Bomb was handed down a two game suspension by the NHL yesterday for words that were said to a referee in Game 4 of the Flyers series against the Bruins. Carcillo, set to be a restricted free agent, will likely be let go by the team this summer. There have been no reports confirming but his gradual drop off in production speaks for itself. Danny went from 12 goals and 22 points last season to only posting 4 goals and 6 points this year.

Winter Classic in the Bank
As it would seem, the Flyers are the front runner to host next year's Bridgestone Winter Classic. They are said to be facing the New York Rangers on either January 2nd or December 31st. There was doubt after the NFL had scheduled an Eagles home game on January 1st, if there would be a game in Philly this season. But now it seems like Philly will have, barring any set backs, the Winter Classic in Citizen's Bank Park.

There are numerous reasons why I love it at the Bank over the Linc. The history: the Phillies won a world series just 3 years yonder and are one of the top grossing teams in the MLB. The Stadium is much more fan friendly, a person who is not familiar with Lincoln Financial Field will not know that the stadium does not loop around - best advice: get there early and be ready to turn around and walk back down 20 flights of stairs if you misjudge where you are sitting.

Enough banter these pictures get the job done.

VERSUS

5 Names in the Flyers Organization that You Need to Know

2011-05-17T13:24:00.000-04:00

5) Jakob Kovar
Position: Goaltender
Age: 22
Drafted: 6th Round - 109th overall in 2006
Current Club: Ceske Budejovice of the Czech Extraliga

Kovar had turned a page this season and many scouts eyes turned as well. After Roman Turek left Ceske Budejovice, the 22 year old took over as the starter posting a 2.47 goals against average and a .924 save percentage in 52 games.

Hockey Future's player analysis reminds us of another Flyers goaltender, Sergei Bobrovsky, take a read.

Kovar has the ability to cover a lot of ground with his size and quickness, but has been guilty of playing too far back in his net. He possesses a decent physical makeup, quick reflexes and solid fundamental skills, but will need to learn to better challenge shooters.

4) Harry Zolnierczyk
Position: Left Winger
Age: 23
Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent in 2011
Former Club: Brown University

The former senior captain at Brown University, Zolnierczyk made grounds becoming the Ivy League Player of the Year this past season tallying 31 points in only 30 games. In 16 games with the Phantoms this season he marked up three goals and five assists. The lack of production most likely due to joining the team mid season after finishing his collegiate play.

At 23 Zolnierczyk figures to spend another season with the Phantoms refining his pro game and developing his skills more thoroughly before joining the Flyers. Harry Zolnierczyk has a bit of a rough side to his game as well, in his last season of college he racked up over 120 penalty minutes.

3) Erik Gustafsson
Position: Defense
Age: 22
Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent in 2010
Current Club: Adirondack Phantoms

Fans got a glimpse of their future last season when Gustafsson suited up for 3 games with the Flyers. The 22 year old defenseman has quickly shot up the charts and is now regarded as the Flyers top defensive prospect. A college stand out as captain of the Northern Michigan Wildcats, Gustafsson was signed to a contract and took off with the Phantoms that year notching 2 goals and 5 assists in 5 games.

This season Erik posted 5 goals and 44 assists in 72 games with the Flyers AHL affiliate. You may see Gustafsson with the Flyers as soon as next season playing the role of 7th defenseman aka Danny Syvret's position this past season.

2) Matt Read
Position: Center
Age: 24
Acquired: Signed as a Free Agent in 2011
Former Club: Bemidji State University

Another 2011 college stand out, Matt Read was signed to a three year deal and sent to the Phantoms following his senior year as the captain of Bemidji State. Read came to the Phantoms on a mission and quickly watched his stock sky-rocket, bringing in 13 points on 7 goals in 11 games.

The 24 year old is set to begin the season battling for a spot on the Flyers roster.
In 147 NCAA games, Read tallied 65 goals and added another 76 assists for 141 points and led his team to one frozen four appearance. Don't be surprised if you hear his name during opening night introductions next season.

1) Joacim Eriksson
Position: Goaltender
Age: 21
Drafted: 7th round - 196 overall in 2008
Current Club: Skelleftea HC of the SM-liiga

The rouge power-potential that is Joacim Eriksson is the most talented and questionable prospect in the Flyers organization. After being highly touted in Sweden the goaltender decline to come to Flyers rookie camp, which raised some eyebrows. And now when the Flyers feel he should begin his work in North American hockey, Joacim has decided he will stay another season in Sweden.

Regardless, Eriksson has a huge potential and the Flyers will stay patient with him. This past season he served as a back up in his first professional season, playing with Skelleftea HC of the Swedish Elite League. Eriksson posted fair numbers, a 2.56 goals against average to compliment his .906 save percentage in 17 games.

His future may be blurry but the former undisputed junior mega-star will get his chances to make this Flyers team in the years coming. Lets just hope he doesn't wither away all of his monstrous potential. Next season will tell the tale.

Flyers Sign the Mythical Niko Hovinen

2011-05-17T11:47:00.001-04:00

The Flyers announced today that they have yet again grabbed a European goalie to start off their off season. The Finnish goaltender ducks in at 6'7" and weighs 200 pounds. Originally drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2006, the 23 year old, had not joined the team and if/when he come to Philly for rookie camp he will be experiencing his first taste of professinal North American hockey.

For big guys who play the butterfly style, like Hovinen, speed is always a concern. North American hockey is a lot more compact than that of the Swedish Elite League he has been playing in for four years now. The rebounds and second chance opportunities come a lot faster.

Jeff Reese and his staff will undoubtedly go to work quickly on Hovinen. He has a monstrous frame, with good speed and agility he could develop into a force at the NHL level.

Don't expect another Bobrovsky, who was signed last spring, Hovinen will most likely be up and down through the AHL and the ECHL getting in some game action. I would call him a project until further progress is made.

This past season in the Swedish Elite League Hovinen post a 5-7-3 record with a 2.99 goals-against average and .914 save percentage.

2011 UFA Goalie Market

2011-05-15T00:20:00.001-04:00

Name - Former Team - Age

Stars (Start 70+ games)
Tomas Vokoun - Florida - 34
Ilya Bryzgalov - Phoenix - 30

Number Ones (Start 60-70)
JS Giguere - Toronto - 33
Evgeni Nabokov - NYI - 35

Starters (Start 50-60)
Dwayne Roloson - Tampa Bay - 41
Marty Turco - Chicago - 35
Pascal Leclaire - Ottawa - 28

1B Goalies (Start 20-40)
Mike Smith - Tampa Bay - 29
Ray Emery - Anaheim - 28
Peter Budaj - Colorado - 28
Ty Conklin - St. Louis - 35
Jose Theodore - Minnesota - 34

Back Ups (Start 10-20 games)
Mathieu Garon - Columbus - 33
Thomas Greiss - San Jose - 25
Brian Boucher - Philadelphia - 34
Chris Osgood - Detroit - 38
Johan Hedberg - New Jersey - 38
Alex Auld - Montreal - 30
Patrick Lalime - Buffalo - 36

3rd Goalies (Start in Injury Situations)
Jeff Deslauriers - Edmonton - 27
Jason Labarbera - Phoenix - 31
Chris McElhinney - Ottawa - 27
Curtis Sanford - Montreal - 31

Ville Leino talks about his Future on 97.3 ESPN

2011-05-14T13:36:00.000-04:00

Interview with Mike Gil in the Sports Bash on South Jersey's 97.3 ESPN. Follow 97.3 ESPN on Twitter @973ESPN.

