“The morning after” is a review of the previous night’s Flyers’ game which, in theory, provides a more objective perspective on the game. So the Flyers seem to be playing pretty dominant hockey lately, eh? The schedule looks tough this week, and it will be a good test for the team. Not multiple choice, but one of those essay ones that you have to write in those blue books. This game was touted a clash of two of the hottest teams in the league right now. And the Flyers dominated. The game started slowly, with a bit of feeling-out in the beginning …
The morning after: Islanders @ Flyers 10.30.10
“The morning after” is a review of the previous night’s Flyers’ game which, in theory, provides a more objective perspective on the game. I think of the Islanders as a measuring stick for your team. Meaning if your team loses to the Islanders, they suck and will end up being moved to Las Vegas. If your team wins, then they get two points. Good deal, huh? This was the Flyers Halloween game, and there were some frightful things going on in this game. Chief among them: Rick DiPietro’s pads (although for a good cause) and, oh yeah, his play. I …
Five questions: Which of the following defenders will emerge as the best: Matt Carle, Braydon Coburn, or Andrej Meszaros?
Flyers Faithful asked Sarah Baicker from CSN Philly, Anthony SanFilippo from the DelCo Daily Times, Geoff Detweiler from Broad Street Hockey, and our very own Nina G five questions about the ’11 Flyers’ season. We are very grateful that they took the time to share their opinions and predictions with us. Each day of this week, we will run the answers to one of those questions. Today’s question is: Which of the following defenders will emerge as the best: Matt Carle, Braydon Coburn, or Andrej Meszaros? Sarah Baicker: Matt Carle. It’s funny – Carle’s quiet consistency is often unnoticed in …
The morning after: Flyers vs. Avalanche 10.11.10
“The morning after” is a review of the previous night’s Flyers’ game which, in theory, provides a more objective perspective on the game. Let’s get right into this, shall we? Claude Giroux has arrived. I think the Flyers can leave four men back on the blue line to set him up with home run passes. Once this kid gets in on a breakaway, it’s all over. He’s taken three shots so far this season and two of them found the back of the net. Giroux played 2:30 on the penalty kill tonight and has been averaging about 3:18 a game …
Flight Plan: Week of 10.10.2010
Flight Plan is a new column that will take a more in depth look at the Flyers’ upcoming opponents every week here at Flyers Faithful. This week the Philadelphia Flyers open the same old building with yet another brand new name: The Wells Fargo Center as they are set to start a five game home stand. The Colorado Avalanche, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Pittsburgh Penguins are all due to visit Philadelphia and try to give the Flyers their first regulation loss. Of course there have only been two games, but still, getting three out of four points on …
Mixed bag: 10.10.10
Mixed Bag is an infrequent column that features a collection of opinions and observations about the Flyers. In the grand scheme of things, two games makes for a small sample size. There’s no reason to make any significant changes at this point or even begin to declare that some things may or may not be working well. These are just general observations and nothing more than that. So far, Mike Richards has lost 16 of the 29 faceoffs he’s taken, putting him at 44%. Jeff Carter, who was the team’s best faceoff man last season, has only taken 13 faceoffs …
The morning after: Leafs vs. Flyers 9.23.10
“The morning after” is a review of the previous night’s Flyers’ game which, in theory, provides a more objective perspective on the game. James van Riemsdyk is transforming into an exciting player to watch but that needs to start translating into points too. Bill Guerin was much more visible tonight than he was against the Devils, scoring a goal in regulation and one in the shootout, and playing a strong game on both ends of the ice. Ben Holmstrom continues to win me over. I hope he develops into the next Manny Malhotra. Oskars Bartulis played a solid game and …
The morning after: Devils vs. Flyers 9.21.10
I’m thinking of implementing a new regular feature on this site where I recap my thoughts on a game from the previous day with a new perspective. For now, I’ll call it “The morning after,” until I think of something better. Here are some more thoughts on last night’s game: The Flyers have the potential to be an offensive juggernaut: James van Riemsdyk looked like a number two overall pick, Daniel Briere’s shot is lethal, Nikolai Zherdev and Jeff Carter could put up big numbers, and that doesn’t even account for Mike Richards, Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell, et al. This …
First period thoughts
Zherdev is fun to watch. If he forms good chemistry with Carter, they will be dangerous. He’s fast and has good vision. Biggest standouts were the fringe guys: Nodl, Powe, Bartulis. Giroux and JvR looked good too. Well, Bartulis wasn’t great but he had his moments. I like Sean OD. Meh-zaros looked terrible to me. Not impressed. Leighton wasn’t tested much. He made one good save, or so it appeared from my angle. Didn’t notice Guerin or Richards much, outside of the penalty Richards took.
Flyers’ stockpiling makes Guerin signing more difficult than it should be
I realize that none of us has the inside knowledge of the game, or the experience of an NHL general manager, but I have a couple questions that need to be answered. What would you do if you knew there was a free agent forward, already deemed expendable by his club before the season concludes, who has won two Stanley Cups and will most likely be playing for his final contract? Would you sit idly by and let 29 other teams get a crack at him while you stockpile bodies for depth just because of his salary? Or would you take the opportunity and …