Sunday, October 30, 2011

Pronger speaks to press for first time since eye injury

Ocotber 30, 2011

Flyer's captain Chris Pronger spoke to the press at Thursday night's game for the first time since injuring his eye in last week's win against Toronto. Pronger discussed the status of his vision, his thoughts on wearing a visor, and the overall progress of his recovery. He also talked about his thoughts on the team's play without him. Pronger was in a humuorus mood Thursday night, making jokes at his and the press' expense. It's obvious that he is in good spirits and appears to be progressing well in his recovery.

You can watch his interview in the video below.


Credit to tootalute for the video.

Flyers net five on Boucher, beat Hurricanes

October 30, 2011

Former Flyer Brian Boucher signed with the Carolina Hurricanes over the off-season as the backup to their starter Cam Ward.

After completing a 3-0 shutout over the Chicago Blackhawks Friday night, Ward was awarded with a night off, which set Boucher up for a start against his former team.

Boucher was the starter for Philadelphia when they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2000.

In the 2009-2010 campaign, Boucher returned to the Flyers and platooned with journeyman Michael Leighton to help them reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

Then there was last year's goalie carousel where Boucher, Leighton, and rookie net-minder Sergei Bobrovsky were constanly switched as the team's starting goaltender. The incosistentcy in goal only let Philadelphia get past Buffalo in first round.

So after a crazy ride the past two years in Philly, "Boosh" made his first return to the Wells Fargo Center since.

The storyline should have been about Boucher's return Saturday night, but all eyes were focused on the Flyer's current goalie Ilya Bryzgalov.

Bryzgalov did not perform all that well in Thursday night's 9-8 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. He did not start the game, but he was sent in as relief for Sergei Bobrovsky who could not catch a break against the Jet's offense.

With the score already 5-1 when he came into the game, Bryzgalov allowed four more goals. Although the Flyers made it a game (There were 17 total goals by the end), Bryzgalov was clearly frustrated with himself after the loss.

He said he was "lost in the woods." That statement made everyone uneasy, but after Saturday night's win, it looks like he made his way out.

Bryzgalov made 24 saves out of the 25 shots that Carolina made.

After the game Bryzgalov simply said,"I found the way pretty quick, huh?"

He may have been able to get the shutout, if Hartnell did not knock him out of the net in the second period.

Hartnell dove to the ice to try to deflect a loose puck away from the net, but he slid into Bryzgalov and knocked him out of the net.

Defenseman Kimmo Timmonen picked up on what was happening and went to push down the net, but Carolina's Jussi Jokinen (3) was able to put the puck in in time (3:11).

After a review by the officials, the goal stood and the game was tied up at one in the second.

Before Hartnell let the Hurricanes get on the board, he scored (4) in the first (6:57) to give the Flyers an early 1-0 lead.

The Flyers did not score any more goals in the first or second period after that.

The third period was a different story.

Jaromir Jagr continued his hot streak, scoring twice in the third for his 115th career two goal game.

Jagr's first goal (3) came 39 seconds into the period to give the Flyers a 2-1 lead. Then he scored the Flyer's go-ahead goal (4) to give them a 5-1 lead (12:17).

Maxime Talbot scored a shorthanded goal (3) following Jagr's first goal to make it a 3-1 game for the Flyers (5:46).

Claude Giroux made it 4-1 for Philadelphia when he scored (7) 7:36 into the third period. He also had three assists on the night to give him 15 total points this season.

Giroux's 15 points is second in the NHL (the Toronto Maple Leaf's Phil Kessel leads with 18).

Boucher had a rough homecoming, only making 29 saves of the 34 shots the Flyers piled on.

The Flyers won 5-1 to improve their home record to 3-3-1.

The team will go on the road to Buffalo next, for a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Quarter Finals against the Sabres Wednesday night. The Flyers won last year's series in seven games.

Flyers.NHL.com
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020145

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=400047702

Saturday, October 29, 2011

After a wild loss to Winnipeg, Bryzgalov gets start against Canes

October 29, 2011

Thursday night was a tough loss for the Flyers.