By the Numbers: Dangers of Signing Ilya

2011-05-14T10:27:00.001-04:00

The Flyers are in the hunt for a top tier goalie this off season and one is packing his bags in Phoenix as we speak. The 30 year old russian goaltender, Ilya Bryzgalov is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. And with a sub-par goalie market the proven star will have the ball in his court.

Evgeni Nabokov's name will be ringing in the heads of both Ilya and his agent until pen is put to paper. Last season Nabokov refused to signing for what teams strangled by the cap, including the flyers, could offer him and went off to the KHL.

Making $4.25 million last season, Bryz's salary was in the lower range for bonafide stars, but once again he was playing in Phoenix and took a bit of a pay cut. Keep in mind that the Flyers and Capitals are the two cup contending teams who are looking to bring in a goalie. Washington has 8.5M in cap space and plenty more coming with the departure of Arnott, Sturm, and Hannan.

The Flyers on the other hand, have a tad over 860,000 right now. If Powe, Carcillo, O'Donnell, Boucher, Boynton and Zherdev are let go this off season, as all are potential free agents, the Flyers would have just under 7.5M dollars to spend.

The thing to pay attention to is the annual fluctuation of the salary cap. Since the NHL's profit grows every year the salary cap tends to grow accordingly. Here's is an excerpt from Larry Brooks article in the NYP,

"The NHLPA has told agents that the union projects a salary cap of approximately $62.2 million next season if the players vote to trigger the 5-percent escalator."

Cap room is precious to the Flyers as they will face a rough summer of 2012. Carle and Coburn will be UFAs if not re-signed and Kris Versteeg and James van Riemsdyk will be RFAs. Signing Bryz for a high paying long term deal would essentially strip the Flyers of two young, talented, core players.

Don't forget about the openings left by those who departed to make cap space for Bryzgalov. The Flyers would have 10 forwards on NHL contracts with Nodl and Leino set to be re-signed, filling out the offense. Sean O'Donnell's spot could be filled by one of Danny Syvret or Erik Gustaffson. Brian Boucher's back-up gig by Leighton or Backlund.

The effects of a hefty long term deal would not be evident at first but adding another big contract to a team of big contracts is well, refer to the Chicago Blackhawks. Am I missing the point? A top goalie could be all this team needs to win a cup. So does the risk out-weigh the rewards? That's your call.

Summer Surgeries Part II

2011-05-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

Last season I made a a quick post highlighting Leino and Carcillo's injuries. This season is a completely different story. And this one quite well tells why the Flyers had been playing some of their worst hockey of the season down the stretch.

Chris Pronger underwent successful surgery on a herniated disc in his back and expects to be walking tomorrow. Expected to be ready come training camp. Vague timetable.

Kris Versteeg had surgery on two abdominal tears, he begins rehabbing in 10 days.

Mike Richards underwent surgery on his wrist that had been injured for months, explaining a lot about his sub-par play.

Blair Betts underwent surgery to repair a broken finger, should rehab quickly.

Andrej Meszaros also had surgery on his wrist. Who would have guess this guy would have had a torn cartilage and still play 30+ every night?

Michael Leighton may have been in surgery longer than he was in net this season. Leights had surgery on a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Carter still has his knee/hip injury lingering from that first round series. Also, Scotty Hartnell has been dealing with some hip issues. As of right now, neither will require surgery.

I'm sure there are others, mostly those who are set to be UFAs/RFAs that would rather not have their injuries publicized right away. The good news, none seems to require a long rehab, all should be ready for the 2011-2012 season.

Flyers Radar 5/12/11

2011-05-12T15:09:00.000-04:00

The same story as last offseason for the Flyers, they are looking to bring in a goalie. Last season they made runs at Dan Ellis, Evgeni Nabokov, and Marty Turco. However, none panned out nor were any that serious. Sergei Bobrovsky was the Flyers number on last season and went on to win 28 games. But, there is a struggling AHL team in Adirondack that could use his services if he is not the start next season.

It is known Bob isn't a back up, so, if any legitimate starter is brought in he will most likely find himself in the AHL. Chance are, with Leighton and Backlund still under contract one of them will be the number 2 and Boucher will be let go, as he is set to become a UFA on July 1st.

The names popping up around the Flyers blogosphere are familiar. That of, Jonathan Bernier of the LA Kings, Corey Schneider of the Vancouver Canucks, and Florida's Tomas Vokoun.

However, a couple new names have been bounced around lately. They are Phoenix's Ilya Bryzgalov who is set to become a free agent and oddly enough Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres. It has been known that Bryz, much like Vokoun, would like a chance to win and a pay raise, two things that may not be out of the Flyers range.

Ryan Miller's name came flying out of left field faster than a Pat Burrell throw. And just as you are right now, I laughed. But then I serious'd and checked out what some Sabres fans were saying about it. Surprisingly, Miller had gone through a down season and Enroth looked superb in a late season call up and fans were willing to deal their star goaltender.

This would undoubtedly cause a major shake up in Buffalo and maybe not one that new owner Terry Pegula would like to see in his first off season. But if the deal were made the Sabres would make out heavily. The Flyers don;t have any picks but they do have a wealth of talent depth. In a trade the Sabres would likely receive a budding forward such as James van Riemsdyk along with one of Carle or Coburn. A great rock to start building around on both ends of the ice.

I doubt the chances of this happening especially with a fore-mentioned new owner. Ilya Bryzgalov is currently has the highest chance of happening.

Flyers FA List 2011

2011-05-12T14:57:00.000-04:00

UFA
Nik Zherdev
(16 goals and 6 assists in 56 games)
Ville Leino
(19 goals and 34 assists in 81 games)
Sean O'Donnell
(18 points and +8 in 81 games)
Brian Boucher
(18-10-4 in 34 games)

RFA
Daniel Carcillo
(127 PIM and 4 goals in 57 games)
Darroll Powe
(17 points in 81 games)
Andreas Nodl
(11 goals and 11 assists in 67 games)

NHL Free Agency 2011 Headquaters

2011-05-12T10:37:00.011-04:00

Flyers Free Agents

UFA

Ilya Bryzgalov
(Acquired from PHO)
Signing

Nik Zherdev
(16 goals and 6 assists in 56 games)

Ville Leino
(19 goals and 34 assists in 81 games)
Talks to 973ESPN

Sean O'Donnell
(18 points and +8 in 81 games)

Brian Boucher
(18-10-4 in 34 games)

RFA

Daniel Carcillo
(127 PIM and 4 goals in 57 games)

Darroll Powe
(17 points in 81 games)
Case of Darroll Powe

Andreas Nodl
(11 goals and 11 assists in 67 games)

League

All NHL Teams Needs

Sleeper Free Agent Goalies

UFA Goalie Market

Patrick Thoresen Breakdown

Minor League Signings
Niko Hovinen - Goaltender

Matt Carle

2011-05-08T16:11:00.001-04:00

Matt Carle
26 years old - September 25th
Defenseman
Quiet / Defensive
Drafted: 47th overall in 2003 by SJS
Acquired: Trade w/ TBL in 2009

Salary: 3,500,000
Length: 1 year (UFA)

Matt Carle came into Philly as a defenseman with a high potential and was later greeted with one helluva defensive pairing with Chris Pronger. Carle's play has been stellar since coming to Philly from Tampa Bay. Keep in mind he is a quiet, defensive defenseman.

