The Guru that is Giroux rises!

Concussions are a big story in the league this year. Concussed players range from the all-star Defensemen Kris Letang to the forwards, like Rocket Richard hopeful Milan Michalek.

It almost seems that each team is hit with this epidemic at some point. One such team had the pleasure of losing not only their gritty Captain Chris Pronger but also was welcomed with a concussion to their leading scorer and MVP of the team.

The Flyers have been an injury plagued team all season, the tipping point that would really test this squad was when leading scorer Claude Giroux went down on friendly fire which gave him a concussion.

The scary part about concussions is that the injuries can be unpredictable in terms of how long a player needs to sit out, yet the promising forward only missed 4 games.

Claude returned to play against a physical and aggressive Dallas Stars team, but that did not stop Giroux from wanting to play.

Immediately he was placed back in his role of being the top countermen for the team and he did not skip a beat.

Giroux ended up playing 15:15 minutes of the game, while getting a goal and 3 assists; to solidify his league leading point totals to 43.

Coach Laviolette played the forward in just about all situations as if he was never injured.

This game not only continued the Flyers winning streak but also is a confidence boost to a team that keeps getting hammered with injuries.

Giroux's return now makes this already dangerous team, even stronger as the season progresses.

- Justin Stefani

Pronger, Giroux, Reimer, Crosby - Wow !!! This has to stop

Concussion drama keeps shaking the NHL this season with Chris Pronger being knocked out of action this week for the Philadelphia Flyers.  This disaster hit Philadelphia just days after Claude Giroux was also put on the sidelines with his on concussion. That's right folks the Flyers are in danger of being tipped off their pedestal because of the actions of their opponents.  The Flyers have been steady all year through force of will and skill and now they may suffer a tailspin because everyone on the ice are acting like locomotives off the tracks.

Old time fans remember when the world's fastest game was played without helmets.  Concussions were few and far between because players were aware that not only was the opponent without a helmet but so were they.  They didn't take shots at others because they didn't want others taking shots at them.  Yes there was fighting but fighting is done when players are immobile or virtually immobile.   Concussions on the other hand are caused by players barrelling together with helmets on.  Why doesn't anyone show these guys that head protection doesn't solve problems it only mitigates them.  Case in point the rash of NFL players with concussion issues.  Imagine if NFL players wore skates and now you have an idea what kind of shot Giroux and Pronger took to the head.  No wonder they are out of action.  Just because players wear the best and latest helmets that won't solve the concussion issues.  It is kind of like smoking low tar cigarettes and thinking you won't get cancer.  Low tar cigarettes will kill you and being hit by a 200 pound+  NHLer in the head will cause a concussion.

This year has seen some of the best fall by the wayside after a flurry of head shots.  The turmoil has hit front line players like Pronger as well as up and coming goalies like James Reimer. The NHL is trying to deal with this growing problem by handing out penalties and game suspensions from head office.  We have a  suggestion for the NHL.  Send the players back to 1970s equipment and the concussions will slow or stop.  This BS with concussions has to come to an end and giving people suspensions is not cutting it.

  

The Bruins and Flyers Are the Teams to Watch at Mid-Season

The NHL has been full of surprises this year. The Habs are on their knees, the Wild are in first, and the Ducks can't seem to buy a winning streak.  Surprises have a way of correcting themselves during the course of a full NHL season. However, real hockey fans are not big on surprises. Real hockey fans who love the game like the dynasties.  They like the teams which deliver day in and day out. Two of those teams are the Philadelphia Flyers and the Boston Bruins.  These bastions of hockey have seen the likes of Bobby Clarke, Reggie Leach, Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr; play and prosper. The 2011-2012 editions of the Bruins and Flyers are cast in the same dye as their predecessors.  Both teams offer a great product on the ice and watching them play is a treat even if you are not from the East Coast of the US.

Boston is lead by vets like Milan Lucic and youngsters like Tyler Seguin who are ripping up the league with speed and dazzle. The team is balanced like a Swiss clock and they make a formidable opponent for any team on any night.  The plus/minus rating for the Bruins as a whole is historically high and we suspect that they will continue this play all season on their way to a repeat as Stanley Cup Champions.  Just like the Flyers, Blackhawks and Wild; the Bruins play team hockey.  The one difference for the Bruins is that they tasted victory last year and the chemistry still exists for the repeat.

