From a few conversations and bit of surfing the blogs and boards, I’m sensing that Flyer fans dislike today’s trades.
That’s quite understandable. Scottie Upshall arrived as a bright ball of energy to a struggling club that had given up on the season. He gave the fans new life in a disappointing year. And ever since being benched late last season by John Stevens, the young forward presented highly motivated, speedy, mercurial efforts night in and night out. It’s hard not to miss him.
But there are some legitimate reasons behind Paul Holmgren’s actions today, ones that go deeper than a fan’s emotional attachment to a player.
Deadline deals for the Philadelphia Flyers always revolve around four factors:
1. Injuries
Everyone knows that the healthiest team is the one still standing with the Cup raised high in June. So if you’re entering the final stretch already injured, you’d better have a Plan B.
2. Goaltending
We’re talking about Philly hockey here. Do I really need to explain this one?
3. Money
In the pre-cap world, deadlines belonged to the wealthy, and Ed Snider knew how to finance a strong acquisition. In the cap era, teams spend more time contemplating money management rather than pure expenditure.
4. Grit
The Broad Street Bullies earned that moniker the hard way. And there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Mr. Snider intends to keep it.
With the Flyers’ health finally intact, number one can be crossed off the list. As to goaltending, that will take more than a mere blog to analyze. Like I said, we’re talking Philly here.
So it comes down to two things: money and grit. The cap implications of this deal are clear. Upshall makes $1.225 and Carcillo makes about $875,000. This trade shaves $400,000 off the Flyers’ payroll—a seemingly small amount, but enough to allow them to bring up a spare player like Jared Ross or Nate Guenin without dropping Claude Giroux or Darroll Powe. It also gives the Flyers a little extra wiggle room when it comes time to sign a goaltender this summer, or when they need to further trim cap for the 2010-11 season.
That leaves us with grit. Regardless of what my fellow blogger might contend over at Broad Street Hockey, the line of Upshall-Giroux-Briere was not particularly successful. While they had speed and the ability to move the puck well, that trio lacked the size and strength to be effective against the strong checking power of the Bruins. None of them could create any havoc in front of the net, a key component Stevens likes to have on every line. And so it was that Stevens shook up his lines by the second period.
Carcillo delivers a greater physical presence to the Flyers’ bottom six. That’s an understatement, really, considering that the kid led the entire league in penalty minutes during the 2007-08 season. His 324 PIMs outdid number 2 Jared Boll by nearly 100 minutes. No wonder Homer predicts he’ll be a fan favorite. 
I grasp the intellectual reasoning behind this trade, but I won’t say I’m a huge fan. I genuinely enjoy Scottie Upshall, both for his high energy style of play and his consistent work ethic this year. Once again he’s departing a playoff-bound group for another rebuilding team that likely won’t achieve a playoff berth, the disappointment of which I can only imagine.
I recall an episode of FlyerBuzz TV in which Upshall talked passionately about his belief that the current team had the type of bond that championship teams have. Yes, I know all players say that. But from the look on his face, you could tell this wasn’t just another careless and rehearsed statement for an interview. Hopefully Upshall will find another such situation in Phoenix.
And hopefully the chemistry he believed in was not permanent disrupted today in Philadelphia.
UPDATE: Comcast SportsNet posted John Boruk’s airport interview with Upshall. It’s a sad day for the fans, too, Scottie.
Just when you start to count the Flyers out of a game, they can surprise you with a second gear. The Carolina Hurricanes could tell you about at the Wachovia Center. Or the Washington Capitals could add a few words on the difficulty of maintaining a lead over the Flyers at the Verizon Center.
And based on last night’s performance, the Boston Bruins should be added to the list of teams who are painfully aware of the Flyers’ counterattack.
We say so often that hockey is a game of mistakes, that success depends on “getting back to the basics.” Claude Julien’s Bruins take that mantra to heart. They play a simple system – solid defense, clean passing, and an aggressive forecheck. Once they take control of a game, they rarely surrender it. Moreover, the Bruins know how to utilize their home ice; the Bs had only lost four games at the TD Banknorth Garden prior to last night’s tilt.