Carle has logged 8 goals in his three season with Philadelphia and tallied 13 assists in last year's playoff run. His goals have been clutch, two seasons ago he sent the game to overtime in a game that later ended in a shootout win to secure the Flyers a playoff spot.

After this season the Flyers will have a big question, to re-sign Matt Carle or not. They have a lot of defensive prospects but it is unknown if they will be able to match what Carle has done for this team. One thing to be said, Carle had one goal this season and that looms largely when looking back.

Oskars Bartulis

2011-05-08T15:58:00.001-04:00

Oskars Bartulis
24 years old - January 21st
Defenseman
Offensive
Drafted: 91st overall in 2005 by PHI

Salary: 600,000
Length: 2 years

Bartulis's career with the Flyers has been a murky one. He hasn't broken out but he hasn't flatten down. Bartulis projects as an offensive defenseman as he had played offense until he joined the Moncton Wildcats of the WHL.

Bartulis suffered a season ending shoulder injury in February after a hit landed by former Flyer Scottie Upshall. Oskars will continue to serve as the Flyers 7th defenseman next season when healthy.

Andreas Nodl

2011-05-08T15:46:00.002-04:00

Andreas Nodl
24 years old
Winger
Grinder / Playmaker
Drafted: 39th overall in 2006 by PHI
2nd NHL player from Austria

Salary: N/A
Length: RFA

Andreas Nodl had finally broken into the Flyers line up this season after having a great college career at Saint Cloud State Univesity. Noodles plays a very well rounded game where he can contribute with great hands and stellar defense.

He projects as a 2nd or 3rd line winger who can play with and against anybody. Nodl is currently a restricted free agent since coming off of his entry level contract, in no way will the Flyers let this guy go.

Kris Versteeg

2011-05-08T15:38:00.002-04:00

Kris Versteeg
24 years old - May 13th
Left/Right Winger
Scorer / Grinder
Drafted: 134th overall in 2004 by BOS
Acquired: Trade w/ TOR in 2011

Salary: 3,000,000
Length: 1 year (RFA)

Not even a season after beating the Flyers in the finals Kris Versteeg joined them. Steeger is small but tough and plays a great style of hockey. When acquired he had racked up 14 goals with Toronto and went on to have 8 more with Philadelphia in a few months time.

Versteeg is an odd character, at only 25 he is with his fourth franchise. Boston gave up on the winger sending him to Chicago for Brandon Bochenski, who was brought in for depth in the playoffs. Later Chicago had to let him go after not having the cap room to keep him. Finally, Toronto and Brian Burke decided he was not their style of player and sent him to Philadelphia in exchange for a 3rd round pick.

This guy plays the game right, he hustles for loose pucks and forechecks with the best of them. His scoring touch can be very streaky. Set to be a restricted free agent next season, the Flyers may save some cap room to work him into their future for a long time to come.

Flyers Salary Cap

2011-05-08T14:28:00.003-04:00

NHL Salary Cap: $59,400,000
Flyers Payroll: $58,969,155
Cap Space: $430,845

*All contract as entering 2011-2012 season.*
Highest paid players pictured.

Forwards
Blair Betts 1 year at 700,000 (UFA)
Danny Briere 4 years at 6.5M

Dan Carcillo Restricted Free Agent

Jeff Carter 10 years at 5.272M
Claude Giroux 3 years at 3.75M
Scotty Hartnell 2 years at 4.2M
Ian Laperriere 1 year at 1.667M (UFA)

Ville Leino Unrestricted Free Agent

Andreas Nodl Restricted Free Agent

Darroll Powe Restriced Free Agent

Mike Richards 9 years at 5.75M
Jody Shelley 2 years at 1.1M
James van Riemsdyk 1 year at 1.65M (RFA)
Kris Versteeg 1 year at 3.1M (RFA)

Nik Zherdev Unrestricted Free Agent

Defense
Oskars Bartulis 2 years at 600,000

Nick Boynton Unrestricted Free Agent

Matt Carle 1 year at 3.5M (UFA)
Braydon Coburn 1 year at 3.2M (UFA)
Andrej Meszaros 3 years at 4M

Sean O'Donnell Unrestricted Free Agent

Chris Pronger 6 years at 5M
Kimmo Timonen 2 years at 6.33M

Goaltenders

Ilya Bryzgalov Unrestricted Free Agent

Sergei Bobrovsky 2 years at 1.75M

Brian Boucher Unrestricted Free Agent

Michael Leighton 1 year at 1.5M (UFA)

Non-Cap Hits
Matt Walker 2 years at 1.7M - Cleared Waivers.

The Flyers have the rights of all UFAs until July 1st and RFA until they are either released or traded, however, they become UFAs if not re-signed by the start of next season.

All numbers derived from CapGeek. They do this a lot better than I can, check out the full stats there.

Tom Sestito

2011-05-08T12:25:00.003-04:00

Tom Sestito
23 years old
Left Winger
Power Forward
6'5"
230 lbs
Drafted: 85th overall in 2006 by CLB
Acquired: Trade w/ CLB 2010

The Flyers feel Sestito has all the tools to be a force in the NHL, as evident when they traded Micheal Chaput, their first pick in last year's draft, for the winger. Sestito finished this season in the AHL with the Phantoms after spending the beginning of the season with Columbus's affiliate Springfield.

The big winger, once compared to Todd Bertuzzi, has the size and hands to be a powerplay component while being able to get involved with his fists. In a call up with Columbus early in the 2010 season, Sestito earned time with the second powerplay unit.

His name has been brought up recently due to Danny Carcillo's contract situation. Car Bomb is set to be a restricted free agent and could be let go for salary cap reasons. If so, Sestito will be the top candidate to take over his position.

You can follow Tom on twitter @TomSestito23

The Second Round Playoff Picture

2011-05-07T01:58:00.003-04:00

as of 5/12/11.

EAST

~~1) Washington Capitals~~
0-4

5) Tampa Bay Lightning

~~2) Philadelphia Flyers~~
0-4

3) Boston Bruins

WEST

1) Vancouver Canucks

4-2
~~5) Nashville Predators~~

~~2) Detroit Red Wings~~
4-3

3) San Jose Sharks

Round 1 - PHI in 7
G1: 1-0 BUF
G2: 5-4 PHI
G3: 4-2 PHI
G4: 1-0 BUF
G5: 4-3 BUF
G6: 5-4 PHI
G7: 5-2 PHI

Round 2 - BOS in 4
G1: 7-3 BOS
G2: 3-2 BOS
G3: 5-1 BOS
G4: 5-1 BOS

Flyers OffSeason Storylines

2011-05-06T23:38:00.001-04:00

Free Agents
VILLE LEINO will be a free agent come July 1st. There were contract talks this season, expect him to re-sign.

NIK ZHERDEV, unless he takes a pay cut he will be untendered come July 1st.

DANNY CARCILLO and DARROLL POWE will be Restricted free agents, which both were last season. Could see these two going either way, replacements are in waiting.

