Magical Flyers season comes to a close on strange OT goal in Game 6
by Travis Hughes on Jun 10, 2010 12:34 AM EDT
in 2010 Playoffs
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Blackhawks win series, 4-2; are Stanley Cup Champions
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PHILADELPHIA -- As I sit here and write these words right now, I'm the only person left in the upper deck of the Wachovia Center. Shocked Flyers fans have peeled themselves out of their seats, and Blackhawks fans have found their way to the lower level, where they're cheering within a few feet of their heroes.
There's a "Let's Go Hawks!" chant. An impromptu rendition of "Chelsea Dagger." John Madden is skating around with his kids. Orange is all but gone, save a few curious onlookers. We might as well be in Chicago right now.
The juxtaposition between where I sit in the upper level and the ice is staggering. Up here, there are crews beginning to clean up the building for the final time after a hockey game until September. Down there, it's history, but it's not the type of history that we hoped for, of course.
It's not coming back from elimination five times on the way to the Cup. It's not barely squeaking in to the postseason after a roller-coaster regular season before a storybook playoff run ending in the Cup. Nope, instead it's the culmination of the resurgence of a storied Original Six franchise. It's the end of a cursed player. It's the weight of a different city lifted.
It's not our history tonight. It's their history, and it's taking place on our ice. That brutal fact is going to hurt for a very, very long time. But when you think about it, that in and of itself is absolutely incredible. In a strange way, we should be proud that this is all unfolding on our ice tonight. It's hard to see it right now, but it's symbolic of what the Flyers were able to accomplish this season. The fact that they're even here at all.
We don't need to go over the list -- we all know it by heart at this point. This Flyers team will go down as probably the third best Flyers team ever, simply because of the amazing run they took us on this spring.
There will be plenty of time to look ahead to next season, or even to review the bizarre nature of Chicago's overtime winner tonight, but right now, it's time to take a step back and remember the ride that the 2009-2010 Philadelphia Flyers took us on. From the expectations of the preseason to the doldrums of November to the hope and excitement of the playoffs and everything in between, this team showed us a lot this season.
We have a banner to raise in October and a championship to defend. It might not be the one we want, but it's still one we can be damn well proud of. After the jump, questions with answers and the comment of the night.
Questions with Answers
- Can the top line start to bury their chances when it matters most? Unfortunately, no. Jeff Carter had several chances and couldn't finish, especially in the third period on what would have been the game-winning goal.
- Will Michael Leighton rebound after being pulled from Game 5? Leighton had a very strong game tonight, as he did for most of the playoffs. It's a damned shame that nobody will likely remember it.
- Antti Niemi wasn't great in Game 5, despite the win. Can the Flyers exploit him some more? Niemi wasn't great tonight, but his defense was. They blocked shots, clogged passing lanes, and did everything they needed to do to win the game.
- Does Chris Pronger dominate after a bad outing on Sunday? Pronger was his usual self, and the two penalties against him in the first period were kind of questionable from my angle. (Eds. note: The first one was not questionable at all.)
- The Flyers were strong in the second and third periods of Game 5. Does that carry over? The first was shaky, as it has been all playoffs. The Flyers were very off and on tonight, but they turned it on when it mattered. They had more chances in OT, too. Chicago just got a bounce.
- Another weak start for the orange and black? You could say that, yep.
- Is the Stanley Cup awarded in Philadelphia tonight? Sadly, it was.
Comment of the Night
Fifty years from now, what the Flyers did this post-season will be still be marveled at. That can never be, and never will be, taken away from us. The 2010 Chicago Blackhawks will be on a lengthy list of Stanley Cup Champions. But for as long as professional sports are a big part of American culture and society, the 2010 Philadelphia Flyers will never be forgotten, and will eternally be remembered for what they have done over the last several weeks. For as long as I live, I will never forget what I have seen over the past two months.
>> Ben Feldman
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Well done Travis. Great job, dude, on this and on everything this year. Can’t wait to come back for my first full season in 2011: Flyers team of Destiny 2: Electric Boogaloo!
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 12:39 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Thank you, Travis, Geoff and Ben for all that you have done this year. This rollercoaster ~10 months wouldn’t have been the same without BSH. Here’s to having a slightly better ending to a Flyers season sometime during our lifetimes.
And I know that “rollercoaster” has sort of become a cliched descriptor for basically every professional sports team that gets where to where the Flyers did. But hell if this season wasn’t as close to a rollercoaster as you can possibly get.
by Ben Feldman on Jun 10, 2010 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes it was. Of all the years I’ve been a Flyers fan, no one season could more accurately be described as a roller coaster than this one.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
This.
I really think next season we’ll see more consistency in the Flyers. Some of the younger players will have matured greatly and should be able to play their top game through longer stretches.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Jun 10, 2010 12:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Travis.
You’ve done a great job ever since I’ve been here, and as the community has grown, the site has gotten better. That’s no easy task. You, Geoff, and Ben have done a great job writing, responding, and moderating, and know when to let discussions grow, let them go, or shut them down.
I’m sorry I was wrong about my predicting a Cup win this year, as I did last year… I was wrong (in Obi-Wan Kenobi voice). But I am glad that there exists a truly intelligent place to discuss Flyers hockey on the internet. We may not all get along or agree on everything, but that only makes for a stronger, more vibrant community.
Thanks for all you’ve done and all you continue to do here at BSH. Cheers.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
Also just thought I'd mention
Briere ended up the leading point scorer in the playoffs. 30 points in 23 games as a +9. Ville Leino managed 21 points in 19, ending up a +10, and putting in a rookie performance that will be remembered for a long time.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Jun 10, 2010 12:48 AM EDT reply actions
Again
but it needs to be said. My hat goes off to you Travis, same with Geoff and Ben, who make this place so f**kin awesome all year long. To all the others that comment here, who are basically my InterWeb family, for being so cool and always fun. not to many sites out there that get me to look every day, but not only do you guys do that but I check non stop.
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
Great write-up
I’m very excited to see what next season brings. That said, you’re right, this is a time for reflection, and everyone’s done a great job sharing the feelings of an amazing team. Here’s to a bright future.
Lets talk next season. If you are close to McLean, I have had the pleasure of watching 101 Flyer’s games this season (sorry I missed 4) , most in HD on a 92" screen. You and your Girlfriend or Wife are welcome to come by for a game. My wife has watched probably 97 of those games. In the Patrick division days, we would go to the Flyers/ Caps games but now it is too much of a PITA. Thank god for center ice.
Going to disagree about Leighton’s performance until the cows come home…but nevertheless, it is what it is
TAKE THE FALL, ACT HURT, GET INDIGNANT
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on Jun 10, 2010 1:12 AM EDT reply actions
And why is that? Yeah he gave up some possibly soft goals. But you know he did face 41 shots. HIs counterpart? 24. That includes overtime. I think he did damn well, especially since the Flyers were outplayed for 50 minutes.
They didn’t lose because of Leights. They lost as a team.
Let's go Flyers!
CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP
I'm now Kolb's biggest fan
I reckon the 41 shots figure is a bit deceiving. Yes they got dominated by Chicago early on, but at one point I think they mentioned that 7 out of the Hawks first 8 shots came from the D. Obviously sometimes they might be sending the shot through a screen, but often that wasn’t the case, and Leighton could watch the shot all the way. You would expect him to make that save.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Jun 10, 2010 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions
I reckon Leighton kept them in that game when they were thoroughly outplayed, made a key save on Toews late in the 3rd that kept them only down 1, and allowed them to tie it to bring it into over time. I also reckon that Leights let in 2 softies, one was the SC winner in OT. People will choose to remember what they want of it, and view it their own way. For me, the Flyers don’t have a chance in that game if it wasn’t for Leights…but still tough to see it end on that goal.
He had two terrible games and a mediocre game at best in game 6. You can argue that he kept us in the game, but i can also argue that his 5 hole goal took the momentum from Philly and turned the game against us
TAKE THE FALL, ACT HURT, GET INDIGNANT
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on Jun 10, 2010 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
He came up so big at some points and so small in others. We would not have made the SCF without his play against Montreal. So you have to recognize that at the least. Overall he played well, but as much as I enjoyed his play I just don’t see him being the future for the team. He may have a long term job here, but I think they need to look for that number 1 goalie. Any word on Emory?
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
by Mike B on D on Jun 10, 2010 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
He did keep them in it early, but I don’t think his play against Montreal was all that spectacular as it really was the defense that made it easy for him. Emery isn’t coming back and honestly I don’t want Leights back as the starter. The OT game winner went straight through him and the more I see it, the more it looks like a terrible terrible goal. When I saw it on my tv, I thought he had it the whole time and that the question was where was the puck in his equipment and I was think short side but no it went through him.
My hats go off to the Flyers though, they kept fighting and played hard, but all the anxiety of being a Philly sports fan has come back thanks to Leights softie and Damon’s steal
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not picking on you, Mike, but when I read this:
We would not have made the SCF without his play against Montreal
I immediately thought of Marty Biron. We wouldn’t have made the ECF without his play against Montreal… but the bottom line is that he just killed us with his soft goals.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
true that. I dont blame Leighton too much, but I dont want to see him here next year (at least as full time starter)
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
This. The Flyers made an improbable run to get where they were and like it or not, Michael Leighton was an integral part of that. The goal may not have been the finest goal to give up, but I am not mad at him for it. Shit happens, the Blackhawks were the better team in the series, and I can move on from that moment.
That being said, it would be in the best interest of the Flyers future if they do not re-sign him.
