Alex Ovechkin is a name that can be  mentioned with the likes of Mario Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky and even Bobby Orr. However, he can also be put in a category with the likes of Steve Downie, Steve Ott and Sean Avery.  As you rack your brain trying to connect the dots, think back to Wednesday night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres and recall that Ovechkin was ejected for boarding. And there you have it; the three players mentioned above are among the dirtiest in the league.  Now many of you may disagree with that statement, but before you protest, let me present the following evidence:

1. Ovechkin Ejection #1, December 2, 2006 – Ovechkin is ejected after hitting Daniel Briere from behind. Briere hits his head after being a foot or so away from the boards. Ovechkin is challenged for his reckless hit but has others stand up for him.

2. Ovechkin Knee on Knee, May 8, 2009 – Ovechkin takes Sergei Gonchar out of the game and the series with a direct knee on knee hit. He left his feet to make contact with Gonchar. Was it intentional? Only Ovie knows.

3. Ovechkin Ejection #2, November 25, 2009 - Ovechkin hits Patrick Kaleta from behind into the boards, drawing a 5-minute boarding penalty and a game misconduct.

These three incidents highlight just the type of player Ovechkin has become known as across the NHL.  The truth of it is that Ovechkin plays with a recklessness that has resulted in injury on more than one occasion. Does everyone remember this past year’s playoffs when the Pittsburgh Penguins complained about Ovechkin leaving his feet to make hits, even before he had taken out Gonchar?

Yes he can score. Yes he is exciting.  However, Ovechkin plays with both a lack of respect for his opponents and the game of hockey.  The sad truth is that he is going to seriously hurt someone if he continues playing this way, yet the league refuses to discipline him.  They wouldn’t dare suspend Ovechkin because he is too significant an attraction to the game and league officials are clearly focused primarily on attendance figures.  I caution Mr. Colin Campbell: If you don’t discipline Ovechkin soon, somebody will take the matters into their own hands, and to tell you the truth, I welcome it.

When forward Steve Downie was traded to Tampa Bay early last offseason for defenseman Matt Carle, many believed it to be a sign that the Flyers’ organization had finally given up on dealing with his disciplinary issues on and off the ice.  But after a year in Tampa Bay, a newly reformed Downie is starting to see the results of a more mature attitude.

“My goal was to be in the best physical shape and the best possible situation for me. I’ve done that,” said Downie, who benefited greatly from a summer conditioning program. “I’m just going to let things take care of itself. It’s not my job to worry about where I’m going to play or what my role is going to be. I’m just here to work on my game and get better. I end up where I end up.”

The Flyers’ former 29th overall selection in 2005 was rewarded for his tremendous offseason change in demeanor by being placed on a line with Vinny Lecavalier and Alex Tanguay to start training camp.  The line should be together for the team’s first preseason game tonight against the Dallas Stars.

“It was a lot of fun playing with them,” Downie told Damian Cristodero of the St. Pete Times. “It’s a great opportunity regardless of whether I end up with them or not. Lines change numerous times during the year; that’s why I’m not looking too much into it.”

In his first year with the Lightning organization, Downie was suspended three games for a hit on Kyle McLaren, then suspended 20 for what the league interpreted as contact with an official.  Whether the gross suspensions were deserved or not is still up for question, but there is no doubting that the 5′11, 200 lbs., power forward has a reputation and needs to stray from it to have a successful career.

“The game is so fast, you really don’t have time to think about ‘I’m not going to do this. I’m going to do this,’ ” Downie said. “I play on the edge, and I play with a lot of emotion. But as you get older, you learn to control your emotions in certain situations.”

7. Jaromir Jagr (Omsk Avangarde, KHL). Jari making my top 7 list in players I love to hate should say something. Now, for those who know me, they know I absolutely LOVE Jaromir Jagr. He’s my all-time favorite hockey player. He was in my first hockey game ever when I was taken to see the DC Caps vs. Boston Bruins back in 2001.

Jagr, How Could You?

He was in my 2nd hockey game ever when I was sitting in Madison Square Garden for my first New York Rangers game (I had no idea he was on the NYR at the time). So yeah…Jaromir is my all-time favorite.

Now, Jari falls onto this list because for the past few months he’s been making me very mad with his desire to steal away NHLers from North America to get them to sign in the KHL.

When I saw that he was talking about having Michael Nylander go over to Omsk Avangarde, that, to me, was gonna cause a fight. When I read that he wanted the rules changed in the KHL that allows for more non-Russians on KHL teams, I wanted to punch him. Sure, that last one is all dandy, if he wasn’t really suggesting that the KHL persuade more NHLers over there.

Now, I don’t like the thought of having to travel 13 hours on a non-stop flight into a territory that may withhold my passport from me if I don’t bribe the officials to get out of their country. I don’t like the thought of moving to a country that’s just too cold for my liking. Visit…ok…but move there to cover the game of hockey…not on my list of things to do in this lifetime anytime soon.