ANDREAS NODL will be a restricted free agent, the Flyers will do everything in their power to re-sign him.

NICK BOYNTON most likely will not be back for the Flyers.

SEAN O'DONNELL, likely it will be up to him. He played great all season and the Flyers would like him back next year. Keep in Mind he considered retirement after last season.

BRIAN BOUCHER will most likely be let go as he is set to be an UFA come July 1st. The Flyers will have the cap room to go after a marquee goaltender in free agency and also still have Leighton for another year.

Draft Picks
1st: NONE - w/ Anaheim (Pronger Trade)
2nd: NONE - w/ Phoenix (Carcillo Trade)
3rd: NONE - w/ Toronto (Versteeg Trade)
4th: TWO - own, Tampa Bay (Gagne Trade)
5th: NONE - w/ Detroit (Leino Trade)
6th: own
7th: own

Who will be the Goaltender?
Sergei Bobrovsky? Ilya Bryzgalov? Maybe even J.S. Giguere?
The Flyers will have a good amount of cap room, especially if some of the free agents above are not re-signed. Sergei is the goalie of the future but this team wants to win now. Will have posts following every inch of this situation.

An Offseason to Deal?
The Flyers have a great young core with Carter, Richards, Giroux, van Riemsdyk, and Versteeg. Older guys like Hartnell, Shelley could be looking for new real estate in exchange for some draft picks and cap room. Not trying to start controversy, speculating.

Prospects Galore!
Bourdon, Marshall, Gustaffson, Kalinski, Wellwood; be excited Flyers nation. These guys will have a chance to make the roster and possible fill up some spots left open after this process.

Nothing better than blogging to get my mind off of a series like that. Thanks to all my viewers, I look forward to the future of the Orange and the Black and Ice On Broad Street.
-Cody Gray

ECSF Game 4 Notes - Flyers @ Bruins

2011-05-06T19:22:00.001-04:00

The Flyers, once again, have their backs against the wall. This time the teams meet up in Boston. Tonight at 8.

Headlines
Pronger (back/hamstring) is a game time decision. Expect the veteran defenseman to play this game.

Carter will play tonight after returning to the line up last game. Carter had missed practice on Thursday.

Sergei Bobrovsky will start his third game of the post season. Boucher will back him up.

Boston's Adam McQuade will be out tonight. The Bruins will likely dress 6 defensemen, but only solidly rotate 5.

Flyers Scratches
Backlund, Bartulis, Boynton, Holmstrom, Leighton, Nodl, Rinaldo, Shelley, Syvret, Walker.

Flyers Lines
Hartnell Briere Leino / Carter Richards Versteeg / JvR Giroux Zherdev / Carcillo Betts Powe.

Pronger O'Donnell / Carle Meszaros / Timonen Coburn.

Bobrovsky / Boucher.

Lending an Outlandish Point of View to Game 4

2011-05-05T17:05:00.000-04:00

With the Flyers being completely out played and now with their back against the wall down 3-0 against a Bruins team that has look extraordinary this series, is a comeback in the making?

I'm going to start off by saying game three was a must win for Boston. Hard to believe? The Bruins and their fans are afraid of the Flyers and want to bury them asap. Even one loss and the wheels could fall out from under, especially a game four win.

From my perspective this Flyers team is extremely talented with their one flaw being exploited to the fullest. These past 10 games have been the Flyers worst stretch of games played this season. But in light of all of this they have made it to the second round and now still have a chance to advance.

The talent up and down this line up in unmatched by any other team in the league when they are clicking. But that has been the problem, nothing is clicking. Think of it this way, all this team has to do is win four straight games. This is an extraordinary team from top to bottom that can win four straight!

Lets keep hope alive Flyers nation. If Bobrovsky can give the Flyers a modest effort each game, this team should be able to carry him. And that's what it is going to take; a full, 60 minute, game where everyone plays with heart and never stops hustling. Take each game as they come and treat every game as if it were a game seven and the wins will come out of the hunger.

Expect game four to be played a lot like game two. The Flyers have to fend off the Bruins and stay in the game through the first period. So far the Flyers have given up 17 goals in the 1st periods of their playoff 10 games. I expect Mike Richards to rise form the dead and finally show this nation why he wears the C.

Thanks for listening to me rant and lets get ready for games five and seven in Philly!

Food for Thought - Flyers tried to Sign Nabokov

2011-05-04T20:49:00.000-04:00

But all was for not as the goaltender signed in KHL later to be hoarded by the Islanders.

ECSF Game 3 Notes - Carter In, Pronger Out, Lines Shaken Up.

2011-05-04T17:42:00.001-04:00

The Flyers head into Boston still looking for their first win of the second round.

Boucher will start his fourth straight, Bob will back him up.
Jeff Carter is back in the lineup after missing the last five games.
Chris Pronger is out again with what CSN's Tim Panotchio says are "back and
hamstring" injuries.

This is how Pronger most likely became injured:

Flyers Scratches: Backlund, Bartulis, Boynton, Holmstrom, Leighton, Nodl, Pronger, Rinaldo, Shelley, Walker.

Flyers Lines:
JvR Giroux Carter
Hartnell Briere Leino
Zherdev Richards Versteeg
Carcillo Betts Powe

Meszaros Carle
Coburn Timonen
O'Donnell Syvret

Boucher Bobrovsky

Headlines on the trip to Bean Town

2011-05-03T17:08:00.000-04:00

The Flyers find themselves in yet another hole going down in consecutive home games. To make matters worse, the Flyers were without Chris Pronger last night due to a "back" injury. With Carter and Nodl still day-to-day, this team is flailing into a much to premature goodbye.

Boston is now 5-1 against the Flyers this season and have a 2-0 series lead. The first game was utter dominance by the Bruins as the Flyers did not look ready to play. But game 2 was a heart breaker, a game that was dominated by the orange and black was quickly ended by a bone-crushing OT goal.

Now to Boston and to begin another comeback attempt. In light, the Flyers have seen James van Riemsdyk fire 3 goals in the first two games of this series and knock his playoff total up to 7 goals in 9 games. Brian Boucher has looked solid and has only been beaten by either fluke goals or his own defensemen making fatal errors, which was the case for all three goals on Monday.

The Bruins have found a new scorer in David Krejci, who now has 4 goals in 2 games after tallying just 13 goals all season. Brad Marchant has also had a coming out party as he has stepped up with 2 goals and a bevy a hard-nose plays.

Pronger status is a huge issue going into game 3. The Flyers powerplay fell back a few flight of stairs last night after not converting once including a chance in the final two minutes of regulation.

Jody Shelley returned on Monday, however, he quickly found the bench and saw very few minutes in the final two periods and overtime. Carter and Nodl and "everyone else who didn't skate Monday" according to Paul Holmgren is "day-to-day." Take that with a pinch of salt.

Boucher will be the starter in game 3 despite leaving game 2 with a hand/finger injury. He returned and played solid in the loss.

Game 3 is in Boston wednesday at 700.

Looking at Boston and Game One

2011-04-30T14:48:00.001-04:00

The Flyers and Bruins meet for the second time in two years facing off in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They aren't the same team as last year however. Tim Thomas has taken over as number 1 and has forced Tuunka Rask to the pine, the offense was revamped up this offseason adding Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell from the Florida Panthers, the defense stayed the same only losing Dennis Wideman.

