Flyers' 2010-2011 Season

[troy 12]

I'd give Bouch a break on the tip off of Bergeron's stomach, Ryder's side of the net tip and I don't think there's anything a goalie can do about Chara unloading a perfectly placed one-timer on a five-on-three. Even on Kampfer's goal Carle was screening him in front. I don't think he'll take the Flyers to a Cup, but I think he held them in the game for decent stretches last night, the best goalie in the league also let five in last night and I don't think Bruins fans are concerned he's reverting to 09/10.

[TeamBlue96 3]

I'd give Bouch a break on the tip off of Bergeron's stomach, Ryder's side of the net tip and I don't think there's anything a goalie can do about Chara unloading a perfectly placed one-timer on a five-on-three. Even on Kampfer's goal Carle was screening him in front. I don't think he'll take the Flyers to a Cup, but I think he held them in the game for decent stretches last night, the best goalie in the league also let five in last night and I don't think Bruins fans are concerned he's reverting to 09/10.

ok, i'll agree that the 2 goals were screen -- and that it would take a clinically insane person (that isn't an NGHl goalie) to willingly stop a Chara blast from that close.

However, i do think my point was resurrected against the Rangers the next game (which made the game more interesting than it had to be). Eerily similar to what Leighton gave up as the OT clincher for Patty Kane.

[troy 12]

Fun game to watch tonight for sure. The whole team is rolling, and their record is even more surprising given the lackluster special teams performance so far. I just hope they can continue to roll, I don't really want the President's Trophy, just a team that keeps escalating their play heading into the playoffs.

[TeamBlue96 3]

Fun game to watch tonight for sure. The whole team is rolling, and their record is even more surprising given the lackluster special teams performance so far. I just hope they can continue to roll, I don't really want the President's Trophy, just a team that keeps escalating their play heading into the playoffs.

Most fun game to watch of the season last night. i'm mad they didn't show the one epic Giroux hit again; it pretty much kicked off all the rough stuff. Glad to see Neil got his due from Shelley after jumping Claude.

the CSN broadcasts really need to stop the picking the 'great save' or 'great check' of the game well before the game is over. meh.

[troy 12]

They did replay Giroux's hit at least once. I could really care less what is deemed the (blank) "of the game", they just need to get those companies' names mentioned by a certain point in the broadcast.

[troy 12]

Missed the game today, and with a 2-1 loss to the Devils I'm assuming watching the DVR would not be worthwhile. Are my assumptions correct?

[EBondo 233]

Not really. Played like crap in the first and second periods. I think they were looking forward to tomorrow's game a little too much.

[TeamBlue96 3]

They did replay Giroux's hit at least once. I could really care less what is deemed the (blank) "of the game", they just need to get those companies' names mentioned by a certain point in the broadcast.

Definitely one of those 'i can't believe i wasted my time watching that game'; thank god sunday's game made up for it.

[troy 12]

Another good tilt tonight, nice to see people still remember to boo PK.

[EBondo 233]

Excuse my language, ***DELETED***

[Chadd 916]

Saying "excuse my language" doesn't give you the right to say whatever you want. It's not that hard to keep it clean and mature.

[TeamBlue96 3]

Saying "excuse my language" doesn't give you the right to say whatever you want. It's not that hard to keep it clean and mature.

chadd, do you happen to be a goalie that plays roller goalie at the 422 sportsplex from time to time? or am i thinking of someone else? i see that you're from H-burg, i've played at Susquehanna Sports Center A LOT, too.

[Chadd 916]

No, I try to avoid getting too close to my own net.

[troy 12]

Flyers acquire Kris Versteeg for a first and third in 2011. I like the move, it really solidifies the three scoring line model they've been using and this team is Cup or bust this year and next.

TSN

[TeamBlue96 3]

Good move for sure; definitely a move to try and win it this year and hoping that 1st rounder turns into the last pick in round 1.

