Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label playoffs. Show all posts

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Philadelphia Flyers - Regular Playoff Contention Realistic and Lord Stanley's Hand

As this season ends for the Flyers...Fletcher, AV, a number of good core players, and young players, with others on the way, make the future a place where regular playoff contention is likely. With that, runs toward the Cup Final are possible, and the ever-elusive third-earned opportunity to shake Lord Stanley's silver hand exists.


No point in the past is exactly comparable to now. And so the off-season begins with play restarting prior to the end of the year.



Sunday, June 23, 2013

Philadelphia Phillies' Trades: Sell-off Inevitable?


Is it inevitable that the Philadelphia Phillies will participate in a sell-off leading up to, on and after the July 31 trade deadline? In one word: Yes.

When a team experiences declining consistency within it's pitching staff, lineup and defense, there's no place else to go but down. 

There is no miracle waiting to happen, no one player who can patch many roster holes, or enough minor league talent to plug all gaping gaps (doubly said for cheeky reinforced reasons).

Whether the corporation that exists within Citizens Bank Park will permit general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. to make enough emotionally tough, but logically needed, changes will soon be seen.
(Photo of Ruben Amaro, Jr. courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)
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I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
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Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Behind The Scenes With Danny Briere


The Philadelphia Flyers' announcement that they were buying-out Danny Briere today caused me to think about one of the interviews I conducted with him a few years ago.
(The photo that is used in this post was taken by me in February, 2013.) 

This veteran forward was a terrific playoff performer for the Flyers during the six seasons that he was with the team after signing as a free agent in. The number six is fitting, since he ranks sixth all-time among the franchise playoff scoring leaders and also averaged more than a point-per-game during the six years he spent in orange and black. 

Briere was a terrific person to talk with in the locker room as well. He was genuine, respectful and glib, which is everything that a journalist needs. 

I use the term 'journalist' because the players know the difference between beat writers and freelancers. He treated all of us the same. 

The first time I interviewed him we stood eye-to-eye, one-on-one. I noticed that he probably weighed five-10 pounds less than I did and was obviously impressed that someone of his average (by societal standards) size had endured in a League full of increasingly larger opponents. 

How has Briere survived in the NHL since 1997? Talent, toughness and character.

Here is a link to an interview feature that I wrote about him in the fall of 2011:

Flyers’ Briere is ready for another solid season

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers: Ilya Bryzgalov Amnesty Card and Bobby Ryan Trade?


Rumors are swirling that the Philadelphia Flyers may use their second amnesty option on Ilya Bryzgalov. But, gossip isn't reality just yet.

Dealing the amnesty card

Along with many other media members who cover the team, I speculated in a late-April feature that Paul Holmgren might opt to exile 'Bryz' for money reasons. 

However, the Flyers' top front office boss will likely want to have another goaltending piece in place if he does make this move. 

Tim Thomas is old, but available, in case any Jonathan Bernier deal with the Los Angeles Kings is too costly. There are some other crease options available as well. 

Duck on the Schuylkill Expressway?

Bobby Ryan's name has been mentioned as a future Flyer for a number of years. 

Tim Panaccio reports that the Anaheim Ducks are working on a deal that could send Ryan to the Flyers for Braydon Coburn and their first-round pick (11th overall) in the draft.  Other options are being discussed as well. 

That type of trade would make sense, as a salary exchange would have to occur in order to keep Philadelphia withing the confines of the salary cap. 

The soon-to-be announced Mark Streit signing will be just one element in a very interesting off-season.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Behind The Scenes: NHL Vezina Trophy Award Winner Sergei Bobrovsky




Background information regarding my most recent Yahoo story...

NHL Awards: Sergei Bobrovsky Edges Out Ilya Bryzgalov for Vezina Trophy


'Bob' was always a very quiet player in the Philadelphia Flyers locker room. The lady that is shown directly to his left in this photo that I took served as his 'unofficial' translator during the time he was with the Flyers. She is a journalist of European origin who is based in the United States.

I had considered the title: 'Bobrovsky Wins Vezina - Bryzgalov Wins Nothing' for this piece, but thought that was a bit too much. Plus, the SEO value of that title wasn't as worthy. (Inside internet humor there folks.) 

