http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/blog.php Your home for Philly sports news and discussion. Forum for Flyers, Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and more... en Fri, 18 May 2012 23:13:48 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/blog.php http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?130-Rebound-Breakout-or-Bust-Part-2-of-an-ongoing-series-A-Merry-Cliffmas-Edition Sun, 25 Dec 2011 04:09:16 GMT Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_43wBZBANWlI/TQeWy6klczI/AAAAAAAAAvU/p1fzCf2vnz8/s1600/-1.jpg I thought that since Cliff Lee has a special place in...
I thought that since Cliff Lee has a special place in most Phillies fans hearts, I would use him as my topic for my Christmas post. Now if you read my Cole Hamels edition, you will know what I plan on doing in this series and that is, I plan on projecting how players, whether on the Phillies or just around the league, will perform next season. So without further ado, I present, my Merry Cliffmas to all of you.

Lee last year had a 69 xFIP-. For an explanation of xFIP- go here: http://www.fangraphs.com/library/ind.../era-fip-xfip/ Anyway, that basically means that, when adjusted for park factors and league, he was 31% above average. At age 33, he had a career year, which is somewhat suspicious, so I'm going to look further into it.

Normally when I'm looking into things like luck I would look at BABIP, but it is pretty much the same as his career, so I'll look at his LOB%. You may remember this term when people were talking about J.A Happ. (Remember him?) Well his LOB% was 81.4% compared to his career average 73% which basically means that he left way more people on base than normal. It's not enough to just accept this though, as there could be many factors that show different things that cause a high LOB%. For example, a high K% which is exactly what Lee had. You see, he had a 25.9 K% compared to his average of 19.3%. So, while I believe that Lee's LOB% will go down a little bit, not enough to severely affect his season.

So now that you know the facts, I will tell all you good little girls and boys what the verdict is. And I think that Lee will BUST. However, a bust for Lee is like a great season for most pitchers. So here are my projections for Lee next season: ERA: 2.72 (Thank you SIERA) and however many wins the team gets him. ]]> Ian Greenleaf http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?130-Rebound-Breakout-or-Bust-Part-2-of-an-ongoing-series-A-Merry-Cliffmas-Edition http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?128-Rebound-Breakout-or-Bust-Part-1-of-an-ongoing-series-Cole-Hamels Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:29:16 GMT

In this series I'll be evaluating the Phillies and whether certain players will rebound, breakout and unfortunately, who I think will bust. As I move along I think I will evaluate players from other teams, but for now I'll just do the Phillies. As the series move along you may notice I'm not mentioning players like Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, that is because they have nothing to rebound from, they have already broken out and I don't expect them to bust. Now onto the point at hand, I think Cole Hamels will breakout. Before you freak out and say things like, "He's already broken out," I must explain. I feel he will breakout to the point of being a top 5 pitcher in baseball. Here's why.

Last year Hamels had a really nice year, I mean he a 2.79 ERA and a 3.05 FIP. Those numbers, however good, are not elite. However his peripherals suggest that he will not only get better, but a lot better. His K/BB ratio was a career high last year which basically means that he improved his control. Less walks mean less base-runners which means less runs. Not only that but his HR/9 was also a career low, which also translates into a better season, and there's no reason to believe that he doesn't continue to improve.

Unfortunately, I also have to account for his abnormally low BABIP, which was .255 compared to his career average of .280. However, this can easily be accounted for, his GB% was 11 points higher than his career average and ground balls account for the least amount of hits per out. A result of his GB% being up was his LD% being a career low. LD% accounts for the most hits per out so this helps us understand his career low BABIP. To go along with this he has always been a low BABIP guy so it's not ridiculous to assume that he can keep his BABIP at least close to this years. ]]> Ian Greenleaf http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?128-Rebound-Breakout-or-Bust-Part-1-of-an-ongoing-series-Cole-Hamels http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?124-10-26-11-Flyers-Canadiens-Preview Wed, 26 Oct 2011 05:39:52 GMT Image: http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6282367458_5bed486516_b.jpg You wanna know how bad the Canadiens first eight games of the year have...

