Ok, so they don't suck. But there is a lot of trepidation that they will duplicate their 10 game winless streak from last year coming out of the All-Star break.
There seems to be a consensus that the main reason the Flyers are struggling (Or possibly will be struggling) is a lack of effort/energy/enthusiasm/hard work/etc. And while, at times, I can see that as a problem, I see something much more concrete. And perhaps cliche.
The Flyers struggle because they don't execute. Passes are off the mark - most often into a teammates skates; pucks are sliding off a player's stick as they go to shoot or pass; pucks bounce away from players. To put it simply, they just aren't as sharp as they were when they were winning consistently. It's a hard thing to notice to the untrained eye (Yeah, the guy who's never worn a pair of ice skates has a "trained" eye), but at the NHL level, being a "tad off" is often the difference between winning and losing.
I find it hard to believe that this team isn't working hard enough. In hockey, a team follows their captain more than any other sport. And Mike Richards is shaping up to be a fantastic captain. Based on how hard he works, the team follows suit. It also helps that he has a handful of teammates who are natural leaders and hard workers. Work ethic is not the issue with this team.
There is one area that they do appear to be getting lazy in; decision making. I think that because of the success they've had earlier this season, certain players have become a little too comfortable with the puck. Jeff Carter's line is a prime example. I could see around the turn of the calendar year that, despite their amazing success together, a slump was coming. How could I tell? They were getting too cute with the puck. They were trying to make the pretty play. At the time, it was still working. But now it's not. That line needs to get back to the basics by just getting the puck to the net.
While they have not played terribly lately, they are losing games they shouldn't lose. And, quite frankly, they can't afford to lose out on these points with the competition the way it is in the East. The Flyers need to break out of this mini-funk they're in before it turns into a season altering funk. Despite the streak last year, they still made the playoffs, and made a nice run in the playoffs. But they lost out on home ice advantage. And judging by how well some of the teams in the East are playing at home this year, they will need it this time around.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
There Is No Fate in Sports
The Eagles can't keep the fans' feelings of invincibility, from the Phillies' title, alive.
Fate. Destiny. Meant to be. These, along with countless other cliches, seem to be used to describe at least one team's success every year in every sport. Unfortunately none of it exists. As was proven in the NFC Championship on Sunday, the better team that day will win. Period.
Philadelphia fans saw something extraordinary this fall. By now the Phillies' story is well known. Throughout the month of October, fans invested more and more emotion into their sports team. And for the first time in 25 years, they weren't let down. First the first time in my life (Coincidentally, I'm 25 years old), I now knew I wasn't always going to be doomed to the "Close, but no cigar."
And then when everything line up perfectly for the Eagles on the final day of the regular season, in order for them to make the playoffs, things seemed destined. Things seemed even more destined when we found out that the only thing between the Birds and the Super Bowl were the Arizona Cardinals; the same Cardinals the Eagles crushed on Thanksgiving Night; the same Cardinals who's championship drought dwarfs that of the Eagles.
Before the Phillies' breaking through in October, I'd view this past Eagles game with a certain degree of trepidation. But things are different now. I went all out, emotionally, on this one. Because of the Phillies, this Eagles team appeared destined to do something special as well. Lesson learned; games, and championships especially, are won on the field (or ice or court), not in the "heavens."
Fate. Destiny. Meant to be. These, along with countless other cliches, seem to be used to describe at least one team's success every year in every sport. Unfortunately none of it exists. As was proven in the NFC Championship on Sunday, the better team that day will win. Period.
Philadelphia fans saw something extraordinary this fall. By now the Phillies' story is well known. Throughout the month of October, fans invested more and more emotion into their sports team. And for the first time in 25 years, they weren't let down. First the first time in my life (Coincidentally, I'm 25 years old), I now knew I wasn't always going to be doomed to the "Close, but no cigar."
And then when everything line up perfectly for the Eagles on the final day of the regular season, in order for them to make the playoffs, things seemed destined. Things seemed even more destined when we found out that the only thing between the Birds and the Super Bowl were the Arizona Cardinals; the same Cardinals the Eagles crushed on Thanksgiving Night; the same Cardinals who's championship drought dwarfs that of the Eagles.
Before the Phillies' breaking through in October, I'd view this past Eagles game with a certain degree of trepidation. But things are different now. I went all out, emotionally, on this one. Because of the Phillies, this Eagles team appeared destined to do something special as well. Lesson learned; games, and championships especially, are won on the field (or ice or court), not in the "heavens."
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Another Reason to Lose Respect for Malkin (And ESPN)
Apparently the two Russian stars' friendship is on the ropes. And ESPN thinks this is something we should all know.
That's right; according to this ESPN article NHL stars, and Russian natives, Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin are feuding. To summarize (and to not subject anyone to actually having to read ESPN's article), the friendship is being strained because Malkin does not like how physical Ovechkin plays against him when their two teams meet.
Get ready for the worst quote by a hockey player ever. "Ovechkin is a great player, but every time he hits me -- I don't know why," Malkin said. Hey Geno (A nickname his teammates gave him), hockey is a physical game. Hitting is part of the game. And for Ovechkin, hitting hard is part of his game. That is what makes him the most dominant player in the world (That, and the enormous amount of talent he's been gifted with). He's not afraid to throw his weight around.
Now, Malkin is either necessarily. I've seen him throw a number of solid hits that lead to scoring chances. So, Malkin is apparently fine with the physical part of the game except when it's done to him, especially by his friends. I wonder if he expects Ovechkin to take it easy on him when their teams play each other.
For all the talent that Malkin has, he continues to show me he doesn't have the toughness to be an all-time great. From his running away from Russia to play in the NHL, we saw his selfishness. From his increasingly shrinking role in the playoffs last year, we saw that he doesn't have the desire to win as much as his teammate Sidney Crosby (Or Ovechkin for that matter). And from this story, we know he expects certain opponents to take it easy on him. Granted, being barely old enough to drink, maybe Malkin has yet grow into the great leader that his talent suggests he should be. But the two other players mentioned above, both similar ages, have already shown their ability to be complete players and leaders.
That's right; according to this ESPN article NHL stars, and Russian natives, Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin are feuding. To summarize (and to not subject anyone to actually having to read ESPN's article), the friendship is being strained because Malkin does not like how physical Ovechkin plays against him when their two teams meet.
Get ready for the worst quote by a hockey player ever. "Ovechkin is a great player, but every time he hits me -- I don't know why," Malkin said. Hey Geno (A nickname his teammates gave him), hockey is a physical game. Hitting is part of the game. And for Ovechkin, hitting hard is part of his game. That is what makes him the most dominant player in the world (That, and the enormous amount of talent he's been gifted with). He's not afraid to throw his weight around.
Now, Malkin is either necessarily. I've seen him throw a number of solid hits that lead to scoring chances. So, Malkin is apparently fine with the physical part of the game except when it's done to him, especially by his friends. I wonder if he expects Ovechkin to take it easy on him when their teams play each other.
For all the talent that Malkin has, he continues to show me he doesn't have the toughness to be an all-time great. From his running away from Russia to play in the NHL, we saw his selfishness. From his increasingly shrinking role in the playoffs last year, we saw that he doesn't have the desire to win as much as his teammate Sidney Crosby (Or Ovechkin for that matter). And from this story, we know he expects certain opponents to take it easy on him. Granted, being barely old enough to drink, maybe Malkin has yet grow into the great leader that his talent suggests he should be. But the two other players mentioned above, both similar ages, have already shown their ability to be complete players and leaders.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Playoff Beards
The Eagles may be succeeding right now on the football field, but they are failing when it comes to instituting the playoff beard.
When I look back on my posts (which won't take that long considering my lack of activity over the past year), and I see a post labeled "Playoff Beards," I will no doubt think the post is about hockey. And I'm sure I'll get a couple of poor Google users to waste a minute of their time. But this issue is bugging me.
When the Eagles began their improbable (and unfinished) run to, and through, the playoffs, the players and coaches started growing facial hair in an effort to create some team unity. As dumb as that might sound to some, it's been done for years; most notably in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And I think it is one of the coolest things about hockey.
The Eagles are doing it wrong.
- First, defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson, who I really respect, shaved after the Birds' week 16 loss to the Redskins. I know all appeared lost at that point, but when you start something like this, you don't stop until your season is over (Officially).
- Second, some players aren't doing it. What?! I don't care if you can't grow a beard. You try. That is part of the fun of it; making fun of the baby faces.
- Don't trim the beard; too many players have goatees, chin straps, and generally well groomed facial hair. This tradition is not about style or looks. In fact, it is almost totally about the opposite. Everyone looks like crap. But everyone looks like crap together, as a team.
- I heard someone call WIP today and suggest that everyone in the City start their beards. No. You can't start two weeks into the playoffs, and even worse, over a month after the official start.
It was a nice attempt by the Eagles, and some have done it very nicely (*clears throat* Andy Reid). And in the end, it appears to have had the desired effect. But maybe a crazy tradition like this should be left to the experts of crazy traditions (Hockey players, for those not following).
When I look back on my posts (which won't take that long considering my lack of activity over the past year), and I see a post labeled "Playoff Beards," I will no doubt think the post is about hockey. And I'm sure I'll get a couple of poor Google users to waste a minute of their time. But this issue is bugging me.
When the Eagles began their improbable (and unfinished) run to, and through, the playoffs, the players and coaches started growing facial hair in an effort to create some team unity. As dumb as that might sound to some, it's been done for years; most notably in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And I think it is one of the coolest things about hockey.
The Eagles are doing it wrong.
- First, defensive coordinator, Jim Johnson, who I really respect, shaved after the Birds' week 16 loss to the Redskins. I know all appeared lost at that point, but when you start something like this, you don't stop until your season is over (Officially).
- Second, some players aren't doing it. What?! I don't care if you can't grow a beard. You try. That is part of the fun of it; making fun of the baby faces.
- Don't trim the beard; too many players have goatees, chin straps, and generally well groomed facial hair. This tradition is not about style or looks. In fact, it is almost totally about the opposite. Everyone looks like crap. But everyone looks like crap together, as a team.
- I heard someone call WIP today and suggest that everyone in the City start their beards. No. You can't start two weeks into the playoffs, and even worse, over a month after the official start.
It was a nice attempt by the Eagles, and some have done it very nicely (*clears throat* Andy Reid). And in the end, it appears to have had the desired effect. But maybe a crazy tradition like this should be left to the experts of crazy traditions (Hockey players, for those not following).
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Game 3: Are you confident?
So the World Series is coming back to Philly tied at a game a piece. This was the goal right? To get a split in Tampa? Then why do feel so uncomfortable about where this series is going? Maybe it's because I'm used to seeing Philly teams come up oh so short. Maybe it's something much more tangible; like the pitching (mis)matchup for game three. However, I think it's because the Phils appear to be in one of their offensive ruts that have plagued them this season, and it couldn't have come at a worse time.
