As many of you who follow me on twitter know, I have a huge soft spot for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It's confusing to some since the teams have such a huge rivalry on the ice, but honestly, it's not really hard to explain. The Flyers and Leafs are in fact, very similar. Let's have a look, shall we.
Both teams have a history of great goal tenders: Parent/Hextall in Philly, Belfour/CuJo/Potvin in Toronto. This was contrasted by terrible goaltending post lockout with some hot streak exceptions (Leighton/Boucher/Esche in Philly, Toskala/Raycroft in Toronto.)
Both teams have an insane drought since their last Cup win, 1975, 1967.
Both teams have demanding fans that throw things when displeased (waffles? batteries?)
Both teams hate the Habs and Bruins.
Both teams finally (hopefully) found their goaltender (Bryzgalov and Reimer)
Both teams are currently captained by big body D-men who are known for hard hits and big slapshots (Pronger and Phaneuf)
Both teams have to deal with a division rival who's won cups more recently than them (Boston/MTL for Toronto, Pittsburgh and NJ for Philly)
Both teams get to destroy a weak but once "great" team (NYI for PHL and OTT for TOR)
Both teams have an overpaid goon who occasionally scores. (Colton Orr and Jody Shelley)
Fans of both teams both hated a sniper for missing the net (Jeff Carter and Phil Kessel)
Both teams have very old school GMs who want physical teams (Homer and Burkie)
Both teams have NMC's driving them crazy (Muskoka 5 anyone?, what Pronger, Timonen and Briere will be in 2-3 years)
Both teams have exciting young defenseman (Gunnarson, Franson, Aulie in TOR, Carle, Gustafsson, Coburn in PHL)
Schenn and Kessel. Kessel and Schenn. Enough said.
Players with heart problems (Gustavsson in Toronto, Hartnell in Philadelphia)
GM's with close friends as coaches (John Stevens in PHL who got fired, Ron Wilson in TOR who almost got fired)
Each team picked up a hot goalie at the right time who gave their team a ton of hope moving forward (Michael Leighton in Dec 2009, James Reimer in Jan 2011)
Both teams traded multiple first round picks for an instant impact player (Pronger to PHL, Kessel to TOR)
Both teams employed a holey goalie (Leighton's 5-hole, Toskala's glove hand)
So, this is why, I always will be friends with fans of the Leafs. I know how they feel, because, Flyerdom, they are us.
Showing posts with label Maple Leafs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maple Leafs. Show all posts
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
A Handy Guide for the NBA fan to the NHL
So it seems the NBA is threatening to cancel regular season games soon. With that, it seems that many NBA fans will soon be making their way to NHL games unsure of what to do. Luckily, we here at Down Goes Spezza would like to put into print (well, digital E-media) a guide to going to hockey games for NBA fans.
First a list of Do's/Do Nots
Do Not- Chant "De-Fence" when the opposing team has a powerplay to motivate your team's penalty killers
Instead-When your team has a power play, yell "SHOOT!!!!!" at whomever is holding the puck.
Do Not- Expect to see players "check in" at the scorer's table before entering on a change
Instead- Expect to see the Boston Bruins botch line changes and get called for Too Many Men penalties.
Do Not- Think that a puck in the mouth that breaks a jaw is a reason for a player to miss a game.
Instead- Expect to see that player return with a cage on.
Do Not- Expect a half hour press conference to detail one UFA signing.
Instead- Expect a half hour press conference every day telling you everything about Sidney Crosby
Do Not- Expect to hate a player like LeBron James for signing as a UFA with another team
Instead- Expect to hate Eklund for getting your hopes up that a player might sign with your team.
Do Not- Get used to seeing a team in Phoenix.
Instead- Create your own clever relocation rumor
Do Not- Buy your new favorite team's jersey and expect it to stay in date since during the shipping time, they will probably re-design it.
Instead- Just buy a throwback from the 90s.
Do Not- Expect to hear rap music at a game.
Instead- Expect to hear music that was cool in 2004.
Do Not- Assume that goaltending is illegal.
Instead- Assume that you'll see 30 goalies a game when watching a Flyers playoff game or NY Islanders season.
Do Not- Expect to see players ignore defense every night and have it treated as the norm.
Instead- Expect every single person to blast Dany Heatley and Phil Kessel for never venturing into the defensive zone.
Do Not- Wonder why players like Dustin Byfuglien, Martin Brodeur, Kyle Wellwood and Tim Thomas have jobs despite not looking like athletes.
Instead- Wonder why players like Wade Redden, Matt Walker and Mike Komisarek have jobs.
Also, if you're going to be attending an NHL game for the first, you may want to have "forecasts" of what to expect when you get to the arena. Luckily, we've put together a list of basic expectations for every NBA City that has an NHL team.
City-Toronto
NHL team- Maple Leafs
Basic Forecast- If you live in Toronto, you already know who the Maple Leafs are.
City- New York
NHL team- Rangers
Basic Forecast- In terms of big name free agency signings that don't deliver titles, Gaborik and Brad Richards are Chris Bosh and LeBron James...and Henrik Lundqvist is Dwayne Wade.
City- Minneapolis/St Paul
NHL team- Wild
Basic Forecast- By acquiring half the Sharks, the Wild now own many players with distinct choking abilities.
City- Miami
NHL team- The Florida Panthers
Basic Forecast- The Panthers went on a spending spree like the Heat a year ago. Unlike the Heat, the Panthers didn't actually sign good players.
City- Dallas
NHL team- Stars
Basic Forecast- Bankrupt, like the NBA will soon be.
City- Los Angeles
NHL team- Kings, Ducks.
Basic Forecast- Kings: Hipsters and Wil Wheaton make up the fan base. Ducks: No matter how hard you try, no one has George Parros's beard.
City- Bay Area, California
NHL team- Sharks
Basic Forecast- Like LeBron James, Joe Thornton tends to leave important games 12 minutes early.
City-Boston
NHL team- Bruins
Basic Forecast- Like single other team in Boston, the Bruins have won a recent title.
City- Washington DC
NHL team- Capitals
Basic Forecast- This actually might be the easiest city for an NBA fan to get into, as Capitals fans and Wizards fans all have roughly the same amount of hockey knowledge
City-Philadelphia
NHL team- Flyers
Basic Forecast- Muggy with a chance of batteries.
City- Atlanta
NHL team- Thrashers
Basic Forecast- Gone, faster than this NBA season
City- Newark, New Jersey
NHL team- Devils
Basic Forecast- Beware of traps and jars of jelly.
First a list of Do's/Do Nots
Do Not- Chant "De-Fence" when the opposing team has a powerplay to motivate your team's penalty killers
Instead-When your team has a power play, yell "SHOOT!!!!!" at whomever is holding the puck.
Do Not- Expect to see players "check in" at the scorer's table before entering on a change
Instead- Expect to see the Boston Bruins botch line changes and get called for Too Many Men penalties.
