Kris Versteeg is a Flyer and other Flyers stuff

Kris Versteeg, the 24 year-old right-handed RW, had himself quite a Valentine's Day. He went from the out of contention Toronto Maple Leafs to the very much in contention (and best team in the East) Philadelphia Flyers. 

What The Flyers Trade Plans May Be in 2011

As the trade rumors thaw during these winter months, I have decided to give my own personal view on where the Philadelphia Flyers stand with who they may be open to trade and who they may get. Most of this is personal opinion and I do not mean to set off any Eklund like "buzz" (see what I did there?).

Zherdev and JVR Silencing Critics

Early in the season, people were quick to jump on the play of Nikolay Zherdev and young James van Riemsdyk, calling them out for various reasons but those days seem to be long gone for good reason.

Laviolette and Zherdev... A steamy rant

Nik Zherdev has been a great addition to this team. 9 goals playing 4th line minutes? I mean come on. He gives you options on the powerplay and 4-4 and in the shootout. The problem is that Lavy has yet to use him as such. People complain about his motivation and all this stuff. But look at Jeff Carter. Carter takes as many if not more shifts off than Zherdev, he is just as "me,me,me" with the puck, he turns it over just as much and he is just as lazy when he skates. It's all about favorites with Philly fans. The guy never got a fair shake since he has been here and so unless he put up 50 everyone was going to be complaining. He has played well-above the amount of time he has been given. Remember: he plays with Jody Shelley as his linemate.
The only enigmatic thing about Zherdev is why doesn't Laviolette realize his potential?

Russkie of the Month

Sergei Bobrovsky has been bestowed the honor of Rookie of the Month for November 2010 according to NHL.com

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=545163

Bobrovsky went 7-1-2 in November compiling a .931 save % and a 2.03 goals against. Some of these numbers are results of a 10 game unbeaten streak that spanned over October into November.



What did goaltending coach Jeff Reese have to say about working with the young Russian?

"... if I'm not smiling he'll go, 'Jeff, what's the matter? You OK? Happy, happy?... it seems like he's always happy. He's having the time of his life."

The distinction will keep Bob smiling until he has a chance to continue his wonderful rookie campaign against the Devils this  Saturday.

Philadelphia Flyers' Coach Peter Laviolette

I like him more than I have liked the last three or four Flyers' coaches. Overall, I think he is a good coach that has a good system for our team.

But I wonder what the heck he is doing all the time. It is confirmed that rookie Russian Sergei Bobrovsky will not start tonight against Montreal; Brian Boucher will get the nod in net. This is a surprise to me.

Flyer's Pronger and D Working Out Kink's in Chainmail Armor

It's no surprise that Chris Pronger is the best defensemen for the Philadelphia Flyers and it is no surprise that as he goes, the team defense goes too. This year Pronger has not been as dominating as he was in years past. Some might suggest that this has to do with the minor knee surgery that he underwent in July, and others may suggest it is about time the skyscraper's age caught up with him. But this simply is not the case.

Chris Pronger's defensive game is not 100%.  But it has nothing to do with aching knees or age. It is simply lapses of judgement. Let us exam just one game, last Thursday's shootout with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Chris Pronger made mistakes that led directly to opposing goals. On Downie's goal, the sixth for the Lightning, Pronger misreads a puck leading to an odd man rush. Then he hustles, gets back, and leaves Downie open back door. On Tampa's game winner Pronger simply doesn't pick up his man as he goes right by him and pounds in a rebound.

Flyers <3 Danny Syvret

Flyers have acquired D Danny Syvret, along with his pal Rob Bordson from the Ducks for Phantoms Patrick Maroon and David Laliberte.

Maroon finally gets moved after off-ice issues led to his removal from the organization and the Phantoms' head coach's job (Greg Gilbert). Maroon was a guy I always rooted for and I hope that he can do some good things in Ana.

A third round pick was traded to the Oilers by the Flyers, which they used to pick Danny Syvret. They then traded him back to us a little down the road. For whatever reason, Danny Syvret keeps coming back.

Rob Bordson is a 6'2'' center who is fresh out of college. The 22-year-old is coming off a 40 points in 40 games season from University of Minnesota-Duluth. He only has 3 points in 14 games for the Crunch of the AHL this year. But maybe he will become something.

All around this is only news worthy to welcome back Danny Syvret.

Evaluating the Enigma Thus Far

...And can we please stop calling Nikolay Zherdev that? I know, I know, I did too but that was just to get the nice alliteration in the title.

