Thanks!

It's a two-for!

Part I: Guys, thanks for winning today. Props to Tiny!Briere, Richie (dear captain) and Timonen (my new favorite Finn).

Part II: Dudes at FlyerFlies.com and FanBunker.com, wow! A little positive peer pressure will keep me working on the blog as my schedule starts to revert back to its normal, crazy pace. (Y'know, as opposed to the abnormal one of late.)


And in other news...

1. If you haven't heard Braydon Coburn's Nov. 4 interview with La Greca and Hradek yet, run over the Flyers website, scroll down to the NHL news links area, and do it. Yes, I'm completely biased about Coby. No, I don't see any problem with that.

Only regret: I wish I could land an interview with him for my podcast when I resurrect it. *Sigh*

2. Watch for an upcoming poll to vote on which game I shall attend next. Unfortunately, it won't be until early December. (Mom has to work Turkey Day, so the family will not be meeting up in my 725 square-foot, two-bedroom apartment. Drat!)

3. There are new HLOGers! The Couch Tarts repping the S.J. Sharks and Kat covering the St. Louis Blues.

¡Hasta la vista!
Flyers.Femme
-

Puck's Shot: Obviously!

No Surprises in The Announcement

Mike Richards stepped into an "A" last season in a vote of confidence from coaching and management. After leading the team in scoring and being named the Most Awesomely Responsible-Looking Boyfriend by SportSquee for the 2007-08 season, it was time for his promotion to the "C." (And SportSquee's now featured him as the epitome of the Home Depot Husband.)

Simon Gagne wore an "A" last season while he played, too. As long as we keep him and he contributes to the bottom line, he'll stay in the running for a leadership role on the team.

Kimmo Timonen wore the "A" in 2007-08 when Gags was out. No surprise here, but lots of happiness and "about darn times" in Casa Flyers.Femme.


P.S.: I may have to reconsider the Richie Tshirt purchase this season. I like to go for less obvious selections, and with his captaincy confirmed, everybody and his/her grandmother will be buying that one.

Tshirt Selection

Richards = Must-Buy

You voted. Looks like I'm buying at least Richie's Tshirt this season.

Here are the poll results:

Timonen - 2 votes (I am shocked! He's out top D-man.)
Richards - 6 votes (I am totally not shocked about this result.)
Niittymäki - 1 vote
Biron - 2 votes
Kukkonen - 2 votes
Lupul - 3 votes (Finny or Tamika, were you here?)
Carter - 2 votes

Apparently, there are a few of you who agree with SportSquee's Margee's assessment of Richie as the 07-08 season's Most Awesomely Responsible-Looking Boyfriend.

A Plague I Tell You

Bad house-keeping strikes again!

You know, there's nothing like a few days off when you're hot. Time to relax. Time to get over some of those little aches and pains.

Time for you to pencil in a loss.

Marty: Get sticky again.
Nitty: Practice really hard. And pray that we haven't keep you sitting so long that you go colder than the northern-most point in Finland on the winter solstice.

Defensemen: Malkin. That's warning #2 about him. (I mean it!)
Offense: Thank you, Richie. Way to pitch in on both of them, R.J.

I'm taking refuge in the fact that the guys have dropped the first game in the past two series as well.


P.S.: Ribeiro, Ribeiro, Ribeiro. You just made my Habs friends so happy!

P.P.S.: What is the deal with the 7:30 p.m. start times? Bring back 7:00 p.m.!

Total Bollocks!

Happy 26th!

I'm not going to lie. Yes, I'm happy we won tonight.

But it totally sucks because it signals the end of the banter with the Four Habs Fans and their comment-crazy readers!

See labels for tonight's key players.

Final Score: Flyers 6, Habs 4
Series closed: Flyers 4 games, Habs 1 game

Sucks, I tell you!

4/15 Caps v. Flyers

Ryan, Fran & Eric:

To quote the title of an Oasis tune, "What's the Story (Morning Glory)?"

Final Score: Flyers 6, Caps 3

And, dudes, it was awesome! See you tomorrow evening for a full report after work!


