December 23, 2009
Into the Stands
30 Years Later, Over the Glass and Into Hockey Lore [New York Times via TS]
Posted by aetchells at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)
December 22, 2009
This One's For Kevin
Brodeur, 37, stopped all 35 shots he faced on Monday night to become the NHL's all-time shutout leader as he passed Terry Sawchuk with the 104th of his career in a 4-0 victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Mellon Arena.
Brodeur becomes new all-time shutout leader [NHL.com]
Speaking of records, the Rams stats and now updated through December 7th December, 22nd.
Posted by aetchells at 11:57 AM | Comments (3)
December 16, 2009
What's Wrong With the Flyers?
The Flyers started this season looking like the pre-season darlings they were. But since then the wheels have fallen off. The coach has been canned and the team seems in disarray. Last night the Penguins smacked them 6-1.
Is the season salvageable? What would you do?
Posted by aetchells at 10:37 AM | Comments (7)
December 08, 2009
Emery On IR
Oh so that's why he's been so terrible.
CSNPhilly says Ray Emery has a lower body injury. Probably groin or hip.
Being placed on IR means he'll miss a minimum of 7 days.
Update: Emery is out six weeks with abdominal surgery.
Flyers Place Emery on Injured Reserve [CSNPhilly.com]
Posted by aetchells at 03:58 PM | Comments (0)
Brendan Witt Hit By Philly Car
Islanders defenseman Brendan Witt was hit by a car while crossing Arch Street in Philadelphia today. He'll still be playing tonight.
"I'm okay," Witt told the crowd as he dusted himself off, according to Newsday. "I've got to go play some hockey. I'm a hockey player. I'm okay. No big deal."
Islanders Defenseman Witt Hit by Car; Will Still Play Tonight [TSN.ca]
Posted by aetchells at 01:13 PM | Comments (2)
December 07, 2009
Carcillo Gets 4 Games
Posted by aetchells at 01:23 PM | Comments (3)
December 05, 2009
NHL Nails Winter Classic Promo
Posted by aetchells at 07:49 PM | Comments (0)
December 03, 2009
Celebration Fail
Posted by aetchells at 12:59 PM | Comments (0)
December 02, 2009
John LeClair Makes US Hockey Hall
Big time congratulations are in order for John LeClair who yesterday was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame.
Among the highlights for the big winger from Vermont:
- 1993 Stanley Cup Winner
- 1996 World Cup of Hockey Winner (6 goals in 7 games)
- First American to score three consecutive seasons of 50 or more goals
- 406 career goals (8th best for a US born player)
- Five-time first or second team NHL All-Star (only Flyer honored that many times)
Posted by aetchells at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)
Pronger Says It's Time To Make It Happen
Chris Pronger has lots of quotes in this Tim Panaccio article on CSNPhilly.com including some about Mike Richards role as captain.
Tough Spot: Pronger Won't Step on Richards' Toes [CSN Philly]
Posted by aetchells at 03:55 PM | Comments (0)
December 01, 2009
You Had To See That Coming
Update: Ovechkin skates a bit today, walks without limp. Says he won't change the way he plays. [Puck Daddy]
Posted by aetchells at 10:46 AM | Comments (2)
Keith Ballard Knows He's a Jackass
Florida Panthers defenseman inadvertently slashes his own goalie in the head. Tomas Vokoun was taken off the ice with a lacerated ear.
Whatch your head Kev, this seems to be going around this year.
Posted by aetchells at 10:40 AM | Comments (1)
November 20, 2009
Niedermayer Starts Melee
Posted by aetchells at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2009
Dirty Hit?
Last night Mike Richards hit Florida Panther David Booth. Booth was knocked unconscious and Richards was given a match penalty.
Is Richards looking at a suspension? Should he be?
Posted by aetchells at 09:36 AM | Comments (10)
October 23, 2009
Richards Freezing Philly Media
Evidently Mike Richards isn't happy with the Philadelphia media's portrayal of the Flyers as a bunch of party boys.
Flyers captain Mike Richards vs. the Philadelphia media [Puck Daddy]
Posted by aetchells at 01:52 PM | Comments (1)
October 19, 2009
Winter Classic Tix Go On Sale Tomorrow
And tickets range from $50 to $350. Of course those $50 tickets put you further from the action than Indianapolis on a Sunday night.
And of course since it's the NHL, lottery winners who have first dibs to purchase tickets haven't been informed yet.
2010 Bridgestone/NHL Winter Classic [TicketMaster]
Posted by aetchells at 11:01 AM | Comments (1)
October 15, 2009
Remember the Name Oliver Wahlstrom
Video: 9 year old scores greatest goal in Boston this season [Puck Daddy]
Posted by aetchells at 01:41 PM | Comments (2)
October 09, 2009
Best Hockey Uniforms Ever
Posted by aetchells at 01:37 PM | Comments (2)
September 17, 2009
Flyers on NHL Network Tonight
Interested in seeing the 2009-10 Flyers. You have a chance tonight as their game with the Toronto Maple Leafs will be broadcast live starting at 7pm.
TV Listings [NHL Network]
Posted by aetchells at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)
September 11, 2009
Flyers to Debut Winter Classic Jerseys Today
You can watch online on the web site at 1:45pm.
The Bruins are unveiling their jersey next Thursday although this might be a sneak peek. Looks yellow.
Jersey Unveiling & Rookie Game Live Today [PhiladelphiaFlyers.com]
Posted by aetchells at 10:30 AM | Comments (2)
September 09, 2009
All Canadian Juniors Go RBK Edge
A pleasing number of teams showed a traditional jersey is still possible with the Reebok Edge template. The Gatineau Olympique were not one of those teams.
Posted by aetchells at 03:16 PM | Comments (1)
September 03, 2009
Fenway Hockey, Onsale NOW
Hockey East is at Fenway Park a week after the NHL's Winter Classic. Boston College and Boston University are the main event on Friday, January 8th.
Also on the bill is a Northeastern versus New Hampshire women's game.
Posted by aetchells at 09:58 AM | Comments (2)
August 19, 2009
Defense Over Goaltending
Here are a couple interesting graphics that show just how good the Minnesota Wild team defense was in 2008-09.
The first graphic shows Where shots come from in the NHL. Logically most come from just in front of the net and slot.
The second graphic shows the distribution of shots against the Wild relative to the rest of the league. It was tough to get to the front of the net against the Wild. Must have been the work of Cal Clutterbuck.
Posted by aetchells at 02:11 PM | Comments (3)
July 15, 2009
It's Official, Flyers vs Bruins at Fenway
The NHL makes it official, the Flyers and the Bruins will meet on New Year's Day at Fenway Park.
Ticket prices haven't been announced but season ticket holders will be given priority access.
Ooh, also worth noting, each team has worn a vintage jersey in this game. I'd expect the Flyers wearing the white version of their throwback jerseys.
Flyers-Bruins to hit the ice at Boston's Fenway Park [NHL.com]
Posted by aetchells at 02:42 PM | Comments (1)
July 01, 2009
It's The First Day of Free Agency
Among the big moves so far.
Mattias Ohlund goes to Tampa. Jay Boumeester goes to Calgary and the Sedin twins stay put in Vancouver.
I've also heard a rumor the Flyers are looking to re-sign Brian Boucher. And this one doesn't come from Eklund so it could be correct.
Follow all the sigings with TSN.ca's sortable free agent tracker.
Posted by aetchells at 01:43 PM | Comments (4)
June 27, 2009
Pronger A Flyer
The Flyers send Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, a conditional third rounder and two #1 picks to the Anaheim Ducks for big mean defenseman Chris Pronger.
Was it too much?
Flyers swap players, picks for Pronger [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Posted by aetchells at 08:17 AM | Comments (5)
June 26, 2009
Pronger to Flyers?
Anthony SanFilippo floats the idea that the Flyers may be trying to get Chris Pronger in a trade that would send Joffrey Lupul back to the Ducks. If it happens it would be the second time Lupul was traded for Pronger.
Flyers Going After Pronger? [Delaware County Daily Times]
Posted by aetchells at 06:09 PM | Comments (1)
Pennsylvania Smartest State in Union
ESPN recently ran a poll asking who John Tavares was. Only Pennsylvania had more people correctly Identify him as an NHL draft prospect. Most of the country thinks he's a midfielder for the US Soccer team.
Asses.
Who is John Tavares [ESPN.com]
Posted by aetchells at 06:06 PM | Comments (1)
June 24, 2009
Report Says Flyers to Play in Winter Classic
The Flyers may be headed to Boston and Fenway Park for the 2010 Winter Classic. Reports say that it is the Flyers who will play the Bruins on New Years Day.
The NHL however is refusing to confirm the reports and say all will be revealed on July 15th.
There have also been reports of a doubleheader with two Western Canadian teams facing off outdoors on January 1st as well.
Posted by aetchells at 03:15 PM | Comments (1)
June 12, 2009
Game 7 Tonight
Who ya got???
Posted by aetchells at 09:56 AM | Comments (9)
June 10, 2009
Flyers Nab Emery
The Flyers introduced Ray Emery as their new goalie. The former Ottawa Senator is thought to have agreed to a one-year, 1.5 million deal.
Emery eager for ‘fresh start’ with Flyers [Philadelphia Daily News]
Posted by aetchells at 01:42 PM | Comments (7)
May 27, 2009
Youngblood - Trailer
Peter Zezel's passing had us thinking about Youngblood. Hard to believe I once thought this was a good movie.
Posted by aetchells at 12:12 PM | Comments (0)
May 26, 2009
Report: Zezel Near Death
Terrible news out of Toronto: Former Flyer Peter Zezel is said to be near death in a hospital as a result of a rare blood disorder.
The story indicates that Zezel has fought the disorder, hemolytic anemia, for the last decade, but that he was thought to be coping well in recent years. He was drafted by the Flyers in 1983 and was a very popular player,
especially among the females in the stands, when he played here from 1984 to 1989. In that time, he and his young teammates made two trips to the Stanley Cup finals under coach Mike Keenan. He was one of the faces of that popular young group that never was quite able to knock down the door.
The end of Zezel's career told you something about the man. He was in Vancouver and requested a deadline trade to the East so that he could be near a young niece who was dying of cancer. Instead, he was traded to
Anaheim and promptly retired.
Popular former Leaf Zezel in the fight of his life [Toronto Sun]
Posted by aetchells at 03:00 PM | Comments (0)
April 23, 2009
Hey Pens Fans, YOUR TEAM!
Posted by aetchells at 01:01 PM | Comments (3)
April 20, 2009
Tell Kelly I Said Hi
Posted by aetchells at 12:00 PM | Comments (2)
Anit-Christ Eyes NHL's Most Storied Franchise
The world's worst singer, Celine Dion is considering a bid for the Montreal Canadiens.
Pop singer Celine Dion is considering a joint bid for the Montreal Canadiens and Bell Centre with Quebecor president Karl Peladeau and Seagram heir Stephen Bronfman, according to a report in The Globe and Mail.
Report: Dion eyeing joint Habs bid [Sportsnet.ca]
Posted by aetchells at 10:54 AM | Comments (1)
April 15, 2009
Ummmm, No
Posted by aetchells at 09:25 AM | Comments (1)
April 14, 2009
But She's So Pretty
Posted by aetchells at 04:36 PM | Comments (1)
Who Ya Got?
Flyers face their cross-state rival beginning Wednesday night.
Will dropping Sunday's finale do in the Flyers.
What do you think?
Flyers-Penguins Playoff Preview [CSN Philly]
Posted by aetchells at 04:07 PM | Comments (4)
April 09, 2009
Bruins/Red Sox To Host Winter Classic
The Boston Herald is reporting that Fenway Park will host the 2010 Winter Classic. What was also interesting is that the Flyers were evidently also in the running.
Don’t breathe a word of this. Because nobody’s supposed to know. But the Boston Bruins will host the NHL’s Winter Classic outdoor hockey game against an unnamed opponent Jan. 1 at Fenway Park!Our spies on Lansdowne Street say the League has given its blessing to a 2010 New Year’s Day game in the Hub of Hockey, choosing Boston over New York and Philadelphia.
Ice is nice at Fenway for Bruins [Boston Herald]
Posted by aetchells at 11:34 AM | Comments (1)
April 07, 2009
Adopt-a-Band
Bemidji State has made the Frozen Four in Washington DC this weekend but their pep band has a previous engagement. So what do you do? Well you get the band of DC area Cinderella George Mason to fill in.
George Mason's Pep Band Adopts Bemidji [DC Sports Bog]
Posted by aetchells at 11:53 AM | Comments (0)
April 06, 2009
Keith Ballard, New Favorite Hockey Player
Posted by aetchells at 09:54 AM | Comments (1)
April 02, 2009
Finesse
Touch [iSportacus]
Posted by aetchells at 03:06 PM | Comments (1)
Blackhawks and Canucks Go Old School
Posted by aetchells at 02:11 PM | Comments (0)
March 04, 2009
Happy Trade Deadline Day
The Ottawa Senators made the first Deadline Day move, trading winger Antoine Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a 2009 second-round draft pick.
We can't wait till something interesting happens.
Check out the TradeCentre for up to the minute rumblings.
Posted by aetchells at 11:22 AM | Comments (17)
January 27, 2009
Hey, You Like Hockey, Right?
Cable giant Comcast Corp. said Tuesday that it will make hockey coverage from the NHL Network available to subscribers on an on-demand basis through an agreement with the National Hockey League.
Philadelphia-based Comcast said on-demand features will include news, highlights and “condensed NHL games only hours after game completion.”
Comcast makes NHL Network available on demand [Philadelphia Business Journal]
Posted by aetchells at 01:23 PM | Comments (3)
January 13, 2009
For Our Russian Spambots
The Russian KHL put on their All-Star game outdoors at Red Square. It was -13 Celsius but that wasn't enough to stop Robert Esche and the rest of the foreign all-stars from stopping the Russian team 7-6.
KHL Holds Outdoor All-Star Game in Red Square [TSN]
KHL All-Star Game Gallery [NBC Universal]
Posted by aetchells at 09:53 AM | Comments (15)
January 07, 2009
Some Video Highlights Worth Watching
Been meaning to post these for awhile.
James Van Riemsdyk scores in OT for USA.
Crosby vs. Brett McLean
Semin slap fights Staal
Posted by aetchells at 02:57 PM | Comments (4)
December 26, 2008
USA Jrs versus Germany, today
The World Junior Championships start today and the USA faces Germany in on the NHL Network, live at 3:30pm. All other Team USA matches will also be broadcast on the NHL Network.