Proudly supporting a Flyers team with "no honor."
Exactly.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions
uh, I disagree. We could have put a pylon in net and beaten NJ, Boston and Montreal.
NJ was 21st in overall scoring
Boston was 29th in overall scoring
Montreal was 24th in overall scoring
Chicago was 3rd.
I think even if you wear “I love Leighton” under-roos, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to connect the dots here.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
then you'd say to your colleagues
“c’mon guys, this is just rocket science. It’s not like talking to girls.”
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
Someone still has to stop the shots.
You don’t need an elite goaltender to get What we want. He just needs to make the saves, like Niemi did.
yes, but it doesn’t mean he’s integral to the team’s success, because he clearly isn’t, if he’s just a guy that needs to make a few saves.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I understand what you’re saying, but if shots aren’t stopped, they are goals. The person who does the stopping happened to be Michael Leighton, and even if he didn’t do enough of that for your liking, his is still an integral presence.
We’ll have to agree to disagree, because I think you could have put Vesa Toskala back there and had the same result. It doesn’t make the guy integral, it just makes the guy a necessary part of the team because you have to put a guy in net.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Michael Leighton may not have been good, but Toskala?! I mean, that’s just down right mean.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I said “mean” twice in the same sentence, but I used it to mean (I did it again!) different things.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a story with a Toskala mention in it coming up this afternoon, so it’s fresh in my mind, haha.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
We’ll have to agree to disagree on the meaning of “integral”? It could have been anyone back there, but it WAS Leighton. Integral= necessary for completeness.
right, and I view integral as a key to success. For example, Carter was necessary to fill 4 lines of forwards. Was he integral in this series? I’d have to say, no.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, but there is a difference here. Leighton wasn’t just a warm body necessary for a full roster. Someone actually had to be in goal, making saves, actively contributing to their success. We agree that Leighton wasn’t great overall, and not the answer going forward, but hockey doesn’t work by looking at the actual work that someone did and saying, “You know what? He was just a variable, easily interchangeable.”
Give him a little credit. Goaltending is never easy, and we of all fans shouldn’t presume it to be.
YES! Nieme was able to steal a game for them. Leighton could not do the same for us. Those soft goals ended up biting us in the ass. I want to see that fixed for next year, rather than suffer through this again.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
how about with a healthy Vokoun with Carter in Florida?
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Coming next week to the BSH Store…I Love Leighton Underoos
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I would buy them on general principle.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
I don’t know if we could make underoos but they’d be pretty awesome if we could.
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Have you considered boxers?
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
Not really but my personal disposition is if we can make it and people will buy it…why not?
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
i can’t believe it took this long for someone to comment on that. I was rolling after I wrote it.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
meaning of course, I disagree with Leighton being the integral part of this run. I agree that it’s not in the best interest of the team to resign him, even though I have a soft spot in my heart for him.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Putting the New Jersey series aside because that was Boosh, Leighton did not need to be spectacular in the end of the Boston series and the Montreal series, you are right, but he did still need to make the routine saves. He let up some soft goals against Chicago, no doubt about that, but the thing that was absent in his playoff run leading up to Chicago was the team-killing soft goal. He did his job as a teammate and in my view, that qualifies as being an important part of the team and being a big part in this run.
Proudly supporting a Flyers team with "no honor."
well if basically showing up is the only requirement than Parent deserves some kudo’s as well for his 41 seconds of ice time in game 1.
I’m not here to bash Leighton, but if anyone believes that a) we got to the finals because of goaltending and b) we didn’t lose the finals because of goaltending, then I’d have to say you’re a little delusional.
We got to the finals a) because we have an amazing defense and we played the 3 lowest scoring teams that qualified for the postseason and b) our offense led by danny briere and ville lieno showed up just at the right time.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I meant showing up and not screwing up. We did not get to the finals because of great goaltending, but we were able to make it to the finals because our goalies did not let in soft goals throughout the Eastern Conference Playoffs. There are a multitude of reasons why the Flyers lost the Finals, the most important one I feel as if the Blackhawks were the better team. Richards did not have a great series, Gagne did not have a great series, Carter was bordering atrocious in the series, and many other reasons having nothing to do with Leighton. But even though the Blackhawks’ offense was head and shoulders better than any offense we saw in the East, there were still a few shots in this series that Leighton could have stopped that he did not (recent example: 5-hole goal that tied the game at 2). It is that kind of shot that was easily stopped in the series and a half Leighton saw in the East that helped the Flyers get to where they got to.
Proudly supporting a Flyers team with "no honor."
You know what other goalies CHI scored tons of goals on. Every single other goalie in the league, including Luongo and Nabokov and the great Pikka Rinne in the playoffs. The NHL is an offensive arms race you have to score to win. It is better to have a defense that limits scoring chances than to have a goalie who can make up for poor defense. The Blackhawks did a better job of limiting our scoring chances and that is why they won.
The Blackhawks did a better job of limiting our scoring chances and that is why they won.
Did you read The Copper & Blue articles?
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I think for games 5 and 6, though, this was true. The first 2 games in Chicago were there for the taking for the Flyers…these last two games Chicago was the better team.
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
That I certainly agree.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I checked it out and correct me if I am wrong. The blocked shots that were scoring chances are included in their totals. So when we had good chances and we had plenty they didn’t get through and that is what I was getting at.
Against the Devils especially and in the other rounds we were the team blocking shots and preventing scoring chances against CHI that didn’t happen and many of those shots and chances actually made it on net.
Oh and for the record I do agree Leighton was not good enough to win the final but I am not going to take away what he did for us to get there. Even though MTL and BOS didn’t score a ton in the regular season there offensive was good enough to get past Ryan Miller and keep up with Pittsburgh and Washington in the playoffs. Hockey Outsiders is being unfair with that type of argument.
it didn’t happen against Chicago because Chicago was a clearly superior teams in terms of offense. In fact they were 18 teams superior than NJ.
I think you’re being a little homerish in where you give credit for our playoff run.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I think you are trying to said I told you so without actually saying it by diminishing the goaltending performance of both Boucher and Leighton. I agree the D had more to do with it than either goalie but Leighton was really good in games 2-4 of this series and both games stole some games in the during the playoff run and that is all you really can hope for.
So, our scoring chances are inflated because it includes shots that Chicago blocked, but against the Devils we blocked shots and “prevented scoring chances”?
Blocked shots are “generally not included” in the calculations, so that doesn’t matter.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry if that appeared harsh. I just saw a contradiction (us v. Chicago; us v. NJ) and while “generally” is vague, it conveys to me that very few blocked shots are including.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
What I was trying to get it was in the Devils series our D did a better job of limiting scoring chances through shot blocking. Against CHI they moved the puck so well it was hard to block shots and a lot more got through. Last night CHI blocked many of our really good looks. Good thing happens when you get the puck on net. They got more pucks on net.
If goalie making 0.600 million a year can get us this far imagine what would could do if we kept our roster the same signed a guy for 2 million. We would be unstoppable.
You mean if Ray Emery was healthy?
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
but the bottom line is that he just killed us with his soft goals.
this is pretty much the Flyer seasons in a nutshell since….1987?
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
haha, indeed.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
What’s funny is that Hextall is the pinnacle of good goaltending that carries a team forward into places it probably doesn’t belong (87) and good goaltending with weak goals that end up killing the team that should have done much better (97).
There’s really not many goalies #s from flyers history that you can wear with pride. The only names you can wear with pride are Hextall, Parent, and Lindberg. The rest is a barren wasteland
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely. My biggest fear was that they would expose the goaltending. And they did. He played over his head earlier in the playoffs, and I LOVE him for it. I have to give credit where’s it’s due and thank him. But also have to start looking to next year where we will need better goaltending.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
I didn't think thsi would spark so much conversation...
But like I said, you’ll choose to make of it what you want. I’ll remember him for keeping us in game 6 when it probably should have been 4-1 after the 1st, and I’ll never forget the stop on the break away to keep it within one. That’s b/c I want to think about this run with a smile. If I wanted to frown, I wouldn’t be trying to block out the game winner, and Sharps goal from my memory.
this is philly dude, any goaltending thread is going to spark great debate.
I’m with you though, I want to think about Leighton the waiver wire wonderkind that came within 2 wins of a SC vs. Leighton the “he is what we thought he was” goalie
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s why that OT goal was so heartbreaking, I wish it was something unstoppable, b/c I honestly thought he kept the Flyers in this one. And as I stood there clapping while the Hawks were lifted the cup…yes I clapped, it’s special…all I heard were people blaming him for that loss, and it sucked, b/c if you look at the entire game, he was a big reason why we had a chance But what can you do I guess.
that’s the real problem here though. Anytime you play goal in philly with a reasonable amount of success, people’s expectations go up. After he took us through Boston and Montreal, people expected him to morph into Patrick Roy for the finals.
There are two problems with this:
a)Boston and Montreal were not offensive machines couple that with having to play against Pronger, who has shut down some of the most potent players in the league, it’s not hard to be successful playing goal
b) he was on his 9th NHL team (not sure of the exact number) for a reason because he’s just not that good
So I guess I’m a realist today in thinking we got a hell of a lot farther than we should have. God bless Leighton, but it’s not because of him. He may have been the guy in net, but the team in front of him keyed this run.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh I agree it was the team that lead him on this, just felt bad for him b/c I thought that was going to be the game he stole in the Finals. I feel pretty much the same as you with the rest of it, I just thought he was going to steal that game b/c he kept them in it until they finally started to take the play to the Hawks.