In most cases scoring eight goals is enough to win a hockey game, but on that night it was not. The Winnipeg Jets left Philadelphia with a 9-8 win.

It was clear during an after the game that offense was not the Flyer's problem, it was their defense and their goaltending.

Sergei Bobrovsky got the start Thursday night, but he only lasted about five minutes in to the second period when the Jets jumped out to a 5-1 lead.

Bobrovsky had an off night, you can't deny it, but the defense didn't help. The Flyer's D let the Jets get plenty of chances in front of the net, and they made the Flyers pay.

Bryzgalov replaced Bobrovsky, but the result was no better.

Bryzgalov, who was 0-3-1 in his last four starts before Thursday night, was struggling already.

Winnipeg managed to net four more goals on Bryzgalov, which was the fault of the defense and Bryzgalov himself, much like Bobrovsky.

However, Bryzgalov "snapped" if you will after the game.

He took the blame for the loss and said he was playing horribly. Honesty is appreciated in Philadelphia, but the Flyers signed Bryzgalov to a nine year, $51 million deal hoping he would solve the Flyer's goaltending problems.

Bryzgalov took things a step further when he said that he lost confidence in himself at the moment, then apologized to the team and the fans. Again, honesty is appreciated, but this is something no fan wants to hear.

Head coach Peter Laviolette is giving Bryzgalov the start tonight, even after the meltdown on Thursday night. He will be going up against the Carolina Hurricanes, who have an offensive threat in the young Jeff Skinner (four goals).

Bryzgalov was signed with the expectations that he would finally stop Philadelphia's goaltending problems, something that has ailed them since the post Hextall-era.

There is a lot of hockey left to play, but you want to see Bryzgalov get it together and regain his confidence back. Good goaltending is key to the Flyer's success.

Briere injured, will not play against Carolina

October 29, 2011

According to the Flyers website, Danny Briere will not be playing in tonight's game against the Carolina Hurricanes.

General manager Paul Holmgren stated that Briere has an upper-body injury, and that his status is day-to-day.

Tim Panaccio, of CSNPhilly.com, wrote that Briere's injury is minor and he most likely will not have to miss any other games after tonight.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Flyers recap

October 28, 2011

I have been extremely busy over the past couple of days. I have not had the time to update the blog, and for that I apologize. Here is a recap o what happened during my brief absence.

Schenn breaks foot
Forward Brayden Schenn broke his foot in the Flyer's Wednesday night loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Forward Zac Rinaldo and defenseman Eric Gustafsson were called up from the Phantoms to fill in during Schenn's absence. Schenn will be out for 4-6 weeks. He broke his foot after blocking a shot off his foot from Montreal's P.K. Subban

Flyers lose in Montreal 5-1
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047580

Flyers, Jets score 17 total goals, Jets win 9-8
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047598

- Recaps courtesy of ESPN.com

Bryzgalov takes the blame
Ilya Brzgalov has struggled over his past few starts, and he wasn't afraid to admit after Thursday night's 9-8 loss to the Jets. “I have zero confidence in myself right now,” explained Bryzgalov. “If you probably throw a ball instead of the puck, I’m not gonna stop it.” Bryzgalov even went as far as to apologize to the fans and the team. "“I’m terrible,” he said. “I will apologize in front of the fans and in front of my teammates. I don’t know what is going on. I have no answer." It's very early in the season, but Bryzgalov is causing a lot of concern. The Flyers signed him to a nine year, $51 million deal during the off-season. The expectations for him were that he would finally add stability to a position that has plagued the Flyers for years. Now Bryzgalov is saying that he is "Lost in the woods right now." Sergei Bobrovsky started the game against Winnipeg but was switched out for Bryzgalov after the Jets jumped out to a big lead. Bryzgalov has been struggling, it is no secret, but so has the defense since Pronger got injured. The Flyers D has not been helping the goaltending, giving up great chances ot their opponents in front of the net. Again, it is still early, but the Flyers goaltending and defense has to step up if this team wants to be successful.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Bryzgalov back against Montreal

October 26, 2011

After missing Monday night's start against the Maple Leafs, Ilya Bryzgalov will be starting in goal again for the Flyers against the Canadiens.

