Ole, ole: Flyers shake off rough first period, beat Habs 3-1
by Travis Hughes on Nov 25, 2011 6:45 PM EST
in Philadelphia Flyers Game Recaps - 11-12
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PHILADELPHIA -- A month ago, the Flyers traveled to Montreal for a game at Bell Centre against the Canadiens. After a red hot start and a pretty goal from the top line put the Flyers up 1-0, a fluky goal at the other end of the ice with just a few seconds left in the first period changed the complexion of the game.
On this Black Friday in Philadelphia, the tables were turned a bit. Montreal took control of the game in the first period, outplaying the Flyers and thwarting any scoring chances with a lot of help from goalie Carey Price. Not that the Flyers had many chances or anything, and they looked absolutely dead. Montreal took a 1-0 lead into the intermission.
But after Peter Laviolette yelled at his team in the locker room between the first and second periods, things started to change for the better. It was the complete opposite of the 5-1 loss in Montreal a month ago, as the Flyers were the ones that stepped up and completely took over the hockey game en route to a win.
It started with Claude Giroux, and he deserves a lot of praise for how well the Flyers played today. He seemed to lead the charge in the second period and beyond, and he played a huge role in the one goal he didn't score today -- a beautiful (and somewhat lucky) play that involved at least six different Flyers, ultimately ending with the puck on the stick of Jakub Voracek.
Besides the play of Giroux, though, Sergei Bobrovsky deserves a ton of credit for several big saves throughout, and without his play in the first period, the Flyers probably don't win this game.
Other than that, the penalty kill was also huge. Before Giroux's goal that tied the score at 1-1, the Flyers had to kill off four penalties. They even seemed a bit more dangerous on the penalty kill at times than they did at even strength, at least in the earlier portions of the game. Of course, part of the problem is that they took those penalties, but nevertheless. It's nice that they're killing them off effectively when they do pop up.
More after the jump.
A few other notes: Andreas Lilja is out six weeks with an ankle thing he suffered in the second period, and the Flyers will call up a defenseman tonight or tomorrow to replace him. Paul Holmgren said he doesn't know who he'll call up just yet, but here's to hoping it's not Matt Walker. Kevin Marshall was a late scratch from the Phantoms lineup tonight so it's possible that's who they're going with.
James van Riemsdyk is also out for a few weeks with some sort of upper-body injury. With injuries to some other guys, though, we're not exactly sure how that'll all shake out. Wait and see. Maybe Schenn comes back.
Questions with Answers
- How's Bob look today? Bob was phenomenal.
- How's the still Pronger-less defense look? It didn't look too bad. The Habs got a lot of quality chances, especially as the game went on, but I thought Matt Carle had a really solid game and Marc-Andre Bourdon was a pleasant surprise once again.
- The Canadiens crushed the Flyers last time, and they boast the most goals per game in the NHL. How's that go? The Habs offense looked scary at times tonight, but some luck and some solid goaltending really helped the Flyers. It also helped that Montreal was inept on the power play, but again, the Flyers PK was also really good.
- The first period has been weak lately for the Flyers, especially in the last three games. Can they tighten up in that department? Haha, no.
Comment of the Night
Black Friday
Bob got this for Bryz today: [picture of a bench]
>> iJewjitsu
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Walker can’t play tomorrow due to re-entry waivers, so I’m guessing the Flyers choose Marshall.
Man-crushin' on Boucher since 1999 and Matt Calvert since May 2010
Broad Street Hockey - Makin' it look mean since 1967.
SB Nation Philly - Associate Editor
by Geoff Detweiler on Nov 25, 2011 7:20 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
I was starting to wonder if we’d see a SamiKap-type move and see someone like Nodl end up playing D on short notice.
Warning: Arguing the NHL CBA with me could be hazardous to your mental health. Proceed at your own risk.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 25, 2011 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
With scooters defensive abilities, what’s the chances he could fill that role ala a bufyglien style switch?
by reaper1221 on Nov 25, 2011 8:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Speaking of Sami, sad that he’s not on the roster for the alumni game (because I am a sentimental tart).
What3v3r.
He should take to Bryz for advice.
BOOM!
Ecstatic to be joing the Florida Panthers Organization!! Awesome day... Truly a dream come true.
- @ScottieUpshall (July 1, 2011 2:15pm EST)
He’s still an active player for KalPa, though. If he’d stayed retired, I’d’ve been hoping that Kimmo would have helped convince him to fly over for the festivities.
