Islanders-Flyers [Q&A and gameday thread]
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 1:00 PM EST
in Game Threads
64 comments
New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers, Feb 14, 2009 1:00 PM EST
Head over to Hockey Night on Long Island after the game, where you can listen, call and chat about the game and anything else Islanders. New Lighthouse member Michael the Islesblogger will cohost.
I asked Travis at Broad Street Hockey to answer five questions about the Flyers. Thanks to the Internets, I had some trouble getting them up before game time, but his answers are below and well worth a read. [Special thanks to Pension Plan Puppets' Chemmy for adding some comment banter to this game thread. Now keep your hands off Tavares.]
New York Islanders (16-32-6, 30th) at Philadelphia Flyers (28-16-9, 4th/E)
1 p.m. EST | [oughtta be Spectrum] Center | MSG+, 1100 WHLI
Enemy locations: Broad Street Hockey | Flyers Fan Central
Questions/answers from Travis at Broad Street Hockey:
Lighthouse Hockey: The Flyers are eight points behind the Devils and tied with the Rangers for home ice (but with two games in hand). Now they've lost to two weak teams. What's your general mood and outlook for the rest of the way? What needs to happen for them to make it out of the East?
Broad Street Hockey: First and foremost, the goalie situation has to get cleared up. Coach Stevens seems content to ride both goalies and then pick one before the playoffs. That's not the way to go, in my opinion. I'm not afraid of the Rangers at all if we're being honest, and I think we can catch the Devils, but I don't know if we will. Honestly, I'd be happy not winning the division and getting the fourth spot. The team that wins the division is probably going to get a team that's been playing playoff hockey for two months trying to get in, and those are the teams that can be really dangerous. The Flyers were one last year.
The Flyers play down to weaker teams, and I think that shows the youth of the club as a whole, but once you get into the playoffs that worry goes away because there are no weaker teams. To get out of the East, the Flyers need to get better as a defensive unit in front of whoever winds up in net. Holmgren has talked about acquiring another defenseman and that might be necessary to the teams' playoff success. Randy Jones is a liability on the second pairing. If the defense gets that one guy to fill the hole, this is a damn good team. [NOTE: more questions after the jump.]
LH: Niiftty Niittymaki has taken the #1 spot but struggled against Ottawa. Do you think he can carry them on a long playoff run?
BSH: A lot of people forget that Niittymaki carried Finland to the gold medal game in the 2004 Olympics and was the MVP of the tournament. A lot of people also forget that he carried the AHL's Phantoms to the Calder Cup title in 2005 during the lockout, and that team consisted of a ton of the guys that make up the Flyers now (Carter, Richards, coach Stevens, etc). It came out Friday that Niitty has the flu, so that might've affected his performance against Ottawa. Who knows.
But yeah, I believe Niittymaki can carry the Flyers on a long playoff run. He has the experience at a ton of different levels but he just hasn't gotten the opportunity at the NHL level. He's hitting the prime of his career about now and I think he could be the Flyers goalie for a number of years. I suppose part of that might be wishful thinking on my part, but I really do think he can be a phenomenal goalie.
LH: Daniel Briere: Still a happy, justifiable signing, or "Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time, but..."?
BSH: Too early to tell. Is that a cop out? I'm still trying to determine if the season before he came to Philly, 2006/07 in Buffalo where he scored 32 goals and 63 assists, was a fluke. His goal numbers were right there last year when he scored 31, but his assists dramatically tailed off and he had 41. I think, in large part, that had to do with missing Gagne on his line all season. Once the Flyers get Briere and Gagne healthy at the same time, it's got some potential.
I still think he's a soft little wimp though. Never liked him in Buffalo, and he can score a hundred goals and won't touch my favorite Flyers list, but as long as he does his job, I can deal.
LH: Aaron Asham: What did Flyers fans think of him before he became a Flyer, what do they think of him now?
BSH: I always kind of respected Asham, actually. It's hard to like a tough guy who played for two division rivals, but I kind of respected him because he had a bit of a scoring touch (for a tough guy) too. Now that he's a Flyer, I think he's a great guy to have on that fourth line. You always notice him on the ice, and that's a good thing.
