Fist Pumpin' Out of Philly
Danny Briere's classic "fist pump" celebration. Photo courtesy of: http://www.rantsports.com/clubhouse/2012/10/18/top-30-celebrations-in-sports-today/
I sit here writing this post wearing a large, black, number 48, Danny Briere Philadelphia Flyers shirt. It is only fitting that this was the shirt I chose to pick out before I sat down to type what I have to say today.
On July 1st, 2007, Danny Briere became a member of the Philadelphia Flyers by signing an eight year, 52 million dollar contract.
The Philadelphia Flyers should amnesty Danny Briere before the 2013-14 NHL regular season. After spending six sub par seasons in Philadelphia and now that the Flyers have the ability to amnesty two players from the new Collective Bargaining agreement, Briere should be let go.
Heres why:
1. Age
Briere turns 36 October 6th, and in today's NHL that is almost ancient. Obviously, as players age, their production slowly reduces as in the case with Briere.
2. Lack of Production
Let's check out Briere's numbers with the six years he's spent in Orange and Black, as well as his last year in Buffalo.
Regular Season Statistics:
2006-07 – Buffalo Sabres – 81 games played – 32 goals – 63 – assists – 95 points – Plus / Minus of 17
This was his best year offensively as he finished 10th in the league in points. After this massive year, Briere hit free agency and signed his deal with the Flyers.
Signed with Philadelphia 2007.
2007-08 – 79 games played – 31 goals – 41 assists – 72 points – Plus / Minus of -22
2008-09 - 29 games played – 11 goals – 14 assists – 25 points – Plus / Minus of -1
2009-10 - 75 games played – 26 goals – 27 assists – 53 points – Plus / Minus of -2
2010-11 - 77 games played – 34 goals – 34 assists – 68 points – Plus / Minus of 20
2011-12 - 70 games played – 16 goals – 33 assists – 49 points – Plus / Minus of 5
2012-13 - 34 games played – 6 goals – 10 assists – 16 points – Plus / Minus of -13
TOTAL – 364 games played – 124 goals – 159 assists – 283 points – Plus / Minus of -13
AVERGAGE – 60.1 games played – 20.1 goals – 26.5 assists – 46.6 points
Briere has never been even close to registering 95 points with the Flyers. His highest point total in the regular season with Philly was his first year when he posted 31 goals, 41 assists for 72 points.
Those statistics are not worth his contract.
One can argue that if Briere has such a stellar post-season statistics that it should not matter if he has sub-par regular season statistics. Let's breakdown his stats:
Playoff Statistics:
Again, we will begin with his last season in Buffalo when he had a monster regular season, finishing with 95 points.
2006-07 – Buffalo Sabres -16 games played – 3 goals – 12 assists – 15 points – Plus / Minus of 3
With Philadelphia
2007-08 – 17 games played – 9 goals – 7 assists – 16 points – Plus / Minus of - 3
2008-09 – 6 games played – 1 goals – 3 assists – 4 points - Plus / Minus of - 1
2009-10 – 23 games played – 12 goals – 18 assists – 30 points - Plus / Minus of 9 (Cup Final Year)
2010-11 – 11 games played – 7 goals – 2 assists – 9 points - Plus / Minus of - 7
2011-12 – 11 games played – 8 goals – 5 assists – 13 points - Plus / Minus of – 6
TOTAL – 68 games played – 37 goals – 35 assists - 72 points
AVERAGE – 13.5 games played – 7.4 goals – 7 assists – 14.4 points
There are no 2012-2013 playoff statistics for Danny Briere because the Flyers failed to make the playoffs.
As one can see, Briere is lethal in the playoffs. He averages a bit over a point per game and has proven to be extremely clutch when the game is on the line. Yet, he only averaged 46.6 points a year with the Flyers in the regular season. He has not played up to the size of his 8 year, 52 million dollar contract!
Briere has had success in the playoffs, but if he can not help lead his team into the playoffs (as for the case of the 2012-13 Flyers) then those statistics have hold no weight. Yes, there is no way that it was just Briere's lack of production that kept the Flyers from making the playoffs this year, but he could have definitely been a bigger help offensively.
3. Cap Hit
The most obvious reason to amnesty Briere is due to his contract. According to Capgeek.com Briere's cap hit is 6.5 million per year, which is colossal, especially for a player who is not producing enough for the size of his contract. Check out these players who have a similar cap hit to Briere's:
Cap Hit Comparisons:
25 year old Anze Kopitar of the LA Kings – 6.8 million
34 year old Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings – 6.7 million
33 year old Brad Richards of the New York Rangers – 6.67 million
24 year old Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks – 6.3 million
25 year old Jonathan Towes of the Chicago Blackhawks – 6.3 million
32 year old Henrik and Daniel Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks – 6.1 million
Kopitar, Datsyuk, Richads, Kane and Towes have all won Stanley Cups. One can argue that all of these players have played up to their contract better than Briere has.
Closing Remark
Do not get me wrong, Danny Briere has been a solid NHL player and is a beast in the playoffs. He's posted 109 points in 108 career post-season games. With the Flyers he has played in 68 playoffs games and has registered 72 points.
Besides, if he did not suffer a concussion before this year's trade-deadline, Briere may very well be playing against the New York Rangers as a member of the Boston Bruins. There were indications and rumors that Briere would have been traded to Boston before he suffered his concussion.
Due to Briere's age, lack of production, and excessive contract, the Philadelphia Flyers should amnesty him before the 2013-14 regular season. It just makes sense to get rid of the bad, overpriced contract they gave to him back in 2007. If Briere had a more appropriate contract for his production, then it would make sense to keep him, due to his playoff dominance. Before the puck drops on the 2013-14 NHL season, Danny Briere may very well be "fist pumped" out of Philly.