You wanna know how bad the Canadiens first eight games of the year have been? Their leading goal scorer is Travis Moen. He is averaging just over 14 minutes per game, and there are only two regular starters averaging less time for the Canadiens. Eight games into the season and Moen's four goals ranks as the third most productive scoring season of his career. Moen has scored double digit goals only once in his nine seasons in the NHL.

With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Canadiens major issue this season has been goal scoring. Any game that they have managed to score more than one goal they have earned at least a point. In all five of their regulation losses, they have scored a single goal or have been shutout. This matchup should prove to be a good litmus test for the Flyers' defensive core in their first game without Chris Pronger.

For the Flyers, it will be interesting to see if Jaromir Jagr and Scott Hartnell are able to build on their break out performances in Monday night's game against the Leafs. I expect Jagr to play well against the undersized Candiens lineup, and Hartnell to return to his previous useless (harmful) self. Two other Flyers to keep an eye on are James van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux. They combined for six goals against the Canadiens last season.

The Flyers have won all three of their road games this season, and I do not expect them to start losing tonight. I think the Flyers' defense will struggle without their leader, but the Flyers should be able to outscore Travis Moen and the struggling Canadiens offense. 3-1 ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?124-10-26-11-Flyers-Canadiens-Preview http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?123-ICU-Its-Time-for-Change Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:50:24 GMT According to Mike Richards, “A lack of intensity and focus for these game led by me and it’s gotta change and it’s going to change starting Friday.”... According to Mike Richards, “A lack of intensity and focus for these game led by me and it’s gotta change and it’s going to change starting Friday.” He waits until there are two games left in the season and they have lost the lead in the East and are a point from losing the lead in the Atlantic to say something more than "I am not answering that question again," when asked about the lack of intensity.

I find it funny that Richards waited until the team wasted his two goal effort to finally make a statement to the media. Richards has had three multiple point games since the All-Star break. Meanwhile the team has wasted a few good performances from a rookie goaltender that could have benefited from seeing the team in front of him bust their ass every once in awhile. I guess Richards didn't care since was his lead the team was following.

Other leaders on the team were calling the team out months ago, but those words fell on def ears, and for the last month the team has looked like utter shit. Hopefully the procrastination method will work for this team again. Something tells me it will take more than two games to get the team back up to top performance speed, and they are going to need a favorable first round match-up, like last year, if they have a chance to make a deep run.

If you enjoyed this article, please show your support by clicking here... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?123-ICU-Its-Time-for-Change http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?122-ICU-4-5-11-Flyers-Senators-Preview Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:24:06 GMT Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVa1bFwf-40/TZqmjOGyv1I/AAAAAAAAACA/xTght2TLnQ4/s1600/Picture+1.png The Washington Capitals, the Boston Bruins,...

The Washington Capitals, the Boston Bruins, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. These are the only four teams left that have a chance to pass the Flyers in the standings. A win tonight and the Bruins and Lightning can be scratched off of that list. Two points against the second worst team in the Eastern Conference, and the Flyers are guaranteed home ice for the first round of the playoffs.

Should be an easy win for the top team in the East, but this team has shown on numerous occasions that they struggle beating teams that are far less talented than they are, and I can't recall a win that came easy for this team in the last few months. The Senators will be even less of a threat as Erik Karlsson, Sergei Gonchar, Matt Carkner, and Daniel Alfredsson could all miss the game. The Senators have very little to play for, in fact they would benefit more from losing. I can say that the Flyers should win this game, but I can say it with an ounce of confidence.

Here are a couple of random facts; the Flyers have not won a game in Ottawa since November 24, 2007 and the Flyers were 3-0-1 on Tuesday night games last month. Those four games account for half of the Flyers wins last month, and 7 of their 16 points. Not sure which one of these meaningless statistics will hold true, but an overtime lose would not be a total shock.

