Can the U.S. Upstage Canada?

February 21, 2010

It ain't exactly the Super Bowl, but I think a lot of puckheads in the U.S. will be glued to their TVs tonight for Canada-USA. The Great One has already prognosticated a Canada-Russian gold medal final. The nerve of him. Why am I only one who thinks the U.S. might upset Canada given the way its played so far here? A lot of Canadian journalists weren't happy with Canada's final roster.

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Can the U.S. Upstage Canada?

Written by Mike · Filed Under Hockey, NHL, News, Philadelphia Flyers | Leave a Comment 

(No) Free Passes – Redux

February 16, 2010

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Let me start off by saying two things... first, many thanks to Geoff over at BroadStreetHockey.com for commenting on my original post and generating so much discussion. I didn't expect such a thorough and thoughtful response to my Monday morning rant nor the ensuing debate. Second, while I in no way intend to respond to every little comment or person who doesn't see eye-to-eye with me (there's too many to count, so take a number), I thought I'd respond to a few of the comments. Sharing the "Blame": No man is an island unto himself, and that is especially true in the game of hockey. Maybe you can be a one-man show if you're playing in a local adult league, but that sort of domination is rare - particularly on the NHL level. There is little doubt that the quality of Briere's production is tied to the production of his linemates. If Carter and Hartnell have been having rough seasons, it goes to logic that Briere's numbers will be down too.

The rest is here: The Flying P

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Skid Stopped

February 9, 2010

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Well, just when you think the Flyers are getting ready to mail it in, they give you a glimmer of hope. After two weak losses to Edmonton and the Wild, it didn't look so good heading into yesterday's bout with the long-time Flyer-killers from New Jersey. Making things worse, the Flyers got down early on a lucky goal by Parise and a beautiful move by Salmela to beat Leighton high stick-side, only to be knock into oblivion by Carter (thankfully he's okay). Cue hand wringing and head holding. How would Flyers ever come back against Brodeur and Lemaire's boring defensive hockey with their anemic offense? Then cue JVR and his magic between the defender's legs goal... suddenly the Flyers wake up and start making things happen.

Continued here: Skid Stopped

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Mike McFerrin

February 8, 2010

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Mike Richards is a young guy with a considerable amount of pressure on his shoulders. He's playing in a town where the fan base is knowledgeable and rabid, and the media is tough and mostly unforgiving. So you can't blame a guy for trying to downplay the team's scoring difficulties and deflect some of the pressure of dropping two very winnable games. However, with 26 games to go in this quickly closing 2009-10 NHL season, I'm not sure what we want to hear is "no worries, mon". The Flyers are currently tied for 3rd with the Rags at 59 points and barely holding onto the 8th and final spot in the playoff race, with five teams nipping at their heels. While it's not a panic button moment, it's certainly something that should be taken seriously

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Mike McFerrin

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