Jagr expected to play tonight

January 31, 2012

Jaromir Jagr says that he plans to play in tonight's home game against the Winnipeg Jets, according to CSNPhilly.com.

Jagr has been out with a groin injury since January 21 (third time this season that he has been out with the same injury), but has had a six day layoff thanks to the All-Star break.

Jagr told CSNPhilly.com that his decision would be based on how he felt during the morning skate. Apparently, he feels well enough to play, but head coach Peter Laviolette will most likely have the final say on that.

Injured players return to practice, forwards recalled

January 31, 2012

Concussed players Danny Briere and James Van Riemsdyk skated in the first practice back from the All-Star break on Monday.

Jaromir Jagr and Zac Rinaldo also skated on Monday. Jagr has a groin injury, and Rinaldo has an upper-body injury.

According to Sarah Baicker of CSNPhilly.com, all four players were wearing regular practice jerseys, instead of no-contact jerseys.

The status of their injuries remain unchanged. Brier and Van Riemsdyk are still out indefinitely, and Jagr and Rinaldo are still day-to-day.

Briere and Van Riemsdyk left practice early, because of physical drills that they are still unable to participate in, according to Baicker.

Phantoms forwards recalled

Forwards Ben Holmstrom, Tom Sestito, and Harry Zolnierczyk were recalled by the Flyers from Adirondack.

They are filling in while Briere, Jagr, and Rinaldo are out with injuries.

The three forwards were sent down before the All-Star break, so that they could continue playing.

All-Star Game Recap

January 29, 2012

Claude Giroux scored, and Scott Hartnell recorded two assists for Team Alfredsson, but Team Chara won by a fianl of 12-9.

Hartnell, in his first All-Star appearance decided to donate a $1,000 to his charity, #hartnelldown, every time he fell on the ice. He fell a few times, but Giroux tried to cause more, by intentionally trying to trip his own teammate.

Giroux commented on his intentions after the game for CSNPhilly.com.

“One shift, I tried to trip him the whole shift,” Giroux said. “I wasn’t able to. Because it was his charity, I didn’t think he fell down enough and I was trying to get in there.”

Hartnell also acknowledged what his teammate was trying to do.

“He was trying to trip me every faceoff,” Hartnell said.

Kimmo Timmonen, who was playing for Team Chara, also performed well despite not having any points to show for it.

You can read a full recap of the All-Star game on ESPN.com, by clicking on the link below.
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400215960

Skills Recap

January 29, 2012

In the player introductions of last night's All-Star Skills Challenge, both Scott Hartnell and Claude Giroux stopped at center ice, removed their glove, and gave a salute. A nod to their lineman Jaromir Jagr, who is resting over the break.

At the end of the night, Team Alfredsson topped Team Chara 21-12.

You can read the full recap at CSNPhilly.com:
http://www.csnphilly.com/blog/flyers-talk/post/Giroux-Flyers-soak-in-SuperSkills-experi?blockID=640408&feedID=695

The list of results can be seen at NHL.com:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=76951&navid=DL|NHL|home

Couturier's blog

January 28, 2012

Over the course of the weekend, Sean Couturier will be talking about his expreriences in the All-Star Game festivities in his blog on the Flyer's website.

His first post is up now. Check it out.
http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=613960&navid=DL|PHI|home

Skills Challenge Lineup

January 28, 2012

A day after the fantasy draft, Daniel Alfredsson and Zdeno Chara set their lineups for the skills competition.

Kimmo Timmonen will be tested for passing accuracy in the Skills Challenge Relay for Team Chara. He will also be in the elimination shootout portion.

Sean Couturier will be the only rookie in the Breakaway challenge, representing Team Alfredsson.

Matt Read is also a lone rookie in his challenge, being tested for accuracy shooting. Claude Girou will be a passer in the challenge.

In the relay, Scott Hartnell will have to pull of left-handed one-timers, and Claude Giroux's stick handling will be put to the test.

Giroux will also be in the elimination shootout for Team Alfredsson.

