Game 24, Preview and Open Thread: Southern Comfort? Philadelphia Flyers at Atlanta Thrashers
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 5:53 PM EST
in 09-10 Game Threads
95 comments
Philadelphia Flyers at Atlanta Thrashers, Nov 28, 2009 7:00 PM EST
Philadelphia Flyers (13-9-1, 25 pts) at Atlanta Thrashers (12-7-3, 27 pts)
Phillips Arena - 7:00 PM EST - Atlanta, GA
TV: CSN Philly HD, Yahoo! Online
Radio: 610 WIP, XM 207
This is the open game thread.
Behind Enemy Lines: Bird Watchers Anonymous
As was the case against the Islanders on Wednesday night, the Flyers will take on a seemingly inferior team tonight that is tied with them in the Eastern Conference standings. This time it's the Atlanta Thrashers, who host Philadelphia for the first time on the year. The good news tonight is that the Flyers have won 14 straight against the Thrashers. Of course, the bad news is that many of those wins came with the help of goaltender Antero Niittymaki, who never lost to Atlanta during his Flyer career.
With Niittymaki now elsewhere, John Stevens will turn to another backup goaltender tonight. Brian Boucher looks to continue his hot play in hopes of picking up Ray Emery, who has not looked hot over the last two weeks or so. For the record, Stevens said that was the original plan and not a decision made after Emery's loss yesterday. Boosh, on the other hand has looked very sharp in each opportunity he's seen over that time period.
The Flyers will need a solid performance out of Boucher tonight considering these aren't your grandpa's Thrashers. Atlanta leads the league in goals per game with 3.54 and they're third in the league in total goals scored with 78. They're led of course by the always dynamic Ilya Kovalchuk, who has 14 goals in just 16 games this season. Following Kovy's lead are Maxim Afinogenov -- a player who almost didn't have an NHL job this season -- and second-year Thrasher Rich Peverley, who is on pace to shatter his personal best scoring season.
You also can't ignore the Atlanta youth movement, one that consists of 18-year-old rookie Evander Kane and 19-year-old sophomore Zach Bogosian. Luckily for the Flyers, Bogosian is in the midst of a five-game scoreless drought while Peverley has just one goal in his last seven.
Atlanta is a very good on special teams, ranked 5th in the league on the power play and third on the penalty kill. The Flyers have been under performing in each of those departments lately and they won't be able to afford that tonight.
Philadelphia planned on getting Danny Briere back tonight off of his two game suspension, but of course, the forward is out with the flu. Jared Ross made the trip with the team but probably will not play thanks to the dirty hit laid on him by Buffalo's Patrick Kaleta yesterday. Jon Kalinski has been called up from Adirondack and will probably play.
Atlanta goaltending mainstay Kari Lehtonen is out with an injury, but the Thrashers have been getting capable net minding from Ondrej Pavelec and Johan Hedberg. Pavelec played less than 24 hours ago in Carolina, so we could see Hedberg -- the Flyers 1994 9th round draft choice -- in goal tonight.
After the jump, questions to answer.
Questions To Answer
- Can the Flyers get out of their special teams slump?
- Do the Flyers limit Ian Laperriere's ice time just a day after his upper lip split in two thanks to a Jason Pominville slap shot?
- Can Boucher keep up his hot play?
- Do the Flyers beat Atlanta for a unbelievable 15th straight time, or can the Thrashers get their first win against Philadelphia since 2005?
Tonight's game will be broadcast locally on CSN Philly. No television in the Atlanta area, apparently. Outside of the Delaware Valley, catch a free live stream at Yahoo! (link above). As always, join us here for the conversation and LET'S GO FLYERS!
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Is the flu the only thing bothering Briere?
A Flyers source is telling me that Briere is also struggling with his groin again, just a few weeks after he came back from a quad injury that we were told was unrelated to last year’s saga. He missed 53 games last year with a nagging groin problem. I will update as soon as I have more info.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
This will never going go away, and is just going to get worse. He needs to be traded before he’s worth less than Riley Cote.
hahaha, we know what you mean.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions
I reluctantly agree.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:08 PM EST up reply actions
It sucks because Danny truly is a great player when he’s healthy. My feelings toward him are almost Forsberg-esque.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
Cote vs Boulton. Expected.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
Riles first fight of the year!!!