Philadelphia is built in the same image as the Bruins. They are young , strong, and skilled. Claude Giroux is quickly ascending as one of the top snipers in the league and guys like Couturier can't be far behind.  We think the Flyers will challenge this year and they could be crowned champs in the not too distant future.  I have seen a game in Philadelphia.  The intensity in the building is palatable and often it translates into an extra player when the hometown Flyers play.  This is even more evident at playoff time.  Anyway you cut, the Flyers are one of the soundest teams in the NHL.  If Jagr and Giroux stay healthy and produce at playoff time; an upside surprise is always possible. 

Giroux and Nugent-Hopkins Shine in Friday Action in the NHL

The youth movement in the NHL was in the spotlight on Friday in the victory of the Flyers over the Habs and the Oilers over the Wild.  The youngsters which are shining in this new NHL season are showing in the scorecards on a nightly basis.

Claude Giroux is proving to be a sensation for this year's edition of the Philadelphia Flyers.  The guys is a machine.  He tallied two more goals against the Habs in a 3-1 victory on Friday night.  The kid is young, fast, and he has great hockey sense.  He is the leader of the youth movement in Philly and we think he could easily become the heart and soul of the Flyers for years to come.  The burden on Giroux was huge after the blockbuster trades by Philly in the post season.  His maturity in dealing with the new responsibilities should give Flyer fans something to look forward to for years.

The young guns for the Edmonton OIlers came to life on Friday night again and carried the Alberta boys to a 5-2 win over the Wild.  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall notched goals for Edmonton for a team that seems to be a clear contender in their division.  The success in Edmonton is the product of years of planning with smart drafting and trades.  The kids on the Oilers squad are the future of hockey in this great market and the addition of Ryan Smyth has proven to be the leadership influence which was needed to get to the next level.  We really this team and the fact that they can bounce back from adversity so easily.  Just like Giroux in Philadelphia; Nugent-Hopkins and Hall show maturity beyond their years and unlimited potential.  

LEAFS VS FLYERS - NOW THIS IS A HOCKEY !!!

It is a quiet night in the NHL but the Leafs versus Flyers matchup caught our attention.  This will be without a doubt the best game of the night.  Both teams are starting their second string goalies so it is a tossup on who will come out on top.  These squads have grit, youth , and veteran character.  It is almost like they are twins.  When you combines those three elements on both sides; you have the recipe for a knock out drag out game. Both the Leafs and the Flyers have something to prove.  

Toronto has seen a resurgence this year with the play of Dion Phaneuf and Phil Kessel among others.  The boys from the Leafs are determined to get a good jump at the start of the season and it looks like they are well on their way.   They are sick of losing and they want to get into the playoff in 2011 -2012 and make a splash.    Hopefully, Reimer will come back from the Gionta hit and play like he played last season and early this season.   He is a key component to this Leafs' team which right now has the right chemistry to win the tough games.

Philadelphia is off to a good start as well.  Guys like Giroux are playing like champs.  They have some weakness with the likes of Jagr but overall the Flyers are an offensive powerhouse.   We really like the potential in Philly and we think the young players on the team for the nucleus of a championship squad.  The Flyers look kind of like the Capitals of 2009-2010.   I think we will see the young Flyers step up tonight and hit the score sheet.  The question is; will it be enough to beat the Leafs.

Lock and load gang.  This one is going to be a good one.

Tuesday and Wednesday NHL Roundup

Apart from the previously reviewed game between the Senators and Wild there was only one other game Tuesday which was the Pittsburgh home opener against the Panthers.

It was an uncomfortable win in the end for the Penguins. Malkin was missing from the line up but scoring duties were again picked up by Matt Cooke and Kris Letang. The Panthers looked well organised and tough to break down. The Penguins had a couple of lucky breaks which helped get them the win. They maintain their good start to the season.

Onto Wednesday night; where there were 3 games played.

Colorado beat Colombus 3-2 after a PS in what was a very even game by all accounts. Landeskog scored his 1^st NHL career goal with just over 40 seconds remaining in the 3^rd period to tie the game and send it to the extra period and penalties.

