Melrose: No contact about Lightning

The rumor, as put out there Saturday night by Al Strachan, former Toronto Sun reporter and now a contributor to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada, is that coach John Tortorella will be fired this summer after Hollywood producer Oren Koules takes over as team owner, and ESPN analyst and former Kings coach Barry Melrose will be named coach.

Before anyone jumps to any conclusions, remember this is the time of year when there is all kinds of talk. Expect more of it this summer because of the unsettled nature of everything having to do with the team, most of it stemming from the proposed sale from Palace Sports & Entertainment to Koules. And as Melrose said, "The last I heard, John Tortorella was the coach there, so there's not much I can talk about."

Still, it is enough to log in that the rumor is out there.

Melrose said he has not spoken to Koules or any representative from the Lightning about the Tampa Bay job. In fact, he said he did not know of Strachan's comments until some "buddies" called him Saturday night to inform him.

Still, Tortorella's job security is uncertain after he recently told GM Jay Feaster that perhaps it was time he stepped down. Tortorella took that back, of course, and said he now wants to stay for the last year of his contract.

As for Melrose, who coached the Kings from 1992-95 and led the team to the 1993 Stanley Cup final, he said he knows Koules through players such as former Kings star Luc Robitaille and Kings defenseman Rob Blake, both of whom played for Melrose. As for coaching again, he said, "I've said it several times, I would love to coach again. You're always watching, always talking, what you would do in situations."   

Comments

[Greg]

Oh God. Not Melrose. Please, please, please not Melrose.

Anyone remember how bad he was boo'd at the Forum during our Stanley Cup run?

[Casper]

This a joke right? Just yanking my chain to torque my jaws uh-huh, I see. Very funny. You all know this eegit absolutely hates Tampa Bay and always has, right?

The idiotic Kings don't even want him back and for good reason. Hey it's a wonderful little goof; the club is all pretzel knotted from Tortorella's Bride of Frankenstein morph and Mr. Laffs, the Mullet-head is going to come in and schmooze everyone's ego and return us to the post-season, eh? Well, after the much needed pressure release we'll be in such an indescribably sorry state, we'll look back on how good we are right now.

Maybe Mr. Bunghole-Hollywood can get Kurt Russell to do a real life Herb Brooks.

This is reality people, wake up and cluck like a chicken!

[keith]

It would only affirm the Lightning as the NHL laughing stock if Mullett Melrose gets behind the bench. Oh my god, NO! Gonna take a long walk off a short pier. Anyone for crocquet?

[Herb]

Melrose is a bum that should have never been in the NHL to begin with. He has coached at the NHL level for a whole 3 years. Why not give Mickey Mouse the head coaching job? Al Strachan is the Giraldo of the hockey world. If he was a lawyer, he would have been disbarred a long time ago.

[harvey]

Shane won't like this. No more mohawks, just mullets.

I'm with you casper. This has to be some kind of sick joke. This guy wasn't all that as a player, wasn't much as a coach, and has to be the worlds biggest idiot as an NHL commentator.

Here's an idea, rather than name this freak the new head coach of the Lightning, let's name him the new commissioner of the NHL. He fits the mold and has the correct IQ. All he needs is a few bad suits and he's Bettman Jr!!

I hope this is a joke. Actually, I've seen Strachan's comments before. I guess he never gets tired of making himself look stupid.

I'm going to awaken and try to cluck like a chicken. Casper, how the he!! does one do that? Better make sure my shades are down. My neighbors would begin to wonder about me. Don't have a clue where charlies is, nor do I drink martinis, but you can rest assured I'll consume anything, anywhere, if this nonsense comes to pass.

[GP]

Let me guess ..... the new GM will be Neil Smith?

[Voice of the Turtle]

That hair, those suits, and that feckless humor belonging to the author of ESPN's Melrose Place present a picture of the media cliche to succeed John Tortorella. Incredible! I refuse to believe this. Is this a late April Fool's Day joke or is this the beginning of a bad roman a clef screenplay to ultimately be produced by the SAW man?

It sounds like some second-rate screenwriter's comedic answer to the NHL. Next, should we look for the signing of UFA Sean Avery by the Lightning? If so, it is all about showmanship - not about hockey!

[Hawkeye]

Melrose comes in here and they can return my season ticket money.

And rumors coming out of Toronto? Like that's never happened before. :sarcasm dripping:

[Patrick]

If we're getting Melrose as the coach could we possibly get Mike Millbury to step in as GM? I like the moves he made on the Island /sarcasm

[Patrick]

GP,

Neil Smith will be the GM... for two days. Sean Burke will then retire and replace Smith as the GM.

[GP]

Patrick,

Are you saying our new owner will be a wang? ;)

[Kevin]

If they want a TV personality to coach how about Don Cherry! At least there would be some interesting fashion choices for Al Strachan to discuss when he isn't making up rumors about the Bolts.

[Patrick]

Quote-
Patrick,

Are you saying our new owner will be a wang? ;)-quote

I just hope the operations budget doesn't come up limp

[Casper]

I just crawled out of Charlie's with Elwood and his 6'3'' rabbit buddy. After multiple martoonies we've concluded Melrose is a ghastly apparition and the rabbit is real.

We also went for multiple pitchers of gin rickeys when considering how we are perceived around the League as a laughing stock because we hang on to Tortoroni and Feverblister, and that mania welcomes the sick scenarios.

A hypnotist stopped by the bar and hypnotized everybody to become a Stinking Panthers fan. But not me, I detest those pukes----Lightning Forever!

Buck, buck, cluck, buck, buckayik!!

[Warren]

This is a great story for everyone who wants Torts to go to ponder - if Torts goes, who ya gonna get? Some talking head who managed for 3 years over a decade ago? Who's made his repuatation by being able to talk without backing it up? No to Barry - please!

[Lauren]

This has to be a bad dream!!PLEASE tell me it is..cuz I will DIE if BARRY MELROSE becomes the BOLTS new coach--absolutely DIE!!someone please TELL ME this is a TOTAL joke!!
PLEASEEE!!!

[Michael]

Please dont make me regret saying this. I still feel that John Torterella is the right coach for the Lightning. Give him 1 or 2 ears to fix it before you assume he cant. However, if they were to make a coaching move, I heard, and I dont know this for sure, but heard that Brian Bradley has some intrest in coaching. The one concern I have about that is he hasnt really done any coaching that I know of. Like I said, this is just a rumor, and I still think Torts is the right guy to get the job done.

[Michael]

Please dont make me regret saying this. I still feel that John Torterella is the right coach for the Lightning. Give him 1 or 2 ears to fix it before you assume he cant. However, if they were to make a coaching move, I heard, and I dont know this for sure, but heard that Brian Bradley has some intrest in coaching. The one concern I have about that is he hasnt really done any coaching that I know of. Like I said, this is just a rumor, and I still think Torts is the right guy to get the job done.

[Michael]

Sorry for the double post above, I dont know why it did that.