P.S.: FHF, I knew the Habs could stick it to the Broons for another game in the series! But a win on a Breezer goal? How did that happen?

3/25 Flyers v. Rangers

Dudes, I can't look!

We're facing the Evil blue-shirted Rangers again. (God, why won't you make them go away?!?)

Sure, we beat them in a shoot-out last time. I'm still trying to figure out how that happened. Having Richie back and Cartsie still stepping it up does not equal a shoot-out turn-around of that magnitude. Must be all that game sitch practice, perhaps combined with a hex on Valiquette.

But so freakin' what?

I'm once again avoiding tonight's game in hopes that observing an away game superstition will contribute some positivity...so cue up the funky Stevie Wonder track.

Blog Pimpage, Flyers-Style

Ryan, I hope you're tuned in or in attendance. Loved all the posts from my hiatus! Keep up the fun.

Kristin, I agree! Gator, back to the Devils? That's so wrong on so many levels.

Completely, Unapologetically Off-Topic

The Jones Brothers performed A-Ha's classic "Take On Me" on tonight's Dancing with the Stars...someone was seriously off. Kids, please don't mess up my childhood memories like that!

Must go get original Norwegian 80s pop music track now to combat that sound.

Two Points; Richie Promoted

Final Score: Flyers 2, Rangers 1 OT

Buckle Down

I didn't take notes during the game, largely because I ended up sitting next to Tina. She's nice and knows hockey every bit as well as her boyfriend, a former hockey player. We talked, found common ground on several points and made snarky comments in those moments that were just too painful to watch. (That "we" includes the boyfriend, too.)

The one outstanding positive of last night's game was Riley Cote's first NHL goal. Welcome to the club, Riley.

First Period

I loved the first period. It was exciting, high energy and seemed to last longer than the usual twenty minutes. Kovalev scored, but so what? That's what he does for the Habs. Of course, Richie put one in short-handed and that's what he does for us.

Things that made me want to scream:

Begin's hit on Tolpenko. I like Denis! We'd just gotten him back from a separated shoulder and time spent with the Phantoms. Now he's out with a mild concussion. (The second one of the home-and-home since Downie's out with one also.)

Vandermeer's mental lapse. Requires no explanation at all.

I wasn't too disappointed with the score at the end of the first.

Second Period

The second period seemed to start off with a bang, thanks to Coby's goal in his first game back from the Pain in the @$$.

Things that made me want to scream:

Cary Price. Kid is on his game and that's on fire right now.

Five power plays that don't result in a goal. Four of them were consecutive. Everyone was thinking too hard or telegraphing the shot by taking too much time to line it up. Oh, and Briere was mincing in and causing everyone to slow down.

Creating a 5-3 penalty kill. Self-explanatory when playing anyone, but particularly the Habs.

Third Period

Frustration City. Niitty made some amazing saves throughout the night.

Things that made me want to scream:

The best display of consistent inconsistency in the NHL continues to be the officiating by the referees, something I think all fans - regardless of team colors - can agree on.

We'll see what happens on Tuesday against Ottawa. I'll be present for the Sharks game on Thursday.

Until then, have fun hockey fans!

2/05 Flyers v. Thrashers

Verboten

Yep, pulling out my ancestors' native language for this post.

Context: "Due to my completely ridonkculous superstitions related to Flyers' away games, it is strictly verboten for me to watch the game on TV (even if it's finally on the CW) or to listen to it on the radio."

In this case, it doubly stunk because tonight was one of the times Bill Clement was covering for Keith Jones. Argh!

Thanks, Guys

In the Finnish goalie showdown, we won. Niitty's record increases to 8 straight wins over the Thrash. We'll see what tonight's 3-2 score does to his GAA for that period.

(Psst: I loved the photo on the Flyers' site today of Niitty stretching next to Lehtonen. Finns...squee!)

Other shout-outs go to the Mikes (Knuble = 1 G; Richie = 1 G + 1 A) and Downie.

As a result of the win, we abandon the three-way tie for the division lead. Pens and Devils fans are sure to be gnashing their teeth right about now.

