What a dominating victory last night over the Devils. I know the score was only 3-2 but lets break it down.
Devils first goal....5 on 3 on an AWFUL tripping call on Richards. You have to score on a 5-3 if you dont you have issues. Not to mention that Timmo got a piece and it bounces to a wide open guy.
Devils second goal....6 on 5 and it was a mad scramble where Parise got lucky that the puck bounced out to him. Then langenbrunner pins Emery's head up against the pipe....real classy.
So really the Devils didnt score a single goal 5v5. They dominated for a few minutes of the game where I was like uh oh here comes a scoring chance but then Emery stood tall. They peppered Broduer with shot after shot and the game should have been another 5+ goal game for the Flyers. Pyraloa hits brouder with a wide open net, briere wide open gets robbed, hartnell kicks a puck to his stick but just misses. I mean they were all over broduer and the Devils defence.
I thought it was a dominating display and the Flyers move to 2-0 on the season against the Devils with a win at home and one on the road. 5 losses to the devils this season and 2 came from us.
Pronger once again shut down the Devils top line. I am not counting the powerplay points and the lucky mad scramble at the end which ws 6 on 5. 5v5 play Parise, Zajac and Elias were shut down.
We have a rough schedule coming up with LA, SJ, and Colorado. SJ has not lost at home in regulation yet and being on the road the Flyers will not have first change in order to match up lines. Looks like Pronger will be seeing ton of ice as usual and need to continue to shutdown the top lines.
It's funny you should mention the game as a dominating victory. The Flyers were never up by more than 2 goals at any point during the game and with the exception of a few minutes when there were some bad penalties in the 2nd period that resulted in a 5-on-3 goal I was never worried about the outcome. I was sitting in my seat last night and felt confident the entire game after the Powe goal in the first period. Had this been last year a one or two goal lead in the 3rd period would have had me sitting on the edge of my seat nervous for the outcome. While there is still some room for improvement. Still not happy with some of the turnovers in the zone and the inability to clear the puck at times. It seems like there is always someone that comes up big. Last night Emery came up with a few big saves off of some turnovers. The D did an excellent job of clearing out lose pucks in front of the net. Once again the forecheck and backchecking were strong. Some other observations... 1) Does it seem like JVR is actually getting faster as the season goes on? He keeps looking better almost every game. He is doing a better job of getting to lose pucks and putting himself in position to make plays. 2) The play of Mika Pyorala. He doesn't have any goals or that many points but the way the guy pursues the puck carrier. He is very strong defensively. He has been getting a lot of opportunities of late and it seems like it is only a matter of time before he breaks out of the scoreless streak. 3) The discipline of Carcillo this season. He has taken a few dumb penalties but so has everyone on the team from time to time. But he looks like he is working to be more of a complete hockey player than just a fighter/goon. 4) Bartulis and Syvret - Both have looked much better than expected this season. Sure you always have lapses especially as a rookie but both have been able to jump into the line-up and play solid. They both have done more to help the team rather than hurt the team.
some bad penalties in the 2nd period that resulted in a 5-on-3 goal I was never worried about the outcome. Not going to lie. For a minute I stopped and said "is this going to be like last season all over again" I mean a 5 on 3 they scored and then still had a PP so to me that was the turning point. You almost knew at 5 on 3 they were going to get atleast 1. In the past that is where the team fell apart and would give up the 2-0 lead to see it tied 2-2 and then lose it late. But they didnt they turned around and got out of the period and increased the lead in the 3rd.
Also they had a 2 goal lead from the start of the second till about 4 minutes left in the second. Eventhough I thought their second period was the weakest of the 3.
1) JVR is looking really good. Just want him to stay healthy and hope his early injuries dont affect him down the road. Concussions always worry me.
2) Mika is a great player. Much like the Sami Kapanen type. He is just snake bitten right now but he will come through. I dont really expect a ton of points out of him just his hard working style.
3) This might have to do with Pronger coming aboard and being the veteran on the team. Carcillo might be looking up to him. I just dont see John Stevens being the one that calmed him down but I could be wrong.
4) Still very shaky with these 2. I think Parent last night played an amazing game. Pronger looked awesome as well. Timmo and Coburn still a little shaky but better recently. Bartulis and Syvret scare me. I know they get the least amount of time but there are times where we are pinned deep and it always seems to be the younger guys. They will def get better but right now its one of the downsides to the Flyers D. Soon as Coburn comes fully around (and he seems to be improving) I think the Flyers could have the best D team in the East.