Really, I was hoping Jagr would come back to the NHL to play out his final years. When I read about his pro-KHL stuff (and after all the problems the NHL has been having with the KHL), it really saddens and disappoints me that this is the guy…this is the player that is my all-time favorite. To me, it’s like reading Benedict Arnold’s works on betraying his country.

I see all of Jagr’s pro-KHL as anti-NHL and that just doesn’t settle well with me. It’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach that makes you feel like this guy is betraying everything you stand for…and he’s my all-time favorite hockey player. Just a harsh and not-pretty reality.

I’ve already forgiven him over that other NHL/NYR stuff I’m not supposed to know about, but I am still mad at him for that stuff he pulled on Aaron Ward (Carolina Hurricanes).

6. Jesse Boulerice (UFA). This man has serious anger management problems. Not such a nice guy when he cross-checks a player across the face.

Boulerice's Nasty Hit on Kesler Led to a Suspension

5. Chris Simon (Vityaz Chekhov, KHL). Well, thank God he’s in the KHL and not the NHL. Simon was delivered up a long suspension after whacking Ryan Hollweg across the face with his stick. He almost had criminal charges brought up over the incident. It was a bad situation that made national news.

Chris Simon is No Angel

4. Steve Downie (Philadelphia Flyers/Tampa Bay Lightning/Norfolk Admirals). Steve Downie is a bad boy and has it written all over him. Just read his Wikipedia definition and you’ll find a long list of NHL, AHL and OHL suspensions that go all the way back to when he was 16-years old.

Downie Goes After Blake After It Was Announced that Blake had Cancer

3. Sean Avery (New York Rangers). The first thing you learn in your rookie season after the NHL has let you in is that if you HATE Sean Avery, you have it made in the NHL. Now, I’ve tried to like him. I really have. But then he’ll do something that makes me want to punch his lights out…that is, if another player hasn’t done it for me already. His teammates are always apologizing to me for his behavior, telling me not to take what he says seriously, because if I do, it will really hurt me. Now, why am I standing in a visiting team’s locker room being told this by a bunch of men I don’t even know? Yes, the player Michelle Kenneth LOVES to HATE…it’s personal.

Believe it or not, our love to hate each other stems from a single night not too long ago when Avery was a NYR the first time around and I was standing outside of MSG with a bunch of friends. Avery was on IR recuperating from wrist surgery, so that meant he had been upstairs in the nosebleeds drinking with a bunch of fans. When he came out of MSG, drunk off his ass, he started signing autographs for the fans.

My friend wanted his autograph, so I stood there with her while I was holding her bag. She had the book opened to the page for Sean to sign. While he was signing everything, I noticed that Sean was looking right at me. He wasn’t even paying attention to what he was doing and ended up signing some kid’s hat twice. When he realized what he had done, he said to the kid, “I already signed this.” The kid said, “I know.” Sean then yelled at him, “THEN GET IT THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!” [The kid is innocent in the matter, he was just holding the hat in his hands when Sean took it away from him.]

I was in shock that Sean would yell at a kid like that! He had to have been 9 or 10 years old.

So Sean started making his way down and kept coming up to me to sign something. I kept saying, “Sean, I really don’t want your autograph.” This is Sean we’re talking about, so you know he didn’t believe me.

He tried to sign something for me twice…but I had nothing for him to sign. Really…I can live without Sean’s autograph. He went through the entire line of fans and came right back up to me.

Now, I had been sitting in the front row during the game wearing my brand new white Harry Levine coat. Couldn’t miss me at all.

So since I offered up nothing, Sean tried to sign my brand new white coat. Now, Mr. Fashionisto should know better.

If you want to see me flare up in anger in less than .05 seconds flat…try signing my brand new white coat (that I’ve spent the last 4 years looking for) with a Sharpie. That coat cost me $300 (and that was the SALE price)…do you think I want anyone’s autograph on it?

Sean saw me flare up in anger with that look like I was getting ready to beat the crap out of him, so he backed off and walked away…shaking his head in disbelief like, “What just happened?”

Yep…this fashionista wanted NADA to do with Avery. And Avery learned that the hard way.

This wasn’t the only time. I used to sit in the front row and would every now and again find my attention on Avery talking to the guys on the other team. I was trying to read his lips to figure out what he was saying to them. Avery once caught me watching him and stopped and smiled really big at me. My response…I rolled my eyes and looked the other way. [I know Shanny witnessed that one, because he had to turn around to see who I was rolling my eyes at.]

It wasn’t until the real brush off that Avery took the hint…and what has followed…well, it hasn’t been pretty and it may have involved a few too many players trying to protect my honor. Even guys that I don’t even know…oh, they know who I am. The last time that little jerk said something…let’s just say I remember the look on everyone’s faces. So when I casually mention to a player that it would be nice to see a brawl with Sean, they are more than happy to oblige.