Enjoy some of Briere's plays in this video:
Video credit - Kyle Samson
Sources :
May 17th, 2013
Kneel Before the Kings
Trevor Lewis celebrates his go ahead goal that turned out the be the Game 2 winner for Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Kings continue to prove why they won the 2012 Stanley Cup. Last night in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semi-Finals, the Kings prevailed after being down late in the third. Power-play goals from Dustin Brown and Trevor Lewis 22 seconds apart tied and eventually won the game for the Kings.
Game 2 wrap around
LA went up 2 – 0 four minutes into the second, and looked to be on pace for a win. That's when San Jose took control and managed a 2-2 tie before the second intermission. A Brad Stuart slap shot from the point went wide and Marc – Edouard Vlasic tucked it home past Quick to give San Jose a 3 – 2 lead with 11:04 left in the final frame. The game stayed that way until San Jose took back to back penalties with Brad Stuart going off for tripping and Marc – Edouard Vlasic for delay of game (flipping the puck out of play in the defensive zone). LA took to the 5 on 3 and crowded the net; Dustin Brown tipped in the puck past Antti Niemi to tie the game with a 1:43 left. On their ensuing offensive drive, a Tyler Toffoli shot deflected off of Niemi right onto the blade of Trevor Lewis who buried it for the 4 – 3 lead! As the final horn sounded, the scoreboard read in favor of LA, 4 - 3.
Dustin Brown's goal:
Trevor Lewis wins the game:
Videos courtesy of Fred Murtz
The game was pretty even throughout; both teams fired 31 shots on goal. San Jose dominated in the faceoff circle, winning 44 of 65. Hits were about even: San Jose laid 31, LA with 38. The biggest difference was on the Power Play: San Jose was 0/4 while LA was 3/6. In the playoffs, when a team goes a man up, it is vital to capitalize and the Kings took advantage of that last night.
Championship teams capitalize on their opportunities, as well as find ways to win. The Kings accomplished both tasks in Game 2. When given a 5 on 3 with under three minutes to go, the Kings scored twice. They do not break in pressure situations and continue to push and have been rewarded for their hard work in the post season.
The Build of a Team
LA has three solid centermen in Anze Kopitar, Michael Richards, and Jared Stoll who can play both sides of the ice and are great in the face-off dot. On the wing, Captain Dustin Brown, Justin Williams, Dwight King, Dustin Penner, and Trevor Lewis provide size with a set of skill. They have a pure goal scorer on the wing as well in Jeff Carter, who continues to find the back of the net in the postseason! Their fourth line consists of Kyle Clifford, Colin Fraser, and Tyler Toffoli. This “grind” line can chew up minutes and play well, which gives Coach Daryl Sutter the option to roll four lines. On the back end, veterans Robyn Regehr, Rob Scuderi (who’s won a Stanley Cups with both Pittsburgh and LA) provide leadership and experience. Young guys like Drew Doughty (who is quickly becoming of the league’s best D man) and Slava Voynov can shut down the opposition while providing creativity and offense as well. The most vital player needed for a Cup run is a team's goaltender and Jonathan Quick has been the backbone for LA throughout the past two seasons. He has shown that he is one of the most consistent, reliable, and best in the NHL between the pipes.
Last night's win was LA's six consecutive in the 2013 playoffs. Dating back to last playoffs, the Kings record is 22-6 (16-4 in 2012, 6-2 in 2013). They just do not lose often in the post season and continue to expunge teams from the playoffs with ease! Check these statistics out:
Last season as an 8th seed:
Kings Win 4 – 1 over Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference Quarter-Finals
Kings Win 4 – 0 over St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference Semi-Finals
Kings Win 4 – 1 over Phoneix Coyotoes in the Western Conference Finals
Kings Win 4 – 2 over New Jersey Devils in the Stanley Cup Final
This year as a 5th seed:
Kings Win 4 – 2 over St. Louis Blues
2 – 0 (as of today) over San Jose Sharks
If this play continues, the LA Kings can become the first team since the 1998 Detroit Red Wings to capture back to back Stanley Cups. What is scary for the rest of the NHL is that the average age, height and weight of an LA King is 25.25 years, 6 foot, and 198.3! The Kings are young, big, and strong and will be a powerhouse in the Western Conference for years to come!
If Los Angeles can continue to play with this determination, skill, and passion, they may just very well be "Crowned" "Kings" of the NHL again this June! (I just had to add those puns in!)
Sources:
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May 14th, 2013
Wrap Around
First Round Playoffs "Wrap Around"
Eastern Conference
1. Pittsburgh Penguins
8. New York Islanders
Pens win in 6
This series was a lot closer than many thought. Brooks Orpik's Game 6 overtime shot from the point eliminated the New York Islanders. New York came to play and gave the Pens all they could handle but eventually fell short in six games. Pittsburgh is the favorite to come out of the East and they looked great, except for their goal tending. Thomas Vokoun got the starts in Games 5 and 6 over a struggling Marc-Andre Fleury. If the Pens can get their goal tending situation straight, they will be an even tougher team to knock out in these playoffs.
Goal Leaders:
Pittsburgh –Pascal Dupuis – 5
Pittsburgh – Sidney Crosby – 3
New York – John Tavares – 3 – 1 game winner
New York – Kyle Okposo – 3 – 1 game winner
Assist Leaders:
Pittsburgh – Evegeni Malkin – 9
Pittsburgh – Jarome Iginla – 7
Pittsburgh – Sidney Crosby – 6
New York – Michael Grabner – 3
New York – Mark Streit - 3
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2. Montreal Canadiens
7. Ottawa Senators
Sens win in 5
One year removed from finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens had an impressive regular season and finished with the second seed. Unfortunately for the Habs, that success did not carry over into the post-season. These two rivals filled the series with animosity and trash talk. Ottawa took care of Montreal easily though, defeating them in 5 games.