Watching the game, I really thought he had it but it was just a question of where he had it. I thought maybe they’d review it to see if it snuck in short side but to see it went right thru him to the far post is disheartening
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
yes I clapped, it’s special
Agreed. I couldn’t help but smile watching the sheer joy on their faces skating around with the Cup. (Which, I should mention, DID NOT happen when watching Detroit and Pittsburgh. How odd!) It really is a special moment, even if it’s not yours. But when that moment faded, I sure felt like shit this morning…
Man I would never celebrate in another man’s house like that and I’d be appalled to see it from us. Good work Travis and Geoff. Ben as well. Sorry I don’t have anything else to say about you the work you guys have done this year – it’d be meaningless right now because I’d be going thru the motions. I’m kinda pissed. If we were gonna die don’t do it in your own house. Bleh. I had no illusions about this series….just shouldn’t have bowed out this way.
Carter should give back half his salary for that flub. Leighton… well we rode that horse till it fell over dead and it didn’t cost us a whole lot of money. We knew that this could happen with him or Boucher . Had Boucher been 100 percent who knows. Banking on them is a poor strategy to begin with. I gave Carter slack for his injury but not tonight . The fucking thing was gift wrapped for him. This is up their with the the brain fart that let Damon steal 3rd.
Sadly
My Jeff Carter playoff memories aren’t getting any brighter…
…last season all I could remember was game 2, Flyers up 2-1 against the Penguins in the Igloo, Carter has the whole open net and shoots it into Fleury’s toe. Malkin ties it up. And then in OT we get scored on in a 5 on 3.
…this season I will remember that chance in the third period he missed.
The fact is that the Flyers made it to the Stanley Cup finals with barely any contribution from Jeff Carter (part of that was definitely due to injury). Rather than trying to blame him here, I’m trying to say that he isn’t as key to our team as we would often want to believe. Our depth at centre is pretty well known. Having seen Briere succeed at his desired position, I think our centres have to be Richie-Briere-Giroux-Betts. This means Carter has to play wing, a position which he’s obviously not very comfortable in.
Carter earns 5 million next season and then goes RFA. He will want a raise. In that same offseason we will also need to negotiate the re-signing (hopefully fairly long term) of Claude Giroux and Ville Leino (who is UFA). If it takes the loss of one Jeff Carter, especially for picks and prospects, to keep Giroux and Leino, I’ll go with it. Leino’s 21 points this playoffs have been invaluable and I’m pretty sure Giroux’s going to be an integral part of this team’s future.
The reason it should be picks and prospects is that a successful team in the cap era need to have a balance between players on their entry-level contracts and players who have signed beyond that. Look at the Blackhawks, they’ve got Kane, Keith and Toews getting raises next season which will severely affect their longevity as a successful team. What we need to do to ensure longevity is to keep on drafting or acquiring good prospects who play well beyond their salary level, and out of those, keeping the special ones. I really think we need to keep Giroux and Leino, but that’s going to cost us something. If it costs us Jeff Carter, I don’t mind.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Jun 10, 2010 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. i mean look at Hartnell…after such a bad year, partly snakebitten and some crap undiscliplined play, the guy came thru when it really mattered. Usually I don’t like to use a post season sample sizes to determine a players fate but Carter is a hot and cold player and we maybe resilient however, were not consistient. Carter was injured but that was the kinda of stuff that had to get done for us to win because neither goalie could really be counted on at any given time esp without a reliable 3rd defensive pairing. I felt that was one of the things the Hawks did well; they didn’t blow too many opportunities like the one Carter was given. Carter gets us the most bang for our buck and I’d say prospects and picks is a good way to go.
All this goalie debating though, makes you wonder what the outcome of this series would be if Emery was in goal. He’s thrived in that spotlight before and could have again. Just seems to be the way of the Flyers – always missing that one elusive thing be it a goalie, finese guy, sniper …..that ends up breaking our hearts.
2 sentence of the 2nd paragraph should read.
He’s thrived in that spotlight before and perhaps could have again
To be fair to Leighton and Boucher, before the Stanley Cup Finals, both of them had unbelievable stats. We couldn’t expect any better from either of them at that stage. It’s fair to see Emery’s better than both of them, but soo much as happened since Emery got injured that I don’t really see much point of going down that ‘what if’ scenario.
But you have a good point about the Flyers always missing one thing. And it’s sort of unfortunate that the cup teams had one of the best snipers in the game as well as one of the best goaltenders of all time and yet that aspect of their legacy is always shrouded in the ‘bullies’ factor. I’m proud of the Flyers history and how much they played with heart and intimidated other teams. But without Bernie Parent we wouldn’t have won those cups.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Jun 10, 2010 2:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Carter won’t get much of a raise if any at all. Look at all the other RFA contracts. Semin, Backstrom, Kane, and Toews all got 6 million. I don’t think Carter gets more than any of them and Gagne who makes 5.250 on the cap is up and his salary would go down to compensate. Stop worrying about Carter’s contract. You give him a full training camp to learn the wing or trade him for a comparable winger in both skill and age and maybe a pick in return or a goalie prospect. You don’t go to the SCF and and pull a Phillies and dump superstars for draft picks. We all bitched about the Cliff Lee deal for that exact reason.
OK even if he doesn’t get a raise and Carter + Gagne remains equal to what it is now. Where are we getting the money to re-sign Giroux and Leino and, the season after, JVR who hopefully has matured into a genuine top 6 winger by then?
Misconceptions that a lot of people have (I think; and this is not meant to be condescending or inflammatory so hopefully it doesn’t read that way):
1) Carter is a superstar
2) Carter is necessary to this team’s success
3) in a salary cap era, we can keep our young stars without getting rid of older players
If it comes to getting rid of one of Carter, Briere or Hartnell. Carter gives us the best return, he doesn’t have an NTC, and he wasn’t an integral part of our stanley cup finals run.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Jun 10, 2010 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Can I still sports hate Dustin Byfuglien?
Cause I do. I’ll totally give it up to the Hawks—they deserved this win—but not that cherry-picking bastard. Seriously, f him.
I still don’t think Toews deserved MVP, though. Reminds me of the SB when they just automatically give it to the QB, because they don’t want to think outside the box. Should have been Kane or even Keith.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Yeah, but I need an outlet for the sports hate. He’s a logical choice.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
How about A-Roid or the *LA Rapist * guys who deserve a little hate despite their talent.
bread. butter. cheese. VICTORY!
by Prometheus74 on Jun 10, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, I don’t care enough about the NBA to really hate anyone playing in it and A-Rod doesn’t really bother me, despite my severe sports hate for the franchise for which he plays. Besides, my list is long and distinguished (insert dick joke here).
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
(insert dick joke here)
As in, “You know what ELSE is long and distinguished?”
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
Buff cherry picking?? lets not forget Hartnell who from his looks....
looks like he lives next to a goal post. If anyone cherry picks its him. I guess its soo easy that a cave man can do it.
I never said Hartnell didn't cherry pick
And lots of fans on other teams hate him. I can sports hate the ever living crap out of Dustin Beefeater. It’s my god-given right.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Your defense of accusations that Byfuglien cherry picks is by accusing Hartnell of cherry picking? Huh?
And I see you still have not joined other Blackhawk fans at Second City Hockey.
You are an uninformed moron looking to start a fight. That is trolling. Be gone. Now.
Proudly supporting a Flyers team with "no honor."
Hartnell and Buff are the same player. when they’re on, there great, but when they’re off, there horrible.
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
Except Buff makes a bigger thud when he hits the ice.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
but Hartnell hits the ice more (dont deny that). I like buff, but that comes from the fact that I like Hartnell, or, good hartnell. Regular season Hartnell was just………awful
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
Seriously how did Toews get MVP? Guy was absent during SCF. If it had to be a Hawk than Kane or Keith would be better picks. I thought that despite the loss that Conn Smythe should have been Pronger or Briere.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded annually to the player judged most valuable to his team during the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup playoffs.
This
again he didn’t show up for the Finals. Briere was there for basically every series. Danny got robbed. Toews got picked for Chicago before series began.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
You can’t give it to the losing team when they lost the Finals in 6 games, well you can, but it be stupid. Keith was robbed, if anyone. But you knew it was going to be Toews b/c of his ridiculous numbers through the 1st 3 rounds. He also finished in the minus column when it was all said and done. But Keith was productive throughout the playoffs and he was a big part of the win. Heck, after having a goal and 2 helpers last night, I thought Kane deserved it more than Toews at that point. But I don’t think you can say Briere got robbed, his team lost in 6.
Keith definitely should have gotten it…the reasons why he got robbed of it are very long.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree that it should have been Keith, but to say Toews didn’t earn it at all is ridiculously absurd. He was the best player in the playoffs through three rounds, and I’m convinced putting Hossa on his line won the Hawks the series.
That’s why I didn’t say that. But on my list he was 4th, b/c I think Hossa made everyone he played with better, so he is my 3rd, but I realize that’s unrealistic. I just thought after last night, realistically, it should be 1. Keith, 2. Kane, 3. Toews. But if you are honest with yourself, you had to figure Toews was going to get it b/c the numbers he put up earlier in the playoffs are hard to ignore.
Ok I’d have no problem with Keith or Kane but it just seemed like they gave it to Toews b/c they had to pick someone from the Hawks. I just can’t see giving mvp to a guy that didn’t show up the final series.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
You can’t give it to the losing team when they lost the Finals in 6 games, well you can, but it be stupid.