Do Not- Think that a puck in the mouth that breaks a jaw is a reason for a player to miss a game.
Instead- Expect to see that player return with a cage on.
Do Not- Expect a half hour press conference to detail one UFA signing.
Instead- Expect a half hour press conference every day telling you everything about Sidney Crosby
Do Not- Expect to hate a player like LeBron James for signing as a UFA with another team
Instead- Expect to hate Eklund for getting your hopes up that a player might sign with your team.
Do Not- Get used to seeing a team in Phoenix.
Instead- Create your own clever relocation rumor
Do Not- Buy your new favorite team's jersey and expect it to stay in date since during the shipping time, they will probably re-design it.
Instead- Just buy a throwback from the 90s.
Do Not- Expect to hear rap music at a game.
Instead- Expect to hear music that was cool in 2004.
Do Not- Assume that goaltending is illegal.
Instead- Assume that you'll see 30 goalies a game when watching a Flyers playoff game or NY Islanders season.
Do Not- Expect to see players ignore defense every night and have it treated as the norm.
Instead- Expect every single person to blast Dany Heatley and Phil Kessel for never venturing into the defensive zone.
Do Not- Wonder why players like Dustin Byfuglien, Martin Brodeur, Kyle Wellwood and Tim Thomas have jobs despite not looking like athletes.
Instead- Wonder why players like Wade Redden, Matt Walker and Mike Komisarek have jobs.
Also, if you're going to be attending an NHL game for the first, you may want to have "forecasts" of what to expect when you get to the arena. Luckily, we've put together a list of basic expectations for every NBA City that has an NHL team.
City-Toronto
NHL team- Maple Leafs
Basic Forecast- If you live in Toronto, you already know who the Maple Leafs are.
City- New York
NHL team- Rangers
Basic Forecast- In terms of big name free agency signings that don't deliver titles, Gaborik and Brad Richards are Chris Bosh and LeBron James...and Henrik Lundqvist is Dwayne Wade.
City- Minneapolis/St Paul
NHL team- Wild
Basic Forecast- By acquiring half the Sharks, the Wild now own many players with distinct choking abilities.
City- Miami
NHL team- The Florida Panthers
Basic Forecast- The Panthers went on a spending spree like the Heat a year ago. Unlike the Heat, the Panthers didn't actually sign good players.
City- Dallas
NHL team- Stars
Basic Forecast- Bankrupt, like the NBA will soon be.
City- Los Angeles
NHL team- Kings, Ducks.
Basic Forecast- Kings: Hipsters and Wil Wheaton make up the fan base. Ducks: No matter how hard you try, no one has George Parros's beard.
City- Bay Area, California
NHL team- Sharks
Basic Forecast- Like LeBron James, Joe Thornton tends to leave important games 12 minutes early.
City-Boston
NHL team- Bruins
Basic Forecast- Like single other team in Boston, the Bruins have won a recent title.
City- Washington DC
NHL team- Capitals
Basic Forecast- This actually might be the easiest city for an NBA fan to get into, as Capitals fans and Wizards fans all have roughly the same amount of hockey knowledge
City-Philadelphia
NHL team- Flyers
Basic Forecast- Muggy with a chance of batteries.
City- Atlanta
NHL team- Thrashers
Basic Forecast- Gone, faster than this NBA season
City- Newark, New Jersey
NHL team- Devils
Basic Forecast- Beware of traps and jars of jelly.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Other Things NHL Players Have Forgotten
So, earlier this weekend Flyers Captain Michael Richards tweeted about forgetting to pay his cable bill
Well, honestly Mr. Richards isn't the only person in the NHL to forget something, as a matter of fact, many NHL players and personalities have been known to forget things, and here at DGS, we have the list.
Paul Holmgren: Has forgotten how to do basic math and has given the Flyers cap problems for at least the next 5 years.
Dan Ellis: Has claimed that he "forgot" to pay his ESCROW.
Nick Lidstrom: Is so old that he has in fact, forgotten to retire.
Paul Holmgren: Has forgotten the rules of the CBA pertaining to 35+ contracts and gave Pronger 7 years and a cap hit of 4.921.
The Toronto Maple Leafs: Have forgotten what the playoffs are.
Joe Thornton: Has apparently forgotten that he is playing in the playoffs right now.
Paul Holmgren: Has forgotten, like his predecessor, what "goaltending" is.
Kyle Wellwood: Forgets to stick to his diet.
Evgeni Nabokov: Forgot that the Islanders do NOT yet have a new arena and ended up lost on Long Island because he absolutely thought that there was no way an NHL team would ever play in the Nassau Coliseum.
Michael Leighton: Has forgotten how to close his 5-hole.
Paul Holmgren: Forgot that Michael Leighton doesn't know how to close his 5 hole and therefore gave him a 1.55 cap hit.
Chris Pronger: Would like to forget this year from hell.
Scott Hartnell and Kris Versteeg: Have both forgotten how to skate which led to the fun of Hartnell Down and Versteeg Down counts.
Jonathan Toews: Has forgotten how to blink, show emotion, and display normal.
The Boston Bruins: Have forgotten that it's perfectly OK to score when you're up a man.
Paul Holmgren: Has forgotten what a draft pick is due to the fact that the Flyers haven't had one in forever.
Roberto Luongo, and many of the Vancouver Canucks: Have forgotten the difference between a diving pool and an ice rink.
Matt Cooke: Will most likely soon forget the lesson he learned from his 17 game suspension for a headshot and will end up elbowing Gregory Campbell in the head early next season.
Gary Bettman: Has obviously forgotten that he doesn't work for the NBA anymore.
Patrick Kane: Has forgotten what it's like to be sober
The Flyers Entire Defensive Corps: Randomly forgets how to play defense leaving Brian Boucher alone against Zdeno Chara slap shots.
Daniel Carcillo: Forgot that some things, like questions involving sexual turn ons, are probably better left to realm of a "DM" on Twitter.
Ilya Bryzgalov: Forgot that the playoffs actually count.
 |
| Oh Richie, were you also expecting a phone call informing you that the 2nd round of the playoffs had started as well? |
Paul Holmgren: Has forgotten how to do basic math and has given the Flyers cap problems for at least the next 5 years.
Dan Ellis: Has claimed that he "forgot" to pay his ESCROW.
Nick Lidstrom: Is so old that he has in fact, forgotten to retire.
Paul Holmgren: Has forgotten the rules of the CBA pertaining to 35+ contracts and gave Pronger 7 years and a cap hit of 4.921.
The Toronto Maple Leafs: Have forgotten what the playoffs are.
Joe Thornton: Has apparently forgotten that he is playing in the playoffs right now.
Paul Holmgren: Has forgotten, like his predecessor, what "goaltending" is.
Kyle Wellwood: Forgets to stick to his diet.