Here is the full lineup:

TEAM CHARA

Bridgestone NHL Fastest SkaterAll-Star backwards: Brian Campbell
Goalie: Jimmy Howard
Rookie: Colin Greening
All-Star: Phil Kessel
All-Star: Marian Hossa

All-State NHL Breakaway Challenge
Rookie: Ryan Johansen
All-Star: Patrick Kane
All-Star: Corey Perry
Goalie: Carey Price

Canadian Tire NHL Accuracy Shooting
Rookie: Cody Hodgson
All-Star: Tyler Seguin
All-Star: Jamie Benn
All-Star: Marian Hossa
Passer: Phil Kessel
Passer: Ryan Suter
Passer: Jordan Eberle
Passer: Brian Campbell

G Series NHL Skills Challenge Relay
One-timer passer: Ryan Suter
One-timer right-handed: Dennis Wideman
One-timer right-handed: Jarome Iginla
One-timer right-handed: Joffrey Lupul
Passing accuracy: Patrick Kane
Puck control: Pavel Datsyuk
Stick handling: Gabriel Landeskog
Target shooter: Marian Gaborik
One-timer passer: Jordan Eberle
One-timer left-handed: Dion Phaneuf
One-timer left-handed: Zdeno Chara
One-timer left-handed: Jamie Benn
Passing accuracy: KIMMO TIMONEN
Puck control: Raphael Diaz
Stick handling: Evgeni Malkin
Target shooter: Phil Kessel

* Note: Two rookies must participate per team

Blackberry NHL Hardest Shot
Rookie: Luke Adam
All-Star: Dennis Wideman
All-Star: Dion Phaneuf
All-Star: Zdeno Chara

Tim Hortons NHL Elimination Shootout
Rookie: Colin Greening
All-Star: Pavel Datsyuk
All-Star: Evgeni Malkin
All-Star: Corey Perry
All-Star: Tyler Seguin
All-Star: Marian Gaborik
All-Star: Patrick Kane
All-Star: Jarome Iginla
All-Star: Jamie Benn
All-Star: Joffrey Lupul
All-Star: KIMMO TIMONEN
All-Star: Ryan Suter
Goalie: Carey Price
Goalie: Tim Thomas
Goalie: Jimmy Howard

TEAM ALFREDSSON

Bridgestone NHL Fastest SkaterAll-Star backwards: Kris Letang
Goalie: Jonathan Quick
Rookie: Carl Hagelin
All-Star: Keith Yandle
All-Star: Erik Karlsson

All-State Insurance NHL Breakaway Challenge
Rookie: SEAN COUTURIER
All-Star: John Tavares
All-Star: Logan Couture
Goalie: Brian Elliott

Canadian Tire NHL Accuracy Shooting
Rookie: MATT READ
All-Star: Jason Spezza
All-Star: Steven Stamkos
All-Star: Daniel Sedin
Passer: Alex Edler
Passer: Dan Girardi
Passer: CLAUDE GIROUX
Passer: Henrik Sedin
G Series NHL Skills Challenge Relay
One-timer passer: Nick Johnson
One-timer right-handed: Shea Weber
One-timer right-handed: Kris Letang
One-timer right-handed: Steven Stamkos
Passing accuracy: Henrik Sedin
Puck control: Milan Michalek
Stick handling: Logan Couture
Target shooter: James Neal
One-timer passer: Alex Edler
One-timer left-handed: Keith Yandle
One-timer left-handed: SCOTT HARTNELL
One-timer left-handed: John Tavares
Passing accuracy: Daniel Sedin
Puck control: Craig Smith
Stick handling: CLAUDE GIROUX
Target shooter: Jason Pominville

* Note: Two rookies must participate per team

Blackberry NHL Hardest Shot
Rookie: Justin Faulk
All-Star: Daniel Alfredsson
All-Star: Jason Spezza
All-Star: Shea Weber

