Then and Now: Ossi Vaananen

By Craig F
Posted on 11/07/2012 at 9:00 am

After playing the 2007-2008 season in the Elitserien, defenseman Ossi Vaananen returned to the NHL to play for the Philadelphia Flyers. The Finn signed a one-year contract worth $1 million for the 2008-2009 campaign. Vaananen participated in a total of 46 games for Philly. He registered nine assists and ten points overall. The blue liner also deposited his final goal in the NHL (go to :55), which came in the first period of the Flyers’ 5-4 shootout win over the Anaheim Ducks on January 2nd, 2009. The contest also featured Josh Gratton’s lone goal for the Orange and Black, as …

Giroux And Bryz Lead Flyers Past Wings

By Craig F
Posted on 03/06/2012 at 10:41 pm

Ilya Bryzgalov came up huge again for the Flyers, as he stopped 37 shots in the Flyers’ 3-2 win against the visiting Detroit Red Wings tonight. On an evening where the Flyers’ organization retired Mark Howe’s number, Bryzgalov and Philly’s penalty kill showed up to give the Flyers’ their second straight one-goal game victory. “He’s been great for us the last month,” said Claude Giroux of Bryzgalov. “When he plays great, it’s motivation for us to step up and play great.” Giroux had a goal and an assist in the win, as he created scoring chances throughout the game. After his …

Wings Extend Streak To 20 At Home, Flyers Lose 4-3 In Detroit

By Craig F
Posted on 02/12/2012 at 10:58 pm

Johan Franzen broke the tie early in the third period to give the Detroit Red Wings a 4-3 lead over the visiting Philadelphia Flyers, which they held on to for their 20th straight home win. “The Mule” potted his league-leading 10th game-winning goal and 22nd goal of the season in the first minute of the third period, as Joey MacDonald earned his third straight win at home with a 26-save performance. The play that led to Franzen’s goal started with a slap-pass from Ian White at the point. White’s pass moved through the slot to Nicklas Lidstrom, who touched the puck back across the …