Agreed. That was a really impressive pass by Backstrom. The guy has superb vision for playmaking on the ice. And of course if you give a puck like that to OV off the faceoff circle he is going to bury it all day.

The 4v4 was really bad. I knew it would be going in. We just arent a good 4v4 team. I beleive it was Timonen should have slid over to get his guy.

The lack of discipline is infuriating but that is what you have to deal with when you watch the flyers. What did you think of the 1st period brawl? I saw the replay but it did not really put it in the context. And what was the penalty called of Streit? I dont think the announcers ever said anything.
- FrmRusiaWifGlov[/img]

There were prior motives for everything. Luke laid a big check on someone and Tom Wilson came over to challenge him. Luke Had no problem taking him on since he nearly decapitated his brother earlier this season. They dropped their gloves but Luke was still tangled up with another player so he couldn't stand up. Credit to Wilson for not being a female dog and hitting him when he was still down.

Meanwhile, Vinny and Erskine got into it. Vinny, clearly, does not like the Caps. Before Vinny and Erskine could get going Simmonds jumped on Erskine for a variety of reasons. Erskine laid out Simmonds last year with an illegal swinging elbow. Simmonds was concussed, so there was no question SImmonds wanted a piece of him. He, also, didn't want Vinny fighting again. We all know what happened last time and most of us assume he's still not 100%.

Penalties broke down as such:

Luke Schenn 5:00 fighting

Tom Wilson 5:00 fighting, 2:00 instigating, 10:00 Misconduct

Lecavalier 5:00 fighting, game misconduct for starting a fight while another fight is going on

Erskine 5:00 fighting, game misconduct for starting a fight while another fight is going on

Simmonds 2:00 roughing, 2:00 Slashing?

All resulted in a 2:00 PP for Caps.

I think he's depth right now and I wouldn't be surprised to see him traded or in the KHL next year.
- johndewar

I see the KHL as an option although I do think he has stated he wants to make it in the NHL. It all depends if the organization wants him as a 7th defenseman or not. Im not sure what kind of price we could get for him would be but I am sure its not very high.

I think he's depth right now and I wouldn't be surprised to see him traded or in the KHL next year.
- johndewar

He's an rfa. I wouldn't mind keeping him as a 7th dman. I would feel very comfortable with him subbing in for anybody. Much more comfortable than I've been with previous 7th defensemen we've had.

I'd really like to see hartnell catch fire, not actually just score goals in bunches.
- twotoekenn

I wanted Jake to get a hat trick. He seems to be playing better since the Olympic break and since G turned up his game

I see the KHL as an option although I do think he has stated he wants to make it in the NHL. It all depends if the organization wants him as a 7th defenseman or not. Im not sure what kind of price we could get for him would be but I am sure its not very high.
- FrmRusiaWifGlov

If he can't make it in the NHL right now (fwiw, I think he's an NHL player), he could view the KHL as a one year opportunity to show NHL scouts what he can do if he is given a regular spot in the lineup and regular ice time.

And he can do that all while making probably more money than he would in North America.

I was one of those ripping him for his play.


- MBFlyerfan

As was I. I don't want to speak for you, but the criticism was deserving. He was terrible, and he was along with Voracek, the biggest reasons for the slow start, and the lack of goal scoring. It may have been due to an injury, but still the criticism was accurate. But that's far different from thinking that the player wasn't deserving of his contract extension, or wasn't the player he was thought to be.

He's an rfa. I wouldn't mind keeping him as a 7th dman. I would feel very comfortable with him subbing in for anybody. Much more comfortable than I've been with previous 7th defensemen we've had.
- PhillySportsGuy

Would being an RFA restrict him from going to play in Europe? I don't even know.

It's all conjecture on my part anyway if, for no other reason, to get the page number in the comments well up over 100.

There were prior motives for everything. Luke laid a big check on someone and Tom Wilson came over to challenge him. Luke Had no problem taking him on since he nearly decapitated his brother earlier this season. They dropped their gloves but Luke was still tangled up with another player so he couldn't stand up. Credit to Wilson for not being a female dog and hitting him when he was still down.