Tim Hortons NHL Elimination Shootout
Rookie: Carl Hagelin
All-Star: Steven Stamkos
All-Star: John Tavares
All-Star: Jason Spezza
All-Star: CLAUDE GIROUX
All-Star: Daniel Alfredsson
All-Star: James Neal
All-Star: Milan Michalek
All-Star: Jason Pominville
All-Star: Kris Letang
All-Star: Erik Karlsson
All-Star: Daniel Sedin
Goalie: Henrik Lundqvist
Goalie: Brian Elliott
Goalie: Jonathan Quick

- Lineup from NHL.com

All-Star Draft: Giroux and Hartnell to Alfredsson, Kimmo to Chara

January 27, 2012



vancouversun.com

Claude Giroux and Kimmo Timmonen likely were not going to be picked last in the second All-Star Player Fantasy Draft. But before the draft started, Scott Hartnell was a popular name for the infamous last pick.

Giroux was the first Flyer taken. He was drafted by Team Alfredsson in the fourth round, being the eighth overall pick.

Almost immediately after, Timmonen was the next pick made (5th round, 9th overall). He will be playing on Team Chara.

As the draft wore on, Hartnell was still sitting backstage, while Giroux made a comedic post on Twitter.

"Glad I got pick before @Hartsy19. Hopefully he gets the car. #19lastpick"
- @28CGiroux

Hartnell sat a bit longer before he was finally drafted by Team Alfredsson as the 34th selection. He had this to say on Twitter.

"Holy smokes I got picked #notlast #girouxisaluckyman @28CGiroux disappointed with @JLupul for not getting me. #keepurheadupkid"

- @Hartsy19

San Jose's Logan Couture had the misfortune of being the last pick, going to Team Alfredsson. At least he got a car out of it.

Both Flyers rookies, Sean Couturier and Matt Read, are on Team Alfredsson also. All the rookie All-Stars were divided up in to two teams of six.

Couturier got to choose which side his team will be on, he opted for the hometown Team Alfredsson.

This leaves Timmonen as the lone Flyer on Team Chara.

The full rosters for both teams, including the rookies, are posted below.

TEAM CHARA1. Pavel Datsyuk (DET)
3. Tim Thomas (BOS)
5. Evgeni Malkin (PIT)
7. Marian Hossa (CHI)
9. KIMMO TIMONEN (PHI)
11. Corey Perry (ANA)
13. Carey Price (MTL)
15. Phil Kessel (TOR)
17. Ryan Suter (NSH)
19. Jimmy Howard (DET)
21. Brian Campbell (FLA)
23. Patrick Kane (CHI)
25. Dion Phaneuf (TOR)
27. Jerome Iginla (CGY)
29. Dennis Wideman (WSH)
31. Marian Gaborik (NYR)
33. Jordan Eberle (EDM)
35. Tyler Seguin (BOS)
37. Jamie Benn (DAL)

TEAM CHARA ROOKIES: Luke Adam (BUF), Raphael Diaz (MTL), Colin Greening (OTT), Cody Hodgson (VAN), Ryan Johansen (CBJ), Gabriel Landeskog (COL)

TEAM ALFREDSSON
2. Erik Karlsson (OTT)
4. Jason Spezza (OTT)
6. Jonathan Quick (LAK)
8. CLAUDE GIROUX (PHI)
10. Kris Letang (PIT)
12. Steven Stamkos (TBL)
14. Brian Elliott (STL)
16. Shea Weber (NSH)
18. Daniel Sedin (VAN)
20. Dan Girardi (NYR)
22. Keith Yandle (PHX)
24. Milan Michalek (OTT)
26. Henrik Sedin (VAN)
28. James Neal (PIT)
30. Alex Edler (VAN)
32. John Tavares (NYI)
34. SCOTT HARTNELL (PHI)
36. Jason Pominville (BUF)
38. Logan Couture (SJS)

TEAM ALFREDSSON ROOKIES: SEAN COUTURIER (PHI), Justin Faulk (CAR), Carl Hagelin (NYR), Nick Johnson (MIN), MATT READ (PHI), Craig Smith (NSH)

Flyers send forwards down during break

January 26, 2012

Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com is reporting that Tommy Sestito, Ben Holmstrom, and Harry Zolnierczyk have been sent back to the Phantoms.