Bryzgalov missed the last start to work on his communication with the defense after going through some rough outings in his last couple games.

Pronger will miss 2-3 weeks with eye injury

October 26, 2011

Flyers defenseman and captain Chris Pronger took the blade of Mikhail Grabovski's stick right to the face in Monday night's 4-2 win over Toronto.

Pronger left the game with an eye injury, and after the game Paul Holmgren stated that he will be on bed rest for the next 3-4 days and could possibly be back in 10 days, but that is the best case scenario.

The 18 year veteran got a cut that caused blurred vision. He has been seeing an eye specialist everyday while on bed rest and has been making good progress.

Pronger, who never wore a visor before, will wear one when he returns to the ice. The eye specialist Stephen Goldman will not give him medical clearance to play if he refuses.

Pronger's injury scared everyone, but he appears to be making good progress. Hopefully he will be skating again soon.

However, eye injuries are serious business. The better option would be to bring Pronger back when he is absolutely ready.

Couturier staying in the NHL

October 25, 2011

Flyer's rookie Sean Couturier has now played his eight games in the NHL.

When Couturier made the roster, the Flyers decided to let him play 10 games in the pros to decide whether or not to keep him on the roster or send him back down to the juniors for another year.

The orginization did not need 10 to make their decision.

Couturier secured his spot on the team. He scored two goals and earned two asists in his eight games thus far, and now has the rest of the season to improve.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Jagr scores twice in 4-2 win, Pronger injured

October 25, 2011

Last night's 4-2 win over Toronto brought good news and bad news for the Flyers.

The good news, Jagr finally scored his first Flyers goal, not only that he scored twice and nearly had the hat-trick in the win.

The bad news, Chris Pronger was hit in the face with a stick. He left the game with an eye injury an will be out for two weeks.

Scott Hartnell scored the Flyers other two goals.

Phil Kessel and David Steckel scored Toronto's two goals.

Sergei Bobrovsky was in goal for the Flyers, while Ilya Bryzgalov worked on his communication.

Bobrovsky saved 24 of 26 shots in his second win of the year.

Jonas Gustavsson made 26 saves of 30 shots for Toronto.

The Flyers head to the Bell Centre in Montreal to play the Canadiens Wednesday night.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Flyers lose to blues 4-2, lose two in a row

October 23, 2011

After having a day to regroup after a tough loss to Washington, the Flyers lost to the St. Louis Blues 4-2, to drop two straight.

Kent Huskins scored (2) 1:48 into the game to give St. Louis an early 1-0 lead.

From that point, the Blues took control.

T.J. Oshie (2) made it a 2-0 game with a goal halfway through the first period (10:04).

The Flyers would not get on the scoreboard until the second period, when Danny Briere (2) cut the Blues lead back down to one, 56 seconds into the period.

However, the Blues were able to answer back. Carlo Colaiacovo (1) scored (15:36) to make it 3-1, St. Louis.

In the third period, Matt Carle (2) scored (13:14) on the power play to make it a one goal game again.

The Blues have one of the worst power plays in the league this season, but Matt D'Agostini (4) put in a rare power play goal for St. Louis near the end of the third (14:20).

Ilya Bryzgalov had another off game. He saw only 25 shots, not that many, but he only stopped 21 of them.

St. Louis' Brian Elliot saw 36 shots from Philadelphia, and saved 34 of them.

The Flyer's continue their homestand on Monday night, when the Toronto Maple Leafs come to the Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers will be looking to snap out of their sluggish play.

Flyers.NHL.com
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020100

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=400047392

Friday, October 21, 2011

Timmonen at practice today after blocking shot

October 21, 2011

Defenseman Kimmo Timonen blocked a shot with his right hand in last night's 5-2 loss to Washington.

According to Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com, Timonen's hand was causing him some pain after the game.

Timonen stated that he was not sure if he would play Saturday night against St. Louis.

However, the veteran defenseman was at the Skate Zone for practice today, so that is a pretty good sign that he might play.

