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

* According to a report, the January 19 opening day would feature rivalry games, including Penguins/Flyers: [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] [Puck Daddy]

* The Phantoms' first half was not good, but there's always hope: [Philadelphia Flyers]

* On Marcel Noebels and hockey in Germany: [The Saratogian]

* Future Penn State goaltender Eamon McAdam was one of four goalies named to the second annual USHL/NHL Top Prospects game: [Thank You Terry]

* Looking at the current argument over the 2013-14 salary cap and what it means for escrow: [Puck Daddy]

* Arguing that it was the owners' initial proposal that solidified the NHLPA's support for Donald Fehr: [The Globe and Mail]

* Crazy ideas for a shortened season: [Battle of California]

* A European perspective on the lockout: [Flyers Faithful]

* Arguing that Canada should be opposed to sending NHLers to the Olympics: [Winging It In Motown]

* Two Reading Royals were selected to start the ECHL All-Star Game: [Flyers Faithful]

* Video from the Indoor Winter Classic: [Puck Daddy]

* NBC Sports Network is struggling mightily to get even 200,000 viewers: [Awful Announcing] [Deadspin]

* A video explaining every hockey fan, ever: [Backhand Shelf]

* The NHL's year in review: [Down Goes Brown]