Goal Leaders:
Ottawa – Kyle Turris – 3 – 1 game winner
Ottawa – Jean-Gabriel Pageau – 3 – 1 game winner
Ottawa – Cory Conacher – 3 – 1 game winner
Montreal – P.K. Subban - 2
Assist Leaders:
Ottawa – Erik Karlsson – 5
Montreal – Tomas Plekanec - 4
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3. Washington Capitals
6. New York Rangers
Rangers win in 7
This series was back and forth throughout with each home team winning their games until Game 7. Stellar goal tending from Henrik Lundqvist throughout the series, especially in Games 6 & 7 is one of the main reasons why the Rangers advanced. After allowing an overtime goal in Game 5, Lundqvist came out on fire in Game 6. He turned away 27 shots as the Rangers won 1 – 0. In Game 7 he was even better, stopping 35 shots and again posting a shutout in a 5 – 0 Rangers win. Lundqvist has not been beaten in six consecutive periods. The Rangers are a team that is balanced offensively and if Rick Nash and Brad Richards can begin to produce, with Lundqvist turning away pucks, they will be almost unbeatable in a seven games series.
Goal Leaders:
Washington – Mike Green – 2 – 1 game winner
New York - Derek Stepan – 2 – 2 game winners
New York – Derick Brassard – 2 – 1 game winner
New York - Arron Asham – 2 – 1 game winner
Assist Leaders:
New York – Derick Brassard – 7
New York – Mats Zuccarello – 4
Washington – Mathieu Perreault – 3
Washington – Joel Ward - 3
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4. Boston Bruins
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
Bruins win in 7
Wow. What a series. What a Game 7. The Bruins were strong early in the series and went up 3 – 1 on the Leafs with a chance to close them out on home ice in Game 5. Toronto battled hard and pulled out a 2 – 1 victory to force Game 6 back in Canada. In Game 6, Leafs goalie James Reimer stole the show! Stopping 29 out of 30 shots, Reimer made sure that this series would go 7.
Game 7 (This game was so crazy it deserves its own paragraph)
This game was one of the craziest Game 7's in NHL history. The first two periods were pretty even on both sides and the second ended with a 2 – 1 lead for the Leafs. When the third began, no one had any idea what was in store. Phil Kessel tapped in a Nazem Kadri shot that hit the post to extend the Leafs lead to 3 – 1. Three minutes later, Kadri scored one of his own and the Leafs were sitting pretty, up three with under 15 minutes to go. With about 11 minutes to go in the game, Nathan Horton put one past Reimer to cut the lead to 4 – 2. The game stayed that way until 1:22 in the third, when a scramble out in front left Milan Lucic on the receiving end of his second goal of the playoffs. The Bruins then called a time-out to gather their thoughts. On the ensuing face-off, Boston (who dominated face-offs all series) won the puck and gained the Toronto zone. With the net pulled, the Bruins cycled the puck. David Krejci slide the puck to Patrice Bergeron on the point. He hesitated just a little and then fired a laser past Reimer's blocker side. Two goals, 31 seconds apart, both under 1:30 in the third period of GAME 7. Crazy! The score would stand 4 – 4 when the regulation horn sounded. With momentum now on their side, and the Bruins faithful cheering them on, Boston started the overtime period high on confidence. Six minutes and five seconds into the extra frame, Patrice Bergeron scored his second of the game and sent the Boston Bruins to the Semi-Finals.
The Boston Bruins became the first team in NHL history to win a Game 7 down by three goals in the third.
The Boston Bruins became the first team in NHL history to win a Game 7 down by three goals in the third.
Goal Leaders:
Boston – David Krejci – 5 – 1 game winner
Toronto – Phil Kessel – 4 – 2 game winners
Boston – Nathan Horton – 4 – 2 game winners
Toronto – Cody Franson - 3
Toronto – Joffrey Lupul - 3
Assist Leaders:
Boston - David Krejci – 8
Boston - Milan Lucic – 7
Boston - Zdeno Chara - 7
Toronto – James van Riemsdyk – 5
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Western Conference
1. Chicago Blackhawks
8. Minnesota Wild
Blackhawks win in 5
As expected the Blackhawks took care of business against the Wild in five games. Chicago scored a total of 17 goals in the series, while Minnesota only mustered up 7. Pat Sharp knotted five goals, two of which were game winners. Pat Kane assisted on five goals and continues to impress with his skills offensively. Corey Crawford was strong in goal posting a 1.32 GAA and a .950% save percentage. The 'Hawks look like a force to be wrecking with in the West.
Goal Leaders:
Chicago – Patrick Sharp – 5 – 2 game winning goals
Chicago - Marian Hossa – 3
Chicago - Bryan Bickell – 3 – 1 game winner
Assists Leaders:
Chicago – Pat Kane - 5
Chicago – Duncan Keith – 4
Minnesota – Matt Cullen – 3
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2. Anaheim Ducks
7. Detroit Red Wings
Red Wings win in 7
These two teams traded wins until Game 7 when Detroit finally grasped the series. An even series throughout, four of the seven games saw overtime. In the extra frame, Detroit won three out of the four. Either team could have advanced but Detroit proved to be stronger. This very well could be the Red Wings last chance with their aging team to capture another Stanley Cup. With a veteran presence of Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, Johan Franzen,Valterri Filppula, mixed together with young guys like, Damien Brunner, Justin Abdelkader, Gustav Nyquist, and a proven net-minder in Jimmy Howard, Detroit could be a team to make a run to the Cup.