Flyers lose to Caps 5-2

October 21, 2011

The Flyers jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first when Claude Giroux scored on a break away for his fifth goal on the season, but that is about as good as it would get for the Flyers.

Washington tied the game, then took a 2-1 lead in the first and never looked back.

Sean Couturier scored his second career NHL goal in the third period, but the Capitals ad already put five on the board.

Center Alexander Ovechkin scored twice in the Cap's win.

The Capitals won by a final of 5-2, to remain undefeated so far. The Flyer's loss is their first in regulation this season.

Flyers.NHL.com
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020081

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400047248

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Schenn will debut tonight against Capitals

October 19, 2011

Brayden Schenn is set to make his official NHL debut, as the Flyers get set to play the Washington Capitals tonight at the Wells Fargo Center.

Schenn will be playing in his first NHL regular season game, a day after being called up from the Flyer's AHL affiliate, the Adirondack Phantoms.

Though it is still very early in the season, tonight is a big game for the Flyers.

The Washington Capitals are 5-0-0, and hold the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. The Flyers will be looking to hand the Caps their first loss of the year, while possibly taking the Eastern Conference lead.

In order to take first place from Washington, the Flyers will need to win in regulation.

Ilya Bryzgalov will be back in goal, after Sergei Bobrovsky started in Tuesday night's 7-2 win at Ottawa. Bryzgalov will be opposed by Washington's Tomas Vokoun, so we should have a good goalie battle on our hands tonight.

The Capitals are a talented team with players like Alexander Semin, Nickolas Backstrom, and of course captain Alexander Ovechkin.

However, the Flyers have a pretty good team as well, sustaining a good balance of veterans like Pronger, Briere, and Jagr with young players like Read, Couturier, and now Schenn.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Could Lindros return to orange and black for alumni game?

October 19, 2011

Citizens Bank Park will be playing host to more than just the Flyers, Rangers matchup on January 2.

As part of the festivities for the 2012 NHL Winter Classic, the Flyers have planned for a few more games to be played on the ice in Citizens Bank Park. One of them being the alumni game, where Flyers greats will lace up their skates again for a friendly pick up game.

Why I am bringing this up? Maybe because there is a chance that the Legion of Doom could be re-united for the this game.

That's right. John LeClair, Mikael Renberg, and Eric Lindros might play on the same line again.... At least for a day.

CSN Philly's Tim Panaccio discovered that Flyer's general manager Paul Holmgren has been talking to former center Eric Lindros recently, about Lindros possibly playing in the alumni game.

Panaccio uncovered the possibility through an interview that Lindros had for TheHockeyWriters.com. In it, Lindros discussed the possibility of participating in the Winter Classic festivities.

You can read Panaccio's story by clicking on the link below.
http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/flyers-talk/post/Lindros-to-play-in-alumni-game?blockID=579182&feedID=695

But how do you feel about Lindros possibly retruning to Philadelphia for the Winter Classic?

Lindros was a talented player, but from what I remember, all my hockey coaches used to tell me to not be like Lindros. Why? Because he never kept his head up.

Schenn gets called up, Rinaldo and Zolnierczyk demoted

October 19, 2011

Brayden Schenn is finally on the Flyers roster.

The orginization called him up from Adirondack earlier today.

Unfortunately, the Flyers had to send down two players who have contributed greatly to the Flyers early success.

Not even a full day after scoring his first NHL goal, Harry Zolniercyzk will be going to the Flyer's AHL affiliate along with fellow rookie forward Zac Rinaldo.

Schenn did not make the roster for opening night due to a shoulder injury and issues with salary cap space.

During his time with the Phantoms, he racked up four goals and four assists over eight games.

Extra note*

Jody Shelley will be returning from his suspension that he received in the pre-season.

Shelley was suspended 10 games by the NHL (five in the pre-season and five in the regular season) for hitting Toronto's Darryl Boyce from behind, face first into the boards in the Flyers' pre-season opener.

Shelley, a forward who is known for his fighting and aggressiveness, was a deciding factor in Rinaldo, who spent a decent amount of time in the box himself, being sent to Adirondack.