Warning: Arguing the NHL CBA with me could be hazardous to your mental health. Proceed at your own risk.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 25, 2011 10:17 PM EST up reply actions
I thought I read recently he was injured though?
by CSneer on Nov 26, 2011 10:26 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I think you’re right because he hasn’t played in all of their games. Either way, if he was healthy he’d be playing for them and not in our alumni game :(
Warning: Arguing the NHL CBA with me could be hazardous to your mental health. Proceed at your own risk.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 26, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
With all of the injuries, things are getting very interesting
I don't normally read stats, but when I do, the names Detweiller, Eric or Don are involved.
Stay educated, my friends
by CoburnsCuddleBuddy on Nov 25, 2011 7:35 PM EST reply actions
It’s funny but for the first time since Lindros(maybe Foppa too) I really feel like we have a guy that can more or less go win us a couple games by himself(figurative obviously) when we are banged up.
Must be what it is like to have a Thornton, Crosby, Datsyuk, etc.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Nov 25, 2011 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
This was nice to wake up to…and, yes, I literally woke up when this game started. Lol.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
by doubleh on Nov 25, 2011 7:36 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
I really enjoyed traveling to my Wife’s parents place Wednesday and not getting back until today. I then enjoyed trying to watch the Flyers that I had recorded using NHL Center Ice on DirecTV. Key word here is “trying”, as once again perfect weather has somehow caused DirectTV’s DVR to fail recording for me again. Never will I buy Center Ice again.
by ThatsGoodKoolAid on Nov 25, 2011 8:13 PM EST reply actions
I just got home and watched the game on DVR too. This was my first year buying the Center Ice package on DirecTV and the only complaint I’ve got thus far is that there are rarely Philly feeds available of the games. I’ve caught probably 15 games this year (not counting the Versus games) and I’ve only had the Philly feed maybe three or four times. I have no idea what the deal with that is, anybody have a clue?
http://bringthecuptophilly.wordpress.com
Where are you at? I’m not sure if location matters, but I watch pretty much every game in DC and almost always have the Philly feed (not always in HD though) — probably 85% of the time.
by The Gang Wins the Cup on Nov 25, 2011 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
I live in Indianapolis, Indiana. It doesn’t seem to matter who they’re playing, I almost never get the Philly feed. Doesn’t matter if we’re playing Winnipeg, Montreal, Florida, Carolina, or whoever. I can’t recall which games I got the Flyers feed for, but I’m going to start watching to see if there’s a trend.
http://bringthecuptophilly.wordpress.com
Same in Georgia.
It’s a trend, alright. Comcast and DTV have not been the best of buddies in last few years. But that doesn’t stop CSNChicago or San Jose or other Comcast cities from sharing their feeds. I have no idea why the probability of a Philly feed (esp. an HD feed) is inversely proportional to the distance from Philly.
by Georgia_Flyer on Nov 26, 2011 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
It just pisses me off when I pay $200 a year for the package and I almost always have to watch away feeds. It’s not so bad if it’s the Habs or Jets feed, but when I have to watch the Panthers or Coyotes feed, that just pisses me off. Early in the season, I had a couple of games where I didn’t even get any HD feeds, but it’s been better lately.
http://bringthecuptophilly.wordpress.com
I’m surprised that it’s location based, because I figure it would be more about the feed’s availability in general. CSNPhilly uses what’s called the ‘terrestrial loophole’ to deny satellite companies access to their feeds, which more or less cuts off Gamecenter most of the time. I think MSG does it too, or they have some kind of compromise where they’ll share the SD feed but not the HD one. There’s only I think 3 regional sports stations that qualify for it; because they have to be operating on old broadcast infrastructure. It happens here because it dates back to Prism; none of the other CSN channels have that kind of history.
Warning: Arguing the NHL CBA with me could be hazardous to your mental health. Proceed at your own risk.
by DragonGirl0583 on Nov 26, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
It wasn’t particularly pretty but another quiet win is all we can ask for. Honestly, there were very few times where the Habs attack scared me today. They’re whole team is just anemic. As much as I want to give all the credit to the Flyers’ defense, who is honestly that worried when all that is being thrown at you are players like Gionta, Cammalleri and Cole? The Flyers’ defense didn’t exactly have their hands full. Carle stands out for me though. He made a few nice defensive plays that he made look very routine. He definitely deserves credit for having developing into a very well rounded, reliable NHL defensemen.
Carey Price did look quite sharp toady and in the first period I was worried that he was going to stand on his head, frustrate the hell out of the Flyers and the Canadiens were going to get a few lucky goals and win this one (like they did last time). Glad it didn’t go that way. But, in retrospect, it was really just a matter of time before the Flyers were going slowly chip away at the Canadiens defense and beat Price; which is exactly what they did, thankfully.