LH: I mean, the Flyers are going to beat out the Rangers, right? Tell me they'll stay ahead of the Rangers.
BSH: I'm not afraid of the Rangers at all, honestly. I haven't been all season. They have no scoring. A team like that doesn't go deep into the playoffs. A team that wants Sean Avery doesn't go deep into the playoffs. I'd LOVE to play them as the 4/5 matchup in the playoffs. I mean, it's the Rangers we're talking about here. They're the Yankees of hockey without the success.
LH: Thanks again to Travis for the interesting look at the Flyers.
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Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 1:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Flyers, 1-0
And following the Giroux goal, a fight with Asham and Jackman. It is on.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 1:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Updated post
I’m totally playing catch-up for this early game, but I have Travis’ Flyers answers posted up in the body of this game thread.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 1:23 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Flyers 2-0
Jeez, I can’t even type before something new has happened. Nice shot by Carter.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 1:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
And Fritz is here?
I need an iPhone. Day games never suit me (nor the Islanders, either).
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 1:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
2-0 Flyers after 1st
I’m still catching up … damn Valentine’s Day matinee. And I still stink from my own hockey game this morning.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 1:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
MSG+ intermission
A little NHL Network bit on 1980 U.S. Olympic goalie Jim Craig.
My favorite part: some vintage footage of Rockies vs. Atlanta Flames. Some sweet colors running together there.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 1:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jaffe: “The Flyers could have put the game away if they scored another goal, and thank god they didn’t, and the Islanders” rebounded. Agree. Glad they didn’t let the game get away there.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jaffe early in the 2nd: “At least the Islanders with their physical presence have told the Flyers they’re here to play this game. In the first 10 minutes they hadn’t even showed up.”
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:07 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Biron
Jaffe mentioned maybe Marty Biron can use this game to “get right” again — seems he was struggling earlier this season before he shut them out.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Oh, Bergie
Bergenheim stoned trying to go five-hole on the breakaway. He has such good hands, but finishing is lacking.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
End of 2nd: Still 2-0
Gonna need more than this to make it a game.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t seem like they have much going here today.
Contributor to Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog who's lost the most man games to injury.
by Michael Schuerlein on Feb 14, 2009 2:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nope. Like you said: those day games. Must upset the meal routine, heh.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t know how I’d feel playing after downing a cheesesteak!
I’ve got a friend who runs a restaurant, and ends up downing a stromboli before he comes to our Wednesday night pickup ice game.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What is this MSG? (plus)
An intermission special on Joffrey Lupul teaching himself to play guitar and sing.
I am unmoved.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Poor offense v. poor goaltending
I’m watching and thinking how the Isles’ goaltending isn’t a problem — it’s the shallow depth on offense.
And I’m thinking, weak offense is tough to watch, but bad goaltending is really painful to the psyche. With bad goaltending, you’re always dreading that next back-breaking goal, no matter the score.
With weak offense, at least there’s always unwarranted hope that something will pop in.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:54 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Another big Danis save
The new father likes to flash that glove.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 2:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Yeesh, Mike Comrie sucks.
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
He’s worth $4 million a year!
Or…no? Yeah. Every time he gets a chance to show more, he just shows more when he’s good and ready.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ANDY HILBERT HELL YEAH
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hibert! 2-1
Hilbert: On his way to outscoring Comrie.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:03 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Get some points in the standings!
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Never!
Points at Tavares in Borat voice: “You will never get this, you will never get this.”
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You guys will fuck up and draft Matt Duchene first overall or win the lottery, I’m not worried about it.
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There’s some talk they’d prefer Hedman. Seriously.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaa
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I forget about tanking in the middle of games and root for them to win. I suppose that’s healthy. And really, without Weight now, too, there’s no way the Islanders get out of 30th.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The Leafs just called up Boyd Devereaux and Bates Battaglia. You’ve got your work cut out for you.
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn’t BB just run a bar somewhere?