[matt]

If it's between Torts and Melrose, I take Melrose. I'd rather have a coach who actually wants to be here instead of one who wants to blame everybody but himself.(I really hope its not between the 2)

And Torts using the so-called media(radio) to manipulate the situation is hilarious. I honestly can't believe someone would be stupid enough to back up a lame-duck coach like Torts, by making the incoming owners look like the bad guys. Way to start on a positive note. Ron Cambell puts a gag order on until the new owners take over, so Torts then has some radio flunky do his dirty work, by bashing new owners he knows nothing about. Pathetic!! (Same radio guy that had the Bucs being sold and it never happened) Hey, I have some crap to throw up against a wall, do you think it will stick!!!

[boltflasher]

What is it with Toronto rumour mill's fascination with the Bolts?...one moment its Vinny is headed to the Leafs, the next minute the whole team is headed to Ontario, now, its Melrose will become coach of Bolts...(Oh, not to mention that really good one that Vinny would go to Toronto to play for new Toronto GM Brian Burke...)

[boltflasher]

...and if you didn't know, Burke stayed in Anaheim...

[Bear]

Boltflasher you are a little bitchie Ritchie today aren't you? Ducks wouldn't let Burke out of his contract.
One year left..

[Carl]

Is it April 1st

[Patrick]

There's got to be another option worth consideration besides Melrose. Seriously, compare the resumes and who's is better? Torts took the lightning when they were at the bottom and helped get them to the top. We know he's done it before with our players on the current roster. The only thing that concerns me is his meeting with Feaster where he expressed doubt himself. It could have just been the wear of this dreadful season. But if his heart is not in it, I imagine he really would step down.

[Stacey]

I just vomited in my mouth a little... I am SO glad I didn't read this yesterday, it would have ruined what was left of my weekend! This is such a joke.

[Brian Bellows]

Torts is the man in Tampa Bay. Yesterday's newspaper article discussed the lack of leadership in this organization... but Torts provides the "on ice" leadership. We had a rough year, but I think we can get on the right track with Stamkos, a few free agents, a new owner, and a sense of purpose. All Melrose does is trash talk the team he finds most convenient, like he did to us in 2004. And what happened? We proved him and his terrible hair cut wrong. NO MELROSE IN TAMPA BAY!!!

[Heidi]

My daughter was born 2 weeks before we won the Stanley Cup. She is now almost 4, and a HUGE Lightning fan. The first hockey-related things she ever said were, "Let's go Lightning!" and, "Boo Barry Melrose!" He dogged our boys all the way to the cup, and even then he said we didn't deserve it. He is NOT welcome in Hockey Bay!

[Nathan]

Let's play Good Idea, Bad Idea.

[Brian]

Oh, in addition to my last comment, let's review.

Torts: 2 Division Titles, 1 Conference Title, 1 Stanley Cup, and 4 consecutive playoff appearances after taking over a team that had 69 points in 2001 and lets not forget his 1996 Calder Cup in the AHL

Melrose: AHL Calder Cup in 1991, one Campbell Conference Title and subsequent Stanley Cup Final appearance, and then three years of below .500 seasons.

You decide who you want to coach our Bolts.

[Elwood P. Dowd]

I've already decided we could do a lot worse than Pat Burns. If we gave Torts (yet another) one more year to right the ship we'd still be worse off by not soonest getting into a new system with Burns as defensively responsible, (thereby ceasing to extinguish and starting to distinguish our goalies) with The Bolts' noted firepower.

Best if Melrose goes to Sunrise and Pat Burns comes here, not the other way around.

Let's start a new rumor: The Maple Leafs are thinking of moving to Orlando. No, Las Vegas. No, Hartford. No,....

[léo]

Giving up Brad Richards looks like a deadly mistake my Bolt friendlies.
A goal and three helpers in the big Stars 3rd period.

Halpern, Smith?
BwaaaHaHa

11-25
SFF

[anthony]

Barry Ray Cyrus? I think bringing back the mullet behind the bench would take Tampa bay hockey to an even newer level.
The basement!

[Lisa]

Melrose would make me rethink my Lightning support. Sorry, that man makes me sick. The year the Bolts won the Cup, that man did not have one good (or fair) word to say about the team. Keep him away!!!

[//]

Anthony they are already in the basement ..hello.
Sounds like BM was checking out residences in Long Boat Sun.

[Voice of the Turtle]

Do you think a lawyer won't milk your miseries for every penny of legal fees that can be earned? Do you think that a stockbroker won't churn your assets to create as many commission bucks as he can produce? Do you think that an automobile salesman will "sharpen his pencil" because (as he says) he wants to save you money and put you in the right car?

If you answered yes to these questions, you probably believe everything you hear on the Steve Duemig show. The Big Dog knows that he'd be off the airwaves if he ever ran a straightforward show without listener manipulation through spreading meaningless rumors, stretching truths, insulting callers, employing maudlin sentimentality, issuing pronouncements of extreme self-righteousness, presenting general know-it-allness, and programming ourbursts of histeria. Hey, today on the voice box, that's defined as entertainment.

In some ways, John Tortorella and this radio personality are a matched set.

[nick]

Nah, no Melrose but just wait, Koules will turn this into a reality TV show, "who wants to coach a second tier nhl team?"

[pd]

Helluva an idea Nick.

No one could play the role better than Chili Pepper himself.

[Geografer]

Get Babcock!!! His contract is up in Detroit and they still have not resigned him. Does he have a Stanley Cup? No but his teams have never failed to make the playoffs and his players love him. He also knows how to treat goalies (hello - anyone that can handle Hasek can handle anyone).
We had him as the head coach here in Spokane for the Chiefs for 6 years and he was WHL Coach of the Year twice, went on to AHL in Cincinnati and made the playoffs each year and then took Anaheim to the cup final in '03 (his first year in the NHL) sweeping the defending cup Red Wings in 4 games in the conference finals on the way. Oh, and then there is that Gold Medal in the '04 World Championships for Canada as head coach. He is also one of only 6 coaches to lead his team to back to back 50 win seasons. He also doesn't make an idiot of himself in front of reporters.
He will cost a small fortune but is really worth it unless the plan is to tank this season so we can win the draft lottery for Tavares next season (which actually is really not a bad idea)!

[léo Çh]

Watch out, folks.
The child is impostering me again. Doin'is rounds, I guess. Just a little boy.
A close analysis of type and spacing will help differentiate and remember:
I'm incendiary, never demeaning. If it sounds ÇH and/or arrogant; that's me.
If it sounds insensitive and/or insulting; that's not me; it's the little monkey throwing crap at the tiger, safe in his tree, under the bed, like a child. habs suck, weezer, dwight, //, insult instead of name bloke, it's all the same little monkey. Mind you, I think monkeys are pretty cute.
Haw-haw! child.
Peace.

[Boyle22Rules]

You have got to be kidding me? I will never go watch a game in the Forum coached by the Prince of Polyester!

If that idiot Oren Koules brings him in as coach well then it will be to make the biggest "B" rated movie of all time and that is called the "Demise and Destruction of Hockey Bay, USA!"

He couldn't win with players the likes of Gretzky and Robitaille. Torts has taken less and done more.

This must be a Panther-devised diabolical plan to gain new fans, by making Barry Melrose the head coach of the Lightning...well it might work!