Evgeni Nabokov: Forgot that the Islanders do NOT yet have a new arena and ended up lost on Long Island because he absolutely thought that there was no way an NHL team would ever play in the Nassau Coliseum.
Michael Leighton: Has forgotten how to close his 5-hole.
Paul Holmgren: Forgot that Michael Leighton doesn't know how to close his 5 hole and therefore gave him a 1.55 cap hit.
Chris Pronger: Would like to forget this year from hell.
Scott Hartnell and Kris Versteeg: Have both forgotten how to skate which led to the fun of Hartnell Down and Versteeg Down counts.
Jonathan Toews: Has forgotten how to blink, show emotion, and display normal.
The Boston Bruins: Have forgotten that it's perfectly OK to score when you're up a man.
Paul Holmgren: Has forgotten what a draft pick is due to the fact that the Flyers haven't had one in forever.
Roberto Luongo, and many of the Vancouver Canucks: Have forgotten the difference between a diving pool and an ice rink.
Matt Cooke: Will most likely soon forget the lesson he learned from his 17 game suspension for a headshot and will end up elbowing Gregory Campbell in the head early next season.
Gary Bettman: Has obviously forgotten that he doesn't work for the NBA anymore.
Patrick Kane: Has forgotten what it's like to be sober
The Flyers Entire Defensive Corps: Randomly forgets how to play defense leaving Brian Boucher alone against Zdeno Chara slap shots.
Daniel Carcillo: Forgot that some things, like questions involving sexual turn ons, are probably better left to realm of a "DM" on Twitter.
Ilya Bryzgalov: Forgot that the playoffs actually count.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Hartnell Down or Versteeg Down- The Final Numbers
Hartnell Down ended at 330, over 90 games, meaning he fell 3.3 times a game, or 1.1 times a period.
Other things involving 3.3 in the NHL:
-The average amount of goals per period allowed through the 5-hole of Michael Leighton
-Number (in millions of US Dollars) Glen Sather will overpay for a player.
-Amount of times Pierre McGuire says "leadership" per sentence when talking about MIKE "OMG LEADERSHIP!!1111!1!11!" Richards
-Amount of times, per shift, Jeff Carter shoots high and wide
-Amount of dives Robert Luongo takes per period
-Amount of headshots Matt Cooke gave me while I wrote this post
-Amount of goalie changes Peter Laviolette makes per post season game.
-Amount of healthy players the Flyers had left for game 4 against Boston.
-Amount of time, in seconds, Nikolay Zherdev gave a crap about defense during the entire regular season
-Amount of time, in seconds, Nikolay Zherdev was lazy during the post-season
Versteeg Down (18 for round 2; 26 for round 1 for a playoff total of 44)
44 by numbers:
-The number worn by Kimmo Timonen; the Finnish God of Defense
-The amount of time, in minutes, that Chris Pronger was fully healthy during playoffs
-The amount of shots, needed to score 45 goals, on the Flyers goaltending this year
-Amount of time, in years, before Paul Holmgren decides that goaltending is important
-Amount of headshots occurring per period in every NHL playoff game...if you trust people's reactions via Twitter
-Amount of time, in hours, Sean Avery can go without saying something stupid
-Amount of time, in seconds, it will take Glen Sather to overpay for a free agent on July 1
-Amount of new rumors, per day, linking big name UFA's Brad Richards and Christian Ehrhoff to the Toronto Maple Leafs
-Amount of rumors, per hour, claiming Tampa Bay is going to trade their captain, Vincent Lecavalier.
-Measure, in inches, of Tim Thomas's waist
-Amount of PIMs Chris Pronger had in 2010-11.
-Amount of elbows to head Chris Pronger throws per game
Other things involving 3.3 in the NHL:
-The average amount of goals per period allowed through the 5-hole of Michael Leighton
-Number (in millions of US Dollars) Glen Sather will overpay for a player.
-Amount of times Pierre McGuire says "leadership" per sentence when talking about MIKE "OMG LEADERSHIP!!1111!1!11!" Richards
-Amount of times, per shift, Jeff Carter shoots high and wide
-Amount of dives Robert Luongo takes per period
-Amount of headshots Matt Cooke gave me while I wrote this post
-Amount of goalie changes Peter Laviolette makes per post season game.
-Amount of healthy players the Flyers had left for game 4 against Boston.
-Amount of time, in seconds, Nikolay Zherdev gave a crap about defense during the entire regular season
-Amount of time, in seconds, Nikolay Zherdev was lazy during the post-season
Versteeg Down (18 for round 2; 26 for round 1 for a playoff total of 44)
44 by numbers:
-The number worn by Kimmo Timonen; the Finnish God of Defense
-The amount of time, in minutes, that Chris Pronger was fully healthy during playoffs
-The amount of shots, needed to score 45 goals, on the Flyers goaltending this year
-Amount of time, in years, before Paul Holmgren decides that goaltending is important
-Amount of headshots occurring per period in every NHL playoff game...if you trust people's reactions via Twitter
-Amount of time, in hours, Sean Avery can go without saying something stupid
-Amount of time, in seconds, it will take Glen Sather to overpay for a free agent on July 1
-Amount of new rumors, per day, linking big name UFA's Brad Richards and Christian Ehrhoff to the Toronto Maple Leafs
-Amount of rumors, per hour, claiming Tampa Bay is going to trade their captain, Vincent Lecavalier.
-Measure, in inches, of Tim Thomas's waist
-Amount of PIMs Chris Pronger had in 2010-11.
-Amount of elbows to head Chris Pronger throws per game
Saturday, February 19, 2011
DGS Podcast Episode 6: Paul Teeple
Welcome to the new Podcast!
This week's guest is NAHL broadcaster Paul Teeple.
We talk about (in no particular order)
(Editor's Note: there's a 50% chance to embedded audio file won't show up...I've been having problems and I'm not using my normal rig to upload it...someone leave a comment as to whether or not it's there so I can fix it.)
This week's guest is NAHL broadcaster Paul Teeple.
We talk about (in no particular order)
- Versteeg for picks
- The Maple Leaf's woes
- Chris Pronger, future Leaf?
- JvR and the NAHL
- Junior hockey
- Hockey trivia
(Editor's Note: there's a 50% chance to embedded audio file won't show up...I've been having problems and I'm not using my normal rig to upload it...someone leave a comment as to whether or not it's there so I can fix it.)
Monday, December 13, 2010
Oh Come All Ye ToskaLOLs
Ever wondered what the NHL is singing around the holidays, yeah, we've been finding out for you. Here's another one.