To those of you who have been underwhelmed by Zherdev's play for the Flyers this year, I can certainly understand that. But there are a few things that you should be more aware of. Zherdev does have a goose egg in the assist column. And this strikes many critics as odd, seeing how he has always been billed as a play maker. But in Philadelphia, he has not been asked to do that. He has been asked to score. Richards, Briere, Leino, Giroux are all heavy play makers. The Flyers were looking for scoring punch from Nikolay. And while he may not have an assist just yet, he definitely will end the season with a few once chemistry really sets in. One of these "things" is that Zherdev quietly is one goal behind the team lead for even strength goals. Yes, that is right. The man who has been hounded in the media for his lack luster play is only one goal away from the team lead in even strength goals, which is a very valuable statistic. Zherdev has 5 of these. Actually he has 5 goals total, all even strength. And this goes into the next point.

A Flyers Fan's Wish List for Christmas 2010

I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet but if you don't start your list early no one gets you anything good.

1) Jarome Iginla.

Like most X-mas lists, I started out with my long shot, hoping Santa will somehow manage to pull off a Christmas miracle. Paul "Santa" Holmgren would really have to crunch the numbers to figure out how to fit Iggy's $7 million cap hit in all our mess. But no worries, The Flames' management are not the sharpest tools in the NHL toolbox. I could see a big package deal for Iginla being done. Flames did that last year with Dion Phaneuf. Scott Hartnell, Michael Leighton, and Daniel Carcillo (Just shy of 6 million in salary) for Jarome Iginla. Fantasies huh? Alright throw in the Flyers' 1st, I don't think the end of the 1st round this year will be anything good anyway.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="410" caption="Iginla could bring some hardware to Philly"][/caption]

The Flyers Look to Sign 3rd Forward

Claude Giroux, Jeff Carter and Ville Leino were the top three upcoming free agents for the Flyers at the beginning of the season. With Giroux and Carter signing on the dotted line with cap friendly contracts, there is only Leino left.

Flyers fans should not worry about the Finnish winger being resigned though. With his success with linemates Danny Briere and Scott Hartnell, it is unlikely he would want to test the free agent market. Likewise, the Flyers are determined to keep that line, their best line, together. Leino and his agent have already met with Flyers management in preliminary discussions.

Flyers Resign Jeff Carter

TSNBobMcKenzie

Jeff Carter has agreed to terms on an 11-year, $58 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Flyers. AAV of $5.27M

This is a long deal with a lot of money for someone who I think doesn't fit on this Flyers roster. Its going to be hard to move if Carter continues to disappoint in the playoffs. As a Flyers fan, I think committing long-term to Jeff Carter is a mistake. He has yet to prove that he is better than just scoring goals in bunches (usually against the Islanders or Hurricanes) during the regular season. He is a less talented version of Ilya Kovalchuk. A lot less.

I understand the thinking behind this deal. Lock up a goal scorer with the lowest cap hit possible. That usually means shelling out more years. However, there is more to the Carter on-ice persona than a goal scorer.

Love him or hate him (or couldn't care less), he looks to be a Flyer for a very long time.

Update!

TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
Carter not eligible for no trade in Year 1. Has full no trades in Years 2, 3, 4. Modified no trade after that for duration.

Kinda have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that we will regret this deal one day. Hope I am wrong.

The NHL should ease up on kick-ins

So last night, both Jeff Halpern of the Montreal Canadiens and Scott Hartnell of the Philadelphia Flyers were denied goals because the puck hit off their skate and it was deemed that they had a "distinct kicking motion" which, of course, according to the rules means that it is no goal. I don't know about any of you out there, but I'm getting pretty sick of the long distance calls to Toronto to review kick-ins.

10 Things the Flyers Proved This Year

1) Coach Laviolette makes his own decisions

Whether you like it or not, Laviolette is pulling the strings. This is a breath of fresh air after a coach, John Stevens, who towed the company line. Laviolette manages the personnel his way and I don't agree with it all the time but at least he is not afraid to make tough calls.

2) Flyers are still missing that last scoring winger

Laviolette and the Flyers run a 3 scoring line attack, meaning they need 6 scoring wingers. They currently suit 5 up a night. These five would be Zherdev, Hartnell, JVR, Leino and Carter or Giroux (whichever is not playing center). Instead of going out and getting that sixth winger, they have inserted a carousel of defensive and checking wingers into that last slot. These types would be Powe, Nodl, Wellwood, and Carcillo. That one extra scoring winger would give us 10,15,20 more goals a year and allow for all  three lines to reach their full offensive potential.