It's easy for me, or for anyone, to second-guess Paul Holmgren at this point. 

For my part, I just continue to wonder what type of vetting process the Flyers have in-place regarding high-profile free agents, potential trade acquisitions, draft picks, etc. ?

Every company needs to know (or should seek to know) about a person's background and politically record (as in office politics) before a hiring decision is made. 

What did the Flyers learn about 'Bryz' two years ago before they traded for his rights and then gave him a $51 million contract. 

That is the question and may always be.
(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Friday, June 14, 2013

NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers May Buyout Ilya Bryzgalov


According to a Philadelphia-based media report: The Philadelphia Flyers might exercise both amnesty options this summer. 

The first amnesty option will almost certainly be used for veteran forward Danny Briere. The second may be used for goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov

The Flyers have never been a patient organization. So, it seems at least plausible that they would opt to use both amnesty options this off-season, rather than waiting until next year to either use both, or to exercise their second exile option. 

This situation could play out as soon as 48 hours after the Stanley Cup has been won, or up to 5 p.m. on June 30, which will be amateur draft day. 

If they do cut 'Bryz' a massive check and tell him to leave town it will be a monumental admission of error and likely create a season (or possibly two) that will determine general manager Paul Holmgren's fate.

(Photo courtesy of Sean O'Brien) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls

Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Philadelphia Flyers' Trade for Islanders' Captain Mark Streit Makes Sense


The Philadelphia Flyers' acquisition of New York Islanders' 35-year-old captain and unrestricted free agent defenseman Mark Streit follows in the pattern of past aggressive Paul Holmgren moves. 

From the Islanders' perspective, they were able to add a 2014 fourth-round draft pick and AHL right wing prospect Shane Harper.

The Flyers' top front office boss has exhibited a habit of engineering 'creative' roster adjustments since he first became GM in the fall of 2006. 

His move to add this veteran D-Man, whose 2013-13 0.56 ppg average basically equaled his career 0.59 ppg average should prove to be a solid move. It also likely signals the pending departure of one of the Flyers' veteran defensemen for reasons that are salary cap- and performance related.

Defense was a team weakness this past shortened-season. Holmgren has given head coach Peter Laviolette a dependable blue line piece that immediately bolsters the top three pairings. Expect more work to be done on the 2013-14 roster as the summer unfolds.
(Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.) 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------I look forward to becoming friends on Facebook  
Let's connect on LinkedIn
Follow me on Twitter @SeanyOB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Feel free to click on a selection of my interviews with broadcasters, actors, models and more...
Martin Brodeur: Discusses His Record-Setting Shutout Total and Key Rivalries 
Jaromir Jagr: Current NHL Forward and Future Hall of Famer
Philadelphia Flyers' Bernie Parent: Postgame reflections 
Bobby Clarke: Philadelphia Flyers' Legend Talks Hockey
Ron Hextall Recalls His Greatest Season
Kerry Fraser: NHL Referee is Still Making the Right Calls
Amazon.com is the number 1 online publishing platform in the world. That's why I used it to publish my first ebook: 

I am humbled by the reception it has received to-date and I thank everyone who has been responding to this digital creation.

This mini-tome is a collection of stories and poems for readers who don't take themselves too seriously. I hope that you enjoy it and am always welcome to your feedback. 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It only takes a few minutes to read some of my other stories  whose links are shown below:

Horror Story: It Was Crawling Up My Chest!
Television Haiku Poem
My First Car Was An All-Time Classic
The Best Holiday Memories

When Baseball Cards Were King
Could One Baseball Shatter The Summer?
The Night Lenny Dykstra Was Swinging In The Rain
5 Traits of Hardcore Philadelphia Phillies' Fans

Philadelphia Flyers' Topps Hockey Card Mystery Revealed
5 Lessons Flyers' Fans Have Taught The Hockey World
5 Traits Old School Flyers' Fans Possess
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit my Rant Sports Author Pagemy Examiner Contributor Pageor my Yahoo Contributor Page.

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