Category Archives: FFC Blog

Devils over Flyers in shootout

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The Flyers lost another shootout this time to the Devils 2-1, another low scoring defensive battle that makes a typical Devils-Flyers game.
The Flyer’s only goal came from Brian Savage in the second period with assists from Mike Rathje and Peter Forsberg. The goal given up by Esche in the first was a bad one. He mishandled the puck behind the net and was caught. Besides that one mistake Esche played a great game in goal stopping 31 of 32 shots.

I thought we played a really good hockey game. The second and third periods were excellent for us. To come back and play the way we did is a really good step for us. We got a tremendous effort from our younger guys, and all in all, it’s a really good way to start this stretch here. Coach Ken Hitchcock.

Personally I don’t see how the third period was a good one, being out shot 15-4. Besides the second period play overall the Flyers were slow. It just looked like they were playing for a tie. The physical game wasn’t there either.

Brodeur, Esche and Gionta were the 3 stars.

With Handzus missing last nights game that leaves only Mike Knuble as the only Flyer to play in all 59 games so far this season. Brian Savage has 7 goals on the year, 3 in the last 3 games. Flyers are on a 4 game road losing streak. Ryan Ready was recalled from the Phantoms to fill in for Simon Gagne.

Lines were Savage-Forsberg-Knuble, Nedved-Kapanen-Umberger, Ready-Carter-Stevenson, Brashear-Richards-Radivojevic

What Goalie Controversy?

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A Flyers team without a goalie controversy is like Philly without any cheesestakes. For some reason it just works out that way every couple years or so for the Flyers. So this year is the Flyer’s number 1 goalie Robert Esche or Antero Niittymaki?
Well so far, if you look at the playing time Ken Hitchcock has given both, when both are available Robert Esche is #1. Niittymaki has played more games, 8 more, but that would not be the case if Esche did not have the groin injury. Given that Esche took the Flyers within one game of going to the cup last season it is understandable that Hitchcock wants to give him every chance to stay #1.
Niittymaki’s play last year with the Phantoms, winning the Calder Cup and being named MVP did allow him some playing time this year with the Flyers. Both goaltenders would alternate between games, with Esche getting the majority of starts. But then Esche injured and then reinjured his groin. This gave Nitty a long stretch of starts that he just didn’t lose.

The goalie controversy questions didn’t start until after the Olympics. Niittymaki who has really been under the radar started to get some the respect he deserved. He went 5-1 with 3 shutouts a 1.34gaa and save percentage of .951. He led Finland to a silver medal and was also named tournament MVP. On the other side Robert Esche played one game gave up 5 goals on 21 shots in a loss for Team USA. So Niitty was obviously a better goaltender during the Olympics.
So now there is controversy. Looking at the regular season stats, Niitty is still better.
He has 2 shutouts a 2.95gaa and .896save %. Compared with 3.15gaa, .892save % and no shutouts for Esche. So Niitty should be the #1 guy right? Well, not yet. Unless Niitty plays outstanding and Esche falls apart If Esche plays well then he will get run in the playoffs, if not then Niitty will.

One thing that is missing from a good goalie controversy is some good strong testosterone. One goalie demanding more playing over the other, it just isn’t happening.
Here is what Esche has said recently of the goalie controversy.
“I know that you guys are dying for there to be the goalie controversy of old. But I think I’ve done a reasonable job with that for the last bunch of years. The main reason, I think the more you guys get to know me and understand me, is I really don’t care. I just want to win.”
Sounds like a guy that wouldn’t fume sitting on the bench if the end result was a win.
Then you have Niitty who I tend to think of as the reluctant or bashful goaltender. He has been ‘yelled at’ (not really yelled at) by teammates in the past for not taking credit for playing great games.

Over at ESPN.com in John Buccigross’s Mailbag, Jame Baskow of Philly writes –
With Antero Nittymaki’s recent success in the Olympics, do the Philadelphia Flyers have the best goaltender tandem in the NHL? In addition, I would like to add that the Flyers are developing another good goaltender in their farm system, and if he plays up to the high expectations, the Flyers could have the best goalies in the NHL for years to come.

Buccigross responds with this …
I think Nittymaki’s play has convinced the Flyers they have no need to upgrade their goaltending. Nittymaki won a Calder Cup last spring and almost won an Olympic gold. The Flyers need to get healthy and play a little better defensively. They have the roster to win the Stanley Cup. The Flyers have five games in eight days to start their post-Olympic break, so getting through that will be an early test.

I have to agree with him. I do think though that Jamey should remember the recent pass with goaltenders in Philly. Good one year, so-so the next, out after that. Boucher and Cechmanek should come to mind.