Reggie Leach got it for the Flyers in 1976, and they got swept in the Finals.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
Most Chicago fans I know actually agree that Toews probably didn’t deserve it, but because they felt there was no overwhelming winner, they just went with him. I just think it should have been Kane. For so many reasons, but perhaps most of all, the bitter irony. /beats head on desk
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Next year will be better. This season was just getting our players blooded for the next several few.
With the acquisition of a goalie who doesn’t sport a giant five-and-a-half hole, we’ll be damne unstoppable.
by BroadStreetBully on Jun 10, 2010 1:47 AM EDT reply actions
Quite ironic that the Flyers lost the lottery to the Blackhawks just a few years back…Chicago gets Kane we get JVR. Kane is an immediate star and scores the winning goal against the Flyers to win the Stanley cup. Who knows what would have happened if a few ping pong balls bounced our way a few years back. amazing how the little things can determine something so much greater. I guess thats the great thing about sports.
This was easily the most memorable Flyers team that I have had the pleasure/Agony/(every other emotion known to humans) of watching in my young life. Its been one hell of a ride, we just ran into a team that was slightly better. I’m gonna miss this team and I can only hope that the teams of the future will be able to accomplish the ultimate goal.
and if these playoffs have taught us anything for the future, it is that Jeff Carter is expendable. Dont mean to repeat the tired Philly fan trope, but please, trade Jeff Carter for some goaltending.
R.I.P. 2009-10 Flyers
The Kings have a lot of cap space. Do you think we could get Bernier + a 1st round pick for a proven 40+ goal scorer like Carter? If Bernier pans out then we sign him long term as our solution. If he doesn’t then at least he’s a cheap but effective short term solution in that he’s a highly touted prospect on an entry-level deal playing above his salary. That way we get the cap space to fix some holes up forward and in defence, and we then have the space to re-sign Giroux and Leino at the end of next season. My only issue is that if we get a 1st for Carter I want it to be a high 1st, and I see the Kings possibly going deep in the playoffs next season with their abundance of amazing young talent.
Our issue is that we have a lot of goaltending prospect depth in the organization, but they need time to show they can take the starting role, and the rest of the team is in ‘win now’ mode. We need to get something ready in goal for another run before Pronger, Timonen, Briere and Gagne begin to lose steam.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Jun 10, 2010 3:38 AM EDT up reply actions
They’re not giving Simmonds away. They’re pretty high on him.
Natheless, he’d look good in orange and black.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
how about
Carter and Coburns rights for Bernier and Frolov.
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
frolov is a UFA and a LW, doesn’t really fit the bill. I’d love to get my hands on Dustin Brown. He’s got a great contract and is a 20+ goal scorer about the same age as Carter, but he’s a RW.
*yes, I know i’m dreaming.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
haha, I’m in that dream too! I’d love to get Dustin Brown.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
wasn’t that a rumor a few years ago? I’d trade Carter for Brown and Bernier any day
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe before Brown actually got good.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Carter still > Brown hands down. Look at the numbers and center is more important position than wing which is why depth at center is so important.
Yeah but we’d hopefully be getting more than just Brown. We’d hopefully be getting Brown and Bernier. so hopefully solving two problems at once
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
I likely said as much in the postgame happy/positive thread: This season/playoffs has been great. Everyone here and the Flyers and the drama and the emotion. I feel so lucky and honored to have been a part of it all. I should get to see the Flyers in person next season (likely in Columbus – though I’ll be at grad school in Muncie, IN instead of at undergraduate school in Ohio). I am excited for the future of the organization. This has been the greatest season of Flyers hockey I can remember. I was only 9 in ’97, and only remember feeling disappointed after game 4. Stars like Lindros, LeClair, and Desjardins made me fall in love with the Flyers, becoming a fan as soon as I discovered hockey as a child, but these Flyers, our 2009-10 Flyers, have been like nothing I could ever imagined. I love this team, the city, and my fellow fans more than ever before. Sports are truly amazing. The Flyers are amazing.
One last time for the season: Let’s Go Flyers!!!
An Ohio fan of the Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Panthers, Oakland A's, and Philadelphia 76ers. Strange? Yes. Very.
This has crushed me I don’t know how the do the mvp but lthat is bullshit too. I don’t think I will watch fooball this year I am sick of Philly being at the end of another paid championship ( 2004 superbowl with some pretty poor calls not in our favor and the bullshit in game 5 set this up they bought this shit and they
I wasn't even a year old but I stayed up to be outside the Vet with my Dad and Mom when the Phillies won the World Series 1980.
won’t emerge a team watch and see the Hawks and their fans vanish in 3 years. that is why we should have won we are always there
I wasn't even a year old but I stayed up to be outside the Vet with my Dad and Mom when the Phillies won the World Series 1980.
by Christopher A on Jun 10, 2010 4:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Good Write up Travis. I am just to bummed out to give a damn.
I will be waiting for the venom columns to express my opinion of the season, playoffs and that game last night. Two years in a row a certain center could have made a difference, but failed. Some guys just aren’t stone cold winners. It won’t be hard to part with our best tradable asset.
Just Call Me "M"!
Yes, very nice write-up, Travis. :)
Also, thanks to you, Geoff, and Ben for doing such a great job with this site. I read it long before I finally joined and started posting, but I always liked it before actively participating here.
I’ll wax poetic later on about everything – a few of us here have been around for all the deep runs into the postseason, so I’d like to honor this team with reference to past teams (sneak preview – this team ranks VERY highly). I know some of you here may be feeling the disappointment after falling short in the Finals for the first time – well, the only wisdom I can impart is that the sting will subside after a while – not completely go away, but it will lessen. Of course, at first it seems like it will never leave, but it does calm down. Strangely, it’s experiences like this one that mold you into a true fan. Experiences like this separate the wheat from the chaff, as the old expression goes – the “chaff” are the fairweather fans that blow away when things don’t go perfectly; the “wheat” are people like us right here – devoted to a team that works hard and plays right regardless of the outcome.
Well, I could say more, but I’ll wait – the hangovers, both emotional and wine-induced, are taking their toll on my sleep-deprived being right now.
I’ll wrap up with this for the moment – we all witnessed an AMAZING playoff run, the best in 23 years, IMHO, perhaps even longer. This run reminded me why I love hockey in general, and the Flyers in particular. I’m with this team forever. I know all of you feel the same.
GO FLYERS!!!!
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 7:08 AM EDT reply actions
I agree. This tops 1997 easily. My favorite part of that year was the conference finals against the Rangers. The Pens didn’t give a crap that year, and Buffalo didn’t have Hasek, who was hurt in the previous round. The Flyers pretty much had a cakewalk to the Finals that year, and were unprepared for the enormity of the task at hand once they got there.
Not this bunch. They never quit and willed themselves to some W’s in the Finals.
Since I’ve only been alive for Finals losses (I was born in 1976), this one ranks a close second to 1987 for me. Little mikefive was at the JJ Daigneault game and I will never forget it. When Hartnell tied it I expected a similar miracle (from Bartulis or Krajicek, maybe) but it was not to be.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
greatest cup run/finals I’ve ever witnessed
i was around for 85, 87 and 97 (although, i don’t remember much of 1985)
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Well for me in my lifetime that I can remember this is the best Flyers team I’ve seen. I was born in 1985 so I didn’t really see the 1985 or 1987 teams. I think there should be a debate as to whether this team is third best Flyers team or if that title belongs to the 1987 team.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Well...
…that is something I was planning on writing about during the long off-season wait until October. I have been around for and remember all of their post-seasons since 1973 (I was born in 1966). The short version is that I basically agree with the above, i.e., this run kicks the crap out of the 1997 run for precisely the reasons mikefive delineated above, and compares very well with the 1987 run. It would basically be a six-in-one/half-dozen-in-the-other type of argument for which was better (although if I had been there for game 6 in ‘87, I’d probably give the nod to ‘87 too… ;) – having said that, I DO have a good memory of that day. I was in Philly, just not at the game – I’ll save that bit for the write-up I’ve been planning.
If I may digress a bit, I was always mystified that we didn’t win the Cup at some point in the 80’s – we had a LOT of very good teams in that decade, all the way from 1980 to 1989. I’ll get my thoughts down about that eventually.
Still, Flyers 2010, a VERY high point in Flyers history.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
We just ran into two dynasties (Islanders and Oilers). In fact looking back, this is the only final we lost that hasn’t been to a dynasty (we can’t say for sure). 1976 was start of Montreal dynasty, 1980 start of the islanders, and 1985 &1987 were versus the oilers dynasty, and 1997 was lost to the Red Wings who have been extremely successful last 15 years (4 cups) and one close call
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Well. . .
it was an incredible playoff run and I was proud to be a Flyers fan with all the heart and grit this team showed. I hope they keep this team together and get a freakin’ goalie. Not Ray Emery, not Boosh, not Leights. I loved Leighton this season, but we need a guy who will take you on his back and steal a couple of wins all by himself. Not sure who will be out there via FA or trade, but that is the one player that the Flyers are lacking. If they had a stud in goal, combined with this talented team, we would be days into celebrating a Cup victory.
or just a guy that doesn’t let the puck go through him. it went straight thru leights. let’s trade carter (useless) for a goalie.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
For the magical run Flyers, and thanks to everyone on this site for making it even more enjoyable. If they were going to lose, I was happy it was last night since I got to be there to see a Stanley Cup lifted, even if it’s not the good guys doing it, it’s pretty special to witness. I know I might get killed for saying that, but that’s how I feel.
