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Written by Ryan
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Monday, 07 June 2010 07:39 |
 I lay in bed last night trying to convince myself that if the Flyers were going to win it, what would a great story be without an incredible ending? But then I was honest with myself and realized that the results of any game involving such evenly matched teams came down to two things - physics and effort. And when the effort seems too come the physics.
So as much as I'd like to think this were a movie I'm watching and the story is already written for the good guys to come out on top, I know it's not. The Flyers flew out to Chicago on Friday night to do a job. They slept in a hotel, they ate at restaurants, they had meetings, they practiced. And when it came time to perform they got stage fright. Their starting goalie couldn't handle the onslaught that they allowed and he crumbled. They valiantly tried to fight back against a Chicago team that was more than happy to sit back and wait for the pressure, and even tied the last 40 minutes despite an empty net goal. But if they learned anything from Friday's game it was that their start would dictate the outcome - and they didn't start. At one point in the first the scoring chances were 14-3 Chicago.
Chris Pronger was -5. I can't imagine that's not close to, if not the worst single game +/- for a Flyer all year. Hopefully that serves as a gigantic slap in the face and he uses that to his advantage. Mike Richards' effort was there but his precision was not. The Flyers PP towards the end of the game, even if a timeout was needed to get them on the ice at the same time, had to be Claude Giroux, Ville Leino, and High Stick Briere. They were the only 3 who could control the puck last night. And I'm sold on Jon's recommendation from the other day - either Carter needs to be on the third line with Asham out and Carcillo back in or he needs to be in a suit watching from above (not dead, in the press box). He wreaked last night. In every aspect of hockey. Unless Bartulis is really going to get 1 shift in the first period and then 2 more when the game is over and you dress 13 forwards.
The worst part for the fans is that you're going to be subjected the same inane bullshit over the next 3 days as you were over the past 2. All of it only talk, just like the talk about how Byfuglien hadn't played well yet this series and the Flyers had stolen momentum, that you chewed on over the weekend. I wish the Flyers could go on media sabbatical until the end of the series instead of repeatedly asked to answer questions that they can only really answer on the ice. What do you care what they have to say. You know what they need to do and so do they. They need to keep the people of Philadelphia from seeing that Stanley Cup on Wednesday. |
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Written by Jon
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Monday, 07 June 2010 07:38 |
You don't deserve to win a game... especially one in the Stanley Cup Finals... when you come out so flat, lazy and emotionless in the first period. What you saw last night was a solid butt-whooping laid on a Flyers team that could have, nay, should have been more ready.
Where did the game breakdown?
- Lazy Defense: From a bad game by Chris Pronger all the way across the board, the Flyers backend looked terrible. The forwards weren't back-checking and there were way too many missed clearing opportunities. Briere, in particular, had a terrible backcheck that lead to Kane scoring the 4th Hawks goal. From top to bottom, this needs to improve for the rest of the series.
- Unaggressive Goaltending: You look at the most of the goals scored against the Flyers last night and you see Leighton and Boosh sitting too far back in their crease. For whatever reason, the team as a whole got on their heels and the goalies were a prime example of how the rest of the team was playing... tentative and complacent.
- Missed Opportunities: Richards, Briere, Carter, Gagne, etc, etc, etc... the Flyers big name players seemed to miss every opportunity they had. In spite of playing so poorly defensively, the Orange and Black still had plenty of opportunities to win this game. Blame it on bad bounces or poor officiating, the bottom line is they didn't finish. The best players need to step up every game in the Finals.
- No Grit: The Flyers were pushed around all night. There was very little grit out there. Lappy hasn't been the same player to rally the team and, even so, you shouldn't expect to see any fights in the Finals anyways. The Flyers weren't aggressive in taking the body and they were almost non-existent on the forecheck.
The hope is that they got this one bad game out of their system and now they can turn & burn towards game 7. Like I said, even with how poorly they played, the Flyers very well could have won last night's game. Chicago's defense continues to be porous and, as long as Philly tightens things up on the back end, the Hawks are still very beatable.
This run and gun stuff does not play to the Flyers strengths. The Flyers need to play as a team to win. The second they get out of this mindset and start trying to play as individuals, the whole thing falls apart. Certainly, the best players need to elevate their game... but a Flyers win is based upon everyone doing their part to the best of their ability.
Hand it to the Hawks, they came out fast and strong, and played their game. The Flyers will need to bounce back with equal intensity and establish their 'A' game quickly.
As for goalies, I have no doubt that Leighton will be back between the pipes for Game 6. Boosh (I love that guy) didn't play much better and, like many others are saying, all those goals were more about poor team defense than anything to do with poor goaltending.
