if someone told me briere was hurt I would def believe it...
- isaiah520

Its very possible. IMO, Briere didn't just forget how to play hockey. He had a beautiful assist to Hartnell on the game winner. He showed great patience and put a perfect pass right on Harnells stick.

That was a terrible first two periods, then the team finally showed up in the third and OT. I like Manning. This team has a lot of really talented young players.

anyone else catch that slewfoot ?

man the pens are dirty!

That was a terrible first two periods, then the team finally showed up in the third and OT. I like Manning. This team has a lot of really talented young players.
- LJF

Agreed. I thought Bryzgalov also was exceptional today between the pipes.

I notice a few things that lead me to believe he is injured. He doesn't initiate contact and seems to actively avoid it. He doesn't go to the tough areas nearly as much as he used to. He seems to float away from the play more so than usual. He doesn't impose himself on the game like he is known to do.

If I had to guess he is either gun shy from the concussion or has some sort of upper body injury like ribs or a back injury.

Agreed. I thought Bryzgalov also was exceptional today between the pipes.
- stveshdy

Bryz has kept them in the game the last two games. He is the main reason they even had a chance yesterday.

Bryz good. Briere been playing a bit better. Jarg cares. G is G. Defense playing solid. Just need to get healthy now so we don't have to look at Shelley out there.

I notice a few things that lead me to believe he is injured. He doesn't initiate contact and seems to actively avoid it. He doesn't go to the tough areas nearly as much as he used to. He seems to float away from the play more so than usual. He doesn't impose himself on the game like he is known to do.

If I had to guess he is either gun shy from the concussion or has some sort of upper body injury like ribs or a back injury.
- MBFlyerfan

Either one of those could be the case. But I also believe that Briere is a smart veteran player. And I think he'll be all in when the playoffs start.

Its very possible. IMO, Briere didn't just forget how to play hockey. He had a beautiful assist to Hartnell on the game winner. He showed great patience and put a perfect pass right on Harnells stick.
- stveshdy

I see him not making effort on some plays and that's not like him. he also seems to lack that xtra gear. Im thinking there's a groin issue, but I have no proof.

Either one of those could be the case. But I also believe that Briere is a smart veteran player. And I think he'll be all in when the playoffs start.
- MJL

Me too, and he may be saving himself for the playoffs. And at this point, with his playoff history, I can live with that. Let us just hope that is actually the case.

Me too, and he may be saving himself for the playoffs. And at this point, with his playoff history, I can live with that. Let us just hope that is actually the case.
- MBFlyerfan

I have complete faith in Briere. As far as I'm concerned he has earned that from me.

I see him not making effort on some plays and that's not like him. he also seems to lack that xtra gear. Im thinking there's a groin issue, but I have no proof.
- isaiah520

Even with Briere not playing as well others have stepped up. Another player who was all over the ice and continues to get better is Voracek. His skills are outstanding when the puck is on his stick.

I notice a few things that lead me to believe he is injured. He doesn't initiate contact and seems to actively avoid it. He doesn't go to the tough areas nearly as much as he used to. He seems to float away from the play more so than usual. He doesn't impose himself on the game like he is known to do.

If I had to guess he is either gun shy from the concussion or has some sort of upper body injury like ribs or a back injury.
- MBFlyerfan

He's not as chippy as he usually is. I wouldn't be surprised a bit if he's having some kind of off season surgery

I found this really interesting and kind of strange.

http://thegoalieguild.com...ts-on-masons-gear-issues/

Steve Mason has been wearing smaller gear, and getting beat up, playing scared of the puck. He had no idea he was allowed to wear bigger gear. How the Hell does a guy not do his homework on pads size and how the Hell does a team ignore it for 3 years?

The 1st period in Calgary seems like ages ago, I am so happy for Bryz. I always knew the talent was there, he is really fun to watch in the crease right now.

I found this really interesting and kind of strange.

http://thegoalieguild.com...ts-on-masons-gear-issues/

Steve Mason has been wearing smaller gear, and getting beat up, playing scared of the puck. He had no idea he was allowed to wear bigger gear. How the Hell does a guy not do his homework on pads size and how the Hell does a team ignore it for 3 years?
- Jsaquella

He should always keep up on the rules for what he is allowed but why the equipment manager never noticed this could also be an issue.

He should always keep up on the rules for what he is allowed but why the equipment manager never noticed this could also be an issue.
- ob18

Good point.

Good point.
- MJL

That seems be real laziness on Mason's & the equipment manager's part. It may not have brought many more wins but it could have probably helped for a few.

He should always keep up on the rules for what he is allowed but why the equipment manager never noticed this could also be an issue.
- ob18

That's what I mean. Mason was dumb for not looking up the rules on gear, but the team was negligent to not make sure he was wearing the proper equipment.

That seems be real laziness on Mason's & the equipment manager's part. It may not have brought many more wins but it could have probably helped for a few.
- ob18

If he was playing worried about getting hurt, it certainly could have cost the team quite a few goals

That's what I mean. Mason was dumb for not looking up the rules on gear, but the team was negligent to not make sure he was wearing the proper equipment.
- Jsaquella

Columbus is just that bad from top to bottom I guess.

Columbus is just that bad from top to bottom I guess.
- ob18

It's staggering that nobody took the time to figure it out

It's staggering that nobody took the time to figure it out
- Jsaquella

I can't say I'm really shocked.

I can't say I'm really shocked.
- ob18

I am. Regardless of how bad Columbus is, they are still an NHL franchise and their equipment manager should have known. That is his job, to manage the equipment.

I wish that NHL.com's video player had better tools...sure looks like the first Flyers goal was deflected by Hartnell on the way >
- Jsaquella

I was thinking the same thing. There is always the chance they change it tomorrow.