Super Tuesday, aka Fat Tuesday

Dudes, I don't care. The Pennsylvania Presidential Primary isn't until April 22. Even though we have a few delegates the candidates would like to have, I feel it will hardly matter by then.

Besides, all three of my first choices have dropped out of the race. They each had more of the "experience" need to effect "change" to truly benefit the country.

I guess my intuition works for picking who's going to be on fire for the Flyers any given year. You know, I can live with that!

And all of you states that moved to create "Super Tuesday": Shame on you for ruining the attention that would normally go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras! The nerve of some people.

We beat the Leafs!

1. About last night:

Had Pandolfo played last night, I would say it was Pando-monium. But he didn't, so I won't.

I have nothing nice to say about last night's loss to Satan's boys. I'll take a cue from my parents and grandparents and not say anything at all.

(Lack of posting last night due to a celebration with my best friend over my promotion at work. Nuh!)

2. Road game susperstitions: check

Tonight I observed them all!

a.) Wearing black sweater with orange cami
b.) No watching game on TV or listening to it on the radio
c.) Reading all of the new posts on HLOG

That second superstition means that I once again relied on the the Game Summary insta-refreshes to keep me on pins and needles.

3. Positives from tonight's game:

a.) We won.
b.) While Lucifer's minions have our number, the Leafs don't seem to have learned it just yet.
c.) Richie scored a goal!

4. Negatives:

a.) Sami took a puck to the face and is now the proud owner of 25 stitches. Yikes!
b.) Lups slammed into Hatch, had to be helped from the ice and, in all likelihood, will be out with a concussion, err, "dizzyness."
c.) Briere had a Cindy Crosby assist on Richie's goal. Grrr!

Side bar side note:

Since a few individuals have trouble keeping the members of my hockey harem straight, I created a list displaying their photos and the appropriate (current) order.

P.S.: Sportsquee's Bunker Christmas Party (parts 1 and 2) feature Kristin and I, as well as the other HLOGers and some other well-known hockey bloggers.

11/24 Flyers vs. Sens

Sweeeeeeet!

Dear Guys,

I love yas! That was fantastic. Everybody was in there, swinging away. I am just ecstatic!

• Eager, who lit a fire under you?
• Niitty, hon, I wish I could be on the ice to give you a little helmet-to-helmet tap.
• Kapi, really, there's a reason you're my HH and on my sweater!
• Richie! Woo-hoo!
• Briere, I even enjoyed watching you tonight.
• Hartsie, niiiiiice one. (And the assist was really pretty, too!)
• R.J., the only bad thing I can say about you is that you don't wear your mouth guard correctly (and you really should).
• Jonesy and Kimmo, I love your pairing and nominate yas for Co-Presidents of Defense.
• Kukkie, you are such a sweetie, in a totally "I will crush your dreams of scoring" way.
• Braydon, thank you for diving into the goal (in the good way).

One question I'm dying to have answered: Gator, did you shave right before the game? That's the least stubbly I've seen you all season.

So, Gentle Readers, you'll pardon me for the gushing tone, but hey, we just beat the freakin' Sens! At Scotia Bank Place!

(BTW, I'm sure my neighbors really love me now, since all the screaming and jumping up and down for joy was probably...um...intriguing to them.)

Oh, how I love this game!
Nadine

11/17 Diablitos v. Flyers

First things first:

Welcome back, Sami! It was fantastic to see you sorting the pucks during the warm-ups. (Kukkie did a good job filling in, but it just wasn't the same.)

Starting Line-up: Biron, Jones, Timonen, Umberger, Lupul, Briere

Not-So-Fun Fact: Brodeur is gunning for his 500th win, and sitting at 499 has to be ticking him off. After our last pounding by the Devils, I'm pretty sure they plan to do it again to ensure Jersey Marty gets his record.

First Period

The puck dropped, play started, and after only a short time, I was not happy.

The game was flat. Well on my way to completing two decades of being a hockey fan, I have seen this style of play from New Jersey before. And, man, it's an energy killer unless the opposing team comes out in a big way right from the top.

