Wednesday Morning Fly By: The East Tightens, Prospect News, and Donnellon Defends Richards

by Geoff Detweiler on Mar 31, 2010 10:32 AM EDT in Morning Fly By

Today's open discussion thread, complete with your daily dose of Philadelphia Flyers news and notes...

Last night's NHL scores... BOS 1 - NJ 0 (OT); ATL 3 - TOR 2; OTT 5 - WAS 4 (OT); CLB 3 - TB 2; NYR 4 - NYI 3; DET 5 - EDM 4; LA 2 - NAS 0; STL 4 - CHI 2; VAN 4 - PHX 1
The Flyers are still in 6th, but with Boston and Atlanta winning last night, 9th place is only 2 points behind the Flyers, with the Rangers sitting 4 points back in 10th.
In case you missed the story yesterday, Dan Carcillo was suspended two games for his high stick on David Clarkson. [BSH] [Flyers]
A story on recently signed forward Mike Testwuide, and a rather optimistic "expect him to challenge for a roster spot next season." [Flyers]
In news that has apparently escaped everyone, the Flyers have signed defenseman Erik Gustafsson out of Northern Michigan University. [euroflyers] He has some pretty good offensive skills, apparently. [euroflyers]
His mother had some, interesting, words of praise for her son. [euroflyers]
The Phantoms' playoff hopes are still technically alive, but not really. [PostStar]
Jussi Rynnas update: He's in North America talking to NHL GMs. [euroflyers]
The game against the Devils was Fan Appreciation Night. Here's the intro video. [Flyers]
Flyers' prospect Jakub Kovar is now a free agent in Europe. [euroflyers]
An interesting take on Mike Richards' season: [FGSB]
Andrei Popov is having an impressive postseason. [euroflyers]
And he supposedly has an agreement in place with the Flyers for next season, just waiting for his KHL contract to officially run out. [euroflyers]
Ville Leino got another story written about him, this time in the [Inquirer]
Yesterday, it was said Joacim Eriksson may be coming over the the States. Apparently, there is still at least one GM interested in bringing him up to the SEL. [euroflyers]
Jonathan Bernier recorded his first shutout in the NHL in just his 6th start. Could he be among the "young goalies" the Flyers are targeting in the offseason? [NHL.com]
The missing questions from ESPN's NHL player survey. Good for a chuckle. [Down Goes Brown]
A very interesting take on the Mike Richards by Sam Donnellon. I highly recommend the read. [Daily News]
Lastly, Donnellon used a parallel that I used in the radio show, taped last night (he stole it!), which will be up later today.

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Do you think it’s ridiculous that in today’s NHL, a team can lose more games than they win and still be considered over .500?
58% – Yes
54% – No

I seem to remember a discussion regarding the notion that this question posed.

by EREX21 on Mar 31, 2010 10:43 AM EDT reply actions

Someone who was at the Season Ticket Holder “townhall meeting” yesterday told me that Don Luce and Chris Pryor said they’re hoping to keep Eriksson in Sweden for at least one, if not two more years. Apparently they used the words “cautious” and “patient” with regard to how they want to structure his development, which is welcome news. Backlund was one of their 10 featured prospects for whom they had video highlights, so it doesn’t sound like the organization thinks he’s a one-and-done kinda thing. Also they said their Russian scout really likes what he’s seen from Bobrovsky, and there’s a much better chance they sign him than Rynnas (of whom they’ve seen very little first-hand). And Homer said they did try to bring Esche over to backup Boucher, but they couldn’t get him out of his contract in Russia.

by Ben Feldman on Mar 31, 2010 10:51 AM EDT reply actions

I figured the Eriksson to NA rumor was complete posturing. It doesn’t make sense to bring him over yet, and I’m glad they said that at the “townhall”.

I threw Rynnas in because Travis did a story on him. I know absolutely nothing about him (nor about Bobrovsky) but I do know teams have seen very little of Rynnas.

Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Geoff Detweiler on Mar 31, 2010 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I’d rather see Eriksson back in SEL for a year also. Ramp him up gradually.

I haven’t seen Bobrovsky play, but from what I’ve read Bob’s a hybrid goalie who’s relatively small (6’1", 174), but quick. He’s not a great puckhandler, but recognizes that and plays the puck conservatively. He was Metallurg’s backup at age 18, so he’s been at as high a level as an international player can be for a couple years now. During the 2007 Super Series, he ended up replacing Varlamov after Varlamov was unable to handle the Canadians. Bobrovsky had a slightly worse GAA and SV% over the series, but also played 240 minutes to Varly’s 140 (Zhelobnyuk had the other 100 minutes).

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Mar 31, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Testwuide is a interesting prospect glad we signed him big body and a right wing. It doesn’t take a genius to see why he has a chance to make this team I think he will be 3rd on the depth chart at RW at the start of summer.