Laviolette will make the necessary adjustments and we'll see a much different Flyers squad on Wednesday.
People will make a lot of noise about Pronger's bad game. You know what Chris will say to all that? Plus/minus means very little. Hoisting the Cup means everything. The whole point of a 7-game series is that it means the best team wins. When you look at the Flyers needing to win 2 games... just 2 games... it doesn't seem all that crazy.
Just take a deep breath, folks... the Hawks haven't hoisted anything yet.
Go Flyers!
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Written by Ryan
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Sunday, 06 June 2010 15:13 |
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I just keep poking around the internet for more hockey today. I can't help it. And I know you've probably never heard of the Flyers official website (a little less popular than us) so I'm going to take the time to post these 3 videos that I somehow have never seen before (and a 4th I have). If you feel like getting absolutely pumped out of your mind then finish off that coffee you made this morning and take a peek:
1st Round Pre-game:
3rd Round Pre-game:
Lappy What If and Ovation:
And finally, which team would make a better addition to this commercial? Seriously:
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Written by Ryan
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Sunday, 06 June 2010 09:58 |
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We here are big fans of the NHL's 'What if' campaign. As a matter of fact there's only two problems with it:
- not enough Weezer
- no It's Always Sunny intro
Well, also that watching people skate backwards gives us nightmares of the Wheelers from Return to Oz. Anyway, we entered this 'commercial' into a competition of 2nd graders across the country and it came in 2nd (that tampon commericals was damn funny)! So check it out with your speakers on as loud as they go and get PUMPED UP for tonight's game 5!
Let's go fly-ERS!! |
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Written by Fran
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Sunday, 06 June 2010 09:47 |
 Tonight, in the most basic form, is a hockey game. Obviously if I'm still writing about hockey on June 6th, it's probably a very important game, but just a hockey game nonetheless. It's in Chicago and the two teams are at a 2-2 standstill in this best of 7 series. That's where it stops being simple, Flyers fans. Maybe I'm being an unabashed (and handsome) homer of a blogger, but even though the series is tied, this feels like the Flyers are going to win tonight, and then again on Wednesday, and start a unexpected 4 day weekend for my Orange and Black brethren.
Of course, nothing is that easy. This is the Finals, and Chicago will simply not just rollover and accept a Dan Carcillo enema (gross). I fully expect Chi-town to be out in full force tonight, probably chuckin' deep dish pizzas all over the ice during warmups, while trying to sneak back into Fan Gear to return their Patrick Kane jersey they got last Thursday but never took off the price tag. Chicago is a noisy, awesome building filled with crazies, and the Hawks are going to come out flying. But...that's all I see out of Chicago. The way the Flyers have approached the series and their opponent is simply amazing. It's nothing new. They weren't supposed to be beat the Devils PP and the Devils goaltending. Nor were they going to get past the Bruins team defense. Then they weren't supposed to get past Canada's last hope and their raucous fans. Same thing is happening against the Blackhawks. Chicago's goalie was supposed to be too good and their depth was too much. As it's playing out, the Flyers are making Niemi look very human while Chris Pronger, KimmoTimmo and the Flyers blueline has essentialy forced Coach Q to break up his lines in a desperate attempt at generating offense. If there is one thing that this run has proved, it's that nobody should generalize the Flyers as underdogs, because they will simply punch themselves out of that sterotype. They have the tools to get any task done, no matter how daunting it seems. And let's admit, Chicago presents a number of challenges that so far, the Flyers have been able to overcome. The Flyers buy into the system the excellent coaching staff comes up with every night. Where others have doubted them (including myself) they have stayed the course and are right now two wins away from a Cup. Simply incredible.
The Flyers need to win a game in Chicago for this dream to come true. The need to win 2 of the last 3 games of this NHL season for this dream to come true. As we've seen so far this year, anything can happen. But when anything does happen, it seems like these Flyers are ready for it. Tonight is Chicago's last stand, maybe also their wake. Two more. Let's Go Flyers. |
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Written by Ryan
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Saturday, 05 June 2010 16:24 |
 Only Mike Richards can almost stop Mike Richards.
Almost.
(Just learning some picture editing skills. Give me a break.)
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Written by Ryan
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Saturday, 05 June 2010 14:11 |
 Scotty Bowman knows that there is going to be a picture taken that resembles the one above in 4 days. How do I know that Scotty knows? Because everyone knows. You know, I know, the Blackhawks definitely know. Last night's 5-3 score makes it seem like the game was a lot closer than it actually was. Without a bullshit penalty that gave the Blackhawks a 5-on-3 their offense wouldn't have been sparked and the game would have ended 4 or 5 to 1.