Meanwhile, Vinny and Erskine got into it. Vinny, clearly, does not like the Caps. Before Vinny and Erskine could get going Simmonds jumped on Erskine for a variety of reasons. Erskine laid out Simmonds last year with an illegal swinging elbow. Simmonds was concussed, so there was no question SImmonds wanted a piece of him. He, also, didn't want Vinny fighting again. We all know what happened last time and most of us assume he's still not 100%.

Penalties broke down as such:

Luke Schenn 5:00 fighting

Tom Wilson 5:00 fighting, 2:00 instigating, 10:00 Misconduct

Lecavalier 5:00 fighting, game misconduct for starting a fight while another fight is going on

Erskine 5:00 fighting, game misconduct for starting a fight while another fight is going on

Simmonds 2:00 roughing, 2:00 Slashing?

All resulted in a 2:00 PP for Caps.
- PhillySportsGuy

Eh not too bad a result considering it probably energized the team. I personally think both Erkskine and Wilson are pieces of poop. Erkskine has been doing this his whole career, but Wilson is a young prospect with potential to be something more than a goon and the organization isnt trying to shape him into something more. One of these days he is going to do something really really stupid that seriously injures a player (ie something on the lines of Marc Savard).

I think the Caps are our real rivals this year.

As was I. I don't want to speak for you, but the criticism was deserving. He was terrible, and he was along with Voracek, the biggest reasons for the slow start, and the lack of goal scoring. It may have been due to an injury, but still the criticism was accurate. But that's far different from thinking that the player wasn't deserving of his contract extension, or wasn't the player he was thought to be.
- MJL

I thought it was a team wide problem. Their breakouts were so bad. Everyone was terrible. The top line should have done more and been more assertive in helping the D, but the entire team needed to change their style of play.

Its water under the bridge. Giroux has been over a point per game player for the last 2.5 year with the exception of one 15 game stretch. I am very comfortable with what they paid him and the way he's playing. The puck was really following him last night.

There were prior motives for everything. Luke laid a big check on someone and Tom Wilson came over to challenge him. Luke Had no problem taking him on since he nearly decapitated his brother earlier this season. They dropped their gloves but Luke was still tangled up with another player so he couldn't stand up. Credit to Wilson for not being a female dog and hitting him when he was still down.

Meanwhile, Vinny and Erskine got into it. Vinny, clearly, does not like the Caps. Before Vinny and Erskine could get going Simmonds jumped on Erskine for a variety of reasons. Erskine laid out Simmonds last year with an illegal swinging elbow. Simmonds was concussed, so there was no question SImmonds wanted a piece of him. He, also, didn't want Vinny fighting again. We all know what happened last time and most of us assume he's still not 100%.

Penalties broke down as such:

Luke Schenn 5:00 fighting

Tom Wilson 5:00 fighting, 2:00 instigating, 10:00 Misconduct

Lecavalier 5:00 fighting, game misconduct for starting a fight while another fight is going on

Erskine 5:00 fighting, game misconduct for starting a fight while another fight is going on

Simmonds 2:00 roughing, 2:00 Slashing?

All resulted in a 2:00 PP for Caps.
- PhillySportsGuy

For all the whining about Erskine getting punched while being held by Simmonds, I felt like Erskine should have gotten an instigator.

Because let's face it.....he instigated that whole melee after Wilson and LSchenn were about to square off. If anyone deserved to get punched in the face by a French Canadian dude with 900 NHL points, it was Erskine.

In related news, Jon Erskine has almost no business playing in the NHL.

As was I. I don't want to speak for you, but the criticism was deserving. He was terrible, and he was along with Voracek, the biggest reasons for the slow start, and the lack of goal scoring. It may have been due to an injury, but still the criticism was accurate. But that's far different from thinking that the player wasn't deserving of his contract extension, or wasn't the player he was thought to be.
- MJL

All players go through slumps at some time during the season. Girouxs was especially bad because no one else picked up the slack. Schenn and lecavalier did ok but thats was it. I thought all the fraud giroux comments that were thrown around early on were way off base, and now hes proving the poor start was the aberration not the norm.