This team is still deadly, now equipped with a healthy Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. However Marc Savard is still out after suffering a concussion over a year ago. This team has scorers down their line up including Wheeler, Ryder, and ageless Mark Recchi.

Their stalwart defense is what the Bruins hang their hat on. Anchored by Zdeno Chara, the Boston defense is a wrecking crew. They all work hard and hit hard to protect Timmy Thomas.

The biggest flaw to this team is their consistency. They lack a true top forward and fail to find a group that can get it done when called upon.

Headlines

Brian Boucher will get the start in game one after posting a record of 4-1 in the first round. Bobrovsky will back him up.

Jody Shelley could be back in the line up after suffering from a broken orbital bone in practice two months ago. It will either be Shelley or Rinaldo skating with the 4th line today. But keep in mind the Flyers may dress Syvret and play 7 defensemen.

It now looks like Rinaldo will play 4th line over Shelley. 6 dmen dressed.

Carter and Nodl are still out. Carter's return looks far from near, Nodl's injury seems more severe with every game he misses.

Flyers Lines

Hartnell Briere Leino / Carcillo Richards Versteeg /Jvr Giroux Zherdev / Rinaldo Betts Powe

Timonen Coburn / Carle Meszaros / Pronger O'Donnell

Boucher / Bobrovsky

Game 1 is on NBC at 300 pm.

Ryan Miller admits to having a Concussion

2011-04-28T17:24:00.000-04:00

Reports broke a few hours ago that Buffalo Sabres goalie had been suffering from a concussion through out the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. Though the injury Miller managed two shutouts and to carry his team to game seven against one of the best offenses in the NHL.

Could this just be an excuse by Miller who virtually called out half of the Flyers team? I wouldn't go that far, Miller played excellent and led a team that otherwise wouldn't have made the playoffs. Remember that Miller did miss a few games down the stretch with what many believed was a collar bone injury. That injury was most likely a concussion.

I took a look back on some key plays to see if there were any concussion like symptoms displayed by Miller. Gotta feeling some of these photos may have been doctored, or else the Flyers really did get away with "Mass Murder".

Worried About the Bruins?

2011-04-28T10:54:00.000-04:00

I've been talking to some Flyers fans that seem worried about playing the Bruins. I could see why, they have a Vezina candidate, a division title, and solid defensive depth to compliment their well rounded offense. So how can the Flyers beat them?

The Flyers can beat the Bruins by finding a flaw in their best player, Tim Thomas. Thomas is an all world goalie who seems to get better with age. But the goalie's biggest flaw is his intensity. He can get so into a game that giving up even one goal can throw him off. The Flyers high flying offense should be able to ruffle his feathers.

The black and gold's offense, while extremely deep, lack top stars. Their top point getter in the first round was Patrice Bergeron who has great talent, but isn't a game changer. The top goal scorers were Nathan Horton and Chris Kelly, neither one of them has proved to be consistent. That's the Bruins offense's biggest problem their consistency, and a spot that the Flyers tough defense should be able to bring out the worst in.

The biggest battle will be on special teams. The Flyers powerplay has been rejuvenated with the return of Chris Pronger, the Bruins PK will have to be better than they were against Montreal. On the other hand the Flyers penalty kill will get a break as they face a weak Bruins powerplay, but they may not be worse than Buffalo's.

Begin the hate Boston, see you on Saturday.

Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals: Flyers vs Sabres

2011-04-26T22:34:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia wins in 7.

G1: 1-0 BUF
W- Miller L- Bobrovsky

G2: 5-4 PHI
W- Boucher L- Miller

G3: 4-2 PHI
W- Boucher L- Miller

G4: 1-0 BUF
W- Miller L- Boucher

G5: 4-3 OT BUF
W- Miller L- Leighton

G6: 5-4 OT PHI
W- Boucher L- Miller

G7: 5-2 PHI
W- Boucher L-Miller

Miller 3-3-1
Boucher 4-1-0
Bobrovsky 0-1-0
Leighton 0-0-1
Enroth 0-0-0

Bring on the Penguins! or the Lightning! or the Bruins!

2011-04-26T22:27:00.000-04:00

With a 5-2 victory the Flyers have come back and will advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals for the second consecutive year. What a ride it was! The Flyers started 3 different goalies and got shutout twice. But in the end, they won.

Now they await their opponent. They will play either Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, or Boston. If Boston wins, the Flyers will play Boston. If Boston loses, the Flyers will play the winner of the Pens Lightning series. Both game sevens are tomorrow.

Here is how the Flyers have stacked up against their potential opponents this season:
vs PIT 4-1-1
vs BOS 1-3-0
vs TBL 1-3-0

The First Round Playoff Picture

2011-04-26T11:23:00.006-04:00

as of 4/28/11. done.

EAST

1) Washington Capitals

4-2
~~8) New York Rangers~~

2) Philadelphia Flyers

4-2
~~7) Buffalo Sabres~~

3) Boston Bruins

4-3
~~6) Montreal Canadiens~~

~~4) Pittsburgh Penguins~~
4-3

5) Tampa Bay Lightning

WEST

1) Vancouver Canucks

4-3
~~8) Chicago Blackhawks~~

2) Detroit Red Wings

4-0
~~7) Phoenix Coyotes~~

3) San Jose Sharks

4-2
~~6) Los Angeles Kings~~

~~4) Anaheim Ducks~~
4-2

5) Nashville Predators

ECQF Game 7 Notes (Updating until Puck Drop)

2011-04-26T11:09:00.008-04:00

Here is the thread leading into the Flyers Sabres meeting in the Well. This one decides it all. Here are the headlines.

11:10 am

Injuries

via @HockeyWitch17: "Hecht, Lalime--out long term. Connolly & Pominville expected to be out tonight. Kaleta, Morrisson & Grier doubtful for game 7 tonight."

Neither, Carter nor Nodl are expected to be in the lineup tonight. Pronger will play. Boynton. Bartulis, Walker, and Shelley have also been ruled out.

Line Ups

The Sabres will fit Roy into their lineup after being without since December. It is odd, however, that Mike Grier and Patrick Kaleta could be out game 7 after missing practice yesterday. They are the Sabres leading hitters this series.

The question for the Flyers is Chris Pronger. If he can play more than 10 minutes expect Danny Syvret to be out of the lineup. The Flyers dressed 7 defenseman last game forcing the Flyers' Dan Carcillo to double shift.

Mike Richards has not and will not receive any league discipline after a questionable hit on Tim Connolly.

Goaltending

Nothing new for the Sabs, Ryan Miller will get the start. He gave up 5 goals on 49 during Sunday's loss. Miller also has 2 shutouts this series.

The Flyers will dress Sergei Bobrovsky who will backup Brian Boucher. The Flyers emergency goalie will be Johan Backlund. Mike Leighton has managed to work his way back to the press box after allowing 3 goals in the first period of game 6.

4:50 pm

Sabres Injury Update

Nothing more announced yet on either sides. However, Patrick Kaleta is unofficially ruled out for tonight's game. The Toronto Sun wrote this:

In preparation for Game 7 of this riveting first-round Eastern Conference showdown between the Sabres and the Philadelphia Flyers, both Roy and Jochen Hecht, who has missed the entire playoffs to date with an upper-body injury, were out on the ice for the morning skate.