Let's all hope that this was not Teemu Selanne's last playoff series, but at 42 years old, it very well might have been. I personally would love to see him play live one more time though.
Goal Leaders:
Anaheim – Ryan Getzlaf – 3
Anaheim – Emerson Etem – 3
Detroit – Henrik Zetterberg – 3 – 1 game winner
Detroit – Johan Franzen – 3
Assist Leaders:
Detroit – Henrik Zetterberg – 5
Detroit – Pavel Datsyuk - 5
Anaheim – Francois Beauchemin – 4
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3. Vancouver Canucks
6. San Jose Sharks
Sharks win in 4
San Jose took care of Vancouver quickly, almost too quickly. It only took the minimum amount of games for the Sharks to “bite” the Canucks out of the 2013 NHL Playoffs. The major story of this series was the goal tending carousel in Vancouver's net. Roberto Luongo started Games 1 and 2 for the “Nucks while posting 55 saves and given up 6 goals. As the series changed venues to San Jose, the Canucks decided to make a switch behind the pipes. Cory Schneider started Game 3 and got lit up, letting in five. Schneider stopped 23 shots on a total of 28. In the final game of the series, Schneider got the start again and played better, stopping 43 shots on a total of 47. The Sharks would win 4-3 in overtime to advance to the Semi-Finals.
Joe Pavelski and Patrick Marleau of San Jose both scored four goals, while Logan Couture and Joe Thronton had five assists a piece.
Goal Leaders:
San Jose – Joe Pavelski – 4
San Jose – Patrick Marleau – 4 – 1 game winner
San Jose – Logan Couture – 3
Vancouver – Alexandre Burrows – 2
Vancouver – Ryan Kesler – 2
Assists Leaders:
San Jose – Logan Couture – 5
San Jose – Joe Thornton – 5
San Jose – Joe Pavelski – 4
Vancouver – Henrik Sedin – 3
Vancouver – Daniel Sedin – 3
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4. St. Louis Blues
5. Los Angels Kings
Kings win in 6
After going down 2-0 in the series, the Kings returned to LA with a vengeance. They ripped off four straight wins to eliminate St. Louis. LA is built for the playoffs with three solid centers in Anze Kopitar, Mike Richards, and Jared Stoll. In addition, their back end with puck moving defensemen Drew Doughty, Slava Voynov and Rob Scuderi is impressive. Jeff Carter leads the team in goals with three while Mike Richards leads the team in assists with five. This team look like it can make a real push at the Stanley Cup.
Goal Leaders:
Los Angeles – Jeff Carter – 3
St. Louis – Alexander Steen - 3
Assist Leaders:
Los Angeles – Mike Richards – 5
St. Louis – Vladimir Sobotka - 3
*All stats courtesy of NHL.com*
*All stats courtesy of NHL.com*
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May 10th, 2013
Orange and Black and Blue
Funny how the team Sharp helped defeat was the Philadelphia Flyers, huh? Things in hockey, as well as life in general, seem to come back around.
Before I begin my discussion, I would just like to acknowledge the fact that I am on the outside looking in. I have no idea what goes on inside the Flyers organization and the many factors that go into trading players. It is just intriguing to why so many players get traded from the Flyers and then start produce a lot more and seem to be happier in the process. In this post, I will be dissecting only the players that the Flyers TRADED away.
Patrick Sharp
December 28th, 2005 – Flyers trade 24 year old Patrick Sharp and Eric Meloche to the Chicago Blackhawks for Matt Ellison and a 2006 third round pick.
Patrick Sharp was drafted by Philly in the 2002 draft. Since his Flyers career was ephemeral, I've decided to skip the statistics portion of his analysis. Yet, he has turned out to be a solid forward. He won the 2010 Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks, against... the Philadelphia Flyers.
Patrick Sharp celebrates with the Cup. Photo - http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/hockey/blackhawks/chi-chicago-blackhawks-flyers-playoff-photos,0,2100813.photogallery
Kris Versteeg
June 1st 2011 – Flyers send 25 year old Kris Versteeg (after only 27 games with the Flyers. Traded at the deadline from . 5 years of NHL experience at this point in time.) to the Florida Panthers for two draft pick
Flyers career 2011
Regular Season (Versteeg was acquired at the trade-deadline)
2010-11 – Philadelphia Flyers – 27 games played – 7 goals – 4 assists – 11 points – Plus/Minus - 4
Post Season :
2010 – 11 – Philadelphia Flyers – 11 games played – 1 goal – 5 assists – 6 points – Plus/Minus - 1
First year after being traded by Philly -
Regular Season :
2011-12 – Florida Panthers – 71 games played – 23 goals – 31 assists – 54 points – Plus/Minus 4
Post Season :
2011-12 – Florida Panthers – 7 games played – 3 goals – 2 assists – 5 points – Plus/Minus – 2
Versteeg has been a nice addition to the Panthers and he helped lead them get back into the playoffs for the first time in twelve seasons. They got bounced by eventual Eastern Conference Champion New Jersey Devils in seven games of the Quarterfinals. His Flyers career was short and he did not have the best offensive numbers. He has a quick release and provides speed on the wing and should continue to produce solid points in the coming years.
Evidence
Versteeg with a cannon of a shot against Marty Brodeur last year in the playoffs:Video credit - Fred Murtz
James van Riemsdyk
June 23rd 2012 – Flyers trade 23 year old James van Riemsdyk (three seasons with the Flyers/NHL) to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Luke Schenn.