I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority in thinking that Jamie Moyer will have a strong bounce back performance tonight in game 3. But the Rays have arguably their best pitcher, in Matt Garza, going against him. Garza, like the Phillies best pitcher Hamels, was the LCS MVP for the Rays. And that is not good news for an offense that has been absoluetly atrocious at hitting with runners in scoring position. 1 for 28 is not just bad, it's epic-ly bad. And it's not just hitting with runners in scoring position. It's simply putting the ball in play with runners at third and less than two outs. Game 1 was a 3-2 win by the Phils, but it easily could have 5 or 6 to 2 without getting a single extra hit. Same situation in game 2. With the score 3 or 4 to nothing, the Phillies had a runner on third with less than two outs in 3 straight innings. They failed to get the man home every time. You put the ball in play in those situations, and it's very conceivable that it's completely different game. And this without improving that RISP stat one bit.
Now back to Moyer. There's no way getting around it; Moyer has not looked good in his two playoff starts. But for some reason, I'm strangely oppomistic he'll have a strong start. Let's not forget Moyer won 16 games this year and was the Phils most consistent pitcher at times this year. He's been in the league forever, and the only way you stay in the league as long as he has is by being able to bounce back from tough starts. But there is a bigger reason for opptimism: the matchup. I look at the Rays, and I see a lot of similarities to the Florida Marlins; a team that is young, aggresive, and can hit the ball with the best of them. But the downside to that is that they are young and aggresive. What?! Moyer has dominated the Marlins in his career because he has been able to use that aggressiveness against them. His array of breaking and offspeed pitches are especially effective when the hitters are looking to pound the ball, and will expand the strike zone in order to do it. Granted, the Rays are not the Marlins. They are more patient, and can score without hitting the homerun. But I think there are more than enough similarities to be confident.
As good as Moyer could potentially be tonight, the key to game 3 lies in the bats of the Philadelphia hitters. They've gotten guys on base, and in scoring position, a lot during this series so far. They "simply" haven't been able to hit them in. At all. There are two ways to look at this. Either they are bound to start connecting, because no team can this futile for too long. Or this is an example of the offensive problems that have haunted this supposedly vaunted offense all season. This weekend, all eyes should be on the offense, as has been the case all season.
I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority in thinking that Jamie Moyer will have a strong bounce back performance tonight in game 3. But the Rays have arguably their best pitcher, in Matt Garza, going against him. Garza, like the Phillies best pitcher Hamels, was the LCS MVP for the Rays. And that is not good news for an offense that has been absoluetly atrocious at hitting with runners in scoring position. 1 for 28 is not just bad, it's epic-ly bad. And it's not just hitting with runners in scoring position. It's simply putting the ball in play with runners at third and less than two outs. Game 1 was a 3-2 win by the Phils, but it easily could have 5 or 6 to 2 without getting a single extra hit. Same situation in game 2. With the score 3 or 4 to nothing, the Phillies had a runner on third with less than two outs in 3 straight innings. They failed to get the man home every time. You put the ball in play in those situations, and it's very conceivable that it's completely different game. And this without improving that RISP stat one bit.
Now back to Moyer. There's no way getting around it; Moyer has not looked good in his two playoff starts. But for some reason, I'm strangely oppomistic he'll have a strong start. Let's not forget Moyer won 16 games this year and was the Phils most consistent pitcher at times this year. He's been in the league forever, and the only way you stay in the league as long as he has is by being able to bounce back from tough starts. But there is a bigger reason for opptimism: the matchup. I look at the Rays, and I see a lot of similarities to the Florida Marlins; a team that is young, aggresive, and can hit the ball with the best of them. But the downside to that is that they are young and aggresive. What?! Moyer has dominated the Marlins in his career because he has been able to use that aggressiveness against them. His array of breaking and offspeed pitches are especially effective when the hitters are looking to pound the ball, and will expand the strike zone in order to do it. Granted, the Rays are not the Marlins. They are more patient, and can score without hitting the homerun. But I think there are more than enough similarities to be confident.
As good as Moyer could potentially be tonight, the key to game 3 lies in the bats of the Philadelphia hitters. They've gotten guys on base, and in scoring position, a lot during this series so far. They "simply" haven't been able to hit them in. At all. There are two ways to look at this. Either they are bound to start connecting, because no team can this futile for too long. Or this is an example of the offensive problems that have haunted this supposedly vaunted offense all season. This weekend, all eyes should be on the offense, as has been the case all season.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Sacrifice to the Philly Sports God....William Penn (UPDATE)
Original posted last summer (7/27/2007):
1983 was a very good year. Hell, it was the year that I was brought onto the planet. But also, it was the last time a pro sports team from Philadelphia won a championship. That team was the 76ers, and they did it by sweeping the LA Lakers in four games. Shorty there after, a new skyscraper was announced who's height would top the hat of the William Penn statue atop City Hall. And in 1987, the building, known as One Liberty Place, opened; effectively ending the Gentleman's Agreement within the city to never build a building taller than that William Penn statue. No major sports team in the city has since won a championship, and in fact many have dramatically fallen just short a number of times since then. The reason "The Curse of William Penn" has been brought back into the news (besides continued failure by the sports teams, accentuated by the Phillies accumulating their 10,000th loss last week) is because there has been an attempt to break the curse. The new Comcast building in Philadelphia, scheduled to open late 2007, early 2008, will be the new tallest building in the city. And in an effort to appease the city's founder, William Penn, a miniature statue of Billy has been placed atop the new skyscraper; giving him the best view in town, once again.
An outsider would probably view the curse as silly superstition. But to those of us entrenched in sports lore, especially here in Philadelphia, this superstition is eerily believable. Let's take a look at the "coincidences."
- Right around the time the announcement was made to break the Gentleman's Agreement, Flyer's goaltender, Pelle Lindbergh, was tradegically killed in a car accident. The Flyers would go on to a number of successful seasons in following his death in the 1980's, but were never able to get over the hump. Would having a goalie as talented as Pelle have made the difference?
- Let's stick with the Flyers. A mere two months after One Liberty Place's opening, the Flyers went to the Stanley Cup Finals and ran into the Wayne Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers; perhaps one of the best teams assembled in the NHL. The Flyers fought valiantly but eventually fell to the Oilers in seven games. A similar situation happened again in 1997. After cruising through the Eastern Conference, they ran into a dynasty in the making; the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings went on to sweep the Flyers, followed by another championship the following year and yet another in 2001-2002.
- Still sticking with the Flyers, the 2000 and 2004 playoff runs stick out in memory. In 2000, the Flyers, leading three games to one in the Eastern Conference Finals, dropped three straight to the New Jersey Devils to lose the series. The Devils went on to beat a very beatable Dallas Stars team for the Stanley Cup. 2004 also saw the Flyers make it to the conference finals. But injuries proved to be the difference in a seven game series loss to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Instead of building on that success, the following season was canceled due to a labor dispute. Since the lockout ended, the Flyers have yet to regain that level of performance, winning just two playoff game total.
- The Philadelphia 76ers, as stated above, were the last team to win a championship. And since that moment, they have done very little. However, in 2001, they made it to the NBA finals where, like the Flyers, they ran into a dynasty in the making. The LA Lakers took them out in five games.
- The Philadelphia Phillies are well known for their losing ways. But the late 70's and early 80's saw a team that won a World Series (1980) and won four other division titles and another pennant in 1983. Since that moment (which just happens to be in close proximity to the announcement of One Liberty Place), they have made the playoffs only once. That was 1993 when they came out of nowhere to win the NL pennant only to lose the World Series in six games on a heartbreaking walk-off homerun by Joe Carter.
- The Philadelphia Eagles first Super Bowl appearance was in 1980. The next 20 years saw very little success (except for a few teams led by one of the best, and most underrated, defenses ever). Once Andy Reid took over as coach in 1999, the team has had as many close calls and depressing losses as any team in sports over such a short period. Starting in 2001, the Eagles went to four straight NFC championship games, losing all but the last. The first appearance in 2001 was considered a pleasant surprise by many, as the team was young and on the upswing. But still, they came within five points of beating the "Greatest Show on Turf," the St. Louis Rams. The next year was perhaps the most depressing Eagles game in history. The Eagles were facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team they dominated in recent memory, at Veterans Stadium (which would be the final game they ever played there, as they moved to the "Link" across the street the following season). When all was said and done, the Eagles had lost a heartbreaker, and the Bucs went on beat a hopeless Oakland Raiders team in the Super Bowl. The 2003 Eagles got of to a slow start before eventually becoming one of the hottest teams in the league and winning home field advantage for the NFC championship game for the second straight year. This time they lost to the Carolina Panthers. They finally got over the hump in 2004, beating the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC championship game. But, like the Flyers and Sixers before them, they ran into another dynasty in the making. The New England Patriots had won the previous year as well as in 2001. The heavy underdog Eagles lost by only a field goal.
Philadelphia sports history is full of stories of about the agony of defeat, much like most cities. However, the concentration of those stories in the years following the construction of One Liberty Place, and the ending of William Penn's reign atop the city, is hard to fathom. The Curse of William Penn has taken such hold in this championship starved city, that even Comcast Spectacor (the owners of the new Comcast Building as well as the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers) has given into superstition by giving William Penn a new throne, albeit a mini one, at the tallest point in the city. And if the curse shall be broken shortly after the opening of the Comcast building's opening, there will be those people who say it is all a coincidence. But, like the song "Grandma got run over by a reindeer," as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
Update (T-minus 1 day until the Phillies open the World Series in Tampa, Florida):
Still don't believe in the curse of William Penn? Well, the first team with a chance to end Philadelphia's championship drought since the Comcast people did there part to end the curse, is only four wins away from doing so. Now, granted, the Phillies have not won yet. But it's an awfully amazing coincidence, don't you think? As much as I have given into the curse of William Penn, I must admit that if the Phillies finish off this season with a title, I will be more than a little freaked out. Of course, that little celebration on Broad Street might make up for that.
1983 was a very good year. Hell, it was the year that I was brought onto the planet. But also, it was the last time a pro sports team from Philadelphia won a championship. That team was the 76ers, and they did it by sweeping the LA Lakers in four games. Shorty there after, a new skyscraper was announced who's height would top the hat of the William Penn statue atop City Hall. And in 1987, the building, known as One Liberty Place, opened; effectively ending the Gentleman's Agreement within the city to never build a building taller than that William Penn statue. No major sports team in the city has since won a championship, and in fact many have dramatically fallen just short a number of times since then. The reason "The Curse of William Penn" has been brought back into the news (besides continued failure by the sports teams, accentuated by the Phillies accumulating their 10,000th loss last week) is because there has been an attempt to break the curse. The new Comcast building in Philadelphia, scheduled to open late 2007, early 2008, will be the new tallest building in the city. And in an effort to appease the city's founder, William Penn, a miniature statue of Billy has been placed atop the new skyscraper; giving him the best view in town, once again.
An outsider would probably view the curse as silly superstition. But to those of us entrenched in sports lore, especially here in Philadelphia, this superstition is eerily believable. Let's take a look at the "coincidences."
- Right around the time the announcement was made to break the Gentleman's Agreement, Flyer's goaltender, Pelle Lindbergh, was tradegically killed in a car accident. The Flyers would go on to a number of successful seasons in following his death in the 1980's, but were never able to get over the hump. Would having a goalie as talented as Pelle have made the difference?