This is most likely to keep these rookies playing over the All-Star weekened.

In other news, the Flyer's annual father-son trip provided the team with a little bit of luck.

While the Flyers dads joined the team over the past few days, the team won two of three games.

Flyers get first shootout win this season

January 25, 2012

After a total of 10 goals were scored in regulation, and Ilya Bryzgalov failed to make a single save in the shootout during Sunday's 6-5 loss to Boston, Peter Laviolette decided to put Sergei Bobrovsky in goal on Tuesday night.

It proved to be the right decision, as the Flyers found themselves in yet another shootout. This time, against the Florida Panthers, in the last game before the All-Star break.

Before Tuesday night's game, the Flyers were 0-3 in the shootout. The record makes it understandable for fans to not have much confidence when the team is in this situation.

But this time was different.

Claude Giroux scored the only goal in the shootout. He deked out goaltender Scott Clemmensen, giving Girou a wide open net for an easy goal.

Bobrovsky stopped all three of Florida's attempts, getting  Kris Versteeg to miss the net, and denying Stephen Weiss, and Mike Santorelli.


Flyers.NHL.com, Getty Images

Bobrovsky saved 23 of 25 shots in regular play, then shutout the Panthers in the shootout, did a little dance, and gave the Flyers a confidence building 3-2 shootout win before the break.

Clemmensen saved 35 of 37 shots in regular play. In the shootout, he stopped Brayden Schenn on the first attempt, gave up the goal to Giroux in the second. Jakub Voracek missed in the third attempt.

Florida's Mikael Samuelsson (3, 2:49) scored a power play goal in the first, to give the Panthers an early 1-0 lead.

Later in the first, the Flyers tied it up, thanks to a power play goal from Brayden Schenn (3, 10:35). Schenn's goal was reviewed, because there was concern that the net may have came loose before he scored. But after a brief delay, the goal stood.

Voracek (8, 17:59) scored to put the Flyers up 2-1 before the end of the first.

In the second, Florida's Thomas Fleischmann (16, 15:40) scored to tie the game up 2-2. Fleischmann's goal would go on to send the game into overtime.

The Flyers are now 1-3 this season in games that go to a shootout. They are 29-14-5, with 63 points overall, after 48 games.

The Flyers remain at fourth place in the Eastern Conference heading into the All-Star break.


Box Score
http://scores.espn.go.com/nhl/boxscore?gameId=400047581

Hartnell heading to All-Star game

January 24, 2012

phillygameday.com

His 25 goals are fourth most in the NHL, and after originally getting snubbed in the voting, Scott Hartnell will be going to Ottawa for the weekend.

The veteran forward is having a career year, with 44 points, but did not make the All-Star roster in the voting. Players like Washington's Alexander Ovechkin, who is not having as great a year as Hartnell, made it due to more popularity in the mainstream fan base.

Hartnell and the many fans who felt he was deserving of a spot, waited for about two weeks for a player to withdraw from the game, either to recover from an injury or other reasons.

On Tuesday it finally happened.

sports-at-work.com

Chicago's Jonathan Toews withdrew due to an upper-body injury, and the NHL's Disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan called Hartnell to tell him the news.

Ovechkin also dropped out of the game, due to a three-game suspension he received for leaving his feet to deliver a hit to Pittsburgh defenseman Zbynek Michalek, during Sunday's Capitals versus Penguins matchup.


Other All-Star game drop outs are Minnesota's Mikko Koivu and Winnipeg's Dustin Byfuglien due to injuries.

Hartnell will be joining his teammates Claude Giroux, Kimmo Timmonen, Matt Read, and Sean Couturier this weekend for the All-Star festivities.

This will be Hartnell's first All-Star game, and to that, I say congratulations Hartsy.