But I will say this…I will always love Sean as a fashion writer and a fashionisto, but as a hockey player…ummmm….NO.

2. Todd Bertuzzi (Detroit Red Wings). If you don’t know about the Steve Moore incident, you should Google it. It’s a lengthy ordeal that ended with Steve Moore being injured to the point of never being able to play hockey again. It’s a horrible sight to see.

Todd Bertuzzi

When Dominic Moore was playing for the NYR, I’d see Steve walking around Madison Square Garden. You always feel bad for that guy. His career was ended at the hands of Todd Bertuzzi.

Bertuzzi is in a league of his own. He’s the player we all love to hate.

1. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks). So Pat was this poster child of goodness and everything sweet in Chicago.

Patrick Kane's Current Claim To Fame: Kicking Grandpa's Ass For 20 Cents

[HONORABLE MENTION: Dany Heatley (Ottawa Senators?). Oh how Heatley has been putting a lot of heat under the NHL fans across the league. Will Heatley be traded? Where's the love for the Senators?

Heatley has a history for burning his bridges. Just ask the Atlanta Thrashers how they feel about Heatley.

Heatley's history is filled with regrets, shame and guilt. After being the responsible party in a severe car accident that killed his good friend and teammate, Dan Snyder, Heatley has seen 3 years of probation, a trade out of Atlanta (which Snyder's father said that Heatley should not have done after all the Thrashers did for him), and now he's asking for a trade away from the Senators?

I put a question mark there because it looks like Heatley has no idea what he wants. Heatley filed a request for a trade on June 9, 2009 after fulfilling only one year on a 6-year contract extension for the Senators stating his unhappiness with the team/coaching staff (after putting up some of the worst numbers). With what appeared to be a deal to the Edmonton Oilers on his $7.5M/year contract, Heatley refused to waive his no-trade clause.

Heatley has a way of pissing people off in the NHL. Really...who wants to love this guy when he makes hating him about the easiest thing in the world to do?

Heatley tops the list this summer for most people in the NHL, right alongside Patrick Kane's 20 cent bit.]

The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have come to terms with four players in their system on contract agreements.  Danny Syvret was inked to a one-year NHL contract, Nicola Riopel and David Sloane signed one-year AHL contracts, and draft pick Zac Rinaldo signed a three-year Enty Level deal.

Syvret should challenge for a spot on the Flyers during Training Camp

The signings of Syvret and Rinaldo were both very significant at this point in the off-season.  Rinaldo will join what is already shaping up to be a very talented group in the Adirondack Mountains this season, and the 2008 6th round draft pick obviously has been impressing the Flyers brass with his play at the Junior level enough to warrant being called up.  In the case of Syvret, it adds another element to an already sticky situation concerning the Flyers blue-line this season.  Because of Syvret signing an NHL deal as opposed to an AHL deal it means one of two things: first, that the Flyers are planning on swinging the 24-year-old back and forth between the Phantoms and Flyers over the course of the season, or, second, that the Flyers fully intend on Syvret playing out of the Wachovia Center this year.  Syvret has been a Flyers call-up in the past two years since being acquired in a deal from the Edmonton Oilers that sent former Flyer Ryan Potulny to Edmonton.  In his brief NHL stints, Syvret’s poise and smooth skating have stood out to the Flyers scouts and many feel that the young blue-liner is poised to make the NHL his permanent home.

Obviously, by signing an NHL-based deal, Syvret will definitely have the opportunity to compete for what is believed to be the lone Flyer defensive spot in Training Camp.  In my opinion, the fact that Syvret signed a one-year deal is all the more reason that the Flyers will give the youngster a good, hard look this year at camp.  As it stands right now, the Flyers have 5 spots locked in place on the defensive front, with the five Flyer-definites being Kimmo Timonen, Chris Pronger, Braydon Coburn, Ryan Parent, and Randy Jones.  Although Jones is viewed by many as being perhaps the Flyers weakest defenseman, many within the Flyers organization like Jones and consider him a lock to make the team.  That, as I stated earlier, leaves one spot left on the team.  When looking at the final spot, the front-runner is definitely Matt Carle, a player who spent all of last season with the Flyers after coming over in the Steve Downie and Steve Eminger trade with Tampa Bay.  However, Carle is looked at as a player who the Flyers feel needs a lot of work, and that is a big reason as to why Philadelphia signed both Ole-Kristian Tollefsen and now Danny Syvret this off-season – to add to the competition in camp.  However, enough on this right now; this topic will be a huge part of the discussion in my 2009 Season Preview, so stay tuned for that.

Aside from Syvret and Rinaldo, the signings of Nicola Riopel and David Sloane are also important for the organization.  Riopel, by signing an AHL contract, will likely be the back-up to Johan Backlund with the Adirondack Phantoms this season.  (Interesting side-note: I wonder if the situation in the Flyers organization has ever presented itself in the past, with both sets of goalies on the AHL and NHL team being new to the organization? Just some food for thought.)  Sloane, who many will remember as the Flyers’ one-game-$100-rent-a-player-call-up this past season against the New York Rangers when the team was so cap strapped that it couldn’t bring anyone up, was rewarded with a spot on the Phantoms.  Having depth defensively is never a bad thing, so Sloane coming aboard should be looked at as a feather in the Flyers’ cap.