- Let's stick with the Flyers. A mere two months after One Liberty Place's opening, the Flyers went to the Stanley Cup Finals and ran into the Wayne Gretzky's Edmonton Oilers; perhaps one of the best teams assembled in the NHL. The Flyers fought valiantly but eventually fell to the Oilers in seven games. A similar situation happened again in 1997. After cruising through the Eastern Conference, they ran into a dynasty in the making; the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings went on to sweep the Flyers, followed by another championship the following year and yet another in 2001-2002.
- Still sticking with the Flyers, the 2000 and 2004 playoff runs stick out in memory. In 2000, the Flyers, leading three games to one in the Eastern Conference Finals, dropped three straight to the New Jersey Devils to lose the series. The Devils went on to beat a very beatable Dallas Stars team for the Stanley Cup. 2004 also saw the Flyers make it to the conference finals. But injuries proved to be the difference in a seven game series loss to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Instead of building on that success, the following season was canceled due to a labor dispute. Since the lockout ended, the Flyers have yet to regain that level of performance, winning just two playoff game total.
- The Philadelphia 76ers, as stated above, were the last team to win a championship. And since that moment, they have done very little. However, in 2001, they made it to the NBA finals where, like the Flyers, they ran into a dynasty in the making. The LA Lakers took them out in five games.
- The Philadelphia Phillies are well known for their losing ways. But the late 70's and early 80's saw a team that won a World Series (1980) and won four other division titles and another pennant in 1983. Since that moment (which just happens to be in close proximity to the announcement of One Liberty Place), they have made the playoffs only once. That was 1993 when they came out of nowhere to win the NL pennant only to lose the World Series in six games on a heartbreaking walk-off homerun by Joe Carter.
- The Philadelphia Eagles first Super Bowl appearance was in 1980. The next 20 years saw very little success (except for a few teams led by one of the best, and most underrated, defenses ever). Once Andy Reid took over as coach in 1999, the team has had as many close calls and depressing losses as any team in sports over such a short period. Starting in 2001, the Eagles went to four straight NFC championship games, losing all but the last. The first appearance in 2001 was considered a pleasant surprise by many, as the team was young and on the upswing. But still, they came within five points of beating the "Greatest Show on Turf," the St. Louis Rams. The next year was perhaps the most depressing Eagles game in history. The Eagles were facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team they dominated in recent memory, at Veterans Stadium (which would be the final game they ever played there, as they moved to the "Link" across the street the following season). When all was said and done, the Eagles had lost a heartbreaker, and the Bucs went on beat a hopeless Oakland Raiders team in the Super Bowl. The 2003 Eagles got of to a slow start before eventually becoming one of the hottest teams in the league and winning home field advantage for the NFC championship game for the second straight year. This time they lost to the Carolina Panthers. They finally got over the hump in 2004, beating the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC championship game. But, like the Flyers and Sixers before them, they ran into another dynasty in the making. The New England Patriots had won the previous year as well as in 2001. The heavy underdog Eagles lost by only a field goal.
Philadelphia sports history is full of stories of about the agony of defeat, much like most cities. However, the concentration of those stories in the years following the construction of One Liberty Place, and the ending of William Penn's reign atop the city, is hard to fathom. The Curse of William Penn has taken such hold in this championship starved city, that even Comcast Spectacor (the owners of the new Comcast Building as well as the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers) has given into superstition by giving William Penn a new throne, albeit a mini one, at the tallest point in the city. And if the curse shall be broken shortly after the opening of the Comcast building's opening, there will be those people who say it is all a coincidence. But, like the song "Grandma got run over by a reindeer," as for me and Grandpa, we believe.
Update (T-minus 1 day until the Phillies open the World Series in Tampa, Florida):
Still don't believe in the curse of William Penn? Well, the first team with a chance to end Philadelphia's championship drought since the Comcast people did there part to end the curse, is only four wins away from doing so. Now, granted, the Phillies have not won yet. But it's an awfully amazing coincidence, don't you think? As much as I have given into the curse of William Penn, I must admit that if the Phillies finish off this season with a title, I will be more than a little freaked out. Of course, that little celebration on Broad Street might make up for that.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Warning Received by Flyers
In the Flyers' first action after they were hit with their fifth suspension of the young season, and received a stern warning from the league regarding further indiscretions, they skated to a 3-1 win over the home Minnesota Wild. And in the process, they perhaps learned what the league meant by "warning." The door to their penalty box is going to open much more frequently than the opponents for the remainder of this season.
Within the first minute of Wednesday's game, the Danny Briere was sent to the box after being pushed into the Wild goalie. Within the first two minutes of the game, the Wild had their first two man advantage when Mike Richards was caught for "slashing" when his stoke broke on the ice within a crowd of players. In all, the Wild had eight power plays, including two man advantage time totaling 3:24, to only two power plays for the Flyers.
Ok, granted; sometimes this happens. Sometimes one team is forcing the play and that is causing the other team to "chase" and the penalties are soon to follow. However, that was not the case on Wednesday. Despite three power plays to none in the first period, the Flyers entered the dressing room with a 2-0 lead, only being outshot 10-9 in the process. The Wild were not forcing the play.
And it wasn't just what was being called against the Flyers. Sometimes games are called tight. I'm fine with that. But this was not an example of that. The Wild, while they didn't get away with murder, they got away with much more than the Flyers. Thankfully for the Flyers, Nittymaki was on his game and they held the Wild to just 1-8 on the PP.
Maybe it's a bit of conspiracy theorist in me when I say this game was the result of the league bringing the hammer down against the Flyers. Maybe it's the referee's taking matters into their own hands, and keeping an extra close eye on the Flyers (at the expense of an eye on the other team). Whatever the reason for the clearly uneven officiating, the Flyers need to be prepared for it the rest of the season. Whether it's fair or not, they have gained a reputation of being dirty, and that is something that is not easily ignored by officiating crews. So far, the Flyers have dealt with that in the right way....by winning.
Within the first minute of Wednesday's game, the Danny Briere was sent to the box after being pushed into the Wild goalie. Within the first two minutes of the game, the Wild had their first two man advantage when Mike Richards was caught for "slashing" when his stoke broke on the ice within a crowd of players. In all, the Wild had eight power plays, including two man advantage time totaling 3:24, to only two power plays for the Flyers.
Ok, granted; sometimes this happens. Sometimes one team is forcing the play and that is causing the other team to "chase" and the penalties are soon to follow. However, that was not the case on Wednesday. Despite three power plays to none in the first period, the Flyers entered the dressing room with a 2-0 lead, only being outshot 10-9 in the process. The Wild were not forcing the play.
And it wasn't just what was being called against the Flyers. Sometimes games are called tight. I'm fine with that. But this was not an example of that. The Wild, while they didn't get away with murder, they got away with much more than the Flyers. Thankfully for the Flyers, Nittymaki was on his game and they held the Wild to just 1-8 on the PP.
Maybe it's a bit of conspiracy theorist in me when I say this game was the result of the league bringing the hammer down against the Flyers. Maybe it's the referee's taking matters into their own hands, and keeping an extra close eye on the Flyers (at the expense of an eye on the other team). Whatever the reason for the clearly uneven officiating, the Flyers need to be prepared for it the rest of the season. Whether it's fair or not, they have gained a reputation of being dirty, and that is something that is not easily ignored by officiating crews. So far, the Flyers have dealt with that in the right way....by winning.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Flyers earn more than just two points with win
So far this young season, the Flyers have exorcised a number of demons that remained from last year's effort (I use that word effort loosely). But there was one that remained - until last night. The Flyers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-1, on the strength of two quick goals, earning them their first victory over the Penguins since April 11....in 2006. And by doing so, not only did they earn two more points and add a little space between them and the second best team in the Atlantic division thus far, but they proved to themselves that they can compete, and beat, their cross-state rivals
The "Oh-fer" against the Pens last year epitomized most things that were wrong with the team. They were too slow, they got poor goaltending, and their offense was non-existent when their top line wasn't on. All three of those things happened all eight times they faced off against Pittsburgh. The story of the Flyers early season turn around has been well documented (even if the growing suspension total has been arguably more well documented), but they still hadn't proved they could compete with young, fast, and aggressive teams. That changed Wednesday night.
The Flyers turned the tables on Pittsburgh on the first shift of the game. They forced Sidney Crosby, who has owned the Flyers in his young career, into a turnover in his own zone which the Flyers converted into a Joffrey Lupol goal. About five minutes later, Jeff Carter converted another Pittsburgh turnover into another goal and a 2-0 lead. Pittsburgh fought back the whole game, but they could never recover from the poor start.
The Flyers move on to play the Devils on Thursday, but you can be sure that their Saturday rematch with the Pens will be on their mind at least a little bit. In fact, the Devils will probably be thinking about the Pens too; they got throttled by Pittsburgh 5-0 in their previous game. With a win over the Devils, the Flyers can finish their season long road trip with a 4-4 record, and hit the 15 game mark with a 10-5 record; a mark that would surely meet even the loftiest of expectations heading into the season.
Odds and Ends:
Eric Lindros officially retired on Thursday, putting an anti-climactic end to his 13 year career. Not many athletes have come through Philadelphia and created more "controversy." And that is saying something. The Flyers mortgaged the house to bring "The Next One" (the first Next One before Crosby took the term) to the Orange and Black. He was supposed to bring numerous Stanley Cups to Philadelphia over the next 15 years or so, and during the first 6 years or so, it looked like that would really happen. But it all got derailed because of injuries and numerous off ice "crap," as ex-Flyers GM Bobby Clarke termed it. I look back on Lindros' career with a certain level of sadness, and despite how badly things turned out here when he left, a certain level of "Woulda, coulda, shoulda-ness."
The "Oh-fer" against the Pens last year epitomized most things that were wrong with the team. They were too slow, they got poor goaltending, and their offense was non-existent when their top line wasn't on. All three of those things happened all eight times they faced off against Pittsburgh. The story of the Flyers early season turn around has been well documented (even if the growing suspension total has been arguably more well documented), but they still hadn't proved they could compete with young, fast, and aggressive teams. That changed Wednesday night.
The Flyers turned the tables on Pittsburgh on the first shift of the game. They forced Sidney Crosby, who has owned the Flyers in his young career, into a turnover in his own zone which the Flyers converted into a Joffrey Lupol goal. About five minutes later, Jeff Carter converted another Pittsburgh turnover into another goal and a 2-0 lead. Pittsburgh fought back the whole game, but they could never recover from the poor start.
The Flyers move on to play the Devils on Thursday, but you can be sure that their Saturday rematch with the Pens will be on their mind at least a little bit. In fact, the Devils will probably be thinking about the Pens too; they got throttled by Pittsburgh 5-0 in their previous game. With a win over the Devils, the Flyers can finish their season long road trip with a 4-4 record, and hit the 15 game mark with a 10-5 record; a mark that would surely meet even the loftiest of expectations heading into the season.
Odds and Ends:
Eric Lindros officially retired on Thursday, putting an anti-climactic end to his 13 year career. Not many athletes have come through Philadelphia and created more "controversy." And that is saying something. The Flyers mortgaged the house to bring "The Next One" (the first Next One before Crosby took the term) to the Orange and Black. He was supposed to bring numerous Stanley Cups to Philadelphia over the next 15 years or so, and during the first 6 years or so, it looked like that would really happen. But it all got derailed because of injuries and numerous off ice "crap," as ex-Flyers GM Bobby Clarke termed it. I look back on Lindros' career with a certain level of sadness, and despite how badly things turned out here when he left, a certain level of "Woulda, coulda, shoulda-ness."
