Flyers' 2010-2011 Season

[Chadd 916]

There have been so many chemistry problems in that locker room over the last few years, it's not reasonable to pin it entirely on him. More than with a lot of other teams, "fitting in" seems to be really important to certain people in that locker room.

[TeamBlue96 3]

There have been so many chemistry problems in that locker room over the last few years, it's not reasonable to pin it entirely on him. More than with a lot of other teams, "fitting in" seems to be really important to certain people in that locker room.

I agree and disagree.

I agree that there have been a fair share of locker room issues over the years. Lindros vs trainers, goalie controversies, and one recent being Carter, Richards, Lupul, Upshall, and Hartnell not exactly setting a good example by being too visisble in the Philly party scene.

I disagree since the type of problem described above really translates differently to the ice/lockeroom. It's one thing if you're a bad influence, but if you play well for the most part --all is forgotten in a lockeroom setting (what you do on your own time is your own business kind of attitude). Plus, not everyone is always guaranteed to be friendly. Yes, it's hipocrital that i described the partything thing, but that was ultimately resovled by The Lupul and Upshall trades. (since it was indeed, getting out of hand)

In this case, it looks like no one really liked the work ethic or attitude of Zherdev or his dedication to the 'team'. Wouldn't that affect the players trust? (I have deadbeat teammates who give off the don't care attitude and it drives me nuts).

Don't get me wrong, i love Z...he's fun to watch, but just not the type of player that fits into the 'built for the playoffs' team type mold. It's sad that this experiment has failed.

[Chadd 916]

In this case, it looks like no one really liked the work ethic or attitude of Zherdev or his dedication to the 'team'. Wouldn't that affect the players trust? (I have deadbeat teammates who give off the don't care attitude and it drives me nuts).

It's a "chicken and egg" thing in most cases, I've heard that you better fit a certain mold or you will never be accepted in that locker room. He doesn't fit and he will end up out of town, but they will devalue him so much that they won't be able to trade him for anything of value.

[EBondo 233]

So does anyone claim him?

[TeamBlue96 3]

It's a "chicken and egg" thing in most cases, I've heard that you better fit a certain mold or you will never be accepted in that locker room. He doesn't fit and he will end up out of town, but they will devalue him so much that they won't be able to trade him for anything of value.

Well said; such a shame. I'm sure if we kept playing him up until the deadline we could've squeezed, at the very least, a 4th of 5th rounder for him.

So does anyone claim him?

i'd be real surprised of he isn't claimed; it's not like 2 mil for a player with his skill set is all that much.

[hamstercaster 2]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Pens claimed him. Cheap skilled labour for the rest of the season... but that's if no one lower in the standings claims him first.

[EBondo 233]

I honestly thought maybe the Devils would put a claim in on him. They're getting hotter and hotter every game, and they're looking to be a serious contender for that eighth spot.

[camhockey16 5]

i think the pens were in the same situation last year with ponikarovsky - just seemed lazy & disinterested.

but shero did say they might still be looking for a rental player so maybe they would be ok with giving him a once over.

[hamstercaster 2]

They've got nothing to lose really except for some dough. IMO it's worth a try. I can't see him going to the Devils. He would not fit one bit in Jacques Lemaire's system although same could be said about Kovalchuk but it seems that Lemaire was able to get him to adhere to the system... or at least somewhat adhere to it.

[Ralphiv#13 0]

I sure am glad that Versteeg has went some where better tan Toronto, haha. I think that he will be a huge help to the team!

[TeamBlue96 3]

Looks like Z will most likely be headed to either Atlanta or Nashville, a few other dark horse teams trying to aquire him. He's only owed $400,000 or so...so very economical. He's also said he won't go to the AHL or return to Russia mid season...

[TeamBlue96 3]

annnnnd no one has claimed him. now i really want to see what will happen.

[gilbois 1]

So what do you make of the non-retaliation on Scottie Upshall after his suspension-worthy destruction of Bartulis? Does this speak to Chadd's point on the "good 'ol boy" club in the locker room? Was it that none of the current Flyers wanted to slug it out with a former member of the club over a current journeyman?