It seemed unlikely that the Flyers, struggling to find a rhythm with all the injury and flu casualties, could overcome even a one-goal deficit against the East’s best team in their own barn. But that’s where the counterattack began.
Scottie Upshall intercepted a Marc Savard pass, coverting that turnover into a perfect shot to beat Manny Fernandez and tie the game. Capitalizing on that one Bruin error shifted the momentum into the Flyers’ hands.
The Flyers were able to maintain team composure —even while facing a deficit—to wait for that mistake to happen. Upshall and his teammates had the presence of mind to act swiftly in response to the error (Knuble was driving towards the net from the opposite wing, drawing Chara’s attention and giving Upshall the option to shoot or pass). That’s the stuff that makes a playoff caliber team.
Watching the Flyers during yesterday’s tilt at the Rock, it struck me that the game was practically a replay of every Flyers-Devils game I watched during the mid- to late-90s. Swap a few players out for Daneyko, Stevens, Niedermayer, LeClair, Lindros, and Dejardins, and you’d have yourself an Atlantic Division classic.
Just as in the old days, the Devils scored first and shut it down. Just as in the old days, Brodeur made himself as impenetrable as ever. Just as in the old days, an extremely talented Flyers offense couldn’t discovered a chink in the armor.
[Sigh]
Martin Brodeur earned yet another milestone against the Orange and Black. He achieved his 100th career shutout with his victory over the Flyers on Sunday.
Two seasons ago, Brodeur broke Bernie Parent’s record for victories within a single season. What team was he playing? The Flyers. In the Wachovia Center. I was at the building that night, and I remember watching fans slowly depart from the stadium with facial expressions blending disgust, resignation, and disappointment. It was bad enough that the Flyers had the worst season in franchise history; did we really have to watch Brodeur rub his sheer awesomeness and extended domination of the crease in our faces?
Would it be wrong to hope that Lou Lamouriello keels over, ending the Devils strangle-hold over the Flyers?
In case you didn’t have a chance to watch the Flyers comeback for a huge win over the Capitals at the Verizon Center, Bill Clement put together a great overview of the game. Or you could just check out the highlights. Either way, this was one of the best games I’ve seen all season long.
When the Capitals took a 2-0 lead over the Flyers, I thought for sure this game was over. Those Washington fans figured out how to Rock the Red during last year’s playoffs; they are now a raucous bunch that feed their team with pure energy. Couple that with the shark-like offensive pounce the Capitals possess, and visiting teams can struggle to produce goals in the best of situations. Down two goals without your best defenseman is not even close to the best of situations.
What impressed me was that the Flyers never gave up. They pushed forward, in never-say-die fashion, from the first minute to the last. Every line and defense pairing contributed goals and grit. Every line and defense pairing worked together to force the formidable Washington attack out of the middle. And when the lines and pairs weren’t enough, Antero Niittymaki held the pipes.
A character win for the Flyers tonight, and a huge two points. Next up: the LA Kings.
I have spent the last two days pondering the curious play that led to Pittsburgh’s game-winning goal in Saturday’s edition of the Keystone Klash. I’ve read the articles, watched the interviews, scanned the chatrooms, and discussed with friends. Truth be told, I’m still asking the same exact question that I asked as Crosby and Dupuis celebrated that tally: What on earth was Biron thinking?
Watching that play from my perch in section 210 of the Wachovia Center, it felt like a scene out of some C-level sports movie, in the range of The Cutting Edge for example. The instant I saw Biron moving away from his crease, I knew we were in trouble. The play he made earlier this year against New Jersey, giving the puck away directly to Brian Gionta which led to a Patrick Elias goal, has stuck with me all season; the memory flares up each time Biron comes out to handle a puck. Why he chooses to leave the goal empty when facing the best players in the world astounds me!
