What Happened?

After the first 2 games, I thought this series was over. I was wrong. Tonight, that little f*ck Bill McCreary, handed out 3 weak interference calls. The series is tied 2-2 and the 'Mo has swung to Toronto.

Angry Ron has predicted a Toronto series win in 6 games. For the the Flyers to defy this prediction, they need to 1) score some goals, with production from LeClair and Recchi [Ron thinks he'll score a playoff goal in April of 2006] 2) Hitch must put in Gagne and Kapanen on the Power Play, and drop Zeus 3) physically punish Sundin and or Mogilny
4) avoid the terrible refereeing of Rod Schick, Bill McCreary and Mick McGoo.

Toronto is just as big and gritty as the Flyers. Game 5 is huge.

Oh It's The Stick...

...that makes you suck. Maybe it's Mogilny that deserves the sucks suffix. The real problem isn't Mogilny's stick, it's the injuries that his team is facing. Owen Nolan and Joe Nieuwendyk are out and all-star Mats Sundin is playing with a bum leg. Pat Quinn has started shuffling lines around in practice in hopes of boosting offense, look for Domi to move up to Ron Francis' line. Quinn is hoping that tough guy Domi can open up the ice for Francis, while most Philly fans are still hoping that Domi gets beat to a pulp.

Meanwhile NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and players' union head Bob Goodenow will be in attendance, because watching a Flyers/Maple Leafs brawl is just the thing to start off a productive round of labor negotiations.

Primeau no longer sucks

For the past couple years I could not say Primeau without following his surname with the suffix of "sucks". His one goal of import was the 5 OT game winner vs. Pittsburgh and that was about it. I had seen him blow too many plays, too many passes, too many goals, too many faceoffs, and too many playoff series to think otherwise. And the way he conducted himself after the Flyers infamous 2 goal series vs. Ottawa 2 years ago by blaming Bill Barber was the low point for me. But things have changed.

Late in the regular season he got hit on the head really hard and has become a different player. In the Devils series he was possessed. He played great defensively, was crushing people, and scored 2 very important and skillful goals. So far against Toronto he hasn't put up the points but was great in game 2's third period and has won some important faceoffs. Please Primeau, don't get hit on your head again. I'm afraid you'll remember who you really are.

So who has inherited the "sucks" moniker? LeClair. Brashear has as many goals in the playoffs over the last couple years as LeClair - 2. And if the Flyers make the next round I'm afraid his history of goal scoring magic against either Montreal or Tampa will go missing. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

Eagles' 2004 Draft In Review

Ok, so none of us really know what the Eagles got... and will not until time tells the story. However, we can't help but sit back and provide an amateur opinion on what transpired this weekend (overall). Here are a few of my thoughts:

• Trading up in the first round as the Eagles did was statistically "even." So, if the Eagles did their homework correctly (and Sean Andrews is a true #16), then they did fine. We all knew they needed more depth in the OL, so I'm ok with their first pick. I probably would have preferred to add OL depth later in the first round and keep the second round pick for a RB (or MLB), but can trust the Birds on this one (for now). Watching some clips on that guy (and seeing his weight troubles), he is not going to be the "versatile" OL-man. I can't see him ever starting at guard: he looks TOO slow. That means this guy will have to overtake Runyan at RT or move to the left side and overtake Tra? Man, where does this guy fit?
  
• My biggest concern with this draft is the number of OL picks: 4. True, the game begins with the two lines. But, how much did Welbourne influence what the Eagles did this weekend? Again, I'm fine with adding depth to the OL, but 4 picks (including your top one)? I remember complaining about the number of secondary players drafted in 2001, so maybe I'll feel better in a few years about this draft.
  
• What about the work "ethic" of these guys. Many of them come with some scouting concerns in that area. Have the Eagles left their game plan with some level of "desperation"? TO was certainly out of character. But, the "young" guys they like to groom typically have better repoires than this year's crop.
  
• The RB's picked by the Eagles both can't block. Man, do I think this is gonna be a problem for the Eagles, especially considering the shakeup on the OL. Bobbie Williams and Welbourne both gone. Bucky can't block. McNabb better hope his OL can take care of the blocking. Otherwise, we might be seeing Andy Hall by the fifth game of the season.
  
• Well, I've accepted the fact that they Eagles will probably do NOTHING more for their backfield. Maybe there's still a chance they do something at linebacker. Perhaps they have more depth there than we think (assuming the DL stays healthy). I've long been a fan of Keith Adams and think he has some skills beyond special teams. I think the most likely addition to the roster between now and regular season will be a FA CB.
  