I know. It was pretty depressing. I checked the boxscore, saw they were dominating the caps so I rushed home for the 3rd and then I had to sit through that.
- FrmRusiaWifGlov

It's frustrating. The first two periods, the first one especally, they were up on their skates, supporting the puck. Winning battles and races for the puck, and playing as a team all over the ice. It was beautiful to watch. Then they get the big lead and play passively. Along with taking penalties that are bad penalties. The Luke Schenn penalty is okay, because it was an attempt to get the puck, and it took awa a prime scoring chance. But the Downie elbow was inexcusable. It was a physical game, with the Flyers laying out a lot of the punishment. In that kind of game, you're going to get hit back, have to take it as part of the game. And a lazy hook on the backcheck by Streit. Shouldn't happen. Now you're exposed to Backstrom's wizardy and OV one timer on a dangerous PP. Let's them back in the game. Where if they had not taken penalalties and continued to be aggressive, they could havce kept on demoralizing the Caps.

btw, frank the haterz, Vinny is cool in my book.

As was I. I don't want to speak for you, but the criticism was deserving. He was terrible, and he was along with Voracek, the biggest reasons for the slow start, and the lack of goal scoring. It may have been due to an injury, but still the criticism was accurate. But that's far different from thinking that the player wasn't deserving of his contract extension, or wasn't the player he was thought to be.
- MJL

Look who showed up. I guess my call really did work. Anyways I am okay with what the organization paid Claude. I feel its the going price for a elite playmaking center. Sure I would have loved him to get down into the 7s but we cant force him to take a discount.

Also just compare the price for him to what Toews and Kane will be getting when they become free agents in the next few years.

There were prior motives for everything. Luke laid a big check on someone and Tom Wilson came over to challenge him. Luke Had no problem taking him on since he nearly decapitated his brother earlier this season. They dropped their gloves but Luke was still tangled up with another player so he couldn't stand up. Credit to Wilson for not being a female dog and hitting him when he was still down.

Meanwhile, Vinny and Erskine got into it. Vinny, clearly, does not like the Caps. Before Vinny and Erskine could get going Simmonds jumped on Erskine for a variety of reasons. Erskine laid out Simmonds last year with an illegal swinging elbow. Simmonds was concussed, so there was no question SImmonds wanted a piece of him. He, also, didn't want Vinny fighting again. We all know what happened last time and most of us assume he's still not 100%.

Penalties broke down as such:

Luke Schenn 5:00 fighting

Tom Wilson 5:00 fighting, 2:00 instigating, 10:00 Misconduct

Lecavalier 5:00 fighting, game misconduct for starting a fight while another fight is going on

Erskine 5:00 fighting, game misconduct for starting a fight while another fight is going on

Simmonds 2:00 roughing, 2:00 Slashing?

All resulted in a 2:00 PP for Caps.
- PhillySportsGuy

These 2 teams are really starting to hate each other...shame Orlov wasn't dressed

Eh not too bad a result considering it probably energized the team. I personally think both Erkskine and Wilson are pieces of poop. Erkskine has been doing this his whole career, but Wilson is a young prospect with potential to be something more than a goon and the organization isnt trying to shape him into something more. One of these days he is going to do something really really stupid that seriously injures a player (ie something on the lines of Marc Savard).

I think the Caps are our real rivals this year.
- FrmRusiaWifGlov

I agree completely. I don't know what they're doing with him. They say he has offensive ability, but he's really just a goon with decent hands rather than a PF with toughness.

Any hope of him becoming Hartnell or Simmonds is slowly dissipating.

I didn't mind them being down a man after the fights. I thought it was warranted. I had no problem with Simmonds jumping in on Erskine. I don't want Vinny fighting him and I'm sure Simmonds has been a willing combatant, but Erskine has turned him down on numerous occasions.

