Let the (second-half) games begin
SUNRISE, Fla. _ As the Flyers begin the unofficial second-half of the season tonight against Florida, here are a few observations, free of charge::
Let the (second-half) games begin
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
SUNRISE, Fla. _ As the Flyers begin the unofficial second-half of the season tonight against Florida, here are a few observations, free of charge::
1. The power play needs to start being productive on the road.
The Flyers are having spectacular power-play success at home (35.1 percent, best in the NHL), but are a dreadful 15.6 percent on the road.
2. If the Flyers aren't going to play him, it's time to send defenseman Luca Sbisa to juniors
Personally, I think Sbisa is one of the Flyers' top-six defensemen and should be playing. But he has been a healthy scratch in the last four games (and in eight of the last 14 games) and that's not good for the development of a soon-to-be-19-year-old player. The all-star break seemed like a perfect time to send him back to Lethbridge _ in fact, a Quebec newspaper reported, incorrectly, that he WAS sent back. (Did I score a goal?" Sbissa quipped.) It'll be interesting to see if Sbisa dresses tonight.
3. Don't sign Peter Forsberg. Too much baggage. Too much of a distraction. Too many injuries.
If Danny Briere is back in four weeks (I know. I know. Considering Briere's injury problems this year, that's a very big "if.") the Flyers will have enough firepower for the playoffs.
4. The Flyers need to shoot for the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed, which might be accomplished by winning the Atlantic Division, and a favorable first-round playoff matchup. (But if Pittsburgh finished seventh, it wouldn't be a picnic.) Last year, the Flyers lost 10 straight shortly after the all-star break and had to huff and puff just to make the playoffs. They need to use this year's second half to improve their seeding position so they don't have such a difficult first-round matchup _ theoretically, at least.
_ Sam Carchidi
Trade Jones and either Knuble or Upshall for Kovalchuk and forget Forsberg unless hes healthy enough and if he is then get him cheap. Kovalchuk has shown he can be a 2 way forward like Carter and is more of a sniper than Carter Imagine what the team would look like with forwards like Kovalchuk, Carter, Hartnell, Gagne, Richards, Lupul, Forsberg(possibly) or Knuble and of course Briere. Or go after Kaberle who is a solid D-man and coveted by the Flyers. They have many options because of all the depth at Forward and the young D-man in the minors and if JVR decides what he wants to do who knows. All i know is this team can be very very good with a trade for the right piece. I may be dreaming with the Kovalchuk trade but i think it could be done along with Forsberg if hes healthy. There are also rumors about Kaberle heading to NY Rangers. Flyers do need to make a trade but be smart about it, moving Lupul, Jones and/or maybe a draft pick can get you the right piece.— Prego614- kprimo25, I do realize where Clarke's favorite reporter is, iI was just pointing out that Sam hasnt a clue, and seems a little woozy like Keith Primeau is now walking up stairs— BHite15
- Prego, I think you are playing a little too much NHL 09. No way Atlanta would take Jones' awful contract and the expiring contracts of Upshall or Knuble for one of the best wings in the league. Keep dreamin man.— robm0202
- If you don't like Sam's writing, don't read his stuff. I think he's a great writer and love the blog. Keep it up Sam, haters are useless. (:— srsly
- Sbisa plays great for an 18 year old in the NHL. But really, does he stand out more than the other d-men? Don't get me wrong, I like him and he filled in admirably when needed, but he is not NHL-ready. He's undersized, underweight, lacks strength and would benefit and develop better in juniors. He will be a stud in 2 or 3 years.— Big Game
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