Broadcast Team for NHL Network’s Coverage of IIHF World Junior Championship Unveiled [USA Hockey]
Posted by aetchells at 01:10 PM | Comments (2)
December 19, 2008
Sundin Signs With Canucks
Mats Sundin surprises many by signing with the Vancouver Canucks.
After six long months, the Mats Sundin saga is finally over as the unrestricted free agent has agreed to a one-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
FREE AGENT SUNDIN AGREES TO DEAL WITH CANUCKS [TSN.ca]
Posted by aetchells at 12:33 PM | Comments (14)
December 11, 2008
A Good Little Hockey Story
A nice story on a gloomy day.
In the middle of a grueling six game road trip where a very young hockey team is away from home, the third game of the trip ends late on a cold Canadian Saturday night. This is the only break on the trip and the three days between games allow them the only break to get back home in their own beds for a couple of days before going back on the road. A scheduled commercial flight waits for them at Toronto’s International Airport for the short flight home; they could be home by midnight. This plane departs on schedule, but without a single member of the hockey team.....
XM 204 NHL Home Ice [XM Satellite Radio]
Posted by aetchells at 09:56 AM | Comments (1)
December 08, 2008
This Week In The NHL On TV
Monday: Buffalo at Pittsburgh on Versus 7:30pm
Tuesday: Islanders at Philadelphia on Versus 7pm
Wednesday: Calgary at Detroit on NHL Network 7:30pm
Thursday: Carolina at Philadelphia on CSN 7pm
Saturday: Pittsburgh at Philadelphia on CSN 1pm; Washington at Montreal 7pm, and Vancouver at Edmonton 10pm on NHL Network
Posted by aetchells at 03:43 PM | Comments (6)
December 05, 2008
Avery Exiled
Sean Avery was handed a six game suspension by the NHL and from the clips from his teammates, it might take more than that to get him back in an NHL locker room.
"I could forgive somebody for making a mistake or making a few mistakes, but it goes a lot deeper than that," Stars goalie Marty Turco said. "I'm pretty sure Brett knows how we feel. This is long before a week ago.""You have to move on and start a new chapter, and that's kind of what we're planning on doing and working toward," Stars forward Mike Modano said. "As players, I think we've kind of washed our hands of the situation. After today, we're not going to discuss it or talk about it or him."
Avery receives 6-game suspension, agrees to get counseling [ESPN.com]
Posted by aetchells at 04:15 PM | Comments (3)
December 03, 2008
NHL Suspends Avery
Avery made some comments about Dion Phaneuf getting Avery's sloppy seconds.
So why not weigh in with your opinion and even vote in our BRAND NEW POLL!!!
NHL suspends Sean Avery indefinitely [NHL.com]
Posted by aetchells at 10:37 AM | Comments (4)
November 26, 2008
NHL 3rds
Posted by aetchells at 10:57 AM | Comments (11)
November 25, 2008
Simons Lives
Ed Snider saves Simons and the two other city rinks from closing. The agreement will also expand access to the two other city rinks. But the most interesting bit is kind of buried.
The foundation is also working with the city to procure land for a hub facility that would have a computer lab, classrooms, administrative offices, and multiple ice surfaces, as well as public space for meetings and other community functions.
Hockey group saves city ice rinks [Philadelphia Business Journal]
Posted by aetchells at 05:13 PM | Comments (6)
NHL Gaining On NBA
Attendance, buzz, enthusiasm and even TV ratings saying the NHL is gaining on the NBA.
The way I look at it the NHL is already operating in a post apocalyptic sports world where it is up to the leagues to truly market the game while the NBA is still relying on a fickle media to promote it.
NHL vs. NBA: Hockey winning in attendance, fan enthusiasm? [Puck Daddy]
Posted by aetchells at 08:44 AM | Comments (2)
November 20, 2008
Heavyweight Bout
Posted by aetchells at 02:21 PM | Comments (3)
November 17, 2008
Biron to Debut New Mask
Posted by aetchells at 03:33 PM | Comments (2)
Flightless Fly
Stop me if you think that you've heard this one before
Rams lost their first game of the season, 7-3, to the Penguins Sunday. The Penguins were not their usual flightless selves, with KevMac opening the scoring quickly in the first on a wrap around. The Penguins would score 2 before Bake tallied for the Rams. And 2-1 would be the closest the Rams could get all day. Penalties plagued the Rams, who couldn't muster up more than Bake's hattie. Next game is Thursday night 10:40 vs. Continentals. You in?.
Posted by aetchells at 02:30 PM | Comments (20)
November 11, 2008
Stanley Cup Rematch Tonight
The Penguins face the Red Wings tonight in a rematch of the Stanley Cup Finals on Versus tonight. They'll also be saying hi to former teammate Marian Hossa.
Hossa can't believe his good fortune [NHL.com]
Posted by aetchells at 03:50 PM | Comments (2)
November 07, 2008
City Rinks To Be Slashed
Under Mayor Nutter's plan to tackle budget shortfalls three of five city ice rinks will be shuttered unless a sponsor can be found. No word on which rinks would be closed.
How Nutter Wants to Tackle Budget Shortfall [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Posted by aetchells at 10:51 AM | Comments (2)
November 03, 2008
Sabres Vs Devils Tonight
Buffalo will take on New Jersey tonight on Versus and for the first time in 51 games Martin Brodeur won't be between the pipes for the Devils. Is it just a bruised elbow like the Devils have said or something much more sinister as Dowell suspects.
Posted by aetchells at 05:32 PM | Comments (4)
October 28, 2008
Unnatural Hat Trick
Zach Harrison of Minnesota State did something that might has only been accomplished a handful of times at any level. Harrison scored a natural shorthanded hat-trick. That's three straight shorthanded goals.
Hockey Player Pulls Off Rare Hat Trick, Has His Stick Taken Away [Deadspin]
Posted by aetchells at 03:43 PM | Comments (0)
October 27, 2008
This Would Never Happen At Wiss
The facoff dots at Boston's TD Banknorth Garden were painted incorrectly. The faceoff circles in the west end are 24 feet from the goal line instead of the regulation 20 feet.
“Of the many logistical tasks the Garden operations team is called upon to perform each season, painting and marking the ice sheet is one of the more routine and straightforward. Therefore, this oversight is simply an inexcusable and disappointing error for which we apologize to the Boston Bruins and the NHL at-large,” said TD Banknorth Garden president John Wentzell in a statement.
Circle Game [Boston.com]
Posted by aetchells at 01:56 PM | Comments (1)
October 22, 2008
Dildo Shower
A sex scandal featuring a Swedish hockey player spilled onto the ice recently as fans mocked the player, littering the ice with dildos.
Swedish hockey game delayed by dildo shower [Yahoo! Sports]
Posted by aetchells at 12:01 PM | Comments (8)
October 21, 2008
Adams Division Battle On Versus
Tonight Versus has the Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins at 7. Boston evidently still has Tim Thomas in net. Hasn't anyone in the NHL figured out how to score on that beerleaguer?
Boston at Buffalo [NHL.com]
Posted by aetchells at 04:19 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2008
Tonight On Versus
Tonight Versus plays host to an odd match up, the Montreal Canadiens vs. the Florida Panthers. At least the Canadiens are undefeated.
Panthers vs. Canadiens [Versus TV]
Posted by aetchells at 02:43 PM | Comments (1)
October 17, 2008
Caps Comeback On Pens, Adam Foote is Old
Adam Foote was honored for playing in 1,000th NHL game last night. The Flyers played the part of patsy.
1,000 Games for Foote [Denver Post]
Posted by aetchells at 08:40 AM | Comments (1)
October 16, 2008
Is The Free Preview Of Center Ice Still Going On?
Because if it is, check out Ovechkin vs. Crosby tonight.
Posted by aetchells at 05:42 PM | Comments (2)
Blackhawks Dump Savard
Well anyone who took the under in first coach to get fired has got to be feeling pretty smart right about now. The Chicago Blackhawks have canned Dennis Savard.
Blackhawks Fire Savard, Make Quenneville New Coach [TSN]
Posted by aetchells at 02:32 PM | Comments (2)
September 16, 2008
Slovakia 82 | Bulgaria 0
How bad is international women's hockey? This bad!
Video 1 shows the Slovaks getting up to an early 7 goal lead.
Video 2 shows that after Bulgaria was down 77-0 they pulled their goalie and fared better. Except for the penalty shots for covering the puck in the crease.
Video 3 shows a brawl. Woo.
Score Along At Home With The 82-0 Women's Hockey Game [Deadspin.com]
Posted by aetchells at 03:24 PM | Comments (4)
September 10, 2008
The Devil Wears CCM
Sean Avery's time as an intern at Vogue is set to be turned into a romantic comedy, in related news, I just puked.
Casting the 'Sean Avery: Adventures of a Vogue Intern' movie [Puck Daddy]
Posted by aetchells at 08:49 AM | Comments (1)
August 18, 2008
Summer Skates Winding Down
There are only a couple weeks left of summer skates. Are you ready for the season?
Monday, 8:45 pm.
Thursday, 8:45 pm.
Sunday, 10:30 am.
Posted by aetchells at 11:48 AM | Comments (1)
August 12, 2008
Richter Among US Hockey HoF Inductees
The four-person United States Hockey Hall of Fame's class of 2008 -- announced on Tuesday morning -- is appropriately Olympian, given the events of the day.
It also is groundbreaking.
Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, Brett Hull and Cammi Granato officially will be inducted at a dinner and ceremony on Oct. 10, held in conjunction with the next night's University of Denver-Notre Dame Hall of Fame Game at DU's Magness Arena. The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum is in Eveleth, Minn.
Four big names in U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame's 2008 class [ESPN]
Posted by aetchells at 01:10 PM | Comments (0)
July 31, 2008
Flyers To Play Spectrum
The Flyers have announced their pre-season including their final game at the Spectrum.
The Flyers will be returning to their home of nearly 40 years, the Wachovia Spectrum, for a preseason game Saturday, Sept. 27 against the Carolina Hurricanes, the team announced today.
Flyers to return to Spectrum for preseason game [Philly.com]
Posted by aetchells at 12:15 PM | Comments (2)
July 16, 2008
A Roar and Rush of Memories
Bill Lyon nails it today in his tribute to the Spectrum.
The Blade Runners.The Spectrum was theirs. They brawled and bashed and splattered its ice with blood - the opponents' and their own. In Philadelphia, blood plays big.
Kate Smith played big, too. In life and in records. Adopted as the Flyers' good luck talisman, when her version of "God Bless America" was played, the Spectrum vibrated like a giant tuning fork, and the hardest of hearts suddenly found it hard to swallow.
We have to play a game there this year.
A roar and rush of memories
Posted by aetchells at 12:09 PM | Comments (1)
July 15, 2008
Good Bye Spectrum
the Spectrum will be closing for good next year.
"This will be the final year of the Spectrum," Comcast-Spectacor chairman Ed Snider announced this morning."This has been one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make," he said. "The Spectrum is my baby. It's one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me, but after a lot of thinking and discussions, we all feel it is in our best interest to close the Spectrum at the conclusion of the upcoming 2008-09 Philadelphia Phantoms and Kixx seasons."
It’s official: ‘Final year of the Spectrum’ [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Posted by aetchells at 10:49 AM | Comments (9)
July 02, 2008
Flyers Tinker
The Flyers were more low key than a year ago when free agency began this year signing a couple players and telling their captain that he wouldn't be re-signed.
Flyers make necessary adjustments [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Posted by aetchells at 09:35 AM | Comments (13)
Free Agency Kicks Off
28 unrestricted free agents signed, 8 goalies switched teams, 5 trades were made and $300 million was spent. And that was just day one.
Brian Campbell is a rich-rich man. Wade Redden is the latest big name to settle on Broadway.
Still plenty of questions remain, is there a free agent defenseman of note left for the Flyers? Where will Sundin go? Will Hossa head to Edmonton?
2008 Free Agent Signings [TSN]
Posted by aetchells at 09:26 AM | Comments (2)
June 24, 2008
Mullet Man Returns
Melrose re-enters NHL as new coach of Lightning
Ass clown and coach as many NHL games as me over the last 13 years, Barry Melrose has been named coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Posted by aetchells at 07:28 PM | Comments (1)
June 20, 2008
Could Malkin, Others Return To Russia?
According to the Star's Rick Westhead, a number of teams from Russia's brand new Continental League are poised to offer the Russian-born forward a multi-year contract worth at least $12.5 million (all figures U.S.) tax free per season, making him the highest paid hockey player in the world.The offer would be equivalent to at least a $15 million per year in the NHL, where players have to pay state (or provincial) and federal taxes. Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals' star forward and league MVP, is the highest paid NHLer at around $9.6 million.
Posted by aetchells at 02:18 PM | Comments (2)
June 19, 2008
Prospal Goes Back To Tampa
Fyers send unhappy Prospal back to Tampa
Paul Holmgren knew right away that Vaclav Prospal was not happy to be returning to Philadelphia."Right after we made the trade [at the deadline in February] when I talked to him, he let me know he wasn't very happy. We talked about it and what I told him was, 'You scratch my back I'll scratch yours,' " the Flyers general manager said yesterday
Posted by aetchells at 02:55 PM | Comments (1)
June 03, 2008
The Amazing Don Cherry
Don Cherry's Fashion Statements
Posted by aetchells at 11:04 AM | Comments (5)
May 29, 2008
Winter Classic Headed To Windy City
Report: Blackhawks to play Wings at Wrigley
The Blackhawks are expected to play the Detroit Red Wings at Wrigley Field in January in the NHL's Winter Classic, Comcast SportsNet reported Wednesday night, with an official announcement perhaps coming this week.
Posted by aetchells at 03:10 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2008
Next Year's Flyers
Flyers Head Into Another Busy Off-season
The Flyers off-season has arrived and there are sure to be changes, especially along the blue line. That plus the re-signing of restricted free agents should make this off-season an interesting one.
List of Flyers free agents after the jump.
Unrestricted Free Agents
Jesse Boulerice, RW
Jim Dowd, C
Rory Fitzpatrick, D
Martin Grenier, D
Jaroslav Modry, D
Vaclav Prospal, LW
Jason Smith, D
Restricted Free Agents
Rejean Beauchemin, G
Jeff Carter, C
Braydon Coburn, D
Riley Cote, LW
Triston Grant, LW
Nate Guenin, D
Martin Houle, G
Randy Jones, D
Lars Jonsson, D
Scott Munroe, G
Ryan Potulny, C
Darren Reid, RW
Stefan Ruzicka, RW
Patrick Thoresen, W
R.J. Umberger, W
Posted by aetchells at 12:17 PM | Comments (6)
May 13, 2008
Flyers Pens Tonight, Vent or Boast Here!