I will continue to be an optimist and predict a Flyers win. Even without Pronger and Briere, this team should be able to put away a crippled Senators club. I think we might see a good game out of Richards, with only a week left in the season it is about time for him to step up his game and be the leader that this teams offensive core desperately needs. Flyers win 5-1 (5-3 is Boucher starts).

If you enjoyed this article, please show your support by clicking here... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?122-ICU-4-5-11-Flyers-Senators-Preview http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?121-ICU-4-1-11-Flyers-Devils-Preview Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:21:42 GMT Image: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tIEbffHiebo/TZXshdnwkoI/AAAAAAAAAB8/p2pNOfPM3yY/s1600/Picture+1.png Once again, the Flyers have the opportunity...

Once again, the Flyers have the opportunity to end a teams season tonight, This time it is the rival Devils. After staging one of the greatest turnarounds in NHL history, the Devils appear to have run out of steam. The Devils hit the mid season mark with an abysmal record of 10-29-2 (22 points), but started the second half of the season on a mission and have gone 25-6-3 (53 points). What is even more remarkable is that five of their nine loses have come in the last seven games.

The Devils have lost three of their last four games, and were lucky to win their last game after blowing a two goal lead to the Islanders in the third period. After putting on such a great run, it looks like reality has set in and the Devils energy level has fallen through the floor. Their game against the Pens last week was one probably the most unexciting game of hockey ever played. It took 10 minutes for a team to register a shot on goal, and then they only managed three more for the rest of the period.

You can expect a nice boring defensive game out of the Devil's tonight. They will sit back and trap in the neutral zone and wait for the Flyers to make mistakes. If the sloppy and lazy Flyers show up tonight, their could be a lot of mistakes for the Devils to take advantage of, and Ilya Kovalchuk will be the most likely player to put the puck in the net. Since the all-star break he has 25 points in 27 games, by far the best on the team.

I haven't been able to watch last night's game yet, so I don't know which Flyer's team showed up. Tonight's game is a tough one to call. The Devils are a tired team that has burned a lot of energy trying to dig themselves out of deep whole, only to fail in the last week. If the sloppy low energy Flyers' team shows up tonight, then the Devils won't have to expend to much energy to find scoring chances. But if the Flyers come into tonight's game with a purpose, they should be able to get out of tonight's game with the two points.

If you enjoyed this article, please show your support by clicking here... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?121-ICU-4-1-11-Flyers-Devils-Preview http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?120-ICU-3-31-11-Thrashers-Flyers-Preview Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:19:54 GMT Image: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZLa80SqKmM/TZRl9IFcJuI/AAAAAAAAAB4/wJMUxj7EqLs/s1600/Picture+2.png The last time these two teams meet, the...

The last time these two teams meet, the Flyers played like they didn't give a shit, and they had a few reasons to give a shit. Like winning the Atlantic, winning the East, or pride. Just five days before that game, the Flyers lost in embarrassing fashion to the Thrashers, giving up four goals in the third period and losing in a shootout. Lets hope the Flyers do a better job of defending their home turf this time around.

The Flyers are coming off of a good performance against their divisional rival Penguins and are looking to build on some solid play, but they have had a hard time finding an acceptable intensity level in recent weeks. A perfect example of this lack of intensity is the number of power plays the team has earned over the last two weeks. In their last seven games, the Flyers have averaged 2.1 power plays per game, and three of those games only had one power play opportunity. The team simply hasn't been working hard enough to force the other team to commit a penalty.

Look for the Hartnell-Briere-Leino line to continue its good play tonight. They have been the most productive line against the Thrashers this season. Briere and Leino both have three goals and five points against the Thrashers this season, with Hartnell picking up three assists. If the Flyers' good habits are to carry over from the Pens game, I expect this line to be the one setting the example.

The Thrashers' playoff dreams are on the line tonight. An L tonight would close the door on a disappointing season. Even though their chance of making the playoffs is a long shot, I don't expect them to let it slip away without a fight. The Flyers could have their hands full tonight it they slip back into some of the bad habits that we have seen lately, but I expect them to build off the momentum they gained beating the Pens two nights ago. Flyers pick up the two points tonight 1-4.