[ajax]

The real news lies in the fact that there "are" rumors about Torts. No rumors are good rumors, follow? The fact that his "mental status"/heart is an issue, sure wouldn't be a ringing endorsement if I was the new owner.
Stability is what this franchise needs and having a coach with many clouds hanging over his head, isn't the answer. I would feel alot better one way or another if they (new owners) made some kind of decision in the next 6-8 weeks. Either give him an extension, to show everyone he is secure and the team moves forward, or release him, to show everyone the team is secure and moves forward. Please don't keep him with everyone on edge and then fire him 4 weeks into the season. Make long term decisions, they usually work best in every phase of life.
By the way, Melrose is a clown. If they signed him I would quit, without a doubt, I would quit being a ticket holder. The knock 10 years ago with him was that he wasn't a dedicated "hockey" coach and with his Hollywood doo, somehow I think he still has his priorities just a tad off of being a real hockey coach versus being good ole fun loving Barry. Besides, one night about three years ago he was asked about Tampa and I will quote as close as I can. He said, "they have a young exciting offensive team with VL4, St. Louis, and a big "power" forward in Brad Richards" I almost spit out my coke, but I knew he didn't have a clue about the inside scoop after that statement. We don't need 10 minutes of fame, we need someone who is a life time hockey guru. Ditto GM position.
A little opinion on the Dallas Stars. I have watched them about 5 of their 8 games. Their team speed is amazing. Their first line (not Richards) has dominated both Anaheim and San Jose (Joe Thorton) and sad to note, their PowerPlay is awesome and Richards sees very little time on it.
That is the real scoop. He had a nice game, but if anyone was watching, not a minute before his goal the announcer made a comment to the effect that Richards had not done much the first two periods. I don't make the news, I only report it.
I encourage everyone to watch this series to watch how Dallas' dmen are phenomenal at holding, first the red line on the forecheck, and especially the blue line on the penalty kill. It is how we need to play to turn this mess around.
GBY

[h29]

I was exhausted.
I have dissolved from a total Torts guy to a fan that is ripped with ambivalence (one day wanting him to stay, the next wanting him to go yell at people in Atlanta). Same about Jay (resisting sophomoric weight reference here).
I have travelled from a fan with blind allegiance to one with doubt. I have resisted bad coaching moves (what the hell was V4 doing out there in DC?) and questionable front office moves from extinguishing my inner Thunder Bug. I am exhausted fighting to remain loyal to the team. I am a tired fan that was curled up in the fetal position...

THANK YOU MUCKRAKER Al Strachan. NOW I AM AS MAD AS ANDRE IN PHILLY.

NO @#$%^ MELROSE!

If Hollywood Mullet came here, I would be apoplectic.
I think he knows nothing about the team and little about the league in general.

I used to subscribe to his podcast when I first got the ipod for the car. I thought any hockey talk was better than anything else (thank god for XM 204) but found his under-developed opinions made me so insane that I went broke paying for repeat trips to Carsmetics after running into brick walls to turn off the vapid stupidity. Anyway, how much hockey do you actually have to watch being the ESPN hockey guy. They show more spelling bees and card games than hockey.

He hates Tampa and that is great... because we hate him back. Stay away you over-coiffed imbecile.

OK, if this is true, take your money and run. I would rather have PSE stay and let the slow bleeding continue.

Barry Melrose? I'd rather have Barry Manilow!!!

OK, I'll take a pill and lie down again. Wake me up when V4 resigns, we drafted Steve S and R2 is resigned for the league minimum on a 2 way.

[Stacey]

Ajax, come on man, lay off Richy. He had a good night. Just...let him have that!

[Shane]

First of all, R.I.P. mohawk, i had to shave it off today for my new bartending job. Second off, when the Lightning won the Stanley cup, he said, and I am quoting the recording I have of it as I am watching it right now... "Brad Stuart was excellent in this game" So first of all he messed up meaning to say Brad Richards, but then literally 2 minutes later he says "With Ruslan Afedotenkov's two goals..." So he mixed Ruslan Defotenko with Dmitri Afanasenkov. He cares A LOT (two words) about this team, it's obvious with the fact that he knows our power forwards in Brad Richards (joke) and scoring prowess of Afedotenkov.

Shane

Spelling mistake above, I said "So he mixed Ruslan Defotenko..." I obviously meant Ruslan FEDOTENKO. Sorry, I just had my 21st birthday last night and I think I killed all my brain cells, assuming I had some before then.

[Hockey Chic]

Okay fellow bloggers enough. Toto we are not in Kansas anymore. It is not funny when I almost spit my coffee across my desk. Melrose please he is a mullet wearing freak who has little knowledge of hockey.

I have to say that during the stanley cup run if I could have gotten my hands around his neck I may have been arrested. He hated our guys, could never say anything positive and was a schmuck the entire playoffs. God please no do not bring him here Oren we cannot put up with that freak show.

Shane please lets go to shaved heads rather than the mullet. Melrose hair scares the crud out of me and I am fearless. Please keep torts you heard it here first. The much lesser of two evils....

We want Torts, We want Torts... We want Torts....

Go Bolts!!!

[ajax]

You are 110% right Stacy. Brad Richards had a great night for the Dallas Stars. I am glad for the last part of that sentence. Stacy, that is as sweet as I can get. Go Brad Go!!!
I watched one of the NHL shows and the guy said Price (you know, inconsistent goalie for the Montreal Shabs) looked "slow and disinterested" ouch.

[léo]

"one of the shows"?, "the guy"? Sounds reliable. A hockey-guru, no doubt.
Yeah...the Kid sure is terrible...
Still,
We'll keep him.
11 to 25

[Patrick]

To this point, Richards is having a good playoff run. He's in the top 12 in points and only point behind Sidney Crosby. Crosby skates on a line with Marian Hossa, Richards is on a line with Louie Eriksson and Nick Hagman/Joel Lunqqvist. I have watched almost every stars game. His line does go for stretches without creating offense, but maybe that's because he's doing well defensively also. And everyone sit down - he's currently a +4, tied for the lead on his team.

Disclaimer - No, I am not in any way implying that Richards is on Crosby's level, just that he is having another good playoff run.

[Mike13]

I think I just might prefer to see what Owner/GM/Head Coach Oren Koules could do before having Merry Belrose behind the bench.

[Bear]

Ritchie has a playoff gear, hats off for that. He may well win another cup.

[bear]

Philly Flu hits Canadiens hard.
Kovelev on milk carton. Price remains unproven.
Not to say I called it because its still early. sort of.

