Assembling a Stanley Cup winner; breaking down the last seven Cup teams

By Kevin Christmann
Posted on 02/11/2013 at 11:00 am

It’s no secret that after losing the 2004-2005 NHL season due to a lockout, the dynamic of assembling an NHL team changed dramatically. With the implementation of a salary cap, there were a myriad of new limitations and restrictions placed on teams and how they spend their money. Rich teams could no longer try to buy themselves a Stanley Cup, while poor teams felt like they could finally compete. But is there a formula for building a Stanley Cup winning team? When you have no restrictions on how much money you can spend, there’s really limited concern about spending wisely. …

Image Courtesy of Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Atlantic Watch: 3/21-3/27

By Craig F
Posted on 03/28/2012 at 10:08 am

In their three home games this week, the Flyers were able to clinch a playoff spot with a pair of wins over teams currently sitting outside the postseason scenario. Unfortunately, Ilya Bryzgalov suffered a chip fracture in his right foot. Hopefully for Philly, Bryzgalov will be back by the end of next week when the club takes on the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers as part of their four-game schedule over the next few days. On Thursday, the Orange and Black earned two points against the Washington Capitals with a 2-1 shootout win at the Wells Fargo Center. Wayne Simmonds potted …

Atlantic Watch: 1/4-1/10

By Craig F
Posted on 01/11/2012 at 9:55 am

The Flyers won three of their four games this week, as all three wins came in one-goal games. In the Flyers’ last three games, they have received no help from the line of Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell, and Jaromir Jagr as all three players are pointless since the Flyers’ win on Thursday. The line will look to find their groove again as the Flyers complete their four-game road trip this week before returning home for a game against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday. In their first match-up in Philadelphia since Game six of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals, the Flyers beat …

JVR Scores In Final Minute, Flyers Beat Hawks 5-4

By Craig F
Posted on 01/05/2012 at 10:37 pm

James van Riemsdyk needed to find his way to the net in a crucial non-conference game on Thursday — and he did just that, scoring in the final minute of regulation to complete a two-goal night as the Flyers handed the Chicago Blackhawks a 5-4 loss in the Hawks’ first appearance in Philly since the infamous Game 6 of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. Scott Hartnell had a goal and an assist, while Claude Giroux recorded a pair of assists. Jacob Voracek and Harry Zolnierczyk also added tallies as Ilya Bryzgalov survived a late-game meltdown to post his first win since December …

Flight Plan week of 01.23.2011

By Nick D
Posted on 01/23/2011 at 12:17 pm

The Philadelphia Flyers went 3-1-0 this past week, losing to the lowly New Jersey Devils as they did not get up for the game from the get go because the Devils are statistically the worst team in hockey right now, but have been playing better under Jacques Lemaire. The Flyers should have picked up a point at least in every game, but it looks like they were probably looking ahead to today’s matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks in what will be the only meeting between the two 2010 Stanley Cup Finalists. The Flyers will then play the Montreal Canadiens on …

Flyers’ best defense still needs more offense

By Bob H
Posted on 01/19/2011 at 9:00 am

It’s mid-January. The Philadelphia Flyers are in first place in the Atlantic Division and tops in the Eastern Conference, and are challenging for the best overall record in the NHL. The Devils are struggling to rise above the flames of their own personal Hades. The Islanders are sinking. The Rangers are good but not good enough, gasping for air and cramping up in the 21st mile. The Penguins are still hanging about in the rear view, still furiously waddling and flapping but unable to take off. Doesn’t matter though. Things can’t be totally perfect. I know it’s really nitpicking at this …