No Coburn tonight. That means Parent and Modry. Flyers will have their work cut out for them.
Posted by aetchells at 05:01 PM | Comments (15)
May 12, 2008
Controversy In USA vs. Finland Game
PHANTOM GOAL SPARKS FINLAND'S RALLY OVER U.S.
The USA and Finland faced each other in a doozy of a World Championships game yesterday complete with bizarre rulings, match penalties, a fight and even Robert Esche.
Posted by aetchells at 12:01 PM | Comments (1)
May 09, 2008
Penguins Practice
Posted by aetchells at 09:37 AM | Comments (10)
May 08, 2008
Timmonen Done For Playoffs
Timonen out for playoffs with blood clot
Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen was diagnosed with a blood clot in his left ankle today. He will be out for the remainder of the playoffs.
Posted by aetchells at 07:10 PM | Comments (2)
May 05, 2008
RJ Not Only Hot Flyers Product
RJ Umberger certainly has had a hot playoffs but he isn't the only player in the Flyers system who is lighting it up.
Claude Giroux has 41 points (13 goals, 28 assist) in 15 games. Giroux was second in the QMJHL during the regular season with 106 points in just 55 games.
Posted by aetchells at 04:29 PM | Comments (12)
NHL Announces Conference Finals Schedule
The NHL has announced the schedules including start times for the NHL Conference Finals.
Fri., May 9, 2008 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Sun., May 11, 2008 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Tues., May 13, 2008 7:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
Thurs., May 15, 2008 7:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
*Sun., May 18, 2008 3:00 p.m. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
*Tues., May 20, 2008 7:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
*Thurs., May 22, 2008 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Posted by aetchells at 04:26 PM | Comments (8)
May 02, 2008
Are The Flyers Hated?
Hatred For Flyers Is Real: Hatcher
The Canadian National Post does an interesting piece on the hatred for the Flyers, real and imagined. It's interesting that even veteran players say there's something to it.
Posted by aetchells at 09:44 AM | Comments (5)
April 30, 2008
Who's It Going To Be?
HABS TRY TO EVEN EAST SEMIFINALS IN PHILADELPHIA
Montreal will look to keep the power play hot as they face the Flyers again tonight in South Philadelphia. But who will be in goal for the Canadiens?
Posted by aetchells at 12:20 PM | Comments (4)
April 29, 2008
Super Pig Defaces Rocky
Some sort of French Canadian pig defaced the Rocky statue with a Canadiens jersey. Man in tights with pig nose also manages just 9 less saves than Carey Price.
Posted by aetchells at 11:07 AM | Comments (3)
April 28, 2008
Game 3 Tonight
The two teams are really starting to dislike each other. Should be a good one tonight. Anyone going down?
Posted by aetchells at 03:47 PM | Comments (3)
April 25, 2008
Thanks NHL
Posted by aetchells at 09:32 AM | Comments (14)
April 23, 2008
BRING IT ON!
Posted by aetchells at 09:39 AM | Comments (3)
April 21, 2008
Flyers Vs. Caps, Game 6
No Knuble. Expect Riley Cote to be in the lineup in his place. Can the Flyers continue to bottle up Ovechkin? Will Alex curse at the Flyers fans again? Will there be a game 7 tomorrow night?
Posted by aetchells at 04:28 PM | Comments (28)
April 12, 2008
Meltdown
Yes, Flyers, there's a bright side to loss
Well game one of the Flyers season didn't go the way they had hoped. Modry -4. Thoresen possibly minus one ball. But Rich Hofmann says there's hope.
Posted by aetchells at 11:54 AM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2008
Open Post Playoffs Game 1
The Penguins shut out the Senators 4 to 0.
Rangers roll on the Devils 4 to 1.
Out west we've got Colorado at Minnesota and Calgary heading to San Jose. (On Versus).
Discuss...
Posted by aetchells at 09:53 PM | Comments (11)
April 07, 2008
And The Rest Of The Playoffs
EAST: Canadiens (1) vs. Bruins (8)
EAST: Penguins (2) vs. Senators (7)
EAST: Capitals (3) vs. Flyers (6)
EAST: Devils (4) vs. Rangers (5)
WEST: Red Wings (1) vs. Predators (8)
WEST: Sharks (2) vs. Flames (7)
WEST: Wild (3) vs. Avalanche (6)
WEST: Ducks (4) vs. Stars (5)
Posted by aetchells at 11:57 AM | Comments (8)
Flyers Make Playoffs, Face Ovechkin
So the Flyers have clinched a playoff spot and improbably finished in 6th place. That means they'll face the Capitals Friday in the first round.
Do they have a chance. How do you see the series playing out?
Posted by aetchells at 11:52 AM | Comments (4)
March 20, 2008
8OTs And Co-Champs
After eight overtimes, is a tie wrong?
Well, last Saturday thousands of folks turned out for Michigan's Division I high school hockey championship game, but what they witnessed was an eight-overtime marathon on ice.The result of the record-setting 109 minutes of play was a 1-1 tie and a pair of co-champions.
Posted by aetchells at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
March 17, 2008
Penalty Shot Spinarama
Posted by aetchells at 11:16 AM | Comments (0)
February 25, 2008
Forsberg's Back
Forsberg returns to NHL with Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche have won the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes, signing the centre to return to the team for the rest of the season.
Posted by aetchells at 04:35 PM | Comments (5)
February 11, 2008
Better Than The Skills Competition
Posted by aetchells at 12:52 PM | Comments (7)
Best Of Don Cherry
My Top Ten Don Cherry Suits
Don Cherry has style. Lots of style. And hatred for Swedes. But this is about his style. Blogger, Sean Leahy lists his 10 favorite Don Cherry suits.
Posted by aetchells at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2008
Ron Hextall Makes Flyers HOF
In honor of Ron Hextall being inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame last night, we repost this great video.
What a badass.
Posted by aetchells at 10:31 AM | Comments (4)
January 29, 2008
Laraque Not Suspended
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette is reporting that Georges Laraque will not be suspended for his hit from behind on Flyer Steve Downie.
Penguins Notebook [Pittsburgh Post Gazette]
Posted by aetchells at 10:30 AM | Comments (5)
January 18, 2008
Rick Nash & The Goal Of The Year
Rick Nash undresses the Coyotes
Click the first Launch NHL Video Portal and I suggest going full screen.
Posted by aetchells at 06:04 PM | Comments (5)
January 11, 2008
Richards, Timonen Named All-Stars
Mike Richards and Kimmo Timonen named All-Stars. Briere misses out.
Posted by aetchells at 12:41 PM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2008
Crazy Coot At It Again
Flyers' Clarke approves Downie's actions
For Clarke, the rationale for Downie's actions was totally justified.
"Blake was a guy who had no problem going out and saying (Downie) should be suspended for life or suspended for the year," he explained, referring to Blake's reaction last September to the McAmmond incident. "When you say something that stupid, why shouldn't this kid go after him for it?"
Posted by aetchells at 03:02 PM | Comments (5)
January 02, 2008
Now That Was Cool
For a league that constantly shoots itself in the foot the NHL's Winter Classic was just that.
Posted by aetchells at 12:10 AM | Comments (25)
December 28, 2007
How Hockey Sticks Are Made
Thanks to Z for this video.
Posted by aetchells at 09:34 AM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2007
Flyers Bring Back Vandermeer
The Flyers traded forward Ben Eager, a healthy scratch in four of the last seven games, to the Chicago Blackhawks tonight for a familiar face: defenseman Jim Vandermeer.The trade was announced after the 3-2 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes. Vandermeer, dealt from the Flyers to the Windy City for Alexei Zhamnov in February 2004, brings some snarl and experience to the team's blue liners.
Posted by aetchells at 01:35 AM | Comments (9)
December 13, 2007
That's A Lot Of Money
Flyers offer Richards 12-year deal
If there was any question whether the Flyers saw a future captaincy in center Mike Richards, it was addressed today in flattering terms.The Flyers have offered him a 12-year deal with an annual cap hit of $5.7 million. The contract is worth at least $68.4 million. Final details have not been worked out and approval of the NHL is pending, league sources said.
Posted by aetchells at 01:51 PM | Comments (4)
December 12, 2007
Flyers Romp On Pens
When the emotion died down and most of the media had left the locker room, Joffrey Lupul was pulling off the last of his sweaty equipment and thinking about what all this really meant.He had a hat trick, R.J. Umberger had a hat trick, the Flyers had pummeled the Pittsburgh Penguins, 8-2, last night in the Wachovia Center. It was a fight-filled, nasty contest in which the Penguins had a third-period discipline meltdown and the Flyers continued to exact some revenge for the eight-game beating Pittsburgh handed them last season.
Posted by aetchells at 10:53 AM | Comments (8)
December 06, 2007
Coach May Have Ordered bertuzzi Attack
Report: Crawford said Moore 'must pay the price' before Bertuzzi attack
A statement of claim filed in court by Moore's lawyer and obtained by CBC alleges that Crawford pointed to Moore's name and number on a board in the Canucks' locker room during the second intermission of that game and said "... [Moore] must pay the price."In an accompanying document, Moore's lawyer claims Crawford's statement was disclosed by Bertuzzi while under oath, and by Canucks general manager Dave Nonis.
Posted by aetchells at 02:10 PM | Comments (5)
December 05, 2007
Pens Let Recchi Go
The Recchin' Ball
Mark Recchi may have been cut by the Penguins yesterday but it figures his career (and what a career it's been) isn't over yet.
Regardless of what happens with this latest mess, I don't think he's going to fade away, sail into the sunset a la Brett Hull and quit midseason. For one, I highly doubt Recchi thinks he's anywhere near done. A lot of what's gone on with the Penguins has to do with his rocky relationship with coach Michel Therrien, someone who has a history of difficult dealings with players at this level.
Posted by aetchells at 12:20 PM | Comments (3)
December 04, 2007
Flyers Extend Middle Finger To NHL; Recall Downie
How great is this? The Flyers are down a player with the suspension to Riley Cote so they call up Steve Downie.
“We’re going on a two-game road trip. We’re down a player due to a suspension (Riley Cote), so we wanted to take an extra player on this road trip,” said Holmgren. “Steve has played very well for the Phantoms of late and was the best guy at this point in time to call up.
Posted by aetchells at 01:48 PM | Comments (5)
December 03, 2007
Flyers On Notice
League puts Flyers on notice; Cote suspended
After Riley Cote was handed a three-game suspension for a head shot to Dallas forward Mat Niskanen in Saturday's game, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren that the league would be watching the Flyers closely."I talked to [Bettman] today. He thinks, like I do, that these are different coincidences, different situations, that have to be viewed differently, but the question was raised about ramifications if it happens again," Holmgren told the Daily News. "So obviously we're under watch."
Posted by aetchells at 05:27 PM | Comments (0)
November 27, 2007
Hartnell Hit
For those who have missed the latest incident of Broad Street Bully aggression.
UPDATE: Hartnell gets two games.
Posted by aetchells at 02:15 PM | Comments (3)
O Canada
Cops probe hockey brawl involving 8-year-olds
Six [8 year-old] players and two coaches were suspended after Friday's brawl between the Duffield and Niagara Falls novice triple-A teams. Staff Sgt. Neal Young says after a fight broke out between players on the ice, both coaches sent the rest of their players over the boards to join in.
Posted by aetchells at 02:05 PM | Comments (5)
Here We Go Again
Flyers lose, and may face penalty
Against the backdrop of the Patrice Bergeron incident one month ago today, the Flyers are again about to face disciplinary measures from the NHL after last night's 6-3 loss to the Boston Bruins at the Wachovia Center.With the Flyers trailing by 5-2 in the second period, forward Scott Hartnell came across the ice to hit defenseman Andrew Alberts with a head shot that left another Boston player injured. He will be evaluated today, the Bruins said.
Posted by aetchells at 07:38 AM | Comments (10)
November 19, 2007
Sherwood No Longer Sporting Wood
Sherwood-Drolet ceasing wooden stick production
It's the end of an era. Guy LaFleur poses a question Carter has never considered. What does an extra 20 miles an hour matter when the puck goes 50 feet wide of the net?"
Posted by aetchells at 10:43 AM | Comments (2)
November 14, 2007
Stay Classy Sean
Rangers F Sean Avery denies making cancer slur to Leafs LW Blake
Sean Avery of the New York Rangers denied making cancer-related comments to ill Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake before a pregame altercation between the clubs last weekend.
Avery exchanged words and shoves with Blake and his Toronto teammate Darcy Tucker during warmups before New York's 3-2 shootout victory over the Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
The FAN 590, an all-sports radio station in Toronto, reported Monday that an unnamed Rangers player said Avery started the pregame scuffle with comments directed against Blake, who was recently diagnosed with a form of leukemia.
Posted by aetchells at 10:48 AM | Comments (1)
November 09, 2007
Hall Of Fame For Lindros?
By the time Eric Lindros and Bob Clarke parted ways in Philadelphia, they were like oil and water.
And that remains the case today. But despite the bad blood, Clarke says it's a no-brainer that the Big E should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Share your opinion and be sure to vote in the poll on the right.
Posted by aetchells at 05:30 PM | Comments (3)
The Never Quite Was One
With Lindros, nothing was a given
It's strange, perhaps even sad, that it seemed to take Lindros until the very end of his career to actually find that comfort zone, a place where he was accepted and comfortable. But there he was Thursday afternoon, a player who promised greatness from the earliest age but left almost everyone connected to him in the hockey world wanting more, suddenly the poster boy for the new players' union.
Posted by aetchells at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)
November 07, 2007
Flyers Look To End Losses Against Pens
Having scored just 12 goals in their last six games after a torrid offensive start, Flyers Head Coach John Stevens shuffled his lines a bit on Tuesday as the team prepares for the first of eight meetings with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night (7:00 p.m., CN8).Danny Briere and Mike Richards, the team’s two best offensive players so far, traded places with Richards centering Simon Gagne and Mike Knuble and Briere between Joffrey Lupul and R.J. Umberger.
Posted by aetchells at 03:59 PM | Comments (9)
November 04, 2007
Bench Filling Brawl
Tell Val I said hi!
Posted by aetchells at 02:25 PM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2007
Flyers Return From "All-Star Break"
Less than a month into the season, the Philadelphia Flyers are gaining a reputation of being a physical team. They're also proving to be a pretty good one, too.The Atlantic Division-leading Flyers (7-3-0) reach the midpoint of their season-high eight-game road trip when they visit the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night.
