He played sensational in March. Was that due to the team paying better or him?
- coffee junkie

The answer to this is easy:

A combination of both.

Bryz was making the saves he needed to make, but also the humahhngus beeg momentum shifting saves. Additionally, the forwards decided to help out in the D zone, and blown coverages were few and far between within the forwards and defensemen. When gaps were exploited by opponents, Bryz was there. They were on the same page.

Play half that well, and we'll be parading down Broad St sooner rather than later.

Also, I see Bryz playing VERY well next year...

edit - wrong thread

Different day and age. Not only drinking but smoking was a common practice by professional athletes in those days.
Also they won not one but two cups and unfortunately winning gives them probably a lot more leeway then they deserve.
- JoeRussomanno

On top of it, I know I have already said that 20 something, single, millionaire athletes are going to party. Its inevitable. But typically where there is smoke there is fire. Giroux just had a picture of him playing pong with his wrists casted. I dont have a problem with it.

I dont have a problem with the guys partying at all. When a players numbers start to slide, and they dont seem to have the same get up that they had in prior years, and multiple reports have surfaced about them getting banged up on nights prior to games, i start to wonder. When i hear about other team issued things about alcohol, i start to wonder. When I hear about instances where they need team personnel to come get them, i start to wonder. When they both are traded on the same day, I start to wonder.

Would I take them on my team, yup. But something just didnt seem right... and i personally think partying may have had something to do with that.

The answer to this is easy:

A combination of both.

Bryz was making the saves he needed to make, but also the humahhngus beeg momentum shifting saves. Additionally, the forwards decided to help out in the D zone, and blown coverages were few and far between within the forwards and defensemen. When gaps were exploited by opponents, Bryz was there. They were on the same page.

Play half that well, and we'll be parading down Broad St sooner rather than later.

Also, I see Bryz playing VERY well next year...
- Giroux_Is_God

Good points. Remember how little offense they were producing in March when Bryz went on his run? A lot of that was due to the team playing a defensive game and not their usual run and gun style. Bryz has proven to be a very good goalie in the past and I can't see him being the guy he was the first part of this year on a consistent basis. I think is play in March is closer to his norm.

The answer to this is easy:

A combination of both.

Bryz was making the saves he needed to make, but also the humahhngus beeg momentum shifting saves. Additionally, the forwards decided to help out in the D zone, and blown coverages were few and far between within the forwards and defensemen. When gaps were exploited by opponents, Bryz was there. They were on the same page.

Play half that well, and we'll be parading down Broad St sooner rather than later.

Also, I see Bryz playing VERY well next year...
- Giroux_Is_God

Agreed, which is why it is completely fine to say Brzy needs to play better next year. So does the team D. To say Bryz can be better isn't saying he is garbage. I can be much better at my job, doesn't mean I suck at it...except for wasting my time on this site

- Richieattack18

Did Rupp score his second of the night just before that picture was taken?

On top of it, I know I have already said that 20 something, single, millionaire athletes are going to party. Its inevitable. But typically where there is smoke there is fire. Giroux just had a picture of him playing pong with his wrists casted. I dont have a problem with it.

I dont have a problem with the guys partying at all. When a players numbers start to slide, and they dont seem to have the same get up that they had in prior years, and multiple reports have surfaced about them getting banged up on nights prior to games, i start to wonder. When i hear about other team issued things about alcohol, i start to wonder. When I hear about instances where they need team personnel to come get them, i start to wonder. When they both are traded on the same day, I start to wonder.

Would I take them on my team, yup. But something just didnt seem right... and i personally think partying may have had something to do with that.
- jak521

there was undoubtedly something going on there. IMHO to deny it and act like those trades were just to clear salary is like the picture I posted of the guy sticking his head in the sand. I think people just can't admit or face the fact that those guys really did do things that were not becoming of a captain and alternate captain of a championship team, hence the trades. Personally I believe if these trades were just to make room then Holmgren and snider are not who we think they are, and to say that would be idiotic in itself considering the success, however lacking of a Championship, this Franchise has had over the years. Maybe if it was Glen Sather who traded them, but I'm sorry I don't know how more clear it can be without all parties involved just coming out and saying "We traded them because they were cancer."