On the other hand, Kaleta and fellow forward Mike Grier, who entered the postseason with a knee ailment, did not skate. Sources say Kaleta did not even make the trip to Philadelphia.

There is a suspicion that Kaleta suffered a broken hand, although the Sabres would not confirm the injury.

Full article can here read HERE.

5:45 pm

New Stripes

The refs for tonight's game will be Dan O'Rourke, Stephen Walkom, Brad Lazarowich, and Brian Murphy per @davegisaac. These are not the same refs from games 1-6. A very smart move by the NHL, putting its' best where it counts most.

Sabres Injuries Confirmation

via @BillHoppeSabres: Ruff offered almost nothing w/injuries-lineup. Kaleta + Grier are out. Leopold will be game-time decision. Didn't skate.

730 pm

Roy and Hecht are in the line up for the Sabres. Only new players for Buffalo meaning Sekera is out.

Flyers Lines

Hartnell Briere Leino / JVR Giroux Zherdev / Carcillo Richards Versteeg / Powe Betts.
Carle Meszaros / Timonen Coburn / O'Donnell Syvret / Pronger.
Boucher / Bobrovsky.

Flyers will dress 7 defensemen and likely roll Danny Carcillo on that 4th line as well.

Game is on CSN Philly, TSN, MSG-B, and VS.. NOW!

Monday Headlines: New Look Sabres? Boucher will be Back?

2011-04-25T13:45:00.000-04:00

With the series deciding game just over 24 hours away here is the chatter leading into what will be the end of one and the birth of another.

Last night Peter Laviolette decided that Brian Boucher will start game seven in Philadelphia. Boucher has started 3 games this series and has a record of 2-1. Bobrovsky started games 1 & 2, Boucher then started games 3-5, before Michael Leighton took over and started game 6, now Boucher gets the call come Tuesday.

Buffalo Sabres Tim Connolly will not play in game 7 after getting check by Mike Richards in the 2nd period of game 6. Connolly has been a non factor this series, but is a part of the PP and PK.

Mike Richards will not see any type of discipline from the league or the team after hitting Connolly in which the play resulted in a hit.

The Sabres have reached into their pocket and have decided that Derek Roy will be in the lineup come Tuesday. Roy registered 35 points in 35 games this season. He has not played since late December as he has been recovering from hand surgery.

Jochen Hecht was seen skating in practice along with defenseman Andreas Sekera. Hecht is a long time Sabres with experience who has been injured for the duration of the playoffs. He logged 12 goals and 29 points in 67 games this season.

The Flyers line of Hartnell - Briere - Leino register 3 goals in Sunday's game 6. With each of them scoring a goal, including the tying and winning goals. This line was undoubtedly the Flyers top line last postseason and it's about time some group finally stepped up.

Chris Pronger played just over 4 minutes in game 6, only seeing time on the powerplay. Oddly enough, Pronger did not play in the potentially season ending overtime. Andrej Meszaros logged over 31 minutes. The Flyers went to running 5 defenseman for the final 2 periods of game 5 and 6 with Pronger and Syvret riding the pine.

For up to the minute news goto Ice on Broad Street's Twitter account. @Iceonbroadst

ECQF Game 6: Welcome Back Chris

2011-04-24T15:03:00.000-04:00

Chris Pronger is currently skating in warm ups in preparation for the Flyers must win game 6. The young, inexperienced Sabres are faced with one of the hardest things to do in all of sports, close a team out in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Mentioned in the title, Chris Pronger is set to return after missing over a month with a broken hand. Pronger is 4th overall on the active players postseason points list. If Pronger is in the lineup Danny Syvret will see the press box. Both are currently skating in warm ups.

Ben Holmstrom will be in the lineup as Zac Rinaldo and Andreas Nodl will be out. Nodl is still nursing his upper body injury.

Michael Leighton will get the nod as the Flyers have their back up against the wall. Leighton was 3-1 when playing in an elimination game. Leight played just under three periods on Friday allowing only one goal.

The game is on NBC NOW!

Report: Pronger and Carter out for ECQF Series

2011-04-22T18:12:00.000-04:00

This news is popping up everywhere, just about an hour it was reported that Chris Pronger and Jeff Carter will miss the remainder of the series due to injury. Chris Pronger has been rehabbing his broken hand and Jeff Carter is nursing a supposedly sprained knee.

The injury of Andreas Nodl's injury may have just been ramped up. With Carter out the Flyers needed another forward, Nodl would be the one inserted, however, due to his upper body injury the Flyers have called upon Ben Holmstrom. This means Nodl's injury is more serious than once thought, we'll see if he is available for game 6.

With Pronger out Danny Syvret will keep his spot in the line up. Syvret has played well and is earning powerplay and penalty kill minutes.

Nik Zherdev looks to be a staple after scoring the game winning goal in game 2. Zherdev has been playing aside Versteeg and Richards.

ECQF Game 5 Updates: Holmstrom in, Carter and Pronger out

2011-04-22T14:59:00.000-04:00

The Flyers will host the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth game of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. The series is up for grabs with only three games left and each team winning 2 of the previous four games.

Once again Boucher will get the nod, he has four goals in over eight periods this postseason and holds a record of 2-1.

Andreas Nodl will miss his second straight game after suffering a facial wound in game 3.

Chris Pronger will NOT play tonight after much speculation that he would be playing, Pronger has been out for over a month now with a broken hand. -tp

Jeff Carter is listed as day-to-day after colliding with Tyler Myers in the first period of game 4, he did not return. There are rumors that he has a sprained MCL (Ligament in Knee).

To replace these injuries the Flyers will dress Nik Zherdev in place of Nodl once again. Danny Syvret for Chris Pronger. And the A'dack Phantoms's Ben Holmstrom. Homstrom played against the Ottawa Senators in March, where on his first shift he rocked big Ottawa forward Smith. Holmstrom is a pest and will play aside Betts and Carcillo.

Here's how the Flyers lines look without Carter:
Hartnell Briere Leino
Zherdev Richards Versteeg
Powe Giroux Jvr
Holmstrom Betts Carcillo

Meszaros O'Donnell
Timonen Syvret
Coburn Carle

Boucher Leighton

Oddly enough in both Flyers losses Buffalo lone goals have been scored vs the pairing on Matt Carle and Danny Svyret. Despite them not being line mates.

Kimmo Timonen told the media yesterday that the reason he snapped was due to the constant spearing of Nathan Gerbe. -CSN Philly

Tonight's start is at 730 on CSN.

ECQF Game 4 Notes

2011-04-20T17:40:00.001-04:00

Headlines

Zherdev in the lineup as expected after scoring the game winning goal on Monday night.

Boucher will get the start for the second straight game after picking up the past two wins. Leighton will back him up. Bobrovsky will be in the press box for the second straight game.

Nodl and Pronger are still injured scratches, while Boynton is unavailable due to flu like symptoms. Danny Syvret has played in every game this post season.

Buffalo's Kaleta will play a game after getting illegally nailed into the boards by Cobi and not returning. He will wear protection in tonight's game, so he won't be fighting.

Flyers Lines
Zherdev Richards Versteeg
Jvr Giroux Carter
Hartnell Briere Leino
Powe Betts Carcillo

Carle Coburn
Syvret Timonen
O'Donnell Meszaros

Boucher Leighton

Who's Hot?
James van Riemsdyk - He's been the best Flyer through 3 games.
Brian Boucher - Once again Bouch is stealing the show at the right time of year.