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Penguins provide true test for Flyers
After a 6-1 start, the Philadelphia Flyers have slipped to 8-5, and are now tied for the Atlantic Division lead...with the Islanders. I think it's pretty safe to say that the Flyers are light years beyond the basement dwellers of last season, but are they the team that roared to a 6-1 start? It appears the answer is no. But who really knows this early in the season. In the next three games, the Flyers play Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and Pittsburgh again, in the first home game after their season long 8 game road trip. And that is where we will learn a great deal more about where this team actually is.
Wrap your head around this: The Flyers played the Penguins 8 times last season to an 0-8 record, getting outscored 42-19 in the process. They were simply a team that couldn't match up any worse against the Pens, and the stats show it. Granted, the Flyers lost to most teams last year, and lost bad in some situations, but the Penguins were, and are, a type of team that dominated the Flyers. They were fast, skilled, and played an aggressive style of defense. In fact, the Flyers' biggest struggles came against teams that played that way.
Despite this season's early success, and relatively speaking amazing success, the Flyers still have shown that they struggle against that style of play. Teams that bring the pressure with flying forwards and pinching defenseman have had success against the Flyers this season, even when it didn't end in victory. The Flyers can thank Marty Biron for that. Two specific losses on the current road trip that demonstrated that weakness against that style of play were against Tampa Bay and Montreal. Both those teams made the Flyers look a little like they did last year, and in those situations, Biron was not able to bail the team out.
If the Flyers truly are as improved as they have looked at times this season, then they need to show it in the upcoming three games; specifically against Pittsburgh. They simply need to show that they can beat the Pens, and they need to show it right away. The longer they go this season without knocking down Pittsburgh, the harder and harder it will be to finally do it, as those demons creep closer and closer to the forefront of everyone's psyche.
They have two chances in the next three games to exorcise those particular demons, and if they do, they will prove to everyone - the fans, the Penguins, and, most importantly, themselves - that they truly are a team improved to the point of being a season long threat to take the division.
Wrap your head around this: The Flyers played the Penguins 8 times last season to an 0-8 record, getting outscored 42-19 in the process. They were simply a team that couldn't match up any worse against the Pens, and the stats show it. Granted, the Flyers lost to most teams last year, and lost bad in some situations, but the Penguins were, and are, a type of team that dominated the Flyers. They were fast, skilled, and played an aggressive style of defense. In fact, the Flyers' biggest struggles came against teams that played that way.
Despite this season's early success, and relatively speaking amazing success, the Flyers still have shown that they struggle against that style of play. Teams that bring the pressure with flying forwards and pinching defenseman have had success against the Flyers this season, even when it didn't end in victory. The Flyers can thank Marty Biron for that. Two specific losses on the current road trip that demonstrated that weakness against that style of play were against Tampa Bay and Montreal. Both those teams made the Flyers look a little like they did last year, and in those situations, Biron was not able to bail the team out.
If the Flyers truly are as improved as they have looked at times this season, then they need to show it in the upcoming three games; specifically against Pittsburgh. They simply need to show that they can beat the Pens, and they need to show it right away. The longer they go this season without knocking down Pittsburgh, the harder and harder it will be to finally do it, as those demons creep closer and closer to the forefront of everyone's psyche.
They have two chances in the next three games to exorcise those particular demons, and if they do, they will prove to everyone - the fans, the Penguins, and, most importantly, themselves - that they truly are a team improved to the point of being a season long threat to take the division.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
In a Galaxy Far Far away...or Indianapolis
This week's matchup between the 8-0 New England Patriots and the 7-0 Indianapolis Colts has been billed as a lot of things; Super Bowl 41 1/2 for example, and for good reason. There may never have been a regular season game that carried so many implications. But this game goes well beyond the X's and O's; it's another classic example of Good vs. Evil. And what story better portrays that classic struggle than Star Wars.
Take a look at the story lines surrounding this game, and the similarities to the science fiction epic are as uncanny as they are fun. In this NFL version of a galaxy far far away, the Galactic Empire is played by none other than the New England Patriots, and the Colts take on the role of the Rebel Alliance.
It all starts with the Emperor, Bill Belichick. Everything from the evil genius scheming to the shroud of secrecy that surrounds the team parallel Palpatine's reign as Emperor. Belichick even dresses like him with the ragged hoody. It seems that every move Belichick makes is either genius or evil. There are some that contend that he got caught stealing signs on purpose, to provide his team with a new batch of "prove them wrong" motivation. And I'm starting to believe that lately. And his decisions to keep his stars in and beat opponents into the ground is a cold hearted as they come.
From the Emperor, we go to Darth Vader, played by Tom Brady. Like Vader, Brady is really a good guy at heart, but he is merely a puppet of his boss. They both hold talents that are rivaled by none in the "universe," and they both wield those talents with amazing skill. It's hard to blame Brady for running up the score; he is simply going out there when the coach tells him runs the plays that are called by the coach.
On the other side of things, the Colts are the anti-Patriots as much as they are the Colts. Starting at the top, Tony Dungy is liked by anybody and everybody who has any interest in football. Dungy has no problem with deflecting praise away from himself, and his attitude that permeates the Colts organization defines the democratic ideals and openness of the Rebel Alliance.
The way Peyton Manning leads the Colts is eerily similar to the way Luke Skywalker led the Rebels. Peyton is simply the face of the NFL universe, just as Luke is in Star Wars. He is matched in skill by no one other than maybe Brady, just as Luke is matched by no one other than Vader. But unlike Brady and the Dark Lord, Peyton has a huge say in how things are run on the football field. He is given a level of play calling that no one in the league can match.
The analogy even goes back to when this Patriots team won its first Super Bowl against the Rams. At that time they were nowhere near the Empire status they have achieved since. In fact, they were essentially America's team, coming out of nowhere to beat the Greatest Show on Turf in a season marked by September 11. And in the Star Wars saga, the Empire was originally the Galactic Senate and a bastion of peace. To make a long story short, they turn evil, and as they became more powerful, they became more evil. That first Patriots Super Bowl winner was a team with a very modest amount of talent. And each year they gained more and more weapons, until this season when they look like one of the most dominant teams the league has ever seen.
Both these teams are the premiere forces in the league. But they couldn't be any more different. No other teams have had a rivalry in recent memory that can come anywhere close to matching the Colts and Pats. Star Wars may be the geek in me coming out, but how can you argue with the classic struggle of good vs. evil. And how can you argue with Indianapolis vs. New England.
Take a look at the story lines surrounding this game, and the similarities to the science fiction epic are as uncanny as they are fun. In this NFL version of a galaxy far far away, the Galactic Empire is played by none other than the New England Patriots, and the Colts take on the role of the Rebel Alliance.
It all starts with the Emperor, Bill Belichick. Everything from the evil genius scheming to the shroud of secrecy that surrounds the team parallel Palpatine's reign as Emperor. Belichick even dresses like him with the ragged hoody. It seems that every move Belichick makes is either genius or evil. There are some that contend that he got caught stealing signs on purpose, to provide his team with a new batch of "prove them wrong" motivation. And I'm starting to believe that lately. And his decisions to keep his stars in and beat opponents into the ground is a cold hearted as they come.
From the Emperor, we go to Darth Vader, played by Tom Brady. Like Vader, Brady is really a good guy at heart, but he is merely a puppet of his boss. They both hold talents that are rivaled by none in the "universe," and they both wield those talents with amazing skill. It's hard to blame Brady for running up the score; he is simply going out there when the coach tells him runs the plays that are called by the coach.
On the other side of things, the Colts are the anti-Patriots as much as they are the Colts. Starting at the top, Tony Dungy is liked by anybody and everybody who has any interest in football. Dungy has no problem with deflecting praise away from himself, and his attitude that permeates the Colts organization defines the democratic ideals and openness of the Rebel Alliance.
The way Peyton Manning leads the Colts is eerily similar to the way Luke Skywalker led the Rebels. Peyton is simply the face of the NFL universe, just as Luke is in Star Wars. He is matched in skill by no one other than maybe Brady, just as Luke is matched by no one other than Vader. But unlike Brady and the Dark Lord, Peyton has a huge say in how things are run on the football field. He is given a level of play calling that no one in the league can match.
The analogy even goes back to when this Patriots team won its first Super Bowl against the Rams. At that time they were nowhere near the Empire status they have achieved since. In fact, they were essentially America's team, coming out of nowhere to beat the Greatest Show on Turf in a season marked by September 11. And in the Star Wars saga, the Empire was originally the Galactic Senate and a bastion of peace. To make a long story short, they turn evil, and as they became more powerful, they became more evil. That first Patriots Super Bowl winner was a team with a very modest amount of talent. And each year they gained more and more weapons, until this season when they look like one of the most dominant teams the league has ever seen.
Both these teams are the premiere forces in the league. But they couldn't be any more different. No other teams have had a rivalry in recent memory that can come anywhere close to matching the Colts and Pats. Star Wars may be the geek in me coming out, but how can you argue with the classic struggle of good vs. evil. And how can you argue with Indianapolis vs. New England.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Flyers' Richards not waiting for "C"
What is the most encouraging aspect of the Flyers' early season success? If you say the quick gelling of all of the new additions, the early dominance at home, or the clear #1 status and play of Martin Biron, you wouldn't necessarily be wrong. But as far as the continued success of the Flyers goes, the most important development we've seen this season is the emergence of Mike Richards as a team leader.
If there was one thing the Flyers added this past offseason, it was leadership, as Danny Briere, Kimmo Timonen, and Jason Smith were all captains on their previous teams. No disrespect to Smith, who was named the team's newest captain, but it has been the leadership of a player who was already here that has been the biggest reason to be confident for continued success. Mike Richards, now in his third year, was named an alternate captain this season, and he is wasting little time in proving the organization right in giving the young player such a leadership role.
Richards was drafted the same year as Jeff Carter, who is also beginning to live up to his high expectations this season. But Richards, while he might never be the natural scorer that Carter might be, has always been a natural leader. From the moment he was drafted, he was tabbed as the future captain of this team. And his play this season, after experiencing a season last year that no one, whether rookie or veteran, wants to experience, has proven that prediction a smart one.
In the season's first ten games, he has simply done it all. And he has done it all more consistently than anyone on the team. Through ten games this season, Richards has six goals and six assists. Not really MVP type numbers, I know, but that's the beautiful thing about hockey: the best leader doesn't need to be the biggest scorer. Out of his six goals, two came at even strength, two on the power play, and two while shorthanded. And two of those goals have been game winners. And in addition to the scoring, Richards has been the Flyers best hitting forward, and best backchecking forward.
Richards might not lead the league in scoring, or any category for that matter. In fact, he may not lead his team in any category, but he will be everything a leader is supposed to be. Again, Jason Smith appears to be a very good captain, and could be their captain for a number of years to come, but it appears inevitable that he will pass the "C" onto Mike Richards when he retires or leaves the team. But in the mean time, Richards will just pretend that "A" is a "C," and that can be nothing but great for the Flyers.