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Carolina
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Barflys sans teeth.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hilbert and Comrie
Hilbert has played 5 more games, and both have had injuries, but:
Hilbert: 20 points, 10 goals (as of this game)
Comrie: 20 points, 7 goals
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Boooooooooooooo
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Hope don't float: 3-1 Flyers
Oh well. That was fun.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
If Glen Metropolit scores it should
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hahahahahahahahahahahaahhaaha
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
4-1: I HATE Valentine’s Day!
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was going to say if Metropolit scores a goal it should be an automatic win for his team.
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Conceded.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Goal objection
“We say it was kicked in because we don’t like how it bounced that way. Totally unfair.”
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
PENALTY SHOT
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Penalty shot
Called by Hans ‘N Franz. We’re hear to penalty shot {clap} you up.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Oh good: Gagne. 5-1
I’m not feeling the brotherly f-ing love.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh man, we’re never gonna catch you guys for a draft position. :(
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Told you! NOONE stops the Islander Tankquisition.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
5-1
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I blame you.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And here I thought I’d be nice and keep you company. :(
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I take it back!
Thank you profusely for giving the game thread some love.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember five minutes ago when this game looked sort a close?
Yeah, that was aaaawesome.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:17 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was excited. :(
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Flyers jerseys
This is funny. The announcers are talking about how the Flyers realized people wanted them to wear, you know, their original colors instead of dressing in black tunics. WHAT A FABULOUS IDEA?!
Maybe we should try NOT soaking fans for a stupid black-jersey buck.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
The Flyers third jerseys look awesome.
Toronto clearly has the best thirds though.
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t decide. The isles 3rd is so much better than their regulars, that it gets bonus points.
But I hate Toronto’s regulars without a hem line/stripe, and I love the non-70s leaf on the 3rd.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sens and Bolts: inexcusable.
I have a review of how RBK screwed every team over, but it was filled with rantings so I need to edit it before publishing, and I wrote it before I saw this year’s most hideous thirds.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah there are some horrible jerseys. I miss the hem line but the Leafs regular jerseys are still better than any other EDGE jersey, and I like the thin rings on the cuffs.
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, I think they work because the Leafs never had a shoulder bar to fit into the new stupid template.
But I hate uninterrupted monochrome from jersey to pants to socks. Bring back the hemline!
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On that note
The Islanders should make jerseys that have I – S – L – E – S going diagonally down the front. And the Leafs should have one that goes L – E – A – F – S diagonally. Wouldn’t that be like, soooo Reebok?
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Mitch Fritz, at the buzzer
Skating by the Flyers to start something: “But I came all the way from Bridgeport for this! Let me fight … please!”
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Fritz got 5:29 TOI, which is about three times his average.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Updated, a whopping 6:19 for Fritz, which must be close to a season high.
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Final: 5-1
I like it better when we lose close.
Thanks for coming by, Chemmy!
Lighthouse Hockey: SBN's New York Islanders blog with hip issues.
by Dominik on Feb 14, 2009 3:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m here for ya. ;)
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by Chemmy on Feb 14, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
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Atlantic Standings
| GP | W | L | OTL | PT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Jersey
|
58 | 36 | 20 | 2 | 74 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
59 | 35 | 22 | 2 | 72 |
|
Philadelphia
|
57 | 29 | 25 | 3 | 61 |
|
New York Rangers
|
59 | 26 | 26 | 7 | 59 |
|
New York Islanders
|
58 | 23 | 27 | 8 | 54 |
(updated 2.9.2010 at 12:41 AM EST)
Islanders Schedule
Next 5 Games
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Nashville
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Tue 02/09 | 7:00 PM EST |
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Pittsburgh
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Wed 02/10 | 7:30 PM EST |
|
Tampa Bay
|
Sat 02/13 | 2:00 PM EST |
|
Ottawa
|
Sun 02/14 | 5:00 PM EST |
|
Chicago
|
Tue 03/02 | 7:00 PM EST |
Last 5 Games
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Carolina
|
Sat 02/06 | L 1 - 3 |
|
@
Tampa Bay
|
Thu 02/04 | L 2 - 5 |
|
@
Florida
|
Sun 01/31 | L 0 - 2 |
|
@
Philadelphia
|
Sat 01/30 | L 1 - 2 |
|
@
Carolina
|
Thu 01/28 | L 1 - 4 |
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