Again, thanks to everyone here, especially those hard working guys that give us all the good stuff to read.
It was a great run… I just want us to win one instead of having our hearts broken in the SCF. The comment of the night sums it up though. It may not be in the way we’d like it, but this team WILL be part of history, and on a much shorter list, for what they accomplished.
To sorta quote what a guy once said in a movie:
Don’t you realize? The next time some of these players see sky, it’ll be over another town. The next time they have a pre-game skate, it’ll be in some other building. The MSM, they want the best of stuff for us. But right now, they got to do what’s right for the Hawks. Because it’s their time. Their time! Up there! Down here, it’s our time. It’s our time down here. That’s all over the second we ride up Troy’s bucket.
Or something…
Additionally, Ville Leino must be extended. Post haste!
"I tried to run him over but Eli had his big boy pads on and he kind of stopped me from getting in the end zone. The next time I’ll try to jump over his head.’’ - Asante Samuel
Please we need Leino and Giroux signed to long-term contracts. Oh and Hartnell earned his way back into our good graces so he can stay. Guy had a tough year but was great in the playoffs.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
My feeling (for what its worth)
Is that we got beat by a better team that we should have beat.
Its as simple as that.
Thanks for the wild ride, it sits side by side with 87 for me. It will take a few weeks to get over this and I hope no one ever drinks an Amstel Light in my presence cause I might just snap.
Thanks to all on BSH, I am glad I found you this year.
"Call me dumb, call me stupid, whatever. I block shots."
by boknows71 on Jun 10, 2010 8:31 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
My feeling (for what it’s worth) Is that we got beat by a better team that we should have beat.
Its as simple as that.
I completely agree – they were a more talented team, but we could have beaten them.
Well said. :)
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions
What a run
Leighton played well enough in the series for us and if we could have finished our chances, we would have won. Think of the scoring chances data from Games 1 & 2 in addition to last night’s.
Would Lieghton have had a bit more mental strength had Holmgren given him a contract before the playoffs? Guy’s playing for his team and “survival” of his family with two little girls. How much stress is that!?! Maybe a million dollar pat-on-the-back for saving our season would have made a difference.
Being at the game was such a rollercoaster
Chicago played well but Toews over Briere? Fah q
Seriously wtf did Toews do in the Finals. nothing. absolutely nothing. Briere or Pronger should have been Conn Smythe winner. The fact that a guy who did nothing in the finals got mvp over our guys that who did so much in Finals or all playoffs. bull
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
What was Briere and Pronger overall points in the playoffs....
I agree that Toews should have not gotten it but Hossa should have got it. He was all over the ice through out the playoffs. Or even Kane should have. But Toews is the new Face of the NHL for this year I Guess
I can agree that maybe Kane deserved it bc atleast he did something in the finals. Briere had more points than Toews. Nhl was lazy with conn smythe pick
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
From the Flyers team report on Yahoo:
• D Chris Pronger picked up an assist in Game 6, finishing as the NHL scoring leader among defensemen with 18 points (four goals, 14 assists). Pronger tied the Flyers’ playoff record for a defenseman, set by Doug Crossman in 1987 (4-14—18 in 26 games).
• C Daniel Briere recorded three points in Game 6 (one goal, two assists), finishing as the leading scorer in the playoffs with 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists). Briere also set the Flyers’ franchise record for postseason scoring, eclipsing the 28 points recorded by Brian Propp in 1987 (12-16—28). Briere’s 12 points in the series (three goals, nine assists) was the most in a Stanley Cup Final since Mario Lemieux had 12 in 1991. The record of 13 was set by Wayne Gretzky in 1988.
• RW Ville Leino recorded two assists in Game 6 to finish with 21 playoff points (seven goals, 14 assists). That tied the NHL record for points by a rookie in one postseason, set by Dino Ciccarelli with Minnesota in 1981.
• G Michael Leighton (2.46) and G Brian Boucher (2.47) finished 1-2 among playoff goaltenders in goals-against average.
Players leading in overall points, points by defensemen, points by a “rookie”, and goals against average. It’s only statistics, I know, but I’d say a few of our guys did pretty well. Briere and Pronger (whom you questioned) in particular.
Great Year
Who would of thought they would make it to the finals? It’s over and done with. Now what changes do they make for next year?
A bit off-topic
What is the name of the store at the Wachovia Center where you can by t-shirts, etc.? Does anyone have its phone number and/or does it have a website?
I’m trying to buy an Eastern Conference Champions t-shirt, but I can’t find any larger than a medium size online.
Thanks in advance. :)
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 8:42 AM EDT reply actions
Did you try Modell’s? www.modells.com
In Latvia, they're rooting for Bartulis' team, the Filadelfijas Flaieri!
Yes
They only have “Small”.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Thank you! :)
I hope they still have some.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the work of Travis, Geoff and Ben. It has truly been a magical year not only for the Flyers, but this community.
There is going to be plenty of time to break down this Flyers squad and this series and what Homer should do going forward, but now is the time to acknowledge what a great effort this underdog Flyer team put forth in these playoffs. Thanks Danny Briere for playing like you were being paid. Thanks Hartnell for being the beast we wanted you to be in front of the net the entire season in these playoffs. Thanks Chrissy Pronger for stealing some pucks and taking this team on your back. Thanks Leino for allowing Homer to turn a bag of pucks into a dynamic, offensive skating machine. Thanks Giroux for making grilled cheese popular again. Thanks Lappy for sacrificing your face for the good of the team. I know the list could go on forever, but these are just a few of my cherished memories I’m taking from this spring.
Managing Editor - HockeyOutsiders.com
by HockeyOutsiders on Jun 10, 2010 9:00 AM EDT reply actions
carter and gagne were awful last night.
Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance
Carter however laid the bigger, ‘’I think you may have just punched your own ticket outta here’’ turd. Besides the fact that we can some youth for him.
I’ll agree with this. I knew way back when Carter and Richards were generating a lot of buzz as prospects that it wasn’t likely we would keep them both. We have too many centers on this team. I think Richards, Briere and Giroux proved their worth this postseason. I don’t want to see Carter go, he’s a good player and he’s been important to the team, but I think it’s the likely decision.
Maybe I’m a fool for this, maybe I’m not, but I’ll never give up on Gagne. He’s earned our loyalty and respect.
Agreed.
Getting rid of Gagne would make me physically sick – he should be a lifetime Flyer.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
My heart agrees but my jaded practical side says he is really what we have known he is and showed it again in this finals run.
Just Call Me "M"!
by MJDII on Jun 10, 2010 10:13 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh, I understand the practical side of the thinking – don’t get me wrong.
But, Gagne’s been with us through thick and thin over the past decade. And, he may have not had the best Finals, but we wouldn’t have gotten by Boston without him. That should be remembered.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
My point exactly, he’s been here long enough and been such a huge part of our accomplishments over that time that if he should leave the Flyers, it should be on his own terms.
As long as Gagne takes a pay cut, he should definitely stay. He’s been the only truly consistent Flyers face for the last decade (including management) and should be allowed to retire in the orange and black. As for Carter, he’ll be tough to let go, but (as said elsewhere) if the Flyers can get a scoring winger and a goalie out of the deal, it wil be well worth it.
by penguinsfan on Jun 10, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree 112%
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
i hate myself for saying it, but given carter’s high value, right now might be the best time to trade him. this team has needs on defense and goalie, and has cap space issues.
i say keep all of the redemption line (or put them in cryogenic hibernation until the 2011 playoffs), play around with ditching coburn, and everyone else stays.
Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance
subban?
bear with me here-the guy got worked this year, but the talent is there. of course, i said that about parent.
Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance
What’s the last d-man that we’ve successfully developed in this organization? I’d stay away from PK for that reason.
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Carter for Price, Gorges, and Plekanec
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Seriously we need to trade Carter for a goalie and a RW. Gagne gets to stay for his play in earlier series and would get us less in return and will cost us less. We need Carter’s cap space to pay Giroux, Leino, Carle, and hopefully 3rd pairing defense and a goalie
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Two years in a row. Can we now all agree once and for all this team is most potent wth briere, giroux an richards up the middle. A scoring winger in place of Carter and his cap space is the best scenario for the off season.
Just Call Me "M"!
by MJDII on Jun 10, 2010 10:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I never was crazy about picking up Briere from the Sabres, but his performance in the playoffs this year finally won me over. (But only if he can keep it up! :-p )
I would be okay with that move M. A young talented top 6 scoring winger and either a pick or goalie prospect for Carter would be okay with me. What we can not do is trade Carter for a goalie any goalie straight up and I wouldn’t trade him anywhere in the Eastern Conference.
agreed, we need to trade him for a goalie and either a RW or another d-man
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
The question I have to ask here is this…
Do you keep Briere? yes, he was GREAT in the playoffs. BUt Like Hintzy said, can he keep it up? Is Carter consistent enough to keep? We know Richards won’t be going anywhere (contract) and Giroux should not (that would be epic stupididty). I agree there is no way I’d trade Gagne (OMGange!). I think some line juggling and more consistent play by those on his line help him.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
by Mike B on D on Jun 10, 2010 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Briere has a NTC and a prohibitive contract. You have to keep him.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
and I think he hasn’t been as productive as he could be b/c he has been injured and forced to play wing.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s always been great in the playoffs. Every year.
Agreed.