I am totally on board with you guys for this Bernier kid. If we go after a young goalie I really want to add someone who has 1st round talent. The later picks like the young guys we have had over the years Esche, Nitty, Boucher, etc come in show flashes then flame out. To stabilize the position we need to get a guy who still hasn’t reached his maximum potential and keep him around win, lose or overtime loss for several years. I guess that would make Bernier, Price and Cory Schneider tops on my list.

by chrislanci on Mar 31, 2010 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

Testwuide had 40 points in 98 games entering his Senior season, then he goes off for 31 in 36 games? No way am I sold on this kid at all. There’s no way he “challenges for a roster spot” next year.

Look at how he managed the jump from the USHL to NCAA:

10 points in 46 games his first year in USHL, next year he goes 31 in 54. Much better, still not great.

Ok, so he jumps to the NCAA:

06-07: 10 in 29 games. Eh. Not bad, not good.
07-08: 21 in 33 games. Good. Not great.
08-09: 9 in 36 games. Bad, very, very bad.
09-10: 31 in 36 games. Very good.

So he jumps to the NCAA and can be a third line winger? Compare him to what JVR did, jumping straight from the NCAAs to the NHL:

His WORST season was his very first year with the U.S. National team, where he had 29 points in 37 games. One year on the national team and two in the NCAAs he was more than a point per game player. He jumps to the NHL and sees his production fall to 33 points in 72 games. If JVR goes from 1+ ppg to less than 0.5 ppg, how is Testwuide going to win a spot in the NHL? He isn’t.

Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Geoff Detweiler on Mar 31, 2010 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

The difference here is age and size, there is a big difference between a 20 year old 6ft 3in 200lbs in JVR and a 24 year old who is 6ft 3in and 220lbs maybe more depending on his offseason. I am not saying he is going to be a game buster or changer but we also don’t have any RW under contract, nor the cap space to go out there and get 3 of them along with a goalie so of course he can

challenge

for a roster spot and he will be invited to camp. I also like the move of getting a big body we are too small up front. It takes a long time for these bigger guys to develop. Him a Maroon should be in the mix to challenge.

by chrislanci on Mar 31, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

mean’t to bold that not block quote sry

by chrislanci on Mar 31, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

It takes a long time for these bigger guys to develop.

Which is why he won’t even come close to making the team. The story was obvious fluff by the organization.

Nodl and Legein will be ahead of him on the depth chart entering next year, as will Ian Laperriere and at least one (maybe two) of Claude Giroux and Danny Briere.

Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Geoff Detweiler on Mar 31, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Briere should be center, Nodl is a nothing he had his chance and shown that he doesn’t have the skill to compete at the NHL level. His speed is great but that really carried him in NCAA however everyone catches up at this level and his pretty much lost his only edge. Nodl is Powe fast as lighting hands of stone. I like Legin to make it too along with a FA pickup. So that is our 4 RWs, Giroux, Legin, Lappy and FA. But I think we are arguing semantics in what the word challenge means. If he comes up in camp and surprises everyone he could easily make it over Legin who with his past might not show up to camp NHL ready.

by chrislanci on Mar 31, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

But I think we are arguing semantics in what the word challenge means. If he comes up in camp and surprises everyone he could easily make it…

Well, yeah. That’s what I meant by “fluff piece.” Hell, Zac Rinaldo will “challenge” for a roster spot. Jeremy Duchesne and Tyler Hostetter will “challenge” for a roster spot. Just like Testwuide will. But there’s only a slightly better chance they make the Flyers than any of us do.

Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Geoff Detweiler on Mar 31, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Don’t count Zac Rinaldo out his is next on the depth chart to get Cote’s license to steal and replace him as the scratched tough guy / bench minor penalty taker.

by chrislanci on Mar 31, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I love it

A very interesting take on the Mike Richards

Mike Richards should now employ illeism in interviews, but refer to himself as “The Mike Richards.”

Q: “The team had a really solid win tonight. Did you say anything to them before the game?”
A: “Well, The Mike Richards said what The Mike Richards had to say about taking things one game at a time. The way The Mike Richards sees it, we can’t be worried about getting 8 points or 10 points or whatever. The Mike Richards wants to help get the team into the playoffs by being the best leader that The Mike Richards can be.”

Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?

by mikefive on Mar 31, 2010 11:27 AM EDT reply actions

I was mainly surprised with the way Donnellon didn’t… sound like an idiot while talking about hockey. (That’s a compliment).

This entire section really sealed it for me:

Pronger assesses the team’s effort on most nights, sometimes in harsh language. Before him, Kimmo Timonen, son of a coach, did that. It’s never been Richards’ strong suit, and the team seems to have enough talkers. We all should remember, too, that when the team made its last spirited playoff run, into the 2008 Eastern Conference Final, the captain was Jason Smith.

He wasn’t exactly Keith Primeau. But he played hurt, he never made excuses, and he never called anyone out. Kind of like Richards now.

More relevant is whether Richards, who grew up in the system with several of the better young Flyers, is capable of distancing himself as their captain, is capable of reaming out the room when it’s called for.

But speaking illeism would be good too.

Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Geoff Detweiler on Mar 31, 2010 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Donnellon was pretty tight with Lindros. Maybe he just likes Flyer captains.

Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?

by mikefive on Mar 31, 2010 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions

hahaha, nice work

I found it interesting that FGSB trotted out the name Bertuzzi whom The Hockeyoutsider said they should sign pre-season, whom Mariod spent half a day arguing with me about the good that Big Bert could do on this team.

caveat: I wouldn’t have signed him for what Detroit did though

Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com

by HockeyOutsiders on Mar 31, 2010 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

He could have been here for what we a paying Randy Jones to play for the Kings. He would be a hell of a lot better than Asham on the 3rd line.

by chrislanci on Mar 31, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

BREAKING NEWS: Peter Laviolette appears to have gotten a haircut on the team’s day off yesterday.

Maybe he got one in memory of Jayson Werth’s beard?

by Ben Feldman on Mar 31, 2010 11:34 AM EDT reply actions

I hope that is a joke…like, they don’t really think that, that is breaking news or that anyone really gives a flying f.

by EREX21 on Mar 31, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Must be a slow news day…

"When you make your final stand
I'll be right there
I'll never leave
And all I ask of you is
Believe"

by The Dark on Mar 31, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

The Mike Richards hates slow news days.

Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?

by mikefive on Mar 31, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

hahahaha

by EREX21 on Mar 31, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

wait, Werth shaved the beard?!? Say it ain’t so!

"Good night. Good hockey."

by KreiderDesigns on Mar 31, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah yesterday. where have you been?

by EREX21 on Mar 31, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

can’t switch to Phils mode until a) i go to a game or 2) the flyers season is over…both could happen on the 12th.

That pisses me off though. Because of that beard my girlfriend finally believed my Jayson Werth is half wolf theory.

"Good night. Good hockey."

by KreiderDesigns on Mar 31, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Understandable.

As for the half wolf theory…it’s still in play, especially if he comes out mashing. You never know with that guy. But I loved the beard, it totally worked for him.

by EREX21 on Mar 31, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh i still believe he’s at least 1/8 wolf. The girlfriend I think was converted with the beard. I’m slowly bringing people over to my side. haha.

"Good night. Good hockey."

by KreiderDesigns on Mar 31, 2010 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

anybody else not minding this little layoff from flyers hockey?

Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance

by psudrozz on Mar 31, 2010 12:26 PM EDT reply actions

I have nothing to watch tonight, I have watched the JR overtime game dvd and tonight i’ll probably watch game 6 vs Tampa b/c i don’t get the NHL network and there’s really nothing on on wednesday. I’m on a huge hockey high right now and there’s no way to get my fix besides dvds. So no, i’m not enjoying this little layoff. But you have fun with it! haha.

"Good night. Good hockey."

by KreiderDesigns on Mar 31, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions

i think what i was trying to say was that given the drama of the past week or two, i need a little break.

Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance

by psudrozz on Mar 31, 2010 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Completely understandable.

"Good night. Good hockey."

by KreiderDesigns on Mar 31, 2010 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes but only because this team drives me insane. It’s not like a couple of years ago when they flat out sucked, at least then I knew going into the game what to expect, this year it’s a total gamble. And I hate that.

Fortunately my Suns were on NBA tv last night so I had that, and Lost to watch but tonight will be rough…nothing but 30 minutes of pure comedy gold known as Modern Family.

by EREX21 on Mar 31, 2010 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Kill an hour with BSH Radio! (scheduled to go up at 1:30)

Broad Street Hockey - SBN's Philadelphia Flyers blog. Got goaltending? Searching since 1987.

by Travis Hughes on Mar 31, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Watching two hours of Biggest Loser last night makes me miss Flyers hockey because the wife doesn’t get control of the TV.

by chrislanci on Mar 31, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

at least your sig. other doesn’t make you watch “real housewives”.

Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance

by psudrozz on Apr 1, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

You should never fall back on the “makes me watch” excuse. You put headphones on or go outside.

/Man card revoked\

Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.

by Geoff Detweiler on Apr 1, 2010 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions

Geoff you should know that as soon as you put on that wedding ring you best man secretly rips you man card into a million pieces. When I wasn’t married I would be upstairs in my study rocking the XBOX till 3am during all that horrible reality TV BS but now there is nothing I can but complain on this website…. at least until my wife finds out.

by chrislanci on Apr 1, 2010 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I will go one step further and it has been a nice layoff and I am extending it one xtra night. Because I have little to zero interest in watching another game against the islanders. It is so feakin’ boring to watch. I am
looking forward to the sens game though. I am hoping the team doesn’t have the same outlook because they need to gain the points.

Just Call Me "M"!

by MJDII on Mar 31, 2010 9:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

not cool

M you can’t bail on any games this point in the season or someone is going to have to pull your fan card. We are in a tightly contested playoff race a mere 4 points from 9th place. This game is so important I don’t care if we are playing the the 95’ Devils, the hockey equivalent of watching paint dry, if you home watching TV and you are a Flyers fan you have to be watching this game.

by chrislanci on Apr 1, 2010 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions