Wednesday Morning Fly By: Winter Classic Post-Mortem
by Geoff Detweiler on Jan 4, 2012 6:00 AM EST
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Today's open discussion thread, complete with your daily dose of Philadelphia Flyers-related news and notes...
- The Winter Classic was the lowest-rated game in the event's history: [Frequent Flyers] [Puck Daddy] [delcotimes.com]
- Five reasons the game will bounce back next year: [Puck The Media]
- It's pretty much a done deal that Detroit gets the next Winter Classic. What happens after that? [Puck Daddy]
- Looking ahead to tomorrow's game against Chicago: [CSNPhilly]
- Allentown has begun demolishing buildings for the Phantoms new arena: [mcall.com]
- Michael Leighton will start the AHL Classic, and injury updates on Tom Sestito and Erik Gustafsson: [Phantoms Forum]
- More Phoenix to Seattle talk: [Puck Daddy]
- NHL Power Rankings for this week shows L.A. make a move: [SB Nation Philly]
- Tragic news out of Minnesota as a high school hockey player has a severed spinal cord after being hit twice along the boards: [MyFoxTwinCities]
- Rene Bourque with a blatant elbow to the face of Nicklas Backstrom, similar to Ville Leino on Matt Read: [Puck Daddy]
- Looking at 40+ year old goalies and Dwayne Roloson: [Brodeur is a Fraud]
- A graphical (did I use it right this time?) look at PDO streaks and how shooting/save percentages converge toward the mean: [Arctic Ice Hockey]
- Inside Gary Bettman's New Year's Eve party: [Down Goes Brown]
- Lastly, a fantastic article on Gary Bettman, the Winter Classic, and NBC. Absolutely worth your time: [Deadspin]
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Seattle not having a NHL team has never sat right with me. That city needs to get a real arena built ASAP. One of the biggest cities in the country and it only has a crappy baseball team??
It's in his wheelhouse!!
Carlos Ruiz, My Nickname is Chooch.
And a soccer team that sells more tickets per game than 25 MLB teams.
Flyers, Phillies, Union, Eagles, Phantoms, Wings.
That’s crazy, but I’m not completely surprised either.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, they basically hit a perfect storm of pent up demand for more sports, the Sonics being stolen away, and the massive boost soccer got from the surprise Confed Cup run and World cup.
They also easily be one of the top 5 teams for attendance in any country other than England, where they’d be 8th, and Germany, where they’d be 13th.
Flyers, Phillies, Union, Eagles, Phantoms, Wings.
I knew they were popular. Didn’t realize they were that popular. Or is baseball really not that popular anymore?
Ed Snider is a crotchety old fuck.
That is all.
Well, it’s that soccer has 17 home games, mostly on weekend afternoons, and baseball has 81, more than half of which are on weeknights.. I’d be curious to see what MLB attendance looks like counting just Fri/Sat/Sun games.
Flyers, Phillies, Union, Eagles, Phantoms, Wings.
Sounders fans are easily some of the best in MLS. Kasey Keller’s last game drew over 60k people to the stadium.
"Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"
by PraiseMartyMoose on Jan 4, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Nah, the Mariners just suck.
When Griffey and A-Rod were still around, they were pretty big.
This station is non-operational
IT'S TEBOW TIME!
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One of the biggest cities
I think this is an exaggeration. Seattle is the 23rd biggest city, and there are ten larger cities that don’t have a hockey team. Many of those are in the south, but I don’t hear anyone screaming that Baltimore or Indianapolis need to have a hockey team.
With that being said, the Seattle-Tacoma area (at 15th) is the second-largest metropolitan area without a hockey team. But I don’t think it’s egregious that the 15th largest metropolitan area doesn’t have all four sports, and again, Baltimore is just a smidge behind.
I do think Seattle would be a good place for a team, but it’s not a particularly large market.
@BSH_EricT
Writer at Broad Street Hockey
Baltimore is so close to DC, but I guess that’s just how the East Coast is. They’ve already got two football and two baseball teams in close proximity, and they both draw their separate fan bases. (Though both baseball teams and one of the football teams suck…) I haven’t been to Seattle, but for some reason I feel like hockey would be more popular there than in Baltimore or Indianapolis. Probably just the climate.
It’s funny, but growing up close to Philly and now living near Baltimore/DC, I’m always disappointed at how little people seem to care about the Caps down here. There are a good number of fans who have followed them for a long time, and a good number of fans who got interested once they signed Ovie and got better, and some of them are pretty serious, but it’s still nothing like Flyers fans. Philadelphia is really a special place.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
I think the point is that it’s a large market with potential for hockey viewership. Houston only has an AHL team and it’s probably better left that way. We also know what happened in Atlanta, twice. Bigger metro areas, but with no hockey market.
I think the potential in Seattle expands from the fact that there is nothing remotely close for a hockey fan, except Vancouver, which is a separate country. I don’t know if that impacts people or not, but if I were growing up in Seattle, I don’t know if there would be much choice other than Vancouver. It gets even worse for Portland, as they aren’t really within driving distance of any hockey teams.
I think the biggest thing is the potential to draw viewers from further away than the immediate metro area. This is something that Houston has going against it, as fans there can still tune in to the Stars. In the south, I think the teams consolidate larger distances because there is less interest in the sport.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
It gets even worse for Portland, as they aren’t really within driving distance of any hockey teams.
It’s true, the West Coast is humongous big.
But I agree, a team in Seattle/Portland would draw fans from outside the metro area. While Baltimore, on the other hand, might not since it is so close to other metro areas that have their own team and cities in the south might not since there is less general interest in the sport.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
My sister lives in Portland now and I had to laugh when she said something to me about the Trailblazers beating the Sixers, because I responded with “let me know when a Portland team beats the Flyers.”
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
Seattle also doesn’t have an NHL-caliber arena. Key only seats 11k for hockey, more than 3k smaller than the smallest current NHL arena.
Bob.
by The Dark on Jan 4, 2012 1:19 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
And the sightlines would be awful for hockey.
That’s the major impediment, as I see it. Seattle is a market with disposable income, Canadian transplants, some large neighbors that could expand the market, and a good track record for supporting their sports teams. But Key Arena should not be an option.
Keeping alive the old Vaudeville joke, "I'd rather be dead than play Philadelphia."
You linked to city population, which is based on the arbitrary political lines that are city limits. Even “metropolitan area” is very subjective and political.
Nielsen markets are a better way to look at things, and their Seattle is 13th: http://www.nielsen.com/content/dam/corporate/us/en/public%20factsheets/tv/2010-2011%20DMA%20Ranks.pdf
Flyers, Phillies, Union, Eagles, Phantoms, Wings.
I don’t think it will happen but what about Portland? They already have a good arena with the Rose Garden & have a minor league hockey team there. They got a soccer team last year I think but hockey would be better I think because it would be easier for me to see the Flyers(yes I’m taking the selfish point of view)
The Legend
I’ve been stumping for Portland around here for a little while. Unlike Seattle, they have the largest hockey-capable arena not currently hosting an NHL team, so if the fanbase is there, there are seats for the butts. It’s also pretty much as good as Seattle geographically, being slightly further from Vancouver but correspondingly closer to LA. I like Portland as a potential NHL city.
Bob.
I really wasn’t paying attention to that paralyzed kid story until I realized it involved my old high school. I wish the guy the absolute best recovery.
DGB
Bettman: Everyone have some champagne. The Canucks were nice enough to bring forty years’ worth of unopened bottles.
Funniest hockey website going.
"Can I refill your eggnog for you? Get you something to eat? Drive you out to the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?"
by PraiseMartyMoose on Jan 4, 2012 8:49 AM EST reply actions
I will interested to see if there is a hangover effect on both the rangers and Flyers post winter classic/24-7. Hopefully only the rangers.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
by MJDII on Jan 4, 2012 9:37 AM EST via mobile reply actions
whelp, assuming I used the right stats to calculate this:
Flyers PDO: 100.4
Rangers PDO: 104.1
which would mean we are more likely to sustain our level play while they should regress?
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
by coheedandtbs on Jan 4, 2012 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Was ist das?
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
From Raw Charge – pretty interesting stuff.
Also this from Arctic Ice Hockey.
I THINK I used the right stats here. Assuming I did, and after reading that Arctic Ice Hockey article, they should regress considering the highest PDO over the past 4 seasons was 1037
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
by coheedandtbs on Jan 4, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
That Deadspin article is long, but pretty interesting. Especially the comments towards the end about Crosby, shootouts and concussions, and casual and die-hard fans.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Ross Greenburg’s first project for NBC, a documentary on the Soviet-Canadian 1972 Summit Series.
I’m glad someone, somewhere, mentioned this. I saw most of it and wanted to recommend it to others. Great footage, commentary, interviews, etc. I’ll have to see if a rerun of it is scheduled on NBCSports.
It’s running again on Sunday night, and then I believe Wednesday and Thursday nights. I had the same reaction so I checked the schedule as soon as it was over. It’s fantastic and there were things I didn’t know. Eagleson in Moscow, etc.
/s, more often than not
by flyersfaninchicago on Jan 4, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
I think Detroit should host a Winter Classic and play the Avs/St. Louis/a California team, if not a Canadian team.
Also, wasn’t there the “Heritage Classic” that involved Canadian teams, or am I going crazy?!
I wonder if the WC could evolve like the Super Bowl where commercials are expensive for a 30 second spot cause that might attract more “casual” fans who only watch for the commercials and it could turn into a social event similar to Super Bowl parties.
/I hope my thoughts are making sense right now!
www.southpawcurve.blogspot.com - check out my baseball blog!!
Also, wasn’t there the "Heritage Classic" that involved Canadian teams, or am I going crazy?!
Yeah, Habs at Calgary
This station is non-operational
IT'S TEBOW TIME!
On the twitterverse
That was last year, there was also one in 2003. It was Habs at Edmonton.
This station is non-operational
IT'S TEBOW TIME!
On the twitterverse
Detroit/Avs would be a good matchup. Or maybe San Jose or Dallas. But it’s hard for me to say because I just love watching hockey and would happily watch any of those games. :-p
There is a Heritage Classic, but it’s not every year. There isn’t one this year.
Honestly, the Winter Classic becoming like the Super Bowl sounds a little dangerous to me. While I do enjoy some of the ads, and watching the ads was how I first got into watching the Super Bowl, I’ve become increasingly irritated in recent years at how frequent the commercial breaks are. That goes for any televised football game, really. (Or the NCAA tournament at the end of a close game.) It seems like you’ll watch one play, then go to commercial, watch one play, go to commercial. And sometimes you even miss plays (sometimes when points are scored!) while they are showing commercials. The ads can be good and have potential to draw more casual fans, but you have to be careful not to do it at the expense of the game action.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Pulling that thread a little farther, one of my favorite things about the World Cup is that there are no commercial breaks, it is non-stop game action. :-p
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
I don’t know how tv businesses are structured in Europe, but I remember sitting through playoff games and the super bowl and there were no commercial breaks, not even at halftime. I don’t understand how they make that work. I guess they have other forms of revenue than advertising.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
I wonder if many European TV networks are related to the government of its respective country or are public access stations, like PBS. Like is BBC a private company, or is it connected to the government somehow? When I was in Slovenia last summer, I think their channels were just called TV Slovenia 1, TV Slovenia 2, etc. Hmm, I’ll see what I can find.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Well there’s this…
The BBC is an autonomous public service broadcaster that operates under a Royal Charter and a Licence and Agreement from the Home Secretary. Within the United Kingdom its work is funded principally by an annual television licence fee, which is charged to all British households, companies and organisations using any type of equipment to record and/or receive live television broadcasts; the level of the fee is set annually by the British Government and agreed by Parliament.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Same for Slovenia:
Radiotelevizija Slovenija – usually abbreviated to RTV Slovenija – is Slovenia’s national public broadcasting organization. … Approximately 73% of RTV Slovenija’s funding comes from television licence fees.Sidenote: They’d never get away with that logo in the US.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Wow, yea, people would freak. I think it was the same case in Denmark where I was watching. The channel must have been run by the government because it showed a little bit of everything.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
I’m still bitter about not being able to find a pint of Schweddy Balls for my wife this Christmas because some ultra-conservative group was offended by the name. We’re so prudish in this country sometimes…
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Yea, that’s absurd. I can’t imagine what goes through people’s heads sometimes.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
That could be a great liberal campaign slogan: “I’m an American and I’m not afraid of seeing boobs!”
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
But damn, can you imagine the campaign rallies?
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
They would be glorious, or so I imagine.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
I had some. It was disappointing.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
Also, try Wegmans if near you. I saw it there very recently.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
Nice, we do have a couple of those now, but I didn’t go that far looking for it.
I told my wife that I couldn’t find it and why, and she suggested we just make our own. :-p
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Yours probably will taste better anyway. I’m telling you; it wasn’t that good. I expected more.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
(tee hee)
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
It’s impossible to avoid the “TWSS” with a food called “Schweddy Balls.” Double entendres abound!
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
seriously ive never understood sculptures people make like that, i mean if it modeled after somebody why not at least make them feel good about themselves the ones in italy the ones here, just insulting if it were me
Beets,Bears,Battlestar Galactica.
MICHAEL!
Political Correctness - the belief that one can pick up a turd by the clean end.
I completely agree with you about the ads/breaks… I’m not in favor of tons of commercial breaks (which is why I can barely watch football) cause I feel like right when I get into the game/play, it cuts to a commercial. Personally, I don’t want the Winter Classic to become like the Super Bowl, but reading all of the media articles/trying to draw in casual fans narratives, I thought of it.
www.southpawcurve.blogspot.com - check out my baseball blog!!
The NHL has been such a poor sister for so long that to have a marketing success such as the WC which gives the league a marquee day is worth screwing up one game with all its inevitable compromises . I know there are diehard fans who don’t want to change the game at all to grow the audience and pull in the casual fan (though this discussion is usually about fighting rather than bowing to $$$). I have the same immediate reaction even though I know it’s retro. My vision of success has more to do with how many kids get to grow up with the chance to play hockey alongside the other sports and how many grownups are able to find multiple rinks within a reasonable drive to play in leagues and watch high school. I know this is driven more by climate than by a widespread adoption of NHL hockey but it wouldn’t hurt. I lived in Boulder for awhile and I loved how many places I could play. Apparently the Avalanche coming to town definitely had an impact.
/s, more often than not
by flyersfaninchicago on Jan 4, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, I think it’s a wealth issue too… it reminds me of skiing in that sense. It’s like “whose family can afford the mountain ski house so we can go on weekend trips?” For hockey it’s, “whose family can fun the pads/club teams so my child can learn how to play?” Where I grew up, playing football and soccer were more popular than hockey. I’m from Boston and I never watched the B’s, but also, no one talked about the B’s at school, but the Sox and Pats were always mentioned.
www.southpawcurve.blogspot.com - check out my baseball blog!!
I read this article by Craig Custance & he brings up an interesting point if the new CBA has a amnesty in it do we use it on Bryz instead of Pronger?
What do you guys think of the trades so far that led to Bryz coming here? The young guys we got have been alright, it got us out of long term contracts with Richards & Carter & if they were still here does G have this kind of year?. The bad part we gave Bryz a long contract with a no movement clause & got rid of Richards & Carter
The Legend
Considering that Pronger has a 35+ contract (with 5 more years on it) and Bryz doesn’t, and that Pronger has a very serious injury that he may not come back from and Bryz doesn’t, I’d rather use that amnesty on Pronger than Bryz. Of course, I don’t know any of the details of the CBA, so it might not even be possible to amnesty a 35+. Who knows. I’m not ready to give up on Bryz yet. Give the guy a chance, goodness. He’s been here for a half a season, and people are calling to get rid of him already.
I heart our rookies.
"Who's more crazy? Who's more...weird?"
by LeepinLizardz on Jan 4, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
While I agree that it is way too early to say anything about Bryz, I think some of us who wanted a Bob+? tandem for this year would prefer Pronger on LTIR than Bryz eating up 9% of the salary cap, regardless of how he is playing.
IF, and that’s big if, there is a possibility to remove one contract this offseason, I’m not sure which I would do. Neither contract ever looked really good.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
So many bad contracts to choose from…
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
This is the worst part. It’s not like we have one bad contract to pick from, but too many choices.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
While I agree that it is way too early to say anything about Bryz, I think some of us who wanted a Bob+? tandem for this year would prefer Pronger on LTIR than Bryz eating up 9% of the salary cap, regardless of how he is playing.
I agree with this entirely.
Or, pocket the amnesty for now. I’m sure we’ll need it in the future, too.
Keeping alive the old Vaudeville joke, "I'd rather be dead than play Philadelphia."
I’m not ready to give up on Bryz either but if he continues to play like this & Bob continues to play like he has, Bryz’s contract would probably get the nod for me because he has a no movement clause+8years & we can just put Pronger on LTIR
The Legend
I have to agree with you here. I was never a fan of getting Bryzgalov here in the first place, I thought Bob would be able to handle it and get better as time goes on, and he is showing just that.
If we could only shed one, I’d go with Bryz too since as you said LTIR Pronger (If he never comes back, but I have a feeling he may). It’s better for the team, cap hit, and we can keep Bob (because I am so worried we won’t be able to keep him past the end of his current contract unless we can somehow shed Bryz’s or there’s a way to get around the cap).
#1 Flyers Fan in New York
Definitely Bryz. One has to separate one’s opinion on his performance from the fact that it’s a bad contract, one that no team should give to any goalie anywhere.
It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.
Now if he can be bought out, then resigned for the difference between the annual buyout amount and the annual cap hit, Homer might be on to something. Granted, Bryz at a cap hit of $2 million+/ year for 18 years doesn’t sound good either………meh. Good God, there’s no escaping it!
If this Bryz thing totally blows up it’s got to be the nail in Holmgren’s coffin, right? Even Clarke got axed twice, holmgren can’t escape this one, can he? I mean other then amnesty clause, which even know the Flyers print money have to mad about.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
I put responsibility for signing Bryz entirely on Snider. And he likely won’t live long enough to see it through, which is possibly why he insisted on it. People do some odd things when they give more thought to their own mortality.
Homer gets 99% of a pass on this from me. If Homer hadn’t signed Bryz it’s possible Snider would have fired him for that.
Right, but that’s the guy that gets to do the firing. It can’t possibly be his fault.
Keeping alive the old Vaudeville joke, "I'd rather be dead than play Philadelphia."
Eh, I am sure Snider pounded on the table and said “goaltending Dammit!”. But he is a business man and he let’s people do their jobs. It’s not even his money anymore, so even Snider had to be scratching his head after that one. And truthfully we give too much credit and blame to Holmgren for managing contracts and the cap. He is not the person figuring these things out, so when the parties involved came to him and laid it out, he was an onlooker. In the grand scheme of things I really believe Holmgren is a figure head. He led the league in penalties and fighting, mensa was not knocking on his door.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Like the others have said how is this Homers fault? Snider demanded a new goalie & Homer got him one. If Snider doesn’t is Bryz even on the team?
The Legend
Homer is responsible for putting the personnel on the ice that will win. You aren’t free from blame for a mistake in the business world just because superiors demanded it.
Keeping alive the old Vaudeville joke, "I'd rather be dead than play Philadelphia."
Yea right. Get me goaltending doesn’t exactly mean bury our asses for 9 years on a bad contract and a head case.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
But…….I thought a bigger price tag meant a better product!!
Step 1: $$$$
Step 2: ?
Step 3: STANLEY CUP
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
No you have it all wrong.
The nicer the face mask the better the product.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Bingo!
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Right. Nor for the dereliction of duty by one’s underlings. That’s why I said 99% of a pass. I think he could have told Snider off, but it would cost Homer his job.
At least he did pick a goalie under 35
….and in actuality he signed a Goalie who could very easily be sent to Russia on loan and the cap hit disappears
in actuality he signed a Goalie who could very easily be sent to Russia on loan and the cap hit disappears
That’s why the No Movement Clause makes no sense. Were that many teams really trying to land Bryz that they had to throw that in there too?
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
It gives Bryz a say as to which KHL team he would go to if he and the FO wished to go down that road
I wonder if they have something like that worked out already, like a limited clause.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, I guess I still don’t understand how the price was so high, and term so long, and the Flyers’ FO still had to offer the NMC on top of all of that. Do you know if that is just becoming standard for long term contracts?
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
I think the fact that the KHL is such a viable option for both parties if things dont work out in Philly is a reason they were OK with such a humongous big contract
However I am sure Bryz wats to make sure he isn’t stuck in bumblefuck Siberia
(where the only good thing around is the beautiful dogs)
So the NMC ensures he has a say as to where he goes once it is time for him to go back home
Yea definitely makes sense from Bryz’s point of view.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmm...
Report saying Carcillo waived his right for in person hearing which means suspension COULD be longer than 5 games.
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
Is it weird that I’m closely monitering my Twitter feed, in anticipation for what will probably be a pretty epic Shanahan video?
I heart our rookies.
"Who's more crazy? Who's more...weird?"
by LeepinLizardz on Jan 4, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Who wants to set the over/under?
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
3 games
And I’m taking the under. It wasn’t that bad of a hit really. Its very common for players to make contact before getting to the puck in the corners, it happens in every game. Most of the time the forward loses because dmen are typically bigger better body checkers. Having said that Cillo freaking smoked him and its clearly a major boarding penalty that needs to be looked at by the league. But not just because its possibly suspension worthy but because this play litterally happens all the time and I’ve questioned it for many years. Maybe not to the extent that Carcillo hit him but body contact prior to anyone having posession is very common. Sometimes one of the guys get drilled, sometimes they just make contact and ride it into the boards, and sometimes it is a penalty but most of the time it is not.
There you have it, we’re set at 3.
I’ll take over, just because the first words out of the announcer’s mouth were “that’s a suspension!” The outcry over it kind of forces Shanahan to go high, whether it’s right or not.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
I agree with this. Because it’s Carcillo this one has gotten more headlines. And he is habitually reckless. I would take over, guessing 5.
/s, more often than not
by flyersfaninchicago on Jan 4, 2012 12:54 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I understand that part of it plus, like doubleh said, hes a repeat offender so it could over 3, not ruling it out. But I watched the hit a few times yesterday and it honestly reminded me of so many other hits that go totally uncalled. What if he doesn’t lose his balance and fly into the boards? Instead just crashes in really hard, is there a penalty then too? Sometimes, but most of the time that contact is initiated the defensman and goes uncalled.
for me it’s Carcillo’s choice near the end. His hands are up high, either one or two on the stick, and he gives him a shove that might have resulted in a roughing or high-stick or crosscheck penalty during normal play.
/s, more often than not
by flyersfaninchicago on Jan 4, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions
Over
He’s a repeat offender.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
8 is the floor in my mind
10 is what I’d place my bet on
16 and treatment which seemed to work for Cooke (co far) is in the ream of possibility
Hmmm, I wonder why, Sammy C...
Hearing Pronger is still feeling VERY down. Hasn’t been ready yet to meet with media since announcement he’d miss rest of yr. #Flyers
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
I’d be depressed, too. Bottom line is that most of these guys want to play because the love the game. If they aren’t competing, they don’t feel whole. Must totally suck.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
I wonder whether his brain troubles affect his daily life and interaction with his loved ones. The losses might be beyond hockey.
/s, more often than not
by flyersfaninchicago on Jan 4, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Oh, yeah, absolutely. Post-concussion syndrome can make people forget how to do normal, everyday things. Read about Andre Watters sometime. Many believe his depression/subsequent suicide was caused by severe brain damage brought on by multiple concussions.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
The only reason I pay any attention to ESPN anymore...
I was and still am pretty bitter at ESPN for snubbing the hockey players in their remembering athletes of 2011 tribute but they still have John Buccigross and man I love that guy. Anytime I see an article by him its an automatic read. Prior to the season he made some predictions and wow did he do a pretty damn good job. Predicted Seguin would lead the Bruins, Malkin battling for a scoring title again, and Bruce Budreau fired. He was off on a couple like Duchene and Chris Stewart but those are understandable, and he more than made up for it when he made some second half predictions and said this – Carolina Hurricanes: Kirk Muller will take a class to acquire a Southern accent. And this -Philadelphia Flyers: Will make the playoffs. (Are we good, Philly?)
Good stuff Bucci, much love.
OT Question!
I have a question for anyone. And everyone can spin it anyway they want to, by stats analysis, intangibles, etc.
Why does Tampa stink this year?
The personnel is virtually the same. Stamkos is doing what he does. The coach hasn’t all of a sudden forgotten how to coach. Yzerman is still god, I guess. Is it Rolloson became average and Garon is not a starter. Is the fall totally goaltending? This is just because I finally perused the box scores from last night and they got annihilated by the Leafs and sit pretty close the bottom of the conference.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
I’m ashamed that wasn’t the first thought that came to mind.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
My girlfriend, who knows almost nothing about hockey, asked me during the WC who my favorite player was and I think it’s still Gagne despite him no longer being a Flyer. At least that’s what I told her.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
hahaha – same boat here. My gf is completely oblivious to sports yet whenever I reference the flyers she mentions “gag-knee.” He very well may be the only philly athlete she knows and it’s all thanks to me
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
These girls make me sad.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
Eh she’s a graphic designer and extremely artsy fartsy so I try not to hold it against her. Plus she bought me an autographed “jer-rookz” jersey for christmas so I suppose it can slide.
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
Mine knit me a black and orange beanie for my birthday, when we’d only been dating for a few months, I guess that’s something, considering I’m not in Flyers’ territory.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
I’m artsy fartsy, too. Oh, well, to each his/her own. I just can’t stand when I see girls call sports stupid when they just don’t know anything about them or bother to learn.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
And that’s why we love you so much around here!
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Blushes. I am definitely NOT a puck bunny. I can admit some of the players are good looking, but that’s not my focus.
And I love the fighting. I rather enjoy violence. No permanent kind, mind you, but a little blood is awesome.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
Keep the pugilistic fondness under raps around here the masses tend to get a little testy about it.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
I don’t believe in employing a guy just to fight. I like fighting only within the context of the game, i.e. someone takes a run at G, I want his ass kicked pronto. This dropping the gloves at the dot just to liven up the game or whathaveyou is bullshit.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
You’re of a rare breed (and that’s not a slight towards you) I only know one or two girls who like sports and they’re definitely casual fans, ie couldn’t name the whole lineup even
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
Oh, believe me, I know. In my company, I’m known as the “girl who knows more about sports than most of the men”. I’m like a species at the zoo. They stand around and stare at me when I talk about the teams.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
by doubleh on Jan 4, 2012 1:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This is why you’re awesome.
Editor at SB Nation's Philadelphia Union blog, The Brotherly Game. Follow me on Twitter.
Pretty much.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
:-)
And I come here because this is the only place I can indulge in my love for sports since nobody else in my family will talk to me about it.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
I like coming here because people here know what they are talking about. I can talk flyers with my friends but most if it is recycled media garbage. A lot of my friends don’t understand some of my feelings towards Snider and blindly praise him for every single thing he does.
Plus I like learning about the stats ( <— math major)
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
I like to consider my wife part of that rare breed too. She may not follow hockey closely, and she’s no doubleh, but she’s into sports. And all the outdoor/active stuff we both like to do, that’s a huge plus.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
You can make the next open ice game and Jenn can Carcillo you.
being obnoxious and self righteous while ignoring the point since 9/29/11
Which is when, Don? I need more hockey!
Flyers Fans: We've survived Lock-outs, Lindros and Cooperalls. If you want to get rid of us, you'll have to split an atom or two.
by KreiderDesigns on Jan 4, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
I’m just agreeing with doubleh all day right now… I’m not that artsy though… I’m more into clothes/bags/shoes for when my “girly” side makes an appearance!
www.southpawcurve.blogspot.com - check out my baseball blog!!
I’m into that, too, girlfriend! I love sparkly things, too. But I hate jewelry commercials and the marketing campaign that forces men to invest large chunks of their salaries on diamond engagement rings. It’s a sham.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
Yes! I don’t wear jewelry and I hate the commercials too. I bought an awesome sparkly dress the other day!
www.southpawcurve.blogspot.com - check out my baseball blog!!
Yeah, I can buy my own diamonds thankyouverymuch. I don’t have to, though, because the fakes are so well made nowadays.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
As a guy I actually enjoy jewelry shopping. I like being able to buy a special gift every now and then, especially because my better half is the kind of person that will never spend that kind of money on herself. However, those special gifts have been split between jewelry and surprise vacations that we can both enjoy. On the whole though I jewelry/diamonds, actually I kind of enjoy them. Better to spend it on jewelry than a handbag IMO.
being obnoxious and self righteous while ignoring the point since 9/29/11
I’d rather have the handbag, but again, I buy it for myself generally. The jewelry is nice, don’t get me wrong, but only when it’s special (i.e. not one of those generic “eternity pendants” or whatever the hell else they’re pushing these days) and doesn’t cost a fricken fortune.
I just think that money could be better applied elsewhere, like a vacation or tickets to see my favorite hockey team play. Wink, wink.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
I’m anti those pendants and whatever those bracelets are you see everywhere, they’re both ugly. But yeah, they are always special gifts, like I said, my special gifts are either jewelry or trips. Two years ago it was jewelry, last year it was a trip, this year it was jewelry. I would never spend that kind of money of a handbag, those she can buy herself.
being obnoxious and self righteous while ignoring the point since 9/29/11
I was hoping I could get her to watch a few games and get interested, but no luck.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
One thing I’ve found is no matter how much I watch games with her, it usually ends with her surfing the web and me yelling at the tv. However…she loves GOING to games so try that?
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
Yea, that’s definitely the next step. I don’t think she’s ever been to see an NHL game, but she went to school in Providence so she saw the baby Bruins a few times.
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
My wife definitely likes watching in person far better than TV. But she hates the fighting. So she’s not a fan of the Flyers due to the Broad Street Bullies reputation. (Well, and they’re not our local team, the Caps are.) Also not big on orange. Though she did say that the WC jerseys looked really nice.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
No, we don’t get HBO.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
I told mine I was watching 24/7 and she said, “Jeez, you watch so much tv.” Then when I explained it was a hockey thing, she was like, “Oh, right, I should have known.”
by hebrew hammer on Jan 4, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
I have this issue with my husband. He falls asleep during games.
I heart our rookies.
"Who's more crazy? Who's more...weird?"
by LeepinLizardz on Jan 4, 2012 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
My husband fell asleep during the Alumni Game…and we were AT the game.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
hahahaha, HOW? I also went and was on the edge of my seat despite it being a game of oldies. Maybe it was the thrill of feeling like a kid again watching Lindros, Leclair, and Recchi play together mixed with the champagne and beer I enjoyed in the parking lot
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
No Brad Richards?
I heart our rookies.
"Who's more crazy? Who's more...weird?"
by LeepinLizardz on Jan 4, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions
For the last 7 years?
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Obviously.
I heart our rookies.
"Who's more crazy? Who's more...weird?"
by LeepinLizardz on Jan 4, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
Without doing any real digging
No, it’s not the goaltending.
Last year they were third-best in Fenwick in situations where the score is close enough that there’s no significant score effects. This year they are 24th.
They’ve gone from being an elite team in possession skills to a bad one. I don’t have time right now to do the digging to figure out why that is, but that’s a huge change.
@BSH_EricT
Writer at Broad Street Hockey
It just seems awful coincidental that Rolloson is not playing out of his mind and the personnel is very similar. Not that you can expect lights out goaltending but without it they are in utter free fall.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Sooo...
My Rags friend said the Flyers lost the game because of bad goaltending. He used to be a coach. I thought he would be smarter than that.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
The problem is both of you have Rags friends’. WTF! Keep them close, you know the saying.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
I have Debbie and Pengween friends, too. It’s brutal.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
The burden of living in the NE! There are alllways Pens/Rags/Devs/Caps friends. I go to school in Philly and therefore know at least one of each. I live with a NJD fan right now, though I must say it must be harder for him than I.
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
There’s always fewer of them. Hell, I know more NYI fans than Debbie fans.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
wow! that’s actually one fan I have yet to meet.
Though…maybe I have met one and they are just very, very ashamed.