He has peaks and valleys in the regular season, but he’s money in the playoffs.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he can if they get these lines balanced and keep the guy in the middle. I am going to answer every one on here the same way. It was not luck or coincidence that he played the best hockey of the season while playing exclusively at center. And putting him with Hartnell and Leino gave him some size to add some room for him to maneuver.
Just Call Me "M"!
Then I should agree with each of your answers! (But I’ll only do it once.)
He is definitely better at center than on the wing, no question. There were a few moments earlier in the playoffs where it looked like he was getting pushed around too much, but then he got paired with Hartnell and Leino, who take care of the rough stuff for him, and then he’s golden.
I love this team, and have for many years, but if they bring Leighton back next year I’m gonna have a real hard time watching.
How he doesn’t go down as one of the biggest goats in Philly sports history is hard to imagine. He put up good numbers (which to me says more about the team defense) but made very few tough clutch saves, has a terrible glove hand and let in the weakest goal of the playoffs in SCF OT elimination game… not to mention the Sharp goal.
I really hope management goes back on that “we’ve got the goalies of the future on the team right now” statement. Clearly they don’t… unless they want the future to be full of soft, backbreaking goals.
That being said the majority of the rest of the team played like warriors and held their ground against a much more skilled opponent. I’m forced to take back my Hartnell bashing and can’t wait to see Giroux and Leino next year.
We could argue from now until the preseason about Leighton's performance.
But I think the stretch of time from Hossa’s goalie interference call to the end of the 2nd hurt us more than our goaltending. We looked disorganized and lost out there. The defense fell apart and the offense couldn’t rally enough support to clear center ice. And we paid for it with two goals.
We could? We will.
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
viola
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
True, the team looked dead during the stretch you mention, but if Leighton had made the routine save on Sharp (I’ve seen smaller 5 holes on a 3 car garage) the momentum and emotion wouldn’t have been sucked from the Flyers bench and the building… and we’d likely be playing tomorrow night.
Neimi made huge saves at key points, I have a hard time remembering any huge game-saving stops by Leighton. At least not in the SCF, and really, hardly any before that.
He didn’t just put up good numbers. He made a ton of saves without a lot of defensive help. It was 17-3 SOG at one point, and he still held them to 1 goal. He faced 41 shots throughout the game. He gave up 4. Niemi faced 24 and gave up 3. Honestly, Leighton was a better goalie than Niemi in this series.
He is not the reason we lost. It was a team loss and I really don’t understand how anybody cannot see that.
Let's go Flyers!
CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP
I'm now Kolb's biggest fan
He may not be the goat but he isn’t the solution. That said his 5 hole is terrible and he lets in softies and should have stopped game winner. The shots he stopped weren’t that great and his #s are inflated by our defense. We need a better goalie
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
They key is that Niemi stole one game by himself. Leighton could not. Not to say he played badly. But that is something to consider for the future.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
by Mike B on D on Jun 10, 2010 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
So Chicago has cap problems, could we steal niemi from them? It would be a ballsy move but maybe Homer should give him an offer sheet.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
So it starts
Already this morning the shit talking from “friends.” “Can we have a parade for ‘second place’? I need a day off.” – that’s my friend from NJ who works/lives in PA now
I really, really hate people most of the time.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Is this “friend” a Devils fan? If so, a gentle reminder of round one should suffice.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:02 AM EDT up reply actions
The funny thing about him is that he likes to switch allegiances depending on how his team is doing during the season—from Rangers to Devils. He’s a douche that way. He’s still more respectful than the Pens fan I know. But he hates the Flyers.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
So he’s an adjustable douche then, eh? ;)
Well, we beat both the Rangers and the Devils on our run, so he can officially shut up.
Yeah, Pens fans are a lost cause – I dind’t like their teams in the early 90’s either, but I begrudgingly respected those team. This current Pens team I will never like. Let’s hope that Fleury has lost his touch for good now.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
point-recchi and tocchet were on those teams.
there was some character there.
Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance
Agreed.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
On a similar note
I do think (although I’ll have to mull it over during the offseason) that the last of my allegience to Pittsburgh has faded in the face of the supreme emotional effort given by the Flyers this season. I have been saying for two years that my interest in the Pens was waning, and that I liked the lineup and grit the Flyers were bringing to the ice. And everyone in the league has to respect the tenacity they showed in the playoffs this year. I wore a Flyers t-shirt for the first time during the conference finals, while my Pens jerseys have been collecting dust since the start of the season. You just gotta love the heart, determination, and hard work that this team put on the ice throughout the playoffs, and that’s the sort of team I truly respect, admire, and cheer for – so maybe I’ll have to change my posting name to “reformed-penguins-fan” or something similar. LETS GO FLYERS!!!
by penguinsfan on Jun 10, 2010 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
WOW
Well done! :)
This isn’t a belated April Fools joke, is it?
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
No joke.
Heck, I just looked at my own stats posting on SB – and I commented 7 times on Pensburgh … but 170 times here. I think my actions speak for themselves – same way the team’s did on the ice.
So, which player’s jersey should I buy? (Has to be the Orange one.)
by penguinsfan on Jun 10, 2010 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
I usually try to go with someone I think will be here a while. Richie, Pronger? Maybe Giroux?
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Those are good suggestions – yes, gotta be orange too.
And, welcome, (former) Penguinsfan! :)
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Leino.
And MUST be orange.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
Now THAT'S a good idea ...
Although I also like the idea of getting a Giroux jersey …
And frankly, the player I most admire is either Richie or Lappy, so I may end up with one of those.
Or, in tribute to the lineup he created, maybe a throw-back Holmgren?
Odd. I’ve received nothing but condolences all day long. Seriously, nearly everyone in the company has come by my office, pointed to the Flyers pennant under the nameplate outside my door, and said “I’m sorry.”
And everyone here is Caps fans. They love to talk it up whenever we play each other during the season. (Especially given the way Caps/Flyers games went this year)
typo
“dind’t” of course should be “didn’t”
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:11 AM EDT reply actions
Great Run and it has been especially fun sharing all the ups and downs with all of you here. I not most prepare myself for another off-season battle, I am sure MarioD is ready to come back now. Looks like I will be playing the role of defending Jeff Carter our 25 year old leading scoring you played with at least one broken foot for about 2 months. The Flyers finally have some cap space to play with and it is only 2 weeks until July 1st. Time to go all in and make the moves to put us over the top.
Anyone else think this season deserves its own DVD package I do because this team is going to be talked about for a long time. Hopefully replacing the conversation about Briere’s contract, his 30 pt post-season set a new franchise record.
Absolutely
Anyone else think this season deserves its own DVD package I do because this team is going to be talked about for a long time. Hopefully replacing the conversation about Briere’s contract, his 30 pt post-season set a new franchise record.
I’d buy a DVD of this season in a heartbeat. I can’t remember another Flyers season like it.
PLEASE let there be a DVD of it.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:14 AM EDT reply actions
You can watch our two SCF wins in the Hawks Stanley Cup DVD set… I’m with you though…I want to relive this year.
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
The cover of such a DVD would put me right off. :)
I sincerely hope the Flyers themselves (or the NHL acting on the Flyers’ behalf) release a DVD of this season esp., the postseason. It was much too good not to commemorate – we won’t see such an improbable run again for decades.
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s only because next years Stanley Cup Champion team will be highly probable!
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Correct! :)
It’s nice to be wholeheartedly optimistic about this team again – yes, I know we have spots to solidify, but our core is great for the first time in a long time.
It will be fun to watch this version of the team grow and succeed. (Please don’t make me regret these words, Homer…)
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Great run for your boys.
In time, it’ll feel a little better. I know, I lived through the Red Sox debacle of 1986…..that was tough!
In time, I hope to get your thoughts on the long-term goaltending situation. Just not now, the feeling of the loss is probably still too raw.
BT (Bruins Fan)
Which B's team is this?
Hey Flyers Fans
So this will be brief, as i know last night still hurts. But congrats on an awesome season, and an inspiring playoffs. You guys gave us all the fits we could handle and I’m pretty sure the Flyers are responsible for more than a few heartattacks in Chicago last night. I’m kinda running on fumes at this point…..
i had a great time over here during the series, and those of you who wandered over to SCH made great additions to the conversation/banter/asshattery over there. All the best in future.
Thanks man, and congrats to you on the win. It’s been fun having you and the other ’Hawks fans (minus the trolls) around here too.
Truth be told, Chicago was my preseason pick for Stanley-Cup-Winner-If-It-Isn’t-The-Flyers (SCWIIITF, for short). I’ve been watching you guys build a young and extremely talented team for the past few years and I thought they were finally ready. Needless to say, I soiled myself a little bit when I saw this matchup actually come to fruition. It was a hell of a series. Congrats again, you earned it.
I’m sure the deep dish pizza didn’t hurt either.
Thanks for coming over and sharing the experience with us. It was fun and most of you Chicago people who came over were cool. I was glad to share the best SCF in YEARS (just check the ratings) with you guys.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
HELL YEAH!
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree with everything that was said above
(Well, except for “What is the name of the store at the Wachovia Center where you can by t-shirts, etc.?” — I don’t really care about that right now.)
So no need to repeat it all, but it’s all true. Even “Leighton is one of the biggest goats in Philly sports history” and “Leighton had a very strong game tonight, as he did for most of the post-season.”
i dont think leighton is a goat, he did the best to his ability… give chicago credit for knowing to shoot low. you could say Flyers forwards, cough cough… (carter) cough cough, were goats for not getting the puck in the net… in which i dont agree, the effort was definitely there but the execution came up short
by fitzy first on Jun 10, 2010 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Damn good season
Could not be more proud to be a Flyers fan. This team will always have a special place in my heart.