As I have mentioned before, the Eagles have now addressed two key areas of concern on the offense from last season: OL protection and WR. I think the former was less of a concern than many thought (that most of the sacks of DM were cover sacks, not OL breakdowns). Also, the more you "protect" McNabb, the less you can leverage his scrambling abilities. So, unless McNabb is really headed down the road of Mr. accurate pocket passer, then I'm not so sure where this draft got us. As far as the defense goes, I don't think there is much special about the secondary picks the Eagles made. So far, their defense is "break even" for me from last year. They lost two excellent CB's and a LB, while adding an excellent DE and nice LB.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!
BDB

Ragnarrson Got Back

Rags made the biggest save of the game. If he wasn't there, we'd be talking overtime.

Making a Big Move!

The Birdies made a huge move in moving up to #16 today to draft OL Shawn Andrews from Arkansas. The Eagles gave up their first and second round picks in this year's draft to get this guy and surprised just about everyone in doing so. They'll either prove to be geniuses or dopes on this one. BDB likes the move and thinks that the Eagles have now addressed their two biggest offensive needs from last year's team: WR to get open and OL to improve pass protection (remember the whining about the non-cover sacks vs. McNabb in the playoffs and early in the season?).

I view the defense as good enough to win and think that drafting a CB would do NOTHING to improve the team THIS COMING year. Of course, i would've been happy if they got a RB instead of an OLman. But, that's a whole 'nother thing you've all heard me rant about many a time!

I'm NOT with Welbourne!

While BDB was totally behind Runyan's respectfully submitted comments against AR's anti-run offense, he is not so supportive of Welbourne's derisive comments this morning on WIP (which I heard live in entirety). To sit there and whine about an unfair management that will not renegotiate a contract that he VOLUNTARILY signed is absurd. Maybe I should send back some of my stock gains, so that I don't feel overpaid for the few big winners. A philosophy like that would lead to a losing porfolio YEAR after YEAR, since I'd never get back my losses (while diluting the wins).

Welbourne misses the fact that several athletes end up on the opposite side of the deal, making big bucks for little to no output. It's a business and he took the comfort of a long contract over the "risk" of a smaller one, which would have allowed later renegotiation or free agency (or unemployment if he was a bust). I can't sympathize with him all that much, especially with $3MM+ in signing bonus money that he got. Welbourne, go get a new agent and complain to him.

Hats off to Eagles for drafting Welbourne and inking him at a bargain for the long haul. He's exceeded many expectations and was a good signing by the Birds. Now if he'd just quit whining, get on the field, and win a superbowl for us...

Various wild guesses on who the Eagles will take

The Eagles have many needs for a Super Bowl contender. The list includes LB/OL, DT, DL Depth, RB Depth and maybe CB and WR. I perused various online mock drafts by groups I've never heard of. Because the Eagles draft 28th, there naturally was a wide range of opinion on who the Eagles would take.

Sports Illustrated (who I had heard of):
Vernon Carey G Miami (Fla.) 6'4" 335 Sr.
With no top-tier CB to be had in this spot (unless the Eagles trade up, which is a strong possibility, to get a CB or LB), Philly takes the hypothetical "best available athlete."

Inside the Eagles:
Michael Clayton WR 6'3" 205 LSU
Speed , size and daring. He is a playmaker without fear of the middle. Now that Thrash has been moved, Andy will add another speedy WR to supplement the addition of TO and give Donovan everything he needs to run the offense.

Q.I. Sports:
Karlos Dansby LB Aub., 6-2 246, 40 Time: 4.6 (Official)
Alternatives: CB Derrick Strait, CB Ahmad Carroll, DB Matt Ware
Note: (Rumor has it that the Eagles are interested in RB Steven Jackson! They have contacted the 49ers about the #16 pick. Talk that the Eagles will load up on CB's in the draft but that could be later in the draft, Dansby would really help a run defense that stuggled last season especially in the playoffs.)

Dansby would be a great replacement for SLB Carlos Emmons who signed with the rival Giants, Dhani Jones is a WLB not a SLB so he is not the answer, Dansby has a good combination of size, speed and quickness, he is up to 246 lbs which is heavier then his playing weight during the college season at 235 lbs.

Football.com:
Justin Smiley OG Alabama
The Eagles may be looking at linebacker here if Jonathan Vilma or Karlos Dansby is on the board but they also have some decisions to make along the offensive line and adding depth is a priority. Smiley looks like the fastest interior lineman in this draft and has a ton of upside. Vernon Carey is an option along the line as well, he is not the prospect that Smiley is but he can play multiple positions.