If you enjoyed this article, please show your support by clicking here... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?120-ICU-3-31-11-Thrashers-Flyers-Preview http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?118-ICU-Flyers-Pens-Recap Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:18:21 GMT

That was one of the best efforts that we have seen from the Flyers in a few weeks. Not quiet as dominant as the second and third period against the Capitals a week earlier, but the effort and intensity was there. It wasn't a perfect game, but definitely a step in the right direction.

The Pens came out strong in the first period, setting the tone with a couple of heavy checks, but the Flyers weathered the initial storm and responded by establishing a good fore check. The Flyers were also able to respond after the Pens scored first, evening the score less than four minutes later. The Flyers continued to show resolve by scoring four consecutive goals after Bob gave up a bad goal to let the Pens back in front. Bob also responded well with some great play in the third after his short coming in the second.

The Hartnell-Briere-Leino line looked like it finally got a whiff of the impending playoffs, picking up three goals. All three goals were the result of players crashing the net, and one was the result of a nice fore check by Briere. It was refreshing to see the Flyers going into the corners, crashing the net, and throwing some checks towards anyone that touched the puck.

This high quality of play was not sustained throughout the entire game. Peter Laviolette had to call a time out early in the third becuase his team was getting outworked, and was only a few shifts away from getting buried. Whatever the Laviolette said must have hit a nerve, the Flyers scored on the next shift and again three minutes later. After the team regained focus, they looked like the team from earlier in the season that was always looking to build on a lead and not sit on it.

Hopefully the team will continue to build on this solid performance on Thursday when the Thrashers, who are only three points from playoff elimination, come to town. With only six games left in the regular season, this is the perfect first step in the build to the playoffs. We have seen a few glimpses of solid play over the last few weeks, only to be followed up by a lackluster performance. I guess we will see on Thursday.


If you enjoyed this article show your support by clicking here... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?118-ICU-Flyers-Pens-Recap http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?117-Toux-and-O%21 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 19:19:19 GMT Image: http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/dl-trans/image_nodes/2011/03/unionwin.jpg Many firsts this week for the...

Many firsts this week for the Philadelphia Union. The first winning streak in team history. The first double clean sheet in league play. The first week sitting on top of the conference. The first goal for Carlos Ruiz as a Union player, a former MLS Golden Boot winner and MVP. Everyone's happy. But it all almost didn't happen.

Saturday's game changed completely in the 57th minute when Vancouver's French striker, Eric Hassli, was cautioned for the second time and sent off. That ejection allowed the Union the luxury of pushing more forward and worrying less about the Whitecap's counter strike. Perhaps more importantly, that ejection allowed Union coach, Peter Nowak, to make two crucial and timely substitutions. The addition of Roger Torres and Jack McInerney proved the difference against ten men and ultimately led to Sebastien LeToux setting up Carlos Ruiz for the match's only goal.

Had Hassli not been sent off, this match was on a direct collision course for a 0-0 draw. The first half saw almost no real scoring chances, the Whitecaps easily drowning all balls sent into the last third by the Union midfield. Vancouver seemed to have no trouble thwarting the advances of LeToux, Ruiz and Danny Mwanga. I was pleased to see that Nowak penciled all three as forwards to start the game, but I'm now convinced that Mwanga is not ready for a full 90 week in and week out. He was weak on the ball and missed more than a few through balls that would have led to scoring chances. Danny may be this franchise's future star and even MVP candidate, but he's still a year or two off. The Union played much better in the second half, even before Hassli's red card, but I never felt like a goal was eminent, even if it was only for 12 minutes. But clearly, when the 'caps went down to 10 men, it was an opportunity for the Union and they capitalized.

