I have an uneasy feeling about our goaltending in all honesty, but I'm not going to refuse to step back from the ledge like some.
- BulliesPhan87

I'm not sold on Bryz myself. I think he's a streaky goaltender and we've seen the ups and downs he brings. We will see what happens. I'm not a fan at all of 9 year deals for any player, especially a goaltender who is entering the second half of his career.

One thing I hope they address with this lockout are the mammoth deals teams have been handing out. I don't know how or if you can address excising deals, but I'd be happy with limiting the length moving forward.

The Briere signing was the nail in the coffin for me. He's not leaving his kids if he thinks this is just going to be a two or three month thing. He could have killed time playing in Quebec. That says to me he's sure they aren't settling this thing anytime soon. I always pay attention to the guys I think are the smarter people to see how the wind is blowing and Briere's choice blows cold.
- mayorofangrytown

That's a great point, but on the flip side, wouldn't be less willing to go over seas if it was long term and leave his kids behind for that long? I see how it could lean either way. All I know is it won't be starting for at least a few months, in my opinion, or he probably wouldn't have gone at all.

It's a game of chicken and both sides seem content on not blinking. When both dig in like this, you know it's for the long haul.

I'm not sold on Bryz myself. I think he's a streaky goaltender and we've seen the ups and downs he brings. We will see what happens. I'm not a fan at all of 9 year deals for any player, especially a goaltender who is entering the second half of his career.

One thing I hope they address with this lockout are the mammoth deals teams have been handing out. I don't know how or if you can address excising deals, but I'd be happy with limiting the length moving forward.
- funmaster18

A most sound criticism or outlook. I remain confident that he'll be average early on then throw it in high gear down the stretch into the playoffs like we just saw him do. I personally don't care how he plays early in the season so long as he can turn it up when it matters like he did this year.

That's a great point, but on the flip side, wouldn't be less willing to go over seas if it was long term and leave his kids behind for that long? I see how it could lean either way. All I know is it won't be starting for at least a few months, in my opinion, or he probably wouldn't have gone at all.

It's a game of chicken and both sides seem content on not blinking. When both dig in like this, you know it's for the long haul.
- funmaster18

I think the players are hoping the pressure starts to hit the owners around mid November. They've worked themselves quite a deal with the Winter Classic and the events leading up. They aren't going to be comfortable addressing the advertisers and venues not to mention the Networks who are actually paying them now.

It burns me that the players are willing to give money back over the term of the deal and the owners refuse to negotiate from that. They could easily take that structure and ease the percentage back to 50% over the term without the huge money grab they got last time. But noooooooooo...

I can't believe the extent of their egotistic money grab over a system they designed. They should have taken the 49 Million hard cap the players offered before they cancelled the season. Instead they came back and linked it to percentages. Dopes.

A most sound criticism or outlook. I remain confident that he'll be average early on then throw it in high gear down the stretch into the playoffs like we just saw him do. I personally don't care how he plays early in the season so long as he can turn it up when it matters like he did this year.
- JoeRussomanno

Same here. We had a really young team last year and most were not familiar with playing with eachother. It's a shame the lockout had to put a hold on this teams growth, but with the young players getting older and having more experience, Bryzgalov should have a tighter group playing in front of him. whenever this gets going again.

I think the players are hoping the pressure starts to hit the owners around mid November. They've worked themselves quite a deal with the Winter Classic and the events leading up. They aren't going to be comfortable addressing the advertisers and venues not to mention the Networks who are actually paying them now.

It burns me that the players are willing to give money back over the term of the deal and the owners refuse to negotiate from that. They could easily take that structure and ease the percentage back to 50% over the term without the huge money grab they got last time. But noooooooooo...

I can't believe the extent of their egotistic money grab over a system they designed. They should have taken the 49 Million hard cap the players offered before they cancelled the season. Instead they came back and linked it to percentages. Dopes.
- mayorofangrytown

As long as the season gets underway at some point, I'll be a happy enough camper. I'm not one of those that will refuse to watch anymore because of this, but it will definitely leave a bad taste in my mouth. It's just amazing to me that a lockout is the go-to strategy for getting something done. The fact that both sides seemed set on it from the get go doesn't send a good message to the fans of the sport that made it the money maker it is today.

As long as the season gets underway at some point, I'll be a happy enough camper. I'm not one of those that will refuse to watch anymore because of this, but it will definitely leave a bad taste in my mouth. It's just amazing to me that a lockout is the go-to strategy for getting something done. The fact that both sides seemed set on it from the get go doesn't send a good message to the fans of the sport that made it the money maker it is today.
- funmaster18

I'm with you.

As long as the season gets underway at some point, I'll be a happy enough camper. I'm not one of those that will refuse to watch anymore because of this, but it will definitely leave a bad taste in my mouth. It's just amazing to me that a lockout is the go-to strategy for getting something done. The fact that both sides seemed set on it from the get go doesn't send a good message to the fans of the sport that made it the money maker it is today.
- rainingcoldhardfactsinheremaster18

Well said.

Well said.
- Flyskippy

Thank you. A summer hiatus has done me well, perhaps.

The worst part of the lockout is it has been one side vs the other, without much mention or concern for the fans. It's almost as if we aren't a part of the equation. I understand its business and they have to do what they have to do, but there is a lot of assuming going on with respect to how much the fans will deal with again this time around.

Here's to starting the season soon!

Thank you. A summer hiatus has done me well, perhaps.

The worst part of the lockout is it has been one side vs the other, without much mention or concern for the fans. It's almost as if we aren't a part of the equation. I understand its business and they have to do what they have to do, but there is a lot of assuming going on with respect to how much the fans will deal with again this time around.