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:11 PM EST reply actions
No score so far
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions
Must’ve been a mistake.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:15 PM EST up reply actions
It’d be one thing if he was even good at the one thing he’s on the roster to do. The guy is a punching bag.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
We didn’t discuss the Kalinski call up, but that’s yet another move I disagree with. Yes, he played well last year. But what about this year? Matsumoto, struggling for the past week or so, deserves a chance. One wonders how much his struggles are mental, as a result of getting passed over for the call up.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:15 PM EST reply actions
I think they’re putting too much weight on prior NHL experience., even though that makes no sense with the Laliberte call-up.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:16 PM EST up reply actions
Agreed.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
I thought it was a little delayed…
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions
Afingoenov can’t skate, so we get called.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
Something I was unaware of too, but when he got called up, either Homer or Stevens said it was because he could kill penalties too. He’s looked good on the PK so far this year at least. Now if only he could win a faceoff…
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
Terrible sentence.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions
Evander Kane just “centered” the puck by throwing it over the net. Ridiculous.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:23 PM EST reply actions
That was pretty friggin cool.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions
I love being reminded of the Zhitnik for Coburn swap.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
I was thinkin of that on Wednesday, because we essentially swapped Freddy Meyer for Braydon Coburn. Not sure if that’s more of a steal than Zhitnik for Coburn, but it’s still quite an upgrade.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions
Any chance he was just making sure Boosh is keeping his stick on the ice? That’s been a problem of his this year.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions
Panaccio has finally found something he likes: the Thrashers ice girls.
What wonderful grammar from a seasoned professional writer.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions
These Atlanta cameramen are terrible. The play wasn’t on my screen at all for about three seconds there, and I’m watching in HD. Can’t imagine how bad that must’ve been on a regular TV.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
If it makes you feel any better, the CSN camera guys aren’t having their best night either.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, no. That’s what I meant. I’m almost positive the cameramen are always local guys.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, really? I didn’t know that. Interesting.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:46 PM EST up reply actions
Peco time.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
Asham continues to show his offensive touch. Always impressed by his play.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
OT: So glad CSN finally did away with their pop up scoreboard. This bottom crawler is so much better.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:42 PM EST reply actions
Totally agreed. It looks better graphically too. I really like the overall re-brand they’ve done.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 7:44 PM EST up reply actions
Speaking of Panotch:
Did anyone see his article about AO, Kaleta, and Briere’s hits? I don’t remember reading a story of his that was as grumpy old man as this one.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 7:48 PM EST reply actions
What a joke. Sentences like this…
Did we mention no penalty on that play, either? Of course, Carcillo wears a Flyers jersey. That says it all.
… do nothing but make him seem like a whiner. And that only perpetuate the notion that the NHL is out to get the Flyers, which is of course, as any reasonable person would agree, utter bullshit.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
Now, had you [AO] been wearing Flyer orange, that, you would have gotten at least two games. After all, that Briere is a more vicious hitter than you. Gimme a break, Coley. This is what injustice is all about in the NHL. Briere got two games because the league was champing on the bit to suspend a Flyer because, as much as they wanted to suspend Mike Richards earlier this month for his hit on Florida’s David Booth, they couldn’t find anything wrong with it within the rules. Ovechkin deserved to be suspended far more than Briere did. And he wasn’t. And we all know why.
The entire story is that. Ridiculous.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t believe that. I know it’s a Sunday column, but people will read that and take it as fact. There’s no proof of that except the paranoid thoughts of a few delusional fans. No attribution. That’s completely irresponsible for a journalist to write something like that.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 8:25 PM EST up reply actions
Jim Jackson just compared Kalinski to Keith Jones. If only we were so lucky.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:06 PM EST reply actions
These cameramen aren’t getting any better.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:09 PM EST reply actions
What the hell was that Cote??
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:09 PM EST reply actions
We had a few holdouts before the season. After yesterday’s game, I know MarioD still thinks he’s a “capable” 14th forward.