Needless to say, we are going to need to go out and buy those sucky tubes the dentists use, to soak up our drool for the foreseeable future. I don’t think he can be given enough praise. Ironically, the epitomizing play from him today wasn’t either of his goals but when, on the PP, he gained the Habs zone and was was sent flying like super man after being tripped by two Montreal defensemen. At that moment, you knew they weren’t gonna have an answer for G-Money!
Couturier’s play stood out to me. I swear, it’s like he can do no wrong. The kid just doesn’t make mistakes. He is so strong on the puck and always seems to be in the right place at the right time in our defensive zone. I have reserved being too excited over him just because he is only 18 and there is still a lot of season to be played, but I don’t know if I can hold back anymore. This kid is going to be an incredible hockey player and I am so excited to watch him develop.
Matt Read also deserves a lot of praise. Coatsey is constantly saying how it seems like Read is more of a veteran NHLer than a rookie and (believe it or not) I think he is spot on with the assessment. Maybe it’s because he is an older rookie but Read’s vision and decision making does not seem like that of a rookie. Like most of us, I think very negatively of most of Homer’s moves, but I don’t think he can be praised enough for bringing in Matt Read.
Bob was a brick wall tonight. He looked sharp in relief of Bryz versus the the Isles and he continued that today. I’d be interested to see if him gets the start tomorrow against the Rags. Considering that Bryz hasn’t looked good recently and Bob has, I’d like to see Bob in net against a Rangers team that put up 6 on the Capitals today. Ah, goalie controversy!
Also, I’d really like to see Marshall called back up with to replace Lilja. I thought he played just as well as MAB in his short stint with the Flyers and I’d be interested to see more of him at the NHL level.
Opposing Ilya Bryzgalov as Philadelphia Flyers' goalie since June 23, 2011.
@Mitchman88 on Twitter
Carle stands out for me though.
Exactly why Homer chose to re-up Coburn first. :-((
/rather have Carle than Mez in 2013, don’t know if that will happen
Couturier’s play stood out to me. I swear, it’s like he can do no wrong.
It’s almost odd how true that is. I am for one willing to say, I eat my earlier blogged words when I said I doubted Scooter’s PK ability would keep up. He was truly awesome at points today on PK. I am totally comfortable with him and Read leading PK, along with Talbot and cameos from G
/Blair Betts, RIP, or at least enjoy your guaranteed contract
//Thanks, Columbus! Cap room, Scooter, and Vorachek too!
Read’s vision and decision making
Uh, I think “someone else” has noticed this
/can’t decide if I’m shy or territorial over my ideas like any other academic
Marshall called back up with to replace Lilja
This would be enjoyable on a permanent basis! Wait, what was that about being 35?
GMAT verbal section question, Philadelphia sports version.
In 2015, which one of the following will prove to be a better investment?
(a) Ilya Bryzgalov's contract (b) Ryan Howard's extension (c) Mike Vick's extension (d) Greek bonds from 2009 (e) Papelbon's reported bloat-signing
I still think that Lilja would be our best option as a full-time sort of 7th defenseman, more than anyone else just so we can keep the young guys playing. But yeah, his contract is stupid.
I root for the All-Hype Team.
by everybodyhitswoohoo on Nov 25, 2011 9:36 PM EST up reply actions
Uh, I think "someone else" has noticed this
/can’t decide if I’m shy or territorial over my ideas like any other academic
In all fairness, I had him and Harry Z pegged back in April :)
http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2011/4/3/2088065/matt-read-is-the-man
Lavy better not start BOB tomorrow. The amount of force that the hip is subjected when a goalie drops into the butterfly position is equivalent to that of an Olympic weightlifting clean and jerk. Do you think it would be better allow the effected structures of the body time to recover after exposing them to such extreme forces or punish them again while they are still recovering and more vulnerable too injury? Not to mention he may not have regained the muscular endurance it takes to wear approx. 50 lbs of gear for an hour. When muscles are too fatigued to work properly they are more suspectible to injury and put more strain on connective tissue to handle the load. Any stablizing function a muscle may have could also be comprimised when fatigued. Fatigued muscles → poor technique → diminished performance + ↑ injury risk (acute and overuse). It’s bad enough that the NHL subjects skaters to back-to-backs but to do it to a goalie in any other circumstance than an emergency or for play-off purposes is abusive.
Couturier was amazing today. Totally justifying my offseason sig change haha.
Simon Gagne AND Mike Richards may move between towns, wear new jerseys and call different arenas home but, at the end of the day, they will both always be Philadelphia Flyers.
One day Sean Couturier will win the Conn Smythe. You heard it here first.
by PursuitOfLappyness on Nov 26, 2011 12:46 AM EST up reply actions
Anyone watching the HBO preview in 20 minutes?