If there was one thing the Flyers added this past offseason, it was leadership, as Danny Briere, Kimmo Timonen, and Jason Smith were all captains on their previous teams. No disrespect to Smith, who was named the team's newest captain, but it has been the leadership of a player who was already here that has been the biggest reason to be confident for continued success. Mike Richards, now in his third year, was named an alternate captain this season, and he is wasting little time in proving the organization right in giving the young player such a leadership role.
Richards was drafted the same year as Jeff Carter, who is also beginning to live up to his high expectations this season. But Richards, while he might never be the natural scorer that Carter might be, has always been a natural leader. From the moment he was drafted, he was tabbed as the future captain of this team. And his play this season, after experiencing a season last year that no one, whether rookie or veteran, wants to experience, has proven that prediction a smart one.
In the season's first ten games, he has simply done it all. And he has done it all more consistently than anyone on the team. Through ten games this season, Richards has six goals and six assists. Not really MVP type numbers, I know, but that's the beautiful thing about hockey: the best leader doesn't need to be the biggest scorer. Out of his six goals, two came at even strength, two on the power play, and two while shorthanded. And two of those goals have been game winners. And in addition to the scoring, Richards has been the Flyers best hitting forward, and best backchecking forward.
Richards might not lead the league in scoring, or any category for that matter. In fact, he may not lead his team in any category, but he will be everything a leader is supposed to be. Again, Jason Smith appears to be a very good captain, and could be their captain for a number of years to come, but it appears inevitable that he will pass the "C" onto Mike Richards when he retires or leaves the team. But in the mean time, Richards will just pretend that "A" is a "C," and that can be nothing but great for the Flyers.
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Broad Street Bullies are NOT Back
With 47 games in suspensions during the first 10 games of the season, the Philadelphia Flyers are beginning to regain the reputation created by the 1970s version of the team. Or at least that's what seems to be the prevailing line of thinking outside of the Tri-State area. I suppose it's only natural that if you see three big hits resulting in injury, you conclude that these Flyers are making a conscious effort to get back to mean, physical hockey. However, the situation deserves closer examination before a conclusion is made.
All three suspensions that make up that number of 47 can be classified as isolated incidents. First, let's get to the one "hit" that can't be defended. The Jesse Boulerice stick attack has no place in the game, and the Flyers quickly, and rightfully, cut ties with him by placing him on waivers. The other hits were just that: hits, and therefore immediately lose all connection with Boulerice's assault. The first hit, by Steve Downie, was an example of a young player who needs to learn how to control his body while on the ice. Had he not launched his body at Ottawa's Dean McAmmond, it would've been a clean hit replayed on ESPN over and over. But, he did launch himself, and therefore deserved the punishment.
That brings us to the most recent incident involving a Flyer injuring an opposing player. It happened during Saturday's 2-1 win in Boston, when Randy Jones ran Patrice Bergeron into the boards behind the Flyers' net. Bergeron didn't get up from the hit and was carted off, but did regain consciousnesses and movement in his extremities after the game. Jones followed Bergeron down the wing, and then behind the net. Jones, like any defenseman, had to assume the forward would continue around the net. When Bergeron put on the brakes, he put himself in a vulnerable position, and Jones took advatage and drove him into the boards. Bergeron toppled forward, and his head just about went through the dasher. Jones was given a five minute major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct.
Jones, owner of zero major penalties in his NHL career, was extremely apologetic and remorseful for the hit. There was simply no intent to injure, and that combined with his history of Gandhi-esque non violence, surely played into his punishment of a two game suspension. The hit was definitely illegal, and he deserved to be kicked out of the game. No matter what your intent, you have to be in control of your body. But, when handing out a suspension, intent has to be the main factor. Not results, as is too often the case in the over-reactive NHL.
Back to the Broad Street Bullies. During the Flyers' championship years in the mid-seventies to early eighties, the organization did seek out players that could not only beat you, but also beat you. But, they continued to get away from that type of play as the game changed throughout the eighties and nineties. And when the game really changed after the lockout, in favor of quicker more skilled players, the changed even more. But as evidenced by last season's record, they didn't change enough. And as the story goes, the Flyers retooled and are now a force in this young season.
The Flyers organization can not, and should not, be blamed for these acts as an attempt to bring back the Broad Street Bullies. The most vicious of the acts was quickly taken care of by cutting Boulerice. Randy Jones is obviously not a player that would make a Flyers team from the mid-seventies. And that only leaves Steve Downie, who is a recent high draft pick, with a history of aggressiveness to match his talent. He is still young, and there is time for the organization to round the rough edges. He should not be given up on yet.
All three acts were isolated, no matter how vicious or benign you consider them. It does not make any sense to accuse a team that made a complete 180 shift toward speed and skill, in order to compete in the "new" NHL, of Bullying up their squad. And, all the worst, all this talk about a few unfortunate incidences is taking away from an amazing turnaround being performed by the Philadelphia Flyers.
All three suspensions that make up that number of 47 can be classified as isolated incidents. First, let's get to the one "hit" that can't be defended. The Jesse Boulerice stick attack has no place in the game, and the Flyers quickly, and rightfully, cut ties with him by placing him on waivers. The other hits were just that: hits, and therefore immediately lose all connection with Boulerice's assault. The first hit, by Steve Downie, was an example of a young player who needs to learn how to control his body while on the ice. Had he not launched his body at Ottawa's Dean McAmmond, it would've been a clean hit replayed on ESPN over and over. But, he did launch himself, and therefore deserved the punishment.
That brings us to the most recent incident involving a Flyer injuring an opposing player. It happened during Saturday's 2-1 win in Boston, when Randy Jones ran Patrice Bergeron into the boards behind the Flyers' net. Bergeron didn't get up from the hit and was carted off, but did regain consciousnesses and movement in his extremities after the game. Jones followed Bergeron down the wing, and then behind the net. Jones, like any defenseman, had to assume the forward would continue around the net. When Bergeron put on the brakes, he put himself in a vulnerable position, and Jones took advatage and drove him into the boards. Bergeron toppled forward, and his head just about went through the dasher. Jones was given a five minute major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct.
Jones, owner of zero major penalties in his NHL career, was extremely apologetic and remorseful for the hit. There was simply no intent to injure, and that combined with his history of Gandhi-esque non violence, surely played into his punishment of a two game suspension. The hit was definitely illegal, and he deserved to be kicked out of the game. No matter what your intent, you have to be in control of your body. But, when handing out a suspension, intent has to be the main factor. Not results, as is too often the case in the over-reactive NHL.
Back to the Broad Street Bullies. During the Flyers' championship years in the mid-seventies to early eighties, the organization did seek out players that could not only beat you, but also beat you. But, they continued to get away from that type of play as the game changed throughout the eighties and nineties. And when the game really changed after the lockout, in favor of quicker more skilled players, the changed even more. But as evidenced by last season's record, they didn't change enough. And as the story goes, the Flyers retooled and are now a force in this young season.
The Flyers organization can not, and should not, be blamed for these acts as an attempt to bring back the Broad Street Bullies. The most vicious of the acts was quickly taken care of by cutting Boulerice. Randy Jones is obviously not a player that would make a Flyers team from the mid-seventies. And that only leaves Steve Downie, who is a recent high draft pick, with a history of aggressiveness to match his talent. He is still young, and there is time for the organization to round the rough edges. He should not be given up on yet.
All three acts were isolated, no matter how vicious or benign you consider them. It does not make any sense to accuse a team that made a complete 180 shift toward speed and skill, in order to compete in the "new" NHL, of Bullying up their squad. And, all the worst, all this talk about a few unfortunate incidences is taking away from an amazing turnaround being performed by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Eagles Week Seven Report Card
Another week in the NFL season, and we are further from knowing who these Eagles really are than ever before. Or maybe, this is who the Eagles really are.
Passing Offense:
Another average day for McNabb and the receivers. They moved the ball between the twenties, and bogged down in the red zone; that area inside the twenty that has been called a number of names in Philly, none of which have the slightest positive connotation. McNabb made a nice pass on his lone TD pass, but also missed badly on an earlier red zone possession. Reggie Brown also dropped a TD pass on their first red zone possession, right after making two great catches to get them in position.
Grade: C
Rushing Offense:
When they ran, they ran fairly well. But you would expect a playmaker like Westbrook to run wild one week after the Bears let Adrian Peterson do everything but throw for a TD. The running game helped keep the Eagles in 3rd and short situations, but it disappeared late in the game with the Eagles nursing a lead. Some semblance of a running game would help the red zone woes too.
Grade: C+
Passing Defense:
Well, it was an A for 58 minutes. Then they gave up the winning touchdown, making Brian Griese look like John Elway in the process. Giving up a 97 yard TD drive with less than two minutes and no timeouts left is completely inexcusable, even if there are two holding penalties and a push off on the TD pass. They've held the team in every game while they got their act together, but when the chips were down, they folded.
Grade: C-
Rushing Defense:
Well, it was an A for 58 minutes too. And thankfully for them, teams don't run the ball when down by 4 with 97 yards to go and no timeouts left. So, technically they were good all game.
Grade: A
Special Teams:
Devin Hester touched the ball exactly zero times in the return game, and he was still the most effective player on the field on Sunday. The Eagles chose to kick to the short man on kickoffs, and out of bounds in the punting game, and as a result the Bears seemed to start every drive on their 40 yard line. And in a game full of field goals, this was huge for a team that couldn't move the ball. Hester basically won this game for the Bears.
Grade: F
Overall:
There was no getting around it; both teams needed to win this game. Only one did, and neither probably deserved to. There were a few good plays and a lot of bad ones. Their were poor penalties, poor non-calls, poor rules (that crazy fumbled snap that was technically a false start), and through it all the Eagles were still in a position to win. But they didn't. They moved the ball well, but they couldn't score. They held the Bears off the board, except when it counted. So is this what the Eagles really are this year? A 2-4 team that finds ways to lose instead of ways to win? For the time being, I think that has to be excepted as a very real possibility. There is still time to turn their season around, but with a game against New England, two against Dallas, and rematches with the Giants and Redskins still to come, the margin for error is now down to zero. And that doesn't seem like a very good thing for a team that has been anything but perfect.
Grade: D
Passing Offense:
Another average day for McNabb and the receivers. They moved the ball between the twenties, and bogged down in the red zone; that area inside the twenty that has been called a number of names in Philly, none of which have the slightest positive connotation. McNabb made a nice pass on his lone TD pass, but also missed badly on an earlier red zone possession. Reggie Brown also dropped a TD pass on their first red zone possession, right after making two great catches to get them in position.
Grade: C
Rushing Offense:
When they ran, they ran fairly well. But you would expect a playmaker like Westbrook to run wild one week after the Bears let Adrian Peterson do everything but throw for a TD. The running game helped keep the Eagles in 3rd and short situations, but it disappeared late in the game with the Eagles nursing a lead. Some semblance of a running game would help the red zone woes too.
Grade: C+
Passing Defense:
Well, it was an A for 58 minutes. Then they gave up the winning touchdown, making Brian Griese look like John Elway in the process. Giving up a 97 yard TD drive with less than two minutes and no timeouts left is completely inexcusable, even if there are two holding penalties and a push off on the TD pass. They've held the team in every game while they got their act together, but when the chips were down, they folded.
Grade: C-
Rushing Defense:
Well, it was an A for 58 minutes too. And thankfully for them, teams don't run the ball when down by 4 with 97 yards to go and no timeouts left. So, technically they were good all game.
Grade: A
Special Teams:
Devin Hester touched the ball exactly zero times in the return game, and he was still the most effective player on the field on Sunday. The Eagles chose to kick to the short man on kickoffs, and out of bounds in the punting game, and as a result the Bears seemed to start every drive on their 40 yard line. And in a game full of field goals, this was huge for a team that couldn't move the ball. Hester basically won this game for the Bears.
Grade: F
Overall:
There was no getting around it; both teams needed to win this game. Only one did, and neither probably deserved to. There were a few good plays and a lot of bad ones. Their were poor penalties, poor non-calls, poor rules (that crazy fumbled snap that was technically a false start), and through it all the Eagles were still in a position to win. But they didn't. They moved the ball well, but they couldn't score. They held the Bears off the board, except when it counted. So is this what the Eagles really are this year? A 2-4 team that finds ways to lose instead of ways to win? For the time being, I think that has to be excepted as a very real possibility. There is still time to turn their season around, but with a game against New England, two against Dallas, and rematches with the Giants and Redskins still to come, the margin for error is now down to zero. And that doesn't seem like a very good thing for a team that has been anything but perfect.
Grade: D
Sunday, October 21, 2007
It's Official: Hockey is Back in Philadelphia
There wasn't much debate that the Flyers "won" the offseason by becoming the league's most improved team. But how often has that victory led to success in the regular season? And how much improvement can a team that finished dead last in the league truly expect. Well, after Saturday's 3-2 OT thriller of a victory over the similarly resurgent Carolina Hurricanes, the Flyers have officially passed the point of "improved team." They are now a force in the NHL, like last season never happened.
The Flyers are now 6-1, and in first place in the Atlantic Division. After Gagne scored the game winner in OT against Carolina, the Flyers improved to 4-0 at home in the young season. Last year, they Flyers didn't get their fourth home victory until February 10! Despite the good start, their were critics who felt the Flyers hadn't beat any really good teams. And that was true until they beat the Hurricanes, who are playing much more like the team that won the Cup two seasons ago instead of the the team that missed the playoffs last year.
The Flyers have proven that they are capable of playing with, and beating, any team in the league. So, at this point, they have to be considered one of the top teams in the league. And while a lot of outcomes of this season would have been acceptable after what happened last season, with this start, expectations are right back to pre-2006-2007 levels. That means this team is expected to contend for a Championship.
The Flyers now embark on an eight game road trip. If the Flyers haven't already put last year behind them, a successful trip here will all but exorcise any remaining demons from last season.
The Flyers are now 6-1, and in first place in the Atlantic Division. After Gagne scored the game winner in OT against Carolina, the Flyers improved to 4-0 at home in the young season. Last year, they Flyers didn't get their fourth home victory until February 10! Despite the good start, their were critics who felt the Flyers hadn't beat any really good teams. And that was true until they beat the Hurricanes, who are playing much more like the team that won the Cup two seasons ago instead of the the team that missed the playoffs last year.
The Flyers have proven that they are capable of playing with, and beating, any team in the league. So, at this point, they have to be considered one of the top teams in the league. And while a lot of outcomes of this season would have been acceptable after what happened last season, with this start, expectations are right back to pre-2006-2007 levels. That means this team is expected to contend for a Championship.
The Flyers now embark on an eight game road trip. If the Flyers haven't already put last year behind them, a successful trip here will all but exorcise any remaining demons from last season.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Eagles Week Six Report Card
They needed a win. That's what they got. Even if it wasn't pretty, they made progress toward the team they are supposed to be this year.
Passing Offense
McNabb has had better days, but he has also had much worse. He was a respectable 22 of 35 for 278 yards and the game's lone touchdown; a 75 yard catch and run by Kevin Curtis. McNabb did through one interception while backed up on his own goal line. He can thank the defense for that one not costing them. Reggie Brown showed that he actually is playing this year, making 6 grabs for 89 yards. LJ Smith made a catch, but as a unit, the tight ends are still invisible. That needs to change sooner rather than later. McNabb capped off the passing game on the final drive with a huge third down completion to Brown that kept the drive alive, and moved the Eagles out of the shadow of their goal line. Passing game needs to be sharper in the Red Zone
Grade: Solid B
Rushing Offense
Brian Westbrook continues to show why he is now being recognized nationally as one of the best backs in the game. He gained 120 yards on 20 carries, and had a 19 TD wiped out by holding penalty. The Eagles ran the ball much more than Andy Reid is known for, but they failed to rush successfully, or at all, in the Red Zone; resulting in 4 field goal attempts and no TDs. Westbrook needs to see the ball more inside the twenty. Offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage. I would like to see more Buckhalter, and maybe even a little Tony Hunt when the line is dominating like it was.
Grade: A-
Passing Defense
Just 109 yards allowed through the air on 11 of 21 passing. That's good. Add in a big interception, and even bigger defense on a possible game tying fade route in the end, by Sheldon Brown, and you've got a dominate performance by the Eagles' pass defense. And that was done without Pro Bowlers Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard.
Grade: A+
Rushing Defense
It was ugly at first, with Thomas Jones hitting the same cut back lane time and time again to the tune of 55 rushing yards on the opening drive. But they defense stiffened, and forced a field goal. They didn't allow much the rest of the game, including stuffing the Jets multiple times inside the five, on their final drive down by seven, to force a fourth down fade route that fell incomplete.
Grade: Solid B
Special Teams
Sucked. Needs to get better in all phases. David Akers' nightmares of the Meadowlands will only get worse, as he missed two more field goals from 41 yards. He did make two that turned out to be very important. But perhaps more concerning, is the kick coverage. Leon Washington returned one kick 51 yards, and had another return that looked to be shaping up dangerously until he tripped up with a shoe string tackle. With Devin Hester coming to town this week, this simply needs to be better. That, or they should consider kicking out of bounds on every kickoff.
Grade: D- (only because it didn't lose them the game)
Overall
If they convert those two missed field goals into touchdowns, we're looking at a 30-9 blowout. So, if the Eagles can get that Red Zone offense straightened out, they look to be back on track. The defense continues to be much better, much earlier, than expected. And they should only get better when (and if) Lito and Dawkins get back. McNabb should continue to improve from week to week, and that is good news for this offense. Andy Reid needs to trust the running game more, as Brian Westbrook is his best player, by far.
Grade: B-
Passing Offense
McNabb has had better days, but he has also had much worse. He was a respectable 22 of 35 for 278 yards and the game's lone touchdown; a 75 yard catch and run by Kevin Curtis. McNabb did through one interception while backed up on his own goal line. He can thank the defense for that one not costing them. Reggie Brown showed that he actually is playing this year, making 6 grabs for 89 yards. LJ Smith made a catch, but as a unit, the tight ends are still invisible. That needs to change sooner rather than later. McNabb capped off the passing game on the final drive with a huge third down completion to Brown that kept the drive alive, and moved the Eagles out of the shadow of their goal line. Passing game needs to be sharper in the Red Zone
Grade: Solid B
Rushing Offense
Brian Westbrook continues to show why he is now being recognized nationally as one of the best backs in the game. He gained 120 yards on 20 carries, and had a 19 TD wiped out by holding penalty. The Eagles ran the ball much more than Andy Reid is known for, but they failed to rush successfully, or at all, in the Red Zone; resulting in 4 field goal attempts and no TDs. Westbrook needs to see the ball more inside the twenty. Offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage. I would like to see more Buckhalter, and maybe even a little Tony Hunt when the line is dominating like it was.
Grade: A-
Passing Defense
Just 109 yards allowed through the air on 11 of 21 passing. That's good. Add in a big interception, and even bigger defense on a possible game tying fade route in the end, by Sheldon Brown, and you've got a dominate performance by the Eagles' pass defense. And that was done without Pro Bowlers Brian Dawkins and Lito Sheppard.
Grade: A+
Rushing Defense
It was ugly at first, with Thomas Jones hitting the same cut back lane time and time again to the tune of 55 rushing yards on the opening drive. But they defense stiffened, and forced a field goal. They didn't allow much the rest of the game, including stuffing the Jets multiple times inside the five, on their final drive down by seven, to force a fourth down fade route that fell incomplete.
Grade: Solid B
Special Teams
Sucked. Needs to get better in all phases. David Akers' nightmares of the Meadowlands will only get worse, as he missed two more field goals from 41 yards. He did make two that turned out to be very important. But perhaps more concerning, is the kick coverage. Leon Washington returned one kick 51 yards, and had another return that looked to be shaping up dangerously until he tripped up with a shoe string tackle. With Devin Hester coming to town this week, this simply needs to be better. That, or they should consider kicking out of bounds on every kickoff.
Grade: D- (only because it didn't lose them the game)
Overall
If they convert those two missed field goals into touchdowns, we're looking at a 30-9 blowout. So, if the Eagles can get that Red Zone offense straightened out, they look to be back on track. The defense continues to be much better, much earlier, than expected. And they should only get better when (and if) Lito and Dawkins get back. McNabb should continue to improve from week to week, and that is good news for this offense. Andy Reid needs to trust the running game more, as Brian Westbrook is his best player, by far.
Grade: B-
Monday, October 15, 2007
A Sick Week Six
Maybe it's because, with the Phillies season over, I'm back to paying attention to football more, but this was one of the most interesting weeks in the NFL I've seen in a long time. From the showdown in Big D, to the emergence of a young star in Minnesota, to the reemergence of a very old star in Carolina. Week six was simply sick.
Obviously the big story was the battle of 5-0 teams in Dallas. Well, as it turns out, it wasn't much of a battle. But that shouldn't have been too much of a surprise. Dallas, owner of five wins against atrocious teams, was going against what looks to be one of the best teams ever assembled in the salary cap era. The Patriots ended up being way too much for the Cowboys, but Dallas showed that they record wasn't all smoke and mirrors. Most teams, after tailing 14-0 and 21-10 to the mighty Pats, would've just tipped their hats to a superior opponent. But Dallas battled back to take a 24-21 lead in the second half. Even though that was the best it got for Dallas, they showed that they probably are the class of the NFC.
Is there any question who will be Offensive Rookie of the Year? Adrian Peterson had a day for the ages in Chicago, the home of Walter Payton himself. I'm sure you've all heard the stats by now, but they simply need repeating. He broke out with 224 yards on 20 carries, including TD runs of 67, 73, and 35 yards. Then to top it off, he added 128 yards on 4 kick returns, including his final return that set up the game winning field goal. If it wasn't for the unbelievable start Brady has had, or the fact that Peterson is a rookie, there would be MVP talk in Minny instead of just ROY talk.
The game in Chicago also saw another young star on display. Why does anybody kick to Devin Hester anymore. Hester returned another punt for a touchdown on Sunday, giving him nine special teams TDs in his brief 22 game career. The record is 13, held by Brian Mitchell. It only took him 200-some-odd games to get them. At this point, isn't it better to give Chicago the ball at the 35 or 40 yard line, or kick a punt through the end zone, then putting the ball in his hands? Oh, he also had an 81 yards TD reception from scrimmage.
