Nina G: I am not sure the offseason will greatly affect the balance of power in the Atlantic Division. I think injuries will be the biggest factor as it was a fairly quiet offseason for most of the division. The Flyers took the biggest hit this offseason with their moves, but Pronger’s ability to fully recover from his surgeries will also play a role in their potential success. I think they will take a bit of a step backwards this year. The Rangers made the biggest offseason splash with the signing of Brad Richards. The addition of Richards in place …
Revisiting the painkiller problem
After the tragic losses of NHL enforcers due to suicide or overdoses this off-season, a handful of former players spoke out about the elephant in the room. “Today the biggest problem, which isn’t talked about…is pills,” said Ian Laperriere. It’s painkillers.” In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Laperriere said that painkillers were appropriate when necessary but that some players were taking them just for the buzz. He suggested that he saw four or five guys on each of his former teams taking pills, whether or not they were needed. “There is also a huge, huge problem when guys take them …
A conflicted response to the banana-throwing incident
As far as I can tell, we have two facts in the case against Mr. Bananathrower: 1. A banana or a banana peel was thrown on the ice while Wayne Simmonds was on the shootout. 2. Wayne Simmonds is black. It’s hard to ignore the apparent connection between these two facts and come to the conclusion that this was an act of racism. Unfortunately, the person who threw the banana was not identified and escaped without any repercussions. As a result, we cannot accurately determine this person’s intent. But it seems obvious. What reason would anyone throw a banana on …
Flyers drop preseason game to Leafs
Another day, another fight. This bout, featuring Jody Shelley and Jay Rosehill offered little along the lines of metaphorical significance about the return of hockey, though. Rosehill came to the aid of his teammate, Darryl Boyce, who had just been flattened into the boards by Shelley. Shelley, you could say, was doing his best to illustrate a textbook example of the type of hit the league is trying to eliminate from hockey. In this regard, he did a good job and will likely be rewarded with a lengthy suspension. Disciplinarian, Brendan Shanahan, will probably make an example out of Shelley …
Flyers shut out Maple Leafs in preseason opener
It was a predictable moment, though the dance did not involve two typical partners. Midway through the third period, Tom Sestito pummeled former Flyer Joffrey Lupul into the ground. The massive fighter who is vying for a roster spot in Philadelphia squared off against Toronto’s underperforming scorer. It was not exactly a marquee matchup. Nevertheless, it was an landmark moment. Though Lupul has not donned the Orange and Black since being traded for Chris Pronger in the Summer of 2009, he was still part of the Center City crew that ran this team. Unlike many others who went on to play …
The one where Jeremy Roenick responds to Philly fans
So, you may have heard by now that Jeremy Roenick appeared on Master Debaters with Jay Mohr. The group of four panelists discussed which city had the most annoying sports fans and, as expected, the conversation inevitably turned to Philadelphia. Mohr lead the charge against Philly, attacking the city’s sports fans each time he spoke. By the time Roenick finally had the opportunity to speak, it’s likely that Philly fans were so annoyed at Mohr that they were ready to pounce if Roenick called Philly anything shy of the best city with the best fans on the planet. Roenick mentions …
How many goals will Wayne Simmonds Score?
In his first three NHL seasons, Wayne Simmonds scored 39 total goals, including a career-high 16 goals in 2010. His numbers place him slightly above what Scott Hartnell did in his first three seasons. During his fourth, Hartnell scored 18 goals and 33 points. Many believe Simmnods can break the 20 goal plateau this season. What do you think?
A call to action
The death of former NHL enforcer, Bob Probert, came as a big shock to the NHL community last year. The fighter had a checkered past, riddled with drug and alcohol issues and legal troubles but he was still young (45) when he died on his boat in Ontario. At the time, his death was an isolated incident, something people hoped not to see again. Sadly, it began a trend among hockey pugilists. Less than two months later, the highly-respected Jason Smith, former captain of the Philadelphia Flyers and NHL tough guy, was arrested for domestic abuse last September. Nobody saw that …
Cote comments on painkillers
Former Flyer and enforcer, Riley Cote, spoke out against painkillers on Facebook this morning. For those of you who do not have an account or access to the site, here is his quote: Someone needs to step in and speak up about these very preventable deaths. This absolutely crazy. These PILLS (painkillers) are mass produced, way over prescribed and are flooding the black market with pharmaceutically made, very highly addictive drugs. This is a growing epidemic all across North america. We need some action ASAP otherwise there will be plenty more of these sad stories. We have a post that …
What about Kimmo?
Early reports speculating about the potential 18th captain of the Philadelphia Flyers show that it is down to a two-horse race between veterans Chris Pronger and Daniel Briere. Conspicuously missing from that race is veteran defenseman Kimmo Timonen. Timonen, one of the longest-tenured Flyers, is a shining example of what a team should look for in a captain. He plays hard and through injuries. He’s honest and not afraid to speak up to say what he feels, even if the sentiment is unpopular. He’s a dark horse and an often overlooked star who gives 100 percent every night, although the spotlight is …