For the full details on the Flyers' salary cap issues, read Tim Panaccio's article on CSN Philly.com

http://www.csnphilly.com/hockey-philadelphia-flyers/news/Schenn-finally-makes-his-way-to-Flyers-r?blockID=579750&feedID=695

Read, Flyers crush Senators 7-2

October 19, 2011

The Flyers left the Scotia Bank Place with a record of 4-0-1 after beating the Ottawa Senators 7-2 last night.

The Flyers are unbeaten through the first five games in regulation for the first time since the 2002-2003 season.

But the bigger story from last night was the Flyers' rookies.

Sean Couturier and Harry Zolneirczyk each recorded their first NHL goals in last night's win.


Couterier's came 16:01 into the third period to make it a 6-1 for the Flyers.

Then Zolnierczyk scored at 19:15 to put the Flyers on the board for the seventh time of the night.

Couturier and Zolniercyzk capped off the win, but it was fellow rookie Matt Read who got everything going.

Read scored 6:20 into the first period for his second goal of the season, giving Philadelphia a 1-0 lead over Ottawa. Read went on to record three assists, to finish the night with four points.

Wayne Simmonds (2), Claude Giroux (4), and Maxime Talbot (1) also scored in the first, giving the Flyers a 4-0 lead heading into the second.

Claude Giroux has had an amazing start to the season thus far, scoring four goals over a span of five games.

Goaltender Alex Auld lasted just the first period, after only making 6 saves out of 10 shots.

Senators coach Paul MacLean put in the backup Craig Anderson in the in the second period.

Anderson held the Flyers off for a scoreless second, but surrendered three goals in the last five minutes of the third period.

James Van Riemsdyk (2) scored at 15:25 to make it a 5-1 game, followed by the goals from Couturier and Zolniercyzk.

Anderson saw 20 shots, making 17 saves.

Sergei Bobrovsky made his first start of the year for Philadelphia. He saved 21 out of 23 shots faced, only allowing goals to Ottawa's Jason Spezza (2) in the second period (18:59) and Erik Karlsson (1) in the third period (19:40).


The Flyers return to the Wells Fargo Center Thursday night to play the Washington Capitals.

Flyers.NHL.com
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/boxscore.htm?id=2011020073

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=400047196

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Flyers lose to Richards, Kings in OT

October 16, 2011

There were a few former Flyers who made a return to Philly as Kings last night. Former coach John Stevens, Justin Williams, and fan favorite Simon Gagne.

Okay, lets face it, last night was all about Mike Richards' return.


When Richards skated on to the Flyer's ice for the first time as a Los Angeles King, a thank you message showed up on the scoreboard, and the fans gave him a standing ovation.

But in overtime, there was no applause for Richards.

With the game tied up 2-2, Richards fired a slapshot that was redirected by Jack Johnson into the net. Richards got the assist, while Johnson got the goal.

The Kings won 3-2 in overtime, handing the Flyers their first loss of the season.

Danny Briere scored in the first (2:30) to put the Flyers up 1-0 early. Jaromir Jagr had the assist.

Justin Williams scored later in the first (11:29) to tie the gme up at one.

In the thrid period the Kings took a 2-1 lead, when Justin Williams scored his second goal of the night (12:35).

James Van Riemsdyk set up a pass to Matt Carle, who scored on a wrist shot to tie the game up a two for Philadelphia.

Ilya Bryzgalov saved 23 of 26 shots last night.

Jonathan Quick saved 32 of 34 shots for Los Angeles.

The Flyers will go on the road to play the Ottawa Senators Tuesday night.

Flyers.NHL.com
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/boxscore.htm?id=2011020052

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=400047044

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Richards returns to Philadelphia as a King

October 15, 2011

The Flyers have had one of the most bizarre off-seasons in recent memory. Not just in the NHL but in all of sports.

What was the most bizarre thing about it? They traded away their captain, Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings (they got Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn in return, and after seeing them play, I have no complaints).


Tonight, the Kings play the Flyers in Philadelphia at the Wells Fargo Center.

It is the first time that Richards will play in Philadelphia since he was unexpectedly traded.