Overall, four very nice – and extremely necessary – signings by the Flyers.  It’s looking like the team is finally starting to take shape as the 2009-2010 season is on the horizon – can’t wait!

Continuing the decade-long marketing roll they’re on, the NHL  recently released these St. Patrick’s Day themed jerseys for every NHL team:

At $84.99 a pop, are fans really gonna shell out for such a specific product? Granted, Pens fans would be able to wear these more times per year than their “We Just Scored A Power Play Goal” jerseys, but still…seems a little steep.

It could be a lot worse, though — At least the NHL had the common sense not to release any of their other five Holiday-themed Jersey ideas:

1. Easter:

2. Hanukkah:

3. Kwanzaa:

4. President’s Day:

5. Halloween:

UPDATE:

I have found the video of Steve Downey slashing the referee, and earning a 20-game suspension. It’s quick, but Downie is the centerman in the dark jersey. It’s pretty ridiculous how flagrant he was about this.

Steve Downie has managed to get himself in trouble again, with another 20 game suspension. His first 20 game suspension stemming from a huge hit Downie put on Dean McAmmond back in 2007. This time, Downie earned 20 games for slashing an official at the end of a game. Downie, now playing for the Norfolk Admirals in the AHL, has 8 goals, 17 assists and 107 penalty minutes in 22 games for the Lightning affiliate. The kid’s a good player, and was highly touted while playing in the OHL, but his career has been going downhill due to his on-ice conduct. Between this suspension, the suspension a year ago, and his fight with Akim Aliu, the Windsor Spitfire top draft pick. 25 points in 22 games is pretty incredible, but add in almost 5 minutes in penalty time per game, not being a fighter, and you’re going to bring some bad attention to yourself.

Sources: http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/crime_krqe_santa_fe_accused_hazing_leader_denies_guilt_200902122348 ; http://espn.go.com/otl/hazing/monday.html ; http://espn.go.com/otl/hazing/list.html ; http://www.news-bulletin.com/sports/86676-02-11-09.html

It would seem that hazing is alive and well in sports despite policies in place to the contrary.

The court in the infamous Robertson High School American Football hazing case has now arraigned defendants ahead of a full trial in June / August. The five defendants are charged with multiple counts of rape, attempted rape and kidnapping after trying to rape six younger teammates with a broomstick at a pre-season training camp. They have all pleaded not guilty. Although the state has not decided whether to press criminal charges against the football coaching staff, they have all resigned from their posts.

For a full description of the incident, click this news report: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26856453/

The criminal charges against the players themselves are in stark contrast to another high-profile hazing incident involving the Downie-Aliu rookie initiation and subsequent fight. Although each of the players involved were suspended and the Windsor Spitfires hit with a $35,000 fine, it was actually Moe Mantha (the Windsor Spitfires general manager & head coach) who was hit the hardest (40 suspended games as coach, the entire season as GM) because he accepted that the buck ultimately stopped with him.

For a full description of the incident, click this news report: http://sports.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090220.wspt-maki-col-20/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20090220.wspt-maki-col-20

The problem is, what actually counts as hazing? If you read the research from Alfred University, they suggest that it can be defined as, “Any activity expected of someone joining the group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. This does not include activities such as rookies carrying the balls, team parties with community games, or going out with your teammates, unless an atmosphere of humiliation, abuse or danger arises.”

The Flyers beat the Tampa Bat Lighting 4-3 in OT last night. Jeff Carter and Mike Richards both scored a pair of goals with Richards getting the game winner from a Sega NHL 94 looking type pass from Timmonen. The Flyers almost blew the game when former forward Steve Downie tied it at 3 to 3 and then Scott Hartnell decided to just wing his glove at a Lighting player on a breakaway …..defiently going to make Best Dame Sports Show top 50 weird plays or something. But Marty had a big save to get us into OT and then the captain stepped up and won it ………..Is Mike Richards Chase Utley on skates?

It could have been the end of us. Harts’ desperation play. He was coming off of a long shift in an even longer game. I’m sure it felt like 3 years instead of 3 periods to some of those boys. We only played a majority of the game on the PK after all. So what does Harts do when Ryan Malone gets a breakaway with give or take 16 seconds left in a tied game?

He throws his glove at Malone.

Which, as most people beside Scottie H know, results in an automatic penalty shot.

Harts should be kissing Marty B’s feet for bailing him out of that one. Marty barely made the save and we lived another day, or at least another few minutes.

Epic yays to the Capi-tan for winning us the 2 points in OT.