[ajax]

It is over Habs lose Price is benched.
If VL4 would of had a Slab jersey on tonight he would of had 4 goals, instead they were stuck with Kovalev who must of shot wide 4 times from 12 feet.
Without the Bolts in the playoffs I get some satisfaction in watching Montreal lose.
Also to anyone following Philly, I have seen it time and time again. Just like HERE. When the third period comes, there is a night and day difference with their D giving up the blue line. The minute that happens, the ice being tilted starts. So easy to see, so tough to stop the bleeding once it starts.
Patrick, man I have to chuckle, because you and me are Mars and Venus on Brad. I promised to be nice so I am a man of my word, but make no mistake, Mr. Richards is about the 4th or 5th best forward on that team. BUT, he did have a nice game last night, yes he did. And Patrick, the million dollar question? And I am being nice. Why is he not on the top line, again? Why is he not getting minutes on the PPlay? The answer to those questions?? Well never mind, he did have a great game last night. I do have to note one stat, since stats have been thrown out. Before last night he had 5 points in 7 playoff games. Did one game change everything?? I see you saying yes, YES!!, it is great to have differences.

[GP]

Ajax,

I agree on the Philly defense. It drive me nuts to watch. It is the same crap "prevent" defense the NFL teams go into. Have they ever noticed that teams come back when you sit back and let them come at you? It is the standard MO for most teams. It also hurt to have Hatcher lost for the rest of the game. That contributed to some of that.

[bear]

Agree with A and GP on sitting back as a crappy Mo for teams but and a big but, when you have a goalie playing like Biron, it's the right thing to do.
No 3 on 2's no 2 on 1's just chip it in and work the clock.

[Nate Dogg]

Wow anyone besides me have the stinging sensation in their faces? After that slap to the face by mentioning BM as a possible successor to Torts, I can't help but feel a little disrespected.

I haven't even had the chance to look- and i'm sure all of you know I DON'T want Torts gone- but if there was to be a successor, there has to be at least 5 better options then BM. My peewee hockey coach knew just as much about hockey as BM ever has.

What a joke. And we're trying to make ourselves a prestigious franchise again.

Yeah, Berry Melrose ("The Big BM") would be a great option as Lightning coach...WHEN MONKEYS FLY OUT OF MY BUTT...

[Patrick]

Ajax,

I would accept your planetary analogy except that I don't think either one of us willing to be Venus.

I didn't actually choose the timing of the most recent Richards discussion, you brought it up first :) But go ahead and throw out his recent 4 point game. Is 5 points in 7 playoff games bad a run, when as you have pointed out, he's not even getting much power play time?

Comparing him to the other forwards on his team, I would agree on Modano in his prime. But you actually inspired me to compare Richards career stats to the other top Dallas fowards. Here you are:

Mike Ribeiro:
Reg. Games - 433, Points - 295
Playoff Games - 32, Points - 19

Brendan Morrow:
Reg. Games - 573, Points - 374
Playoff Games - 68, Points - 36

Jere Lehtinen:
Reg. Games - 769, Points - 473 (have to include his career +/-, 183!!)
Playoff Games - 102, Points - 47

Brad Richards:
Reg. Games - 564, Points - 500
Playoff Games - 53, Points - 56

There's a lot more to players than just their offensive stats of course. But looking at these numbers, I think it's fair to say Richards is at least the 2nd best Offensive player on their team, if not their best when comparing their careers and current level of play.

[GP]

Patrick,

Good post. I love it when people back up what they say with stats! From what I read, Richards was acquired to be the successor of Mike Modano's minutes. I haven't watched too many games so I can't say how he has played. It seems to me he disappears for a few games and then comes back with 4 or 5 points in the next. The fact is, Dallas may think having him on certain lines may screw up the balance of some of the other lines. Like I said ... I don;t know ... I haven't paid attention to Dallas. I prefer the North Stars anyway. ;)

I think both Ajax and Patrick were correct. It just goes to show how we all have different opinions and all of us are correct ..... especially when you can back it up. Good job Gents.

[ajax]

Patrick you could drive me to drink, but I already do that. These guys do the little things that Brad never, NEVER, does. They hit, they play both ends, they drive the net, and still the million dollar question. Why can he not crack the first line? Why is this multitalented superstar never on the first line, The go to line, come crunch time? Patrick he is not even playing on the PPlay 1st unit.
Maybe they are saving him for late in the game. And last but not least don't ever forget he is playing against the other teams second line also. Anyway, it is his time and you win. YOU WIN!!!
Patrick, arguing Brad with you, is like arguing Montreal with Leo. Oops I just took a low shot, sorry Patrick, my bad. I will never sink that low again. I really do love the passion of fellow bloggers(even if sooooo sooooo wrong), har har.
Go Brad, Go any Montreal opponent
Leo, where are ya?? The kid is looking, well, like a kid.
God Bless Ya All GBYA

[GP]

Leo,

Article on exactly what I was saying about the Flyers having nothing to lose ... written by a Canadien.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Hockey/article/419032

[Boyle22Rules]

Can you guys even stay on topic and take your other team playoff chatter to the message boards...this is all about keeping the coach who is here not about Sad Richards playoff hijinx...just remember anyways Jeff Halpern was the best player acquired during the trade deadline in every single catagory imaginable...richards had one good regular season game and then fizzled out to be the brad richards that we know. I am happy that he is gone and I hope we still have the coach that will be coaching TEAM USA this summer!

[bear]

Heh Boyle22 are you Jay Feaster?
Bolts got robbed.

Price has been exposed..weak glove. Takes awhile but the league figures you out.

[olin]

...Geographer, I like your post. It would be a pretty slick move if someone could pull it off, but I doubt the Wing's would let that happen. I'd be all for it. Scotty would probably have something to say about it from his sarasota dig's.
As for Melrose, Damian just put that story up on Lightning Strikes to get all you fellow blooger's feather's ruffled....it'll never happen. Am glad to see both BR19 and VP20/40 having a good playoff's. I'm also with Ajax, make something happen soon, not part of the way into next season. Hopefully OK gets his deal done soon, and can bring in new quality people. Tort's IS a good coach,but his time has come here in Tampa. Let him move on, maybe to Norfolk.... Leo, hated to see your guy get burned, but sure he'll bounce back. I'd rather see the Hab's move on than the bloody flyer's..sorry shannon.

[léo]

I totally agreed with you on that, GP, remember?
What's goin' on?! Disaster! My Boys, my precious Boys, what's goin' on???
We Dominate but can't Finish. What, 28 to 12, the shots on goal? This is ridiculous.
The Kid is playing like crap. When you're being outplayed by Biron, there's a problem.
Saku Breakaway, Higgins open net, Markov post, Kovalev post, Lapierre cross-bar, 2-man advantage for a full 2minutes. That was the 1st period. Coulda-woulda-shoulda...but DIDN'T put it away right then and there.
I knew we had lost when not 1 goal went in. If you can't finish on multiple GOLDEN opportunities, you can't win. The gods won't allow it. They'll give it to the cheesy team.
Philly finished on 6 shots in the 2nd, bananas from the blue-line that had no business going in but there you go. Kid blew it and Philly finished.
Kudos to Biron for being AWAKE and kudos to Philly offence for aiming BETWEEN THE PIPES.
Cuz that's what's lacking in bleu-blanc-rouge, right now.
Oh well, bad luck.
Next game, Boys.
Let's get it on!
sff

[GP]

Boyle22Rules,

Maybe you would rather talk about how the Lightning are doing in the playoffs? Wait ..... exactly. How much can you comment on a pathetic rumor of BM coming to coach the Lightning?