Posted by aetchells at 03:12 PM | Comments (0)
October 31, 2007
Hatcher Out
Flyers’ Hatcher out for up to a month
Flyers defenseman Derian Hatcher is expected to miss 3 weeks to a month following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, the Daily News has learned.The surgery is scheduled for Thursday.
Hatcher said he believed he injured the cartilage in the back of the knee in a postgame weightlifting session during the preseason.
Posted by aetchells at 12:34 PM | Comments (0)
October 29, 2007
Sharks At Stars In HD
Mike Modano is near yet another milestone in his storied career.The veteran center will try to get closer to becoming the highest-scoring American player in NHL history Monday night when the Dallas Stars host the San Jose Sharks.
Modano is the Stars' all-time leading scorer with 1,230 career points, two shy of the record for a United States-born player held by Hall of Fame defenseman Phil Housley.
Posted by aetchells at 03:24 PM | Comments (0)
Jones Gets Two
"While it is my determination that Jones did not intend to injure his opponent, he did deliver a hard check to a player who was in a vulnerable position," said NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell. "There have been suggestions by some that this hit was comparable to incidents earlier this season where players received significant game suspensions for blows to the head. These comparisons and suggestions are wrong," Campbell added.
Posted by aetchells at 03:12 PM | Comments (5)
October 22, 2007
Tonight On Versus
Thanks to some stingy defense, the Boston Bruins are rolling. They'll be trying for their fifth straight win Monday when they visit the Montreal Canadiens. The Bruins (5-2-0) beat the New York Rangers 1-0 in a shootout on Saturday. In his first start since Oct. 12, Manny Fernandez stopped 26 shots for his 14th career shutout.
Posted by aetchells at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)
October 18, 2007
Locker Room Gloating At Stake
The new and improved Flyers take on the Devils tonight in a battle for Rams locker room supremacy. Who will come out on top?
Posted by aetchells at 03:34 PM | Comments (5)
Back With A Vengeance
Posted by aetchells at 02:34 PM | Comments (1)
October 16, 2007
Flyers Face Thrashers Tonight
Struggling Thrashers Next Up for Flyers
The old cliché about not taking a team lightly despite its record was a common utterance at the Virtua Center Flyers Skate Zone on Monday, as the Flyers will continue their four-game homestand with the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday night at the Wachovia Center (7:00 p.m., Versus, 610 WIP).
Of course, with the ability that Atlanta has, specifically up front with its talented forwards, the clichés ring true.
“They’re dangerous because they haven’t won,” said Mike Knuble. “They have a lot of skill up there. Nobody wants to be a team’s first win six or seven games into the season.”
Posted by aetchells at 03:23 PM | Comments (1)
October 15, 2007
Rangers Sue NHL
In what may be a landmark case the New York Rangers are suing the NHL, at stake; who controls team web sites and marketing.
Unlike the other 29 NHL teams, the Rangers have resisted handing over the keys to their Web properties, and on Friday that dispute went to court when the Rangers filed suit against the league alleging that the league had violated state and federal anti-trust laws by creating "30 cookie-cutter club Web sites" that link to nhl.com, as well as seizing control of certain sales, marketing and advertising operations. Before the suit was filed, the Rangers allege that the league was about to begin fining the team $100,000 per day for resisting the change.
The Ice Sheet: Rangers Take League to Court Over Web Control
Posted by aetchells at 02:52 PM | Comments (5)
October 13, 2007
Boulerice In The OHL
Here's what got Jesse Boulerice suspended a year back in 1998.
Posted by aetchells at 10:15 AM | Comments (3)
October 11, 2007
Flyers Roll In Vancouver
Flyers score eight in rout of Canucks
Umberger back, and scoring, as Flyers smack Canucks. Boulerice makes his own case for 20 game suspension.
Posted by aetchells at 10:49 AM | Comments (11)
October 05, 2007
Phantoms Opener Tonight
If you're considering the Phantoms opener tonight you can get tickets for half price.
Just use the promotional code FUNSAVER.
Posted by aetchells at 11:19 AM | Comments (1)
Briere Wins First For Flyers
Briere and Knuble fuel Flyers in debut
It took Danny Briere, the Flyers' $52 million center of attraction, all of 3 minutes, 12 seconds to start earning his pay last night.
Briere scored two goals, including the game-winner with 1:38 remaining, as the Flyers opened their season in style with a 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames at the Pengrowth Saddledome.
Posted by aetchells at 09:51 AM | Comments (0)
October 04, 2007
Flyers Season Begins Tonight
It all begins for real tonight for the Flyers and the majority of the NHL. Will the new look Flyers be able to make the playoffs? Can the Ducks repeat? Which "why do they even have a team" squad will hoist Lord Stanley's Cup this season?
Posted by aetchells at 04:49 PM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2007
Downie Gets 20
NHL Hands Downie 20 Game Suspension
Colin Campbell, the NHL's executive vice-president and director of hockey operations, has suspended Downie for 20 games for his vicious hit on Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond in Thursday's exhibition game.
The 20 games is the fifth longest suspension handed down by the league. New York Islanders' Chris Simon holds the longest at 25 games for his two-handed stick attack to the face of Ryan Hollweg of the New York Rangers last season.
Posted by aetchells at 02:45 PM | Comments (12)
September 27, 2007
Melt Ice Move Faster
Gretzky plugs electric hockey skates
Wayne Gretzky heated up hockey during his Hall of Fame NHL career. Now, he’s heating up the ice.
Gretzky is plugging a new, battery-warmed skate blade that melts ice to give its wearer — so the endorsements contend — more speed with less work and overall, a better hockey experience.
Posted by aetchells at 05:36 PM | Comments (5)
September 26, 2007
Ding Dong The Wirtz Is Dead
Far be it for us to tap dance on the Chicago Blackhawks' owner so we'll just let the fine folk at Deadspin do it. There are some great comments.
Posted by aetchells at 12:25 PM | Comments (2)
Downie Making Waves
McAmmond injured in Senators win
There's no telling what Steve Downie did to his chances of making the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night, but it's a certainty that he won no friends on the Ottawa Senators.
The 20-year-old prospect knocked Senators centre Dean McAmmond out of the game with a concussion following a vicious second-period hit that sparked a melee and led to the Ottawa veteran being wheeled from the Scotiabank Place ice on a stretcher.
"It was a cheap shot. There's no part in the game for hits like that," said Senators right-winger Brian McGrattan, who was ejected from the Senators' 4-2 exhibition victory after he sought justice on the offending Downie. "A guy can't defend himself and you take a 40-foot run and jump and hit him. Hopefully the league takes a look at it. Those are the hits we don't want in our game.
"You don't want to see stuff like that. We're not out there to kill each other."
McGrattan later went on to issue a warning.
"He'll get what's coming to him," said McGrattan. "He'll do it to the wrong guy and somebody will put him out of hockey. You do that at his level a couple of times, guys in junior won't do it, but guys at this level will.
"He'll get what's coming to him next time we play him, that's for sure."
Posted by aetchells at 11:42 AM | Comments (5)
September 25, 2007
Isles Rangers Renew Bad Blood
Isles' Simon, Rangers' Hollweg spark preseason brawls
In the first meeting between the New York heavyweights since the Islanders' Simon received a 25-game suspension for a stick-swinging attack against his Rangers counterpart on March 8, the teams engaged in a fight-filled preseason game Monday night that had all the venom of a contest that counts.
"When I talked to [Mike] Sillinger, I asked if there would be any overflow from last season," new Islanders captain Bill Guerin said. "He said that it was over. He was kind of wrong."
Posted by aetchells at 01:13 PM | Comments (3)
September 14, 2007
Flyers Unveil New Look
Posted by aetchells at 10:52 AM | Comments (8)
September 01, 2007
Flyers Jersey Leaked
Posted by aetchells at 01:30 PM | Comments (1)
August 27, 2007
Bye Bye Goal Judges
Out With The Goal Judges, In With The Luxury Seats!
The NHL instituted video replay during the 1991-92 season, and the idea behind it was to help referees to better determine whether a goal had been scored. Now, all these years later the technology has improved to such a point that it has rendered part of the officiating staff obsolete. Say goodbye to the goal judges.
Posted by aetchells at 04:26 PM | Comments (9)
Pens Vs. Sabres, Outdoors
Penguins, Sabres will reportedly face off on Jan. 1
According to a report from The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Buffalo Sabres will play an outdoor game on Jan. 1, 2008 at Ralph Wilson Stadium, home of the NFL's Buffalo Bills.
The game will reportedly air nationally on NBC, but neither the network nor the NHL would confirm the report.
Posted by aetchells at 01:52 PM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2007
NHL Uniforms
With the NHL going to the RBK Edge jersey this season just about every team has had to tweak their uniforms. For some the change is small, like the Red Wings are moving the Captain's C from the left chest to the right but some teams like the Capitals are going to a completely new look. To help you keep it all straight someone has put together a nice guide to what changes are known so far. Surprisingly that some person is not me!
Posted by aetchells at 08:37 AM | Comments (6)
July 26, 2007
Yeah So, Bobby Orr
Posted by aetchells at 11:22 AM | Comments (5)
July 21, 2007
Best Game Seen
They were still the Soviets in those days. We Canadians were familiar with their stars, but they weren't yet allowed to play in the NHL. To us, they were the bad guys, although the rivalry was clearly evolving. The outright animosity present in the legendary 1972 Summit Series was missing, replaced by a grudging, mutual respect. These two teams now knew each other intimately, and used the other as their sole measuring stick. Fear of losing, and what it would mean to live with that failure for years, clearly motivated both sides.
Posted by aetchells at 04:49 PM | Comments (1)
July 18, 2007
Randy Jones Makes Lineup
Flyers defenseman Randy Jones is featured as one of America's Most Eligible Bachelors on tonight's "Extra" (7 p.m., NBC-10).
He opens up on what he looks for in a woman, whether or not he wants to have kids and whether he wears boxers or briefs.
Posted by aetchells at 11:34 AM | Comments (1)
July 17, 2007
Just hit it, pillowhands. Don't worry, it's not gonna hit you back.
Professional hockey players give back to their communities in many ways. At this same Puckmasters training center, the Wild's Josh Harding runs a goalie camp and Nick Schultz runs an instruction camp for young forwards and defensemen.
But the 6-foot-7, 260-pound Boogaard knows fighting. He has been doing it quite well ever since his infamous childhood wrestling matches with his two younger brothers, Aaron and Ryan, and yes, one younger sister, Krysten, who was treated like a brother.
So because Boogaard makes his living with his fists, he has decided to give back the way he knows best — with a left and a right.
Posted by aetchells at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)
July 11, 2007
NHL Schedule Released
The 2007-7008 NHL Schedule Released
The NHL season begins in London where the Stanley Cup champions facing the Los Angeles Kings in a two game season.
- The Flyers start the season on a west coast swing.
- The NHL All-Star Game will be held in Atlanta’s Phillips Arena Jan. 27.
- Hockey Day in Canada,” featuring four games involving the six Canadian teams, will be held Feb. 9 when Detroit visits Toronto, Montreal travels to Ottawa in the Battle of Ontario, Edmonton heads of Calgary in the Battle of Alberta, and Vancouver hosts Colorado.
- On March 3, Stanley Cup Finalists Ottawa and Anaheim tee it up again at Honda Center.
- The 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs will start on Wednesday, April 9.
No word on an outdoor game but the Sabres do host the Penguins on January 1st.
Posted by aetchells at 02:37 PM | Comments (8)
July 10, 2007
Crosby Signs Extension
Penguins sign Crosby to five-year extension
The Penguins have signed center Sidney Crosby to a five-year contract extension. The deal is worth $43.5 million, an annual salary-cap hit of $8.7 million.
It will take effect in the 2008-09 season.
Posted by aetchells at 01:20 PM | Comments (2)
Ice Bowl
NHL Sources: Game At The Ralph?
Multiple NHL sources have told WGR that the Sabres are in line for a potential New Year's Day game at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Another source, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that the Penguins have agreed to be the visiting team for such a contest, with Buffalo and Detroit as possible homes.
Posted by aetchells at 09:09 AM | Comments (3)
July 06, 2007
Oilers Offer Vanek Contract
Sabres Match Oilers Offer For Vanek
Managing Partner Larry Quinn and General Manager Darcy Regier announced Friday that the Sabres will match the offer sheet made by the Edmonton Oilers. WGR has learned through a league source that the offer sheet will pay Vanek $15 million in the first two years, including $10 million for the first year. The total of the contract is 7 years, $50 million.
Posted by aetchells at 12:28 PM | Comments (0)
July 03, 2007
Tuesday Player Movement
Ducks get Brad May
Devils ink Zubrus
And we missed these fine moves that the Kings made yesterday. LAK signed Handzus, Tom Preissing and Kyle "f*cking" Calder.
Posted by aetchells at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2007
Today's Biggest Signings
Calgary Flames signed forward Owen Nolan to a one-year deal contract.
Ducks have signed forward Todd Bertuzzi
Chicago Blackhawks signed centre Robert Lang
Canadiens signed defenceman Roman Hamrlik
Capitals signed centre Michael Nylander
Posted by aetchells at 09:50 PM | Comments (5)
July 01, 2007
Happy Canada Day
The clock has struck noon and the free agent signing period has begun.
Where will Briere and Drury wind up? Who will the Flyers get. Is Gomez worth the money?
Joe Thornton re-signs
Todd White to Atlana
Tom Poti to the Capitals
Ducks get Schneider - Does this mean Scott Niedermayer is retiring?
Rafalski signs with Detroit
Michel Ouellet goes to Tampa.
Jason Blake to Toronto
Scott Gomez signs with Rangers
Chris Drury lands with the Rangers
Ryan Smyth chooses Avalanche
Paul Kariya settles on St. Louis
Pens ink Darryl Sydor
Pens also ink Petr Sykora
TSN: NHL Free Agent Tracker
Posted by aetchells at 06:45 PM | Comments (2)
Flyers Land Briere
The final key piece of the Flyers' offseason puzzle is in place.In the opening hours of free agency, the Flyers signed Buffalo Sabres center Daniel Briere to an eight-year deal worth $52 million dollars.
The 5-9, 180-pound centerman was one of the biggest prizes on the free agent market and one of three top centers the Flyers had targeted. Briere, 29, an assistant captain with Buffalo, scored 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists) last season.
Posted by aetchells at 06:33 PM | Comments (1)
June 26, 2007
NHL Draft Diary
Kudos to Canada and the NHL draft
ESPN.com's Bill Simmons keeps a live diary of the NHL draft. Lots of laughs.
Posted by aetchells at 04:06 PM | Comments (4)
June 22, 2007
What Are You Serving At Your Draft Party?