I’m anxious to know what’s the what re: Danny B and Scottie Upshall. Poor Danny. He was so happy to be back in the line up. And wtf @ the game misconduct for Scottie. And now I hear the hit will be reviewed by the league. ::rolls eyes:: Of course it will be, we are the Flyers. If Scottie doesn’t play Thursday night, I’ll be very upset since I’m going to the game.

Some observations:

• I thought Simon had a pretty awful game. The only time I realized he was on the ice was when he was making some sort of flub or bad turnover. Get the mojo back, Simon!
• Richie & Carts. The Dynamic Duo. Frick n Frack. Call them what you will, but no matter the title, they are purely epic.
• Come back, Carle! I missed you
• The Flyers now have the most shorthanded goals in the league. 10.
• I love those third jerseys.

Best moment of the game: Richie’s OT goal o’ course.

Worst moment of the game: Downie’s tying goal. Usually, I wouldn’t have minded that it was Downie because I liked the kid when he was here, but what was with his Kimmo trip and cheap hit on Richie?? I thought these guys were your boys, bb?!

Pregame.
There are three questions that should guide your viewing this evening:

1. How will Steve Downie perform in his first NHL game since being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning? Downie went from Philadelphia to the Lightning’s AHL affiliate, received a suspension, and then was placed on the NHL roster for this evening’s game. A lot of the press are focusing on the “tough guy” element of Downie’s game—Tim Panaccio, Ed Moran, and Sam Cachidi all sought out Riley Cote for comments on potential rough stuff tonight.

I would focus more on Downie’s actual performance tonight. Because of the suspensions, people forget just how talented and tenacious he can be on the ice. It will be interesting to see how he responds to playing since his first trade, especially against his former club.

2. How will Danny Briere perform in his first game after suffering a groin injury? Danny Briere returns to the lineup between rookie Andreas Nodl and sniper Joffrey Lupul. Briere and Lupul showed some chemistry together last season after Simon Gagne was lost to injury. I expect that Nodl is included on this line to give some defensive responsibility—not often you see a rookie forward held up to lend defense alongside a veteran and a solid NHLer. We’ll see whether this line can match the intensity of Knuble-Richards-Gagne and Hartnell-Carter-Upshall.

3. How will the Flyers rebound from their two-game losing streak? The Flyers started out slow with a 6-game losing streak, rebounded slightly with a win-one-lose-one streak, and then hit a strong patch in mid-November. Sounds a lot like last year’s roller coaster, doesn’t it? Scott Hartnell mentioned on Monday Night Live last night that the best teams are consistent. Well, tonight is the Flyers’ chance to show that they know how to produce that consistency.

POSTGAME. Flyers 4 – Lightning 3.
The special teams battle ended in favor of the Flyers in overtime on – what else – a power play goal. Let’s take a look at our three big questions.

1. How will Steve Downie perform in his first NHL game since being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning? Downie produced a fairly solid effort for Rick Tocchet this evening—a goal, a plus-one rating, two hits, and a scrum early in the game. Come to think of it, Downie and Tocchet seem to have a lot in common in terms of style. His response to playing against his former team was actually rather mature, especially for a player of Downie’s youth and history of immature decision-making. From what I saw tonight, Downie definitely deserves at least one more game in the Lightning uniform.

2. How will Danny Briere perform in his first game after suffering a groin injury? By getting another injury.

Briere left the game midway through the second period. He registered one penalty, a missed shot, a blocked shot, a giveaway, and a 25% faceoff percentage. Oh, and he had one hit. Although I’m not sure how much a hit from a guy of Briere’s size and weight is actually worth. Looks like Glen Metropolit will be back on the third line on Thursday night.

3. How will the Flyers rebound from their two-game losing streak? The Flyers played a decent game this evening when they stayed out of the penalty box. Despite being assessed 32 penalty minutes, the Flyers still managed to stay within six shots of Tampa Bay. Despite losing two forwards and a defenseman—Scottie Upshall to a game misconduct, Briere and Matt Carle to injury—they maintained strong legs through the overtime.

Mike Richards and Jeff Carter continued their dominance with two goals apiece. (By the way, to those who only know Carter for his scoring prowess, the young center also blocked 3 shots this evening.) Joffrey Lupul picked up two assists and six shots. Ossi Vaananen played strong, earning a plus-one rating and delivering 3 hits. Braydon Coburn and Andrew Alberts also played well; each had 3 blocked shots.

To address the Scottie Upshall major penalty for boarding and his game misconduct: The League will certainly review this play tomorrow and probably dish out the obligatory two-game suspension for all Flyers involved in questionable hits.

Granted, I am a Flyers fan and carry a bias as bright orange as the Flyers’ third jerseys. But this was a poor call by the refs. Upshall deserved a penalty for boarding, and possibly even a major. However, the game misconduct was rather ridiculous. Artyukhin was admiring his pass, ceasing to pay attention to his surroudnings. While Upshall should have eased up on the play, he didn’t leave his feet nor did he aim for the head. He pushed Artyukhin from behind – that’s boarding, but not a game misconduct.