Friday, October 14, 2011

"Our only hope" beats the Canucks 5-4 in home opener

October 13, 2011

It's been mentioned in so many other articles today, but this one fan summed up Philadelphia's feelings perfectly.

"Come on Flyers, you're our only hope!"

After a 2-0 start on the road with wins over the defending champion Bruins and the New Jersey Devils, the Flyers have been able to help ease the pain of the recent shortcomings of the Phillies and the Eagles.

What else could the Flyers do? Give the fans a show in the home opener and display what this year's newly rebuilt Flyers are capable of.

With a chance to beat the Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks, they did not disappoint.


In the first period, Matt Read dumped the puck into Vancouver's zone. The puck to a lucky bounce off the boards right to Claude Giroux who slipped it past Roberto Luongo to put the Flyers up 1-0 (7:41).

The Flyers took a 2-0 lead in the first when Chris Pronger ripped a slapshot  right by Luongo (12:12). Wayne Simmonds  set up a screen in front of the net to blind Luongo, and set up the goal.

Still in the first, Mikael Samuelsson scored (16:35) to put the Canucks on the scoreboard to make it a 2-1 game.

But with 2:12 left in the first, James Van Riemsdyk answered back with a goal (17:48) to give the Flyers another two goal lead.

The first period ended with a 3-1 Flyers lead. All but JVR's goal came on power plays.

Henrik Sedin scored in the second for Vancouver (6:41) to make it a 3-2 Flyers, but Jakub Voracek answered back with a goal less than two minutes later (8:32) to put the Flyers back up by two for the third time in the game.

Christopher Higgins scored (15:31) to cut the Canucks lead back down to one before the end of the second period.

Unlike in the first, the second period saw no power play goals. The third period, however, did.

Daniel Sedin tied up the game 4-4 (3:39) on a power play goal, but the Flyers responded to the Canucks all night and that didn't change.

Andrej Meszaros scored to make it 5-4 (4:40) nearly one minute after Sedin tied it up.

Meszaros goal ended up being the game winner, because Ilya Bryzgalov was able to hold off Vancouver to give the Flyers a 5-4 win.

Bryzgalov saw 40 shots from the Canucks, and he saved 36 of them. The opposing goaltender, Roberto Luongo saw 27 shots from Philadelphia, but could only make 22 saves.

The Flyers have gotten off to an incredible start. They are now 3-0-0 so far this season.

Their next game is this Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center against the Kings. Mike Richards returns to the Wells Fargo Center for the first time since being traded to Los Angeles.

Flyers.NHL.com
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/boxscore.htm?id=2011020035

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=400046946

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Mills in the clear after hit on Voracek

October 11, 2011

According to Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly.com, Devils center Bradley Mills will not receive any discpline from the NHL for his boarding hit on Jakub Voracek in the Flyers' 3-0 win.


Mills received a two minute boarding minor when he hit Voracek from behind late in the third period of Saturday night's game.

Mills stated that Voracek turned towards the boards at the last second, and that put himin a bad position. “I had already begun the hit and there wasn't much I could do at that point."

Fortunately, Voracek confirmed that he was completely fine after the hit.


Mills was happy to hear that. "Luckily he didn't get hurt. He was just kind of shaken up a little bit. It was good to see him out there afterwards."

Betts doesn't fit into Flyers' plans

October 11, 2011

Blair Betts returned to the Flyers after a failed physical kept him from joining Montreal. However, his return to the Flyers didn't fit into the team's plans moving forward.

Coach Peter Laviolette has stated that Betts doesn't fit into the team's gameplan. Even Betts himself admitted that he wasn't part of the team.

Betts also confessed that knee problems have been causing him pain throughout his tenure with the Flyers. He did not practice when he returned because of his injuries.

General manger Paul Holmgrem said that Betts will be checked out by Doctor's to get him healthy again. Even when he gets healthy again, the team's top penalty killer's future with the Flyers will remain uncertain.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Betts fails physical, returns to Flyers

October 9, 2011

Center Blair Betts returned to the Flyers roster today after the Montreal Candiens, who claimed Betts off waivers on Wednesday, had their claim voided by the NHL.