NFL Draft Countdown:
Kevin Jones, RB, Virginia Tech
The Eagles are trying to trade up with San Francisco rumored to be a potential trading partner. Word is Steven Jackson could be their target, which would be proof they aren't happy with their current running back situation. Duce Staley signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent, Correll Buckhalter failed to step up last year and Brian Westbrook is more of a third down, change of pace back. Despite his poor showing in workouts I have Jones rated as the top running back in the draft and feel he has the potential to be a franchise running back in the NFL. With good size, athleticism, and better speed than his forty time would lead you to believe, Jones is the complete package. A top recruit coming out of high school, Jones split carries for the Hokies with Lee Suggs his first two years before taking over the starting job as a junior and came through with a great campaign. Jones is also a very good receiver out of the backfield and runs very good routes, which is an added bonus. Jones did run again and improved his times with a clocking in the low-4.5 range, which isn't spectacular but I am confidant he solidified himself as a solid late first round pick.

Draft Studio:
Matt Ware CB UCLA 6'3" 210lbs. Jr. NFL Comparison : Bobby Taylor
Strengths : A great athlete with a good size, speed, and strength. A very aggressive player that isn't afraid to lay the wood, matches up perfect with the Terrell Owens and the Randy Moss' of the NFL (top 2 WRs in the past 2 draft's have been big).

Weaknesses : A tweener between free safety and cornerback, good at both but doesn't have a natural position. A shoulder injury in 2001. May be focused on baseball more than football.

Ask the Commish:
Will Poole CB USC
After letting Bobby Taylor and Troy Vincent fly off to other teams via free agency, the Eagles really need more help at CB. Will Poole, even though a bit raw, could fit right into the Eagles' defensive scheme and help provide depth at corner. Although, Vernon Carey might be worth a look to help the OL.

Other places suggested Greg Jones, RB from FSU, Nathan Vasher, CB from Texass, and one had the Eagles trading up to take the now ineligible Mike Williams.

And if these shots in the dark aren't blind enought for you, one place even had a 2005 mock draft ready to go.

Flyers get victory in sloppy game

Flyers were sloppy because they hadn't played since Saturday. Leafs were sloppy because they had just finished a 7 game series Tuesday night then had to travel. As the game wore on you knew who would tighten things up and who would just get sloppier. Flyers dominated the first despite 2 Leaf powerplays. And as usual, the second period saw the Flyers take a step back but they managed to score a somewhat lucky goal and take the lead. The Flyers returned to dominating in the third as the Leafs looked exhausted. Nice for LeClair to show up and nice to see Gagne contribute again. Leafs had the two best hits of the game though. The one Marchment delivered to LeClair and I don't remember who destroying Kapanen. But to his credit he got right back up and finished his shift.

Stupid Phillies

They just can't beat those Marlins! Three homers by a no-namer? A ninth inning, solo, game-tying shot by the same guy off of Bill Wagner? Losing in the 12th off of a sacrifice fly (the little things)? How disappointing. I agree with Eskin, that this team does not have the "little" things to win it all. They can string some "streaks" together and do some offensive damage... but they just aren't consistent enough and don't put the ball in play enough do eek out a run here or there. Blah.

Go, Flyers!

More Tidbits

Ok, the Flyers know whom they are going to play next, the Toronto Maple Leafs. BDB thinks this series is gonna be great and that the Flyers will prevail over the banged up Leafs.

The Sixers hired their next head coach: Philadelphia native, Jim O'Brien. Hopefully that's not the weatherman who lost his life parachuting back when BDB was a kid. Either way, I'll miss Chris Ford. I appreciated his handling of Iverson and thought he did a pretty nice job with a team that is otherwise boring on paper w/o AI.

And, the Phillies continued to struggle against those Marlins. Even though they only managed four hits, they did have scoring chances (twice) that left men on base. With seven straight losses to FLA, the Phils seem to be developing a ghost of their own.

And for those who miss football so dearly, at least the draft is coming up this weekend. I doubt the Eagles will move up in the draft and expect them to take the best available player. Let's face it, after all the moves the Birds made so far, we'll still take top talent in the first round at RB, MLB, OL, DT, CB, or even WR.