As the period progressed, the Devils fans were the only ones with anything happy to say about it.

Second Period

Kristin and I hoped for the mood shift that generally accompanies the second period in a Flyers game this season. It didn't really happen.

Play was interrupted for a relatively minor all-hands-on-deck scrum in the no-man's-land between the benches. Rory Fitzpatrick, thank you for making it clear to your dancing partner that while they can come to play in the Wachovia Center, Devils players are not welcome on the Flyers bench.

Richie's goal was a thing of beauty! The assists were by Upshall and Timonen. I know that I screamed with joy for that one. The biggest plus was being right on the other side of the glass and seeing the whole thing go down from such close proximity.

(And he says he's not an All-Star. Mike, I sincerely and whole-heartedly disagree. I'll be writing you in on the ballot as many times as I can stand it.)

Third Period

Marty was pulled and Niitty was put in. I'm not sure, but the Ookies over at Interchangeable Parts may have been screaming in fear.

The prospects to comeback and tie it up were looking fairly dismal, but I wanted the guys to put another one on the board. Did you know that Scottie Upshall is the most accommodating player after Richie? He only made us wait 27 seconds before wristing one past Brodeur. The assists were by the Mikes (Richards and Knuble).

Kristin and I were speculating on how tiny Gionta really is during the second. After his goal in the third, we pulled out the iPhone and researched the matter. Statbits list him at 5'7". I believe he was wearing tall shoes the day that was recorded because it would make him only three inches shorter than Briere, who looked positively gargantuan in comparison.

And speaking of Briere, he was robbed by the master. Congrats to Brodeur on achieving 500 tonight. (Hey, he's closing in on St. Patrick. Only 52 more to go.)

Ookies: Please clarify the conditions that must be met for the Devils to not score against the back-up netminder. Does it only happen at your place? Must the switch occur during live play, rather than between periods? Does it need to happen before the third period?

Points Update: Richie's 2 points bumps him to 23 (11 G, 12 A), while Briere is stuck at 20.

Final Score: Totally Depressing

11/12 Islanders v. Flyers

Pre-Game Summary: See "Severe case of Whineritis" and substitute Islanders for Penguins.

Ladies and Gents, this one's going to be short. I love the Section 120, Row 9 seat (thanks, Kristin!). But as I did not have my normal print-out ticket on which to take notes, I...uh...didn't take notes. I solemnly promise to take a note pad with me on Saturday to the Devils game.

Kristin and I met up in the AT&T Pavilion at our usual spot. (I was the one running late this time! Stupid BSL.) We headed down to our usual spot for viewing warm-ups and settled in for our usual chat.

Nice intern "Sam" interrupts us - in a good way - by asking if we'd like to participate in a survey. Well, duh! Sure. We were asked about everything from Lauren Hart (the lady who sings the anthem), to the intermission entertainment (I love the mites' games), to the ice girls (resounding dislike on my part).

Then came the mother of all questions:

Do you have any suggestions for the Comcast Spectacor group?

Why, yes, boys we do!

1. Ladies' night. (You'll need to read the post and the comments.)
2. WiFi access so that bloggers can post from the game.

Final score: Flyers 3, Islanders 2

Our goals were scored by Scottie Upshall, Scottie Upshall, and Mike Richards.

Points Update: Richie now has 20 points (10 G, 10 A), giving him a slight lead over Briere's 19.

Sweater Update: All the tracking tells me is that it's shipped from or been scanned while in Louisville, KY. Thanks USPS for the fine details!

Injuries Update: Gagne - Not really improved. Hatcher - Seemingly on schedule. Kapanen - Uh, Flyers' communications guys, where's that update? I'm going through major Sami withdrawl out here. Communicate already!

"A" #1: Mike Richards

Flyers' Mike Richards (Getty Images)

First, a qualifier: Gator make a great captain. He was a good choice for the "C."