It's over, bitches. The Flyers are going to win tomorrow and then in Philadelphia, on Wednesday, the impossible is going to happen.*
*For those of you who think I have enough power to possibly jinx the Philadelphia Flyers, or affect anything for that matter, I would advise you to put down the Tarot Cards and Ouija board and pick up a copy of The Mike Richards Story: Born a Leader by Pierre McGuire. Available in super hard cover at your local Barnes and Nobles fine dining and book establishment.
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Written by Fran
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Friday, 04 June 2010 11:55 |
 Tonight, in the orange fortress of South Philadelphia, the battle for Lord Stanley continues as the Flyers look to even it up against the Blackhawks. Game 3's stunner breathed new life into the Flyers and will look to carry that momentum from God Bless America to post game beers. It won't be easy, but anything worth doing is never easy.
Witnessing a Stanley Cup Final victory with my own two eyeballs was something else. The fact that it was a Claude Giroux greasy biscuit in sudden death Overtime made it all the more sweet. Watching the team battle hard the whole game, and it still be tied at the end of the 3rd didn't sit well with me. I always had confidence the Flyers could win, but the Hawks were bordering on Penguins territory in the way that we can never hold leads against them. I'm not blaming Leighton for allowing Jeff Carter to score on him, and a Brent Sopel goal is just bad luck, but hand it to the Hawks for hanging around and putting up a fight. It reiterates the point I hope the Flyers now know after beating them in Game 3; that everything must be laid out, and you must give 100% of yourself for this journey to end well. We saw the Flyers hard work pay off in Game 3, and tonight will be another test, another battle, another way to get this thing all knotted up.
The momentum they received from Giroux, Briere, Hartnell, Pronger and Leino needs to keep this team moving forward. "Momemtum" can only carry you so far. It is imperative that the Flyers first line get going. We need Carter, Gagne and Richards to start contributing offensively, and no better time to do that than on home ice. It could be a line combination out of whack, and as Jon mentioned, maybe there needs to be a shake up of the first line. You also have to hand it to Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, because these guys can flat out play. Shutting down our top 3 guys so far, they always look in control. But they can't be on the ice all the time, and Danny Breeze and his linemates are capitalizing on their chances so far. I have extreme confidence that Richie, Gags and Carts will contribute points in this series, and I think we see all three of them bounce back tonight...so much so that Mike Richards may get an in game hummer from Pierre McGuire.
Seeing that crowd on Wednesday, and the energy and passion all on display, was something special. This Flyers team has something that I can't describe. Its an infectious spirit, fueled by a bunch of zany caricatures of hockey players that live on the edge with a never-say-die attitude.
Tonight, we're blessed with another game in this season, one that should live up to the first three of this fantastic series. This edge of your seat, nausea during every play, feel your heart dying type of hockey, is exactly why we're fans. Its brilliant. It's addictive. And the best part? It's ours. Cheer tonight like the British were defeated the same day we landed on the Moon during the 1980 Winter Olympics. It's the Stanley Cup Finals, and your Philadelphia Flyers are about to win Game 4. Count it and put it in a fucking bank. 18-0 Flyers. Kate Smith is about to give Patrick Kane the Stone Cold Stunner, and Anti "Give up 10 goals in 3 games" Neimi is about to overdose on Whiz. What in the flying fuck are you doing reading this! I order you to the nearest bar to start sluggin' down Yuenglings and crushing soft pretzels. Rip off your tie and put on your Orange. It's the freakin' weekend and it's the freakin' Finals. The Finals that are in mothertruckin' Flip-Flip-Flipadelphia. Jason Matthew Thirsk: THIS ONES FOR YOU!!! Let's Go Flyers.
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Written by Ryan
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Friday, 04 June 2010 08:42 |
 I've always been interested in what the Flyers actually do with their day. When I was a kid I used to wonder if my favorite player, Kevin Stevens-shoot-me, was maybe taking a piss at the same time I was. If he was I thought that it was pretty cool we were doing the same thing at the same time. I know that might sound weird but 'it is what it is' tm.
I managed to get a hold of Mike Richard's schedule for the playoffs by sleeping with his personal assistant, Ronald. The guy is super afraid of the dark and will do just about anything to not be alone at night so I pulled up a sleeping bag to the foot of his bed. What did you think I meant? Anyway, I've got the full itinerary for you, and it's a little more detailed than you probably thought. Turns out Richie is a little bit of a planner. Like, would have looked at menus online before a trip to D.C. and decided what everyone on the trip was having for lunch at precisely 12:15 before hitting the Washington Monument at 1:05. So what do you do on the day of Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals if you're the captain of the Philadelphia Flyers? Well, this:
7:05 - EMD (believe this stands for Early Morning Dump?)