See how much Pronger helps and hurts a team when he leaves....Anaheim is last in the western conference.
Another one for you, how about Betts, Laperriere, Pronger, and Parent on the PK. They had 2 PK shifts last night that were among the best shifts I have seen all year.
3) This might have to do with Pronger coming aboard and being the veteran on the team. Carcillo might be looking up to him.I think playing him alongside Laperriere is having an impact as well. It gives him a similar player to model himself after. Lappy seems to know when to drop the gloves and when to keep his cool. He also does not take dumb penalties that would hurt the team.
4) Still very shaky with these 2. I think Parent last night played an amazing game. Pronger looked awesome as well. Timmo and Coburn still a little shaky but better recently. Bartulis and Syvret scare me.I may just have lower expectations of them. I was about ready to write off Bartulis as a career AHLer and he has impressed me during the call up. Syvret would be better paired with someone who would allow him to play more as an offensive defenseman. But I just don't think Syvret has the size/speed to be a consistent top 6 d-man. Parent played one of his best games of the year last year he is great on the PK and if he stays healthy could become a shut down defenseman. Timonen and Coburn have gotten much better as th season has gone on. Last night, Coburn had a couple plays where he started to skate out in front of his own net and I wanted to look away but I think he is playing with more confidence now than earlier this season. I give credit to Pronger on almost every improvement to the D this year. I also beleive that they have more confidence in Emery than they did in Biron or Niitty.
2) Mika is a great player. Much like the Sami Kapanen type.Couldn't agree more. It seems a lot of the Finnish players in the league play a very solid all-around game. They are extremely sound defensively and they try to play mistake free hockey.
The team has been fun to watch so far and I really hope that things continue to get better.
Parent played one of his best games of the year last year night he is great on the PKGotta stop going on here at work. My attention is going in 3 too many directions.
Overall, a great game last night. I was never worried last either. This team is great. If they can get over the Pens in the playoffs they are going to the Finals. I know it is early but they are playing a system. They are not individuals like last year. They play as a team and do not need to rely on talent alone (even though they have plenty) to win games. Hard work and good D are getting done. We have a goalie that makes almost of the saves he is supposed to including big ones at key points.
Pyorala is great but I think he would be the odd man out when this team is full health. He plays on the line that Gagne would play on when he returns. So it would be an easy transition. You can make a case against Asham and Carcillo but they have scored more and are not liabilities on D. Not putting down Pyorala just stating that this team has depth.
Also, Powe and Giroux should stay as linemates. They were great in the playoffs last year and looked good last. I wonder if LaLiberte will come and play with them on the trip now that Asham is down?
Great point with pointing out the PK unit, Austin. Blair Betts has been an amazing addition. He was an under-the-radar pickup that didn't get much fanfare. In fact, I didn't even know we had him until the season began! I never really paid much attention to him when he played with the Rangers, but now seeing him play for us, I'm wondering why the Rangers let him go. The guy is an outstanding defensive forward and just always seems to put himself in great position. He wreaks havoc on opposing PP units and just makes it very difficult for them to get clean shots off. Does anyone know why the Rangers let him get away?
And echoing the thoughts on Carcillo, I agree he has improved a ton. It's early so I hate to get so excited, but I really think we may have the best team in the East. This road trip will tell a lot about this team I think. Two brutal games to start against the Kings and Sharks.
I watched last nights game from the drop of the puck until the end, Every facet of the game I think we dominated, like all you guys were saying their was a couple shaky moments, but besides that I think that was a lopsided win for the Flyers despite the score. i think the Flyers could of won that game 5-1 or even 5-0, they had soo many score chances and the way this team is playing in the early part of the year has me very excited for this year. Chris Pronger is definately a calming influence back their on defense, he just makes everyone better and I think all the other defenseman look at how he slows the game down in his own zone and looks for the correct passing lane and 95% of the time he makes a great outlet pass and we are hitting the offensive zone with speed. I think Coburn and Timmonen are coming along and will be back to the dominant combo they were 2 years ago in the playoffs.
As far as Blair Betts he is easily one of the best pick ups of the offseason, all the moves Holmgren made this offseason so far has paid dividends. Mika Pyrola is just snake bitten right now, he is always in position in the defensive zone and I think like Legion said he is going to accumulate alot of points but once he scores the 1st goal he will be on his way. Blair Betts is one of the best PK killers in the league in an earlier post this offseason one of the Rangers fans said if they let Betts go they would be crazy, he is always in the shooting and passing lanes and the key thing he is always willing to put his body in harms way to block the shot. Ian Lapierre is also a great role players and I think the line of him, Carcillo and Betts is a great line they all compliment each other and I think they calm each other down especially Carcillo, he has some skill and even has some wheels. I like his game alot and if he keeps his play up for the rest of the season could see him returning for a couple years with the Flyers.