Special credit should go to all penalty killers for the Flyers. Despite long stretches of time short-handed in the second period, they hung in there and made it possible to keep the game tied at one. Later in the game, they saved rookie Luca Sbisa from having a very embarrassing penalty late in the game become a costly mistake. This game was won on the backs of the penalty killers; they deserved a standing ovation after killing the 5 minute major.

Now it’s up to the Flyers to convert this game into momentum for Thursday’s matchup against the hated New Jersey Devils.

The Flyers welcome the Tampa Lighting into to town tonight. Former Flyer and one of my all time favorite Philadelphia athletes Rick Tockett will be behide the bench for the Lighting tonight. He was my favorite player when I was a younger one of the first players I fell in love with so it’s nice to see him comeback. Also returning tonight will be Steve Downie the flyers traded him over a month ago and he could start some trouble out there on the ice so lets watch out for that. I believe Riley Cote will be back in the lineup so we could see some fireworks early and often!!!

For those of you who are experiencing a crazy weekend—as I currently am—I thought perhaps we should cover the roster movements of the Philadelphia Flyers and the Tampa Bay Lightning before their tilt.

1. Paul Holmgren sent Steve Eminger, Steve Downie, and a fourth round pick south to Tampa in exchange for defenseman Matt Carle and a third round pick.
There should be an award for hockey executive of the year, something separate and distinct from the Stanley Cup. Paul Holmgren continually demonstrates a stunning ability to improve his roster at every turn. This particular trade could not have come at a better time. The Philadelphia Flyers needed a jolt to propel them out of the rut, the type of jolt that only roster changes can produce.

More importantly, Holmgren managed to acquire the best player involved in the trade, and as is often said in hockey circles, the team who ends up with the best player wins the trade. Matt Carle showed impressive offensive ability during his freshman campaign, a season in which Ron Wilson had the San Jose Sharks playing some seriously defensive hockey. His struggles as a sophomore left him as bait in the Dan Boyle trade, and playing under Barry Melrose didn’t seem to improve his game. John Stevens is far more adept at developing his players. I expect to see big things from Matt Carle in Philadelphia this season.

As for Eminger and Downie, I wish both the best of luck. Eminger struggled to find a rhythm in Philadelphia. After his repeated failures to be effective offensively in Ottawa (I counted at least four times when he fumbled the puck at the blue line during a power play), it was only a matter of time until he found a new home.

For Downie, this move is more about change of scenery. There’s too much depth at the forward position in the Philadelphia Flyers for Downie to earn his spot in the Orange and Black. With prospects like Andreas Nodl, Claude Giroux, Jonathan Matsumoto, and James van Riemsdyk chomping at the bit, Steve Downie became the most expendable piece. His lack of discipline only speeded the process.

2. Danny Briere will play in tonight’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The rate at which NHL players are healing these days is incredible! Just two weeks ago, Danny Briere went under the knife to repair a torn abdominal muscle (also known to us common folk as a sports hernia). Who imagined he would only miss six games due to the surgery? Having him back should add even more punch to the first line and bring some additional leadership back to the locker room.

Defenseman Matt Carle

I swear that the last post was written before the Flyers announced the trade of Steve Downie and Steve Eminger to Tampa for defenseman Matt Carle plus a swap of draft picks.  I had indicated that Downie looked like a first round draft pick bust and that Eminger’s poor play made his acquisition over the summer Holmgren’s worst trade to date, and suggested that Holmgren may have to trade a forward for a solid defenseman.

I think this is a really good deal. Eminger was terrible and Downie will be a fourth line player at best. Carle is a solid top-four defenseman who is quick, has decent size, can move the puck and is young.  Although his offensive production has trailed off since his rookie season with the Sharks, if he can move the puck and cover well in front of the Flyers’ net, this will be an improvement. The only concern is that now we have no right handed shots on defense.  Still, this should help.  Now, let’s trade another forward (Asham?) to gain space under the salary cap and then sign Brendan Shanahan.

The Flyers have acquired Dman Matt Carle from Tampa Bay, in exchange for Steve Eminger and Steve Downie…just noticed the Steve x 2. Sick. Oh and a bunch of other nhl draft picks that no one really cares about.

While Ems didn’t do much to impress me while he was here, I still felt like he was finally starting to find his way. Albeit slowly. And I’ve always had a soft spot for Downie, so I’m sad to see him go.

But in contrast to the sweet girl side of me, the bone-crushing hockey fan part of me is excited that this move will hopefully…no, make that FINALLY beef up defense. Oh please, oh please, oh please ::prays to every hockey deity around::

You can find Carle’s stats in the article over at the Flyers’ website.

Cross your fingers (eyes and toes, too!) for a W tomorrow night.

P.S. Regarding those Shanahan rumors – wonder if this move means he turned us down. I’d hate to see him go to the Pens. Crybaby doesn’t deserve Shanny.