Another strong outing was had by the Philadelphia back line and number one, albeit after Hassli went off, they were hardly tested. But it's very encouraging to see this defense put together back to back solid efforts after a very frustrating inaugural season. Carlos Valdes makes a real difference and as I said last week, this team may be able to record quite a few clean sheets this season. Faryd Mondragon was tested slightly more than last week's opener, but he's yet to be bombarded with shots on goal, which is a very good early sign.

Next week the Union face the defending Supporter's Shield winners, the LA Galaxy. The Galaxy were dismantled this weekend by Real Salt Lake, so they'll surely be looking to regain some respect. Will the Union concede it's first goal of the season? For now, we'll hang our hats and scarves on the other firsts this team has accomplished. ]]> drmellie http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?117-Toux-and-O%21 http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?116-Clean-Sheet%21 Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:26:22 GMT Image: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xtDv-woX_8M/TTjN5sEpqjI/AAAAAAAAADc/V3gCCiVDQ5o/s1600/Valdes%25252Band%25252BMondragon.jpg What was the...

What was the difference?? That is the question, this Sunday, after the Philadelphia Union opened their sophomore season with a 1-0 shutout(clean sheet) over the Houston Dynamo yesterday. It was only the franchise's 3rd ever clean sheet in league play but it took them 23 games last season to record their first. It was a September 11th win over Chicago that went in the league record books and the Union repeated the feat two games later on September 25 against Chivas USA. In the offseason, however, the U's roster has been almost completely revamped and through the first game, it seems to have made a real positive change. Let's look at what could have contributed to the swift turnaround:

-Was it their new goalkeeper, Faryd Mondragon?
The Colombian number one was named captain prior to the match, taking over from left center back Danny Califf last year. He was vocal and stern throughout and finished with 3 saves. Was his veteran presence enough to solidify the back line and keep the Dynamo scoreless?

-Was it the addition of Colombian defender Carlos Valdes?
The solid youngster was brought in during the offseason to do exactly what he appeared to do yesterday: shut down the middle of the field and keep opposing strikers from making runs at goal. His talents have a similar effect on this back line as a 'top of the rotation' pitcher does on a baseball team: he makes the rest of the group better, in particular Danny Califf.

-Are the Houston Dynamo just not that good?
Come on, it's just one game, right! The Houston Dynamo missed the playoffs last year and may be on the wrong end of that franchise swing we see so often these days in professional sports. They really didn't test Union G Mondragon as they let go only 3 official shots on goal and egregiously missing what seemed to be a tap in only minutes from time.

-Did Danny Califf play better without the pressure of the armband?
It seemed to me he did. He calmly relieved the pressure of a few Dynamo crosses in the first half and appeared confident and strong throughout the game. Oh yeah, and he netted the eventual winner in the game's 5th minute, his first ever league goal for the Union. Maybe his new haircut has something to do with his improved overall play, maybe it's the addition of his counterpart, Carlos Valdes. To be fair to him, he wasn't all at fault for the poor defense the Union displayed last year, but her certainly had his best Union match yesterday.

Clearly, it was a combination of all these things that helped the U secure all 3 points on the road for, again, only the 3rd time in it's young history. It appears that the front office accurately identified this team's weaknesses from last year and addressed them both individually and wholly. I fully expect this year's Union squad to surpass it's modest clean sheet total of 2 from last year easily. Next game is the home opener at PPL Park this Saturday at 4:00 against the Vancouver Whitecaps. One of the league's two new expansion clubs this year, the Whitecaps were expected to struggle but surely garnered my attention yesterday netting 4 goals against Toronto FC. Vancouver's French striker, Eric Hassli, will test yesterday's heroes with his speed and finishing.

For now, the Union rest comfortably atop the Eastern Conference table, and that's something we couldn't say at any point last season, so it's a start. ]]> drmellie http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?116-Clean-Sheet%21 http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?115-ICU-3-19-11-Flyers-Stars Sat, 19 Mar 2011 06:35:42 GMT Image: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5539356676_e753b77672.jpg I am not sure if Kari Lehtonen or Andrew Raycroft will be in net for the...