I thin Powe and Claude Giroux play great together and Stevens would be crazy to split them two up, their tough to knock off the puck, good around the net and we all know about Giroux's passing skills. I think Laliberte will be put on that line and the 3 will be very effective on the upcoming road trip.
As far as JVR the kid I think is coming into his own and is growning more and more confident with each passing game, he is tough to know off the puck and I am suprised by his vision of the ice. If he becomes a little more physical, I think he could become one of the top PF's in the game. I think Daniel Briere and Jeff Carter compliment him well and you will see this line together for the remainder of the year.As far as last nights game I think the player who had the most dominant game last night was Scott Hartnell, he was always winning the puck battles and was always around the net causing havoc. I love him and Mike Richards together, you can see they know where each other is going to be at all times. I think if Simon Gagne comes back in the 2nd half of the season like he is supposed to be, this will be a VERY dangerous team come playoff time!
It's kind of funny, Brodeur was the reason why the Flyers didn't score 6 or 7 goals, but he was also the reason why the Flyers did score two of those goals. He made two very uncharacteristic turnovers that directly led to Flyers goals. The best was the JVR goal....his reaction was hilarious.
JVR has been very impressive so far. Anyone think he might deserve a spot on the US Olympic team?
Powe's also been excellent this year. Six goals already is awesome for him. It's a shame that Arrom Asham got hurt because he's been very solid this year, but Laliberte's been pretty good when he's been on the team so far. Does he simply replace Asham on his line or do they reunite Laliberte on the line with Carter and JVR and send Briere to the line with Powe and Giroux?
Im thinking Ray Emery is a STUD. It does'nt even look like hes trying but he so cool calm and collective its ridiculous. I agree with Carcillo, He has surprised me with the calmness of his play so far. This team has the making to be a really good team that can go far into the playoffs as long as everybody stays healthy. I have written off Gagne already. It would be nice to get rid of that contract, But nobody is going to take him when he is injured with the money he is making. Yes when he is healthy he is a really good player but he seems to be injured way too much these days
I was happy when they traded for Pronger in the offseason until I heard they traded Sbisa for him. I thought they gave up too much for him. It doesnt look that way right now. Pronger is a stud. It looks like the rest of the defense looks up to him and respect him for the player that he is. Did I hear right that someone said Sbisa is back in the minors?
Im looking forward to this road trip. This will show what this team is made of. Even though if they dont do well it doesnt mean its the end of the road for this team. Theres plenty of season left and Im just excited to see where the season leads too. Go Flyers
Great posts guys. I pretty much agree with you guys and Tarkus I know you mentioned Broduer being at fault for 2 of the goals but I would also like to give credit to the Flyers for knowing the type of goalie he is and pressuring him to play the puck right onto their sticks.
Anaheim is in last place in the Western conference. You can already tell how much of a difference Pronger makes.
2 tough teams coming up and SJ has yet to lose in regulation at home. I would love to be the team that hands them that lose. This time we will play them with Emery in net though. Look for Boucher to be playing against Phoenix. LA will be a handful tonight as well.
Flyers have only played 5 games on the road this year so we still have yet to really see how they will do when they cant match lines. I think the road games are going to give us an idea either how good this team is or what we need to work on.
Everyone already has pretty much said all there is to be said about that game. I just want to throw in my couple of cents here about the Flyers young guns on offense.
Claude Giroux, imo, is the best passer and puck controller on this team by far almost everybody, and slightly over Daniel Briere. And on top of that, the guy has absolutely ZERO quit in him when he has the puck, no matter what is happening to him. He could be laying face down on the ice, and he still has his blade on that puck, in control, and somehow either gets up to make a shot, or passes it off. He has a knack for passing that puck no matter what position it is in relative to his body. Monday night showed his great playmaking ability when Powe scored the first goal of the evening. I believe it was Pyrola that set that play up, but without Giroux and his pinpoint passing ability, behind his back, that play would have never happened. With a great team around you, some shots are just easy because your teammates giftwrap that puck in the perfect spot for you to slam it home.