So to answer a question asked on The Puck Stops Here, Will the Flyers have a goalie controversy as they head down the stretch run?
In the media’s eyes there will be controversy. Heck, they both might split goaltending duties in the playoffs which will send the media into a frenzy. But as far as the Flyers go nope, no controversy, just like every other year.
24 games left, we know Esche starts tonight and Niitty tomorrow night. I don’t think we will know for sure who the #1 will be, if he is chosen until the second week in April.

Flyers in New Jersey March 1

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The Flyers play their first game in over 2 weeks in New Jersey against the Devils tonight. The Flyers come off a 2-3 loss in Ottawa against the Senators on February 11. The Devils are coming off a 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders on February 11.
The Flyers lead the season series 2-1 against the Devils. Devils won the last meeting 3-0 in New Jersey on January 9.

Injuries for the Flyers include Simon Gagne, Michal Handzus, Kim Johnsson, Chris Therien and Keith Primeau.
Erik Rasmussen is the only injury for the Devils.

Robert Esche will get the start in goal tonight.
Peter Forsberg made it back from Sweden and will play tonight.

Derian Hatcher on Mike Modano’s ill-timed whining at the Olympics.
“I know Mike really well. We sat on the back of the (Team USA) bus together and I was surprised he said that. I think he was just frustrated. I bet if he had a chance to take it back he would.”

Hatcher sitting in the back of the bus, why does that not surprise me.

Keith Primeau done for the year

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So it is now official. Keith Primeau will not be back this year in a Flyers uniform.
Here is what Primeau had to say…

In starting, I would like to thank all of those people who really helped me during the course of the winter. I would like to thank Mr. Snider and Bob Clarke for the opportunity to search out whatever medical advice that I needed to search for over the last few months. It’s refreshing to know as an athlete that you have support of the franchise. Their sincerity is genuine and it is much appreciated.

I made this decision with difficulty as I hoped to not get to this point. Although I have made progress in my recovery (and) my vision has cleared up in the last three weeks, which is a nice change of pace, because it was a constant reminder of the difficulty that I was having. I still have symptoms when I do my physical therapy.

At this time I’m not at 100 percent, not symptom-free and will not be able to finish this season. I have made this decision in hopes of prolonging my career and I will continue to strive to return in the Fall.

The reason for this press conference is to put to rest all the speculation about my returning this season and to afford the Flyers the opportunity to do what they need to do in order help our hockey club win a Championship. I discussed with Clarkie the best route to take yesterday and if I was feeling better by the time the playoffs (started), it will have been two years that I have played consistently and that makes me susceptible in itself.

The doctors believe that I am going to get better and they are very pleased with progress albeit slow. In due time, I will recover and I will have the opportunity to play again.

I don’t know if I have fully come to terms with the decision I’ve had to make. I’m a hockey player and that’s what I do. But, speaking to those that are the closest to me, it’s the right decision. It’s the right decision for my health and that is why I made the decision.”

With Primeau’s decision becoming official there is talk about picking up another player. But I have to say who? If the rest of the Flyers ever get healthy here is the lineup. Top line is Forsberg-Knuble-Gagne, Handzus-Nedved -Radivojevic, Carter-Umberger- Kapanen, Richards-Savage-Brashear. That’s 4 lines plus Stevenson.
The other 3 lines were a best guess. With all the injuries those really haven’t been set.
The only forward I can see the Flyers moving and is actually tradable is Radivojevic. But I just don’t see them doing that, Handzus would loss his buddy.
Defensively the Flyers have Hatcher-Pitkanen, Rathje-Meyer, Jones-Desjardins.
I just threw those lines together too.
Johnsson and Therien are both out with ‘head injuries’ and there is no time table at all when they could be back. If the Flyers do pickup any players, I see it on defense. But who do you pickup and who do you give-up?

The Best of U.S.

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When the United States was winning gold in Lake Placid in 1980, there were only 55 American-born players on NHL rosters — not even three per team. Few of them had careers of any consequence.

Thanks in large part to that monumental Olympic victory, hockey interest throughout the U.S. began to surge and continues to do so. Want proof? There were a record eight Americans taken in the first round of the 2005 NHL draft. [.continue.]

Tom Layberger of Sports Illustrated gives his top 10 USA players of all time.
Two former Flyers made the list. Jeremy Roenick at #7 and John LeClair at #9.

Marke Howe gets an Honorable mention.

Update
It seems that Tom Layberger might be ‘lifting’ some of his work.
It is very coincidental that he wrote this article about a month after a very similiar article over at Japer’s Rink. The articles do look a bit similar. Doesn’t seem to be the first time it has happened either.
I always like to give credit where credit is due. Thanks to Dave for that heads up.

Injury Update Feb 28

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Keith Primeau is expected to announce he won’t be playing this season later today. The announcement will be made at 11am at the Skate Zone in Voorhees, NJ. This has been pretty much known for the past month or so, the announcement just makes it official. Primeau is still experiencing spinning sensations. He has been injured since October 25 when Alexander Perezhogin delivered an elbow to his jaw.