Betts failed his physical, which lead Montreal to waive their claim.

According to the Montreal Gazette, Betts had a lower-body and shoulder injury, but they did not have any impact on his physical.

Bryzgalov, Flyers shutout Devils 3-0

October 9, 2011

Ilya Brzgalov denied all of New Jersey's 20 shots on goal last night to help lead the Flyers to a 3-0 shutout over the Devils.


It's the first shuotut for the Flyers since May 22, 2010, when Michael Leighton held off the Montreal Canadiens for a 3-0 win in game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

It's the first regular season shuout for Philadelphia since April 6, 2010, when Brian Boucher blanked the Maple Leafs in a 2-0 win.

Claude Giroux scored in the first period (12:05) to put the Flyers up 1-0.

After a scoreless second period, Matt Read scored his first NHL goal (2:41), and off of legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur no less.

Then Wayne Simmonds followed with his first official goal as a Flyer (4:50) to put Philly up 3-0.

Brodeur took 29 shots and was only able to stop 26 of them for the Devils.

The new look Flyers have performed exceptionally well over the first two games. First with a win over the defending Stanley Cup Champion Bruins and now a shuout of the Devils.

The Flyers next test will be Wednesday night in their home opener, when they play the Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks.

Flyers.NHL.com
 http://flyers.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020012

CSN Philly.com
http://www.csnphilly.com/hockey-philadelphia-flyers/news/Flyers-spoil-Devils-home-opener-with-shu?blockID=574482&feedID=704

Friday, October 7, 2011

Bruins raise banner, but Flyers take the win 2-1

October 7, 2011

After an impressive showing in the pre-season, the newly revamped Flyers were put to their first test; the defending Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins.

They passed with a 2-1 win in Boston on the night the Bruins raised their championship banner.

The Bruins jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first period when left winger Brad Marchand scored on the power play (9:42).

The Flyers would answer back in the same period with a milestone. Claude Giroux scored with 50 seconds left in the first to tie the game at 1 (19:10), with the assist coming off of Jaromir Jagr.


Jagr earned his 1,600th career NHL point with the assist.

Then with only three seconds left in the first, Jakub Voracek scored to put the Flyers up 2-1 (19:57).

Ilya Brygalov was impressive in goal last night, stopping 22 saves. For Boston, Tim Thomas made 27 saves.

Voracek's goal would prove to be the game winner. Flyers win by a final of 2-1.

The Flyers will head to New Jersey next, to play the Devils Saturday night at 7:00.

Flyers.NHL.com
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011020001

ESPN.com
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400046701

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Betts claimed by Montreal, Walker and Bartulis clear waivers

October 5, 2011

Center Blair Betts has been claimed off of waivers by the Montreal Canadiens.

Defensemen Matt Walker and Oskar Bartulis have cleared waivers.

Walker will ply for the Flyers tomorrow night in Boston. Meanwhile, Bartulis will be sent down to the Phantoms.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Flyers Roster

October 4, 2011

The start of the season is quickly approaching, that means that the roster is near completion.

Here is the link to the current roster,
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/roster.htm

The roster is still subject to change.

Just a few notes, Brayden Schenn will be starting the season with the Phantoms. Also the Flyers wiaved Blair Betts, Oskar Bartulis, and Matt Walker. Sean Corturier is reported to have made the final roster.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Devils top Flyers 2-1, pre-season wraps up

October 2, 2011

The Flyers lost their final pre-season game to the Devils 2-1 last night in New Jersey.

With the pre-season coming to an end, the Flyers will now prepare for opening night when they will take on the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins on the road. The season starts on Thursday.

Flyers.NHL.com
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/recap.htm?id=2011010096

*Also, I realize that I have not updated the blog as of late. I apologize, it has been really busy. I'm in the process of getting my college applications sent in, and adding school work on top of that has made things pretty hectic. In addition, with the Phillies in the playoffs, more of my concentration has gone into the Phillies blog. Once again, I'm sorry, but once the NHL season officialy starts I will be doing a way better job of keeping the blog updated.