Flyers at Hurricanes (11/11)

The Philadelphia Flyers skate into Raleigh, North Carolina tonight for a conference showdown.  The Flyers will look to stumble the Hurricane's dangerous young scoring attack.  The Hurricane's come in third in their division, looking to gain some ground on the high-flying Capitals.

The 'Cane's are incredibly dangerous 5 on 5, scoring 32 of their teams 43 total goals this season at even strength.  They'll look to bounce back from the last meeting between these two teams where the Flyers skated away with a 3-2 victory thanks to a pair of goals by Scott Hartnell.

The young guns of the 'Cane's will be leading the way offensively.  18-year-old Jeff Skinner is tied with captain Eric Staal for the team lead in points with 15.  Skinner, a first round pick in this past draft, is a talented kid with a great skill set and offensive vision.  I'll definitely look to him to have an impact tonight.

On the other side of the puck, the Flyers are also led in points by some youth.  Claude Giroux has started this season on a tear much like he ended the last one.  14 points in 15 games for Giroux.  Also on the offensive attack for the Flyers will be Danny Briere.  Looking to rebound from a questionable suspension call, Briere has not scored since his return after a very hot start.  Look for Briere to chip in on the offense as he does so often.

In between the pipes for the Flyers will most likely be Sergei Bobrovsky.  This rookie Russian phenom has taken the NHL by storm so far and looks to keep up his pace with a win against a conference foe.  Last game Carolina gave the start to Justin Peters who, despite playing very well, came back with a loss.  I would expect the 'Canes to go with Cam Ward in this one.  The former Conn Smythe winner may be just what Carolina needs to go two games above .500.

Neither of these two teams have been very impressive on special teams.  The Flyers are at just 17.9% on the power play, a narrow edge over the 15.1% of the Hurricanes.  This game will come down to the penalty kills.  Both teams have struggled on the power play so whoever can limit the other teams chances when up a man will be successful.

My prediction? Danny Briere has a very good history against Carolina, so I'm picking Philadelphia with a 5-3 win.  Briere getting first star honors for the night.

The "NFL Mentality" of the Hockey Fan

Recently, maybe the last two or three years, I have noticed an increasing trend in Philadelphia Flyers fans and American hockey fans in general. It seems every year they know more stats and less about hockey. Instead of talking hockey, they rattle off numbers like accountants (I assume some of them are). I blame fantasy sports and the NFL .

Fantasy sports relies on a group of individual's numbers (mostly offense) to compile a "team" result. Unfortunately that is not how sports work. Little plays, plays that do not show up on a score sheet, are sometimes more important than any goal or assist. But since these plays do not impact fantasy win/loss records, fans today are less likely to acknowledge them or take them into account when critiquing a player's performance. Fans usually just look in the goal or assist column instead.

What bothers me more than the overlooking of what I call "hockey plays" is the short-sightedness that fans use when evaluating players. I coined this as the "NFL mentality." In the NFL there are only 16 games, therefore every game means so much more than one game in the NHL. Hockey fans seem to fit the 82 schedule into 16 weeks, and one or two bad games spells catastrophe. Compounded with the fantasy sports, the "NFL mentality" leads for fans to quickly jump on players who slump for a few games, not realizing there are 70+ games more in the season.

One of these such players is sophomore Philadelphia Flyer James van Riemsdyk. JVR has 4 assists in 14 games but has been in the press box the last two games. He's struggling to find the back of the net this year and fans have been quick to label the 2nd overall pick of 2007 a bust, despite a great pre-season.  JVR however has made progress adding muscle, tightening up his defensive game and working on passing.

JVR was on fire this time last year, to only fizzle out at the end as he played more games last year than he has ever played before. Moreover, JVR is a power forward and adjusting from being physical in the NCAA to the NHL is quite a leap. Power forwards tend to have a longer development than guys like Patrick Kane. Just ask Bobby Ryan, a fellow New Jersey native and 2nd overall draft pick. Ryan bounced back and forth from the AHL to the NHL for three years until he was able to adjust to the size difference. Now he is considered one of the best, young power forwards in the game.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450" caption="James van Riemsdyk looks to prove critics wrong"][/caption]

Though JVR has not scored yet, and is probably a bust in the fantasy hockey leagues across the country, he has definitely improved. His development will surely translate into more goals one day. It is way too early to call the young man a bust. But in the time of the instant gratification world we live in, the "NFL mentality" is hard to shake for a lot of fans.