Now you see all these people crawling out of the woodwork talking out the sider of their face implying how the moves weren't necessary, when all season long those two did NOTHING to help the teams they were on. Now they caught a lil fire in the playoffs and people are ready to turn on Snider and Homer, well I got news, They're on a pretty good damn team and lucky to be there PERIOD.
GO Devils.

- Richieattack18

oh well guess it'll be two more years now before we get a cup. Hope you video game guys are happy.

oh well guess it'll be two more years now before we get a cup. Hope you video game guys are happy.
- JoeRussomanno

Patrick Kane scored the game winning goal in the cup the year he was on it...

Patrick Kane scored the game winning goal in the cup the year he was on it...
- jak521

anomaly

- Richieattack18

Is that really the cover? That picture is amazing..with the splatter of the Flyers colors around him and the face paint. Sick! I don't even play video games and that is sick!

Patrick Kane scored the game winning goal in the cup the year he was on it...
- jak521

True, but how many beers did he drink during that season? Much more indicative of his performance, IMO.

Did Rupp score his second of the night just before that picture was taken?
- funmaster18

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COkPOJcSnEk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhLTi-oi7Lo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smsnMM4pR-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AqzkiaCh0A

Story line of the season.

Is that really the cover? That picture is amazing..with the splatter of the Flyers colors around him and the face paint. Sick! I don't even play video games and that is sick!
- coffee junkie

It will be in a week

- aightwebang17

x2

Is that really the cover? That picture is amazing..with the splatter of the Flyers colors around him and the face paint. Sick! I don't even play video games and that is sick!
- coffee junkie

That cover is a pretty thing. Only one problem though. The Flyers haven't won JACK SQUAT wearing those uni's, so while I voted for Giroux, and was eager to buy the game, that's ruined it for me now.

EDIT: Upon further review the EA Sports logo is all but completely covering the Flyers logo too. Major FIAL. I'm sure this is just an artist's rendering and not the final product anyway.

DOUBLE EDIT: This is clearly the Euro PAL version anyway.

Does the chick between Lupul and Richards have down syndrome?
- PLindbergh31

I'm sure she had no problem going down.

there was undoubtedly something going on there. IMHO to deny it and act like those trades were just to clear salary is like the picture I posted of the guy sticking his head in the sand. I think people just can't admit or face the fact that those guys really did do things that were not becoming of a captain and alternate captain of a championship team, hence the trades. Personally I believe if these trades were just to make room then Holmgren and snider are not who we think they are, and to say that would be idiotic in itself considering the success, however lacking of a Championship, this Franchise has had over the years. Maybe if it was Glen Sather who traded them, but I'm sorry I don't know how more clear it can be without all parties involved just coming out and saying "We traded them because they were cancer."

Now you see all these people crawling out of the woodwork talking out the sider of their face implying how the moves weren't necessary, when all season long those two did NOTHING to help the teams they were on. Now they caught a lil fire in the playoffs and people are ready to turn on Snider and Homer, well I got news, They're on a pretty good damn team and lucky to be there PERIOD.
GO Devils.
- JoeRussomanno

I think it's a bit insulting, to simplify the opinions of those who felt the trades were purely hockey as suggesting it was 'only to clear salary', and shows a clear lack of understanding of the suggestion. More insulting is it to propose it's some kind of cognitive dissonance. If you disagree, feel off ice behavior factored in, that's fine. But to say the other side "can't face the facts"?

As for the woodwork creepers who've appeared just in time to distribute "I told you so's", I'm trying to pay them no heed.

True, but how many beers did he drink during that season? Much more indicative of his performance, IMO.
- funmaster18

You know it means something when there are rumors swirling and the team is making press releases about asking him to seek help. His play that year was fantastic.. since, it has fallen a part. Not only that, but supposedly its bothering within the org. When that happens you need to move the player(s)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COkPOJcSnEk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhLTi-oi7Lo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smsnMM4pR-w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AqzkiaCh0A

Story line of the season.
- roenick97

Sorry, I'm more of an embedded video type of guy.