Here's some mock drafts to check out. Flyers predicted pick in parenthesis.
TSN (Patrick Kane)
ESPN (Jakub Voracek)
CBC (James vanRiemsdyk)
Hockey Futures (Kyle Turris)
The Fourth Period (Kyle Turris)
Sports Illustrated (James Van Riemsdyk)
Red Line Report (James Van Riemsdyk)
USA Today (James Van Riemsdyk)
Posted by aetchells at 01:17 PM | Comments (3)
June 21, 2007
Bruins Update Look
The Boston Bruins have announced they've updated the look of their logo and jerseys. Regardless of what you think of the Bruins or the look, it is relieving that it is possible to do a traditional looking jersey with the new RBK jerseys.
The Capitals and Blue Jackets will unveil their new look tomorrow.
Here's a peek at that Capitals jersey.
Posted by aetchells at 01:42 PM | Comments (4)
June 18, 2007
STOP THIEF!
Flyers trade Preds pick back, acquiring Hartnell and Timonen
The Philadelphia Flyers have dipped into the free agent market a little early, thanks to the Nashville Predators.Because of Nashville's uncertain ownership future and an expected tight budget in the coming year, the Predators arranged with the Flyers to give them exclusive negotiating rights to two coveted free agents - defenceman Kimmo Timonen and forward Scott Hartnell.
Sources tell TSN the Flyers have now signed both Hartnell and Timonen to long-term contracts.
This means the Flyers have acquired Scott Upshall, Ryan Parent, Hartnell and Timonen for Peter Forsberg.
Posted by aetchells at 04:38 PM | Comments (8)
June 12, 2007
Main Line To NHL BLue Line
Hockey prospect is from Main Line, not Moose Jaw
No teenager from the Main Line has ever been selected in the first round of the National Hockey League draft. [Colby] Cohen could be the first.The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defenseman is ranked 25th in the Central Scouting final rankings. He figures to be chosen near the bottom of Round One when the draft takes place June 22 and 23 in Columbus, Ohio.
"He's a good young player who skates well and is offensively gifted," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. "There's a pretty good chance he'll go in the first round."
Posted by aetchells at 10:47 AM | Comments (2)
June 11, 2007
No Parade In Anaheim
Anaheim Ducks didn't get a parade but they were “hanging out in the Honda Center parking lot at 6:30 on Saturday and waiting for free hot dogs, Pepsi and Aramark barbecue potato chips. That’s not a celebration. That’s Day 3 for Katrina victims.”
Posted by aetchells at 09:34 AM | Comments (4)
Yashin Bought Out
Missed this nugget the other day.
Islanders buy out Yashin, hope to keep Blake, Smyth
New York signed had signed Alexei Yashin to a 10-year contract worth $87.5 million, and the four years left are worth $26.45 million. The Islanders bought his contract out by paying two-thirds of the remaining amount ($17.63 million) over the next eight years for a salary-cap hit of about $2.2 million per season.
Posted by aetchells at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)
June 06, 2007
Stanley Cup Ducks
Posted by aetchells at 11:06 PM | Comments (20)
O Canada
Posted by aetchells at 07:29 PM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2007
Who Ya Got?
Pronger is out, the Sens are down, it's game 3 tonight from Ottawa.
Who ya got?
Posted by aetchells at 04:30 PM | Comments (7)
May 03, 2007
Dancing Guy
Posted by aetchells at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2007
Round Two Matchups
(1) Buffalo v. (6) NY Rangers
(2) New Jersey v. (4) Ottawa
(1) Detroit v. (5) San Jose
(2) Anaheim v. (3) Vancouver
Who ya got?
Posted by aetchells at 10:19 AM | Comments (17)
April 17, 2007
Five Games Tonight, Who Ya Got?
Five big NHL playoff games tonight. Who do you like?
- Atlanta at New York
- Ottawa at Pittsburgh
- Detroit at Calgary
- Anaheim at Minnesota
- Vancouver at Dallas
Posted by aetchells at 01:34 PM | Comments (6)
April 13, 2007
Get To Know Jakub Voráček
Jakub Voráček is from the Czech Republic. He is 6' 2" and plays for the Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL. Voráček is currently ranked number one by the International Scouting Service, number two by Red Line Report and 7th by McKeens Hockey Report.
Voráček has 23 goals and 62 assists in 59 games for the Mooseheads.
Jakub Voráček [Halifax Mooseheads]
Posted by aetchells at 11:14 AM | Comments (2)
April 10, 2007
Get To Know Alexei Cherepanov
Alexei Cherepanov, nicknamed the Siberian Express is considered a top prospect for the 2007 NHL draft. Cherepanov has more points at this stage of his career than than Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk did in their first seasons in the Super League at the age of 17. In March 2007, Cherepanov surpassed the Russian league rookie goal scoring record previously held by Pavel Bure.
Cherepanov is ranked third by McKeens, second by ISS and 9th by the Red Line Report.
Alexei Cherepanov [Hockey's Future]
Find out more about Alexei Cherepanov here [Avangard Omsk]
Posted by aetchells at 01:52 PM | Comments (3)
Blackhawks To Pick First, Blow Pick
Blackhawks win Draft Drawing, gain first pick
The Chicago Blackhawks won the National Hockey League Draft Drawing today and gained the first overall drafting position for the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, June 22 and 23 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
The Blackhawks, who would have picked fifth based on inverse order of regular-season finish, had the fifth-greatest percentage likelihood, 8.1%, that one of the numbered sequences assigned to them would be the winning combination. Under the lottery system, only the five teams with the fewest points had the chance to win the first overall selection; no team could move up more than four spots and no team could move backward more than one.
The Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, Los Angeles Kings and Washington Capitals, who would have picked first, second, third and fourth, respectively, now own the second, third, fourth and fifth drafting positions in the first round.
Posted by aetchells at 01:47 PM | Comments (3)
April 09, 2007
Eddie Being Eddie
Panthers' Belfour arrested for scuffle with cop
Florida Panthers goalie Ed Belfour was arrested at a popular South Beach bar early Monday after a scuffle with a police officer.
Belfour and teammate Ville Peltonen were at the bar when security guards from the club asked police to make Belfour leave, police said.
The 41-year-old hockey player refused and walked toward the officer "in a fighting stance" and pushed him, a Miami Beach police report said.
Belfour pulled away from the officer trying to arrest him and grabbed his shirt. The hockey player then fell forward on the ground, kicking and refusing to place his hands behind his back, the report said.
Belfour had slurred speech, blood shot eyes and smelled of alcohol, police said. He was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer without violence.
Peltonen, 33, was charged with criminal mischief after he broke a metal pole off a fire rescue truck parked in the area, a police report said.
Posted by aetchells at 01:37 PM | Comments (1)
Who Ya Got?
The playoffs are set. Who do you think will win it all.
Eastern Conference
Buffalo (1) vs. NY Islanders (8)
New Jersey (2) vs. Tampa Bay (7)
Atlanta (3) vs. NY Rangers (6)
Ottawa (4) vs. Pittsburgh (5)
Western Conference
Detroit (1) vs. Calgary (8)
Anaheim (2) vs. Minnesota (7)
Vancouver (3) vs. Dallas (6)
Nashville (4) vs. San Jose (5)
Posted by aetchells at 10:59 AM | Comments (12)
April 08, 2007
Get To Know Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane is considered a likely number one pick. He's been compared to Daniel Briere.
Posted by aetchells at 01:41 PM | Comments (8)
March 27, 2007
Biron Signs Two-Year Extension
Flyers Sign Biron to Two-Year Extension
The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have signed 6'3", 175-pound goaltender Martin Biron to a two-year contract extension, according to General Manager Paul Holmgren.
"We are extremely pleased to get this done," said Holmgren in making the announcement. "Marty has come in and played well and we look for him to be a solid goaltender for us for the next two years."
Posted by aetchells at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2007
Flyers Season In A Nutshell
Posted by aetchells at 05:29 PM | Comments (1)
March 21, 2007
Jordin Tootoo One Punch KO
Posted by aetchells at 04:25 PM | Comments (8)
How Bad An Owner Is Bill Wirtz
Interest in the Blackhawks is at such a low they are now giving away tickets to games.
Ticketmaster
So if you know anyone in Illinois, tell them.
Posted by aetchells at 01:42 PM | Comments (2)
March 19, 2007
Minnesota Wins WCHA In Dramatic Fashion
Posted by aetchells at 12:09 AM | Comments (6)
March 15, 2007
Sabres Penguins Highlights
That was some good hockey!
Posted by aetchells at 07:13 PM | Comments (1)
March 14, 2007
Holmgren Gets Extension
Flyers and Holmgren Agree to Two-Year Contract Extension
The Philadelphia Flyers announced that the team and General Manager Paul Holmgren have agreed to a two-year contract extension through the 2008-09 season, according to Flyers Chairman Ed Snider.
"In this year of transition for the Flyers, I think Paul has moved quickly and decisively to better our team on the ice and position us for the future," said Flyers Chairman Ed Snider. "He has the right vision of what we need going forward and is very deserving of the opportunity to be our general manager."
Posted by aetchells at 04:54 PM | Comments (3)
March 09, 2007
Simon's A Lumberjack And It's OK
Posted by aetchells at 10:31 AM | Comments (12)
March 08, 2007
It Was Three Years Ago Today
Three years later, Moore still hopes for NHL return
Steve Moore is living in his hometown of Thornhill, Ontario. He is working out, lifting weights and skating. He makes periodic visits to the renowned Cleveland Clinic and to his Toronto doctors, but he said he still has concussion-related problems that have prevented the physicians from clearing him to take contact and to attempt to play.
But he hasn't given up on trying to return to the NHL.
This is Steve Moore's life, three years since the notorious March 8, 2004 incident where Todd Bertuzzi hit the Avalanche forward from behind, drove him into the ice and tried to hit him as Colorado's Andrei Nikolishin fell on the pile and attempted to restrain Bertuzzi. It has been three years since Moore was wheeled off the General Motors Place ice with three fractured neck vertebrae, a concussion and facial lacerations.
Posted by aetchells at 05:29 PM | Comments (2)
3rd Annual Wood Duck Open
Date: Saturday June 2, 2007
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Twining Valley Golf Club
Please email me at bmj1976@comcast.net to let me know if you are playing the Wood Duck Open. We will decide foursomes as the date approaches and we have a better idea of who is playing. As last year, each foursome is responsible to supply their own beer, and I suggest that there is plenty of it.
Posted by aetchells at 10:21 AM | Comments (12)
March 06, 2007
Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi Mark Howe Can
Yes you can get the caffeine free diet Pepsi Mark Howe can as well as nine other Flyer greats on cans of Pepsi products. Shouldn't caffeine free diet Pepsi be reserved for someone like Paul Guay or Al Hill?
http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pressbox/archive/2990.asp
Posted by aetchells at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)
We Have A Tie!
Final 2006-07 Statistics
11 goals and 10 assists. or, 10 goals and 11 assists. still, the total is 21 points .... A tie for Dean and Golin! You'd think they were on the same line all year. Nice work, boys. Also, nice work to PIM Leader Colin, who should be able to bill a full hour's work for his 66 minutes in the sin bin.
Posted by aetchells at 08:10 AM | Comments (7)
February 27, 2007
Is Paul Holmgren A Genius?
Well that remains to be seen. But stay up to date with the moves of a busy trade deadline with the NHL Connect, the official NHL trade tracer.
Looks like Biron is a Flyer!
Conklin to the Sabres
Guerin to San Jose
Laroque to the Pens
Roberts to the Pens
Bertuzzi to Red Wings
Brad May to the Ducks (He's still around?)
Flames thinking Owen Nolan? Or could the Sabres be in the mix???
Zubrus to Sabres
Yanic Perreault to Maple Leafs
Mattias Norstrom to the Stars
Ryan Smyth to the Islanders! Did he re-sign first?
Posted by aetchells at 11:53 AM | Comments (7)
February 25, 2007
The New NHL We Keep Hearing About
Posted by aetchells at 09:26 AM | Comments (1)
February 23, 2007
Old Time Hockey
Posted by aetchells at 11:23 AM | Comments (1)
February 22, 2007
On This Day, 27 Years Ago
We learned that miracles do happen.
Posted by aetchells at 09:30 AM | Comments (3)
February 21, 2007
Mooning Goalie
Goalie gets ticketed after mooning refs
A University of Southern California hockey goalie put on a show, but it had nothing to do with stopping shots.
Mickey Meyer rode his stick like a horse, dropped his bulky pants, mooned the crowd and slapped his buttocks during a game against Brigham Young University, police said.
He was ejected and ticketed for lewdness, a misdemeanor, after an officer who was working security at the rink said he witnessed the scene Saturday.
"I had my fill of these refs," Meyer said on an Internet broadcast of the game, according to The Herald-Journal of Logan.
Posted by aetchells at 02:36 PM | Comments (0)
February 15, 2007
Forsberg To Nashville
Flyers center Peter Forsberg was traded to the Nashville Predators tonight for defensive prospect Ryan Parent, right winger Scottie Upshall and first- and third-round draft picks, league sources said.
Posted by aetchells at 09:01 PM | Comments (6)
February 08, 2007
736
It Takes a Village to Put These Ratings in Perspective
It was only one of 82 games for the Devils this season, on the road last Saturday night against the Florida Panthers. Not much will be recalled. The Panthers won, 4-2, in front of 18,136 fans at the BankAtlantic Center.
But something quite extraordinary occurred in the New York market: A hockey game broke out on MSG, but almost no one watched.
Only 736 households — a minuscule .01 rating — tuned in.
That is 736 out of nearly 7.4 million, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Posted by aetchells at 02:54 PM | Comments (1)
January 30, 2007
Is Good, Yes?
Thailand in Olympics-era hockey record
Kazakhstan beat Thailand 52-1 to wrap up their ruthless march through the group stage of the Asian Games ice hockey tournament yesterday. A search of records indicated the game was the highest scoring match in Olympics history. Kazakhstan is currently ranked 11th in the world in the sport. Thailand is unranked. Other tops teams have taken it easy against the amateurs from warmer countries but the pre-tournament favourites scored 17 goals in the first period, 20 in the second and eased up only slightly to score 15 in the last third of the game.
Posted by aetchells at 05:35 PM | Comments (2)
Flyers Rush
It wasn't very long ago that the Flyers heavily discounting tickets was something you'd never dream possible.
Basement dwelling Flyers offer bargain-basement tix
The struggling Philadelphia Flyers unveiled a new promotion Monday, called "Flyers Rush," aimed at college students.