Stolen Songs and Psychological Demons

So I'm watching the third period of the Montreal/Boston game last night, because I was hoping to see the Flyers play Boston next round. Not that I think Boston would be push over, I just wanted to see someone new in the playoffs, but instead will see a rerun of either round one or two from last year. So anyway the Bruins are down 1-0 with about three minutes left in the game and the DJ at the Fleet center decides it's time to motivate his team with the perfect song. So what does he play to fire up his team? THE THEME FROM ROCKY! What the hell is that all about? Everybody knows that's Philly song. Does Boston really think they get away with stealing our song? I don't remember Rocky being from Beantown. I don't remember Rocky running up the steps of the Boston Art Museum. I don't remember seeing a Rocky statue outside of the Fleet Center. It's time for us Philly fans to unite and take back are song. All I want to know is who's coming with me?

Earlier in the season Hitch made a comment about the team having to face their psychological demons namely New jersey and Ottawa. Now that comment is starting to make Hitch look psychic. They've faced New Jersey and now it looks like there is a good chance they'll face Ottawa next round. Then they will face a demon from last year. Perhaps they'll even get the chance to face their ultimate demon and play Detroit in the Finals. Finally getting revenge for the playoff sweep in 1997. But like Ron says, "Let's not get ahead of ourselves or anything."

Not to get ahead of ourselves or anything

Aside from the Sixers, the main sports teams in town each have a very real and legitimate chance to win it all. And if you check Vegas' odds they agree. Flyers are currently 6-1, Phillies are 10-1, and the Eagles are 12-1. I think the Eagles are better than that but it is pre-draft and only April. I'd say they're about right with the Flyers and Phillies.

Flyers Take A Breather

On Saturday the Flyers finished off the Devils in five games. Now the Flyers are sitting back and resting and healing while waiting for the next round. Speaking of healing, THN is reporting that Kim Johnsson has a broken hand, but it is only a hairline fracture and he is expected to practice today.

So who are the Flyers going to face next round? It depends on who wins the Boston/Montreal game 7 tonight! If Boston wins, then the flyers will face them. However if Montreal pulls off the upset, then Montreal goes on to play Tampa Bay and the Flyers will play the winner of the Ottawa/Toronto series game 7 on Tuesday night!

A few random notes

Frank Fitzpatrick, who is more negative than me, has an interesting theory on Philadelphia Sports and expectations in this morning's paper.

A Philadelphia team's chances of winning a title are in inverse proportion to the level of anticipation. The greater the expectation, the more certain the failure.

Read the rest.

Today is the last day of Steve Fredricks on WIP. My greatest Fredrick's moments aren't unique ones because they happen most everyshow. Fredricks gets going on his opinion which he states everyway it can possibly be stated in English, listens to his own voice for another 15 minutes and then complains that callers didn't hang on the line. Or the time I got in the car heard him make a specific point about something, went shopping for at least an hour, came back out and he was saying exactly the same thing.

Keith Jones was on 4 teams that blew 3-1 series leads, most recently the Flyers vs. Devils in 2000.

Cowboys suck.

Hitch's Adjustments Lead to a Perfect Game

After the first loss of the series the Flyers were forced to make some subtle adjustments. In game three Hitch's top line only managed two shots, so he decided to flip flop centers and move Primeau up with Recchi and LeClair, and put Handzus back with Gagne and Kapinen. This move seems to have balanced out the lines a bit. The result, well Primeau's new line didn't score on its first shift but they came close. However Handzus and his new mates did come through at 1:18, when Handzus and Kapinen each got an assist on Johnsson's goal. In the third period Primeau would score one and hot line of Roenick, Amonte and Zhamnov would come through using the Russian connection of Markov and Zhamnov.

But the real story of the game was Robert Esche stopping everything that came his way! Not only was he able to stop everything but he was able to stop everything and look calm, cool, and collected while doing so. As I watched Robert Esche close out the final seconds of his first NHL Playoff shut out. I couldn't help but get visions of the team holding the cup up over their heads.

However this morning I decided to check in and see how some of the other goalies are doing and I was in for a rude awakening. How about Khabibulin? The Bulin Wall is currently standing strong with a .982 save percentage and 0.50 GAA. WHOA! The Bruins (who I predict the flyers will see next round) also have a rookie goalie in net, Andrew Raycroft, who didn't allow a goal in the first 95:53 of his NHL playoff career! Maybe my vision of our team holding up the cup was a little premature. It's a long road to the Cup but so far so good! NHL.com Summary THN's Goalie Ranking.

Game 4 in Progress: Eschey Shines after 2 Periods

Esche has been amazing. I suspect it won't hold up but we'll see. If the O&B can pull this out, it would be demoralizing to Jersey. HitchCOCK moved Prims up, centering Johnny and Rex, don't know if it will last more than this game. Zus has sucked this series. He's too slow.