Flyers career 2009 - 2012
Regular Season
196 games played – 47 goals – 52 assists – 99 points – Plus/Minus of 13
Averaged per year – 65.3 games played – 15.7 goals – 17.3 assists – 33 points
Playoffs
39 games played – 11 goals – 4 assists – 15 points – Plus/Minus of -9
First year traded from Philly (With Toronto)
Regular Season
2012-13 – 48 games played - 18 goals – 14 assists – 32 points – Plus/Minus of -7
Post Season (As of today)
2012-13 – 4 games played – 2 goals – 1 assists – 3 points – Plus/Minus of - 3
JVR was drafted second overall by the Flyers in the 2007 entry draft. That draft is a whole story on its own (which I will cover in the coming future). Essentially, the Flyers got screwed by the lottery system and Chicago jumped from the 5th pick to the 1st and selected Patrick Kane. Another irony is that Kane goes on to score the game winner of the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals and defeats the, wait for it... Philadelphia Flyers. And as fate would just so have it, JVR was on the ice as the puck slide past Michael Leighton. But, I digress...
JVR is developing into one of the leagues best power forwards. He dominates in front of the net and battles hard. Just check out his play against Boston's Zdeno Chara in these playoffs! The Flyers should have kept him a few more years to see how he evolved. Now, look at him. This season he was tied for 10th in the NHL in goals. Look out, JVR will become a beast for the Leafs.
Evidence
Not the best video but watch JVR BATTLE in front of the net against Chara:Video credit TorontoMapleLeafs951
JVR danzels against Boston in game 2 of the 2013 NHL playoffs:
Video credit MisterSinghh·
Sergei Bobrovsky
June 22nd 2012 – Flyers trade 23 year old Sergei Bobrovsky (2 years with Flyers/NHL) to the Columbus Blue Jackets for drafts picks that turned out to be GOALIE Anthony Stolarz and Taylor Leier.
Flyers Career 2009 - 2012
Regular Season
83 games played – 77 starts – 42 wins – 23 losses – 10 Overtime losses – 208 goals against - 2.80 GAA - .907 save percentage
Average per year – 41.5 games played – 38.5 starts – 21 wins – 11.5 losses – 5 Ovetime losses – 104 goals against – 2.80 GAA - .907 save percentage
Playoffs
7 games played – 3 starts – 0 wins – 2 losses – 0 Overtime losses – 4.04 GAA - .848 save percentage
First year traded from Philly (With Columbus)
2012-13 – 38 games played – 37 starts – 21 wins – 11 losses – 6 Overtime losses – 2.00 GAA - .932 save percentage
SERGEI BOBROVSKY! Bob was undrafted by signed by the Flyers in 2006. What a year this young man had! Without his stellar stats, the Columbus Blue Jackets would not have been a point out of the playoffs. Just look at his statistics for this season! Incredible. One year removed from being Ilya Bryzgalov's backup, Bob is now a finalist for the Vezina as the top goaltender of the year. I believe he will win it, and rightfully so with his unreal stats.
Side note – Bob was traded for a few drafts picks. With the draft picks the Flyers drafted a GOALIE.
Also, at the trade deadline the Flyers traded Michael Leighton to Columbus for their backup GOALIE, Steve Mason. Mason has looked well in orange and black, but only time will tell.
What?! They should have never traded Bob in the first place!
Jeff Carter
June 23rd 2011 – Flyers send 26 year old Jeff Carter (6 years with Flyers/NHL) to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jakub Voracek, and two draft picks that turn out to be Sean Couturier, and Nick Cousins.
Flyers Career 2005 - 2011
Regular Season
461 games played – 181 goals – 162 assists – 343 points – Plus/Minus of 51
Averaged per year – 76.8 games played – 30.1 goals – 27 assists – 57.1 points
Playoffs
47 games played – 13 goals – 8 asssists – 21 points – Plus/Minus of -14
First year traded from Philly (With Columbus / Los Angeles)
Regular Season
2011-12 – Columbus - 39 games played - 15 goals – 10 assists – 25 points – Plus/Minus of -11
2011-12 – Los Angeles – 16 games played – 6 goals – 3 assists – 9 points – Plus/Minus of -1
Playoffs
2011-12 – Los Angeles – 20 games played – 8 goals – 5 assists – 13 points – Plus/Minus – EVEN
Stanley Cup Champion
Mike Richards
June 23rd 2011 – Flyers trade 26 year old captain Mike Richards (6 years with Flyers / NHL) and Rob Bordson to Los Angeles for Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn and a 2012 second round pick.
Flyers Career 2005 - 2011
Regular Season
453 games played – 133 goals – 216 assists – 349 points – Plus/Minus of 39
Averaged per year – 75.5 games played – 22.1 goals – 36 assists – 58.1 points
Playoffs
63 games played – 16 goals – 34 assists – 50 points – Plus/Minus of -11
First year traded from Philly (With Los Angeles)
Regular Season
2011-12 – Los Angeles – 74 games played – 18 goals – 26 assists – 44 points – Plus/Minus of 3
Playoffs
2011-12 – Los Angeles – 20 games played – 4 goals – 11 assists – 15 points – Plus/Minus – 1
Stanley Cup Champion
I decided to write about Carter and Richards together because well, that's how they spent the majority of their NHL careers. Both were drafted by Philadelphia in the 2005 draft. Both were traded on June 23rd2011. Both hoisted the Stanley Cup last season, one year removed from the Philadelphia Flyers. Carter is one of the league's goal scorer and Richards is a top two way forward. They both got the last laugh of the whole Flyers debacle, as being crowned the “Kings” of the NHL last season.
Best buds, Carter and Richards reach the pinnacle together. They were the "Kings" of the 2012 NHL season. Photo - http://www.phantomshockey.com/pages/news/articles/20120612.asp
Sorry Flyers fans, I had to do it to you with that picture of Richie and Carts.
My Take
Is it me or is all this concerning for a Flyers fan?