Though you should never expect superstar output from this guy. Power forwards rarely ever put up numbers like Kane, Toews, Crosby, Ovechkin, Stamkos, and the Sedins. Bobby Ryan put up 64 points last year, which is the ceiling I would give a power forward in this league. And JVR definitely still has time to get his points up there. I would not be surprised with 5o points from him this year, which would be very good.

So while fantasy team managers are dropping and adding players weekly, speaking in absolutes about players' performances in the first month and a half of a long NHL season, I ask you to look beyond the points column. Hockey fans should spend more time watching "hockey plays" and not just highlight reel goals. The greatness of hockey lies in the team contributions and unsung plays. Unfortunately not many fans see that anymore.

Claude Giroux Extends with the Flyers

Giroux has extended his contract with the Flyers today, inking a 3 year deal for $11.25 million. This is a cap hit of $3.75 million, but honestly I would have paid a $5 million cap hit to keep this guy around. Grilled Cheese sandwiches on us! Number 28 is here for three more years!

Game of the Night (11/7) Recap

The Philadelphia Flyers' six game win streak snapped last night after falling in overtime to the Washington Capitals. Mike Green scored on a slapper, just 29 seconds into the OT frame, to end it.

Sergei Bobrovsky was not able to tie Pelle Lindbergh's record of seven straight victories for a rookie goalie, although he played well enough to do so. Unfortunately the Flyers were too busy in the penalty box,or running around in their own zone to do much to assist the young Russian. He stopped 36 of 39 shots.

The goalie at the other end was also a young rookie, but not Michael Neuvirth. It was Braden Holtby. Holtby played extremely well for himself and managed to get a hold of 23 of the 25 Philadelphia shots. Without trying to take anything away from the kid, I was surprised he was the second star of the game (and on the NHL headline) but Bobrovsky wasn't nearly as hyped after he played a better game. But, hey, I guess to the victor go the spoils.

Nik Zherdev had a nasty wrister for the first goal of the game on a 2-1 that was oddly more like a break away. Ovechkin was kept to an assist and 6 shots in 23 minutes of ice time. Backstrom had 2 assists in a quiet (zero shots) but effective game.

The standings in the Eastern Conference have the Capitals ahead of the Flyers by virtue of a tie breaker, but both have 20 points. The Flyers are off until Thursday when they play Carolina in Carolina. The Capitals, meanwhile, will visit the Rangers in New York on Tuesday.

To me, the Flyers had no business getting a point out of that game. They looked tired and did not get enough offensive pressure, not nearly enough. They did have spurts but, nothing sustained. Also, when you give the Caps 5 power plays, including one in overtime, it's hard to win. Although, the refs did a good job of making it difficult for the Flyers not to get a penalty or to gain a power play. Sean O'Donnell boarding where? It wasn't there. Erskine tackling a Flyer in front of the net was just a source for a Joe Beninati joke. Completely ignored by the refs.

Excuse me if my bias is showing, but so is the NHL's. At least now it's level. The Caps flick their head back, the Caps cry foul and problem solved. The Caps are tied late in the game at home: problem solved. It is not just against the Flyers and it is not just the Capitals (I'm looking at you, Pittsburgh!) It is clear just like the NBA's top team or two, the NHL's favorite team or two gets that little boost.

But that's a whole different post at a whole different time.

Enjoy the highlights!

Game of the Night 11/7

The game of the night again features two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals will be squaring off in the first of four meetings this season today at the Verizon Center at 5:00 PM. Hopefully both teams come ready to play for this early start on a day where the clocks have been rolled back.

[caption id="attachment_187" align="alignleft" width="220" caption="Will Ovechkin score against Sergei Bobrovsky and the Flyers tonight? "][/caption]

Washington (9-4-0)  is currently riding a three game winning streak into this game including one against the Boston Bruins on Friday. They are first in the Southeast Division, second in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the entire league. They are led by who else but Alexander Ovechkin who has 17 pts (8 g 9 a) in the teams first thirteen games. Alex Semin, Nick Backstrom, Brooks Laich, and Mike Green round out the top 5 in scoring for the Caps. The Caps offense is average 3.31 G/G and 2.46 GA/G. Tonight would have been the first matchup between 22-year old rivals Sergei Bobrovsky and Semyon Varlamov, who have battled against each other growing up as top goalie in Russia, but an injury to the groin of Varlamov will keep him out of the lineup again tonight. That means Michael Neuvrith should see his twelfth start of the season. Neuvirth has been good for the Caps this season posting an 8-3 record, a .914 and a 2.41.