Following the Flyers’ preseason game at the Spectrum against Carolina, I mentioned the play of a young defenseman trying to make the squad. In that game, Luca Sbisa impressed me with his ability to assert himself on the ice. Most rookies fail to find that balance between aggression and a cautious fear of making mistakes. Just think back to Steve Downie’s rookie campaign, fraught with the early suspension for the hit on Dean McAmmond and the numerous times Downie overplayed a situation in an attempt to impress.

Sbisa rarely falls into those traps. It isn’t so much that he never errs on the ice – he does – but that he keeps a cool head when things get chaotic. Rather than get flustered after a mistake, he stays with the play. Watch this clip from Saturday night’s match up with the San Jose Sharks. Sbisa is unable to reach the puck behind the net. As soon as he sees Vaananen coming to hit the Shark, Sbisa shifts back around his own net and uses his body to nudge Jonathan Cheechoo out of the crease. It’s a subtle but vital move. Sbisa prevent Cheechoo from being able to handle a rebound without incurring a penalty – not a rookie play by any stretch of the imagination.

And while he may not have any assists yet, Sbisa will be a major weapon in the Flyers’ transition game someday. The kid discovers spaces in the neutral zone, finding the man ready to break out from the far blue line. That type of vision cannot be taught.

As if that weren’t enough, Sbisa has the grit necessary to thrive in Philadelphia. I caught this video on YouTube from a game in the juniors. The Schenn mentioned is actually Brayden, younger brother of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospect Luke Schenn. But none of that lessens the hit or its aftermath. 

If you had spoken to me after that game in the Spectrum, I would have told you that Sbisa would be sent down to Lethbridge before his 10 game trial period had expired. Not because he wasn’t good enough to remain in the NHL, but because the Flyers as a rule tend to favor veteran players over untested rookies. It’s also quite the gamble to keep Sbisa since he can’t be sent down to the Phantoms.

Given the Flyers’ struggles through the first five games and the injuries they’ve sustained in the defense corps, I believe Sbisa has a window of opportunity to stay in Black and Orange this season. Like many rookies, he will probably hit a wall at some point. But if he can show that he belongs among the Flyers’ top four, and they feel he remain in that position for an entire NHL season, then the sky’s the limit.

Pregame.
The Best of the West meets the Least of the East.

Yes, the Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in an unexpected position – bottom rung in the Eastern Conference. One could view that situation as rather dire. Even the ragtag bunch in Tampa led by their fearless mulleted coach Barry Melrose is ahead of the Orange and Black. 

I try, however, to see the glass as half full. Barry Melrose could still be on ESPN every Thursday. Or having farewell parties.

Seriously, the feeling out there is that Paul Holmgren will not sit tight if the Flyers lose again tonight. I doubt that John Stevens will be fired, given the Flyers great patience with his development as coach so far. But rumor has it that a big-time forward could be moved to a southern team for a big-time defenseman. My guess? Carter for Bouwmeester.

I predict a strong showing by Philadelphia tonight, ending in the boys from Broad Street earning two points in San Jose. How can I make such a bold statement? Mike Richards is the captain of this team, and he clearly understands how to stop the bleeding:

“Everybody is here for a reason; everybody has good things they bring to the team, and we just have to realize what that is and try to work to our capabilities. You don’t want to try to do something else that maybe didn’t get you here.”

First intermission. Flyers 1 – Sharks 0
Briere scores for the Flyers from his wheelhouse on a fabulous feed from Kimmo Timonen. Every Flyers fan should be happy to see him activated, especially so early in a game at even strength. It never ceases to amaze me that defensemen around the league seem not to notice when Briere sneaks to the side of the net. It’s no secret that he’s going to gravitate that direction. I cannot express just how much that irritated me when he was in Buffalo.

The referees in this game are demonstrating my biggest issue with the current state of NHL officials. Two nights ago in Denver, even the slightest hint of a restraining action drew a penalty. Tonight in San Jose I watched one of the Sharks put his entire stick and arm parallel to the ice directly into Mike Knuble’s mid-section, preventing him from skating forward into the puck. Knuble kept his feet moving, but no call was made. How can players know where the lines are if they vary that widely from one night to the next?

While we’re on the subject, Colin Campbell ought to take a look at the hit Rob Blake laid on Mike Richards. Those goal posts may not be cemented to the ice any more, but they are still metal and can cause serious damage – especially when a guy goes into one headfirst. It was a blatant hit from behind, and Blake should count himself lucky the Flyers captain didn’t sustain a serious injury. That doesn’t excuse the refs for missing the call, or Colin Campbell for not suspending Blake tomorrow morning.

Second intermission. Flyers 3 – Sharks 2
Coburn and Carter both put the puck behind Nabokov to maintain the Flyers lead, despite spending the vast majority of the period defending several short-handed bouts.