Under the program, college students can buy mezzanine level seats to any weeknight home game for $25. The face value for such tickets is typically $42, $47 or $58.
Posted by aetchells at 11:01 AM | Comments (2)
January 18, 2007
Can A Jersey Make You Better?
New NHL uniforms promise better play
The NHL is launching its biggest uniform makeover in decades.
The league Monday will unveil sleeker, lighter, more durable hockey uniforms from Reebok that will enable players to skate faster with greater range of motion, while staying drier and cooler on the ice, says Brian Jennings, the NHL's executive vice president of consumer products marketing.
Hockey fans will get their first look at the new "Rbk Edge" uniforms from official outfitter Reebok during Versus' live coverage of the 2007 All-Star Game on Jan. 24. All 30 NHL teams switch to the new uniforms for the 2007-08 season.
Posted by aetchells at 12:09 PM | Comments (8)
January 16, 2007
Fukufuji Makes NHL Debut
Fukufuji Blazes Trail for Asian-born Hockey Players
There may be very few hockey players from the Far East looking to make a name for themselves in North America, but for those who dream of playing on a bigger stage, Japanese goaltender Yutaka Fukufuji is a pioneer and an inspiration. He is the first Japanese-born player to appear in an NHL game. The 24-year-old Fukufuji, recalled by the Los Angeles Kings Friday with Mathieu Garon sidelined with a finger injury, entered Saturday's 6-5 loss to the St. Louis Blues to start the third period in relief of Barry Brust. With St. Louis up 5-4, Fukufuji came in to face five shots and allowed a power play goal to Blues defenseman Dennis Wideman.
Another Hull commentary addressed the proposal to enlarge the nets to increase goal scoring. He called it, "one of the dumbest ideas I've heard in an awful long time."
Using a net and goalie equipment in the studio, he demonstrated how changes -- softening the corners of the pads, narrowing arm pads, getting rid of the wide "cheater" at the base of catching glove and reducing the thickness of the posts -- would provide more room for the shooters."
Posted by aetchells at 01:25 PM | Comments (1)
January 10, 2007
Pick A Favorite
The NHL's Central Scouting Bureau has released their scouting midterm Rankings.
Could the Flyers be selecting an Espo (No relation to Tony or Phil)?
Or maybe they'll get Alexei Cherepanov, he just sounds fast!
And you have to love YouTube, someone's been posting all of Alexei's goals to YouTube.
Posted by aetchells at 04:14 PM | Comments (8)
January 04, 2007
Best Hits Of December
Posted by aetchells at 03:38 PM | Comments (0)
December 20, 2006
Randy Robitaille Era Ends
Flyers Acquire Left Wing Mike York
The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have acquired 5'10", 185-pound forward Mike York from the New York Islanders in exchange for center Randy Robitaille and a fifth round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, according to General Manager Paul Holmgren."Mike is a younger player," said Holmgren in making the announcement. "He has had very good offensive numbers over the course of his career with the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and the Islanders. We think that he is going to upgrade our offense. He is a player who is a right-handed shot, can play center or right wing and he gives us a little more versatility and a little more scoring. He is a highly competitive player."
Posted by aetchells at 12:57 PM | Comments (1)
December 12, 2006
Woeful Flyers
A clinical examination of Flyers winger Geoff Sanderson yesterday at Hahnemann University Hospital showed what his MRI exam did not - a torn muscle in his abdomen.
Sanderson and center Mike Richards will have abdominal surgery this morning and miss three to six weeks, Flyers trainer Jim McCrossin said.
This season's first Ovechkin-Crosby meeting generated lots of buzz, but Scott Burnside writes the super-sophomores story will soon take a back seat to their teams' playoff hopes.
Kessel leaves Bruins, but not for 'nefarious activities'
Bruins rookie Phil Kessel left the team's lineup indefinitely Monday for a medical condition "not related to hockey," his family said in a statement released by the team.
But a source familiar with the situation told ESPN.com on Monday that the forward's condition does not involve drugs or alcohol and more information about Kessel's condition will likely be available by the end of the week.
"It has nothing to do with any nefarious activities," the source said.
Posted by aetchells at 08:47 AM | Comments (2)
November 30, 2006
LeClair Returning?
Penguins waive LeClair; Flyers interested
Former Flyer John LeClair was placed on waivers today by the Pitsburgh Penguins. LeClair, who was earning $1.8 million this season, can be secured for the waiver price of $3,375.
The left winger was a 50-goal scorer for the Flyers three times during his career, which began with Montreal in 1990. If LeClair, 37, were to pass into re-entry waivers, he could be claimed for a salary as low as $900,000.
Posted by aetchells at 03:21 PM | Comments (5)
November 21, 2006
Why?
Flyers ink head coach Stevens to two-year contract
A month after elevating John Stevens to the head coaching job, the Philadelphia Flyers gave him a two-year contract on Monday.
Stevens, who replaced the fired Ken Hitchcock, went 4-7-1 in his first 12 games.
"This stabilizes the situation in terms of his leadership of the hockey team," general manager Paul Holmgren said. "We are looking forward from this point on as we march ahead."
Posted by aetchells at 02:51 PM | Comments (2)
Get Familiar With The Names
Central Scouting Service releases preliminary 2007 rankings
London’s Sam Gagner, who scored 44 points through 17 games with the Knights this season, is ranked at the top of the Ontario Hockey League list. He is the son of former NHL player Dave Gagner, who was selected No. 12 overall by the Rangers in the 1983 Draft and went on to play in 946 NHL games with New York, Minnesota, Dallas, Toronto, Calgary, Florida and Vancouver before he retired after the 1998-99 season.
Quebec center Angelo Esposito, with 35 points in 23 games under Remparts head coach Patrick Roy, tops the QMJHL list with Rimouski pivot David Skokan ranked No. 2 and 6-foot-4 Victoriaville center Kevin Velleux No. 3.
Kamloops defenseman Keaton Ellerby, with two goals, eight points and 47 penalty minutes in 21 games with the Blazers, is the top-ranked skater in the Western League with Vancouver’s John Blum and Saskatoon’s 6-foot-4 Colton Gillies rounding out the top three in that league.
Posted by aetchells at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)
November 20, 2006
"I died. I died and I was brought back"
A Year Later, Fischer Looking For Answers
One year ago, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jiri Fischer returned to the team bench after a shift against the Nashville Predators and collapsed.
As doctors and emergency attendants worked feverishly over Fischer's convulsing body, while his teammates and opponents and a sold-out Joe Louis Arena watched in stunned silence, Fischer's heart stopped.
Posted by aetchells at 09:47 PM | Comments (0)
November 14, 2006
Hudson Battle
The New Jersey Devils already were playing well. Now that their power play is clicking, they could be even tougher to beat. The Devils try for their fifth straight victory when they visit Madison Square Garden to take on the New York Rangers on Tuesday. New Jersey (10-5-1) had gone just 2-for-29 with the man advantage in their previous five games before connecting on three of seven chances with the man advantage in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers. The Rangers (9-7-1), who trail the Atlantic Division-leading Devils by two points, own one of the poorest defenses in the NHL, allowing 3.31 goals per game. New York, though, failed to score a point for only the first time in six games on Saturday, falling 3-1 to the Washington Capitals.
Posted by aetchells at 05:54 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2006
Flyers Look To Slug Way Out Of Slump
The Philadelphia Flyers have acquired left wing Todd Fedoruk from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a fourth round draft choice in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft as well as future considerations.
Todd has missed his last six games with "facial injuries."
Posted by aetchells at 05:21 PM | Comments (0)
Pennsylvania Struggle
A visit from the Philadelphia Flyers may be just what the struggling Pittsburgh Penguins need. The Penguins will look to end a five-game losing streak when they host the Flyers at Mellon Arena on Monday. Pittsburgh (7-6-2) has been outscored 22-12 while going 0-3-2 in its last five games. Sidney Crosby leads the team with 16 assists and 22 points, but has struggled while managing only four assists during the skid. Evgeni Malkin, the NHL rookie of the month for October, has a goal and two assists during the skid. The second overall pick in the 2004 draft still leads the team with eight goals in only 11 games.
Posted by aetchells at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)
November 08, 2006
NHL Remains Unbalanced
No changes expected in NHL schedule
The NHL's unbalanced schedule is sticking around, at least for one more season. During a five-hour meeting Tuesday, the league's 30 general managers debated the pros and cons but couldn't come to a consensus on how the 82-game slate should be comprised. So, the likely plan is to keep things as they are through the 2007-08 season.
Leafs' Mats Sundin out 3-4 weeks
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin will be sidelined for three to four weeks with a slight ligament tear in his right elbow.
Blues name ex-defenseman MacInnis vice president
Former St. Louis Blues defenseman Al MacInnis was hired Tuesday to be the team's vice president of hockey operations.
Posted by aetchells at 02:56 PM | Comments (0)
Flyers Update
Forsberg sees foot specialist in North Carolina
Holmgren said that Forsberg is spending "more time" with (equipment assistant) Harry Bricker than he probably wants to, an indication that the Swedish center still is lacking total comfort in the boot, despite the surgery.
When it rains on the already soggy Flyers, it pours.
Off to the worst start in franchise history, the team received more bad news yesterday when it learned center Jeff Carter suffered a broken bone in the tibia portion of his left ankle during last Thursday's game against Tampa Bay and will be out of action approximately six weeks.
It's a big blow to a lineup already hurting for offense. Carter, who scored 23 goals in his rookie season last year, appeared to be just getting into a rhythm after a slow start when the injury hit.
Posted by aetchells at 02:51 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2006
Tonight On Versus
Posted by aetchells at 04:01 PM | Comments (0)
Trivia Art Stumps Rams
Wintersport - there was little question with 9.5 seconds left that the bandits would beat the rams at least by 3-1. but then a snafu. something went fubar. was it that the refs made a mistake by miscounting the Rams, not noticing the empty net?
Nope.
After the faceoff, the ensuing empty net goal, the argument, then the turning back of the clock, fans realized that the reason the clock was really turned back was so the Rams could answer a burning question posed by TriviaArt (see triviaart.com for a pic of Art's groin. it's black. black and blue.)
What's the f'n question?
Who on the Rams is a natural goal scorer? Dean (blah!). Bern (he shoots like Recci, so maybe?) Amos ... PS - he's a natural defensemen. How about a Mel-brother? (maybe, they do shoot at least). Golin (it is pheonetically in his name "goal"in.) Tim (is that the guy from Ohio?) What about Carter? (see comment about Amos).........
Answer yet to come. As are the goals.
Next game vs. Penguins saturday 11/11 at 10:30 pm. Bring the goals boys, Billy's got the beer.
Posted by aetchells at 09:35 AM | Comments (9)
November 03, 2006
Rock Em Sock Em Robots
Mike Keane vs Scott Walker
Posted by aetchells at 08:51 AM | Comments (0)
Maybe Wang Ain't That Bad
Ex-Islanders co-owner gets 12 years
A former co-owner of the New York Islanders was sentenced to 12 years in prison Thursday in a $400 million accounting fraud scandal at one of the world's largest software companies. Sanjay Kumar, the 44-year-old former chief executive of Computer Associates International, pleaded guilty in April to obstruction of justice and securities fraud charges at the company, which since has become known as CA Inc.
The accolades continued for Evgeni Malkin on Thursday as the Pittsburgh Penguins forward was named the NHL's rookie of the month.
Malkin finished the month of October scoring nine points in five games, despite having his NHL debut delayed by a dislocated shoulder he suffered in his first pre-season game.
To commemorate the first NHL meeting between Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin and Calgary’s Dion Phaneuf, Canadian Press posed the following question:
“If you had to choose between flashy Washington Capitals winger Alexander Ovechkin and the hard-driving Calgary Flames defenceman Dion Phaneuf, who would you pick?”
Well, who would you pick? Vote in the poll.
Posted by aetchells at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)
It Isn't Getting Better
Phil Sheridan | Forsberg should not remain captain
Peter Forsberg was gone, gone, gone. Gone from the ice, gone from the arena, gone from all those troublesome postgame questions. This captain was not going down with his ship, not tonight.
Jonsson demoted; deal in the works?
The Flyers' multifaceted experiments on defense from last summer have been shelved. Two weeks ago, the Flyers waived Nolan Baumgartner, who was supposed to be their answer for a puck-skating defenseman.
Posted by aetchells at 08:37 AM | Comments (0)
November 02, 2006
Google And NHL To Share Video
Now you can download full-length NHL games and watch them on your time. Whether it's a memorable game or a keepsake of your first in-arena experience, NHL Video is always available on Google.
Some great games are available in their entirity, game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals in '94. Jagr undressing the Blackhawks in game 1 of the 1992 Finals and 1993's epic game 7 between the Kings and the Maple Leafs.
Pittsburgh Penguins rookie forward Evgeni Malkin has scored a goal in each of his first six NHL games to equal an 89-year-old NHL record.
Panthers' Bertuzzi out after back surgery
Florida Panthers wing Todd Bertuzzi underwent lower back surgery Thursday, and the timetable for his return is uncertain.
Posted by aetchells at 03:06 PM | Comments (0)
Flyers Notes
Flyers give Hitchcock a pro-scouting job
Ken Hitchcock has a new job, a temporary position while he looks for another head coaching job in the NHL. Flyers interim general manager Paul Holmgren hired the team's former coach yesterday as a pro scout. Hitchcock will scout teams and players the club might be interested in trading for, but will not be an advance scout per se.
Campbell says no; Holmgren still GM
Paul Holmgren has been upfront about the fact he would like to see the term "interim" dropped from his job title. But the Flyers apparently are not ready to do that yet, as evidenced by the fact the team chairman Ed Snider offered NHL executive vice president Colin Campbell the general manager's job when Bob Clarke resigned.
Today, the Flyers assigned defenseman Lars Jonsson and reassigned defenseman Alexandre Picard to the Philadelphia Phantoms.
Flyers face the Lightning tonight
The Philadelphia Flyers concluded one of their worst months in franchise history with a shutout win, but building on that success may be difficult.
The Flyers look to avoid their 10th straight loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning as the teams meet Thursday at the Wachovia Center.
Philadelphia (3-7-1) is 0-8-1 against Tampa Bay, getting outscored 43-16 since a 4-1 win April 4, 2003. Six of those defeats have come by three or more goals, including a 4-1 loss Oct. 19.
Posted by aetchells at 02:40 PM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2006
BREAKING::: Interim Means Interim
Flyers owner Ed Snider talked to Campbell this morning, the NHL's director of hockey operations, about replacing Bob Clarke as GM, but Campbell declined the offer.