M.A. Gragnani - He registered an assist on each of the Sabres goals on Monday, and has four assists in three games this post season.

Game is on at 7:30 on CSN Philly!

Post to Post - 4/20/2011

2011-04-20T11:10:00.000-04:00

In Post to Post I will look around the NHL and analyze the go-ons. Like Fresh Ice Cuts, a section dedicated to the Flyers latest, I will have short sections for each headline. So lets go Post to Post and around the NHL.

Stanley Cup Comebacks?
Last season the Flyers pulled their way back from a 3-0 deficit and won the ECSF to become only the third team in NHL history to do so. This year two teams will try to pull off the task in the first round. The Yotes have been completely outplayed and outworked but have found themselves in every game despite losing the first three. Now they face a 3-0 series starring them in the face. Game 4 is tonight.

The Blackhawks sent a message through the NHL last night defeating the Canucks 7-2 on home ice with their back against the wall. But the only team not surprised may be the Canucks. Vancouver may have not given their all knowing how hard Chicago would play and now have a chance to dominate and clinch on home ice. Nonetheless, a great win on Madison Ave by the Hawks.

Battle of the Pacific
The Sharks and Kings are going at it in the Golden State. I had predicted a San Jose sweep against the injury bugged Kings, but the Kings have shown why they won't go away. The Kings stole a shutout in the Sharks Tank on Saturday and almost blew out the division rival last night.

The Sharks were resilient and fought back from being down 4-0 and ended up grabbing the W in overtime for the second time this tourney. The series is currently 2-1 SJS and could be a ways from over.

Turning Points
The Predators, Flyers, Penguins, and Capitals all hold a 2-1 series lead over their opponents and all will enter their fourth game with a chance to either run or fall. A win equals a huge 3-1 lead, a loss and you find yourself in a tie. All these teams play tonight, get you remote ready!

Does Briere hate Miller?

2011-04-20T00:21:00.001-04:00

Due to the recent chirping between the two former team mates, I have decided to look into some of Miller's short comings and the results I found were stunning. Briere was not only at, but cheering against Miller at all times. Photos below, quotes first.

Miller:

“Yeah, because it’s all fluff coming from him after the amount of years we’ve known each other. You can’t automatically hit a light switch and be a hard ass to me. It’s not going to do anything.

“I respect his talent and I respect what he wants I try to do out there, and if you try to get the better of each other, and when he gets the better you know it’s the headline. Even though he gets however many chances, if one goes in, it’s a headline.”

Briere

“Wow, he’s definitely getting wrong info. First, I haven’t said a word to him on the ice and off the ice, I’ve only had good things to say about him because of the respect I have for him. So, I’m not gonna play that game with him.”

Explain this Danny:

Quotes via NBC sports.

ECQF Game 3 Notes

2011-04-18T16:33:00.001-04:00

Headlines

Buffalo's Jordan Leopold is said to be in the lineup tonight after recovering from a broken hand. Leopold is the Sabres powerplay quarterback.

Andreas Nodl is out of the lineup tonight after suffering from a cut and bruised right cheek after taking a shot during a scrum during Saturday's contest in Philadelphia.

Sergei Bobrovsky will be in the pressbox tonight as Brian Boucher gets the start and Michael Leighton dresses for the first time this season.

Chris Pronger will be out until at least game five as reports came out today that his setback was due to a second broken bone in his hand brought on by attempting to return to soon.

Starting Goalies
Ryan Miller (1-1, 5 GAA) vs Brian Boucher (1-0, 1 GAA)

Goal Leaders
Thomas Vanek - 2
5 tied - 1

Flyers Lines
Jvr Giroux Zherdev
Carter Richards Versteeg
Hartnell Briere Leino
Carcillo Betts Powe

Meszaros O'Donnell
Syvret Timonen
Carle Coburn

Boucher Leighton

Game at 700 on CSN Philly, VS from Buffalo.

ECQF Game 2: Broken Out and Broken Down

2011-04-17T15:43:00.002-04:00

The Flyers finally found the offense that they have been in search of for months now. An immediate outburst against Ryan Miller send a volt through this bench and led the Flyers to their first win of the second half of the 2011 season. However this was almost washed out by their major flaw, the off and on goaltending.

Sergei Bobrovsky lasted only half a period after giving up 3 goals on 7 shots. This was after giving up two early powerplay goals to Thomas Vanek and one to Sereka on an odd man rush, and seeing an early lead turned into a deficit.

The spotlight then turned to Brian Boucher to play a role he has been quite familiar with over his career. Boucher went onto allow just one goal and quietly steal the game and take the W.

The bigger story has to be the Flyers offense though. The boys finally broke out of their slump scoring five goals including a powerplay goal. Don;t get too excited, the powerplay only turned out 1 goal on 9 opportunities including two 5-on-3's.

James van Riemsdyk has been amazing these past few games. He scored the Flyers second goal last night using his blessed wrist shot and beating a sloppy Ryan Miller. JVR has undoubtedly been the Flyers best player through the first two games. Playing along side long time linemate Claude Giroux and sniper Jeff Carter is only helping the second year winger. If Carts breaks out and starts burying his chances this line will become last year's "Briere-Leino-Hartnell".

To go out on a bigger guess JVR could be this year's Leino as he starts to break out and become a huge threat from the blueline to the doorstep.

Now to game three ans who the Flyers will play in net. Well it has been said that Pronger may be back at the earliest, game four. But against the Sabres gritty offense, the Flyers current defensive corps can do the job. Now to the goalies, Boucher played very well in relief and help the Flyers take game two. Knowing how Laviolette loves to ride the hot goalie I would assume Bouch gets the start on the road.

How does Leighton sound? Well if Boucher gets the start on Monday expect Leighton to be his backup. Bobrovsky has never played the role of backup consistently and if Bouch gets the start then Leights would be his backup. Leighton knows how to be a backup and has plenty of playoff experience.

A few games in the pressbox may do Bobrovsky some good. The young goaltender has seen every Flyers game from either the bench or the net, a couple games of watching the game from a new perspective may help Bob see the game better. Lavi would just say "this is because we are playing until June, so relax regroup and you will be our man down the stretch."

Until next time,
Cody Gray

Late Season Troubles lead to Post Season Tune Up

2011-04-15T12:23:00.000-04:00

Last night the Flyers completely dominated the Sabres in all aspects of the game. However an early 3rd period goal by Patrick Kaleta gave the Sabres all they needed to jump out to a 1-0 lead in the series.

Right from the start the offense was jumping all over the Sabs defense, but after many chances the Flyers headed to the locker room tied at one after one. At the start of the second the stadium seemed a little dead and worries were brewing as the Flyers faithful saw an image that they have seen before. However manage to kill all Sabres chances and neither the Flyers not Sabres would not score in the first two periods.

The Flyers came into the third with a huge load of pressure on their backs that eventually broke them. Kaleta capitalized on a rebound as he drove to the net and opened up the Flyers net. The Flyers fought but it just wasn't meant to be.

I have to commend the Sabres defense. Their patience and positioning completely killed the Flyers chances. Their play lead the way for Ryan Miller to steal the show. Miller was able to see every shot and position himself for them.