[-venom- 0]

Good win last night, as the Bolts have been the kryptonite for the Flyers all season long.

Of course, it's not great they gave up the 3-1 lead, but it was good to see Boosh put in another good shootout session. Guy has ice water in his veins.

[TeamBlue96 3]

nice win for sure, Boosh never looks like he's confident in there. He's got the 'OMG, here they come' look. I think his positioning helped him out big time. Didn't hurt the fact TB shot into boosh!

From a TB perspective -- Lecavalier, St. Louis, and Stamkos were all after the first three shooters; yes, they haven't been great in shootouts...but damn, tough call not sending them up.

[gilbois 1]

I thought Boosh looked super-confident during the shootout. It was a great win for the Flyers.

Anyone else think Zherdev should get the start over Carbomb? Danny-boy had a whopping 5 minutes TOI.

[-venom- 0]

nice win for sure, Boosh never looks like he's confident in there. He's got the 'OMG, here they come' look. I think his positioning helped him out big time. Didn't hurt the fact TB shot into boosh!

From a TB perspective -- Lecavalier, St. Louis, and Stamkos were all after the first three shooters; yes, they haven't been great in shootouts...but damn, tough call not sending them up.

Yeah, was a little surprised that the Big Three weren't in the opening three rounds to shoot, despite their shootout stats.

[-venom- 0]

Anyone else think Zherdev should get the start over Carbomb? Danny-boy had a whopping 5 minutes TOI.

I don't know, myself. Z is talented, but he aggravates me with his play on a pretty consistent basis. Carbomb actually (I think) has a place on this team, wheras Shelley or Zherdev, I could really care less about. Shells brings some leadership and some presence, for sure - but I really think Carcillo has a skill set to be a poor-mans Steve Downie of softs, and do good things, provided he's not doing idiotic things.

With the addition of Versteeg, I actually kind of hope they move Zherdev somewhere for picks or something. Not a big fan. Which is a shame, because he's definitely a talented guy.

[flyerman 0]

I don't know, myself. Z is talented, but he aggravates me with his play on a pretty consistent basis. Carbomb actually (I think) has a place on this team, wheras Shelley or Zherdev, I could really care less about. Shells brings some leadership and some presence, for sure - but I really think Carcillo has a skill set to be a poor-mans Steve Downie of softs, and do good things, provided he's not doing idiotic things.

With the addition of Versteeg, I actually kind of hope they move Zherdev somewhere for picks or something. Not a big fan. Which is a shame, because he's definitely a talented guy.

I think it's pretty clear by now that the Nikolay Zherdev experiment is over, and hence his days as a Flyer are numbered. I noticed during the beginning of the last game he played, Lavy was actually double-shifting him to get him going. But alas he didn't perform. He's been sitting ever since even with Leino out last game.

No one can argue he doesn't have uber-offensive skills and sick hands. And I think he has some great vision and can make passes many players only dream about. But at the end of the day, he is not a team-first guy in the Flyers mold. Although he can produce, his inconsistent effort game to game -- and his defensive liabilities -- have cost him a regular roster spot and put him in Lavy's doghouse. The Flyers have proven they can win without him, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Flyers trade him for picks alone if no one they like is available.

The Flyers have tremendous depth, but I would still love to see a solid 2-way goal scorer like Gags back in the mix. Richie really needs another regular linemate to compliment him along with Versteeg. I think this is the final missing ingredient. We got Versteeg for a steal (man does he have jump!). Now if only Homer can pull off another deal with Zherdev and trade for a responsible scoring winger, the puzzle will be complete. Carbomb and Shelly can be our tough guy reserves and moved in to replace JVR or Nodl whenever we need some added grit.

Anyone see some players out there we could get for Zherdev? We could always add Bartulis to the package since we still have Walker down with the Phantoms. Nodl and Powe definitely need to stay as PK specialists and depth guys. They are excellent defensively. If push came to shove I'd be okay with Carcillo going too, just because we have so much depth. But he's a Flyer favorite and think he plays an important role on the team if only as a supreme agitator. Many people don't realize how much he has improved in the discipline dept. He's all heart.