[TeamBlue96 3]

So what do you make of the non-retaliation on Scottie Upshall after his suspension-worthy destruction of Bartulis? Does this speak to Chadd's point on the "good 'ol boy" club in the locker room? Was it that none of the current Flyers wanted to slug it out with a former member of the club over a current journeyman?

eh, on that shift....there were no players that had played with him (Bob, Bartulis, Leino, Mezsjaros, Nodl, Briere)

Close game the rest of the way, so there's no point in taking liberties and take your self out of the game. The beauty sports is that stuff like this is never forgotten. There's always a time and place. Friends fight friends, friends hurt friends; it doesn't matter when the game is on the line.

[troy 12]

It's a "chicken and egg" thing in most cases, I've heard that you better fit a certain mold or you will never be accepted in that locker room. He doesn't fit and he will end up out of town, but they will devalue him so much that they won't be able to trade him for anything of value.

That certain mold has been pretty successful the past few years at least. The main issue with Zherdev seems like the constant refrain of his career, weak work ethic. I think even two weeks ago his "value" would be no higher than a mid- to late-round draft pick.

[gilbois 1]

Holy Giroux. This guy had the best game tonight I've seen any player have in a long time. The backcheck where he mowed over Molson? The sweet hip check on what's-his-tits? The game winning OT setup? Man I love this guy!

[EBondo 233]

Just saw from multiple Flyers writers...Zherdev had a good, long talk with Laviolette. Laviolette laid it on the line, exactly what he had wanted from Zherdev, who must have had a change in heart, because he now says he knows what he needs to do to get back into the lineup, and will work harder than ever to make sure he gets that opportunity, even accepting the role with the Phantoms for the time-being.

Kinda refreshing, haha.

And I agree gilbois, Giroux was absolutely on fire last night. Best game I've seen from him in his young career, if only he could have gotten a goal or two...

[TeamBlue96 3]

Holy Giroux. This guy had the best game tonight I've seen any player have in a long time. The backcheck where he mowed over Molson? The sweet hip check on what's-his-tits? The game winning OT setup? Man I love this guy!

Makes me proud to wear my Giroux jersey!

Just saw from multiple Flyers writers...Zherdev had a good, long talk with Laviolette. Laviolette laid it on the line, exactly what he had wanted from Zherdev, who must have had a change in heart, because he now says he knows what he needs to do to get back into the lineup, and will work harder than ever to make sure he gets that opportunity, even accepting the role with the Phantoms for the time-being.

amazing what clearing waivers can do for your career. (just ask Briere, Marty St. Louis, and J.S. Giguere). i'm pretty sure they were on waivers at one point in their career.

[troy 12]

Flyers pick up Boynton off waivers from CHI as their playoff depth guy. Unfortunately it seems with Gustaffson already called up JVR has to be loaned to the Phantoms, and according to Bill Meltzer the Big Z will play tonight. Should be a good game tonight.

[EBondo 233]

I'm absolutely loving all the Flyers "fans" whining about this.

[gilbois 1]

Anyone hear what Pronger's prognosis is?

[TeamBlue96 3]

I'm absolutely loving all the Flyers "fans" whining about this.

right? i'm a 'fan' of the Flyers facebook page and all the people who are clueless about how the NHL and roster moves work were freaking out. Relax people, it's a temporary move to make cap room!

[Chadd 916]

right? i'm a 'fan' of the Flyers facebook page and all the people who are clueless about how the NHL and roster moves work were freaking out. Relax people, it's a temporary move to make cap room!

Actually, it was a roster space issue, not a cap problem.

[TeamBlue96 3]

Actually, it was a roster space issue, not a cap problem.

are you sure? i thought it was based off his contract because he has a '2 way' deal and would not have to clear waivers going back and forth; the only player on the Flyers roster with such a clause.

[Chadd 916]

are you sure? i thought it was based off his contract because he has a '2 way' deal and would not have to clear waivers going back and forth; the only player on the Flyers roster with such a clause.

yes, he could be sent down to make room on the roster for Boynton. Boynton wouldn't make it in time for the game and they had called up a defenseman from the phantoms to fill the slot. If JVR was a defenseman, he wouldn't have been sent down.