Philadelphia (9-4-1) is riding a six game winning streak, despite not having Danny Briere for the last three. He served his last game of his suspension last night and will be back in the lineup tonight. That means head coach Peter Laviolette has some tough decisions to make prior to the start of this one. Eric Wellwood has played very well in his first few games in a Flyers uniform, assisting on fellow rookie Andres Nodl's game winner last night. Wellwood also played an integral part in Mike Richards first period goal. James Van Riemsdyk was a healthy scratch last night as both Wellwood and Nodl played alongside captain Mike Richards on the first line. Perhaps the easiest decision that Laviolette has is who will start in goal. I would expect no one other than rookie sensation Sergei Bobrovsky who has backstopped the Flyers in every game on the current win streak and has the opportunity to tie Pelle Lindbergh for most consecutive wins by a Flyers rookie. If you don't know, Lindberg was perhaps the last great goalie the Flyers had before being tragically killed in a drunk driving accident. The Flyers offense has been firing 0n all cylinders lately, scoring 3.07 goals/game while allowing just 2.21 against/game.

Special teams could be the key tonight, but both teams have similar numbers. The Flyers powerplay is clicking at 18.5% over the season but has been connecting for about 30% during their winning streak. The Flyers penalty kill is always among the tops in the league and it is no different this year as they have killed off 87.3% of opponents opportunities. The

[caption id="attachment_188" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Mike Richards has his Flyers 1st in the East, can they keep it up?"][/caption]

Caps powerplay is 18.4% and their penalty kill is at 86.2%. I would hope the refs let them play this game though and let the teams decide who is better. It should be a good back and forth game, like it usually is between these teams. The Caps went 3-0-1 last season against the Flyers. I would say that in a close, well-fought game, the Flyers barely eke out a 3-1 victory, with the defense being the deciding factor for Philadelphia and Sergei Bobrovsky being the first star of the game as he shuts down Ovechkin and the high powered Washington offense.

Flyers vs. Islanders 11/6

The last match-up between these two teams on Mischief Night last Saturday was mischievous indeed. Daniel Briere was suspended over a slash to the head in all of the fracas that was the late third period. Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro tried to drop gloves with any willing party. The game is still fresh in the minds of all the players and although Danny Briere is serving his last game of the suspension and won’t be playing, the Islanders will definitely seek retribution.

The suddenly heated rivalry is a good thing for Flyers fans. Flyers/Islanders games of the past had been less than enthralling. The bitterness will definitely change that.

The Flyers are riding a 5 game win streak and a hot goalie coming into this game. Sergei Bobrovsky, who I thought might get the night off to rest for a big game tomorrow against Washington but will in fact start tonight, has played well all year for the club but has really come into his own and shined his last 5 starts. Pelle Lindbergh holds the Flyers record for most consecutive wins for a rookie goaltender at 7. Bobrovsky looks to tie that by the end of Sunday. Andreas Nodl is back from injury tonight and has bumped James van Reimsdyk from the lineup. JVR has yet to score but has 4 assists this year. Many fans are concerned with his production. But I am not. JVR will most likely follow the path of fellow New Jersey native, power forward and second overall pick Bobby Ryan, which means it may be another year before he grows into his body fully and sees big production. Plus with the Flyers’ offense playing well his lack of scoring is not hurting the team. His defense, passing and board work have greatly improved and that helps the team every night. Hopefully a night or two off will jump-start his production on his return.

The New York Islanders have 10 points in 13 games and sit 13th in the Eastern Conference. They are a young team with solid promise. This year has been much like many of the past– a year of growing pains. Rick DiPietro has never been the same since his injuries, posting a 4.21 gaa. John Tavares has 9 points in 10 games and is the only true bright spot on Long Island.

If the Flyers’ D can keep Tavares off the board, they should easily be able to handle the Islanders, much like they have for the past two years.

Wild card: Depending on how the Flyers and Islanders handle their aggression, one team may see an influx of PP opportunities. This could swing the game either way and make it a blow out real fast. Discipline is the key of the game tonight.

Star of the Game: Daniel Briere.

Despite the fact he will be sitting in the Press box all game, Daniel Briere gave the game tonight a level of excitement that usually does not accompany a Flyers/Islanders match.

Bill Wippert/ Getty Images