Oh come all ye grinders
defensemen and enforcers
Oh come ye, oh come ye
To Toskala
Come and score on him
He of the pretend glove hand
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
He really sucks
Oh come all non-scorers
Kovalchuk and Davison
Oh come ye, oh come ye
To Toskala
Come and score on him
He'll put the puck in his own net
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
He really sucks
Oh toss all the waffles
With or without syrup
Oh toss them, oh toss them
At Maple Leafs
Come and laugh at them
Because they have no draft picks
Oh come give them a draft pick
Oh come give them a draft pick
Oh come give them a draft pick
Then fire Wilson
Oh trade all ye draft picks
To the Boston Bruins
Oh trade them, oh trade them
For nothing good
Raycroft for Rask
Still makes Leaf fans weep in shame
Oh fuck you JFJ
Oh fuck you JFJ
Oh fuck you JFJ
I hate you.
(Editor's Note: On a slightly more serious note: I feel the need to share this following open letter to Leafs fans because DGS-Cares)
Dear Leafs Nation,
Look, it's not going well right now. It's pretty bad. But if you put down the bottle of Jack Daniel's for a second and read this letter, there is some hope. DGS is psychologist (in training) and he's willing to offer free therapy to any Leafs fan who needs it. Just send your problems to DownGoesSpezza@gmail.com and I'll answer them publicly as part of my "DGS-Cares" campaign. I have a soft spot for you guys because, well, I hate Jason Spezza, and I hate the Habs. So this is my way of saying, Happy Holidays Leafs Nation.
-Down Goes Spezza
PS: Don't worry Flyerdom, you guys are getting your Christmas letter on Christmas Eve.
Oh come all ye grinders
defensemen and enforcers
Oh come ye, oh come ye
To Toskala
Come and score on him
He of the pretend glove hand
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
He really sucks
Oh come all non-scorers
Kovalchuk and Davison
Oh come ye, oh come ye
To Toskala
Come and score on him
He'll put the puck in his own net
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
Oh come score on ToskaLOL
He really sucks
Oh toss all the waffles
With or without syrup
Oh toss them, oh toss them
At Maple Leafs
Come and laugh at them
Because they have no draft picks
Oh come give them a draft pick
Oh come give them a draft pick
Oh come give them a draft pick
Then fire Wilson
Oh trade all ye draft picks
To the Boston Bruins
Oh trade them, oh trade them
For nothing good
Raycroft for Rask
Still makes Leaf fans weep in shame
Oh fuck you JFJ
Oh fuck you JFJ
Oh fuck you JFJ
I hate you.
(Editor's Note: On a slightly more serious note: I feel the need to share this following open letter to Leafs fans because DGS-Cares)
Dear Leafs Nation,
Look, it's not going well right now. It's pretty bad. But if you put down the bottle of Jack Daniel's for a second and read this letter, there is some hope. DGS is psychologist (in training) and he's willing to offer free therapy to any Leafs fan who needs it. Just send your problems to DownGoesSpezza@gmail.com and I'll answer them publicly as part of my "DGS-Cares" campaign. I have a soft spot for you guys because, well, I hate Jason Spezza, and I hate the Habs. So this is my way of saying, Happy Holidays Leafs Nation.
-Down Goes Spezza
PS: Don't worry Flyerdom, you guys are getting your Christmas letter on Christmas Eve.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Things Other People in the NHL want for Christmas
Yesterday we showed you what the Flyers want for Christmas, well, we also found out what the rest of the NHL wants for Christmas, here's what we found out.
Taylor Hall: To hopefully get a chance to play on an NHL team.
The New Jersey Devils: That the CBA is followed and Kovalchuk's contract is voided.
Brian Burke: Tyler Seguin and a 2011 Lottery pick
Mike Green: Someone who can teach me how to play defense...oh crap, I got Scott Hannan instead
Henrik and Daniel Sedin: A triplet who's identical to us as well
Toronto Maple Leafs Fans: Free therapy from a psychologist...and not Down Goes Spezza
Sheldon Souray: Nothing, I finally got the fuck out of Edmonton
Sidney Crosby: A real wing
Colin Campbell: The ability to use a BlackBerry
Gary Bettman: Expansion to Havana, Mexico City, San Juan, Cairo, and Death Valley...if necessary teams will be removed from Toronto, Detroit, Montreal and Chicago
Don't Trade Vinny: A date with Marty St Louis
Taylor Hall: To hopefully get a chance to play on an NHL team.
The New Jersey Devils: That the CBA is followed and Kovalchuk's contract is voided.
Brian Burke: Tyler Seguin and a 2011 Lottery pick
Mike Green: Someone who can teach me how to play defense...oh crap, I got Scott Hannan instead
Henrik and Daniel Sedin: A triplet who's identical to us as well
Toronto Maple Leafs Fans: Free therapy from a psychologist...and not Down Goes Spezza
Sheldon Souray: Nothing, I finally got the fuck out of Edmonton
Sidney Crosby: A real wing
Colin Campbell: The ability to use a BlackBerry
Gary Bettman: Expansion to Havana, Mexico City, San Juan, Cairo, and Death Valley...if necessary teams will be removed from Toronto, Detroit, Montreal and Chicago
Don't Trade Vinny: A date with Marty St Louis
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Last 4 Unbeaten Teams and Their Dirty Little Secrets
So we have 4 unbeaten teams in the NHL, all of them are rather surprising, and this got me thinking, why is that these teams have stayed unbeaten for so long. Needless to say, I sent the DGS-SuperSpies to find out, and what they learned was rather enlightening.
- Team: -Dallas Stars-
Reasons for Winning: Players no longer feel any pressure to perform because Mike Modano is no longer around to tell the stars stories of picking up a giant trophy in June after winning a 16 team tournament. Because of this lack of pressure, the Stars have concentrated on having fun on the ice and have accidentally won a few games.
Reasons to Lose: Because Andrew Raycroft will be forced to play a game at some point this season.
- Team: -Nashville Predators-
Reasons for Winning: Opposing forwards tend to be scared of the giant goaltenders in net for the Predators. On the other end of the ice, no one tries to block shots off the stick of Shea Weber out of fear that they will become the next Sami Salo.
Reasons to Lose: They are the Nashville Predators.
- Team: -Toronto Maple Leafs-
Reasons for Winning: Because the Leafs no longer employ Vesa Toskala. Also, the Leafs finally caught onto the idea that maybe pissing off Brian Burke is a bad idea.
Reasons to Lose: If Colton Orr can lose a fight, then the Leafs can lose a game.
- Team: -Tampa Bay Lightning-
Reasons for Winning: Employ a team of winners known as the 2008 Philadelphia Flyers.
Reasons to Lose: In a second lapse of judgement, Steve Yzerman will trade Dan Ellis's problems to the Montreal Canadiens for Carey Price's cigarettes. This will cause Ellis to take up smoking before games leading to him to run out of money as well as talent. (PS: Dan Ellis's Problems will cause Habs fans to riot.)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
NHL 2010-2011 Season Previews: Northeast Division
With the season coming up soon enough. I think it's time to get a look at what team's have been working on during training camp. Lucky for you, the DGS-SuperSpies uncovered what's going on behind the scenes at all 30 NHL team's training camps. As a responsible human being, I have decided to post the shocking findings here for you to see. Today, we start with the Northeast division.