A lot of talk is about Miller and how he stole the game. His play was sharp but nothing better than Sergei Bobrovsky. Like I said before the Sabres commitment to defense as a team won this game.

Now a tune up is in order. The Flyers offense looked better than they have in probably a month or so, but they still weren't running at optimal performance. Passes were off and break-ins were sloppy. Hopefully this game, which the Flyers know they could and should have won, will propel them to take advantage of their opportunities.

I heard something really great on 6.10 WIP in Philadelphia from a caller named Gabriella, who said that on the powerplay the Flyers run a dump and chase opting out of carrying the puck in and withholding possession. I like this a lot and it could be the reason their powerplay has been so abysmal. Without control of the puck the Flyers must chase, force a turnover, and set up instead of carrying it in and setting up immediately.

We shall see how the boys in orange bounce back or perhaps if the Flyers will be heading into Buffalo down by 2 in need of an away from home sweep. One thing is for sure, those MAYDAY commercials are annoying as anything! Now it's being so played up, if it were that amazing I would have known about it prior.

East Playoff Matchups and Predictions

2011-04-13T17:52:00.001-04:00

This is my analysis and breakout, if they aren't the same thing, of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. I used the info on the post before where I ranked teams in different categories.

Conference Rankings 1 through 8 - (Offense-Defense-Goaltending-Coaching-Intangible)

East
1) Capitals (3-5-6-5-3)
vs
8) Rangers (8-4-1-6-7)

Prediction: Rangers in 6
Slight edge the Rangers who boast an impressive blue line along with one of the best goaltenders in the game. The Caps have a tendency of getting shutout or scoring just one or two goals. Lundqvist could back his team and take them to the 2nd round despite their offensive talent.

2) Flyers (1-1-7-2-1)
vs
7) Sabres (5-7-5-1-8)

Prediction: Flyers in 5
If the Flyers do as expected, they should take of a much less experience first round foe. Goaltending is their only worry, but their defense in front of him should be able to keep the small Buffalo offenders away from Bobrovsky.

3) Bruins (7-3-3-4-4)
vs
6) Canadiens (4-6-4-7-6)

Prediction: Canadiens in 5
Emotions will run high in this series and I just don't see the Bruins ability to bounce back if they drop one at home. This team is riding high and will be extremely confident in the first round. But I believe Price will shut down they Bruins offense that lacks major stars.

4) Penguins (6-2-2-3-2)
vs
5) Lightning (2-8-8-8-5)

Prediction: Penguins in 7
This one should be good as the battle of offense and defense rears it head once again. I see the Pens young scorers squeezing by until they finally outlast the Lightning and their offensive powerhouse. Easily could see the Pens in an 3-1 deficit and then going winning the series.

In the West:
Vancouver over Chicago in 7.
San Jose over Los Angeles in 4.
Detroit over Phoenix in 5.
Predators over Ducks in 6.

NHL Playoff Teams Micro-Rankings

2011-04-13T10:06:00.002-04:00

Rating Offense, Defense, Goaltending, Coaching, and Intangibles.

Offense
East
1) Flyers
2) Lightning
3) Washington
4) Canadiens
5) Sabres
6) Penguins
7) Bruins
8) Rangers

West
1) Canucks
2) Sharks
3) Red Wings
4) Ducks
5) Blackhawks
6) Coyotes
7) Kings
8) Predators

Defense
East
1) Flyers
2) Penguins
3) Bruins
4) Rangers
5) Washington
6) Canadiens
7) Sabres
8) Lightning

West
1) Red Wings
2) Predators
3) Blackhawks
4) Canucks
5) Sharks
6) Coyotes
7) Kings
8) Ducks

Goaltending
East
1) Rangers - Lundqvist
2) Penguins - Fleury
3) Bruins - Thomas/ Rask
4) Canadiens - Price
5) Sabres - Miller(Inj)/ Enroth
6) Washington - Neuvirth/ Holtby/ Varlamov
7) Flyers - Bobrovsky/ Boucher
8) Lightning - Roloston/ Smith

West
1) Canucks - Luongo
2) Predators - Rinne
3) Coyotes - Bryzkalov
4) Sharks - Niemi
5) Kings - Quick
6) Red Wings - Howard
7) Ducks - Hiller/ Emery
8) Blackhawks - Crawford

Coaching Staff
East
1) Sabres
2) Flyers
3) Pittsburgh
4) Boston
5) Washington
6) Rangers
7) Canadiens
8) Lightning

West
1) Red Wings
2) Predators
3) Blackhawks
4) Canucks
5) Sharks
6) Coyotes
7) Ducks
8) Kings

Intangibles
East
1) Flyers
2) Pittsburgh
3) Washington
4) Boston
5) Lightning
6) Canadiens
7) Rangers
8) Sabres

West
1) Red Wings
2) Blackhawks
3) Sharks
4) Canucks
5) Ducks
6) Predators
7) Kings
8) Coyotes

Playoff Primer: Campbell on RJ

2011-04-11T18:43:00.000-04:00

If this doesn't make hate buffalo, i don't know what will. Maybe you could try watching that match-maker show from a few years ago, but that won't fire you up. It'll probably just make you angry it made it onto tv. Either way, LETS GO FLYERS!

Playoff Primer: The Road Starts

2011-04-10T20:51:00.000-04:00

The NHL's latest video. Half of it is about the Hawks, would the Stars have been the main characters if they had made it? Maybe Flyers?
Playoffs start on Wednesday, get ready world.

Between a rock and an Octopus

2011-04-10T13:32:00.002-04:00

The former champions are forty minutes away from deciding their season. With 81 games played they sit just two point ahead of the Dallas Stars, who play later today against Minnesota. A overtime loss or a win would secure the Blackhawks in the postseason, while a loss combined with a Stars win would send them to the greens.

Here's how the point breakdown looks. With Chicago grabbing:
2 pts they will seed 5th.
1 pt they will seed 7th.
0 pts they will stay at 8th.
(A loss by both the Hawks and the Stars would have Chicago clinch 8th.)

The Western Conference teams are nowhere near seeded yet, but the Canucks, Sharks, and Red Wings have clinched their divisions. While Phoenix, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Anaheim have checked their tickets to the dance.

If Dallas were to grabbed the eighth seed they Southwest Division would be sending their entire division to invitation. A feat that has not been done in recent memory. While the Northwest, home of the President's Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks, would be represented by only one.

The East is a lock and teams are prepping for their first round opponents. Starting this week:
The Washington Capitals will host the New York Rangers.
The Philadelphia Flyers will host the Buffalo Sabres.
The Boston Bruins will host the Montreal Canadiens.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will host the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Follow up
Game ends 4-3 Detroit in regulation. Now Chicago has to wait for the outcome of the Dallas, Minnesota game. With a win in OT or regulation the Stars would be the final team to clinch a playoff berth.

The Stars began their NHL franchise in Minnesota where they were the North Stars until they packed up and left for Dallas in the nineties. Minnesota has come up short once again and the most loyal fans in hockey may be getting a tad irate.

The game is at 600 pm EST on NHL NET and possibly NHL.com

Playoff Primer: The Journey

2011-04-10T12:37:00.004-04:00

A video that premiered during the pregame introduction of the Home Opener this season. This video is also located on the sidebar. One Goal.