The Carolina Panthers started a 43, 11 month old QB this Sunday. And they won. Vinny Testaverde was sitting on his couch watching football not ten days ago. On Sunday, he was leading the Panthers to a 25-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Due to injuries, both teams in this game called Vinny to lure him out of retirement. He chose Carolina because it was close to home, and as fate would have it, he beat the team that called him first. Vinny has now thrown at least one TD pass in every single season since 1987. Incredible.
When did Mike Holmgren turn into a bad coach. Seattle finally went to the Super Bowl two years ago, after years of underachieving. It looked like the Seahawks finally reached the potential of all that talent. Last year, they were devastated by injury, but still won the a playoff game; and nearly beat the Bears in the divisional round. But what are their excuses this season. They have simply looked bad. And Sunday night, against a winless Saints team, they screwed the pooch again. They failed to show up for three quarters, and then their comeback bid in the fourth was derailed multiple times by Mike Holmgren decisions. He looked indecisive in big moments, and then when the cameras came across him, he looked as if he regretted every decision he made. Then with his team moving in for a big score and time running out, and no time outs, he calls a draw play on third and long. Needless to say, it doesn't work, so they are faced with fourth down, unable to stop the clock. Fourth down is thrown incomplete, and just like that the game is over as New Orleans runs out the clock. Wha?!
This week had it all; the good, bad, and the ugly. Super stars are back, rookies are emerging, and veterans are pushing back the clock once again. If week seven is half as good as six, then I'll be more than happy. Of course, it helps that the Eagles won, and that I had Peterson on my fantasy team.
Obviously the big story was the battle of 5-0 teams in Dallas. Well, as it turns out, it wasn't much of a battle. But that shouldn't have been too much of a surprise. Dallas, owner of five wins against atrocious teams, was going against what looks to be one of the best teams ever assembled in the salary cap era. The Patriots ended up being way too much for the Cowboys, but Dallas showed that they record wasn't all smoke and mirrors. Most teams, after tailing 14-0 and 21-10 to the mighty Pats, would've just tipped their hats to a superior opponent. But Dallas battled back to take a 24-21 lead in the second half. Even though that was the best it got for Dallas, they showed that they probably are the class of the NFC.
Is there any question who will be Offensive Rookie of the Year? Adrian Peterson had a day for the ages in Chicago, the home of Walter Payton himself. I'm sure you've all heard the stats by now, but they simply need repeating. He broke out with 224 yards on 20 carries, including TD runs of 67, 73, and 35 yards. Then to top it off, he added 128 yards on 4 kick returns, including his final return that set up the game winning field goal. If it wasn't for the unbelievable start Brady has had, or the fact that Peterson is a rookie, there would be MVP talk in Minny instead of just ROY talk.
The game in Chicago also saw another young star on display. Why does anybody kick to Devin Hester anymore. Hester returned another punt for a touchdown on Sunday, giving him nine special teams TDs in his brief 22 game career. The record is 13, held by Brian Mitchell. It only took him 200-some-odd games to get them. At this point, isn't it better to give Chicago the ball at the 35 or 40 yard line, or kick a punt through the end zone, then putting the ball in his hands? Oh, he also had an 81 yards TD reception from scrimmage.
The Carolina Panthers started a 43, 11 month old QB this Sunday. And they won. Vinny Testaverde was sitting on his couch watching football not ten days ago. On Sunday, he was leading the Panthers to a 25-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Due to injuries, both teams in this game called Vinny to lure him out of retirement. He chose Carolina because it was close to home, and as fate would have it, he beat the team that called him first. Vinny has now thrown at least one TD pass in every single season since 1987. Incredible.
When did Mike Holmgren turn into a bad coach. Seattle finally went to the Super Bowl two years ago, after years of underachieving. It looked like the Seahawks finally reached the potential of all that talent. Last year, they were devastated by injury, but still won the a playoff game; and nearly beat the Bears in the divisional round. But what are their excuses this season. They have simply looked bad. And Sunday night, against a winless Saints team, they screwed the pooch again. They failed to show up for three quarters, and then their comeback bid in the fourth was derailed multiple times by Mike Holmgren decisions. He looked indecisive in big moments, and then when the cameras came across him, he looked as if he regretted every decision he made. Then with his team moving in for a big score and time running out, and no time outs, he calls a draw play on third and long. Needless to say, it doesn't work, so they are faced with fourth down, unable to stop the clock. Fourth down is thrown incomplete, and just like that the game is over as New Orleans runs out the clock. Wha?!
This week had it all; the good, bad, and the ugly. Super stars are back, rookies are emerging, and veterans are pushing back the clock once again. If week seven is half as good as six, then I'll be more than happy. Of course, it helps that the Eagles won, and that I had Peterson on my fantasy team.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Flyers now stuck with goon reputation
With 45 games of suspensions under their belts before their first home game of the regular season, the Philadelphia Flyers are gaining league wide reputation as a team of dirty players. And that reputation is actually very undeserved. But, never the less, it is overshadowing the fact that their offseason transformations are already paying dividends, with a 2-1 start to the season.
Those suspensions are being served by two players. Steve Downie, owner of a 20 gamer, is a rookie who didn't figure to be a big part of the Flyers plans this season. And Jesse Boulerice, owner of a fresh 25 game suspension, is a well traveled player, with a history of goonery. The team should not be held responsible for the acts of two players, who figured to offer next to nothing to the team this season.
The Boulerice incident is completely inexcusable. Using your stick as a weapon, especially a shot to the head like Boulerice's actions, is something that needs to be eliminated from the game. And the fact that he does not offer a whole to a hockey team in terms of skill, there is no reason the Flyers should even put up with his shenanigans. They should give him his walking papers as soon as another body can be found to fill his roster spot.
However, Downie can not be compared to Boulerice; both his actions and as a player. A lot of people want to call him a dirty player, and his hit against Dean McAmmond in the preseason was just another example of that. But that is not fair. Downie is a high draft pick of the Flyers, who has been trying to work his way onto the big league team since being drafted. Hockey is a physical sport, and in order to be successful you have to be aggressive.
Let's get one thing straight: Downie's hit against McAmmond was not clean. But to call it an act of thuggery is inappropriate. And to compare it to Boulerice's attack is even worse. Downie did not use his stick as a weapon, and he didn't even use an elbow. Yes, he left his feet, and it was a little late, but you can't say there was intent to injure. It was a young guy, being aggressive, trying to make the team.
Granted, that is no excuse for Downie; you have to be in control of your body. But, I go back to the term "intent to injure." If you look back on the previous suspensions comparable to Downie's, they all involved a player trying to injure another play; usually with the stick. So it makes perfect sense for Boulerice to be given that level of suspension, and it probably could have been greater. But Downie, I feel, was unfairly made an example of by the league. And it is even worse to characterize these Flyers based on the actions of two guys; especially considering only one of those guys is deserving of that characterization.
Those suspensions are being served by two players. Steve Downie, owner of a 20 gamer, is a rookie who didn't figure to be a big part of the Flyers plans this season. And Jesse Boulerice, owner of a fresh 25 game suspension, is a well traveled player, with a history of goonery. The team should not be held responsible for the acts of two players, who figured to offer next to nothing to the team this season.
The Boulerice incident is completely inexcusable. Using your stick as a weapon, especially a shot to the head like Boulerice's actions, is something that needs to be eliminated from the game. And the fact that he does not offer a whole to a hockey team in terms of skill, there is no reason the Flyers should even put up with his shenanigans. They should give him his walking papers as soon as another body can be found to fill his roster spot.
However, Downie can not be compared to Boulerice; both his actions and as a player. A lot of people want to call him a dirty player, and his hit against Dean McAmmond in the preseason was just another example of that. But that is not fair. Downie is a high draft pick of the Flyers, who has been trying to work his way onto the big league team since being drafted. Hockey is a physical sport, and in order to be successful you have to be aggressive.
Let's get one thing straight: Downie's hit against McAmmond was not clean. But to call it an act of thuggery is inappropriate. And to compare it to Boulerice's attack is even worse. Downie did not use his stick as a weapon, and he didn't even use an elbow. Yes, he left his feet, and it was a little late, but you can't say there was intent to injure. It was a young guy, being aggressive, trying to make the team.
Granted, that is no excuse for Downie; you have to be in control of your body. But, I go back to the term "intent to injure." If you look back on the previous suspensions comparable to Downie's, they all involved a player trying to injure another play; usually with the stick. So it makes perfect sense for Boulerice to be given that level of suspension, and it probably could have been greater. But Downie, I feel, was unfairly made an example of by the league. And it is even worse to characterize these Flyers based on the actions of two guys; especially considering only one of those guys is deserving of that characterization.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
It'll be a happy homecoming
There is no doubt that the Flyers were one of, if not the most, improved teams in the NHL coming into this season. But what that exactly meant on the ice was something that wouldn't be answered until the first puck drop. Well, the exit polls are in: In their first three games, on a rare West Coast trip to start the season, the Flyers are back. And on Saturday, the fans throughout the Philadelphia area will get to see their real hockey team, and not that impostor they painfully watched last season.
The Flyers return home with a 2-1 record, most recently of which a 8-2 drubbing of the Vancouver Canucks; widely considered one of the top teams in the West. The Flyers bare zero resemblance to last year's squad. That is bound to happen when you dress nine guys who were on different teams one year ago. But they also have a different attitude, and a different style of play. Last year's squad seemed agonizingly slow; in all zones. This year, the Flyers are flying. Whatever they have done so far this season, they have done it at full throttle. As a result, they are scoring more, but they are also keeping the puck out of their net more than last year by putting pressure on whoever has the puck on the opposition; whether that is on the forecheck or behind their own net.
Danny Briere, the Flyers' most prized offseason acquistion, has been as advertised to say the least. He has seven points in his first three games. Other newcomers Lupol and Hartnell are playing well, and Jason Smith and Kimmo Timonen have provided so much stability on the blue line. But it is not just the newcomers. The guys that remain from last year have new life and new energy playing with these new guys. Gagne, Richards, Carter, and Umberger are just a few who are playing like they have rockets up the asses. But most importantly, their is a winning attitude that is settling over this team.
With a 2-1 start, coming home to face a division rival in the Islanders, who also have gotten off to a good start, the Flyers have a chance to truly cement themselves as "back." And they can make their fans really excited about hockey again, seeing as how they started their season during Phillies' playoff baseball on the West Coast; home of those annoying 10:00pm start times. Yes, it is a long season, but we have seen, in the post lockout NHL, how a fast and aggressive team, that believes it can win, can turn a good start into a good season. One thing that is for sure is that they will certainly have the home crowd of a winner.
The Flyers return home with a 2-1 record, most recently of which a 8-2 drubbing of the Vancouver Canucks; widely considered one of the top teams in the West. The Flyers bare zero resemblance to last year's squad. That is bound to happen when you dress nine guys who were on different teams one year ago. But they also have a different attitude, and a different style of play. Last year's squad seemed agonizingly slow; in all zones. This year, the Flyers are flying. Whatever they have done so far this season, they have done it at full throttle. As a result, they are scoring more, but they are also keeping the puck out of their net more than last year by putting pressure on whoever has the puck on the opposition; whether that is on the forecheck or behind their own net.