I think it's a bit insulting, to simplify the opinions of those who felt the trades were purely hockey as suggesting it was 'only to clear salary', and shows a clear lack of understanding of the suggestion. More insulting is it to propose it's some kind of cognitive dissonance. If you disagree, feel off ice behavior factored in, that's fine. But to say the other side "can't face the facts"?

As for the woodwork creepers who've appeared just in time to distribute "I told you so's", I'm trying to pay them no heed.
- BulliesPhan87

It's gotten to the point where it was either a move for cap space or to rid the team of drunks. The middle ground has been flushed down the toilet. Couldn't it have been a hockey move for depth and youth, with the cap space and partying habits as additional factors? I don't know what will be worse in here, the kings winning or losing?

I think it's a bit insulting, to simplify the opinions of those who felt the trades were purely hockey as suggesting it was 'only to clear salary', and shows a clear lack of understanding of the suggestion. More insulting is it to propose it's some kind of cognitive dissonance. If you disagree, feel off ice behavior factored in, that's fine. But to say the other side "can't face the facts"?

As for the woodwork creepers who've appeared just in time to distribute "I told you so's", I'm trying to pay them no heed.
- BulliesPhan87

Ive said before that I feel that it was a combination of factors. I think the Flyers didnt have who they hoped they had. They hoped that by giving these guys the contracts they would grow up and faze out some of the wild stuff... instead it didnt happen.. and the stats went down.. they had big contracts about to kick in, and the team didnt wanna get trapped.

Also, they had Giroux blossom, and JvR show what he was capable of. Two guys stepped up.. guys who arent known for hard partying, but are known for hard serious work. They obviously wanted to change direction... and all i can say now is THANK YOU GOD---err-- Paul Holmgren!

You know it means something when there are rumors swirling and the team is making press releases about asking him to seek help. His play that year was fantastic.. since, it has fallen a part. Not only that, but supposedly its bothering within the org. When that happens you need to move the player(s)
- jak521

I don't have a comment on any of the national inquiry stuff but if they can move him for Miller or such as had been rumored they need to do it. They have a huge hole in net and Kane is a one dimensional player.

I think it's a bit insulting, to simplify the opinions of those who felt the trades were purely hockey as suggesting it was 'only to clear salary', and shows a clear lack of understanding of the suggestion. More insulting is it to propose it's some kind of cognitive dissonance. If you disagree, feel off ice behavior factored in, that's fine. But to say the other side "can't face the facts"?
- BulliesPhan87

I don't know how else to say it, it's like sitting in the passenger seat of vehicle and suddenly the driver starts doing everything but paying attention to the road, you tell them to watch the road and they shrug you off, finally you slam into a telephone pole. THere was stuff coming out all season about them off the ice and even in prior seasons which have been listed ad nauseaum, then suddenly they both get traded on the same day! Now people want to say that stuff had nothing to do with it!? This wasn't trading a Scotty Upshall (still can't get over how people bemoan his departure from town) they traded the captain and co-captain of their team, the Faces of their Franchise. Do players drink and party? Sure. Do they get out of hand, embarrass their team, and let it affect their play on the ice? Not all of them. Know what happens to athletes who do let those things happen? They get traded, released, waived etc. Sometimes they get the message and turn it around but unfortunately the teams paying millions of dollars don't and shouldn't always be willing to take the risk. To sit here and deny that what I'm saying has any truth to it and totally unfounded is A wrong because their issues have documented and reported on, B yes imo it is being unable to face the facts. They did things that let us down as a fanbase. I'm not talking about making stupid comments like in the case of Bryzgalov, I'm talking about totally disregarding their image and well being for the sake of Merry making so much to the point that the higher ups deemed a change of scenery was necessary.
To say that the moves were made in hope of clearing salary is just preposterous in itself. The FLyers needed 2-3 million in space to sign Bryzgalov, all they had to do and did was move Chris Versteeg. Not trade both Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. That's a fact