16-0

Sep 12 NY Giants
Sep 20 Vikings
Sep 26 @ Lions
Oct 3 @ Bears
Oct 17 Panthers
Oct 24 @ Browns
Oct 31 Ravens
Nov 7 @ Steelers
Nov 15 @ Cowboys
Nov 21 Redskins
Nov 28 @ NY Giants
Dec 5 Packers
Dec 12 @ Redskins
Dec 19 Cowboys
Dec 27 @ Rams
Jan 2 Bengals

Spadaro says so. Three Monday night games - Vikings, Dallass, and the Rams. No Sunday night games. Full season break down here.

E---A---G---L---E---S.... EAGLES!

Ok, so there's absolutely nothing new with this team. However, we've been about 3 months without Eagles Football and the run of three negative posts below must end as we prepare for tonight's Flyers - Devils contest! I guess there's the draft in a couple of weeks to get mildly excited about.

I can't wait until September!!!
BDB

Flyers blow it

Flyers shoulda, coulda, but probably not woulda won this game. They blew two, one goal leads in the least entertaining game of the series so far; and I'm not saying that just because the Flyers lost. The game just seemed slower, less crisp, less intense, and all around sloppy. Flyers were fumbling passes and just losing the puck too easily. They had a few decent checks but not the consistent pounding that is needed. The refs also sucked it in this one where they've been pretty good so far. And Flyers, it doesn't matter who's on the ice, when Eliass and Gomez are out there don't let them have any space in the offensive zone. This means you Roenick. Play defense and stop worrying about breaking out on a rush. Flyers must win on Wednesday.

Phillies continue losing tradition in new stadium

The Phillies are the losingest team in the history of sports, so it's only appropriate that their first game in their new stadium was a loss. Abreu accounted for the Phillies lone run - a homer - in a 4-1 loss to the Reds. The Phillies' offense has managed only 16 runs in seven games and is batting .220. I think they've left 348 men on base so far too.

Philies, on pace for 23 wins.

Sixers to start reserving tee times tomorrow

By losing to the Nets today the Sixers will not make the playoffs this year, ending a 5 year run. While their lineup of youngsters and others gave an effort that you rarely saw from Coleman and the Big Dog, they just didn't get it done consistently. And although Iverson is a punk, he probably would have made a difference is some of the games they lost without him and maybe snuck into the 8th seed. Instead they go into the lottery and have a chance at Jameer Nelson. Will they pick him though? Most improved player - Dalembert, most surprising - Willie Green, on last legs - Snow and McKie, need to go - Coleman and Robinson, who knows - Iverson and Ford.

Flyers Establish 2-0 Lead

Winning their fifth straight against the Stevensless Devils, the Flyers jumped out to a 2-0 series lead against NJ. Philly goaltending and hitting was superior to that of NJ and the Flyers actually demonstrated some heart out there. Primeau looks solid, JR somewhat iffy but productive, and the "other" guys are all contributing. That being said, I still don't want to see 3-1 again (if they do split the @NJ games, they better at least win game 5). Time to sweep in four!

BDB

Flyers Take Game 1

In his first playoff game Robert Esche was spectacular make 37 save on 39 shots.

"He showed people he can play goal in the playoffs,'' Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock said. "He's a really competitive guy who wants the ball. We're going to ride it out with him."

It's not a ball coach, it's called a puck, but anyway! The Flyers pulled out to an early 3-0 lead with goals from Gange, Roenick and Primeau. However as soon as Primeau scored the 3rd goal the Devils came back with two quick goals from Elias and Hrdina. At the Devil's end of the ice Brodeur did not look like himself letting in three goals on 26. Game two is on Saturday at 7:30. One down 15 to go! NHL.com.

Desjardins done

From ESPN:

Flyers defenseman Eric Desjardins will miss the NHL playoffs after a metal plate protecting his injured right arm broke while he was playing catch with his son.

Oh well. Pitkanen, who was scratched for the last regular season game, will take his place.

This quote is funny:

"Now it's even. They have [Scott] Stevens out and we have Desjardins out. Both are elite players. We lost our advantage."

Yep, that evens it out.

wwew? NHL pick'em

First, the bracket I made yesterday was retarded. I have since fixed it so make sure you download the revised version so making your picks makes sense. People offered various scoring scenarios but none seemed superior to any other. So, very arbitrarily and not really thinking about it too much, I'll go with the original scheme.

