Gameday Preview: Hurricanes at Flyers

Andy isn’t around to cover this game preview, so I get to give this a shot. In an afternoon matchup at the Wachovia Center, the Carolina Hurricanes (15-27-7) take on the Flyers, fresh off their victory over the Rangers. The Flyers have defeated the Hurricanes in the three previous matchups between the two clubs this season, shutting out the ‘Canes in the first game of their season. The Flyers blew out the Hurricanes 6-1 on Halloween, a game Michael Leighton started for Carolina. Their next meeting was a 4-3 shootout win, where Leighton, in goal for the Flyers after being claimed off of waivers, stoned both Carolina shooters in the shootout to secure the victory. It will be interesting to see if Peter Laviolette goes with Emery fresh off of a shutout, or with Leighton against his former club.

The Hurricanes have been abysmal this season, stacking their roster with veterans off of a run to the Eastern Conference Finals. That has landed them in the basement of the Eastern Conference, with many Hurricanes fans already set on drafting Taylor Hall first overall. While their play of late has been better, the team is looking to move a number of their veterans with no-trade clauses, and has somewhat started the rebuild by anointing Eric Staal captain of the team. Veteran Rod Brind’ Amour, a Philadelphia fan favorite in the 1990′s, has been among the worst in terms of plus/minus in the NHL for the past two seasons, and may be playing one of his last games in front of the Philly faithful.

The Flyers come in off of a hard-fought win over the Rangers on Thursday night. The physical play was on another level, as a number of scrums and fights broke out, and the Flyers returned to their effective intimidation style of old. However, with a number of players riding hot streaks into this game, most notably, Jeff Carter, James Van Riemsdyk, Mike Richards, and Chris Pronger, the Flyers should be look to continue those streaks and exploit the weak Carolina defense. Through their previous two matchups, almost all of the goals have been scored at even strength, which should make this game an interesting one. The Flyers have managed to pounce on teams early lately, scoring the first goal a number of times. Hopefully the team comes out with some energy, and doesn’t perform like they did in a 4-0 loss to Toronto earlier this month. Also adding distraction are news reports about Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter was in attendance Thursday night to discuss a trade with the Flyers, which has started the spectulation of numerous rumors, with the most amusing being Dion Phaneuf for Jeff Carter (which would make me sick, personally).

Other Notes:

• Cam Ward is starting his 18th straight game for the Hurricanes.
• Mike Richards has 14 points in his last 14GP.
• Jeff Carter has 7 goals and 15 points in his last 13GP.
• Daniel Briere has 13 points in his last 13GP.
• Chris Pronger has 10 points in his last 8GP.
• Aaron Asham has 8 points in his last 9GP.
• James van Riemsdyk 10 points in his last 9GP.

Injury Report:

Hurricanes: Erik Cole (upper body), Tuomo Ruutu (upper body), Scott Walker (shoulder), Joe Corvo (leg)

Flyers: Danny Syvret (shoulder), Ryan Parent (back)

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A couple of Six Packs over the Weekend

So, Andy and I were able to witness the 6-1 drubbing of the Hurricanes in person. Unfortunately, we were also treated to a lackluster Halloween Costume Contest that Lou Nolan would simply dub, “pretty shitty.” Some big things stood out to me during that game:

• Matt Carle looks dominant so far. He’s obviously playing with confidence being paired with Pronger, and looks like the Hobey Baker award winner from seasons ago. He’s racking up assists so far and has shown a great feel for the offensive zone. His goal in this game was the result of him taking control on the powerplay and banging in a wrap around that Leighton horribly overplayed.
• Chris Pronger looks comfortable and has been worth the price of admission most nights. His passes are on the tape, and his shot has been deadly accurate this year. The first goal was set up off another one of his slappers. He’s been dominant on the PP and has been fine in his own zone to this point.
• The Timonen-Coburn pairing was broken up, and both responded well. Timonen chipped in with an assist and looked more comfortable. Coburn finished off a broken 2-on-1 with JVR and also buried a bomb from the point, notching both goals in the third. Together, the two have looked lost, but perhaps this showing gets them going once again.
• Ryan Parent played and had an assist, but left after re-aggravating an injury.

