Richards wants to win and move on
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Flyers Report: Broad Street Bull
Richards wants to win and move on
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
Former Flyers captain Mike Richards just wants to play Saturday’s night’s game against his ex-teammates and move on.
“I’m going to treat it like every other game,” the Los Angeles Kings’ center said on Saturday morning, where most of his team skated at the Wells Fargo Center. Richards did not skate.
Asked if he was curious about how the fans would treat him, Richards said, “No. I’ve been booed and cheered in every barn, so it won’t be anything new. I’m not concerned about that. I’m concerned about coming in here and playing hockey the way I can play _ and go out there and get a win and go back to the West Coast.”
What’s your message to the fans?
“I don’t have a message,” he said. “I’m coming here to play hockey….I’m just treating it like any other hockey game. I got up, had the same breakfast I have on game days, came to the rink at the same time, and I’ll do the same things (I usually do) this afternoon.
“Obviously, it’ll be a little different with a lot of friends on the other side, but at the same time, it’s a hockey game and you’ve got to play hard and do something here to get a win and go back to the West Coast.”
The Flyers will have some sort of tribute to Richards on the scoreboard, a club official said.
To me, the most memorable goal Richards ever scored was his spectacular shorthanded tally _ after Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak came 25 feet out of his net and collided with defenseman Roman Hamrlik_ in the 2010 conference finals. The goal triggered a 4-2 Game 5 win before an ole-ole-ole-singing crowd at the Wells Fargo Center, sending the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time since 1997.
Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.
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That was my favourite Richards goal too.
However the new day has dawned. So let's get another 'W'. Let's go Flyers!— reverend- this is pretty much a non-story. we all like sub-plots, but there's really not much to this. it needs to be reported, but at the end of the day its just game 4 of 82. both players and franchise have moved on. just hope the best for both.— AndyReidsMustache
- What do people expect him to say? He can't make a big deal out of it. Human nature being what it is, he absolutely is nervous. But, he's not stupid. He is not going to admit to anything, so why even ask?— NYluvsPhylers
- I'm a little disappointed in the comments about having no message for the fans. Lots of fans cheered him for a lot of years - a simple "Thanks for supporting me over the years" or something similar would have been nice. I would have been inclined to cheer him - but I guess he's just another guy on another team now. Too bad.— bluehen597
- I was happy with Mike Richards when he was here and so far I am happy with the new players we got in the trade for him. When Schenn arrives in Philly and produces like he has so far for the Phantoms, Mike Richards will be forgotten. Everybody wins. Let's go Flyers!— Rick Wise Guy
- The audio on this video is pretty poor quality— VicM
- I'm gonna be honest Rick, Schenn aside, I think Simmonds has stepped up and already made this trade look like a good deal. I mean it's been since Knuble since we've had a legit power forward that can hold his own in front of the net. I was really apprehensive about these trades and obviously not really in the mood for change like losing Richards, but this Flyers team has been about the most enjoyable team I've seen in quite some time.— eburd983
- I know its the media's job to HYPE things, create story lines to attract ratings, viewers, readers, etc. but quit all this with mike richards. Flyers fans know this already and have their own opinions... RICHARDS IS RIGHT- its just a hockey game. some philly fans are really sad- Living vicariously through your sports teams is a sad way to go through life. yes it lines the pockets for certain people, but still... the sport already demands much for the players- then add a frenzy fan-base to the mix...— DonAspy32
- No message for the fans? It's not the fans that traded Richards and changed the direction of his career. Quite frankly I think it's lame to not have a message for the fans, but that Richards. I liked him as a Flyers and respect his skill but now he's the enemy playing on another team. Time to turn the page and move past it. Let's go Flyers! Beat those Queens!— Kanayd
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