Mike Richards may wear an "A" on his jersey, but he's leading the team. Check out these statbits:

• With the assist on Knuble's goal last night, Richie has the same number of points as that guy Briere.
• However, more of those points come from goals rather than assists (9 G, 7 A).
• There have only been four games during the regular season where Richie hasn't earned a point.

Not bad for a guy who suffered an abdominal strain that required surgery last season, huh?

Scary statbit: With Richie only being 22, it makes you wonder what he's got up his sleeve for this season.

[Mike, I've seen that sly smile a few times in the interviews and when I was at practice last week. You gotta let me in on the secret!]

What interests me most: How much longer until Richie buries Briere?

11/07 Flyers v. Some black birds

Somewhat live blogging

Dear guys,

It'd be nice to think you read what I posted last night, but I won't be holding my breath. It was sincere advice, but you'll play how you want and need to...so no hurt feelings if you decide I don't know what the flip I'm talking about.

Love,
Nadine

First Period

So, I am patiently obeying my superstitions for away games. (And I'm flinching as I tell you that!)

(1) I read HLOG and the Flyers web site today.
(2) I am not listening to the radio.
(3) I am wearing my v-necked, three-quarter sleeve black sweater with my orange cami underneath.

Apparently it's working tonight because we already have goal. Thanks Lups! Whoa! I hit the refresh button, and there's another one. Carts, you're back!

Like I've said before, I love it that we seem to score in pairs, but I'm greedy and I want more. Getting out to this kind of start is good. But, don't - in the name of all that is holy - give them many PPs tonight.

Darn, the birds got on the board! Well, based on what I'm reading, the guys sound a little more lively tonight. Now, boys, no slacking off in the second. Give Marty a break, but make Sabo work for his paycheck.

Second Period

Right, so all I'm seeing is that Umberger and Orpik had a go at each other. Waiting...

Richie scored! He's so fantastic...*sigh* I may have to put him in my harem. I am cautiously impressed at the end of the period. I can't wait to see what happens in the third, as long as it's good!

Third Period

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!

Uh, dudes, just say no to penalties, okay? It gives the birds a PP and you have to PK. Please stop it.

Guys, you completely rock! Marty, great job at the end of the third. Randy, way to jump back in there. Woo-hoo!

Summary: Teka, bring it on! See you and your Army sweater at the WC on Saturday for Round 2. Good night, GRs!

Final score: Flyers 3, Black birds 1.

And the streak ends...

At 22 days. Danny Briere finally scored again last night, in another away game.

Do you people have any idea how nuts the WC will be when he scores before a home crowd for the first time? I wouldn't put it past the guys in the booth to have some appropriate song lined up and their hand on the horns volume control.

Now, Mr. Richards, thank you, thank you, thank you. That's why you have an "A" on your sweater. Whatever lit you on fire this season, keep it with you.

By the way, please take something for the pain today and be careful with those stitches. Yeesh!

R.J., what's that old saying about if at first...? Thanks for assisting Danny onto the board, then following it up with a goal of your own.

Niitty, I saw my favorite kickers on the bar's HD TV...niiiiice. See, I knew you could do it. Keep that positive feeling with you. (And I think you should have had the assist, too!)

Right. Guys, you may be seeing me tomorrow at practice. I won't be earning a restraining order (like Kristin with her StalkerCam 80000000), but it would be nice to have a small tide-me-over until November 12. It's just not right to have to go this many days with no in-person hockey.

[Edit/update material below]

Boys! Barring an unforeseen change to the schedule...I'll be there tomorrow! Yeah!

(And any of you readers out there who will attend, perhaps you will stop by and introduce yourselves. Just look for the 5'1" young lady with long, curly brown hair.)

Flyers PR joins the revolution

Hockey Blogging...Finally

So, forgive me, but wtf? Here's a quote from the Flyers' web site:

On the Fly!
Philadelphia Flyers PR Blog

In the latest endeavor to make philadelphiaflyers.com THE place for all breaking news, updates, and information on the Orange and Black, the club’s public relations department will be keeping a blog right here on the Philadelphia Flyers official team website. We will update this blog with information that may not necessarily make headlines, but is important, interesting or newsworthy nonetheless.