I like blackjack.I'm not addicted gambling.I'm addicted to sitting in a semi-circle.
You’re title comes DANGEROUSLY close to an Amstel Light reference! WATCH IT BRO! haha
Mancrushin' on Geoff since April 20
"Good night. Good hockey."
by KreiderDesigns on Jun 10, 2010 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
This sucks...
Yes, I’m extremely proud of this team, but I just hate the way it ended last night. So many missed scoring opportunities. Based on their play at the end of the 3rd and in OT, I was certain that we were going to a Game 7, and then that fluky goal and that’s it….season over. Ugh.
In Latvia, they're rooting for Bartulis' team, the Filadelfijas Flaieri!
This blog is a great example of the heart of Philadelphia Sport Fans. Travis and “team” do a great job! While many of us don’t agree, I believe we can all agree that the Flyers had a great run and just finally ran out of gas.
In reference to Leighton, as one of his fans, this game was probably his worst. We will never know if being pulled, no contract, or the fans here that don’t like him affected him in this game.
Like I mentioned before....
this would and should have been a sweep, but the NHL sees the networks had to make their cuts $$. The only reason you guys were in this series was because the NHL wanted to extend it. the whole Country knows it. By the way did you notice how they kept you in the game by calling a running into the goalie on Hossa which was a bunch of bullshit. but its ok we battled back and beat the refs and the Bullies. MVP for the arrogant jack-ass of the series would Peter Loveulett. Oh and buy the way…Very classy of your fans to boo when the cup came out… FYI the NHL makes sure an orginization that has classless fans and a team run buy wrestlers and an jackass for a coach does not win the cup…example Vancouver.
You should make like some hockey sticks and get the puck otta here brah.
P.S. – We boo’d Bettman, which any self respecting hockey fan from any team should do
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
and BTW
I’d rather have Classless fans than fake fans. We may not have the best taste, but we show up through the good and bad.
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
He's a hypocrite
Because he’s guilty of that which he condemns us—being classless. It’s classless to not be able to extend a hand and say “Good series”. Also, his team just won a cup. He said the NHL would prevent such shenanigans in not allowing classeless fanbases to win a championship. He lied. He’s a liar AND a hypocrite.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
We even booed Selig when the Phillies won the World Series. Anybody who makes anything out of Flyers fans booing Bettman are complete morons who know shit (i.e. madhouse14).
Proudly supporting a Flyers team with "no honor."
Guilty as charged- I booed Selig, I’d a booed Bettman more cause he is worse in my opinion.
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Bettman might be the worst of all the commissioners.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
He’s bad for the sport almost all around- rules, business, PR, etc. At least with Selig baseball has flurished on the business side of things.
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
The Steriods is a PR nightmare for baseball and Selig. It certainly hurts the game and his image. However, it is still flourishing very well (better even than the “golden age”) as a business.
From a personal point of view though I am real fuzzy on the whole steriod thing. No one really bitched about it for a long time even when it was completely obvious. Additionally, no matter how bad it is in baseball it is much, much worse in football and no one gives a crap about that. Just another reason for me to hate football in general and the NFL specifically.
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Worse than Selig? Don’t get me wrong, I have zero love for Buttman, but he CAN’T be worse than Dud Selig.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
Yeah, I actually think he’s worse, because Selig did institute the Wild Card, which I think has been great for the sport and he has never imposed a salary cap (but he does reprimand the teams that don’t spend the minimum). I don’t like salary caps. And I don’t like superstar leagues. Bettman is trying to turn the NHL into the NBA and the NBA sucks.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Oh, and for the most part, now that MLB does recognize steroids, punishment for each player is swift and fairly equal. The standards of punishment in the NHL are completely arbitrary and reek of inequity.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Hockey
wont ever become the NBA because basketball is too one dimensional. In then NBA, one player can win a championship. In the NHL, they players are only on the ice for a minute at a time at most, so no matter how bad the cap is, you still need a whole team to win in hockey.
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
I meant in terms of turning it into a superstar league where the ss get completely unequal treatment and are promoted above all else. You’re right in that hockey is a team game and I would prefer it to be promoted as such.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Under Selig the MLB has flurished as business, attendence is up, revenue is up. While I don’t like the other things Selig has done his main responsibility is as a businessman. Bettman fails at even this (see Nashville, Phoenix, Columbus, etc).
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Being buried on a network no one watches doesn’t help his cause. Then there was the lockout last decade. I guess I just don’t trust anyone who studied under Stern.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
Yeah there is just so much Bettman does wrong. You really can go on and on forever. Plus he doesn’t know how to add, 2+1=3 for Christ’s sake!
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh yes. Worse. Selig knows how to market his league. Bettman does not. He markets one guy and crams him down everyone’s throat. There are stars in every city he can use. He also has the fastest moving game going. What does he do with it? A strike, sub par ratings, and rules changes that do not work.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
Sorry, the answer to your question is actaully “overexpansion.” Please make sure you get our consilation prize on the way out.
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
And you show equal respect
To your competitor by completely demeaning them on all accounts. The refs did not extend this series, the players did and your personal feelings aside—both teams fought their way to get here.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
And that’s all
"Game 7's are tough... It's a game that's made for men and our guys proved to be men today." -Laviolette
by PatterPoet95 on Jun 10, 2010 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
You obviously did not see Game 4, in which the Hawks played like crap.
There is no “fixing” in hockey. The NHL does not “make sure” that a given team does not win the Stanley Cup. Even when the hated Flyers were winning Cups in the 1970s, they sold out every arena they went to. Everyone went to see them. If anything, the NHL loves the Flyers for the high ratings they have always generated.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
Well...
Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries!
Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us. - C&H
by alcatraz0109 on Jun 10, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
haha, I LOVE this guy. It’s like he lives in the woods and uses Morse Code to type on websites because he’s too afraid the government would be watching if he used a computer.
Oh, and he screams at the trees for being classless and dripping water on him.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s Tinfoil Hatty.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
first thing that came to mind haha
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
Hey, we finally have a troll, yay!!
Were your parents first cousins, that ALSO knew nothing about hockey???
And could you at least ATTEMPT to make your trolling gramatically correct? I know that internet time at your group home is probably limited but that’s no excuse to simply mash out incomprehensible nonsense.
The Hossa call was a penalty. They called it like that ALL YEAR LONG. It probably would have been a sweep, if the Flyers hadn’t won those games.
And Arrogant Jackass of the series has just been awarded. Send your address so you can get the $5 prize. Please use this to buy a clue.
"In fact, it is probably safe to say, the statement "I am a hockey fan" is the same as "I hate gary bettman."- bfrank27
piece by piece
Like I mentioned before, this would and should have been a sweep
Except the Flyers were much better than you gave them credit for being. It’s OK – many unsophisticated observers of hockey made the same mistake.
but the NHL sees the networks had to make their cuts $$
Hmmm…the grammar here is almost impenetrable. I’ll just assume it’s nonsense – is that OK with you? (Hint: I don’t really care.)
The only reason you guys were in this series was because the NHL wanted to extend it. the whole Country knows it.
Oooooh! So close! If only you had capitalized “The” in the second sentence and kept the lower-case “c” on “country” you would have been spot on with the grammar…and two sentences in a row to boot! Awesome! :) (The content is shit, but, hey, baby steps…)
By the way did you notice how they kept you in the game by calling a running into the goalie on Hossa which was a bunch of bullshit.
You also need to brush up on orthography’s tricky grammatical partner: punctuation. You see, without a comma after “Hossa”, you’re describing HIM as “a bunch of bullshit”. (I somewhat agree with that assessment, but I suspect you may in fact be fond of Mr. Hossa.) Actually, what you wrote is basically a bunch of bullshit – so, I’ll move on.
but its ok we battled back and beat the refs and the Bullies. MVP for the arrogant jack-ass of the series would Peter Loveulett.
Yeah – you really need to check up on this capitalization thing…seriously. I’m a bit disturbed that, apparently (from what you have written anyway), you beat the refs and the “Bullies” (Why the capitalization here? Is this some long-established group of traveling ruffians?) after you “battled back”. Why would you beat up the refs and the “Bullies” after you battled back in the game? You/they sound like you/they have anger management issues.
This “Peter Loveulett” character sounds like a piece of work – I don’t know who he is, but since you are seemingly well-versed in the ways of arrogant jackasses, I’ll take your word for it. I also don’t remember seeing an award for it (frankly, I have trouble seeing how this fellow possibly could have won such an award if you were anywhere nearby). Also, if it were an award for such a thing, it wouldn’t be a MVP award (meaning “Most Valuable Player”), but a MVAJ-A award – surely you know this. (Take a peek on your trophy shelf – I’m quite confident that you may have one of these. If so, you can check the spelling of the abbreviation there.)
Oh and buy the way…Very classy of your fans to boo when the cup came out… FYI the NHL makes sure an orginization that has classless fans and a team run buy wrestlers and an jackass for a coach does not win the cup…example Vancouver.
Good lord, you did save your “best” for last. BY the way (hint, hint), we were booing the tree-sloth-meets-vampire Commissioner of the NHL, not the Stanley Cup. He is booed EVERYWHERE and has been for a VERY long time – true hockey fans know this. Hmmm…so, perhaps I should be surprised that you didn’t.
