Sergei Bobrovsky brilliant as Flyers steal two points on Long Island
by Travis Hughes on Jan 12, 2012 11:41 PM EST
in Philadelphia Flyers Game Recaps - 11-12
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PrintI don't wanna say it. I don't want to utter the word. I don't want to call it that nasty, 11-letter C-word, because it might just be something that us onlookers create. Besides, if the team doesn't see it as a problem, it's not really a problem.
We might think it's an issue that the second-year goaltender on an entry-level deal is pacing the Philadelphia Flyers right now while the $51 million Savior Of The Franchise is riding the pine in obscurity, but it doesn't seem as though Peter Laviolette and the players on the team find it an issue.
All that matters is that Sergei Bobrovsky is playing really, really well right now, and tonight, he stole the Flyers two points on Long Island as the team went on to win a hockey game, 3-2. Bob made 33 saves, including one on a penalty shot early in the game on Michael Grabner. Later, in the second period, he made Grabner cry a second time.
Jim Jackson certainly nailed the call on that one. Bobrovsky really did bail out his teammates all night long, and he was the reason the Flyers won the game tonight. It's as simple as that, and maybe it is a goaltender controversy that's brewing here, but as long as one guy is playing this well, it doesn't really make a difference, does it?
It wasn't a terribly pretty win, but how's it feel knowing you can't beat the Flyers no matter what you do, Islanders?
A few more notes:
- Sean Couturier scored again, and now has goals in three straight. I think he definitely benefits from having some offensive players on his line, as he's started to blossom offensively without being dragged down by guys like Jody Shelley.
Playing with Matt Read and Harry Zolnierczyk, he just seems to have a bit more room to shine offensively, and he's still been able to bring the defensive side of things as well. He scored a goal tonight during some important minutes late in the third period of a one-goal game, when he's out there for his defense.
The offensive production obviously won't keep up at a point-per-game pace the rest of the year or anything, especially when he's still getting fourth-line minutes. But Couturier is showing that he does have a bit of offensive pop when the opportunity presents itself, and that's good news as he continues his first NHL season.
- Max Talbot got elbowed in the head in the third period. We'll have more on this in a bit, so stay tuned for that.
Questions with Answers
- Evgeni Nabokov has been good against the Flyers in his career. Tonight? Nabokov was good.
- Same goes for Bob. More solid play from the Flyers goalie? Bob was better.
- If Gustafsson gets in, how's he look? If he doesn't, what the hell, Lavi? Gus was scratched. What the hell, Lavi? Maybe his wrist isn't completely 100 percent? That's the only legitimate explanation.
- Claude Giroux's birthday today. What's he do to celebrate? An assist. And an All-Star nod, of course.
Comment of the Night
We waived the wrong Andreas…
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Thoughts
—Gus has to get in the lineup on Saturday, right? Right?
—All three of Couturier’s recent goals have just been very nice shots off of a rush like that. Definitely think that playing with better and/or quicker players is helping him.
—So I have a feeling they should’ve stuck to that 7-10 day timetable for Jagr’s return. He seems slow right now.
—When’s G gonna bust out and be really awesome again?
—I wish John Tavares was on some other team that I dislike less than the Islanders. Dude is awesome.
—You think I missed that URL?
by everybodyhitswoohoo on Jan 12, 2012 11:56 PM EST reply actions
—So I have a feeling they should’ve stuck to that 7-10 day timetable for Jagr’s return. He seems slow right now.
—When’s G gonna bust out and be really awesome again?
You recognize these points are contradictory?
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 bloat deal
Excellent COTN.
Kudos, PoL.
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 Jan 12, 2012 11:57 PM EST reply actions
JEFFIE, YOU’RE ALIVE!
Madly in love with Jaromir Jagr's brilliant smile and epic goal salute.
Matt Read for Calder!
Jeff Skinner, at 6 years old, is the youngest player in the NHL.
Ian Laperriere (EE-an luh-PAIR-ee-YAIR), proper noun. Definition: Bad-assery on skates
by Chemistry66 on Jan 12, 2012 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks Geoff. My first COTN; I’m honored.
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 Jan 13, 2012 1:02 AM EST up reply actions
I remember mine. It was something about the Flyers Power Play jackpot being renamed Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Good times.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 13, 2012 1:06 AM EST up reply actions
Oh wow that URL haha.
Madly in love with Jaromir Jagr's brilliant smile and epic goal salute.
Matt Read for Calder!
Jeff Skinner, at 6 years old, is the youngest player in the NHL.
Ian Laperriere (EE-an luh-PAIR-ee-YAIR), proper noun. Definition: Bad-assery on skates
Oh look...
They may have identified the real perps in the Geno’s beating.
Madly in love with Jaromir Jagr's brilliant smile and epic goal salute.
Matt Read for Calder!
Jeff Skinner, at 6 years old, is the youngest player in the NHL.