All of the information contained on this page is considered official team news and/or public information.

Maybe I'm just really presumptuous and totally off my rocker, but doesn't that almost sound like at least a few of the independent Flyers' bloggers like me that aren't related to the organization in any official capacity were doing a better job than the PR team?

Yeah, sheer craziness on my part.

On a semi-related note, here's a mini-rant on blogging directed at the Flyers. I'll be quite honest: I have serious envy of CapsChick and Shmee. The Caps have the most blogger-friendly attitude in hockey. Grr!

Fun Flyer Photos

Check out the photo gallery from the meet and greet at Lucky Strike Lanes on the team's site.

• Ben Eager: I love your hat.
• Mike Knuble: I love that you stuck with Orange and Black for yours (the O's).
• Randy and Joffrey: Way to rock those curls!
• Jack Cassidy: Thanks for getting me a shot of each of my boys...I deeply appreciate it!

Note to Kristin

We need to catch up for practice. Let me know when you can go and we'll work something out.

Briere Reprieve

I'm not a Briere fan. I don't passionately dislike him, but I don't actively like him either. However, with the Flyers playing the Habs tonight, I'm give TinyBriere a reprieve. He's going to be annoyed enough by their fans and all of the boos we'll be hearing throughout the game. I hope he scores a goal just to shut them up...but a hat trick would be better.

[Additional material from this point on]

Flyers v. Canadiens

Pros: Richie is still on fire. Marty is still b****ing in goal (in spite of the loss). Scottie had a goal in his first game back. Love it!

Cons: No Hatch, Jonesy, or Gagne. Gator got hurt. Some little pissant hit Sami, then the Habs were surprised when the rest of the team didn't act like last year's Flyers. (Uh, hello? It's this season guys.) We didn't love the second like we normally do. Stupid NHL schedule-makers.

10/20 'Canes v. Flyers

See you in section 210A tonight! Watch for a recap tonight or tomorrow.

EDIT: Post-game review - I ponied up the cash for the cheapest ticket available for the game. I had to be present for this particular match-up since it would be a big test for the team.

Message for Kristin: I'm so glad we could meet-up before the game this time. Plus, I had fun watching the Phantoms' sweater auction, too. We definitely need to pitch the neutral away game idea to the Sisters Ookie. "Dustbunny" is in their IPB glossary.

Warm-ups

Ah, Margaritaville.

My fellow HLOGer Kristin over at Eager to Go Psycho and I met at the AT&T Pavilion for a drink, then meandered down to her right-behind-the-goal seats to watch warm-ups, chat a little, and make plans for hockey-world domination.

General topics ranged from the guy I saw when I came in that was rocking an old-school Whalers sweater - kudos! - to the fact that neither of us is a hater. (Specific topics related to the strategic planning are not up for public discussion with non-HLOGers...sorry, but we're keeping that under lock and key in a Pepto pink, Girls-Only ClubHouse.)

Of course, one of these times - probably the night I'll be joining her there for a whole game - we'll be shooting the breeze and Marty or Sami will skate up and say, "You ladies do realize we can hear you, right?"

First Period

As warm-ups end, Kristin and I head for our separate seats in the highest rows of the various 200s. I am blown-away by the hustle the guys show in the first period. Have they been reading all of the Flyers fans' blogs during down-time? It seems like it. Just as I am once again muttering about Briere and Gagne needing to just get an ugly but real goal, Gagne scores. Finally.

Of course, Kukkonen earns one of the infamous hooking penalties right aftwards, the 'Canes go on the power play, and freakin' Eric Staal scores on Marty. Okay, so no shut-out tonight. I can live with that.

Second Period

It looked like what I expected in the first period. I don't know what else to say about it. 'Canes (former Flyer) Justin Williams scores towards the end of the second.

Third Period

If I were the type to bite my nails when I am nervous, I would have been doing that during the third. Instead, I was sitting on the edge of my seat, watching and waiting, and being conned by several "almosts."

However, Richie scored about 1:30 into the period. Thank God. Mass signs of joy!