I am not sure if Kari Lehtonen or Andrew Raycroft will be in net for the Stars, but Lehtonen has started 23 of the Stars last 24 games. The Flyers are the last Eastern Conference team that the Stars will play this season, so this might be a perfect game to give him a rest before their last ten games of the season, but for statistics sake lets assume that Lehtonen will be in net.

Lehtonen has been streaky by the month since the the calendar flipped to 2011. In January he was 7-1-1, while only allowing more than two goals in one of those games. In February he allowed three or more goals in eight games, and turned in an abysmal 3-7-1 performance. So far this month he has found the middle ground, allowing three goals or more in five games while going 5-2-2. To further illustrate his hot/cold tendencies, Lehtonen is 2-2-0 over his last four starts, turning in two shutouts and allowing nine goals in the other two games.

Brad Richards will be playing in his sixth game after missing almost a month with a concussion. Despite missing 10 games, he still leads his team with 67 points, and is second in goals and assists with 25 and 42 respectively. In his five games back he has four points, including two assists in the Starts last game against the Blackhawks. Jamie Benn and Mike Ribeiro have been leading the way for the Stars in March. Benn has eight goals in five assists nine games, and Ribeiro has three goals and five assists in nine games.

The Flyers also have a trio of players averaging at least a point per game in March, Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, and Jeff Carter. Briere has three goals and five assists, Giroux has two goals and six assists, and Carter has four goals and two assists. Mike Richards has also had a decent month so far with seven assists.

The Flyers overall team defense has been struggling this month, and is is showing in their plus/minus ratings. Jeff Carter is the only player on the team with a positive rating, coming in at +2. Braydon Coburn is the worse on the team for this month, with a -4. Since the All-Star break, there are only four Flyers with a positive rating, and Sean O'Donnell is the worst with a -6.

I know that stats don't tell the entire story, but they can point you in the right direction. The Stars are averaging 3.33 goals per game in March and giving up 2.55 per game. The Flyers are averaging 2.75 goals per game and surrendering 3.5 goals per game. I think those trends will continue and the Flyers come up short in this game, 3-4.

If you enjoyed this article, please show your support by clicking here... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?115-ICU-3-19-11-Flyers-Stars http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?113-ICU-Flyers-Thrashers-ingame-recap Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:34:10 GMT 1st Period *Turnovers* Sloppy start lacking the jump I was hoping for *-1* *No Shots on Goal* - Five minutes in and not a single shot on goal *-1*... 1st Period
Turnovers Sloppy start lacking the jump I was hoping for -1
No Shots on Goal - Five minutes in and not a single shot on goal -1
1st goal - Stapleton just blew past Giroux and beat Boosh on a shoot he should have saved -3
Giroux - Claude makes up for getting beat on the goal with some fancy stick work in close +2
Forecheck - Good pressure on the forecheck generates a decent cycle and a couple of shots +1
Good Pressure - Still trying to generate a coupe of great scoring chances +1
Extra Pass - They are still looking for the extra pass instead of putting the puck on het and fighting for recbounds -1
Slash - That is probably the weakest slashing call I have ever seen -/+
Penalty Kill #1 - Excellent PK against a good power play unit to prevent the Thrashers from regaining the lead in the last minutes of the first period +1

As I mentioned in the preview, I thought the team would come into tonight's game with something to prove, but they didn't hit the ice with half of the jump I thought they would. They got off to a slow start and had a couple of bad turnovers. They seemed to pick up the pace after the Thrashers took the lead, but let then seemed to loose focus again as the period moved on. It was a better first period than they played against the Panthers, but still not anywhere close to what this team is capable of. -1