Montreal Canadiens
The Good: Will save money on pregame meals by being able to serve forwards from the kids menu.
The Bad: Decided to follow an idea presented by Down Goes Brown during the first around of the playoffs and are apparently going to start "Empty Net" as their goalie.
Secret Strategy for the New Season: Players have worked on riot escape in practice as Montreal citizens tend to riot after every game regardless of result.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Good: Can avoid worrying about such debates as "Who to draft in 2011?" because of their lack of draft picks.
The Bad: Have yet to find a way to remove Tomas Kaberle from the team.
Secret Strategy for the New Season: Will magically improve forward depth by re-signing Vesa Toskala and converting him to center.
Boston Bruins
The Good: Due the NHL's Salary Cap, the Bruins roster is set in stone with players such as Tim Thomas and Marc Savard still on the active roster and no way to move them.
The Bad: Will be forced to place Marc Savard on LTIR after he accidentally runs into Zdeno Chara's knee during practice causing Savard to suffer a concussion.
Secret Strategy for the New Season: Will avoid blowing 3-0 leads in the post-season by avoiding the post season altogether.
Ottawa Senators
The Good: Have 2 great backup goaltenders who are great for 10-15 games a season
The Bad: Have a player married to Carrie Underwood, picking up Tony Romo's sloppy seconds has been known to cause problems.
Secret Strategy for the New Season: When in doubt, the fire the coach.
Buffalo Sabres
The Good:Have a GM who's willing to save players like Tomas Vanek from signing with Edmonton.
The Bad: Will no longer be able to score easy goals due to the fact that Vesa Toskala is no longer a goalie in this division.
Secret Strategy for the New Season: Will continue to fly under the radar and ride Ryan Miller for as long
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Free Agency 2010: Live Blog
12:10AM: DGS should be asleep, but he wants to start with the major transactions that were announced
RFA Signings: Mike Leighton takes 2 years 1.55 cap hit to stay in Philly and compete for the starting job. No real surprise here, more on Leighton later today, when I can combine it with any other splashes the Flyers make.
Retirements: Rod Brind'Amour: a class act, a great guy, and for me, a Hall of Famer
Trades: Toronto and Chicago:
Toronto gets: Kris Versteeg and Bill Sweatt
Chicago gets: Viktor Stalberg, Philippe Paradis and Christopher DiDomenico
Conclusion: Are the 'Hawks under the cap yet? Is Toronto truculent enough yet? Is Burkie happy yet? (I can answer the last one: Not until Kaberle goes). Leaf's and Hawks fans who read this blog, tell me what you think of the deal...I'll add in some of the comments to this post.
12:22am Ok then, all I want is Boucher to be traded for a #6/7 D-man, though he can be AHL'd, the Flyers to keep Coburn, Powe, Carcillo and Asham and please please please find a wing to swing Hamhuis. (DGS predicts the new Flyers D-man will be Toni Lydman, solid puck mover, has NHL experience, fits with the Flyers love of going Finnish)
12:27am DGS wishes that won't come true tonight
1. Getting laid #DGSDateWatch restarts...
2. Anton Volchenkov, Evgeni Nabokov and Ilya Kovalchuk all sign contracts that put the Flyers even with the cap.
3. Flyers lose Scott Hartnell and somehow gain Dustin Byfuglien
4. Pierre McGuire becomes normal
12:30am DGS begins to think about getting drunk after realizing what his life is like...Amy talks him out of it via G-chat...by the way, chat with DGS tomorrow from 2:30-4:30pm on Google Chat, DGS's email is DownGoesSpezza@gmail.com, Amy will make sure to tweet updates as well as she gets a hold of them.
9:16AM DGS sees report linking Dan Ellis to the Flyers, for the record, goalies linked to the Flyers this offseason:
Nabby, Turco, Biron, Price, Ellis, Halak, Niitty, Chris Mason, Steve Mason (seriously, I got an email about it- Amy), Thomas, Hedberg, Theodore, Budaj....
Long story short, Flyers have more goalie options that Harry Potter had Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers...
As for Eclipse: Spoiler Alert: Silver Arrows hit the werewolves, Buffy stakes the vampires, The End
9:22AM DGS realizes we forgot the following goalies on this list of goalies linked to the Flyers: Quick, Bernier, Lalime, Roloson, Weekes, Legace, Caron, Toskala (Yes, seriously, though don't worry, he'd be shot here)....if anyone knows of any other rumors, add them...or make some up too...cleverest scenario wins a prize* from DGS
*- DGS promises to name this person in a post and give them free advertising to any blog/website provided the content is rated PG13 or lower.
1:13PM Flyers trade for Meszaros...what a Meszy move...dammit Homer, pull something big out.
2:18PM Still a goaltending mess. Coburn's back for 2yrs/3.55 cap hit and now Jody Shelley and Sean O'Donnell are in as well. This probably spells the end of Riley Cote in Philly. In unrelated news, Holmgren is trying to sell the truculent Cote to the Leafs
Alex Auld to the Habs, guess that means Dan Ellis hit the open market. Or as multiple twitter accounts have said, Habs get Vesa Toskala lite.
Sergei Gonchar to the Sens...I guess Gonchar is gonna go the Kaberle route...and hate winning
Zybnek Michalek to the Pens...Phoenix to Pissburgh...(typo intentional) Z, I had hope for you, but now you're gonna be Crosby's bitch...and that's just bad.
Alex Tanguay back to Calgary....I love Sutter....and Sather...these guys make JFJ begin to look intelligent (Amy reminded me of the Rask/Raycroft deal, I take this back)
All Time Worst GMs Ever: Sutter, Sather, John Ferguson Jr.
Marty St. Louis contract extension announced, anonymous sources tell me Marty had a hard time signing the contract because he could not see the table where the contract was located.
For those who don't know, I'm open on my facebook page and I'm taking email at the address on the right. I'll post some of the more interesting emails and their answers here as well as answering all of the email personally*.
(*-DGS staff will answer emails, Amy included, there are 5 of us)
2:53PM First Email Answer:
DGS,
Leighton, Boucher, Backlund are already in the mix, but none of these scream long term number 1 goalie. What hopes do the Flyers have?
Jeff
Jeff,
Thanks for being the first to check in. Long term options pretty much involve trades. JvR to LA for Bernier or Quick is a possibility. If the Flyers want to dump salary, I could see Hartnell AND JvR for Bernier or Quick and an LA forward or draft picks. Give it time though, with Turco and Nabby still in play, things can happen.
-DGS
DGS,
Martin Biron to the Rangers, what do you think?
Bill C.
Bill,
Soft goals, inconsistency and flamboyant personality...it screams SATHER GUY!
-DGS
Amy,
Are you cute? Can I have your number?
Steve F.
Steve,
No way in hell, I'm not interested.