Posted by aetchells at 12:55 PM | Comments (1)
October 30, 2006
Fright Night At The Wachovia Center
Posted by aetchells at 03:16 PM | Comments (0)
Perseverance
Stevens overcomes odds to make it as Flyers coach
One errant, hissing puck to the right eye.
In a flash, John Stevens' career as a fringe minor leaguer was over. Little did he know as he was being prepared for surgery, a new calling for him was in the works.
Posted by aetchells at 11:14 AM | Comments (0)
Atlanta Ends Sabres Bid At History
Thrashers put an end to Sabres' bid for NHL record start
Goalie Ryan Miller and the Buffalo Sabres were finally reminded how disappointing losing can feel.
Then again, it's been a while.
Vyacheslav Kozlov scored the lone shootout goal and the upstart Atlanta Thrashers put an end to the Sabres' bid for an NHL record start with a 5-4 victory Saturday night. The loss ended Buffalo's season-opening winning streak at 10, the Sabres having to settle for sharing the league record for best start to a season set by Toronto in 1993.
Sabres' depleted D loses LW Tallinder with broken arm
Buffalo defenseman Henrik Tallinder has a broken left arm and the Sabres said he will miss up to two months. He is scheduled to undergo surgery on Sunday.
Tallinder was hurt in Buffalo's 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday night, and missed Buffalo's 5-4 shootout loss to Atlanta on Saturday, the Sabres' first of the season.
It is the same arm he broke in a collision along the boards in Game 3 of last season's Eastern Conference finals against Carolina.
Yanic Perreault finally has a new home.
The veteran free-agent centre signed a one-year, $700,000 US contract with the Phoenix Coyotes on Sunday.
Perreault notched a career-high 57 points with the Nashville Predators last season, after which he became an unrestricted free agent.
Posted by aetchells at 10:25 AM | Comments (0)
October 27, 2006
Sabres Go 10-0
Sabres move to 10-0, matching best NHL start ever
In the opening seconds of a historic victory, Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller had a serious "uh-oh" moment.
A quirky bounce off the glass gave New York Islanders forward Shawn Bates a chance in front. Miller turned aside the slap shot -- and the other 28 pucks that later sailed his way -- in backstopping Buffalo's 10th straight victory Thursday night, tying the Sabres for an NHL record to open the season.
Study backs Cherry's stance on Europeans
He's famous for speaking off the cuff and going with his gut, but a recent study suggests there may be something more to one of Don Cherry's familiar rants namely, that there are too many Europeans in the NHL.
Goalie's 'Quiet Eye' key for big saves
In a study to be published in the medical journal Human Movement Science, graduate student Derek Panchuk and professor Joan Vickers, who discovered the "Quiet Eye" phenomenon, found that the best goaltenders rest their gaze directly on the puck and the shooter's stick almost a full second before the shot is released.
Linda Cohn: My top five underachievers
Don't tell Linda Cohn it's too early to panic. Here are her top underachievers to far this season.
Posted by aetchells at 01:59 PM | Comments (0)
October 26, 2006
Gretzky On Hot Seat?
Ten games into the 2006-07 season, the Coyotes have only two wins on the season. During that period the club was dead last in the Western Conference and only the Philadelphia Flyers sport a worse record.
They’ve scored the third fewest goals (19) yet lead the league in goals-against with a whopping 44.
Shane Doan, Ladislav Nagy and Mike Comrie are the team’s best forwards but they’ve struggled to score. They lost center Steve Reinprecht and promising blueliner Keith Ballard to injury.
UFA acquisition Ed Jovanovski has been underwhelming as a Coyotes thus far, but at least he’s made some offensive contributions and isn’t a minus player. Veteran forward Owen Nolan and Jeremy Roenick are looking their age, struggling to keep pace with the faster game.
Goaltender Curtis Joseph has received little help from his defense corps, but he too is showing signs of age. Backup Mike Morrison, meanwhile, is doing very little to stick with the club beyond mid-season with his current play.
Speculation is rampant that management may swing a big trade to shake up the roster, but there’s a much easier solution, one that doesn’t need the moving of players to possibly turn around the fortunes of the Desert Dawgs.
Head coach Wayne Gretzky must step down in favor of Ken Hitchcock.
Far be it from me to jump on the fire Wayne Gretzky bandwagon.
But...
Seriously.
He's just not a great coach.
Posted by aetchells at 05:25 PM | Comments (2)
New Era Begins Tonight
The John Stevens era begins tonight. When the Flyers skate onto the ice in the Wachovia Center to face the Atlanta Thrashers, they will put what has happened in the past 4 days behind them and face the future with a new coach and a new attitude.
Posted by aetchells at 05:13 PM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2006
Malkin Move Wows
Playing on the same line as fellow phenom Sidney Crosby, Malkin was terrific and now has a goal in each of his first four games in the NHL. Forgettable ex-Ranger Steven King (no, not the writer) was the last rookie to get off to such a good start. What makes Malkin's start so impressive is that he missed most of training camp with a shoulder injury.
Don't look now, Pittsburgh Penguins fans, but eight games into the 2006-07 season, your team is currently sitting atop the Atlantic Division and third overall in the Eastern Conference.
Now I know it's far too early to suggest the Pens can keep up this pace. This club still needs a lot of work defensively and their lack of skilled depth on the blueline and on their checking lines will probably drag them down in the standings as the season progresses.
But after last season's horrific start that sunk any hopes of getting with sniffing distance of the 2006 playoffs, this year's holds a lot more promise.
How the mighty Wings have fallen
Soon, the Tigers won't be a smoke screen for the Red Wings, who went on a four-game western road trip last week and returned having scored just six goals, including three in their final three outings, all defeats.
There are a number of things that have to happen for the Flyers to turn things around, but topping the list might be rejuvenating their player with the most upside, Joni Pitkanen.
Posted by aetchells at 02:59 PM | Comments (0)
October 24, 2006
Malkin Faces Devils On Versus
The Pittsburgh Penguins are hoping a trio of young players can help them end years of futility. The Penguins try for their first three-game winning streak in more than two years Tuesday when they host the New Jersey Devils. The Penguins (4-3-0) beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3 on Saturday, earning back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Pittsburgh, which beat the New York Islanders 4-3 in overtime on Thursday, has not won three straight since March 19-23, 2004.
Posted by aetchells at 03:26 PM | Comments (4)
Quick Notes
Sentencing postponed for cop in gambling ring case
The New Jersey state trooper who admitted helping run a betting ring involving several NHL figures will not be sentenced this week, as originally scheduled.
James Harney pleaded guilty in August to conspiracy, promoting gambling and official misconduct for running a sports-betting ring. Authorities say he was a partner in the ring with former NHL star and coach Rick Tocchet.
New jobs for Berube, Samuelsson
When John Stevens was named the Flyers' head coach, it left a vacancy on the bench. That assistant's position held by Stevens under Ken Hitchcock was filled yesterday. Stevens reached out to Phantoms coach Craig Berube, a guy he is more than a little comfortable working with.
Posted by aetchells at 02:38 PM | Comments (0)
First, the Injuries....
Hawks' Handzus done for season
Broken arm ices the Pens' Ryan Malone
Wild forward Marian Gaborik will miss two weeks with a mild groin strain.
Blues' McKee breaks hand
Posted by aetchells at 01:11 PM | Comments (0)
NHL Three Stars
Maxim Afinogenov named the top star in the NHL this week. Maxim scored ten points in three games to lead the NHL last week. Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Montreal Canadiens defenceman Sheldon Souray completed the NHL's three-star selection.
Posted by aetchells at 01:06 PM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2006
On Versus Tonight
Posted by aetchells at 03:37 PM | Comments (0)
On This Date Forty Years Ago....
Bobby Orr scored his first NHL goal.
Here's a video of some of his highlights including an assist that rivals Ovechkin's play from last season.
Posted by aetchells at 12:25 PM | Comments (0)
Clarke Pours Out Heart
Heartfelt end for Stanley Cup hero
The last time he left the job, Bob Clarke offered his trademark Cheshire cat smile and little else as he confounded his critics.
This time, his exit from the Flyers' general manager's chair staged willingly, Clarke gave a squeeze and poured his heart out.
He did so yesterday as an executive who in two terms with the Flyers had been in that chair for nearly 20 years. He did so later in a news conference that presented him as loyal organizational soldier, swearing from his bared soul that this was a resignation, not an honorable discharge by friend and chairman Ed Snider.
Clarke's confidence melted away
Bob Clarke tried for years to do what Bobby Clarke did: bring a Stanley Cup to Philadelphia. He fell short, and yesterday his quest came to a stunning end.
Eras don't end every day. Clarke's face changed over the decades, from the gap-toothed cherub to the stern middle manager, but the face of the Flyers had not.
Until yesterday.
Two days after his team was embarrassed by the Buffalo Sabres, Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock was wondering how much time he had before he would be fired.
Three veteran players had been waived, and chairman Ed Snider was promising a major shakeup.
Hitchcock has been fired before and, even though he had been given a new, 3-year contract in training camp, Hitchcock could feel the ax falling.
Posted by aetchells at 10:25 AM | Comments (3)
October 22, 2006
Sunday, Bloody Sunday
Flyers fire Hitchcock, Clarke resigns
Flyers general manager Bob Clarke has resigned and coach Ken Hitchcock has been fired. Assistant GM Paul Holmgren replaces Clarke, and assistant coach John Stevens replaces Hitchcock.
Posted by aetchells at 10:05 AM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2006
Could Hitchcock Be Canned?
For whom the Liberty Bell tolls
It appears that Hitchcock could be the first coaching casualty of the season. Rumour has it, Hitchcock was given two games to straighten out the Flyers after their 9-1 non-triumph against the Sabres. Game one didn't go too well for Hitchcock, another one goal performance last night in Tampa Bay. Tonight Philadelphia takes to the ice against Phlorida. If things don't go well, it could be a long weekend for Hitchcock.
Is Evgeni Malkin the next Mario Lemieux? The legendary No. 66 can see the similarities.
Flyers center Forsberg jams wrist but X-rays negative
Philadelphia center Peter Forsberg sprained his left wrist in the first period of the Flyers' 4-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday night.
X-rays were negative, but Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock said Forsberg will miss the team's game Friday night at Florida.
"We don't think it's broken, but we'll have a better update in the next 24 hours," Hitchcock said. "We'll see next week how bad it's hurting him."
Posted by aetchells at 10:38 AM | Comments (3)
October 19, 2006
Malkin Tallies In Debut
This was a night Evgeni Malkin will remember forever, and he should.
After all, he played his first game in the NHL and scored his first goal.
But it also might be a while before he forgets the way New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur played in the Devils' 2-1 victory against the Penguins before a standing-room crowd of 17,030 at Mellon Arena last night.
Snider: Flyers moves only the beginning
It had been almost 24 hours since Flyers chairman Ed Snider watched his team being pushed around like children by the Sabres, and he was feeling no better. Reached last night, Snider said that what happened yesterday was just "one small step.
"We have a lot more to do," Snider said. "I've got to evaluate and analyze the entire situation. This is just a start. I need a complete understanding of exactly what's going on. I have no idea what's going to happen next and I don't want to speculate as to what I'm going to do. But this is a start. I've got to evaluate this. I have ideas and theories, but I'm going to straighten this out.
Are the Sabres the Newest Powerhouse in the Eastern Conference?
Twelve different Sabres tallied 30 or more points last season, and eight players already have multiple goals this year. There's a long way to go, but maybe this young club has arrived. It would be far ahead of schedule, but it couldn't come too soon for a franchise that hasn't been an NHL powerhouse for more than 20 years.
Posted by aetchells at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)
October 18, 2006
Flyers Waive Nedved,Dimitrakos and Baumgartner
Flyers Place Three on Waivers, Recall Three From Phantoms
“We decided we wanted to recall three players from the Phantoms. In order to do that, we had to place some players on waivers today. We placed Petr Nedved, Niko Dimitrakos and Nolan Baumgartner on waivers in order to make roster spaces available for those players that we are going to recall tomorrow.”
“We are going to recall Alexandre Picard, Ben Eager and Stefan Ruzicka.”
Posted by aetchells at 04:00 PM | Comments (5)
Wild Running Loose
Wild remade in likeness of new NHL.
In the off-season management brought in scoring depth in forwards Pavol Demitra and Mark Parrish and defenseman Kim Johnsson, but there were questions if head coach Jacques Lemaire, the man credited (or blamed) for introducing trapping hockey to the NHL in the mid-1990s, could change his tactics to adapt to the new rules.
Movie based on Howe's WHA stint planned
A movie based on the origins of the World Hockey Association and Gordie Howe's brief stint in the league is in the works.
Coyotes' Nolan scores first goal in 2 years
Owen Nolan scored his first goal in two years, and the Phoenix Coyotes' offense broke out in a 5-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.
Posted by aetchells at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
Picking A New Favorite Team
Well the Flyers season ended Tuesday night at 9:36. So you may as well pick a new favorite team.
Here's a guide to some of your closest geographic choices.
New Jersey Devils
Pros: Short drive up the Turnpike. Hall of Fame goaltender and exciting offense plus defensive responsibility. Plenty of good seats still available. Have more to talk to Dowell about.
Cons: They're the Devils. One day Brodeur will retire and it will all be over. They're moving to Newark. Face painters.
New York Rangers
Pros: Mike Richter was a Ranger and he played at Wissahickon. You secretly were happy when they won in 1994. You want to chant 1975 at a certain divisional rival.
Cons: Rangers Fans. Jaromir Jagr.
Washington Capitals
Pros: Alexander Ovechkin. No one can accuse you of front-running. Easily accessible home games via Amtrak.
Cons: Traveling to games via Amtrak. No one from Washington is a Caps fan, why should you be one?
New York Islanders
Pros: Owner may ask you to be GM. Long term contract makes you confident in buying DiPietro jersey.
Cons: Garth Snow is GM. They play on Long Island.
PIttsburgh Penguins
Pros: Crosby and Malkin guarantee highlights. New arena likely to be in a casino. You already play for the Penguins.
Cons: Rubbing elbows with Steelers fans. The mills closed.
Buffalo Sabres
Pros: Came within one game of the Stanley Cup Finals and return the same core. Won 9-1 in their last game. Play exciting wide-open hockey. Traditional hockey market with a loyal fan base. A real feel-good story.
Cons: Snow, and lots of it. That stupid new logo.
Posted by aetchells at 09:55 PM | Comments (7)
Flyers Look To Shake Things Up
Flyers shake up starting lineup
Ken Hitchcock will change goalies and break up his top line for today's game at Buffalo.