Danny Briere, the Flyers' most prized offseason acquistion, has been as advertised to say the least. He has seven points in his first three games. Other newcomers Lupol and Hartnell are playing well, and Jason Smith and Kimmo Timonen have provided so much stability on the blue line. But it is not just the newcomers. The guys that remain from last year have new life and new energy playing with these new guys. Gagne, Richards, Carter, and Umberger are just a few who are playing like they have rockets up the asses. But most importantly, their is a winning attitude that is settling over this team.
With a 2-1 start, coming home to face a division rival in the Islanders, who also have gotten off to a good start, the Flyers have a chance to truly cement themselves as "back." And they can make their fans really excited about hockey again, seeing as how they started their season during Phillies' playoff baseball on the West Coast; home of those annoying 10:00pm start times. Yes, it is a long season, but we have seen, in the post lockout NHL, how a fast and aggressive team, that believes it can win, can turn a good start into a good season. One thing that is for sure is that they will certainly have the home crowd of a winner.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
NFC: Can it be any worse?
With one of the AFC's worst teams giving one of the NFC's best teams all it could handle Monday night, it has become clear that the NFC is as bad as any conference has ever been. The Cowboys appear to be clearly the best team in the NFC, but what does that even mean anymore? Now, after this week's New England/Dallas showdown, we will really know how good, or bad, they are, and how good or bad the conference is.
The NFC has been pretty bad for a number of years now. In the last three seasons, there have been three teams make the playoffs with an 8-8 record. But, so far this season, it looks like the National Football Conference has sunk to all time lows.
We'll get back to Dallas a little later, but let's look at the rest of the conference, starting at the bottom. The Saints, just about everyone's favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season is staring at a goose egg in the win column. Whatever the reason for their collapse, this team simply looks lost out there. They are only "topped" by the St. Louis Rams, who did the Saints one better in the loss column. With an 0-5 record, the Rams' brass will probably spend the remaining Saturdays this season watching the senior class closely. Not much better, is the Falcons. Although I don't think there are that many people who are surprised by this start.
Minnesota is finding out where not having an NFL caliber QB will take you. The Eagles may be the league's most schizophrenic team this year. The Bears weakness are being exploited after taking advantage of this weak conference the last two seasons. And the Niners seem to have forgotten that they were an up and coming team.
That takes care of the teams with losing records, but it doesn't get much brighter. Seattle, at 3-2, looks like a shadow of the team that went to the Super Bowl just two years ago. The Cardinals are also 3-2, but they were testing out the new quarterback by committee approach before Leinart broke his collarbone. There hands now rest with Mr. Fumble himself, Kurt Warner. Tampa Bay and Carolina are both atop the retched Southern division, but Carolina just signed Vinny Testeverde; so you know what shape they are in. Detroit is a fraud at 3-2, as are the Giants.
Now the "good" teams. Washington is off to a nice 3-1 start, and look to have regained that defensive form that led them to the playoffs two years ago. But I need to see more from this team before I crown them a true threat. Green Bay is 4-1, but they showed they were not ready to be an elite team, but letting the Bears steal a win from them. And we'll see how well they do throwing 70% in December.
Now, back to the 'Boys. Yes, I feel they are definitely the best team in the conference, but what does that really mean. And I will go to the ever popular, "Who have they played" defense. They have beat up on teams with a combined 6-19 record, nearly dropping one to the 0-5 Bills. They Cowboys have their share of weaknesses. Tony Romo, as shown Monday, still has an ability to throw the game away. And defensively, they still have major coverage problems. Only one team has been good enough to expose it; the Giants who put up 35 points in a losing effort. And they are just one injury in that linebacking corps away from losing the pass rush like they did last season. However, I take it all back if they beat the Patriots.
Regardless of the outcome of that showdown this Sunday, the fact remains that we have never seen this much parity, or mediocrity if you prefer, in the NFC. I'm actually a fan of parity, so I'm not saying we should go back to Green Bay/Dallas/San Francisco dynasties. But what we have now is just so many bad teams, and even the good teams, can be beaten anyone at any time.
The NFC has been pretty bad for a number of years now. In the last three seasons, there have been three teams make the playoffs with an 8-8 record. But, so far this season, it looks like the National Football Conference has sunk to all time lows.
We'll get back to Dallas a little later, but let's look at the rest of the conference, starting at the bottom. The Saints, just about everyone's favorite to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl this season is staring at a goose egg in the win column. Whatever the reason for their collapse, this team simply looks lost out there. They are only "topped" by the St. Louis Rams, who did the Saints one better in the loss column. With an 0-5 record, the Rams' brass will probably spend the remaining Saturdays this season watching the senior class closely. Not much better, is the Falcons. Although I don't think there are that many people who are surprised by this start.
Minnesota is finding out where not having an NFL caliber QB will take you. The Eagles may be the league's most schizophrenic team this year. The Bears weakness are being exploited after taking advantage of this weak conference the last two seasons. And the Niners seem to have forgotten that they were an up and coming team.
That takes care of the teams with losing records, but it doesn't get much brighter. Seattle, at 3-2, looks like a shadow of the team that went to the Super Bowl just two years ago. The Cardinals are also 3-2, but they were testing out the new quarterback by committee approach before Leinart broke his collarbone. There hands now rest with Mr. Fumble himself, Kurt Warner. Tampa Bay and Carolina are both atop the retched Southern division, but Carolina just signed Vinny Testeverde; so you know what shape they are in. Detroit is a fraud at 3-2, as are the Giants.
Now the "good" teams. Washington is off to a nice 3-1 start, and look to have regained that defensive form that led them to the playoffs two years ago. But I need to see more from this team before I crown them a true threat. Green Bay is 4-1, but they showed they were not ready to be an elite team, but letting the Bears steal a win from them. And we'll see how well they do throwing 70% in December.
Now, back to the 'Boys. Yes, I feel they are definitely the best team in the conference, but what does that really mean. And I will go to the ever popular, "Who have they played" defense. They have beat up on teams with a combined 6-19 record, nearly dropping one to the 0-5 Bills. They Cowboys have their share of weaknesses. Tony Romo, as shown Monday, still has an ability to throw the game away. And defensively, they still have major coverage problems. Only one team has been good enough to expose it; the Giants who put up 35 points in a losing effort. And they are just one injury in that linebacking corps away from losing the pass rush like they did last season. However, I take it all back if they beat the Patriots.
Regardless of the outcome of that showdown this Sunday, the fact remains that we have never seen this much parity, or mediocrity if you prefer, in the NFC. I'm actually a fan of parity, so I'm not saying we should go back to Green Bay/Dallas/San Francisco dynasties. But what we have now is just so many bad teams, and even the good teams, can be beaten anyone at any time.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
A Historical MVP Debate
No, this is not another Jimmy Rollins vs. Matt Holliday MVP debate. Been there, and done that. And, in case anyone doesn't know, I'm firmly in J-Roll's corner. No disrespect to the season Holliday had, especially considering the systematic dismantling of Rollins' Phillies that he led, but Rollins literally did it all for the Phillies this season; and he did it every day, and he did it all very good. J-Roll captured the hearts of fans all over the Philadelphia area with his bat, glove, and personality. But there was another Phillie who did the same thing. That Phillie was Lenny Dykstra, and it is no coincidence that the last time the Phillies made the playoffs in 1993, Dykstra had a career year. Both were spectacular all year, but if I had to pick one for MVP between the two, I'd have to go with the Dude, Lenny Dykstra.
Jimmy Rollins led a Phillies offense that scored more runs than any other team in the league. They even scored more runs than all but one team in the DH rich American League. He led off most of the year, set the table, scored runs, and more than occasionally knocked in runs. The numbers speak for themselves:
Runs: 139
Hits: 212
2B: 38
3B: 20
HR: 30
RBI: 94
SB: 41
BB: 49
SO: 85
BA: .296
OBP: .344
SLG: .531
Lenny Dykstra was always a very good leadoff man, but in 1993 he put his whole game together, finishing second behind Barry Bonds in MVP voting. He played center field with reckless abandon, earning the nickname Nails, in addition to the Dude, because he was tough as nails. Again, the numbers speak for themselves:
Runs: 143
Hits: 194
2B: 44
3B: 6
HR: 19
RBI: 66
SB: 37
BB: 129
SO: 64
BA: .305
OBP: .420
SLG: .482
So those are the numbers. What Rollins lacked in on-base percentage and batting average, he made up for in power. What Dykstra lacked in power, he made up for by getting on base a lot more than Rollins. So which is more valuable to a team; getting on base or knocking in runs? That debate will go on forever, but this one has to end.
I think it's fair to say that this 2007 rendition of the Phillies team has more talent than that 1993 team. Aside from Dykstra, the only other offensive weapons on that team were Darren Daulton and John Kruk, and to a lesser extent, Dave Hollins. But this current team has Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, and to a lesser extent, Shane Victorino. If you take Rollins away from this team, they fall well short of where they finished this season. But, if you take Dykstra off of that 1993 team, not only are they not as good, but that offense would have been embarrassing inept.
It really is splitting hairs trying to put one of these guys above the other. To be honest, I don't even know why I tried. I guess the similarities between these two guys who played 14 years apart, are just too intriguing to ignore. Two playoff teams with one common theme: a leadoff man with an all-around game to match anyone in the league, and a persona that captured the admiration of an entire city. Guys like that are near impossible to find, and for that reason, they both are MVPs.
Jimmy Rollins led a Phillies offense that scored more runs than any other team in the league. They even scored more runs than all but one team in the DH rich American League. He led off most of the year, set the table, scored runs, and more than occasionally knocked in runs. The numbers speak for themselves:
Runs: 139
Hits: 212
2B: 38
3B: 20
HR: 30
RBI: 94
SB: 41
BB: 49
SO: 85
BA: .296
OBP: .344
SLG: .531
Lenny Dykstra was always a very good leadoff man, but in 1993 he put his whole game together, finishing second behind Barry Bonds in MVP voting. He played center field with reckless abandon, earning the nickname Nails, in addition to the Dude, because he was tough as nails. Again, the numbers speak for themselves:
Runs: 143
Hits: 194
2B: 44
3B: 6
HR: 19
RBI: 66
SB: 37
BB: 129
SO: 64
BA: .305
OBP: .420
SLG: .482
So those are the numbers. What Rollins lacked in on-base percentage and batting average, he made up for in power. What Dykstra lacked in power, he made up for by getting on base a lot more than Rollins. So which is more valuable to a team; getting on base or knocking in runs? That debate will go on forever, but this one has to end.
I think it's fair to say that this 2007 rendition of the Phillies team has more talent than that 1993 team. Aside from Dykstra, the only other offensive weapons on that team were Darren Daulton and John Kruk, and to a lesser extent, Dave Hollins. But this current team has Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Aaron Rowand, and to a lesser extent, Shane Victorino. If you take Rollins away from this team, they fall well short of where they finished this season. But, if you take Dykstra off of that 1993 team, not only are they not as good, but that offense would have been embarrassing inept.
It really is splitting hairs trying to put one of these guys above the other. To be honest, I don't even know why I tried. I guess the similarities between these two guys who played 14 years apart, are just too intriguing to ignore. Two playoff teams with one common theme: a leadoff man with an all-around game to match anyone in the league, and a persona that captured the admiration of an entire city. Guys like that are near impossible to find, and for that reason, they both are MVPs.
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