• JVR has gone from potential bust to star in an offseason it seems. He’s using his size to his advantage, scoring a great goal by driving the net and deking out Wallin and Leighton with a weak backhander, but he’s also showing that he’s not afraid to at least get somewhat physical, responding to a challenge from Andrew Alberts. I’m sure the time in the weightroom helped, as he looks stronger and more determined this year. Could be shaping up to be a darkhorse candidate for ROY.
• David Laliberte, who I assumed would be called up with Briere’s injury, responded with a goal and an assist his first NHL game. Considering he was in the ECHL 2 seasons ago, he’s had a monumental rise. He has the talent to stick around and produce from the looks of it, and has some chemistry with Carter it seems. I’m seeing why he stuck around so long in camp. The hot streak he went on at the end of last year with the Phantoms doesn’t seem to be a fluke.
• Arron Asham is awesome. Enough said. This needs no explaining.
• Somehow, the great check of the game was not the monster shot Laperriere landed on Carcillo that had Andy and I in stitches. :/
• This game got physical, and the Flyers responded well. Bonus points for escaping without Conboy biting anybody this time around.

Monday night’s game was almost a replay, as the Flyers dropped the Lightning by a 6-2 final. They didn’t dominate this game like I thought they did against Carolina, but they made their shots count and embarrassed Mike Smith to an extent. Carter had a pair of nice goals, as well as setting up Laliberte for another one. Pronger had a couple of sweet assists to Richards on the night, and I thought Claude Giroux had an excellent game, with a highlight reel pass back to Pronger on the 5th goal. The points haven’t been there for Claude, but as long as he’s moving his feet and working his magic with the puck, you know he’s on. The only negative was that Syvret had a relatively poor game in limited action, and the third line seemed to get burned on the TB goals. Stamkos ripped a laser which nobody would have stopped, and the Halpern goal was crappy to say the least. Overall, an excellent past 3 days for the Flyers and their fans.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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Training Camp winding down, Roster seemingly set

So, since it’s been a while since anybody has posted anything, I’d thought it would be good to take a quick look at some of the stories surrounding the roster before the start of the season. With the season finally starting, I’ll try to contribute more often. The opener draws near, and the Flyers’ roster seems to be intact at this point. The past week has had some interesting developments as well.

First, Randy Jones time in the orange and black has seemingly come to an end. Awarded a 2 year, $5.5 million deal at the end of the 2007-08 season, the pressure and scrutiny have been intense for the once undrafted free-agent. Jones first cracked the lineup in the disastrous 06-07 campaign, displaying a good feel for the offensive game, while not showing any real willingness to play physical. Aside from a disastrous hit on Boston’s Patrice Bergeron in late 2007, he had a solid 07-08 campaign, which he parlayed into the new contract. The $2.75 cap hit was seen as too much for a guy who would at best play 15-18 minutes a game this season. The trade for Matt Carle last year seemingly sealed his fate. While a bad camp and poor showing this preseason may have attributed to it, he has almost an identical skillset to Carle, yet wouldn’t be seeing top-4 minutes. He’s cleared waivers, and may receive the Denis Gauthier treatment this year. Two things worry me. Personally, I love the guy, and have been one of his biggest fans, so seeing him waved doesn’t make me too happy. I understand he makes too much for a 5-6th defenseman, so his only choice was to have an outstanding camp, and he blew it. Sending him to the AHL creates 2 problems. One, he’s taking a spot away from a player who has a chance to see top-4 minutes, like say a Kevin Marshall or a Marc-Andre Bourdon. Two, there is the possibility that Holmgren brings him back through re-entry waivers, which means the team is on the hook for half of that $2.75 million. I’m sure both options, in addition to his whipping boy status, make a him public enemy number one for Flyers fans at this point. It will certainly be interesting to see how this one plays out over the course of the year.

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A look at the 2008-09 Phantoms

In this post, I’ll review the roster from the end of the season, and the outlook for them next season. I’ll discuss the 2009-2010 season in another post when I sit down and figure out who has a good shot of sticking with the club this season. The biggest change to the Phantoms for the 2009-2010 season is their move to the Glen Falls Civic Center in upstate New York. While the Phantoms will still compete in the AHL’s East division this season, it won’t be in front of the purple and orange clad fans at the Wachovia Spectrum. While the departure of the team is somewhat of a disappointment, as is the destruction of the Spectrum in the coming months, the team itself looks to be strong heading into 09-10, with a core group returning, and some new pieces in place. The Phantoms dramatically made the playoffs in their last season in Philadelphia, overcoming Binghamton for the final spot in the East. Unfortunately, they were swept by the Hershey Bears, the eventual Calder Cup Champions. Overall, last season was highly successful for the Flyers’ AHL squad.

Coach John Paddock won’t be returning after being named as Assistant GM of the Flyers. He led the team to a 43-30-7 record this season, getting them into the last playoff spot in the East, where they lost to Hershey in a sweep. Paddock took a relatively young team that struggled early, and matured them into winners near the end of the season, as players like Pat Maroon, Jared Ross, Jon Matsumoto, and Danny Syvret took charge and led the team into the postseason. The Flyers have not yet announced a new head coach for the team.

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