I’d still rather have any of Kalinski, Nodl, Ross, Ward, Matsumoto, Legein, Maroon, etc. Hell, I’d rather have Rob Bellamy.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:13 PM EST up reply actions
sorry, “serviceable” not capable
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions
Shocking, shocking development.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 8:16 PM EST up reply actions
Neither of you listen to P&S? It’s for Campout for Hunger. And it’s only if they get enough donations. As of Friday, they had at least $600 pledged if he shaves it.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:19 PM EST up reply actions
Ah, okay. Yeah, if I listen to morning radio, it’s usually the news on XM.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 8:20 PM EST up reply actions
That was a gorgeous shot.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
And Boosh almost got it.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:22 PM EST up reply actions
Todd White is still in the NHL??
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:34 PM EST reply actions
Boucher is playing ridiculously well.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:35 PM EST reply actions
Sadly, Hedberg is too.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
Not to be a pessimist, but:
Atlanta when leading after 2: 8-0-0
Philly when trailing after 2: 0-5-0
Yet more evidence that the Flyers are not the Phillies…
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:39 PM EST reply actions
Touche
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:48 PM EST up reply actions
This will go up in my recap, but for all the talk about faceoffs, why has no one complained that Mika Pyorala is still a center? He entered tonight’s game at 42.6%, and he’s since gone 0-5 tonight.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:49 PM EST reply actions
Nah, but he seemed okay skating to the bench.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 8:58 PM EST up reply actions
That should wake them up.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
Definitely. Same situation as yesterday it seems… 3 full minutes of PP time
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 8:59 PM EST up reply actions
Wow. I’m gonna say that’s a blatant charge, but not necessarily suspendable.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 8:59 PM EST reply actions
JVR wasn’t injured so there will probably be no suspension. If there is, then I have no idea what kind of logic the league uses anymore.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly. There’s no need for a suspension on that one. But the instigator rule needs to get eliminated. Immediately. And here’s some cross-blog pimping: from Raw Charge.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 9:01 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, that’s a great piece.
I disagree with the logic that if the player gets hurt it’s a suspension and if he doesn’t there is no suspension, but at least the league seems consistent in that. It’s a start.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Travis Hughes on Nov 28, 2009 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
Watching the Flyers PP lately makes me want to drink.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 9:05 PM EST reply actions
I just don’t get it. Such a sudden change.
Broad Street Hockey - SB Nation's Philadelphia Flyers Blog. Makin' it look mean since 1967.
Horrible no call there, but at this point… would we really rather be up a man?
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 9:16 PM EST reply actions
How the HELL is there a penalty on Richards???
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 9:21 PM EST reply actions
Too many cross-ice passes and breakaway attempt passes by the Flyers. How about dump and chase instead of trying to spring a man in between two defenders in the neutral zone?
Even dump and chase isn’t working. Hedberg has effectively taken that play away all by himself. Then again, with Atlanta stacking 4 guys along the blue line, they gotta do something.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 9:26 PM EST up reply actions
Now that the PP is over, maybe we can get something going.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 9:30 PM EST reply actions
haha, thanks. I think I’m going to start it with “Speechless.”
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 9:32 PM EST up reply actions
Funny moment: Stevens is talking to Richards during the timeout, when Pronger grabs Richie’s jersey and pulls him into the meeting around Berube. Stevens continues talking to Richards, despite Richards not listening.
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 28, 2009 9:35 PM EST reply actions
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Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Jersey
|
82 | 48 | 27 | 7 | 103 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
82 | 47 | 28 | 7 | 101 |
|
Philadelphia
|
82 | 41 | 35 | 6 | 88 |
|
New York Rangers
|
82 | 38 | 33 | 11 | 87 |
|
New York Islanders
|
82 | 34 | 37 | 11 | 79 |
(updated 4.12.2010 at 9:21 AM EDT)
Flyers Schedule
Next 5 Games
|
@
Pittsburgh
|
Thu 10/07 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
@
St. Louis
|
Sat 10/09 | 8:00 PM EDT |
|
Colorado
|
Mon 10/11 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
Tampa Bay
|
Thu 10/14 | 7:00 PM EDT |
|
Pittsburgh
|
Sat 10/16 | 7:00 PM EDT |
Last 5 Games
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Chicago
|
Wed 06/09 | OT - L 3 - 4 |
|
@
Chicago
|
Sun 06/06 | L 4 - 7 |
|
Chicago
|
Fri 06/04 | W 5 - 3 |
|
Chicago
|
Wed 06/02 | OT - W 4 - 3 |
|
@
Chicago
|
Mon 05/31 | L 1 - 2 |
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