-Amy
Down Goes Spezza,
Are you going to miss Riley Cote? It sure looks like he's the odd man out right now.
Kevin L.
Kevin,
I'll miss Cote for his off ice charity work more than being a fight only guy. The guy who I really think I am going to miss at the end of this is Arron Asham, great guy all around and a solid depth player. Who ever picks up Asham is gonna get an underrated player. As for Cote, he might get tossed in as a spare part in a trade, but most likely will be making to trek to the AHL Phantoms for 2010-2011
-Amy
3:03pm Just realized the Shelley deal is a 3 year deal. I realize Shelley burned us for 2 goals in the last 2 games of the season, but for the love of divine entities, THIS GUY IS A MORE EXPENSIVE RILEY COTE!!! WTF WERE WE THINKING?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?! Send him to the AHL NOW please and thanks....
3:08pm Rick Tocchet coached Meszaros last season in Tampa.
“He had the willingness to play hurt, I have to give him credit,” said Tocchet. “I give him a lot of credit. A lot of guys wouldn’t have done that. But there is another level in him and he’s got to find that with the Flyers.”
I just threw up a little...I'm beginning to plot my demise...still taking Emails and Facebook questions though!
3:11PM Toni Lydman to the Ducks, I wanted that Finn, like the Flyers I tend to enjoy Finns
Little known fact about DGS: Amy and Matt both love Finnish metal band Nightwish
3:30PM
Random Coworker of Amy's asked her:
Does Shelley spell the end of Lappy or Carcillo?
Amy: I think it makes the possible loss of Carcillo manageable, but expect to see Cote waived.
Matt: No, it means Cote's on the AHL train, which makes no sense because Cote comes at about half the cap hit.
Luc: Nope, just means Cote's gone.
Jon: Cote's headed to Glens Falls to play for the Phantoms, unless he gets traded
3:47PM
Amy just reminded the rest of the staff that we all hated the Leino trade, Carcillo trade, keeping Carter over Umberger and Asham signing when they all happened. The boys just realized they had no counters to these moves of moves we loved, but then regretted. Results have happened, and while the boys don't like it, they love having a woman as the voice of reason. (Matt, Jon, Luc all disagree)
4:21pm Volchenkov to the Devils. This could be bad...
or not
4:25pm Hamhuis to the Canucks, hometown player signs...that's ok, btw, thx for the 3rd rounder Penguins
4:32PM Matt's getting more depressed by the minute....Flyers July 1 = Twitter Fail Whale
4:44PM Just saw the Blackhawks moved to the Eastern Conference and now play in Atlanta...FML AGAIN!
5:35PM Dinner time with the DGS crew...will check back in around 7pm...Later world!
RFA Signings: Mike Leighton takes 2 years 1.55 cap hit to stay in Philly and compete for the starting job. No real surprise here, more on Leighton later today, when I can combine it with any other splashes the Flyers make.
Retirements: Rod Brind'Amour: a class act, a great guy, and for me, a Hall of Famer
Trades: Toronto and Chicago:
Toronto gets: Kris Versteeg and Bill Sweatt
Chicago gets: Viktor Stalberg, Philippe Paradis and Christopher DiDomenico
Conclusion: Are the 'Hawks under the cap yet? Is Toronto truculent enough yet? Is Burkie happy yet? (I can answer the last one: Not until Kaberle goes). Leaf's and Hawks fans who read this blog, tell me what you think of the deal...I'll add in some of the comments to this post.
12:22am Ok then, all I want is Boucher to be traded for a #6/7 D-man, though he can be AHL'd, the Flyers to keep Coburn, Powe, Carcillo and Asham and please please please find a wing to swing Hamhuis. (DGS predicts the new Flyers D-man will be Toni Lydman, solid puck mover, has NHL experience, fits with the Flyers love of going Finnish)
12:27am DGS wishes that won't come true tonight
1. Getting laid #DGSDateWatch restarts...
2. Anton Volchenkov, Evgeni Nabokov and Ilya Kovalchuk all sign contracts that put the Flyers even with the cap.
3. Flyers lose Scott Hartnell and somehow gain Dustin Byfuglien
4. Pierre McGuire becomes normal
12:30am DGS begins to think about getting drunk after realizing what his life is like...Amy talks him out of it via G-chat...by the way, chat with DGS tomorrow from 2:30-4:30pm on Google Chat, DGS's email is DownGoesSpezza@gmail.com, Amy will make sure to tweet updates as well as she gets a hold of them.
9:16AM DGS sees report linking Dan Ellis to the Flyers, for the record, goalies linked to the Flyers this offseason:
Nabby, Turco, Biron, Price, Ellis, Halak, Niitty, Chris Mason, Steve Mason (seriously, I got an email about it- Amy), Thomas, Hedberg, Theodore, Budaj....
Long story short, Flyers have more goalie options that Harry Potter had Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers...
As for Eclipse: Spoiler Alert: Silver Arrows hit the werewolves, Buffy stakes the vampires, The End
9:22AM DGS realizes we forgot the following goalies on this list of goalies linked to the Flyers: Quick, Bernier, Lalime, Roloson, Weekes, Legace, Caron, Toskala (Yes, seriously, though don't worry, he'd be shot here)....if anyone knows of any other rumors, add them...or make some up too...cleverest scenario wins a prize* from DGS
*- DGS promises to name this person in a post and give them free advertising to any blog/website provided the content is rated PG13 or lower.
1:13PM Flyers trade for Meszaros...what a Meszy move...dammit Homer, pull something big out.
2:18PM Still a goaltending mess. Coburn's back for 2yrs/3.55 cap hit and now Jody Shelley and Sean O'Donnell are in as well. This probably spells the end of Riley Cote in Philly. In unrelated news, Holmgren is trying to sell the truculent Cote to the Leafs
Alex Auld to the Habs, guess that means Dan Ellis hit the open market. Or as multiple twitter accounts have said, Habs get Vesa Toskala lite.
Sergei Gonchar to the Sens...I guess Gonchar is gonna go the Kaberle route...and hate winning
Zybnek Michalek to the Pens...Phoenix to Pissburgh...(typo intentional) Z, I had hope for you, but now you're gonna be Crosby's bitch...and that's just bad.
Alex Tanguay back to Calgary....I love Sutter....and Sather...these guys make JFJ begin to look intelligent (Amy reminded me of the Rask/Raycroft deal, I take this back)
All Time Worst GMs Ever: Sutter, Sather, John Ferguson Jr.
Marty St. Louis contract extension announced, anonymous sources tell me Marty had a hard time signing the contract because he could not see the table where the contract was located.
For those who don't know, I'm open on my facebook page and I'm taking email at the address on the right. I'll post some of the more interesting emails and their answers here as well as answering all of the email personally*.
(*-DGS staff will answer emails, Amy included, there are 5 of us)
2:53PM First Email Answer:
DGS,
Leighton, Boucher, Backlund are already in the mix, but none of these scream long term number 1 goalie. What hopes do the Flyers have?
