|
Tonight the streaky Flyers being a home and home with the New Jersey Devils. If you count the two games between the division leading Devils, and the two games between the Canadiens (who are 3 points ahead of us in the East), this last week before the Olympics is quite possible the most important 4 game stretch of the season. After finishing off what looked to be a "lay-up" road trip with two embarrassing loses, the Flyers return home to host Ilya Kovulchuk and the Devils on a nationally televised game. (With Keith Jones doing play-by play)
The Battle for the Turnpike always brings out the best in these two clubs. Sure, the Devils-Rangers and Flyers-Penguins get top "rival" billing, but no other team in the East the type of history that the Flyers and Devils do. Sadly, most of that history is New Jersey schooling us through the 90s and 2000s, but hey...whose counting? I just need to say the name 'Scott Stevens' and I can hear everyone who ever bought an Eric Lindros jersey shudder. Throw in the best goalie of all time who always plays us, and there you have the roots of Philadelphia's New Jersey Devils complex. A team that more should be modeled off of. They are never bad. Even in recent years when they were supposed to drop off, supposed to get worse, they've maintained a great core, solid leadership, wingers who can score more than once in 10 games (I'm looking right at you, Scott Hartnell & Simon Gagne) and a solid defense. Its ashame they play in New Jersey, more specifically in Newark where their fan base is next to nothing. Mainly due to the crazy expensive seats at 'The Rock', even obtaining Ilya Kovulchuk last weekend didn't guarantee a sell out on a Friday night against an Original 6 opponent. Just sad that a great team can't fill their own barn unless its against the Ranges. So with Kovulchuk added to the list consisting of Patrick Elias, Zach Parise, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus and Jamie Langenbrunner. Holy smokes. Right now, I don't think the Devils are as good as the Caps, but you do not want to give either team any chances on the powerplay. Playing catch up with New Jersey never works, so if you're going to the box for a stupid penalty(I'm looking right at you, Scott Hartnell) then for godsake, take someone with you. One area the Flyers can exploit is the Devils suspect defense. Sure Marty is in net, but their #1 blueliner, Paul Martin is on the shelf and they just shipped Johnny Oduya to the Thrash. The Flyers will have to beat Colin White and Bryce Salvador, something they should find some success in.
Eric Lindros was a fucking giant. Also, fuck Scott Stevens.
Speaking of success, there hasn't been much of that recently for Philly. They are shooting a lot, and playing solid defense, yet nothing is showing up on the scoreboard. A streaky team mired in an offensive slump does not translate to much. But all year, it's been a small change or a lucky bounce to break out of the slump. Maybe it happens tonight, against a familiar opponent. It's probably hard to get pumped to play Cal Clutterbuck and the Wild, but against those turds from upstate New Jersey, how can they not get your blood boiling. The Powerplay looks lifeless and alot of the offensive zone rushes look to be two guys waiting for the puck handler to do something, instead of contributing to the play. I can't say that they look lazy, and the back checking is there, but the transition game is too set in its ways. When you have a complacent hockey club, you have problems. Until everyone decides to awake from their slumbers, you're going to have a lot of head scratching when the Flyers are in the Devils zone. I think a big game from Powerhouse is in order. I'd say I'd like to see Scott Hartnell do something positive, but I just don't think the guy has it this year. Maybe Jeff Carter shoulda slept with his wife to get Birddog to show some passion out there. (And I'm not talking about "crosschecking a goalie" passion...I'm talking about Scott Hartnell from the last NY Rangers game passion) So my question to you, Flyers fans, is who do you think breaks out of the slump first? Is it a sighting of Danny Breeze? Richie, Carts, Gags? Our young kids can and should only do so much. Only one way to stop being streaky, and thats to give 100% every night.
So we have the most important week of Flyers hockey starting tonight. Against a great rival and great hockey team. So much talk about the Flyers playing down to opponents, well I expect them to play up tonight. 8 points to get this week, which will decide so much in the hunt for the Cup. Mondays suck, but the suck is a bit less when it's Flyers-Devils. Fuck David Puddy. Let's Go Flyers.
Trackback(0)
|
TrackBack URI for this entry
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. We're specifically looking for blogs in the sports, entertainment, and video games field, but are open to adding any type of quality site. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 