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Written by Fran
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Monday, 01 February 2010 12:48 |
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Remember how shitty December was for the Flyers? Our month of hell is very similar to what's going on in Calgary right now right now. Virtually no scoring, playing with zero passion and a great team on paper isn't translating to any wins. When Philly was going through that rough patchwe all thought that "today would be the day to break out of the funk." Flames fans have to think that now, after throwing away a popular player and prospect in a surprising Sunday trade, tonight is that night. The Flyers get to be the first team to play the new-look Flames as they enter the Saddledome in what is sure to be a loud, nervous, energetic game.
Calgary had lost 9 in a row before beating the Edmonton Oilers 6-1 on Saturday. They have solid players, yet everyone seems to be in a collective funk. One of 3 players I'd give up any Flyer for would be Jerome Iginla. (Other 2 are Crosby and Ovechkin) "Iggy" does it all and is one of the best leaders in the league. He is what Mike Richards should strive to be. He is the pulse of the Flames in the same way that Modano carried the Stars, Sakic the Avs and Lemieux the Pens. If Calgary is going to get off its schnide it'll be Iggy leading the way. Caveman and potentially future-Ranger Olli Jokinen looks to be playing tonight and last year's lone meeting between these two clubs sawthe ugliest man in hockey crushing the Flyers 5-1. Losing Neon Dion will hurt short term, but not really in the points category. Phanuef has dropped off considerably since coming into the league. Sure, he checks hard and plays at an intense level, but he can't move the puck out of his own end at all lately, and never hits the net with his big clapper. Sutter had to make a move to shake up the team. It wasn't a coaching change so it differs from Philly, but it was definitely a wake up call to all the Flames to get their act together. Phanuef was a fan favorite and rightfully so, but if you can't perform like the all star you get paid to bethen you're trade bait. Big ups to Sutter for making the trade which will help the team be able to get a much better blue line this offseason. If Ex-Leaf, new Flame Jamal Mayers plays tonight, expect him to go with Carcillo. There is only one way a talentless hack will introduce himself to a new fan base and that's by punching people. Other names to watch for are ex-Flyer Daymond Langkow who, yes, is still alive. Rene Bourque is a quality 3rd liner. JayBo is their #1 defenceman, who along with Robyn Regehr, Cory Sarich and Mikka Kipprusoff pose a formidable defence for the Flyers tonight.
For the Flyersthis will be a tough road game. Calgary has some of the most passionate fans in the game and their barn is loud and hostile. Weathering the early storm of a desperate team trying to get the first goal is key. If the Flyers can somehow manage to get all 3 lines in on a scoring parade the fragile psyche of the Flames could crumble before the 2nd period. New players and new expectations will have Calgary buzzing. As of latethe Flyers are playing one great period, one mediocre period and one shit period. This can't be the case in Calgary and if that pattern repeats itself in tonight's game the Flames will win. Philly needs Simon Gagne, Scott Hartnell and Mike Richards to wake up, and fast. There are two points for the taking tonight, and our scorers have to break out of their funk. Jeff Carter and Darrol Powe have been our best forwards the past two games, but maybe a trip out west will shake some cobwebs out of the other guys. Newly signed Lucas Krajicek will probably get his shot on the blue line tonight, thus ending the OKT experiment. Doubtful that he'll get a lot of minutes so expect a ton of Pronger and Kimmo tonight, with them playing less against the Oilers on Wednesday.
I look at the Flames as the Flyers of the west. Big D signings in Pronger & JayBo, solid leadership from Iggy and Richie, high expectations from their GM and fans. Two teams marred by injuries who at times have been stuck in neutral. Two teams that if they ever all get on the same pagecan be the most dangerous in their Conference. Two teams playing for their lives, dying for two points. It should be a great battle, filled with checks, fights and lots of chirping. Safe to say I'll hate the Flames a bit more after tonight. Let's Go Flyers.
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