Simon Gagne’s bruised knee is doing better than expected, according to Coach Ken Hitchcock. He is listed day to day.

Both Chris Therien and Kim Johnsson have head injuries and will be out indefinitely. Neither is well enough to do any sort of exercising. Therien was injured February 4 against the Rangers. Johnsson was injured in mid-January from a number of hits.

Michal Handzus injured his shoulder February 10 against the Washington Capitals, a hit from former Flyer, Dainius Zubrus. Handzus suffered a torn labrum that will require surgery after the season. He is expected to be out 10 days.

Returning to the lineup from injury are Peter Forsberg, Mike Rathje, Petr Nedved and Branko Radivojevic.

Olympic wrap-up

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Olympic Ice Hockey is finally over.
Sweden beat Finland in the gold medal game 3-2.
Flyer’s Peter Forsberg had 2 shots on goal, picked up an assist and was plus one for Sweden. Antero Niittymaki made 25 of 28 saves for Finland.
So Sweden won the gold, Finland the silver and Czech Republic the bronze.

Let’s recap how each Flyer did.
Peter Forsberg playing for Sweden overall had 5 shots, no goals and 6 assists and was plus 1. The groin has held up. If Forsberg stays healthy for at least a week then all the discussion and worrying about him playing or not playing in the Olympics will be forgotten.

Antero Niittymaki playing for Finland overall was 5-1 with 3 shutouts. He stopped 156 of 164 shots. His goal against average was 1.34 with a save percentage of .951. Frank was also named the tournament MVP.

Three Flyers played for USA, Robert Esche, Derian Hatcher and Mike Knuble.
Robert Esche played in one game and was 0-1. He stopped 16 of 21 shots. His goal against average was 5.08 with a save percentage of .762.
Derian Hatcher played in all six games with 2 shots on goal, 6 minor penalties and was minus 1.
Mike Knuble also played in all six games with 10 shots on goal, 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 minor penalties and was plus 1.
They really didn’t contribute much, did they?
Looking at the Team USA roster I am not surprised at the outcome losing in the Quarterfinals. Would it be any different if Ryan Miller would have gone? Eh, maybe. Team USA wasn’t built for the big ice, just old and slow. Modano is right about one thing, Team USA does need ‘new blood’. Team USA doesn’t need prima donnas. Team USA didn’t lose because some had to make travel arrangements. Modano had no shots on goal going into the third period, no wonder he was benched for the rest of the game. What Team USA needs is appreciative, respectful players that understand the Olympics is about representing your country rather than personal feelings. Modano later said his rant was ill-timed, that might be. However, with Modano deciding to fly out of Italy early and skip the final meeting with his teammates speaks volumes.

Simon Gagne played for Canada, overall had 1 goal on 9 shots, 2 assists, 3 minor penalties and was a plus 1. Gagne was injured by a hip check by Darius Kasparaitis in Canada’s last game. They are saying it is a bruised knee. He could be out for two weeks. Canada didn’t medal which surprised a lot of people. Team Canada was expecting Gagne to step up and be more productive. Other excuses were also made, no Crosby or Stahl, Pat Quinn, Bertuzzi, Gretzky, loss of Yzerman and Lemieux, no Looney in the ice, etc. Eh, I think all of those excuses hold some weight in one way or another. But Canadians have 2010 to look forward to in Vancouver. They can put all the Looney’s they want in the ice.

There were Flyers selected to play in the Olympics but did not play because of injury or personal reasons. They were…
Kim Johnsson for Sweden. Johnsson’s wife was expecting so he chose not to go. He was injured back in January, a concussion and would not have been able to play anyway.
Sami Kapanen for Finland. Kapanen has been playing thru a shoulder injury and had some problems with his knee. He took the time off to heal.
Joni Pitkanen also for Finland. Pitkanen had a sports hernia and had surgery in December. He didn’t feel he was fully healed
Michal Handzus for Slovakia. Handzus has a shoulder injury, torn labrum. It will require surgery after the season.