First round: 2 points for each series winner
Second round: 4 points for each series winner
Conference Champion: 8 points for picking winner
Stanley Cup Champion: 16 points for picking the winner

One change, 2 points will be earned if you pick the series winner and the correct number of games in the series.

Post picks in the comments of this post by 7pm tonight.

NHL Playoff Hockey Pick'em thing I made up

I cant find anything online for nhl playoffs similar to Yahoo's NCAA pick'em so we'll just have to do it ourselves. I made a PDF of the bracket which you can download here. Here are the suggestions for scoring:
Series winner first round earns 2 points.
Series winner conference semis earns 4 points.
Series winner conference finals earns 8 points.
Stanley Cup champion winner earns 16 points.
And single bonus points can be earned by picking the correct number of games in each series if you picked the winner too. Post scoring suggestions in the comments or alternative ideas. Tomorrow you can post your picks in the comments of a future post.

Esche to Start Thursday Night in Philly

Robert Esche was given the word he'll be the Flyers starting goaltender for the New Jersey series. Although most people who look at Philadelphia think the goaltending situation is the big story this post season, I'd point my finger at the Flyers powerplay and penalty kill both cooling off as the real reasons to worry. I predict a pretty easy win over the Devils, with the Flyers taking Brodeur and company four games to one. Then again, I thought the Flyers would have swept Detroit in the finals a few years back and look what happened. espn.com story

Phillies lose opener 2-1 to Pirates

Bouncing back from a horrible home stretch last season and the Akins diet this spring, Kevin Millwood looked good Monday. Yes, it was against a pretty lame Pirates team, but it was a number one starter performance worthy of some runs. Unfortunately the Phillies bats, with the exception of Pat Burrell's, were apparently stolen along with Matt Lawton's $100K of jewelry Sunday. Stealing from baseball players, does it get any lower?

Phillies, on pace for 0 wins.

Phillies report by Sean

Tournament results

1 ronscrappypicks 91 123
2 ChillyV's Picks 86
3 Lurker 85
4 BigDaddyB 79
5 ob 67
6 Boo's Brilliance 65

Chilly V impressively picked Georgia Tech to be in the finals but unimpressively had Duke to win it all. I picked UConn to win it all and am the only one that can pick up any more points so the contest is over. I win.

When I find a good Stanley Cup tournament thing I'll set it up so Boo can try and redeem his sorry self.

Sweet!!!

Ok, so it looked like the Flyers were going to tank it as they finished up the season this weekend. And, well, they didn't exactly impress with their finish. However, neither did New Jersey, so the Flyers took the Atlantic. Only problem is that they now have to face off in the FIRST round vs. their long time playoff foe New Jersey. Is that a good thing for the Flyers or not? BDB is more positive about this year's matchup than ever before, since the Flyers seem to have shaken the Devil off their back this season. However, if Scott Stevens returns that could change things... so too the playoff mentality (even with Hitch, this psycho stuff is a concern this time of year). At any rate, BDB is most happy that we'll get a big test in the first round (kinda like the let's get it over with or get on with it thinking).

Another 1 (or 2) and done?

It's pretty much consensus that you need 3 things to do well in the playoffs.

1. hot goaltending
2. hot powerplay
3. smothering defense

The Flyers currently have none of these, especially the hot goaltending and the hot powerplay. They're going into the tank just in time for the playoffs. The previously #1 rated powerplay is making millionaires of those lucky enough to be the one picked in the McMurder Powerplay Payoff the rare time they do score. Esche, who has been solid to pretty damn good all year, is now letting in the weakest of the weak. The first goal in last nights game being the worst so far. And the defense, now relatively healthy, is looking turnstile like. I'm putting my faith in Ken Hitchcock I guess but with the cliche quotes like these I'm getting nervous:

"We had a lot of chances to score, a lot of opportunities. We did everything but score."
"We are doing a lot of things well."

Flyers handed out awards last night.
Esche - Pelle Lindbergh Memorial Trophy as the most improved player
Recchi - MVP, Bobby Clarke Trophy
Kapanen - Yanick Dupre Class Guy Memorial Award
Johnsson - Barry Ashbee Award, best overall defenseman

Burkey Shuts Out The Habs

Sean Burke made 24 saves for his second shutout of the season and 35th of his career. Maybe Melrose was right in crowning Burkey as the playoff goaltender for the Orange and Black. He certainly has made the decision tougher for Hitch. We'll see what Eschey comes up with against the Sens. Hackett sucks.