I root for the All-Hype Team.
by everybodyhitswoohoo on Nov 25, 2011 8:57 PM EST reply actions
Watching super 8, but thanks to you I will record this to watch later!
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
by doubleh on Nov 25, 2011 9:03 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Glad I could be of assistance.
I root for the All-Hype Team.
by everybodyhitswoohoo on Nov 25, 2011 9:08 PM EST up reply actions
Seriously, I wouldn’t have known. Still recovering from thanksgiving. Lol.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
by doubleh on Nov 25, 2011 9:17 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Shucks. Deeply honored.
Yeah, I think we see Bob tomorrow for the Rags. This is based purely on what I read on Twitter before the game – supposedly Lavs hinted he was rewarding Bob and may continue to ride the hot hand.
We shall see.
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.
Ecstatic to be joing the Florida Panthers Organization!! Awesome day... Truly a dream come true.
- @ScottieUpshall (July 1, 2011 2:15pm EST)
may continue to ride the hot hand
Um, I’m glad Bob may play on Saturday (agree he’s been great the last few games) BUT I certainly hope this is not the beginning of one of Lavi’s weird play-the-goalie-until-he-collapses routines. Seen enough of that the last two years, and even though I prefer Bob to Bryz, keeping Bryz on the bench for a zillion games would probably be counter-productive.
OTOH, reducing Bryz’s workload to 40-50 games during the season, while annoying to Bryz , is fine with me.
/Hey, maybe Lavi can help get Bryz to waive that NMC?
GMAT verbal section question, Philadelphia sports version.
In 2015, which one of the following will prove to be a better investment?
(a) Ilya Bryzgalov's contract (b) Ryan Howard's extension (c) Mike Vick's extension (d) Greek bonds from 2009 (e) Papelbon's reported bloat-signing
may continue to ride the hot hand
TWSS
Maxime Talbot - in the Orange and Black ... better than chocolate and peanut butter!
by MaximumTalbot on Nov 26, 2011 11:08 AM EST up reply actions
Flyers Black Friday Deals
Sorry to be off topic, but not sure if anybody has mentioned it yet…Fans Edge has a lot of pretty decent deals, and Mitchell and Ness has all their jerseys marked down to $100 today. Spent too much on Christmas gifts at Fans Edge and now I’m trying to talk myself out of spending another $100 on a Clarke jersey for myself…
http://bringthecuptophilly.wordpress.com
Hot Dogs vs. Cheesesteaks?
Psh. Not even a contest.
Best line of the preview goes to Cobie: “That’s a nice way you have your skates tied. I might try that between periods.”
Ecstatic to be joing the Florida Panthers Organization!! Awesome day... Truly a dream come true.
- @ScottieUpshall (July 1, 2011 2:15pm EST)
No, best line goes to Homer when he completely trolled Sather.
Or Shelley calling Dubinsky a weasel.
"Simba needs to sharpen his claws" - Ilya Bryzgalov, on Scott Hartnell
Assistant Masthead Power Person on Down Goes Spezza as ItsAFez66
Ian Laperriere (EE-an luh-PAIR-ee-YAIR), proper noun
Definition: Bad-assery on skates
by Chemistry66 on Nov 26, 2011 12:03 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Travis hinted to it on Twitter already, but I think that Jody Shelley is going to be far more valuable on 24/7 than he ever has been or will be to the Flyers on the ice.
I root for the All-Hype Team.
by everybodyhitswoohoo on Nov 25, 2011 10:09 PM EST reply actions
Your guys played a great game tonight. Giroux is a star.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Nov 25, 2011 11:11 PM EST reply actions
My favorite non-Flyer is Patrick Roy. I have a jersey and puck autograph by him. From 1993.
by 726 Forever on Nov 25, 2011 11:28 PM EST up reply actions
Nice! I got an autographed Roy jersey for a wedding present this summer.
Co-editor of Eyes on the Prize
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/andrewberkshire
by Andrew Berkshire on Nov 26, 2011 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
That Claude Giroux is pretty good
eh? LOL!
Over/Under when he has the C on his jersey?
can you imagine that c
with that stash, dastardly
by samu el jax sun on Nov 26, 2011 12:12 AM EST up reply actions
Howard Moon
I know I’m late to this thread, but today I finally found out that GIROUX is the person with the mustache. He looks amazing. I confused him for some kind of 70’s/80’s veteran out there for a long time, totally unable to place who he is or why he’s got an A.
But now that I know it’s Giroux, I have a mission. I won’t rest until people refer to him as… HOWARD. MOON.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aaangb8mYoY
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
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