2nd Period
Blind Drop Pass - Giroux makes a stupid blind drop pass to 3 Thrashers players in stead of putting the puck deep -1
Carcillo Fight - He tried to start one in the first but failed, lets see if it works like it did on Tuesday +1
Didn't Work - Flyers still look sloppy and Thrashers dominated in the Flyers' zone to earn a goal -3
Uniterested - They look completely uninterested in this game. One guy per line is trying while the other float. -1
Odd Man Rushes - They Flyers are giving up more than they should becuase the forwards are not getting back to hep -1
1st Shot on Goal - Seven minutes in -1
Power Play #1 - The PP started good but then quickly deteriorated. Atlanta's PK is horrid, the Flyers should scored. -1
Briere - Flyers take advantage of a bad play by the goalie and tie the game up. +1
Good Cycle - Leino-Briere-Hartnell generate a good scoring chance off the best Flyers cycle of the game +1
Trailing again - The Flyers continue to get out worked by the Thrashers -2
Leino Takes a Dive - If you can't out work them you might as well dive to get the advantage +/-

Leino taking a dive pretty much sums up that period. The Flyers are currently looking for the easy way to win instead of working for it. The forecheck has been non existent for the majority of the game, the Flyers are making lazy plays that lead to turnovers and failed clears, and look generally uninterested in the game for long stretches. The Flyers only have 12 shots on goal up to this point. The Flyers couldn't hold a lead against the Thrasher a few days ago, lets see if they can come from behind. -7

3rd Period
Power Play #2 - Dump the fucking puck in! Couple of good chances, but no goal. -1
Shots from the Point - Flyers are getting pucks on net from the point. Good scoring chances +1
Timonen - Couple of really good defensive plays along with a couple of failed clears +/-
Penalty Kill #2 - Not the best kill, but a kill none the less +1
Penalty Kill #3 - Better job on the kill that time. +1
Hartnell - Misses the open net off a great move by Leino. Not the easiest shot, but makable. -1
Getting Outworked - Bad turnovers on cute passes and getting beat to all the loose pucks -1
Team Me - Players are now trying to do everything theselves instead of using their teamates -1
Sustained Pressure - Flyers generate some pressure for the first time in about 10 minutes +1
Good Cycle - Flyers start to work in the last 4 minutes +1
Tied Up - The Flyers actually forecechk and low and behold they generate a goal. Where the fuck was this the rest of the game +2

The team is just lazy. They put forth the effort in the last 2 minutes and earn a goal. If they tried that hard the rest of the game they could have been up by six goals. Glad they get rewarded for not playing for the majority of the game. +3

Overtime
Boosh -Makes a good save to prolong the game +1

Shootout
Flyers Lose - -1


Total
-5

If you enjoyed this article, please click here to show your support... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?113-ICU-Flyers-Thrashers-ingame-recap http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?112-ICU-3-17-11-Flyers-Thrashers-Preview Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:14:18 GMT

It's only been four days since the worst melt down of the season for a Flyers team that finally hit a couple of potholes on their ride to the playoff, and they already have an opportunity to make it right. If this team has an ounce of pride, they should be highly motivated to come out and prove to themselves, the Thrashers, and their fans that Saturday's game was an anomaly.

Since their last meeting, the Thrashers lost another game to the Devil's, which dropped them to 12th in the standings and six points out of the playoffs. The Thrashers have 12 games left and would consider this season to be a major disappointment if they failed to make the playoffs after being in sixth place at the midpoint of the season. They will be extremely desperate for these two points and they should be extremely confident that they can get them.

The Flyers are in the midst of a 16 game streak where their inconsistent play has yielded them eight wins and wight loses (8-7-1). The teams downfall over those games has been a lack of focus, which has resulted in few blown leads in the third period. The team stops playing the way that earned them the lead and resorts to making lazy plays instead of hustling to make the right play.

I once again don't know what to expect out of this team, but I do know what I want. I want to see a team that is ready to rectify its inept showing against this Thrashers team in the third period of Saturday's game. I want to see a team that is dedicated to working its ass off to get in on the forecheck and getting back to help out the D in the neutral zone. I want to see a team that is ready to prove that they want to hold on to first place in the Atlantic and in the East. Do I think we will see that team? Yes. I think the Thrashers will put up a fight, but the Flyers should skate out of Atlanta with the win. 5-2.