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
Wait….There are still people claiming to be Devils fans? They all haven’t moved back over to the Rangers?
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Sorry, sorry, sorry. He was a Devils fan. He’s since jumped bandwagons
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
How old is he? Because unless he is like 20 he could not have been a lifelong Devils fan, which means he jumped off the Rangers wagon on to the Devils wagon in the first place.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
The one I know is lifelong and in his late 20’s. He’s a good guy, though, also a Met/Giant fan—never talks trash—a few years ago he agreed to root for the Phils in the WS if I rooted for the NYG in the Superbowl (I hate the Pats, so it was a fair trade) and we both got what we wanted that year.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
Hey, guys. Twitter says Ray Emery will be in net tomorrow for the Blackhawks. That’s pretty cool, huh.
I heart our rookies.
"Who's more crazy? Who's more...weird?"
Anyone catch the Russia/Canada game last night? I went to bed a bit early and my roommate woke me up to watch the last period. WOW what an effort by Canada
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
I tried but just couldn’t hang on. Fell asleep after the first period. BUT……it’s being rebroadcast today at 3pm.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Oh I didn’t know this, thanks for letting me know I’ll have to ask someone to tape it for me so I can watch the whole thing. Do you know if it’s being rebroadcast at all this weekend?
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
Yes. I watched both games yesterday. Both really good games.
I’m happy that Canada lost though. It was fun to watch so long as they didn’t come back all the way.
Flyers Fans: We've survived Lock-outs, Lindros and Cooperalls. If you want to get rid of us, you'll have to split an atom or two.
by KreiderDesigns on Jan 4, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
I felt the same way until the last 5 minutes when I realized I really wanted Canada to win after all. They finished ridiculously hard, it’s a shame they didn’t at least take it to OT.
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
Meh. I can’t get over Canada’s ginormous egos and sense of entitlement when it comes to international competitions. Plus I was still kind of ticked that my Fins lost by a hair in the shootout.
What really angered me was the way Russia celebrated at the end of the game. They were jumping and going nuts like they just won the cup or something. They were minutes, maybe even seconds away from blowing a 5 goal lead in one period and they acted like they were clear winners.
Either way GO SWEDEN for the final!!
Flyers Fans: We've survived Lock-outs, Lindros and Cooperalls. If you want to get rid of us, you'll have to split an atom or two.
by KreiderDesigns on Jan 4, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
I know what you mean about the egos, I feel the same. However, I think what made me change my mind was how hard they played for the win despite being down 6-1.
The shootout loss sucks too, I watched that as well. What a poor way to lose…
Russia also angered me a bit, though I understand why they’d be so excited about the win considering their history with Canada
Proud provider of the PECO Power Play.
Mr. Glass did it again: http://deadspin.com/5873016/rick-dipietro-gets-injured-while-on-injured-reserve
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
That could be us in 5 years.
"I wouldn’t run if there was a fire. I wouldn’t run anywhere. I hate running." - O. Munn
Both our goalies have already played more games this year than DiPietro has for the Islanders his entire career
I read a comment today that blew my mind
I always find it funny that Lundqvist was drafted 205th the same year DiPietro was drafted first
-rockerlkj on reddit
Except our guy will not be hurt, just lost in the pine barrens somewhere
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
We should resign LaForest, because then the next time Bryz gets lost, we’ll be able to find him with Trees.
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
Hockey stuff:
Read will take Jagr’s place it looks like.
THAT IS AWESOME!!!
Flyers Fans: We've survived Lock-outs, Lindros and Cooperalls. If you want to get rid of us, you'll have to split an atom or two.
Dude easy on the “hockey stuff”! Don is talking women’s jewelry above.
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Thanks for keeping order here M.
being obnoxious and self righteous while ignoring the point since 9/29/11
I do what I can. Friggin Kreider!
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Plus we all know it’s not my looks that keep Jenn around.
being obnoxious and self righteous while ignoring the point since 9/29/11
That’s right, she likes his jewels.
Lightning strikes once, Hextall strikes twice!
"I think there is virtue in pissing off idiots." - Fehr and Balanced
Of all people!
Commenter formerly known as M from Pdaddy, but still just Call Me "M"!
DISCLAIMER: Information written above may not be entirely factual nor provable with the use of complex statistics. But it may induce thought, humor and possibly laughter.
Apologies if someone has already posted this video of Don Cherry playing piano.
/s, more often than not
by flyersfaninchicago on Jan 4, 2012 5:45 PM EST reply actions
We Don't Have Johan Backlund to Kick Around Anymore
Goaltender Johan Backlund has apparently struck an agreement to play elsewhere. He left the Phantoms following the game.
I don’t have details on where Backlund is headed. He slipped away before I could ask him.
Per McManus’ Twitter feed after the Phantoms game tonight.
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