Carolina beat Boston 3-2 in what turned out to be the Cam Ward / Tim Thomas show with both net minders making numerous huge saves. Boston struggled on their PP and have started with only 1 goal on 18 attempts so far.

The other Stanley Cup finalist, Vancouver, was beaten 5-4 in the other game of the night against the Flyers.  Claude Giroux was the star as he put up 1+2 but the Flyers found points from all over the ice which shows the potential  of the sniper brigade they have this season.

Thursday night will see ten different matchups being played with some intriguing contests. The biggest  two games see the Canucks play the Redwings and the Capitals play the Penguins.

- Adam Yates

Flyers Flying High on a 3 Game Win Streak

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania…the city of brotherly love…a city of sports…a city with dedicated fans; with the Phillies out of the playoffs and the NFL Eagles playing terrible, it was time for a boost for the city.

Last night was the home opener for the revamped Flyers squad. They played against the Stanley cup runner up- Vancouver Canucks.   This was the chance to show off all the new players to the EXTREME Philly fanatics!

Boy, did this Flyers squad not disappoint! There were moments of suspense filled through out this game. Dumb penalties taken after plays or the Sedins both scoring goals each to try and surpass the Flyers…and although both teams looked sluggish at times the final score ended up being 5-4 in favor of the Flyers. As posted earlier that this is a new squad to be led offensively by Claude Giroux;

Well he has stepped up and earned 3 points (1G, 2A), Captain Chris Pronger with 2 points (1G, 1A), James Van Riemsdyk with his first goal of the season, Jakub Voracek with his 2^nd Goal of the season and Andrej Meszaros scoring the game winner in the 3^rd period. Yet this Flyers squad only peppered Luongo with 27 shots with 5 goals against…

The Canucks were not to bad themselves but seem to not have shaken off the jitters of falling short to winning the Stanley Cup.

This home opener win was important for the Flyers Franchise, it not alone made it 3-0-0 for only the 11^th time in franchise history, but this team is giving hope back to a sports city that loves its games and loves to be known as some of the most rabid fans out there!

By Justin Stephani

The Potential Magic of Claude Giroux - This Fan is Loving It !!!

Claude Giroux... what is there to say about this young Canadian born player who has  been passed the torch to help lead the Flyers in the scoring department?

This young hotshot was drafted 22^nd overall in the 2006 entry draft by the Philadelphia Flyers.  The Philadelphia faithful will know that he was  born in 1988 in Ontario Canada. Giroux was a right handed winger who has now turned to center plays well in all situation.  He has been a great draft pick and his hockey IQ keeps climbing.

Ever since (ex) captain Mike Richards and scoring sniper Jeff Carter were traded away in the summer, the buck has been passed to Giroux and he is expected to be to set up a new core with James Van Riemsdyk, prospects Brayden Schenn and latest 1^st round draft pick Sean Couturier. Giroux scored 25 goals and registered 51 assists last year on route to an impressive 76 point campaign which was 29 points more than his 2009- 2010 season.  He is an excellent two-way forward as well; let’s just say Giroux does it all! 5v5 even strength? (50 points and plus 20) excellent! Shorthanded? (7 SH Pts) throw ‘em out there! Power play? (19 pts) Uh... YES!

This is not to say they will do all the heavy lifting, because Daniel Briere is still on the team as well as curly haired Scott Hartnell who is returning for another year of showing off his long locks and throwing his body around.  On top of all that you have the newly acquired Wayne Simmonds, Jacob Voracek and 39 year old NHL Elite European ex mullet extraordinaire...Jaromir "freakin" Jagr.

All those forwards are lethal weapons on any given night. With Giroux centering a line of JVR and Jagr they can become a very dangerous 1^st line for the boys from Philly!

There is no doubt in mind that GM Paul Holmgren has decided to let Giroux be the lead center...and their first game of the season is a testament to that. In that game, Giroux was OUTSTANDING! His goal was off the charts !! Like a young wizard with the puck he beat the veteran Tim Thomas with his back hand to forehand goal. It was absolutely amazing! Let's not forget that the great pass down the ice came from Jagr. Again this is just a preview of what is to come for this young player and I for one can not wait to see what is in store for the leading goal scorer for the Flyers last year.

