In the time since he was made a healthy scratch for two games, Nikolay Zherdev has more often than not been doing the job that Peter Laviolette expects from him. Although he has generally remained on the fourth line at even strength, Laviolette recently rewarded Zherdev with increased powerplay time (albeit without any results) when the club showed few signs of breaking out of a drought on the man advantage.
Scoring goals on the fourth line is tough for anyone, but Zherdev has popped a few despite playing with defensive center Blair Betts and enforcer Jody Shelley as his primary linemates. He has even thrown a couple hits. Zherdev will never, ever be more than a marginal defensive player (and expecting him to evolve into a two-way player is rather like expecting a Baywatch era Pamela Anderson to impress you with her acting skills). As long as Zherdev isn't killing you defensively and is reasonably conscientious away from the puck, that's about the best you can hope for.
I have heard numerous people say "why not just trade Zherdev if Laviolette won't play him?" Here's why: Even if he's just a luxury to the club right now, the team may very well need Zherdev's offensive ability later this season. There are going to be injuries, slumps and line adjustments from now til next spring, and Zherdev remains a viable scoring line option as needed. In addition, he's valuable in shootouts, as he showed on Saturday.
When Dan Carcillo returns to the lineup, Laviolette is going to have a decision to make about whom to sit. Right now, I don't think it will be either Zherdev or James van Riemsdyk. I think it will be Darroll Powe or Shelley until the next injury or until JVR or Zherdev fall back into the habits that led to their scratchings earlier this season. Of course, I could very well be wrong.
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Today's
Daily Drop at Versus.com considers the issue of whether the NHL should have its referees and linesmen talk to the media after controversial calls.
Tomorrow's Meltzer's Musings offday blog at Hockeybuzz will primarily look at Claude Giroux's tough weekend and the issue of whether his line with Jeff Carter should be split up or rearranged with Carter at center.
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I am pleased to announce that I have been added to the lineup of local sports book authors who will be appearing at the Philadelphia Sports Book Holiday Extravaganza at the Barnes and Noble Store at the Court at Oxford Valley on Friday, Dec. 3, starting at 7 PM and ending at 10 PM. I will be signing copies of "Pelle Lindbergh: Behind the White Mask."
Also representing the hockey writing contingent is my friend and NHL.com colleague Adam Kimelman, who recently released "100 Things Every Flyers Fan Should Know And Do Before They Die."
The big names at the event are Merrill Reese, Ray Didinger, Jayson Stark, Glen Macnow, Anthony Gargano, and Chris Wheeler. Other authors include Greg Cosell, Rueben Frank, Mike Sielski, Randy Miller and Mark Eckel.
Please contact the store for additional information and updates.
Barnes & Noble (Court at Oxford Valley)
210 Commerce Blvd 19030
Store Phone: 215-269-0442
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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