7:20 - Shower, don't wash hair, lament not having washed towels, hold nose
7:30 - Bowl of Cheerios with 1 sliced Banana while watching Saved By the Bell: The College Years. Wonder if that's what college is really like. Look out the window. See what everyone is doing.
8:00 - One game of Madden '10. Eagles vs. Bears. Don't forget to put in Kolb!
8:30 - Wake girl. Make her leave.
9:00 - Head to Old City Coffee. Remember to tell the cute girl working there that 'I run on Old City.' Then pay with $100 bill.
9:05 - Head back to the apartment. Wait for Ville to come by on his surrey. Eat a power bar.
9:15 - Pedal down to Broad and Pattisson.
9:45 - MMD at the rink. 4th stall. Listen to Taylor Swift. Play Solitaire. Win 3 games before I leave.
10:15 - Go kick around the tin can while everyone else plays soccer.
10:45 - Start getting dressed for Morning Skate. Make funny joke to Rockin' Riles so he feels included. Tell Rabbit 'Nice Goatee.'
11:00 - Morning Skate, score 18 goals
11:25 - Group shower!
12:00 - God Damn Press Conference. Be prepared for the following 3 questions asked in a variety of ways, repeatedly: 1. Why aren't you scoring. 2. What do you have to do to win. 3. Why did Darroll Powe take the puck last game. Try to maintain composure.
12:30 - Catch a ride back home with CarBomb in his new hot air balloon.
1:00 - Ronald, do not read this - Rub one out to Buxom Brunettes in Barrie 24. Turn on AC. Set phone, alarm clock, and microwave timer. Take 2 hour nap buried under my covers.
3:00 - Wake up, take an AD. Play solitaire after checking phone for 60-100 well wishing texts. Respond to 5. This time respond to 215.345.0045 and say I lost my phone and ask who it is.
3:15 - Check email for 20 emails from Mom, Dad, and my brothers. Don't respond. Check in on CNN.com.
3:45 - Eat a banana. Watch Broad Street Bullies Documentary on HBO Demand. Eat an English Muffin with raspberry preserves on it. Monitor incoming texts.
4:30 - Begin run through Philadelphia.
5:00 - Ascend steps at Art Museum. Raise hands. Tell little kids they really should get back to their parents. Get in Carcillo balloon.
6:00 - Play Dance, Dance Revolution with Prongs while the other guys play soccer.
6:30 - PGD, 1 solitaire win
6:45 - Get a sensual massage from Jimmy.
7:00 - Start throwing on the gear. Tape 3 sticks when half dressed.
7:20 - Warm Ups, score 18 goals. Toss a puck to a little kid. Double wink at him/her.
7:40 - Get off the ice, not among the first or last 5 guys
7:45 - Turn on "I'm not Afraid" by Eminem.
7:50 - Listen to Lavy's speech. Then reenact Samwise reenacting speech from Rudy.
8:00 - Hit the tunnel. No high fives on the way out. 3 hard laps. Talk to Pierre McGuire. Is tonight on NBC? Please check Ronald.
8:10 - God Bless America. Remember to ask Lauren Hart where she got that leather jacket from. Ask her if she's in a biker gang.
8:15 - Win faceoff.
8:40 - Open Scoring.
9:25 - Score my second goal.
9:33 - Complete hat trick.
10:45 - Turn on "Don't stop 'til You Get Enough."
11:00 - Cover penis, answer any questions 'I think it was just a good team effort. Leights played really well and we did a good job of shutting down passing lanes. Our forecheck was on. We were getting pucks deep and causing some turnovers. We all believed we could come back and tie this series and we did. Now it's best out of 3 and things just got a little more FABULOUS!"
11:30 - Hop on team bus. Call parents. Text coffee girl. If Claude tries to sit next to me throw my leg on the seat just before he sits down.
12:00 - Crack a PBR on the plane. Cheers the boys and tell them that in a week you might not be drinking out of cans, but a cup. |
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Written by Ryan
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Friday, 04 June 2010 06:53 |
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I just wanted to go on record as saying I think this commercial is badass.
Best parts? Richie at the beginning and Richie hitting Leighton's pads.
Worst parts? Both times that 'Holler if you've been down the same road.' is played. The repetition makes it sound like a jingle.
So I don't know where Eminem was or if he was even gone or if he's back, but I just listened to that entire song as I search the internet in an attempt to drown out the Justin Beiber that is flooding midtown during his performance on the Today Show. Seriously, the entire city of New York can fully understand the words of every song every Friday morning of the summer as the Today Show puts on their Summer Concert Series. Looking forward to Xtina next week.
Man does Eminem remind me of being 18, the toughest white kid driving around in a Jeep Cherokee you never saw! |
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