Three of the six players (Sharp, Carter, Richards) have won Stanley Cups
All were 26 or younger when traded by the Flyers.
*The only player on this list not drafted and traded by the Flyers is Kris Versteeg.
*Bobrovsky was undrafted but Philly was the first team to sign him.
All have become better players since leaving the Flyers organization.
What does that all mean? Are the Flyers “bad” at growing their own players? Does the “win now” philosophy need to go?
I believe the Flyers need to hold on to their younger prospects. As of now, they have a solid young squad and if they do not trade them, they will be great in the few years. Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek, and captain Claude Giroux are all 25 years old or younger. That is a very promising group of hockey players. Let's hope that they all remain in Orange and Black for the years to come.
But just imagine a team with Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg, James van Reimsdyk, Sergei Bobrovsky Jeff Carter, Mike Richards. Now add in Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnell, and Matt Read.
That could have been your 2012-13 Philadelphia Flyers.
Trade information courtesy of http://www.flyershistory.com/cgi-bin/trade.cgi
Stats courtesy of - http://espn.go.com/nhl/statistics
Typed in player name in search bar to find specific statistics.
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May 9th, 2013
Loyalty Proves True
As if the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators series did not have enough drama involved in it, a Montreal elementary school made headlines last Thursday. Maple Grove elementary school gave their students the option to have a Montreal Canadiens themed day by letting them wear a Canadiens jersey instead of the regular school uniform to celebrate the start of the NHL playoffs. As the season decided, the Montreal Canadiens were set to take on the Ottawa Senators in the Quarterfinals.
One student at Maple Grove Elementary had a different experience than all the other children at the school. From this, came the chance of a lifetime.
11 year old Keila Penner chose to wear something a little unusual in the city of Montreal. Instead of a jersey with the Montreal Canadiens crest on it, Keila decided to support her favorite team: the Ottawa Senators. Once she arrived, the school then gave Keila the option to either change into a white t-shirt, or go home for the day.
Keila stuck true to her team and chose to go home.
Upon hearing this, Senators owner Eugene Melnyk contacted the Penner family and invited them to take in Tuesday night’s game in Ottawa in his personal suite! A limo arrived at their house and drove them to Scotiabank place, the home of the Sens.
Boy, what a game did she see! Ottawa rallied late in the third, scoring two goals, and one with twenty three seconds left to send the game into overtime! Kyle Turris notched the game winner to send Keila and the rest of the Ottawa faithful home happy! The Senators now lead the series 3 games to 1 with Game 5 tonight in Montreal at 7pm.
Keila Penner at Game 4 of the 2013 NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Senators and the Canadiens! Courtesy of http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2013/05/08/la-rivalite-a-lecole-primaire
My Take
To Eugene Melnyk and the entire Ottawa Senators, I praise you! You made a dream come true for a young hockey fan after being bullied by her school. No one should have the right to tell a child that she cannot support her favorite hockey team when everyone else in that school is!
To Keila Penner, way to stay loyal and true to your team! When I first heard this story I was in awe of how strong an 11 year old was to tell her school that she would rather LEAVE school then take off her Sens sweater. I think back to when I was a young kid and I believe I would have done the same thing Keila did. You could not find me without my Flyers jersey nearby! Also, it was great to see that her father supported her decision to stick true to her team. Keila teaches us to stay proud of where you come from and what sports team you support, no matter where you live!
My Personal Story
I am speaking from personal experience with this story I am about to tell. On April 25th, 2013 I went to the Wells Fargo Center and witnessed the Philadelphia Flyers last home game of the season. They were taking on one of their division rivals, the New York Islanders. As I was walking out of the stadium with a bunch of my coworkers, I saw a group of Islander fans. I went over to them and wished them and their team best of luck in the playoffs. One of the guys in the group looked at me and stuck out his hand and said, “Thank you so much for saying that! You are the only nice Flyers fan I met tonight!” I looked back at him and laughed and said, “Hey, we aren’t all bad!”
That is just a small example of how sports can bring people together. From then, I talked with this young man for a few minutes and found out that he was a Medical student at the University of Pennsylvania. This was his first time taking in an Islanders game in Philadelphia as he is from Long Island. I wished him the best of luck on his finals and told him to have a good night.
It’s these little interactions with people every day that impact the world. I hope that I helped change his mind on the perception of Philadelphia sports fans and how “mean” we are.
Side not - The “Philadelphia Sports fan perception” may be the next story I write for this blog!
Just a Thought
I am only 19 years old; I know I have a lot to learn. But I believe that people need to become kinder to each other. Because at the end of the day, hockey can be simplified into one word; game. A fantastic game at that, that brings people together, makes friendships, and unites cities. Hockey and sports in general bring so many great learning experiences into to one’s life.
Though, the game of life is much more important. Treat others with respect and respect the game of hockey and those involved with it.
Links to Keila Penner articles where I found information regarding this story.
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May 8th, 2013
Beginning last year, EA Sports let the fans decide who would be on the cover of their ice hockey video game NHL 13. The fans decided the Philadelphia Flyers forward (and now captain) Claude Giroux would don the honor!
Get out there and vote for your favorite players to be on the cover of NHL 14!
http://covervote.nhl.com/#/ballot
Here are my picks for the round of 16 to name the NHL 14 Cover athlete!
Left Side of Bracket:
1. Pavel Datysuk
8. Mike Fisher
Datysuk is just unbelievable. This was too easy.
2. P.K. Subban
7. Joffrey Lupul
Subban has developed into one of the game's top D-men. He had 38 points this season and is a finalist for the Norris trophy (League's Best Defense-man)
3. James van Riemsdyk
6. Tyler Seguin
JVR has developed into one of the league's top power forwards. He notched 18 goals in 48 games this season and has been a force in front of the net for the Leafs against the Bruins in the playoffs.