After that goal, I received a text saying that Marty Biron sure knew how to kill the buzz in a building. I believe, however, that the play did more than just destroy one afternoon’s excitement for Flyerdom. That type of play destroys fan confidence in a goaltender, particularly in an intense environment like Philadelphia. This city will not stand for subpar performances from a goalie, let alone gigantic blunders in the face of enemy #1 Sidney Crosby. But it also chips away at team confidence in their netminder, and that is the worst thing that can happen as the drive to the playoffs begins.
Whatever the cap issues are, whatever the rumors say, and wherever the Flyers’ scouts may be this evening, I suspect that Paul Holmgren may be looking for a new goaltender. Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki have both had ample opportunity to show they can hold the job. And neither is convincing anyone right now that he is the best man to earn the nod.
With Forsberg attempting a return after yet another ankle/foot surgery, the rumors are once again flying about which NHL team might snatch him up at the trade deadline. The usual suspects—Colorado and Philadelphia—make their appearances on the list. But we all know it’s just a pipe dream: Foppa isn’t healthy enough to play, and Philly definitely doesn’t have the cap space.
Then, immediately before the All-Star break, Flyers GM Paul Holmgren informs the media that he has indeed spoken with the Foppa camp regarding a return stint in Philadelphia. His comments launched a flurry of conversations from the journalists and the blogging heads and the chat room boards. How could Homer possibly want an over-the-hill, literally-can’t-stay-on-his-feet, we-only-wish-he-actually-were-a-shadow-of-his-Avalanche-self player when the Flyers can’t even afford the active players already on the payroll?
Allow me to remind everyone that managing a hockey roster is the art of deception. In order to make a trade that no one sees coming, you have to keep their eyes fixed on something else.
Holmgren has to move money before he can put Danny Briere back into the lineup. The problem in executing that trade is manifold. Teams, knowing that the Flyers are against the cap, are going to exact the maximum pound of flesh before surrendering any players.
Briere’s questionable health complicates matters. If Holmgren sacrifices a player and Briere does not return to the lineup, that leaves the Flyers with a gaping offensive hole going into the playoffs.
So why did Holmgren announce before the All-Star break that he had spoken with Forsberg & Co.? Distraction. Everyone’s so busy arguing over the injured star that we might forget to mention a few active NHLers. Like Luca Sbisa, who’s been scratched for the last four games. Or Mike Knuble, who’s a veteran forward slated to be a UFA on July 1. Or Joffrey Lupul, who could be the one truly expendable top six guy wearing the Orange and Black right now. Or Scottie Upshall, who just happens to have the right salary number for this situation.
We’re also not worrying about who Holmgren might actually be shopping for. Jay Bouwmeester, for example.
Handing the No. 21 back to the Forsberg may only be a pipe dream, but it’s a very convenient one for GM Paul Holmgren right now. Fingers crossed that Foppa doesn’t lose his footing before the Flyers have a Briere solution . . .
Where is the team that we saw in LA? What happened to that injury-depleted-but-gritty bunch who forced mighty Washington to a shootout?
They certainly didn’t make an appearance at the Wachovia Center when Sidney Crosby brought the struggling Pens to town. And the change of climate in Tampa Bay didn’t draw any fight from the Flyers either.
Captain Mike Richards summed it up beautifully in his post-game comments. The Lightning came prepared to play; the Flyers didn’t. The Flyers actually looked remarkably like the team that dropped the first six games of the season. The Floundering Flyers.
Can Richards’ comments reignite this team, transforming them back into the Fiery Flyers? Or will this be a repeat of last year’s All-Star slump?
Tune in to tonight’s matchup in Miami for the answers . . .
Hi everyone! I’ve been very bad about posting over the last week to two weeks, and I apologize if that’s caused any inconvenience. I know how vital I am to the continuation of life for the vast majority of hockey fans
Anyhow, just wanted to jot down some quick thoughts on hockey this lovely snowy morning in Philadelphia.