Jeff
Jeff,
Thanks for being the first to check in. Long term options pretty much involve trades. JvR to LA for Bernier or Quick is a possibility. If the Flyers want to dump salary, I could see Hartnell AND JvR for Bernier or Quick and an LA forward or draft picks. Give it time though, with Turco and Nabby still in play, things can happen.
-DGS
DGS,
Martin Biron to the Rangers, what do you think?
Bill C.
Bill,
Soft goals, inconsistency and flamboyant personality...it screams SATHER GUY!
-DGS
Amy,
Are you cute? Can I have your number?
Steve F.
Steve,
No way in hell, I'm not interested.
-Amy
Down Goes Spezza,
Are you going to miss Riley Cote? It sure looks like he's the odd man out right now.
Kevin L.
Kevin,
I'll miss Cote for his off ice charity work more than being a fight only guy. The guy who I really think I am going to miss at the end of this is Arron Asham, great guy all around and a solid depth player. Who ever picks up Asham is gonna get an underrated player. As for Cote, he might get tossed in as a spare part in a trade, but most likely will be making to trek to the AHL Phantoms for 2010-2011
-Amy
3:03pm Just realized the Shelley deal is a 3 year deal. I realize Shelley burned us for 2 goals in the last 2 games of the season, but for the love of divine entities, THIS GUY IS A MORE EXPENSIVE RILEY COTE!!! WTF WERE WE THINKING?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?! Send him to the AHL NOW please and thanks....
3:08pm Rick Tocchet coached Meszaros last season in Tampa.
“He had the willingness to play hurt, I have to give him credit,” said Tocchet. “I give him a lot of credit. A lot of guys wouldn’t have done that. But there is another level in him and he’s got to find that with the Flyers.”
I just threw up a little...I'm beginning to plot my demise...still taking Emails and Facebook questions though!
3:11PM Toni Lydman to the Ducks, I wanted that Finn, like the Flyers I tend to enjoy Finns
Little known fact about DGS: Amy and Matt both love Finnish metal band Nightwish
3:30PM
Random Coworker of Amy's asked her:
Does Shelley spell the end of Lappy or Carcillo?
Amy: I think it makes the possible loss of Carcillo manageable, but expect to see Cote waived.
Matt: No, it means Cote's on the AHL train, which makes no sense because Cote comes at about half the cap hit.
Luc: Nope, just means Cote's gone.
Jon: Cote's headed to Glens Falls to play for the Phantoms, unless he gets traded
3:47PM
Amy just reminded the rest of the staff that we all hated the Leino trade, Carcillo trade, keeping Carter over Umberger and Asham signing when they all happened. The boys just realized they had no counters to these moves of moves we loved, but then regretted. Results have happened, and while the boys don't like it, they love having a woman as the voice of reason. (Matt, Jon, Luc all disagree)
4:21pm Volchenkov to the Devils. This could be bad...
or not
4:25pm Hamhuis to the Canucks, hometown player signs...that's ok, btw, thx for the 3rd rounder Penguins
4:32PM Matt's getting more depressed by the minute....Flyers July 1 = Twitter Fail Whale
4:44PM Just saw the Blackhawks moved to the Eastern Conference and now play in Atlanta...FML AGAIN!
5:35PM Dinner time with the DGS crew...will check back in around 7pm...Later world!
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Curious Case of Ilya Kovalchuk
Editor's Note: This post is written by Amy, NOT DGS.
Ilya Kovalchuk, where will he end up. Well, the DGS SuperSpies have tried to find out, and they have some interesting ideas, as well as what this means for Flyers fans. So with the help of me, the Amazing Amy, DGS made a list of 10 possible destinations and what Flyers fans should think of them.
Team: NJ Devils
Odds: 4:1
Reasons to Go: Will be backed by a Hall of Fame caliber goalie and a great Defensive system
Reasons to Not Go: The Devils aren't exactly known for opening the bank for offensive talents
Meaning to Flyers: If he's in NJ, we're fucked.
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Odds: 10:1
Reasons to Go: Kovy and Kessel on the top 2 lines, it's bound to work, right?
Reasons to Not Go: Does Toronto have a D that can allow Kovy a chance to win
Meaning to Flyers: Only facing Kovy 4 times a year instead of 6 is a bonus, but I'd fear Kovy in the playoffs
Team: Boston Bruins
Odds: 500:1
Reasons to Go: Kovy/Hall/Savard top line, that's amazing
Reasons to Not Go: Will be traded to Toronto for a decade's worth of first rounders and Luke Schenn
Meaning to Flyers: Kovy in Boston=Bruins as favourites for the Cup in 2011
Team: Washington Capitals
Odds: 25:1
Reasons to Go: An all Russian top line of Ovy-Semin-Kovy sounds nice
Reasons to Not Go: Mike Green would then be the Caps top D-man causing every game to be decided by a score of 9-8
Meaning to Flyers: Really isn't one until the playoffs roll around...
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Odds: 100,000:1
Reasons to Go: I heard Edmonton feels like Russia in winter.
Reasons to Not Go: I heard Edmonton feels like Russia in winter
Meaning to Flyers: It's second best option.
Team: San Jose Sharks
Odds: 85:1
Reasons to Go: "Thornton to Kovalchuk...SHARKS SCORE" would guarantee another San Jose President's Trophy
Reasons to Not Go: Cap issues, lack of playoff success, risk of having to get a ride with Dany Heatley all come to mind
Meaning to Flyers: Again, it's nice to have Kovy out of the east...but I sure wouldn't mind having Kovy on another continent.
Team: Montreal Canadiens
Odds: 100:1
Reasons to Go: A skilled sniper would give the Habs a legit scoring threat
Reasons to Not Go: Other Habs players may be afraid of a giant 6'2" 230lb Russian
Meaning to Flyers: When Habs fans riot after wins against Toronto, the Flyers may have to give up their reputation as the "most brutish fans in hockey, or sport for that matter"
Team: Chicago Black Hawks
Odds: 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000:1
Reasons to Go: After the Hawks implode this team in order to gain cap space, they could restock with Kovy-Toews-Kane as their top line
Reasons to Not Go: Kovy would then need to work for free.
Meaning to Flyers: Hey, at least it keeps him OUT of the Eastern Conference...
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Odds: 150,000:1
Reasons to Go: Great chance to win a cup
Reasons to Not Go: Flyers already have 8 top-6 caliber forwards
Meaning to Flyers: He becomes our weapon on offense, at the expense of having a goalie next year, seriously, Kovy=Boucher/Backlund in net
Team: Anyone in the KHL
Odds: 3:1
Reasons to Go: $14 million and a chance to be close to home why NOT take it.
Reasons to Not Go: I heard it's cold in Russia...
Meaning to Flyers: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET THIS HAPPEN!!!!