Leo,

I wasn't saying you didn't agree. I just thought it was ironic after the fact that I saw an article saying the same thing. The Flyers were outplayed but a W is a W. It doesn't have to be pretty .... you just have to have results. Biron has been playing great. Not sure why you have such a negative opinion of him ... this is his first playoff series ever as well as Price. He was untested before.

[léo]

I don't have a negative opinion of Biron and I certainly don't want to diminish his fine play during the series. I'm not at all surprised by his level of play; it's exactly what I expected.
The problem is not beating Biron (that's easy); it's beating his posts and the open net that's the problem.
PHI can't stop us at all. All we've seen out've'em was Biron and a little bit of Richards. That it's 2-1 for PHI is hard to believe and hard to accept.
Why are THEIR BANANAS going in, while Our Dominance has nothing to show for it??? Hockey-gods, I implore you to make this right! The puck. In the net! Please.
Opportunistic Flyers? Ok. But bananas, nonetheless!!! Waiting for an "opportunity" to score bananas? Is that Philly's game-plan? Really?! Well, it's workin'!
Is it me? Is my arrogance being punished? How can we be losing to these guys??? (I feel like a republican governor...)Do I have to bring down the crucifix again? Is it Carbo's tie? Gods, I implore you! It's not fair! Make this right.
All the Kid had to do was to be Average, like Biron, and we'd be up 3-0, fer petessakes!
Ok, cool it, cool it...
It's just bad luck, a test of character. Flyers are weak. We're better than them. 34 -14, last night, matter of time...
The gods will make this right; the tide will turn.
And We're going to Win.
sff

[thatonekid]

we do need a new coach, BUT PLEASE NOT MELROSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and if he's going to be the bolts coach, then they can't make fun of his mullet on ESPN.

[GP]

Leo,

Maybe it is Carbs ties. I saw him wear an orange one the other night. Maybe he should look at the other teams jerseys.

I don't dispute bad luck when it comes to hitting posts but there are two logical reasons why.

1. The guys are looking over there shoulders because they know they are going to be hit and are not taking their time. They went through a rough series with the Bruins and now the Flyers are playing the same game plan. The euro feel of your players may be shying away from traffic areas just a bit. Explains the dominance on the PP and not at full strength.

2. Biron could be playing his angles perfectly. You can't tell that on TV. The Habs may be shooting at the spots they see and that could be Biron.

I've hit a fair share of posts and crossbars in my days of playing. A coach once told me to stop looking at the post when I shoot bc I'd hit it every time. I started looking inside the posts and I stopped hitting them. Maybe the Habs need some coaching.

Philly is just tapping their potential so don't expect them to quietly go away for the next few years. Especially with Van Riems Dyk and Giroux on the way. I doubt this will be the last playoff matchup with the Habs in the next few years.

[léo]

Pishtosh, GP. While I don't deny that Markov and Plecanec are sleeping, we're outhitting you. We're bigger and stronger, smarter and faster; we're not scared of getting hit.
But still, an open net is an open net! If we buried HALF of'em, we'd be up 3-0.
Biron IS covering his angles, so is everybody else. We're BEATING Biron consistently; I'd tell you if Biron was a PROBLEM, GP; I'd admit it fair and square cuz my eyes are wide open. Biron DOESN'T scare us at all.
It's the arrogance, I know it. We consider ourselves so much better than the Flyers that the gods are punishing us. It's so easy to outplay the Flyers that we are stunned into inaction.
Gotta be.
34 to 14, GP. 17 to 2 in the 3rd period.
What can Carbo say, lucky tie or not? "Guys, just keep doing what you're doing and we're going to Win!"
The Kid was rattled by LACK of pressure, not an excess. All he has to do is stop the bananas,
And then you're finished.
C'mon Boys! Show'em what I mean.
sff

[bear]

BS Leo your boys have a full case of the Philly Flu.
Kovalev wanted nothing to do with traffic, nothing
Carbo said that the kid was rattled big time. Especially after being run over.

Your bravado isnt shared by the Euro Habs

[ajax]

Leo, (Eddie Haskell in disguise)
Practically 7 straight minutes of PPlay will get alot of shots, but it also wears the other team out for more than a few minutes. When Philly got their PP they barely moved the puck they were so tired. When you get 8 pp's to 3 pp's and score twice you win 99% of those games, EXCEPT when Price lets in a few bunnies (again)
Maybe they can claim Huet off waivers??

[GP]

Leo,

Pishtosh? Is that Canadian for I'm arrogant and my team isn't as good as we think they are? ;)

The disparity between PP for the Habs vs the Flyers is the reason for the shots be so off balance. Not true domination by the Habs. You're lucky you are notdown 3-0 at this point. You were given a gift in that 1st game by the refs. Need I also say you got another gift on the Hatcher penalty. Penalty ... yes ... Major ... not a chance.

I hope Carbs uses your quote ... "Guys, just keep doing what you're doing and we're going to Win!"
That's right, keep doing what you are doing because you are not winning.

[GP]

Leo,

This is the part of hockey I truly love ... stats.

I need to quote you from earlier ... " We're bigger and stronger, smarter and faster. We consider ourselves so much better than the Flyers that the gods are punishing us. It's so easy to outplay the Flyers that we are stunned into inaction."

Ok, let's look at your ASSumptions:

Flyers AVG - 6'1 201.5 lbs 28.7 yrs old
MTL AVG - 6'0 204.1 lbs 28.9 yrs old

Well, not bigger or stronger. Looks about even to me. Komisarek tilts the scales for lbs your way. You may be a little faster but it is the style of play that makes you fast. The Flyers gameplan is to push speed to the outside and take them out on the boards. It makes the Flyers look slower than they truly are.

Now let's talk about your arrogance about how much better the Habs are than the Flyers. To the stats:

Reg Season:
PHI Goals - 245 Goals Against - 227
MTL Goals - 257 Goals Against - 216

PHI SOG - 28.8 Shots Against - 31.8
MTL SOG - 29.1 Shots Against - 31.6

PHI - Save % - .913
MTL - Save % - .917

PHI - PP Ranking #2 PK Ranking #10
MTL - PP Ranking #1 PK Ranking #15

Nothing there over 82 games to say that the Habs would dominate the Flyers. It just shows the parity between the #1 seed and the #6 seed.

How about playoffs stats Leo?

PHI - Goals Avg - 3.30 GAA - 2.80
MTL - Goals AVG - 2.70 GAA - 2.50

Wow, stats don't lie. Your arrogance is not well placed and maybe you should start thinking this is more of a series than you ASSume. I warned you not to under estimate the Flyers ... and that was months ago.

C'est lavie mon frere.