4. Martin Brodeur
5. Anze Kopitar
This one was tough due to my love for Kopitar. EA needs to put a goalie on for a change and Marty would be the best choice! An absolute legend!
Right side of Bracket
1. John Tavares
8. Evander Kane
Tavares has developed into a great center and is one of the main reasons the Islanders are in the playoffs. Last night he registered the game winning goal to tie the series up with the Penguins.
2. Evgeni Malkin
7. Wayne Simmonds
Malkin is one of the top players in the NHL and will be for years to come, but I have to go with my hometown team in this one! If Malkin was up against anyone else, I would have voted for him due to his skill. Love Simmonds style of play and he has the heart of a true Philadelphia Flyer.
3. Taylor Hall
6. Matt Duchene
Hall was the number one overall pick in the 2010 entry draft and has taking the league by storm. This year he put up 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) in 45 games. He will continue to get better and help the Oilers rebuild.
4. Sergei Bobrovsky
5. Patrick Sharp
Bobrovsky's stats speak for themselves this year. After being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets from the Philadelphia Flyers this offseason, Bob has become a beast in goal. 38 games played, 21 wins. 2.00 goals against average and a .932 save percentage. Today he was nominated for the Vezina trophy as the league's goaltender of the year.
All stats courtesy of http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?season=20122013&gameType=2&team=&position=S&country=&status=&viewName=summary
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May 8th, 2013
May 8th, 2013
I wrote this letter to Marian Hossa
about a month ago.
Not my best writing, but I thought I
would share it here.
Dear
Marian Hossa,
I
am a 19 year old crazed Philadelphia Flyers fan and I have not and will not get
over the fact that your Chicago Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup in my
hometown city of Philadelphia. But, there was one time that I smiled that
night: when you hoisted that Cup above your head.
Your
story hit me hard. You made it to the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals with the
Pittsburgh Penguins only to be defeated in 6 games to the Detroit Red Wings. In
the off season, instead of resigning with the Pens, you decided to sign with
the Wings. Who wouldn’t have? They were the Champions and a team that could
very well repeat the next season. You wanted to be a Champion because it has
always been your dream and you were so close…
The
following season with the Red Wings you endured another long playoff run. Running
over teams in the West, you and the Wings reach the final. And as fate would
have it, lining up for the opening faceoff for Game 1 of the 2009 Stanley Cup
Finals, you stare out onto the ice and see the Pittsburgh Penguins. Another
hard fought series came down to a decisive Game 7. Unfortunately, just like the
year before, you were on the opposite side of the celebration.
That must have driven you insane. You reach the
Finals back to back years with different teams and lost both times!
You
then decide to get away and sign with Chicago. Another hard fought season and
again you are at the Stanley Cup Final! Your third consecutive year with three
different teams! But, this time you look out onto the ice and see my beloved
Philadelphia Flyers.
Every
night you must have been awake, losing sleep, wondering if your dream of being
a champion will slip away again. You came so close the past two years, but it
slipped away…
June
7, 2010. Patrick Kane (who the Flyers should have due to that lottery system!)
dances around Kimmo Timonen and shots the puck... Where is it?! Leighton has
it… he has too… Why is Pat Kane celebrating… on my hometown team’s ice… in game
6 of the Finals… Where is that puck?! What?! No… no… It can’t be over… This was
the Flyers year…
I
was numb, crying. Upset that my team, my home towm city were so close, but fell
short. With tears in my eyes, I watched Jonathan Toews hoist the Conn Symth. Then
the Cup.
With each second passing, more and more tears are
falling and I thought to turn off the T.V. to stop torturing myself. But, then
the Cup was given to you. And I thought of what you must have gone through.
Because I was going through it watching you hoist that Cup up.
You
finally got to hoist that cup over your head. The pinnacle, you reached it. And
I smiled knowing how much pain you must have went through to reach your dream.
Marian
Hossa, you are a champion in more ways than one. By believing in yourself, your
passion for the game of hockey and working hard, you were finally able to
accomplish your dream! You give me hope one day that I will achieve my dream of
working for a NHL team as their Director of Public Relations. I hope one day
our paths will cross and I can shake your hand and thank you for being a true Champion.
The day I will finally get over the night your
Blackhawks won the Cup against my beloved Flyers, will be when I see those Orange
jerseys skating with the Cup! It does not look like the Flyers will be doing
that this year so, if I had to pick a team I'm pulling for you and the Chicago
Blackhawks. Just do not tell that to any of my Flyers fans!
Good luck but Let's Go
Flyers!!!!!
Sincerely,
Evan Rostron
For those that wish to relieve the 2010 Stanley Cup Final
It still hurts every time I witness this... How does that puck go in?!?!
Credit to Youtube account - saracap421
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May 8th, 2013
This bracket was filled out before the start of the 2013 NHL playoffs.