1. Danny Briere registered one goal and one assist in his first game with the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Flyers’ AHL affiliate. In and of itself, that’s not so odd. An NHL offensive dynamo like Briere should be able to post points in the minors, even if he is playing below 100%.
But this game had two weird storylines. First of all, Claude Lemieux plays for the Worcester Sharks, so there were two NHL marquis names dressed at the Spectrum last night.
And Danny Briere scored his lone goal short-handed. Now who would’ve imagined Briere, known for being a defensive liability, killing a penalty, let alone scoring a shortie?
2. I was thrilled to see Washington pull away during the third period last night. The Penguins appeared to have a real burst of confidence following their victory at the Wachovia Center. And nothing can cure that little problem like a double jolt of Alexander Ovechkin!
3. Terrfic trade for Columbus yesterday! Jason Williams will add some scoring depth to the Blue Jackets’ roster, something they dearly need with the injuries to rookie Derrick Brassard and superstar Rick Nash. I’m rooting for this team to make the playoffs in the West – those loyal hockey fans in Columbus deserve something to celebrate!
It’s outdoors, it’s in Red Square, and it’s the KHL All-Star Game. Team Jagr (the imports) take on Team Yashin (the Russians).
Universal Sports is showing the game live online here in the US. Former Flyer Robert Esche is currently in goal for Team Jagr.
The Capitals and their fans hate the Flyers, and I understand that. Believe me, I’ve watched the Flyers lose enough playoff series to the New Jersey Devils to know exactly how that feels and how the residual feelings linger for years. So I have no complaint with having a healthy rivalry.
But I will admit that it saddens me to see some of the Capitals’ verbal responses to their new rivalry with the Flyers. Sure, I love the Flyers, which makes me biased.
BUT I ALSO LOVE THE CAPITALS. I’ve been on the bandwagon ever since I saw Mike Green play for the first time in Hershey. I relish the opportunity to watch AO, with his hard-hitting and wicked shot. And Brooks Laich deserves so much more credit than he’s given outside Washington for his grit and tenacity; I caught a penalty kill earlier this year where, in one shift, he blocked pucks with both arms and a leg.
As a Caps fan, I want better from this amazing group than bitter words that hit below the belt. I especially expect better sportsmanship from Bruce Boudreau. As head coach, he’s a leader for a young team. His actions influence their behaviors and will for the rest of their playing careers.
Sure, tough words about tough guys happen frequently, and there’s no shame in it. However, there is a way to show respect afterwards. Consider how George Laraque, then a Pittsburgh Penguin, responded to reporters’ questions after a bout with Riley Cote last year: Cote is “pound for pound . . . the toughest guy in the NHL.” Laraque played for a team that has no love lost with the Flyers, but he still found a way to demonstrate an admirable level of sportsmanship. BTW – he kicked Cote’s butt big time in that game.
As to Boudreau’s comments regarding complaints about Philly’s injuries, please remember that those injury articles came from the press. I did not read a single quote from a Flyer or Flyers management bemoaning the fact that we don’t have enough guys to fill the jerseys right now. Yes, Paul Holmgren spoke to the press about who had what injuries – that’s the GM’s job. Holmgren also pointed out that he was proud of the Flyers’ gritty performance in LA and that he expected them to bring an equally intense game into Washington last night. That’s not anything close to a complaint.
I think Boudreau is a fantastic coach with a terrific bunch of players down there in Washington, and I hope to watch many more exciting Caps games in the future. As a fan – and this is the Caps fan in me talking – I want better from him. I want to see honorable, sportsmanlike comments. I want to be able to respect Boudreau as a good man as well as a good hockey coach.
Otherwise, I’m going to have to agree with Mike Richards on this one. (Scroll down to Tuesday’s version of “Tonight’s Lineup” – quote’s at the end).
And the Caps’ fan portion of me would really hate that.
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