[léo]

I accept all that. And I'll stand in front of the tomato-barrage should catastrophe strike.
But I also remember you yourself saying, "I don't think the Flyers can beat the Habs.", GP. Did you or did you not say that?
Funny how you didn't bring up your stats then...
We're a Better team and that's it, GP. You wanna revel in the Power of the Philly Flu? Fine. PPs and Ref advantage? Fine.
Either way, we're dominating. We're missing open nets and the Kid is letting in bananas. That's it. There's no deep, rooted strategy by the Flyers here.
I'd be crying if it wasn't so funny.
You said it yourself, our PP isn't working and the Kid is below-par. Still, 34-14.
So if our PP and the Kid return to AVERAGE...???, you see now?
How can I be worried?
Philly has nothing.
This is just a big joke and everything is gonna fall back into place.
It's gotta!
I hope...
sff

[GP]

Leo,

I absolutely said that I thought the Habs would beat the Flyers. I also said that I thought the Sharks, Avalanche, and Rangers would win their series this round. It looks like I'm wrong on everyone this round.

I think the advantage the Habs have is that they have played together longer than the Flyers have and may have more of a team concept. With all that said, this is the playoffs and a bounce here and there could change everything.

I don't really believe in the Philly flu. It workd in the 70's but this is a different team. I believe in the Philly crowd and it can be a very intimidating place to play. The Philly flu is one of those sayings like the Broad Street Bullies that is old and not really applicable anymore.

You are dominating primarily because you are always on the PP. Taking shots from the outside should barely qualify as dominating. They'll let you do that all night long. That is the gameplan and if you want proof, refer back to the Caps series.

I would be worried bc the Habs are frustrated. The Flyers have them frustrated. Keep gripping those sticks just a little tighter.

[léo]

I agree with everything you're bringing up, especially about the bounces...
But GP, c'mon.
We're not Dominating???
sff

[GP]

Leo,

It depends what you qualify as dominating. Are you dominating time with the puck ... yes. Are you dominating the boards ... no. Are you dominating the scoresheet ... no. You see Leo, to put a statement out there to say you are dominating is very broad. So I have to disagree with you. Are shots on goal off balance tilting to the Habs. You bet. However, the Flyers allowed the Caps to do exactly the same thing. Keep all the shots from the outside. It worked in that series and as of right now, you're lucky it is 2-1. It should be 3-0. Good luck tonight and like I said from the very beginning .... this is going to be a 7 game series. I believe you said 5 games.

[léo]

Yeah, I did say 5.
And I apologized to the hockey-gods for that!
But what I interpret as Dominating is Us ALWAYS being in your zone and YOU GUYS, NEVER BEING in ours. I interpret Dominating as Us ALWAYS being able to carry the puck through the neutral zone and YOU GUYS, NEVER being able to crack Our blue-line. We've missed MORE open nets than you have SHOTS. C'mon, GP.
Hey, listen, MAYBE We're Paralysed with Fear. Maybe. But I don't think so, mate; I think it's just bad luck. I mean, THAT'S what it looks like to EVERYONE, why not me? Noone is talking about how great a team Philly is for stopping MTL, but how MTL has to find a way to Finish!
I don't want to diminish Philly's exploit because that's what it is: an exploit. They don't give up and they're scrambling as best they can. It's paid off. You are leading in wins and that's what counts the most, absolutely.
But at the same time, it "could" MUCH MORE be 3-0 in Our favor than yours, c'mon, GP. C'mon. These results are the not the consequence of PHI DOING, but of Us, NOT DOING. We've dominated since the drop'o'the puck in game 1, GP, c'mon.
You say you don't see it, ok. So, getting 15 shots on net is the game-plan, is it? Never touching the puck is the strategy, yeah? Ok. Everything is equal except where Philly's better, right?
Well, it's bare-down time.
My Boys HAVE TO WIN this game now. If they don't...I'll listen to your shtick about the euros.
Let's see what happens.
Good luck, mate.
C'mon Saku!!!
(and Halak)
sff

[bear]

Heh Leo
Your team is playing on the outside, they don't like to come in. Kovalev still on the milk carton. Did he even dress tonight?
I bet Huet would look good right now. Called that one.

Na na na na, na na na na, no gri-it, goodbye.

[ajax]

Has anyone seen Leo, he is MIA
I think Kovalev pulled a pinky early in the game and sat our to make sure he didn't bruise it any further. At least he didn't miss any open nets like the 3 he missed the another night.
What could be better than seeing the Shabs stink it up??
I have never seen a team dominate so much and be down 3-1. HAR HAR It is easy to dominate puck possession and SOG when you are playing catch-op. But then again, they are never ahead.
I see where at least Price didn't let in any softies tonight. Benching the kid? Say it ain't so. The annointed one, the savior, the Messie(Fr). Man the fall from grace can be a fast steep drop.
Calling all cars, where is Leo???

[GP]

Leo,

I really disagree that the only reason Philly is winning is bc of what the Habs are not doing. They obviously are doing something right to have the Habs off balance. I find it ironic that the Habs look just like the Caps in this series. I also have seen writers start to convert and say (with great pain I'm sure) that the Flyers deserve credit.

I most certainly did not say this ... "Everything is equal except where Philly's better, right?" I think these two teams are virtual equals for all statistical purposes. I am in no way comfortable being up 3-1. I don't share your arrogance especially since I had to painfully watch every game last year ... just like Lightning fans this year. The silver lining for Lightning fans is that the Flyers have shown it is possible to go from dead last to top 8 in the league and maybe more.

Please tell me with a straight face that your team goes across the middle and takes shots. I saw a bunch of uber talented euros on the boards the entire night trying to open passing lanes instead of going straight to the net.

So who is next in goal?

[GP]

Ajax,

I actually saw a puck go out of play that Price missed with his glove hand.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[bear]

I'm sure Leo is fine, just a little bout of the Philly flu. Kovalev had it too.

[léo]

Bear, you traitor, you bandwagon hopper and deserter.
GP, you convinced me.
All we had to do was score 1st, we didn't, we got frustrated, we despaired, we stopped working. Only Saku.
You're right: Where's Kovalev?
I was the one who was saying "that", GP, to make fun of the fact that you didn't see where we were better but quick to explain where YOU were better.
And at one point, a team MAKES their luck: 2nd PHI goal, off the post and RIGHT on a Flyer stick, while ALL our posts from previous games went through the crease.
And Brière's goal: Where is Brière anyway? Oh, there he is, LOAFING in his office, DARING not to play with the big boys and where does the lucky bounce go after Halak save? You guessed it. Fist-pump away, Danny, you excellently-involved hockey-player, you. Lucky bastich.
Biron played his BEST game of the series last night, IMO, and to lose this game hurts less than the ones before. I could SEE how Philly deserved to win it.
Bégin's penalty, although brilliant, is not MY indicator. I think we would have lost that game either way.
We need to frikkin score!
Kovy, c'mon!
These are the dang Flyers, man! They suck!
I don't want to see the Flyers get trashed by the Pens, 8 to nothing games in a 4-game sweep. That'll be boring and will bring me no joy.
It's the Habs that should get trashed by the Pens!
Ugh, I'm so embarassed...the Flyers,ohmygosh...ugh...
The Kid in net next game for those who care.
sff

[Bear]

Leo I'll give you points for showing up in the blue ice, unlike your Euros.

I'm hardly a traitor, I called Flyers over Caps and Flyers over Habs..ask GP.