Ian Laperriere (EE-an luh-PAIR-ee-YAIR), proper noun. Definition: Bad-assery on skates
That hit on Talbot was some horseshit. I’m shocked he stayed in the game.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
I posted during the game that even in the NFL that hit would be illegal. I’m not sure what the refs were thinking. Even if they missed the hits, why continue play?
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 bloat deal
I better see a Shanabanhammer come down on that MF or Imma throw a shoe at somebody’s head. A pointy one!
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
I want to see the Shanahan press conference when HH shows up.
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 bloat deal
Sad that a guy would do that to the greatest ruler of any nation in the history of civilization. Ever.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 13, 2012 12:25 AM EST up reply actions
Also
I hope Bob asks for some really expensive, difficult to find beer…to answer the FB question.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
So, who remembers what one of our worries about the future were last year? Oh, that’s right, there were no solid prospects in AHL. Homer doesn’t seem to be very future-oriented, but he is a great talent evaluator, so he had to notice the debacle at Glens Falls. Thus, Read, Harry Z, and the trades for youth.
/Hoping the Flyers are done we complete roster makeovers for awhile, however
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 bloat deal
Look at the number of holes in the 12-13 roster, look at the cap space available, scratch head and realize nothing has changed.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 13, 2012 12:27 AM EST up reply actions
i usually don’t pay attention to the capgeek-related discussions, so sorry if this has been covered. What’s the expected cost to keep Carle (at 3.4 now) and Voracek (at 2.25 now)?
Looks like JvRs raise would get paid for by dropped contracts of Laperriere, Betts and Zolnierczyk, so only one guy who’s actually playing.
/s, more often than not
by flyersfaninchicago on Jan 13, 2012 12:41 AM EST up reply actions
I see Carle’s minimum as Cobourn’s cap hit, but personally I think it goes higer because NHL GMs still rock out to inflated point totals and quite frankly I think Braydon gave us a bit of a discount.
You’ve also got Voracek and MAB going RFA. Will be interesting to see what happens with Jags.
I’m not saying there will be a fire sale or anything like that, I’m just saying for the (every year ever)th straight year we will have little if any cap space.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 13, 2012 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
Jagr can’t return to this team. Harry Z will be resigned for cheap likely. Voracek should get into the 3’s, and Carle into the high 4’s or low 5’s.
The money would come from Pronger. That’s the only place it can come from in the current lineup.
I love Jagr, but unless he wants a lot less, he’s a liability. I don’t want to gamble on Jagr short term and lose Carle and Voracek long term.
Things will change if a trade happens. I think a trade will only HURT this team, and the thought of it scares me. Unless we can significantly improve while shedding cap, a trade will only complicate things. In fact, the only real way out of this is Bryzgalov.
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
Yep pretty much agreed. I really don’t get the whole re-sign Jagr and let Voracek walk. Jags is, at this stage of his career, fairly injury-prone, so it’s a risk to go with Jagr in the first place. But even if we say Jagr has a good season next season, I’d much rather have 5 years of Voracek than just 1 extra year of a 40-year-old Jagr.
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 Jan 13, 2012 1:42 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I’m not saying we should re-sign Jags or anything. If we can do it I think keeping that line together is a good thing, if not… oh well.
Formerly... "You don't have to be sweet, to be good"
by Ed Van Chimp on Jan 13, 2012 2:12 AM EST up reply actions
Same, as good as Jagr is this season for us and I think his experience is valuable to such a young team, his groin injuries scare me and Voracek is playing really good hockey right now in all situations.
by Anders Jensen on Jan 13, 2012 3:53 AM EST up reply actions
Looks like JvRs raise would get paid for by dropped contracts of Laperriere, Betts and Zolnierczyk, so only one guy who’s actually playing.
Laperriere and Betts are on LTIR, which means they sort of don’t count against the cap (or more precisely that the team can go over the cap by the amount of their cap hits). It won’t really affect things when they come off the cap.
@BSH_EricT
Writer at Broad Street Hockey
So the guys on LTIR and next year’s increase in the cap will pay for the raises to JvR and Coburn. That leaves Jagr and Carle as UFAs and Voracek, Bourdon and Zolnierczyk as RFAs with $10.76m in spending money from those five contracts.
So the big moving parts are:
Does Pronger come back on?
What does Carle command on the market?
Does Jagr want to play another year?
Does Voracek get a sweet offer sheet?
Hard to see any scenario in which we get to keep more than two of those four, and not both Carle and Pronger because that leaves too little for legit fourth-line forwards and a couple of spares.
Unless one of the NMC guys goes or Meszaros, which is the highest contract (4m) without a NMC.
I’ve been resisting the day I start getting interested in this.
/s, more often than not
by flyersfaninchicago on Jan 13, 2012 2:02 AM EST up reply actions
Good win tonight!
Bob should get the start on Saturday.
If the trade rumor is true, Shinn from Toronto for JVR? I don’t like it.
I let the rookies play the whole season and see what happens. Fix the defense in the off season.
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