With the injuries to Gagne, Hasek, Jagr and others there has been discussion about whether NHL players should play in the Olympics. Before the Olympics and still now I say no, well kind of.
The NHL should not have to stop for two weeks just for the Olympics, especially since last year there was NO season. The NHL should not have to squeeze games together just to make room for the two week layoff. Players should not be coming back to the NHL, the place where they get paid, injured.
A big problem with hockey in the Olympics is that you have 20 individuals that for the most part have never played with each other. They need to gel quickly into a team. There is little to no practice, no exhibitions, and no way to really become a good team.
So this is what I propose, have a national team, something similar to the women’s team sports. Want to play for Canada (or any other country) in the 2010 Olympics? Fine you have to play on the 2009/2010 Canadian national team for the entire year. Players have a choice either play for the national team or don’t play in the Olympics. Players can’t play for the NHL or any other league.
Of course this would never fly since the players wouldn’t like it. The NHL also wouldn’t since they would be losing some all-stars every 4 years to the Olympics.
Why it makes sense…
You only have players that want to be there and play in the Olympics. Players have to sacrifice much of their salary for a year to play. If I made 3mill a year I think I could skip a year now and then and play for my country.
The NHL schedule is not affected, no shutting down, no squeezing games together and teams do not have to deal with players coming back injured.
Better teams. Teams won’t spend half the Olympics just trying to play well as a team.
IIFH World Championship is coming up in May is the NHL going to shutdown for that too? They wont, the playoffs will be going on. Guess they will just throw together another bunch of guys from teams out of the playoff picture.
Can you really call 20 guys that play together for a couple weeks World Champions?

Gagne out 2 weeks

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Simon Gagne had an MRI on Saturday morning that confirmed he suffered a bone bruise in his right knee while playing for Team Canada in the Olympics in Torino, Italy. Below are comments regarding the injury from Flyers Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach, Jim McCrossin.

Jim McCrossin: Simon has a bone contusion. We’re looking at a bone bruise. The amount of time that Simon is going to be out will be to where he can tolerate being able to go ahead and skate and push off and get the strength back in that one leg. We’re looking at no more than two weeks at that point. Hopefully it’s going to be a lot less, but that should really be about it.

If Gagne is out for the full two weeks, thats 5 games the Olympics cost him to miss.
While 5 games is not a long time, that is still 5 games without your #1 scorer. Which makes it big.

The Semi’s

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The semifinal games are over.
Finland shutout Russia 4-0.
Flyer’s Antero Niittymaki recorded his third shutout stopping all 21 shots.
Niittymaki has played in 5 games with a 1.00 goals against average.
With a day off until the gold medal game I expect him to start.

Sweden beat Czech Republic 7-3.
Peter Forsberg had a shot on goal and one assist.

So we are down to 2 Flyers, Forsberg for Sweden and Niittymaki for Finland.
The Gold medal game on Sunday should be good, but with it starting at 8am eastern I’m not sure how much of it I will catch. The bronze medal game between Russia and Czech Republic is on Saturday at 2pm eastern. Why not have the game a little later? Guess it would be too close to the closing ceremonies.
For the gold medal game I have to go with Finland. Being undefeated with 5 shutouts, I think Finland will take it.

Day 6

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Day 6 of the Men’s Ice Hockey at the Olympics.
Sweden beat Switzerland 6-2.
Peter Forsberg had 2 assists in the game. Guess the groin is holding up so far.

Finland beat USA 4-3.
Antero Niittymaki got the start for Finland stopping 25 of 28 stops.
For USA, Derian Hatcher had a hooking penalty and double minor high sticking penalty. Mike Knuble had 1 goal with 1 shot. He also had a minor slashing penalty.
So Hatcher, Knuble and Esche are done for the Olympics. I’m not really surprised, looking at their lineup I wasn’t expecting them to medal anyway.
Hopefully we will skip the hotel room trashing this time around. But Mike Modano decided to sound like a whiney bitch after the game. Modano not liked being benched for most of the third tore into USA coach Peter Laviolette for taking a time out, then on Team USA because players had to make ‘arrangements’, tickets, hotel, etc. Modano had 2 goals and no assists thru 5 games. USA just had too many old slower players like Modano to really seriously compete for a medal. But winning isn’t everything. The Olympics is all about representing your country, playing your sport whatever it is to the best of your ability. So to all on Team USA that give it their all, even if they don’t win a medal I salute you, enjoy your time. Being in the Olympics has to be a wonderful experience that very few people get to do. To all the athletes that just showed up went thru the motions then complained about stuff that really doesn’t matter, well I’m glad I wont have to watch you 4 years from now.

In what is the upset of the day, at least to people in North America, Russia beat Canada 2-0. Simon Gagne had one shot on goal along with a minor high sticking penalty. Gagne also seem to injure his right leg off a hit by Darius Kasparaitis. No word yet on what exactly the injury is or the extent of it. So Gagne is done for the Olympics, as well as Coach Ken Hitchcock. Although I really didn’t care who won the game I did get a twinge of satisfaction with Canada losing, given how some Canadians treated Team USA in the last World Juniors. I’m sure NBC isn’t happy with a totally non-North American semi finals and finals, ratings are going to suck worse then they are now.

So looking ahead to the semi finals which are on Friday. Finland vs Russia, I think Finland takes it. I didn’t see the entire game but at least one of the goals Niittymaki let in was soft. I think he will sit and that other guy will play.
Czech Republic vs Sweden, I have to go with Sweden on this one. Another game for Forsberg to injure himself.