Here's to starting the season soon!
- funmaster18

I am also disappointed in the NHLFA (http://www.nhlfa.com/) and its low profile this time around. They seemed to be more active in 2004-05. Is apathy really settling in?

I think the players are hoping the pressure starts to hit the owners around mid November. They've worked themselves quite a deal with the Winter Classic and the events leading up. They aren't going to be comfortable addressing the advertisers and venues not to mention the Networks who are actually paying them now.

It burns me that the players are willing to give money back over the term of the deal and the owners refuse to negotiate from that. They could easily take that structure and ease the percentage back to 50% over the term without the huge money grab they got last time. But noooooooooo...

I can't believe the extent of their egotistic money grab over a system they designed. They should have taken the 49 Million hard cap the players offered before they cancelled the season. Instead they came back and linked it to percentages. Dopes.
- mayorofangrytown

See my avatar

The Briere signing was the nail in the coffin for me. He's not leaving his kids if he thinks this is just going to be a two or three month thing. He could have killed time playing in Quebec. That says to me he's sure they aren't settling this thing anytime soon. I always pay attention to the guys I think are the smarter people to see how the wind is blowing and Briere's choice blows cold.
- mayorofangrytown

that blows man

I was just worried the Bryz apologists would go out of their minds without having an outlet to tell us how nothing is Bryz's fault. Thought I'd toss the bone.
- TS_Downes

will Bryz ever find any peace with the CSKA Moscow organization and fans?

Already did it for you .

Links to all team websites and schedules for Flyers prospects in NCAA as well as elsewhere: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=46419

TV schedule on NBC Sports Network for games involving Flyers' NCAA prospects: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=46513
- bmeltzer

You are a maniac, Bill!

I'm not sold on Bryz myself. I think he's a streaky goaltender and we've seen the ups and downs he brings. We will see what happens. I'm not a fan at all of 9 year deals for any player, especially a goaltender who is entering the second half of his career.

One thing I hope they address with this lockout are the mammoth deals teams have been handing out. I don't know how or if you can address excising deals, but I'd be happy with limiting the length moving forward.
- funmaster18

Lets hope theres hockey at some point. I don't like long term contracts either especially when they come with a NMC.

Lets hope theres hockey at some point. I don't like long term contracts either especially when they come with a NMC.
- stveshdy

It would be interesting if they set something up where a NMC was only allowed for contracts under X amount of years. That would allow players to get the mammoth deal they want, but in exchange the team has the right to move the player if wanted. The player loses the right to a NMC in exchange for that big payout. To take it further, they could allow a 10 year deal or something, but state that in deals over X amount of years, the NMC will only be active for the first X Amount of years, leaving the team an out after some time if the deal isn't working out.

Just tossing ideas out there.

The players absolutely care about the lockout, and they want to be playing NHL games instead of overseas. But hockey players play hockey. If they are locked out in the NHL, they'll play elsewhere. Simple as that.

But I do agree that the NHLPA needs to be a little more active right now in trying to present a new proposal and getting the negotiations moving again. The ball is in Fehr's court right now.
- bmeltzer

I would politely disagree with that. In my opinion to this point, the NHLPA is the only side who has made any amount of compromise. I feel it is the League that has step to the plate and show that they are willing to share in a partnership to fix the real issues. Which they haven't done yet. Rather then just ask the players to pay the freight.

Thank you. A summer hiatus has done me well, perhaps.

The worst part of the lockout is it has been one side vs the other, without much mention or concern for the fans. It's almost as if we aren't a part of the equation. I understand its business and they have to do what they have to do, but there is a lot of assuming going on with respect to how much the fans will deal with again this time around.

Here's to starting the season soon!
- funmaster18

In reality, the fans aren't a part of the equation. Because they know we'll be right back once the Season starts. Now if they believed that the fans would walk in droves. Doubt that there would be a lockout. Or at the very least, one that doesn't last that long.

Anyone have any info on the titans game tonight? Is it in trenton or at the skate vone in vorhees? Its free also but do you need a ticket or just show up? The titans website doesn't have any info.

4-1 come Sunday
team is playing hard for their coach's job

Anyone have any info on the titans game tonight? Is it in trenton or at the skate vone in vorhees? Its free also but do you need a ticket or just show up? The titans website doesn't have any info.
- twotoekenn

If only there were someone who wrote blogs on the goings on of the organization...

I'm not sold on Bryz myself. I think he's a streaky goaltender and we've seen the ups and downs he brings. We will see what happens. I'm not a fan at all of 9 year deals for any player, especially a goaltender who is entering the second half of his career.

One thing I hope they address with this lockout are the mammoth deals teams have been handing out. I don't know how or if you can address excising deals, but I'd be happy with limiting the length moving forward.
- funmaster18

Just chiming in now. I think Bryz will be solid this year (if there is a season) but I don't like the long deals either.

My biggest worry for the team is the defence. Without replacing Pronger, I don't think we have a championship defence.

In reality, the fans aren't a part of the equation. Because they know we'll be right back once the Season starts. Now if they believed that the fans would walk in droves. Doubt that there would be a lockout. Or at the very least, one that doesn't last that long.
- MJL

I know, which is why I'm not up in arms because I know I'll be right there watching the first game. It just frustrating and I hope its over in time for a season. I don't want to go through a year without hockey again!

Just chiming in now. I think Bryz will be solid this year (if there is a season) but I don't like the long deals either.

My biggest worry for the team is the defence. Without replacing Pronger, I don't think we have a championship defence.
- Hextall271

I'm happy with our defense overall, but I do wish we had a Pronger type on the team. The trouble is those players don't come around often. I'm hoping someone on the current roster takes it to the next level this year and emerges as a leader. There are a few candidates for that and thought mezzy was one in particular until his injury. Now it may take him some time to get back to that level of play, but I guess the lockout is giving him time to heal.