Caps are such a bunch of pussies. The Flyers will do some physical things, but they will always fight and go man to man. Caps have been called for three 5 minute majors and 2 suspensions in the last two years. Flyers haven't had any suspensions or any majors outside of fights.

btw, frank the haterz, Vinny is cool in my book.
- BulliesPhan87

Outside of the 03-04 ecf ive always liked vinny. I hope he turns things around and plays like he did at the beginning of the season.

Look who showed up. I guess my call really did work. Anyways I am okay with what the organization paid Claude. I feel its the going price for a elite playmaking center. Sure I would have loved him to get down into the 7s but we cant force him to take a discount.

Also just compare the price for him to what Toews and Kane will be getting when they become free agents in the next few years.
- FrmRusiaWifGlov

Those numbers are going to be nuts. The Hawks are gonna eventually be forced to have 1/3rd of the cap tied into one or 2 players like the Pens

I thought it was a team wide problem. Their breakouts were so bad. Everyone was terrible. The top line should have done more and been more assertive in helping the D, but the entire team needed to change their style of play.

Its water under the bridge. Giroux has been over a point per game player for the last 2.5 year with the exception of one 15 game stretch. I am very comfortable with what they paid him and the way he's playing. The puck was really following him last night.
- PhillySportsGuy

You're right. There were certainly a lot of other factors. But I think your best players need to be your best players, and they weren't in the beginning of the Season. Now it can be clearly seen what Giroux means to this team.

It's frustrating. The first two periods, the first one especally, they were up on their skates, supporting the puck. Winning battles and races for the puck, and playing as a team all over the ice. It was beautiful to watch. Then they get the big lead and play passively. Along with taking penalties that are bad penalties. The Luke Schenn penalty is okay, because it was an attempt to get the puck, and it took awa a prime scoring chance. But the Downie elbow was inexcusable. It was a physical game, with the Flyers laying out a lot of the punishment. In that kind of game, you're going to get hit back, have to take it as part of the game. And a lazy hook on the backcheck by Streit. Shouldn't happen. Now you're exposed to Backstrom's wizardy and OV one timer on a dangerous PP. Let's them back in the game. Where if they had not taken penalalties and continued to be aggressive, they could havce kept on demoralizing the Caps.
- MJL

I agree completely. Not only were they passive in the 3rd but also took stupid penalties to make it worse. I think Downie should be scratched for a game or at least reamed out.

Outside of the 03-04 ecf ive always liked vinny. I hope he turns things around and plays like he did at the beginning of the season.
- twotoekenn

He's had trouble fitting in the lineup. He didn't have trouble fitting in the orange and black (with a touch of red) last night, though.

Those numbers are going to be nuts. The Hawks are gonna eventually be forced to have 1/3rd of the cap tied into one or 2 players like the Pens
- Giroux_Is_God

They are so lucky they have Duncan Keith on a great deal. If they didnt they would be franked.

He's had trouble fitting in the lineup. He didn't have trouble fitting in the orange and black (with a touch of red) last night, though.
- BulliesPhan87

I would say the Olympic break has been good for Vinny.

Look who showed up. I guess my call really did work. Anyways I am okay with what the organization paid Claude. I feel its the going price for a elite playmaking center. Sure I would have loved him to get down into the 7s but we cant force him to take a discount.

Also just compare the price for him to what Toews and Kane will be getting when they become free agents in the next few years.
- FrmRusiaWifGlov

I love having Giroux tied up for the next 8 years or whatever. He's a stud. He kicked Washington's ass in back to back games.

I agree completely. Not only were they passive in the 3rd but also took stupid penalties to make it worse. I think Downie should be scratched for a game or at least reamed out.
- FrmRusiaWifGlov

Yea. I agree with you and MJL on this. You knew the only way they could get back in the game was on the PP. They are not a great 5v5 team. Just look at Ovechkin's +/-