[TeamBlue96 3]

There's got to be an underlying issue with Zherdev that has not been made public. Maybe him and Lavi are really butting heads, or he's getting a bad rap for the way he plays (tries to dangle too much) maybe to the point where it irks the 'veteran' players on the team.

He definitely does not fit the high intensity, hard skating, and physical system used by Lavi. It's sad since he is indeed so skilled, and is a type of player who the Flyers have never traditionally had.

I'm pretty sold that, as mentioned above, he's already played his last game with the Flyers barring any major injuries or setbacks.

At this point, he'd be traded for a depth move or at least an draft picks to recoupe what we gave up in the Versteeg deal.

I wouldn't be surprised if Versteeg was moved again in a package deal to bring in a big time player for the stretch run.

A lot going on lately especially with players who i thought wouldn't move. (for example C.Anderson and E. Johnson)

[EBondo 233]

It was said today that Zherdev WAS in fact going to be in the lineup for the game against Carolina (when Richards was pulled out last minute), but Zherdev was nowhere to be found in the arena. Not sure what they mean by that, but it resulted in Shelley playing. I think if a fourth round or higher pick becomes available to the team, they take it for Z. I don't think Versteeg is going to be moved, maybe next year as he is in the last year of his contract then. Writers were saying earlier today that apparently six teams have called with interest in Zherdev, but when Holmgren was asked about it, he said, and I quote, "I must of missed those calls then." Hmmm.

[-venom- 0]

It was said today that Zherdev WAS in fact going to be in the lineup for the game against Carolina (when Richards was pulled out last minute), but Zherdev was nowhere to be found in the arena. Not sure what they mean by that, but it resulted in Shelley playing. I think if a fourth round or higher pick becomes available to the team, they take it for Z. I don't think Versteeg is going to be moved, maybe next year as he is in the last year of his contract then. Writers were saying earlier today that apparently six teams have called with interest in Zherdev, but when Holmgren was asked about it, he said, and I quote, "I must of missed those calls then." Hmmm.

haha, I love Homer.

I wouldn't be shocked if he had something else up his sleeve.

[TeamBlue96 3]

It was said today that Zherdev WAS in fact going to be in the lineup for the game against Carolina (when Richards was pulled out last minute), but Zherdev was nowhere to be found in the arena. Not sure what they mean by that, but it resulted in Shelley playing. I think if a fourth round or higher pick becomes available to the team, they take it for Z. I don't think Versteeg is going to be moved, maybe next year as he is in the last year of his contract then. Writers were saying earlier today that apparently six teams have called with interest in Zherdev, but when Holmgren was asked about it, he said, and I quote, "I must of missed those calls then." Hmmm.

Just as we were both wondering about Z.....one of the local sports guys i follow blogged this:

after talking about Shelley's 60 stitches from the duel with Yonkman, and Betts still being hurt --

".....Flyers may have no choice but to re-insert the enigma that is Nik Zherdev into the lineup.

Zherdev did skate with the team during warmups Tuesday - a rare sight from the Russian winger who, when he's not playing is hardly ever around, and is usually the first guy out of the arena after a game, win or lose, and isn't often seen mingling with teammates.

General manager Paul Holmgren had a lengthy conversation with Zherdev's agent Jay Grossman in the bowels of Madison Square Garden Sunday and it was Holmgren doing all the talking.

Maybe the message got through and Zherdev's participation in the warmup was a sign that he is making an effort - or at least a veiled effort - at being a better teammate.

Still, I don't think Peter Laviolette buys it for one minute. Zherdev is the one square peg in the Flyers locker room and I'm not convinced that he's wanted there when the chips are down in the postseason..."

I knew it, he's gel-ing with the team. chemistry is so important in key runs. it's always about 'a great group of guys'....