JVR is one of the most sensational rookie's I've ever seen in a Flyers uniform, and quite a few other teams as well. As someone mentioned, he seems to get faster every game. I think that's him getting more confident with the speed of the NHL, and trusting his ability to play at that speed. The faster you go in hockey, the harder it is to do things because you have less reaction time, and passing/shooting windows are that much more narrow. On top of that, I don't think many people have mentioned his *defensive* abilities. This kid plays very good defense as a forward, and at such a young age, that is amazing. Defense imo is one of those things that you play the best at when you have a few years under your belt. As a forward, it's even harder. I think being on a team and watching players like Mike Richards and Scott Hartnell play their defensive game as forwards really has helped progress this kid.
I know our team is way better without Cote in the line-up. He sucks for one thing. But it will be sad to see him go because that means Mrs. Cote will no longer be part of the Flyers' Wives Fight For Lives. Has anybody seen Cote's wife? Cote has got to be one of the ugliest dudes in hockey. How did he get her?
That is by far the most useful useless comment I've heard in a while. I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought that about Cote and his wife. I mean come on... he is uglier than Laperriere. I'm just glad he's out of the lineup.
That would be awesome if JVR even gets considered for the US olympic team, I feel that he's deserved at least consideration. He's the top American rookie in the points race, 2nd overall behind Tavares. He's 1st in rookie assist, 3rd in rookie +/- and 3rd in rookie goals. That's pretty amazing, I've never seen a Flyer rookie start off his season this well. I know Lindros' first year he had 75 points, but he was the 1st overall pick when he was drafted.
JVR was #2 overall, so not much difference there. You're still dead on though because Lindros wasn't just the #1 overall pick. He was supposed to be THE #1 pick. That is, he was considered to be one of those once-in-a-lifetime franchise changers. JVR was a solid prospect, but the year he was drafted lacked a consensus #1 pick. I think the top 8 were a guess to anybody actually if i remember correctly. JVR had a great pedigree, but there was nowhere near the expectations of a Lindros.
JVR has been really really impressive. Offhand, the last rookie I remember starting off this well for the Flyers was Janne Niinimaa back in the 97-98 season. He was a key defensemen for our team that made it to the Cup Finals. He had a brilliant year. We all know how he turned out after. I do think it's a different situation for JVR, though. JVR is a much more talented player and he has the full support of the organization. For whatever reason, Bobby Clarke just had it in for European players. He was very impatient with them and the second they started to falter he got rid of them. On that same note, I'm still baffled by their decision to trade up to draft Pitkanen years back. Clarke just bailed on him early like he did for any European player, so why go out of your way to get himin the 1st place? In the past, though, and I think Holmgren has done an outstanding job since taking over for Clarke, but I digress...
JVR will certainly be in the Calder running all year. I just hope he can keep this pace up all season. It's a tall order. It might not be the worst thing in the world for him to miss some time here and there. GO FLYERS!!!!
Well fellas, Shes one of my friends on Facebook. i get to see her in her skimpy bikinis. VA VA VOOM. Yes thats the only reason too as I don't know her in any way and I guess I never will
hahah thats great that she is your facebook friend. i am going to have to look her up! I am still baffled how Claude Giroux is not scoring goals this year, he has at least 2-3 great chances a game and is just snake bitten. But there is no denying he is the best puckhandler and passer on this Flyers squad. I think he is going to break out of his slump very soon. I am glad to still see Stevens use him on the PP and PK even though he is centering the 3rd line. I would like to see his minutes go up a little bit though. I see he is averaging around 11 to 13 minutes a game. JVR looks great, the kid just knows how to play the game and I agree with the previous blogger on his defensive responsibilty, he is always in the right spot and always makes the smart play. LIke everyone else is saying just hope he doesnt run out of gas towards the end of the year. Although if he doesnt make the Olympic squad he will get a nice 2 week break to refresh some energy!
One other thing I was amazed at is the spread of the scoring on the team, Mike Richards leads the team with 8 goals. Jeff Carter hasnt even started to heat up yet, which is a sign of how much depth we got own this team and how dangerous this team is going to be this year!
I am about to find her on facebook and tell her that her boyfriend sucks at hockey and she should be dating someone that 1) looks less like a monster and 2) someone that actually has potential and can skate.
Waste of space!
On another note....look for this team to have maybe 1-2 guys in the top 20 in scoring. They are going to roll 4 lines all season and spread it out. Unlike most teams that have their #1 line out for majority of the game the Flyers have 3 lines that can be #1 ones. When you have Richards Carter and Giroux as your 3 centers its pretty hard to pick 1 over any of them to getting more ice time. All lines are contributing and even the 4th line can be used more often then not.