[léo]

You lie, Bear!
You threw your lot in with Us. How many Bears are on this blog? Sometimes it's "Bear"; sometimes it's "bear". Same or not?
Enough with the euros, please, I was joking.
Where's Saku from, Montana? Huh? St-Louis? He's The Man on my team. Got goals in every game except the one we won. He's there.
Where's Malkin, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Holmstrom and Forsberg from? Edmonton? Winnipeg? C'mon.
Streit, Markov and Plecky are trembling, fine, but Higgy, Komo and the Priceberg aren't exactly stealing the show.
Only Flyer STEPPING UP is Biron. Umberger might have a goal in every game but we don't SEE him. Further proof that Philly Finishes when we do not.
Cuz besides that, Streit, Markov and Plecky are MORE visible than Umberger, Hartnell and Richards. They just ain't Finishing.
Kudos to Philly.
Lucky bastiches.
sff

[Bear]

Bear with me Leo
It comes down to heart, Habs have the better team but ya have to have the heart to get to the blue.

Name one of your guys thats being going to the net and staying there..you can't. C'est domage.
It's over unless they do.

Trading Huet for a 2nd has really kneecapped poor Carbo.

[ajax]

defiant til the end, that is what I love about ya Leo. Same relentless stubbornness I had as a yute (still do) Did I ever share my opinions about Brad with any of ya?? Some day, but not today, pithy.

[Herman Munster]

Did you, did you just say yute?

[my cousin Vinny4]

(Pesci) Is it possible, the two "yutes"... (Judge) Eh, two what? ... (Judge) What is a "yute"? (Pesci) Oh, excuse me your honor, two "youths

[léo]

It's either wear this defiant suit within which I know I look ridiculous.
Or wear my arrogant-suit, which I KNOW YOU HATE.
So I decided to wear this ridiculous, goofy-looking, defiant-suit, for you Judge.
No sir, I am not mocking you.
Bear: Saku Koivu. Case closed.
Is it "heart" that makes everyone (except Koivu) miss the net? Ok, lack of heart then. Certainly. What else can I say? En effet, c'est très dommage. (Two m's, mate).
Best thing that can happen now is Carbo calling out Kovy.
It's not over. The Artiste can still save us. He saved us against Boston in 2004; he can do it again. (ohgosh, I'm grasping, ain't I?)
Heart and grit is there. It's confidence that's lacking in Our minds. The Boys are still passing the puck in the crease, ferpetessakes.
Bury it!
Just bury it.
Ferpetessake...
sff

[GP]

Leo,

THe series is not over yet so I will not look ahead. This is the same Flyers team that was ahead 3-1 in the Caps series as well and they played an OT game 7. Too inexperienced as a team to put a team away yet. Example ... how many two goal leads have they given up. I'd rather have a one goal lead. I said, "oh no," to my wife last night after they scored the 2nd goal.

Remember Leo, that the Pens were afraid of the Flyers. They tanked that last game against them to not match up in the 1st round. We've been underdogs in every series and PGH will not take us 4-0. We're in their heads like you said the Habs were in the Flyers. Hmmm ... I'll refer back to me saying not to underestimate the Flyers.

Bear has been one of the intelligent ones who have been picking the Flyers every round. He understands board work, balanced scoring, and good goaltending win and the Flyers have that.

Regret trading Huet? We knocked him out of the 1st round so it wouldn't be much different than Price & Halak. Is Marc Andre Fleury at least born in MTL? THat would be good for the FLyers.

Umberger? You say you don't see him. Maybe that is why he has scored every game? Arrogance kills. Briere .... hmmm ... leading the league in playoff scoring. Yes, he is terrible. Richards? He is everywhere ... PP PK Scrums Scoresheet. He is one of the most all round players in the league. Biron? He was a diehard Nordiques fan need I say more.

Philly's 1st round win was all luck. The 3-1 lead in 2nd round is all luck. Going from dead last to top 8 is all luck. I remember a certain Habs fan named LEO who was rooting for the Flyers to win so they could play the Habs. In retrospect, was that a good idea?

Did you know that the Flyers have more Canadians on the their roster than the Habs have on theirs. The travesty.

Last question .... you asked where is Briere? Well, he is lurking on the side of the posts, behind the nets, using speed to the outside of your defense, in your dreams ..... and all the while .... at the top of the playoff scoring. That is where Briere is.

[ajax]

da baby faced assassin, is everywhere, feeding off solid board work by one Vaclav Prospal. They are clicking.
Of course it helps when you have swiss cheese to beat (Price)
All of these Lightning players looking good in the playoffs, makes you kinda of scratch yer head now don't it.
What's wrong with Yutes?? GBY

[léo]

Ugh...
That I gotta tolerate all this...
Well, said I would.
I don't know if the Pens were as frightened of the Flyers (mygosh, frightened of the Flyers,ugh) as they were licking their chops at the propect of facing the Sitting Sens. But maybe. You know your division rivals better than I do, I suppose.
I'll agree about Biron, but half-heartedly. He's playing great, but he ain't STEALING games. Still, he's steppin' up, give you that.
Totally disagree about the other LUCKY berry-pickin' loafers in orange.
Don't know anything about wash vs phi. But I know Brière's points came from there. We don't see him except when he has the AUDACITY to fist-pump, when he's playing 8 minutes a game, gets clocked off the puck everytime he comes near. "Lurking" is the word, indeed. Besides the lucky bounce off Halak, zero. Oh wait, he got a point off that post-goal (Umberger's) fiasco.
Umberger. Pfff. Riding a lucky wave. "Watch out! Watch that guy! Watch Umberger!" ??? I don't think so. He's a lucky bastich, just like the rest of those orange bastiches and if the gods are listening,
MAKE THIS RIGHT!
I won't address the Huey angle because that's just meant to rile me and I'm sure you all know hockey better than that. You all understand perfectly who Huey is and who the Kid is.
Don't underestimate the Flyers, ugh. The Irony is choking me asunder.
Gotta admit, I underestimated their luck. Water-treading, luck'o'the devil, no business playing against us, lucky bastiches.
Aaaaaarrgghhhhh!
Koooovy!
Everyone is stickin' it to me! And they're right, which is worse!
DO something, Kovy.
Help!
sff

[GP]

Leo,

You make me laugh. Flyers have all the luck. Just ask the refs.

I'm not so sure why you think the Flyers are so inferior to the Habs. The regular season difference was only 5 wins and only 7 points.

Briere has 3 points in 4 games. That seems like Koivu numbers to me. Isn't Saku the guy you're raving about? Just curious.

[GP]

Oh yeah ... one last thing. Who is #3 in goal scoring for the playoffs?

The Montreal Boogeyman RJ Umberger ... boo!