Well, the ending is just too convoluted to be untangled. I don’t know what “buy wrestlers” are; I’ll assume that “orginizations” have them (whatever they are). The ending is VERY bizarre – you make it seem that Vancouver (a lovely city) is an example of a “cup” with a small “c”. Why would anyone win the city of Vancouver, and why would it be called a “cup”?
Phew! Your writing is “madhouse” indeed. If you are “madhouse14”, the preceding 13 versions of you must have completely sucked ass. It also makes one wonder why anyone would bother with #14 after 13 failures.
That’s all for now. You know, I am curious why you just don’t go celebrate the Stanley Cup win with your friends.
Wait…I may have just figured it out.
Oh my goodness. I’m so, so sorry. :(
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 10, 2010 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
The Blackhawks will not be back next year—I agree. LOL.
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
yep how’s that salary cap looking for you? your window is closing faster than ours. be prepared for a summer of turmoil in chicago
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
hes new to the sport
He doesnt know what the salary cap is yet.
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
No, no, his profile clearly states he’s been die-hard since ’86.
by JerseyDriver on Jun 11, 2010 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions
By which he means the Blackhawks’ 86th game this year, which would be Game 4 of the WCQF: CHI – 3, NSH – 0.
by hintzy64 on Jun 11, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
LOL! :)
#1 Flyers fan in England (originally from Southeastern PA)
by Orange and Black Forever on Jun 11, 2010 6:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah, I was mistaken, I see your point sir.
by JerseyDriver on Jun 11, 2010 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, this was a great year for the Blackhawks. Enjoy salary cap hell!
Proudly supporting a Flyers team with "no honor."
While we should generally avoid bringing up this fact
Because the Hawks just won the cup, that’s what it’s all about, and their cap situation on July 1 doesn’t take away from the fact that they just won the Stanley Cup and broke their drought.
But if they didn’t win it this year. That would’ve been it. They’re going to have to make some major salary dumps at this stage that will severely weaken the team. They’ve got Huet earning 5m+, Campbell getting 7+, Hossa with 5+, Keith upgrading to 5+, Toews and Kane upgrading to 6+. There’s too many stars on that team for a salary cap era.
Hence going back to my point about the Flyers: you need to have a balance between entry-level players and established player. Carter for Vokoun might have won us the cup if we’d done it (but at that stage, no-one could have expected us to do what we did), but if we make a similar straight up trade for a goalie it doesn’t help us at all in keeping Giroux and Leino and being a sustainable team beyond next season.
I wish we could do a Kessel-esque trade with Carter…
by PursuitOfLappyness on Jun 10, 2010 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for a great season!
Great write – up Travis! Also thanks to Ben and Geoff for great articles throughout the season. As others have mentioned above, this team played with grit, heart and determination all season long from the lowest of lows to the SCF. I am proud to be a Flyers fan and this community really has grown over the past year.
LET’S GO FLYERS!!
Great Season
Just want to thank Travis, Geoff and Ben for everything they’ve been doing for the site throughout the year (and for the past several years, really). It’s hard to believe that just 3 short years ago the Coyotes and Flyers finished 29th and 30th in the league and I endured one of the most miserable hockey seasons ever. Flash forward three short years and the Coyotes have their best season in franchise history (albeit with off-ice ridiculousness) and the Flyers come 2 wins short of winning the Stanley Cup. Here’s hoping for many more seasons like this, only with better results. And if the Coyotes and Flyers should meet for the Cup, I may just die…
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
if only the ping pong bounced our way. we’d have patrick kane
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
thats gotta stop right now. not just you, but Im tired of hearing about Kane and balls and what not.
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
What’s that about Kane’s balls?
"Tortorella’s got it all wrong ... Gaborik shouldn’t be messing with our skilled player." -Peter Luukko
They’re not too far from something long and distinguished…
His liver!
http://www.instantrimshot.com/
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
by mikefive on Jun 10, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
For either team…no use in going back on anything like JpH89 said, but that year was just not a very deep draft and Kane was the prize…that being said, I do think that JvR and Turris will be good players in this league for a long time…
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I heard you just resigned Upshall, so Im off speaking terms with you for now.
//JK
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
Speaking of Uppie…and not to launch a huge debate that might have already played out on the boards last night, but was anyone surprised that Lavy didn’t get Carcillo in the lineup either for JVR (who I didn’t think played poorly) or to just play 5 d-men. Really, with the ice time that he was giving Bartulis-Krajicek it didn’t seem worth having both in there when Carcillo can really be a game changer.
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. He really gets under peoples skin.
by Giroux Rules on Jun 10, 2010 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Carcillo
Played awful in the games he played, so thats why he sat. Also, I can see us getting rid of him (to my dismay) this offseason.
Pilgrim: Be gone pest, and give me the Bird
Yakko: We'd love to but the FOX censors wouldn't allow it
He’s an RFA and will be re-signed for not too big a raise, so I think he stays. The one thing with Carcillo is that as much bad attention as he gets from the refs, he’s getting better about it every year and they are paying less and less attention to him. That’s his big detriment to the team, and if he improves that, I think he just keeps being a better asset.
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Plus, Asham is a UFA. One of those guys needs to stay, and Carbomb has more of an upside at this point.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
Asham didn’t play badly. But he is also 32, whereas Carcillo is just 25.
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Not really surprised. I think everyone on here was pretty much in consensus that Carcillo should not have played in that game. He was mostly ineffective in his 2 games he did play and because he is Dan Carcillo, the refs were looking to call every penalty possible on him. In that sense, even though I love Carcillo and hope they bring him back, Carcillo would have been more harmful than helpful to this team, especially with how well JVR had played in Games 4 and 5.
Chicago is not the type of team Dan Carcillo can have an impact on.
Proudly supporting a Flyers team with "no honor."
A though on the penalties because it seemed obvious from the Pronger calls that they were looking closely at the Flyers (the holding maybe not as much, but the high stick). If Carcillo is out there getting whistled for something, I doubt Pronger gets called for that…it still puts us on the PK, but Pronger would be out there to kill it. Buff only was able to establish that type of positioning when Pronger wasn’t there to deal with him.
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions
WE should have brought Kappy back from Europe for the playoffs b/c he plays better d than Parent.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Look at it on a positive side, you’ll be incredibly ecstatic no matter who wins!
Proudly supporting a Flyers team with "no honor."
My wife is always telling me that it’s win-win when they play, but I usually just end up anxious and miserable. It’s really hard when you don’t want a team to lose a game regardless of how excited you are that the other team is winning.
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
If by “die” you meant “root for the Flyers,” then you may die. You have my permission.
Do you see what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps?
Certainly before 2008 when the Phillies won this would’ve been a no-brainer. Now, having just re-upped my Coyotes season tickets for the 4th season, and writing about the team at Five For Howling, it is hard to choose which team I care about more. I love them both an awful lot…if winning a cup were the only thing that would keep the Coyotes here permanently, then I might just need to howl my heart out that series….but for the Coyotes right now, it’s baby steps…win 1 round in the playoffs. For the Flyers, it’s win it all next year!
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
it’s been win it all next year for last 35 years. Quickly someone find the fountain of youth and bring us back Bernie Parent and teach him some butterfly.
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions
So Travis and BSH crew, how long before we get articles discussing the possibilities in net? Do we need a week to detox?
by historywillbemade on Jun 10, 2010 2:20 PM EDT reply actions
I’ve been trying to get quotes from the team regarding their minor-league goaltending situation with little success.
As far as NHL level goalies, I’ll probably write something about it, but not until at least the weekend.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
by Geoff Detweiler on Jun 10, 2010 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions
What an amazing run
This team has been fun to watch in the playoffs. They were frustrating at times during the season, but it was all worth it in the end. They battled. They perservered. They accomplished more than anyone thought they could. I love this team.
I remember thinking after the shootout win that if we just had a decent showing against the Devils, not even win the series, but just showed up and played hard, that that would be a good ending to a tumultuous season.
Well, we got a hell of a lot more than that and this was a postseason that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. What a run, what a team.
I have a great text from my best friend after the game 4 win over Boston in overtime that just says “At least they won one game.” For where this team was all season, and to be where they were after giving up that last minute goal to Recchi in game 4 of the Boston series….to get within 2 wins of the Cup…what an amazing ride it was for the past 2 months. Can’t wait to do it all over again next year.
Support Coyotes Hockey - Five For Howling
(Oh, and go Philly teams as well!)
by Jordan Ellel on Jun 10, 2010 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I wanted to face the Devils first round because I thought it was the only team we had a chance against. After that, I figured we were cooked.
But as you said, we got more than we ever expected, and it was amazing. Even if we didn’t bring home the ultimate prize, you can’t deny that what we did accomplish was worth watching.
Good article
I didn’t want to admit that an 88 point team was worthy of the SCF, but the Flyers proved me wrong. Very exciting and scary team- lotta heart.
I questioned Kimmo. With the benefit of 6 games, I acknowledge he is a stud.
This is money:
It’s not coming back from elimination five times on the way to the Cup. It’s not barely squeaking in to the postseason after a roller-coaster regular season before a storybook playoff run ending in the Cup. Nope, instead it’s the culmination of the resurgence of a storied Original Six franchise. It’s the end of a cursed player. It’s the weight of a different city lifted.
The Flyers and their fans were stunned by the game-winner, becasue up until that moment, both teams’ “stories” were intact. Tough pill.
Gentlemen! I have invented...this thing!
I think it was just the nature of the game that stunned us. We came back twice in the game to tie it, we had the better chances in overtime, and the game-winning goal confused us.
by historywillbemade on Jun 11, 2010 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
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