With only one win and a total of 11 goals to show for five games, the Flyers coach feels he has to make some moves for his last-place club.
Robert Esche will make his first start in goal since an opening-night loss at Pittsburgh.
Hitchcock also is breaking apart his first line. He's taking Mike Knuble off the No. 1 unit and replacing him with Kyle Calder.
Posted by aetchells at 12:59 PM | Comments (2)
This Week's Three Stars
Goaltender Marty Turco has rebounded from a disappointing 2006 playoff for the Dallas Stars to capture the first star in the NHL's revamped weekly player awards.
The league has chosen to award three stars this season instead of doling out offensive and defensive honours.
Chicago Blackhawks winger Martin Havlat and Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin were named the second and third stars, respectively.
Posted by aetchells at 12:53 PM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2006
Malkin To Make Debut
Malkin to make NHL debut Wednesday
Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, out since injuring a shoulder in his first preseason game, will make his NHL debut Wednesday night against New Jersey.
Posted by aetchells at 03:57 PM | Comments (0)
Hockey Sucks On TV! Wah!
NHL still isn't must-see TV for Americans
We've heard it all before, but here is Fox Sports columnist Ian O'Conner's take on the NHL in America.
And here's a couple of responses:
- Next Commissioner of the NHL? [Hockey Dirt]
- Razor [Dallas Stars Blog]
Posted by aetchells at 08:59 AM | Comments (0)
October 02, 2006
Rams Stick It To Zebras
Preseason, preview, premature ejaculation ... call it what you will but the Rams beat the Zebras 8-5, led by
Bern's HT, Turkey's 2, and one each from Colin, Goat, and Amos. After going up by a touchdown, the Rams sat back and let the zeebs put more rubber on kevin than ... well, you fill in the blanks.
Next game, Sunday vs. Penguins at 2:50 pm.
If you can't make it Sunday, put it in the comments below. if we know we're going to be short, we have a few subs that could join us.
Posted by aetchells at 12:38 PM | Comments (10)
September 27, 2006
Niitty Goes Down
Niittymaki suffers new hip injury in practice
An MRI exam showed that Niittymaki, who was scheduled to start against the Caps, had suffered a torn labrum in his left hip. His status will be determined today after orthopedic surgeon Thomas Byrd of Nashville examines the MRI results. Byrd repaired Niittymaki's right hip in May.
Posted by aetchells at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2006
Tie Domi Is An Angry, Violent, Cheater
Former Maple Leafs enforcer Tie Domi is portrayed as an "angry, violent" cheater who romanced Liberal MP Belinda Stronach while he ignored his family, according to a divorce application filed by his wife.
Domi threatened her with financial ruin if she hired a lawyer instead of taking a $2.5 million home-and-cash offer, Leanne Domi says in the document filed last week in which she cites adultery and cruelty as grounds for the divorce.
Posted by aetchells at 05:39 PM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2006
Malkin Makes Impact
Malkin injured in preseason debut
A worst-case scenario unfolded before the horrified eyes of Penguins personnel at the Moncton Coliseum on Wednesday when prized Russian rookie Evgeni Malkin was injured in the second period of his preseason debut.
Penguins general manager Ray Shero said Malkin suffered an "upper body injury" during a collision with teammate John LeClair. Although he was taken to a hospital, Malkin rejoined the Penguins in time for the conclusion of their 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Posted by aetchells at 02:00 PM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2006
Domi To Retire
Ex-Leafs enforcer Tie Domi to retire
Former Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Tie Domi has decided to retire, The Canadian Press reported Tuesday, citing an unnamed source.
The source told the CP that Domi, a Maple Leafs fan favorite -- and favorite target in opposing NHL arenas -- for his aggressive style of play, will officially announce his retirement Tuesday afternoon.
Domi, 36, despite his fan favorite status, was bought out by the Leafs earlier this summer as the new-look NHL empahized offense and fighting declined. He had only five goals and 11 assists in 2005-06 as the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs.
No confirmation on the rumor that he will donate his cement head to a construction company for use as a wrecking ball.
Posted by aetchells at 02:09 PM | Comments (1)
September 18, 2006
Hitch And Flyers Re-Hitch
Flyers end suspense, give coach Hitchcock extension
Philadelphia coach Ken Hitchcock signed a new three-year contract with the Flyers through 2008-09.
Hitchcock, entering his fourth season, is 130-77-39 in the regular season with Philadelphia. He led the Flyers to the conference finals in 2004, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning, who later won the Stanley Cup.
Hitchcock said negotiations with general manager Bob Clarke lasted "only about 30 seconds."
Posted by aetchells at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)
Sabres Debut Jerseys
The new Sabres new uniform, unveiled on September 16, 2006, takes its inspiration from the original Sabres uniform (1971-96) and second uniform (1996-2005).
The design was a collaborative effort between the Sabres and Reebok International. The new blue and gold colors have been altered to a deeper navy blue and richer gold that have a greater visual impact both in person and on television broadcasts. Silver accents and a revised B-Sabre logo were carried over from the team's second uniform.
Sabres.com
Posted by aetchells at 12:11 PM | Comments (3)
September 14, 2006
Primeau Hangs up Skates
Keith Primeau Announces His Retirement
Philadelphia Flyers center Keith Primeau has announced that he is retiring from professional hockey after 15 seasons of play.
Primeau set to retire, but it may not be final
Although Keith Primeau will be behind a microphone today at a news conference that could be defined as a retirement announcement, it is not clear whether he is retiring for good.
Not unless he's determined to walk away forever and is prepared to say so today.
"That's a decision that only Keith can make," Gary Dorshimer, the Flyers' team physician, said yesterday.
Posted by aetchells at 03:13 PM | Comments (0)
Flyers Tap New Washed Up Reality Star
Flyers announce home-game hosts
Two-time "Survivor" contestant Stephenie LaGrossa, a native of Delaware County in suburban Philadelphia, has been named the Philadelphia Flyers' new in-arena host for all 2006-07 season home games at the Wachovia Center.
Last season, the Flyers' in-arena host was another reality show contestant: Erin Elmore from "The Apprentice."
Posted by aetchells at 01:34 PM | Comments (0)
September 13, 2006
Bye Primeau, Hello Cap Space
Primeau is expected to announce retirement
The Flyers center has never fully recovered from a concussion. Peter Forsberg is likely to be the new captain.
Flyers captain Keith Primeau is expected to announce his retirement before the end of the week.
"I've had those discussions with my wife and I will have something more to say about it either tomorrow or Thursday," Primeau said yesterday. "I have not talked to the club since last week. I had been looking to get myself back into a position to play."
The decision could help explain why the Flyers extended a stunning $1.9 million Group II offer sheet to Vancouver's Ryan Kesler yesterday.
Posted by aetchells at 09:48 AM | Comments (2)
September 12, 2006
Islanders Worse Than Drunken Sailors
The New York Islanders will announce today that they have signed goalie Rick DiPietro to a 15-year, $67.5 million contract.
Islanders' owner Charles Wang, who was directly involved in the negotiations, had indicated that if DiPietro didn't sign by Friday, when the team opens training camp in Nova Scotia, that DiPietro would not play in the 2006-07 season.
The deal is believed to be the longest in NHL history and second only in major North American pro sports to the $25-million, 25-year deal Magic Johnson signed with the NBA Lakers in 1981.
Posted by aetchells at 10:36 AM | Comments (1)
September 11, 2006
Flyers Sign Gagne
The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have re-signed 6’0”, 195-pound left wing Simon Gagne to a new five-year contract, according to club General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.
Posted by aetchells at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)
September 05, 2006
Malkin A Penguin
Evgeni Malkin signed his first NHL contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, slightly more than three weeks since slipping away from his Russian team and making a clandestine trip to the United States.
Malkin, who skated with Penguins star Sidney Crosby earlier in the day during an informal workout, watched wide-eyed as the team showed a highlights reel of some of his top plays to reporters.
Posted by aetchells at 03:50 PM | Comments (1)
August 28, 2006
Some Random Bits Of Hockey Goodness
Just call him Captain Lidstrom
Nicklas Lidstrom will be the next captain of the Red Wings, replacing Steve Yzerman, the Free Press has learned.
But the team is holding off on a formal announcement, according to a person in the organization, to make a big splash before the season starts. Training camp opens Sept. 15 in Traverse City.
Don't expect Brian Leetch to sign with the Oilers
If Leetch isn't signed by training camp, him to announce his retirement.
Help Wanted: NHL Chief Marketing Officer
The NHL may be without an official CMO this season as Michael LaBroad, who this past February became the first person to hold that title with the league, will not return for the 2006-07 campaign.
According to a league official familiar with the situation, LaBroad recently decided against relocating his family to New York from the Midwest. LaBroad had been living in a hotel since February while looking for a permanent residence.
Posted by aetchells at 10:18 AM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2006
Last Sunday Skate Before Labor Day
This is our last Sunday skate before the Labor Day skate.
There will be ribs by Chef Dan Gunning on the Barbecue.
We need a good turnout to make up for our weak Summer skates this year. And we need a head count to determine how much food is needed.
Posted by aetchells at 01:36 PM | Comments (11)
Former NHL Agent Arrested
Ex-NHL agent arrested on sex charges
David Frost, the former NHL agent who was once the target of a foiled U.S. murder-for-hire plot hatched by one of his star players, woke up this morning in jail on charges that he sexually exploited four boys and three girls, aged 14 to 16, across a six-year period ending in 2001.
The disgraced coach and mentor-turned-NHL-agent for onetime big leaguers like Mike Danton and Sheldon Keefe, laughed off the allegations in 2004 when the Ottawa Citizen first reported news about the sex exploitation probe.
Bergeron gets bundle from Bruins
The Boston Bruins re-signed standout forward Patrice Bergeron to a five-year, $23.75-million US contract on Tuesday.
Now that Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux has retired again, the Pittsburgh Penguins are moving on behind another big star.
General manager Ray Shero and coach Michel Therrien must decide whether 19-year-old Sidney Crosby - the team's best player and the face of the franchise - should wear the "C" as the team captain at the Oct. 5 opener against Philadelphia.
Posted by aetchells at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2006
Gagne On The Block?
The stalled contract talks between Philadelphia Flyers GM Bob Clarke and the agent for center Simon Gagne has given rise to speculation Clarke may attempt to trade rather than re-sign Gagne.
Kings retiring Robitaille's No. 20
Sure he was good, but retired number good?
Evgeni Malkin skated again with several NHL players Monday at the Los Angeles Kings' practice rink, and his agent said he was optimistic the 20-year-old hockey star will soon become a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
"This is why we're here," Pat Brisson said. "We're going to do everything in our power to help him reach his goal -- to be playing with the Penguins on opening night."
Posted by aetchells at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)
August 16, 2006
Malkin Resigns
Still-hidden Malkin files resignation letter with Russian team
Evgeni Malkin has filed a letter of resignation with his Russian Super League team, a procedural move necessary for the star forward to sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins and begin his NHL career.
Malkin remained hidden Wednesday, four days after abruptly leaving the Metallurg Magnitogorsk team on Saturday after it arrived for training camp in Helsinki, Finland.
Posted by aetchells at 05:16 PM | Comments (0)
Nolan A Coyote
Veteran forward Owen Nolan has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Phoenix Coyotes.
Former Buffalo Sabres winger J.P. Dumont continues to shop around for a new team.
Dumont would prefer to sign with the Montreal Canadiens, and while his agent confirmed the club contacted him over the weekend, they've yet to offer up a contract.
The Detroit Red Wings are shopping around for an experience scoring winger, but GM Ken Holland late last week dismissed reports of his interest in the winger, saying he isn't prepared to pay Dumont's asking price.
Where's Malkin?
No new news.
Posted by aetchells at 02:49 PM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2006
New Scoreboard For Wachovia Center
Wachovia Center to Add New High-Tech Scoreboard
The new state-of-the-art scoreboard and light emitting diode (LED) signage system will create incredible visual displays for all sporting events and attractions at the 10-year-old, 21,000-seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility.
More importantly the scoreboards will create additional opportunities for the Flyers to sell advertising. Lots and lots more advertising. Woo.
Posted by aetchells at 05:08 PM | Comments (1)
Sami, A Defenseman?
Hitchcock told The Inquirer this week that he would try Sami Kapanen on defense in training camp. Kapanen would bring speed and puck-moving ability with Joni Pitkanenand Freddy Meyer.
That would be interesting.
Posted by aetchells at 01:50 PM | Comments (1)
Malkin AWOL
Evgeni Malkin, the Pittsburgh Penguins No. 1 pick in 2004, has disappeared days after agreeing to a new deal with his Russian club, local media reported on Saturday.
A source with Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk told Russian news agency Itar-Tass that Malkin has fled from the team's training camp in Finland.
"Malkin secretly left the club, taking his belongings and his passport," the source said.
Posted by aetchells at 01:32 PM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2006
Sabres Walk Away From Dumont
The Buffalo Sabres have decided not to accept the one-year, $2.9 million arbitration award for winger JP Dumont, making him an unrestricted free agent.
It's been rumored the Sabres were trying to shop Dumont, perhaps in a package deal with goalie Martin Biron, but this move makes clear there was probably no deal to be had, or at least, not one that would've made sense to the Sabres.
Flyers D Desjardins set to retire
Flyers defenseman Eric Desjardins, the second-highest scoring defenseman in team history, will retire this week, a team spokesman said Wednesday.
Flyers spokesman Zack Hill said Desjardins was going to make an official announcement Thursday.
Sinden resigns after 17 years as Bruins president
Harry Sinden, president of the Boston Bruins for the last 17 of his more than 40 years with the team, resigned Wednesday to become an adviser to club owner Jeremy Jacobs.
Posted by aetchells at 03:04 PM | Comments (3)
August 08, 2006
Malkin Still Wants To Play In NHL Now
Malkin wants to play in NHL now
Evgeni Malkin still wants to play for the Pittsburgh Penguins as soon as possible, his agent said Monday, even though Malkin's Russian team announced the star forward has renegotiated his contract and plans to stay out of the NHL for another season.
Russian super league team Metallurg Magnitogorsk posted a story Monday on its Web site that Malkin met late into Sunday night with team officials and had reworked a three-year contract into a one-year deal that would allow him to become a free agent in 2007.
However, Malkin's agent, JP Barry, told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that Malkin told him he wants to play in the NHL this season. Malkin also has been quoted in Russia as saying he wants to play in Pittsburgh soon.
Posted by aetchells at 12:22 PM | Comments (1)
August 07, 2006
Spector On Flyers Deal
Spector on Calder-for Handzus deal
This deal could work out for both clubs but for now give the early edge to the F