[léo]

Ref advantage? Your team will FOREVER reap what they sowed, my friend. Who leads in suspensions...AGAIN?
You pull out season stats like the 5 game difference in wins but you ignore the season stat that says we PASTED yehs 4 out've 4! Not Win; Paste. Well which is it? Season counts or not?
You're not "so" sure...? Well, that means you were sure before, doesn't it? And I agree.
We are a Superior team and we are suffering from writer's block (happens to all the greats...), that's all.
We're missing goals, you ain't. That's it.
I got NO problem with Philly scoring 3 a game; even EXPECTED it.
Cuz I knew we could put in 6 per game. And we can!
It just ain't goin' in.
I give you all the props, GP. You da man. I was wrong and so far, you're spectacularly right.
I say it's bad luck. I say we're a much better team and what's happening now is a dang travesty.
Maybe I'm blind. Maybe we're being slapped around and I can't see it, which is weird, because usually, the minute I sense that, I turn off the telly and occupy myself to softer things. Maybe we're being so outplayed that it only LOOKS like we're dominating, like a fast-spinning wheel will seem to turn backwards. I don't know. Maybe.
But I don't think so.
I think it just ain't goin' in.
Ohgosh, the shame that awaits me this weekend...ugh.
sff

[GP]

Leo,

People can't keep going back to those suspensions. Downie's hit was borderline legal ... he lunged and left his feet. Hardly deserving of what he got. Hartnell's was a joke. So was Jones. The only reason he got suspended was bc Bergeron was hurt. Boulerice's should have been longer. That guy should never lace up the skates again in the NHL. The Flyers were made an example of and I have seen other players from other teams do a lot worse and not even get a penalty this year ... let alone suspended. Not a credible arguement Leo and I am frankly surprised you resorted to that.

Ok, you beat us all four times this season. So what does that mean? You dominate us and we can never even compete with you? I believe Nittymaki started 3 of the 4 and maybe you caught the Flyers during a slump. It happens but it hardly means domination. If we played 8 times and you won all 8 than I would say you have our number.

You refer to your team as great but didn't you miss the playoffs last year? I hardly qualify one year of finishing 1st overall in the conference as GREAT. The difference between #1 Habs and #8 Bruins was 6 wins. 6 WINS. That's it. I think people took too much stock in seedings this year and it is coming back to haunt them. No one team was way above any other this year in the Eastern Conference.

I just have a hard time buying into the bad luck theory. It just so happens the Flyers are playing better than the Habs right now. I am telling you it is the gameplan to keep your fantastic skating euros to the outside. Did you see what happened to Jagr when he cut across the middle tonight? You better believe Kovalev did. Orpik rocked his world ala Scott Stevens.

All that aside. The Habs are not out of this series. I have too much repsect for the team to count them out. The Flyers better not sit back and allow momentum to swing back to them.

[GP]

Leo,

I just read that the Habs blocked 23 shots last game. I could not find blocked shot stats from the previous games but it could explain the disparity between the shot amounts. Had the Habs not blocked those shots, the Flyers would have had 49 shots. Do you know where you can find blocked shots stats?

[bear]

GP you can find all that stuff on NHL.com. Click on Scores then the 4-2 game then event summary and it shows a complete statistical breakout.

Montreal blocked 5 more shots but the real deal is paying the UM Price to shoot from where is counts rather than floating them in from outside.

[BoltAction]

Well, at the risk of having leo jump all over this, I have to admit that watching the Canadiens has been very, VERY entertaining. They are a fun team to watch because the game is so fast paced and skilled.

Not like our stupid 'bolts.

But really... How unlucky can a team be? Posts, missed open nets, and then bad goals against.

I remember in 2004 when the Canadiens played our 'bolts. As glorius as it was to sweep the Habs and then eventually win the Cup, I have to admit that the better team lost that series.

The Canadiens TOTALLY dominated us in every aspect of that series. And yet we won. Why? Because it seemed like any time we "felt" like scoring, we did.

The Canadiens have clearly angered the Gods and it looks like they're about to be eliminated for their insolence.

And just when I was ready to Join...

[bear]

And Boltflasher lest we forget the goal Calgary scored to not win the cup in 04.

Fate always plays the huge intangible, that's why it would drive me crazy to be a heavy sports bettor

[BoltAction]

At least the Calgary series was relatively even throughout. It's not like one team dominated the other for the ENTIRE duration of the series. That was the case between the Habs and 'Bolts in '04 and appears to be the case for the Habs again this year.

[leo]

It's not the number of wins that's the most important, mate.
It's the number of losses...
Losses hurt more than missed wins; you know that.
I don't care about this ,that or the other thing, GP. But your flyers have ALWAYS been the dirtiest team in the league, maybe not now, I agree, but there it is...
"resorting to"? No, GP. The truth. Yes or no? Spin it however you want.
What, you guys don't block shots???
BoltAction,
How'bout you come down to earth for a sec? The heck are you talkin' about?
I know you have a hard time buying into the bad luck theory, cuz your team is winning! Heck, I'd defend my team too, even when my eyes are wide open. I don't remember ever saying, oh we were sooo lucky to win that series. Never. So I understand where you're coming from.
That being said, you'd see it my way in a hurry if you were a Partisan.
Kudos, anyway.
Lucky bastiches...
sff

[ajax]

lucky, lucky, lucky. The final last resort when you can't explain the unexplainable. Leo you talk about domination and yet Philly (who I can't stand so I am not biased) has been up 2-0 in three of the games and 3-0 in the other game. The team winning always plays a little more conservatively (gives up more shots on goal) as the game wears on and can give you a sense of not dominating the games. But when the game counts the most, getting on the board first, Montreal is absent. Ya need a new angle, ya think?
Big game in Dallas last night. Close out game and an obvious goal by Dallas gets overruled by Toronto. What an embarassment, but hey they are perfect. 10 replays and 10 wrong decisions. I might add the stud got to play a whopping 15 minutes last night. Maybe he has mono again. Patrick this is a huge stat, but I am sure you can explain it. Always like to stir the pot on a Saturday morning and nothing to do until September.
Oh almost forgot, not good news about VL4 and his shoulder in paper today. Not good news gang.

[GP]

Leo,

The Flyers are not always the dirtiest team in the league. That is such a 70's thing to say.

"Lucky lucky lucky," you say. I'll take luck anyday of the week when you win. How do you explain the refs terrible calls on the Flyers ... like the boarding penalty on Richards last game when he ran into him from behind and didn't even hit him in the boards?

Big game tonight. Habs should come out flying. Good luck ... there is that word again.

Can honestly tell me that the Flyers deserved everyone of those suspnsions? I watched Chris Gratton leave his feet and two hand someones head into the boards this season at the SPT. Not even a penalty. If that was a Flyer, he would have been suspended. Spin it how you will but double standards should never be tolerated in a league that prides itself on parity.

Oh, I never mentioned it before but Saku has been one of my favs for a very long time. He does have heart .... for your to come back, the players need to follow him.

[boltflasher]

Just wondering...if the US wins the Internationals will Torts stay to celebrate with the team or hurry back the same night because there's alot of work needed for the last place team he coaches here..?

Remember the way Modin was treated?...

[bear]

Flyers over Caps
Flyers over Habs
Price far from tested
Disapearring Euros
Heart Wins
Habs No Grit

Ole ole ole ole ole ole

[léo]

GP and Ajax, I give you props on all counts, especially GP, on recent page.
But the luck angle, true or not, I didn't mention and I should: You're absolutely right, GP.
Bear,
Ok, mate, you don't have to wallow in it...
sff