Barometer: Conference Finals

Season Barometer = Gut-Check Time

Dear Guys,

Yep, some of the Penguins fans (read: not of the HLOGer variety) have found this space. Probably has something to do with those farcical posts from earlier this week.

I'm very happy that you've made it this far. That being said, some of you have more work than others this round.

Blondie: I don't care if it's assists or goals, get some points. Make like the Mikes and Danny are injured again (even though they aren't). I'm going through withdrawal over here!

Tiny!Briere: Your paycheck...dude, it's HUGE. Make sure you earn it. (And no side competition for Best "Who, Me?" Face with Cindy, all right? Stand up, stay up and skate.)

Vinny: Where the hell are you? What are you doing? Don't get me wrong, the set-up work is invaluable. Just...I don't know...put one or two in, 'kay?

All of the D: One word...Malkin. If you require an explanation, talk to Marty or Niitty.

Goalies: Please observe every single one of your superstitions, no matter what anyone in your family or on the team says. (After all, I'll be doing my part in this arena, too!)

Coach: Drop the whole politically correct "urgency" thing. If they slack, tell them in no uncertain terms that you are not happy. A second option is to let a few (slightly disgruntled but not drunken) Flyers fans in the room. We don't just boo and yell "Sucks!" at players from other teams, as you well know.

Ciao!
Nadine

Barometer: Packing for all occasions

Give Me a Break

I had to take a few days off from blogging about the Flyers in order to send all my positive thoughts their way for the games this week following the absolute disaster with the BuffaSlugs. And it worked. Check off two more in the "W" column.

Another Home-and-Home

Dear Guys,

You'll be facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Remember, that's four points you need to pick up right there.

And I'd appreciate two wins just so that I can lord it over a co-worker who likes the Leafs. In particular, I request that Sami Kapanen go on a scoring rampage so that I can taunt Justin that much more.

Thanks kindly in advance for the assistance.

Nadine

How's It Feel?

Earlier this season, I posted two season barometers that included my take on how the team was faring. One was written just two games into the regular season when the Flyers were proclaimed one of the most improved teams since last season. The other was written in early December while the guys were stuck on the win-one-lose-one roller coaster.

Some of the issues I singled out are still visible. Mental vacations. Occasional bouts of bad house-keeping in the form of poor passing. The media continuing to ask questions about last season of the new guys when we hit a slump. (Dudes, they weren't here last season, okay? Jeez!)

Here's the deal, one that really isn't surprising to anyone: The Eastern Conference playoffs race is going to be a nail-bitter to the end. I'm sure it's statistically possible for this to be tighter, but it sure doesn't feel like it.

Guys, take inspiration from one of my business trip preparation tips - pack for all occasions because only a very naive person packs for only what the meteorologists predict. If you're at least prepared mentally for any eventuality, that can be half the battle right there.

(Mr. Prospal, if your family could share the on-the-ground Tampa weather report, please have them email me at the address in my profile. I have an upcoming trip there.)

Seriously Now

Dear guys,

"We need to earn the respect of our fans here. Our fans are dying for us to work. All they want to see is hard work...Compete and work and not quit." - John Stevens, Dec. 1 post-game interview

Uh, totally.

Stevens is pissed. I'm sure everyone of you is as well, if the report of a minor altercation between Tiny!Briere and (my HH) Kapanen is anything to go by.

The Jekyll/Hyde routine has to go. To roll out two trite - but true - cliches (as though there were any other kind):

• There's no good reason for what's been happening lately.
• You're all better than this.

When you work together and don't give up too many stupid penalties, you give me great hope. As I said following the win in Ottawa, please quit flirting with your A-game. Make it part of your equipment so that it goes with you for every contest.

I hope the enforced togetherness of a road trip brings back some of the team zen you achieved in Whistler earlier this year.

Coach, if that doesn't do it, I humbly offer my apartment as a potential venue for a team smack-down/slumber party to help everybody work this out once and for all. I have experience with this from my competition days. (Trust me, if it can work for a bunch of PMS-ing female athletes, I'm sure it can work for guys facing testosterone overload.) Additionally, I am trained in conflict resolution, peer counseling, and active listening skills.

Love yas,

Nadine

Barometer: How's it feel?

So here's the thing, I'm quite happy with the Flyers' first two games. One win. One loss. These are the pros and cons I see so far:

Good News

• Team Chemistry. Some fans were really worried about this. I wasn't. (Yes, that's me saying "I told you so.") So many of the "new" guys either played together before coming to us, played together at earlier levels, or are friends, that team chemistry would be one of the least iffy areas.
• Lines. These are coming together pretty well. Small tweaks need to be made for each individual player for his current line or whichever one he ends up on.
• Holy goaltending, Batman! Martin Biron. all I can say is "Thank you." Keep calm. So far, the ride is totally b****ing! (Niitty, I'm sure you've shaken off last season. Good luck to you this season.)

Bad News

• Team Chemistry. The guys are on a team building trip to Whistler, BC before next Wednesday's Canucks game. They can be really good times to cement lines and cameraderie. So guys, I'm begging you, get through this without anyone making an "I thought I was just being funny, how was I supposed to know that so-and-so's wife/girlfriend/mother/kid was_____________" crack.
• Defense. It already looks different from that pre-season game I attended. I'm happy to see more hustle in your "real" games. Keep it up. (Hatcher, I had some doubts...I'm honest if nothing else...but they fade away a little more each time I see you get to the puck quicker.)
• Those annoying, small things that can add up to really big ones. House-keeping, boys, house-keeping. The not-thinking mistakes have got to go.
• Continuing contrast to last season. Just side-step all those comparison questions by the media. Have them contrast it against earlier games in this one. Let that sleeping dog lie in peace.

By the way, I'm blaming last night's loss on the Oilers' tribute to Jason. Nothing against them (they're great people), it was a nice gesture (and therefore expected, because they're nice people), but it delayed getting you onto the ice (which I think was just strategy). : p

So have fun in Whistler. Play well against the Canucks. Kristin and I can't wait to see you next Saturday.

P.S. re: He who shall not be named - The suspension started this week with him on the NHL roster, not the AHL one.