Flyers Fall to Panthers

After almost a full week off and some relaxing team bonding in Ft. Lauderdale, the Philadelphia Flyers took on the Florida Panthers Friday night at the BankAtlantic Center.  What began as a commanding start to the game soon led to a Flyers team that lost all their drive and fell to the Panthers 4-2.

Arron Asham and Claude Giroux both scored a goal for the first time this season as the team experienced their first loss on the road.

Read more

Flyers @ Panthers – 10/16 – Live Blogging the Game

Thought we’d try something new and live blog the game.  Borrowing this idea from John Buccigross at ESPN, I suggest reading his weekly column when you can.  And I know we’re a bit late already, but this was a last minute idea.  So here we go.

1st Period

6:35 – Asham scores.  Flyers lead 1-0.

10:00 – Some good work by JvR/Asham/Pyorala.  This has the looks of one of those sneaky lines,  that can really make some things happen.  The little I’ve seen so far, JvR looks good in his return.  Made a few nice passes and assisted on Asham’s goal.

15:00 – Lots of pressure here. Briere creates a few chances down low.  Carle found the post.  Clemmensen made a few big saves in the past minute or so.  Lot of people don’t realize that he’s actually pretty decent goalie.  guess that’s what happens when you sit behind Brodeur for years.  Panthers PP coming up.

20:00 – Solid PK effort.  Florida never really got in the zone and set.  Flyers have so many quality guys to rotate on the PK, should be interesting to watch over the season.  Florida created some pressure late, but never really got much from it; good job of recovering and clearing the zone.  Giroux makes a great play as time winds down, but just barely misses.  Good first period.

2nd Period

1:00 – Early chance by Gagne on a 2-on-1.  Clemmensen gets a piece and knocks it aside.

4:00 – Carcillo vs Campbell.   Carcillo got a few good shots in.  Advantage Carcillo.  So my partner for the night, Andy has fallen asleep so sounds like it might just be me tonight.  Another fight, Allen vs Laperiere.  Nothing much here mostly just grappling and struggling for position.  Call it a draw.

6:50 - Pronger takes a slashing penalty.  Florida ties it up on Weiss’ PP goal.  Great screen setup in front of Emery, no chance to see that one.  Game tied up 1-1.

12:00 – Emery with a huge save on Ballard.  Incredible lateral quickness.  Good transition out of the zone.  Giroux handcuffs Clemmensen with a shot that finds it’s way in the back of net.   Reviewed to check if it crossed the line. 2-1 Flyers.  Flyers PP coming up

16:00 – Clemmensen makes a big save on Carter early on the PP, sliding across the crease and stacking the pads.  Florida gets a opportunity off the rush later, but Coburn makes a nice defensive play to turn them away.

19:00 – Florida ties it up on Horton’s goal.  Could kind of feel that one coming as Florida was creating pressure in the Flyers zone.  Leopold’s shot from the point was almost like the knucklepuck as his fluttered in.  Horton got a stick on it in front to redirect it past Emery.  Tie game 2-2.

3rd Period

5:00 – Coburn gets beat on the play and has to take the hooking penalty.  Florida’s best chance on the PP catches iron.  Have to wonder how the Flyers’ defense will hold up through the rest of game, when they’re basically playing with four d-men (after Parent left with a lower body injury and Syvret not seeing alot of ice.)  Flyers PP coming up.

7:00 – Florida winds the puck around the boards to clear.  Pronger pinches in to save and and the puck gets by.  Dvorak beats Pronger to the puck and scores the shorthanded goal.  Florida leads 3-2.

17:00 – Not much happening recently, the odd chance here or there.  Flyers get the offensive zone draw coming up here.  Giroux had a great shift, staying with the puck three or four times, created a decent scoring chance because of it.

17:30 – Carter lets a quick shot go off the draw and nearly beats Clemmensen with it

18:40 – Florida adds the empty net goal and go ahead 4-2.  Bad timing as the puck got back to the neutral zone just as Emery got to the bench.

20:00 – The Panthers hand the Flyers their first road loss this season, winning 4-2.  Also Clemmensen’s first win for Florida.  Despite the mismatch on paper, I’m not surprised at how tight this one was.  Florida’s given us fits over the years.  Florida got the bounces tonight.  Flyers are back at it Thursday night (10/22 – hooray NHL scheduling) at home for a game with the Bruins.

Fun in the Sun (and Injury Updates)

As has become tradition the last few years, the Flyers have gone on their annual “bonding trip.”  Instead of the cold and rain of Whistler and Banff, or the militaristic setting of West Point and Annapolis, the team has flown out to the warmth and sun of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

“We have five teams, and the first day is a regatta where they have to learn how to steer the boat and the decisions they make will be important to if they have success in the race,” coach John Stevens said.  “The second day the same teams are going to have an organized fishing tournament.  It’s a good opportunity to get the guys together, have some competitive fun together, but get lots of work in as well.”

The players enjoy the bonding experience and see it as a great way to form team chemistry.  “One of huge aspects of hockey is team chemistry,” James van Riemsdyk said. “To see a team like the Penguins, they got hot at the right time last year, they seemed to have a great group of guys who liked being around each other. It makes it more fun to come to the rink and work hard.”

Read more

Flyers Home Opener – Nothing Short of Thrilling

In a battle of two unbeaten, rival teams coming into Tuesday night, the Philadelphia Flyers bested the Washington Capitals in a thrilling 6-5 overtime victory. Danny Briere, celebrating his 32nd birthday, netted the overtime winner, giving the Flyers a 3-0 start for the first time since the 1998-99 season.

The sold-out crowd of 19,567 was full of anticipation for the first home game of the season. “I think the teams match up very well and I hope the Flyers will have the advantage because of the crowd,” said Adam Necelis, a fan eagerly waiting to see the team for the first time. “I’m very excited for this season, especially with the additions of Pronger and Emery.”

The excited crowd made sure the Capitals wouldn’t forget where they were with their loud and raucous cheers and boos. Mike Knuble, on the other hand, received a nice ovation from the appreciative crowd for his four years of service as a Flyer.

Read more