The Olympics starts in 3 days. Men’s Ice Hockey runs from February 15 thru February 26. Here in the US, NBC will be showing every game with the US and medals games being shown commercial free, which is great. But personally I just can’t get motivated to watch the Olympics anymore. 1988 was the last one that really held my interest. There is no US vs. USSR rivalry anymore. No us vs. them. Most of the sports wouldn’t hold my interest at any other time. Curling, figure skating, skiing, eh they are ok. I’m not sure if I will watch much of any of it even the hockey.
The Flyers have 9 players selected to play in the Olympics
The ones selected were…
Joni Pitkanen
Peter Forsberg
Robert Esche
Derian Hatcher
Sami Kapanen
Antero Nittymaki
Kim Johnsson
Mike Knuble
Michal Handzus
Branko Radivojevic made the Slovakia Taxi Squad.
Of those Kapanen, Johnsson, have withdrawn and will sit out the Olympics. Forsberg might soon be a third. Today in practice Peter Forsberg experienced ‘tightness’ in his groin and wont play in tomorrow’s game. Some might call it a war of words, but Flyers chairman Ed Snider has said very plainly he does not want Peter to play in the Olympics. Peter has said he will play if he is healthy. Personally. I would like to see him sit and rest. Peter’s groin has been injured since back around Thanksgiving. Ok, one time it’s his left and the other times it’s his right groin, it doesn’t matter he has been injured and shouldn’t play. Joni Pitkanen is also having issues with his groin following his surgery. He should also rest and sit it out. Heck I’d rather see all of them rest and be healthier for the rest of the season. Flyers are up to what around 270 man games missed because of injuries?
A lot of hockey will be played in a short period of time, 5 games in 6 days. 8 games in 11 days if you make it to the gold medal match. Too much hockey for a team that has just been killed with injuries.
There will be a roster freeze from February 13 thru the 27 during the Olympics break.