If you enjoyed this article, please click here to show your support... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?112-ICU-3-17-11-Flyers-Thrashers-Preview http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?111-ICU-Flyers-Panthers-Recap Wed, 16 Mar 2011 03:47:12 GMT Image: https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qjaQ8Vni0WY/TYAyDvINj3I/AAAAAAAAABM/bZz3IP9JJr0/s1600/Picture+1.png 1st Period I thought the team might...
1st Period
I thought the team might have something to prove after collapsing in the final minutes of their last game. I really thought that the Flyers would come out with some extra jump in their step, but it looked like they didn't know what time the game started. The Panthers pushed the pace to start the period and ended the period by laying a few heavy hits as the clock ran down.The Flyers out shot and out chanced the Panthers in the period, but it didn't feel like it.

The Flyers', once again, give up a goal immediately after scoring. There wasn't much Boucher could have done about the second goal, and maybe the first goal was the perfect shot that the announcers said it was, but you still want the goalie to make that save. They squander away yet another 5-on-3 power play, and had entirely to many turnovers.

The ice in is just horrid tonight. The puck is bouncing all over the place and players are having a really hard time getting it to settle down. Not an excuse for the bad play, just wanted to make a note of it.



2nd Period
Much better period by the Flyers. Dan Carcillo shows a little emotion by dropping the gloves, and the Flyers score a goal. Danny Briere shows some extra hustle to beat the Panthers' D to a loose puck, and the Flyers score a goal. Some good lessons for the Flyers to learn that period. Mainly, if they put forth the effort and emotion, they possesses the talent to win games.

Even though the Flyers played better that period, they still have an extra gear that they can shift into. It would be nice to see them come out and put the Panthers away in the third. Maybe sine the team took the first period off, they will put in a good third and get out of South Florida with two points.


3rd Period
Well, a win is a win. The Flyers played ok in the third. Not as good as the second, but a lot better than the first. They had some good scoring chances and continued to press for the majority of the period. The Panthers were able to generate some sustained pressure late in the period, but Boucher made some good saves down the stretch to help secure the two points.

The win keeps the Flyers in first place in the East and three points ahead of the Penguins. It will be interesting to see how the Flyers play on Thursday when they travel to Atlanta to play the Thrashers. Hopefully the team can take another step forward and pick up another important two points.

If you enjoyed this article, please click here to show your support... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?111-ICU-Flyers-Panthers-Recap http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?110-ICU-3-15-11-Flyers-at-Panthers-Preview Tue, 15 Mar 2011 05:32:47 GMT Image: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5179/5528626626_0ee44bf3ba.jpg I really have no idea what to expect out of the Flyers tonight. Last week...

I really have no idea what to expect out of the Flyers tonight. Last week started with an embarrassing performance in NYC and ended with an embarrassing performance in Philly, and sandwiched in between were two victories that lacked a focused 60 minute effort. Maybe after getting away with coasting to victory in two games, the Thrashers' game was the wake up call that will finally rouse the Flyers' from their slumber, but I doubt it. This teams gives off the vibe that they plan to hit the snooze until the playoffs start.

The Panthers look like a team that has packed it in for the season, they are now tied with the Islanders for 13th and sit 11 points out of eighth place. They have an outside chance to make the playoffs, but it isn't looking good for them. This yet another game that the Flyers could easily win if care to show up and play. If the Flyers put in the effort for 60 minutes tonight, they win the game. If they don't they have a 50/50 chance of winning.

I'll go ahead and predict that the Flyers will win big tonight. They were embarrassed at home and will feel the need to prove themselves. They may even get their first shutout of the season, but it would not surprise me at all if they came out and laid another egg. Who the fuck knows what this team will do on a night to night, or period to period basis. 6-0

If you enjoyed this article, please click here to show your support... ]]> ICU http://www.phillysportsforums.com/forums/entry.php?110-ICU-3-15-11-Flyers-at-Panthers-Preview