The big rumor today was that the Flyers and Predators were working on a deal to send Scott Hartnell back to Nashville. How did this come to be? When the Flyers were originally shopping Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, Hartnell was apparently on the block too. Hartnell is the last remaining member of the Center City crew. He is overpaid and the Flyers are tight against the cap. Nobody expected Mike Richards or Jeff Carter to be traded. Now, people are more willing to believe that anything is possible. Paul Holmgren said that both Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier could …
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 …
Pronger named captain
Chris Pronger has been tabbed the 18th captain in franchise history. The Flyers made the decision official on Friday night, ending almost three months of speculation as to who will wear the “C” following the trade of Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings. It will be the third time that the native of Dryden, Ontario will be officially required to handle team business, after previous captaincies with St. Louis (1997-2003) and Anaheim (2007-08). He’s the fifth defenseman in Philadelphia history to earn the letter, after Ed Van Impe (1968-73), Eric Desjardins (2000-01), Derian Hatcher (2005-06) and Jason Smith (2007-08). …
Rookie
I am a girl and I like hockey. For those of you who grew up in Philadelphia, or perhaps another hockey-centric area, the above statement might not surprise you. I was told recently that hockey has a very high percentage of female fans in comparison to other professional sports. It shocked me because, well, I’m from the South and we like our football. Women and men. So, how in the world did I become a hockey fan, even more, a Philadelphia Flyers fan? ::waves:: Hi. I’m the newbie on the site, which is pretty apropos because I’m a newbie in …
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 …
A constant in post-lockout Flyerville
In the book, Hockey Dad, Bob McKenzie discusses a concept he calls the “Hard Work Fairy”. “I only know I have an unwavering faith that if an individual works hard enough long enough at anything, good things will happen and there will be a reward,” writes McKenzie. “But the problem with the philosophy is that every hockey player of any age or ability always thinks he’s working hard, and most of them aren’t. Not even close.” McKenzie admits that the term is comical but the concept is a solid one. Work hard and your efforts will pay off eventually. No …
Gossip Island
A few years ago, I saw then-Phillies pitcher, Jamie Moyer, stumbling across a Philadelphia street on the outskirts of Old City at some point around 2:00 a.m. He looked a little disheveled — as anyone might at that hour of the morning — as he walked south across Walnut Street with a beautiful woman attached to his arm. Here he was, the venerable, patronly mentor to ace-in-the-making, Cole Hamels, out in a questionable situation. The founder of the Moyer Foundation, a man whom we all respected, may have been out partying with a woman may not have been his wife …
Considering the possibility of a Bobrovsky trade
There’s something humorous about the fact that the Flyers waited until they had arguably their best goaltending prospect in ages before acquiring a bona fide starter. As a result, Sergei Bobrovsky, a once little-known goalie who posted solid numbers for Novokuznetsk Metallurg, a bad KHL team, ceased being the goalie of the future and became perceived as an overpaid, expendable backup in the mere bat of an eyelash. Barely a year after committing three years and nearly $3 million to Bobrovsky, it was reported that the Flyers began shopping him. It’s a long fall for someone who showed such promise and …
Putting some of the roster changes in perspective
In order to make sense of the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Holmgren, we need to compare these roster changes to a version of the 2010 Flyers and see how those parts changed. Here is a look at that the forwards from team: Gagne – Richards – Carter Hartnell – Briere – Leino JvR – Giroux – Asham Carcillo/Powe – Betts – Laperriere So, what’s different? A lot, on paper. Here’s my attempt at projecting the 2012 offensive lines, barring any other changes: JvR – Giroux – Voracek Hartnell – Briere – Jagr Nodl – Schenn – Simmonds …
An open letter to Paul Holmgren II
Hey Paul, I hope you’re doing well. Did you get my last letter? I understand if you haven’t had time to read it. After all, you’ve been a busy man. I’m writing you again today to express another concern of mine. In recent years, you’ve made Scottie Upshall cry, shocked R.J. Umberger, broke Simon Gagne’s heart, saw Nikolay Zherdev escape giddily after being waived, and sent Jeff Carter into seclusion. Including Joffrey Lupul, you’ve signed three players to significant deals and traded them before the no-trade clause kicked in. You also shipped out at least that many players who were …