The Wachovia Center got louder as the period wound down. When the 'Canes called a time-out, the fans got even louder. Of course, the guys in the booth put on some really good tunes and showed more footage of Shawn dancing at the top of the stands. (I l o v e d the guy with the "Insert Here -->" sign.)

Even though it was still tied, our hope was bolstered. Hey, we can do overtime! We could even win it.

Overtime

And we did. 48 seconds in.

Hatch, you came coasting in and fired on Grahame. I am so proud of you for that. He stopped you, but couldn't hang on to the puck and Gagne shoved it in. (You looked downright fast in OT! I want more of that.)

Post-game: Phantoms game sweater auction

Kristin and I headed over to the Spectrum for the Phantoms' game sweater auction. It was highly entertaining. Highest cost sweaters: Boucher and Munroe. (Everybody loves a goalie!)

Some of Kristin's die-hard Phantoms friends know a few of the guys on the team. It was fun to see their interaction during the auction. (I loved the Matsumoto story!)

10/18 Devils v. Flyers

Commentary about the stupid zebras (a.k.a "referees")

It's clear they were imported. My best guess is that they're from Trenton, Newark and Atlantic City. (They were obviously bribed.)

Boarding? For real? That's still a penalty? Who knew.

Commentary for the Devils

Asham: You s***! (Hatch, how're the knees, old man? I'm just glad you didn't face-plant right into the ice and boards. Way to keep your head up!)

Diablos in general: This is hockey, not soccer/futbol. You don't score by kicking the puck in the net...use your stick.

Brodeur: Looks like your usual "I have to suffer to the next record" play is in force. Sorry!

Commentary for the Flyers

Pros

• Richie: You are just on f i r e right now.
• Sami: A goal in each of the last three games. You are so s l i c k !
• Dowd: Way to score on your twice-former team. First goal as a Flyer. Congrats!
• Lupul: Number two as a Flyer. Keep watching for those opportunities.
• Jonesy: You looked like such a gentleman when you shove guys away from Marty. It must be those hound-dog eyes! (I forgive you for the Extra spot.)
• Marty: Dude, you rock! You really like 4-0 shut-outs, huh?
• The Flyers goalies tribute video shown during the third period tonight was so much fun.

Cons

• Gagne & Briere: I love that you share the puck and assist others in scoring goals. However, quit trying for picture-perfect goals of your own. Just score one at home already, no matter how ugly it may be.
• Marty is great, but he can't do it all. Clear the puck from your zone and follow it into the one where you score goals. That goes for when you'e at even-strength, penalty killing and on power plays.
• Skate to the puck! Take it to the other end! Shoot it! Go up the middle if you have to!
• Jeff Carter's scoring streak ended tonight. (I'm sure you'll be back in there soon, Jeff!)

Update on sweater and hockey harem selection

And the sweater will read...Kapanen 24 (hockey husband)! If possible, I will purchase Biron (hockey boyfriend #1) and Jones (hockey boyfriend #2) T-shirts. I figure I need an offensive player, defensive one, and a goalie to cover all the bases.

Because I knew he could!

Martin Biron, with Gaston on the helmet, gets a shut-out! (Jack Cassidy)

Dear Thrashers and Their Fans,

If there's one team in the nhL that understands where you are right now, it's the friendly people in Philadelphia. We hope you get your first win soon. Selfishly though, we're happy it didn't happen tonight.

Good luck!

6 Fun Facts and 1 Blatant Bit of Speculation as a Result of Tonight's Game:

(1) Marty got a shut-out! [Thought and written in a really sing-songy voice.]

(2) Jeff Carter's streak grows to four goals in four games.

(3) Lead hockey-husband-to-be candidate Sami Kapanen scored for the second game in a row.

(4) This is the second game in a row where Carter scores a goal followed by Sami within a very short time.

(5) Mike Richards continues to wrack up points.

(6) Randy Jones proves that he can be an offensive defenseman by scoring the final goal.

(7) Perhaps we shall continue to lead the Atlantic Division, hmm?