What a week it has been for the guys in orange. We went from losing, to new coach, to really bad loss, to suddenly winning....oh that's right because we can't lose to the Islanders. In any case, it has been a week of intense emotion and lots to talk about.
First of all, happy trails to John Stevens. After a horrible looking loss to the Canucks at home 3-0, Stevens was given the pink slip and the Flyers hired former Hurricane and Islander coach Peter Laviolette to take over the team. Unfortunatly, he didn't arrive quick enough to save the team from embarrassing themselves at home against the Capitals.
First of all, MAJOR thumbs down to Dan Carcillo. Some Flyers fans have come to defend him for knocking out Matt Bradley in Saturday night's game, but I'm not one of them. If he had waited another quick second for Bradley to drop his glvoes and defend himself, the 9:00 penalty and suspension doesn't happen. Say what you want, but Bradley was not ready to defend and I agree with the ref's decision to not penalize him. Carcillo effectively allowed the Caps to pull way out in front on their nine minute power play and got himself in big trouble. What a stupid bonehead (I want to say worse things, trust me).
More thumbs down to the Flyers offense before the Islander game. They showed up to play on Tuesday, which I was pleased to see, this team needed any win they can get their hands on at this point and they pulled just out of the basement ahead of the Isles. But, before that game, they put up a horrible performance against Vancover and in a snoozer of a game in Montreal, which they lost. This is a team built on offense, but it has seemed to vanish into the night. That scoring punch must return.
One more thumbs down, to Ray Emery, for not treating his abdomen injury when it happened orgiinally. Now, the Flyers will miss Emery until likely the All-Star break, leaving us with the beloved Brian Boucher (no complaints from me) and Johans Backlund. I'm not worried about Boucher, but he isn't a durable goalie and Backlund, in my opinion, isn't ready for an NHL debut outside of opening the bench door.
In any case, I give props to Paul Holmgren for makign the coaching change. I'm not a huge believer in Laviolette, but he was the only legitimate coaching candidate available and Holmgren had to make a move. Even if this doesn't work out in the end, I give him props for trying.
My Flyers Picks this Week
Excitement is flowing through my veins, as I SHOULD be at Prudential Center on Saturday to see the Flyers take on arch-rival New Jersey, (I'll have my BOOOOOOCHH chant ready to go!) Hopefully the Flyers will pull out a win, but that's wishful thinking against one of the top three teams in the East right now. I will give the Flyers a win tonight at home agaisnt Ottawa, before embarking on a rough road trip to Newark, Boston, and Pittsburgh (ouch!!). Make it an 0-3 road trip, that's right, 0-3. Losses across the board to the Devils, Bruins, and Penguins. Not necessarily because the Flyers are slumping, it's more of those teams are pretty good.
Last Week's Picks- 3-1
Thurs. vs. Ottawa WIN
Sat. at New Jersey LOSS
Mon. at Boston LOSS
Tues. at Pittsburgh LOSS
Across the NHL Divisions
Atlantic- I'm very pumped to be paying a visit to Prudential Center this week, partially to see a very nice building, partly to watch my Flyers, and partly to have a shot at seeing Martin Brodeur for what could liekly be a final time, considering his age and all. This guy is one of the top five goalies in NHL history (this comign from a Flyers fan) and it should be fun to see him in person. Hopefully we can see him in lose though.
Northeast- This week the Flyers will pay their only visit to the TD Bank Garden this week (remember, the second trip to Boston will go to Fenway.) They will battle a Bruins team that is just a point back of Buffalo for first in their division. This week, I'm keeping my eye on Patrice Bergeron. This guy is a very underrated star in the league and the offense of Boston runs through him. Also keep an eye on Boston goalie Tuukka Rask, who has been slowly taking away playing time for starter an former All-Star Tim Thomas. It'll be itneresting to see who gets the call on Monday.
Southeast- News from Huricanes camp, Rod Brind'Amour was a healthy scratch earlier this week for Carolina. This is sad news fo those of us who have adored the former Flyer favorite and it appears the end is near for Rod. Let's all hope he gets to finish his career in shinign fashion and not go down by being a fringe player.
Central- In Chicago, the Blackhawks signed core players Jonathan Toews and PAtrick Kane, among others, to logn term contract extensions. Watch out now in the Windy City, the Blackhawks are back and will be long-term contenders now. Their nearly fifty year Stanley Cup drought may be soon to expire.
Northwest- The lone good thing about Thursday's loss to Vancouver was getting to see the Sedin twisn at work. Henrik had two assists and Daniel one in the win for the Canucks. I love watching these borthers play, they complement each other well and, when on the ice together, have chemistry unlike any other pair in the league.
Pacific- Some noise coming out of California, as the L.A. Kings knocked off the division leading Sharks last night 5-4 in overtime and moving within three points of San Jose, and first place in both the Pacific Division and the Western Conference. I like this Los Angeles team, they were fun to watch against the Flyers earlier this season and look like a team, similar to th Blackhawks, that could be good for years to come.
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