Niittymaki is playing out of his mind. The Sharks continue to wreak havoc between the circles, and Niitty hangs on, flashing gloves, pads, helmet, and whatever else he has handy to stop them. Now it’s time for the team in front of him to move play down towards his San Jose counterpart.

I know it’s the beginning of the season, and the officials have their own grooves to settle into. However, the performance by Masenhoven and his colleagues is so frustrating. During the first period, nothing was a penalty. Now a barely noticeable stick infraction far away from the play becomes a penalty for Steve Downie late in the second. I’m not contesting that Downie deserved the penalty. But the refs must be clear and consistent with their class from the beginning of a game straight to the end.

The Flyers will start the third period with the man advantage. The game plan should be simple. Score on this power play, then pedal to the metal until the final buzzer. Don’t put yourself into the penalty box. Keep your feet moving. 

End of regulation. Flyers 4 – Sharks 4
Sometimes you just want to strangle Antero Niittymaki. He allows this terrible goal by Pavelski. Coburn and Timonen couldn’t really stop Pavelski without drawing a penalty. Niitty failed to cover, and Pavelski scores  on the rebound. 

And then Niitty responds by stonecold stopping Jonathan Cheechoo late in the third period to prevent the Sharks from taking the leads. Why can’t he play like that all the time?

End of Overtime. Flyers 4 – Sharks 5
Dan Boyle burns the Flyers yet again to win it in overtime.

Tough break for the Flyers. They fought so hard in this game, battled through so many penalty kills, and couldn’t manage to find the break in overtime. I would think the frustration has to be increasing at this point.

Jeff Carter dominated throughout this game, demonstrating how crucial he is to this team. Mike Richards is certainly the leader of men on this team, but Jeff Carter is the size and strength down the center the Flyers will need going forward to be competitive in the NHL. Trading him at this point, even if it is for a defenseman like Jay Bouwmeester, isn’t my favorite solution.

You also have to appreciate the effort Scottie Upshall brought to the ice. He pulled out all the stops. He agitated from the first time he leapt over the boards; he threw his weight around, despite being outsized by the vast majority of the Sharks; and he battled for the puck up to the last moment, never daunted by its tendency to bounce on him at the worst times.

The strength of that performance makes it all the more frustrating to watch Joffrey Lupul glide around out there. He’s not working as hard as his teammates, and it shows.

This is much easier said than done, but the Flyers need to walk away from tonight’s game without being discouraged. They forced one of the best teams in the entire league to an overtime, even with all those odd-man situations. The Flyers even prevented the Sharks from scoring during a two-minute five-on-three. Now the Flyers must carry that defensive desperation into a full 60-minute game. It’s something they haven’t been able to do consistently for the past two years.

Given the uninspired performance the Flyers gave last night in Denver, it’s time for John Stevens to shake things up.  And despite what all Flyers fans might be thinking right now if they’ve noticed that even the Islanders are higher in the standings than we are, I’m not talking martinis.

I understand why Stevens originally shifted Briere to the wing.  On paper, it works.  You have this fabulous all-star top line with Briere, Richards and Gagne.  Then you follow that with the Carter line.  Jeff Carter just looks like he’s on the verge of a huge break out.  T

Then that third line with Lupul and Hartnell gives you a true scoring threat with speed and grit.  Throw Metropolit in, and it doubles as a checking line.  Finally, the Black and Blue line of Asham, Downie, and Cote should give a gigantic shot of energy to the whole mix.

Clearly, that hasn’t worked.  I didn’t know this was possible, but Briere is more invisible as a winger than he ever was a center. And Metropolit can’t seem to match the speed of Lupul and Hartnell, which makes it difficult for either winger to develop a rhythm they can carry into the power play.

So I propose some line changes:

Knuble-Richards-Gagne
Lupul-Briere-Hartnell
Upshall-Carter-Downie
Cote-Metropolit-Asham

Reunite Knuble and Gagne with Richards as the centerman.  That gives the top line a guy who battles for that spot at the crease while Richards and Gagne can work around the perimeter and through the center, where they are more comfortable.

Lupul and Briere had great natural chemistry when they played together briefly last season.  All three players are fast, and the size and physicality of Lupul and Hartnell balance out Briere’s diminuitive defense-free style.

Upshall has speed and aim, Downie has grit, and Carter has the size, strength and ability to outshine anyone on the ice.  I’m a little concerned about the defense consciousness of this line, but it’s the only one that scares me.

As for the fourth liners, you’d be hard-pressed to find a grittier group.  Metropolit is a fantastic depth defensive forward, and Asham and Cote are two of the hardest workers on this squad.

Thoughts, anyone?

UPDATE: On the Fly! – the official blog of the Flyers PR department – has confirmed as of 7:37 pm EST that John Stevens mixed up the lines in practice today.  The lines are actually very similar to last year’s:

Knuble – Briere – Gagne
Downie – Richards – Hartnell
Upshall – Carter – Lupul
Asham – Metropolit – Cote