Hope you guys like it.
-Amy
Ilya Kovalchuk, where will he end up. Well, the DGS SuperSpies have tried to find out, and they have some interesting ideas, as well as what this means for Flyers fans. So with the help of me, the Amazing Amy, DGS made a list of 10 possible destinations and what Flyers fans should think of them.
Team: NJ Devils
Odds: 4:1
Reasons to Go: Will be backed by a Hall of Fame caliber goalie and a great Defensive system
Reasons to Not Go: The Devils aren't exactly known for opening the bank for offensive talents
Meaning to Flyers: If he's in NJ, we're fucked.
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Odds: 10:1
Reasons to Go: Kovy and Kessel on the top 2 lines, it's bound to work, right?
Reasons to Not Go: Does Toronto have a D that can allow Kovy a chance to win
Meaning to Flyers: Only facing Kovy 4 times a year instead of 6 is a bonus, but I'd fear Kovy in the playoffs
Team: Boston Bruins
Odds: 500:1
Reasons to Go: Kovy/Hall/Savard top line, that's amazing
Reasons to Not Go: Will be traded to Toronto for a decade's worth of first rounders and Luke Schenn
Meaning to Flyers: Kovy in Boston=Bruins as favourites for the Cup in 2011
Team: Washington Capitals
Odds: 25:1
Reasons to Go: An all Russian top line of Ovy-Semin-Kovy sounds nice
Reasons to Not Go: Mike Green would then be the Caps top D-man causing every game to be decided by a score of 9-8
Meaning to Flyers: Really isn't one until the playoffs roll around...
Team: Edmonton Oilers
Odds: 100,000:1
Reasons to Go: I heard Edmonton feels like Russia in winter.
Reasons to Not Go: I heard Edmonton feels like Russia in winter
Meaning to Flyers: It's second best option.
Team: San Jose Sharks
Odds: 85:1
Reasons to Go: "Thornton to Kovalchuk...SHARKS SCORE" would guarantee another San Jose President's Trophy
Reasons to Not Go: Cap issues, lack of playoff success, risk of having to get a ride with Dany Heatley all come to mind
Meaning to Flyers: Again, it's nice to have Kovy out of the east...but I sure wouldn't mind having Kovy on another continent.
Team: Montreal Canadiens
Odds: 100:1
Reasons to Go: A skilled sniper would give the Habs a legit scoring threat
Reasons to Not Go: Other Habs players may be afraid of a giant 6'2" 230lb Russian
Meaning to Flyers: When Habs fans riot after wins against Toronto, the Flyers may have to give up their reputation as the "most brutish fans in hockey, or sport for that matter"
Team: Chicago Black Hawks
Odds: 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000:1
Reasons to Go: After the Hawks implode this team in order to gain cap space, they could restock with Kovy-Toews-Kane as their top line
Reasons to Not Go: Kovy would then need to work for free.
Meaning to Flyers: Hey, at least it keeps him OUT of the Eastern Conference...
Team: Philadelphia Flyers
Odds: 150,000:1
Reasons to Go: Great chance to win a cup
Reasons to Not Go: Flyers already have 8 top-6 caliber forwards
Meaning to Flyers: He becomes our weapon on offense, at the expense of having a goalie next year, seriously, Kovy=Boucher/Backlund in net
Team: Anyone in the KHL
Odds: 3:1
Reasons to Go: $14 million and a chance to be close to home why NOT take it.
Reasons to Not Go: I heard it's cold in Russia...
Meaning to Flyers: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE LET THIS HAPPEN!!!!
Hope you guys like it.
-Amy
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
It's not so bad, is it...
I think the title says it all. The question of course is, "Is being down 2-0 the nail in the coffin?" The answer is "it might be, it could very well be, but as the Flyers proved against the Bruins, it ain't over until the last game is played"
The Flyers have the talent to come back, they have the tools and Lavi has shown he's can rally the troops with the right timeouts and at the right times.
Is a change in goal the answer?
Maybe, just maybe the team can be sparked by Boucher in net, stranger things have happened, see Flyers 2009-2010 season.
Now, before I bow out into a pit of despair and depression from being down 2-0 and the fact that I'm still single...I do have some humor for today. A bunch of possible situations that are worse than what the Flyers are in right now...
1. They could have finished in last place and not had a draft pick to show for it...luckily that award went to the Toronto Maple Leafs
2. They could have had a season characterized by horrible goaltending and drama caused by changing Captains midseason....that honor went to the Carolina Hurricanes
3. They could have no idea where there home games are being played next year due to the impending sale of their team to an unknown buyer....that winner of that prize, the Phoenix Coyotes
4. They could tease us every year with a team that looks stacked and owns everything in sight during the regular season only to choke horribly in the playoffs...I'm looking at you San Jose
5. They could play in a city that riots after every single win...Est cette vraie, Montréal?
Also, when it comes to the players:
Mike Leighton and Brian Boucher COULD be Robert Esche and Roman Cechmanek or Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki, of course, the way injuries went this season, there were 50/50 odds of us entering this series with Backlund/Duchesne in net...
Chris Pronger COULD be Randy Jones
Playoff Briere COULD be Not-Playoff Briere
Mike Richards COULD be NOT BOBBY CLARKE 2010
Simon Gagne COULD be Eric Lindros 2.0
Anyway, hopefully something turns around for the Flyers back in this city...
The Flyers have the talent to come back, they have the tools and Lavi has shown he's can rally the troops with the right timeouts and at the right times.
Is a change in goal the answer?
Maybe, just maybe the team can be sparked by Boucher in net, stranger things have happened, see Flyers 2009-2010 season.
Now, before I bow out into a pit of despair and depression from being down 2-0 and the fact that I'm still single...I do have some humor for today. A bunch of possible situations that are worse than what the Flyers are in right now...
1. They could have finished in last place and not had a draft pick to show for it...luckily that award went to the Toronto Maple Leafs
2. They could have had a season characterized by horrible goaltending and drama caused by changing Captains midseason....that honor went to the Carolina Hurricanes
3. They could have no idea where there home games are being played next year due to the impending sale of their team to an unknown buyer....that winner of that prize, the Phoenix Coyotes
4. They could tease us every year with a team that looks stacked and owns everything in sight during the regular season only to choke horribly in the playoffs...I'm looking at you San Jose
5. They could play in a city that riots after every single win...Est cette vraie, Montréal?
Also, when it comes to the players:
Mike Leighton and Brian Boucher COULD be Robert Esche and Roman Cechmanek or Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki, of course, the way injuries went this season, there were 50/50 odds of us entering this series with Backlund/Duchesne in net...
Chris Pronger COULD be Randy Jones
Playoff Briere COULD be Not-Playoff Briere
Mike Richards COULD be NOT BOBBY CLARKE 2010
Simon Gagne COULD be Eric Lindros 2.0
Anyway, hopefully something turns around for the Flyers back in this city...
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