This writer has a bold prediction for this young All-Star? I expect 80 points as well as some of the most beautiful dynamic plays that will make the highlight reels in this coming season. The potential is there and continues to grow.

- Justin Stefani

Paul Holmgren is no Bob Barker, both Literally and Figuratively

"Crazily, we decided to keep the smaller of the three. More crazily? It's worked out for the best."

The Philadelphia Flyers continued their dangerous game of The Price is Right on Monday, making Claude Giroux the latest contestant in their continual attempts to get as close to the salary cap as possible without going over. Makes you kind of wish Bob Barker was around to beat some sense into general manager Paul Holmgren.

In all seriousness, Holmgren has done a decent job in general of making the Flyers contenders. People forget that it was only 2006-2007 when the Flyers finished last overall in the league by a pretty huge margin with 56 points (and still missed out on Patrick Kane). The very next season, they made it to the Eastern Conference final, serving as proof of some sort that Holmgren knows what he’s doing. Flash forward several years, and it’s become readily apparent that the Flyers have been so successful not necessarily due to Holmgren but shockingly in spite of some of the moves he’s made.

How’s he doing it? Luck? Sorcery? Deal with the Devil? Crystal ball? Through blackmail when rival general managers refuse to play ball upon receiving sexual favours from him in exchange for a thrown game here and there? Your guess is as good as mine, but I will say I’m leaning towards the last one, because luck doesn’t exist (the Devil does; he just clearly has better things to worry about, like getting his team out of the dumps above all else).

Here’s a guy (Holmgren, not the Devil) that reached out to Ray Emery to solve the Flyers’ goaltending problem in net... Ray Emery, the emotional train wreck of a goaltender that wasn’t even good enough to man the crease for the Ottawa Senators! The Ottawa Senators! Whose idea of a number-one goaltender is Damian Rhodes!

Of course, Emery gets injured and the Flyers turn to former waiver-wire trash Michael Leighton as the team’s saviour, and somehow that turns into a miracle, up until the point that he lets in perhaps the softest Stanley Cup-winning goal in history.

“Don’t worry, buddy, how’s a two-year, multi-million-dollar contract sound as a reward? Awesome, but, wait, what’s that? You’re injured to start the year? No, prob, we’ve got this unknown goaltender by the name of Bob Tverdovsky, or something like that. He must be Oleg’s brother. He’ll manage just fine until you’re good to go.”

Now Sergei Bobrovsky’s stellar start to the season (8-2-1) aside, it should be readily apparent that Holmgren has more lives than a cat equipped with body armour, or he’s just in really good with the man upstairs. And now comes Giroux’s three-year contract extension, to the tune of $11.25 million, which will come into effect next year. This means that he will become a very rich man, thanks mainly to one solid stretch of playoff hockey over the course of his inconsistent career (which admittedly has led him atop the Flyers scoring ranks early this season as well with 14 points in 15 games).

Logic would dictate that Holmgren should have perhaps waited at least a few months for Giroux’s point-per-game ratio to inevitably tank, thereby getting him somewhat cheaper, but all in all it seems as if Giroux is here to stay, so the deal can’t be bad-mouthed all that much. Conversely, you have the fact that the team’s payroll for next year is already above $50 million ($52,893,096) with just 18 players under contract.

So, seeing as the salary cap has gone up from $39 million to $59.4 million in five seasons, figure Holmgren has about $10 million with which to sign five players, including Daniel Carcillo, Ville Leino, and Jeff Carter among others (Nikolay Zherdev has been left off this list for the very simple reason that the only way he stays in Philly is if he gets on board and starts giving out the aforementioned sexual favours in Holmgren’s proxy).

"The jersey must be cursed, 'cuz both will be former Flyers pretty soon."

This situation could clearly have been avoided and, with each passing contract handed out, the end result is less and less pretty. Maybe Giroux’s contract was unavoidable, but the Flyers are still without a big-name goaltender (unless you count the one with the actual big name), Chris Pronger is set to man the team’s blue line until he’s a brittle old man (although he may already be considered brittle), and one of the team’s top goal scorers is set to get offer sheets aplenty come July 1. As such, the writing is likely on the bathroom wall regarding Carter’s departure from Philly... right beside Holmgren’s phone number for a good time.