*NHL.com only let me pick how long the series would go for the first round. The number in parenthesis indicates the series length.*
| WEST | Quarter-finals | EAST |
| 1. Chicago Blackhawks (4) | 1. Pittsburgh Penguins (5) | |
| 8. Minnesota Wild | 8. New York Islanders | |
| 2. Anaheim Ducks | 2. Montreal Canadiens (7) | |
| 7. Detroit Red Wings (6) | 7. Ottawa Senators | |
| 3. Vancouver Canucks | 3. Washington Capitals | |
| 6. San Jose Sharks (7) | 6. New York Rangers (6) | |
| 4. St. Louis Blues | 4. Boston Bruins | |
| 5. Los Angeles Kings (5) | 5. Toronto Maple Leafs (7) |
| WEST | Semi-finals | EAST |
| 1. Chicago Blackhawks | 1. Pittsburgh Penguins | |
| 7. Detroit Red Wings | 6. New York Rangers | |
| 5. Los Angeles Kings | 2. Montreal Canadiens | |
| 6. San Jose Sharks | 5. Toronto Maple Leafs |
| WEST | Conference Finals | EAST |
| 1. Chicago Blackhawks | 2. Montrel Canadiens | |
| 5. Los Angeles Kings | 6. New York Rangers |
| Stanley Cup Final |
| 5. Los Angeles Kings |
| 6. New York Rangers |
| 2013 Stanley Cup Champions |
| New York Rangers |
Follow my friends and me in our NHL.com group
Group Name - "Ya Gotta One Strap It!" (21 Jump Street reference)
My entry is "Don't Blow On Me Son." (21 Jump Street reference)
If you wish to join our group, contact me and I will give you the password!
_________________________________________________________________________________
May 8th, 2013
Before the 2012 - 2013 regular season I filled out where I thought each NHL team would finish.
My predictions
| Eastern Conference | Western Conference | ||
| 1. New York Rangers | 1. Nashville Predators | ||
| 2. Boston Bruins | 2. Vancouver Canucks | ||
| 3. Carolina Hurricanes | 3. Los Angeles Kings | ||
| 4. Pittsburgh Penguins | 4. St. Louis Blues | ||
| 5. Washington Capitals | 5. Chicago Blackhawks | ||
| 6. Philadelphia Flyers | 6. Minnesota Wild | ||
| 7. Buffalo Sabres | 7. Detroit Red Wings | ||
| 8. Tampa Bay Lightning | 8. Dallas Stars | ||
| 9. Ottawa Senators | 9. San Jose Sharks | ||
| 10. Florida Panthers | 10. Colorado Avalanche | ||
| 11. New Jersey Devils | 11. Phoenix Coyotes | ||
| 12. Toronto Maple Leafs | 12. Edmonton Oilers | ||
| 13. Montreal Canadiens | 13. Anaheim Ducks | ||
| 14. Winnipeg Jets | 14. Calgary Flames | ||
| 15. New York Islanders | 15. Columbus Blue Jackets |
For the Stanley Cup Final I had the New York Rangers defeating the Los Angeles Kings.
That prediction stayed with me and I filled out my NHL playoff bracket with the Rangers beating the Kings. My bracket will be the next story on this blog!
Actually results courtesy of NHL.com
http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?type=con#&navid=nav-stn-conf
| Eastern Conference 1. Pittsburgh Penguins |
Points 72 |
Western Conference 1. Chicago Blackhawks |
Points 77 |
|
| 2. Montreal Canadiens | 63 | 2. Anaheim Ducks | 66 | |
| 3. Washington Capitals | 57 | 3. Vancouver Canucks | 59 | |
| 4. Boston Bruins | 62 | 4. St. Louis Blues | 60 | |
| 5. Toronto Maple Leafs | 57 | 5. Los Angeles Kings | 59 | |
| 6. New York Rangers | 56 | 6. San Jose Sharks | 57 | |
| 7. Ottawa Senators | 56 | 7. Detroit Red Wings | 56 | |
| 8. New York Islanders | 55 | 8. Minnesota Wild | 55 | |
| 9. Winnipeg Jets | 51 | 9. Columbus Blue Jackets | 55 | |
| 10. Philadelphia Flyers | 49 | 10. Phoenix Coyotes | 51 | |
| 11. New Jersey Devils | 48 | 11. Dallas Stars | 48 | |
| 12. Buffalo Sabres | 48 | 12. Edmonton Oilers | 45 | |
| 13. Carolina Hurricanes | 42 | 13. Calgary Flames | 42 | |
| 14. Tampa Bay Lightning | 40 | 14. Nashville Predators | 41 | |
| 15. Florida Panthers | 36 | 15. Colorado Avalanche | 39 |
Quick Season Review
Obviously the biggest difference between my predictions and what actually happened would be the top seed in the West. I picked Nashville to win the West and they did not even make the playoffs! Since it was a short season, I decided to make some "riskier" picks and as one can see, it shows in what played out!
Chicago torn up the regular season as they started out of the gate 24 straight games without a regulation loss.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-03-09/sports/ct-spt-0309-blackhawks-avalanche-chicago--20130309_1_avs-jonathan-toews-marian-hossa
My hometown Flyers had a disappointing season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
The Montreal Canadiens were one of the most improved teams as they went from finishing last in the East a year ago to the second seed.
The Toronto Maple Leafs ended a nine year playoff drought as they clinched the 5th seed in the East.
http://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/leafs-end-playoff-drought-with-4-1-win-over-sens-1.1247225
For the first time since the Devils moved to New Jersey, the Flyers and Devils did not make the playoffs.
Detroit keeps improves its playoff streak to 22 years.
http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2012020717
Columbus tied Minnesota for the last spot in the West but missed the playoffs. Sergei Bobrovsky had a stellar year and without him, the Jackets would not have been so close to getting back to the playoffs. Marian Gaborik was traded to Columbus at the trade deadline and will look to help the team next season.
My Picks Reviewed
For the Eastern Conference I picked four out of the eight playoff teams correctly. None of those picks were seeded right.
Correct picks - Pittsburgh, Boston, Washington, New York Rangers.
For the Western Conference I picked 6 out of the 8 playoff teams correctly. Two of those six picks were seeded correct.
Correct picks - Chicago, Vancouver, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Detroit, Minnesota.
Seeded correctly - St. Louis (#4) Detroit (#7)
I was 10/16 in picking the playoff teams and 2/16 in picking the correct seeds.
Hopefully next year I will do a bit better!
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