Zherdev demoted; dads bond with Flyers
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Zherdev demoted; dads bond with Flyers
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
Flyers RW Nik Zherdev found himself on the fourth line at Thursday's practice as he switched spots with Andreas Nodl.
Coach Peter Laviolette downplayed the move, saying it had more to do with Nodl's strong play lately.
That said, the Flyers have not been happy with Zherdev's defensive lapses. Offensively, he has just two goals and no assists in nine games.
The Flyers play in Pittsburgh Friday, and if Laviolette uses the lines he had at practice, Zherdev will be with Blair Betts and Jody Shelley, while Nodl wil be with Mike Richards and the goal-less James van Riemsdyk.
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For the third time this season, Sergei "Bob" Bobrovsky will be in goal against the Penguins. He defeated the Pens on opening night in Pittsburgh, 3-2, then dropped a 5-1 decision (with an empty-netter) at the Wells Fargo Center.
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Breakaways: Thirteen of the Flyers' dads made the trip with their sons to Pittsburgh as part of the team's father-son bonding weekend. . . . Defenseman Kimmo Timonen, who has a sore ankle, was given a maintenance day and did not practice Thursday. Timonen will play Friday. . . . The Flyers still haven't gotten a goal from any of their defensemen. . . . The Penguins are just 2-3 at the brand-new Consol Energy Center....Former Flyer Simon Gagne (0 points, minus-8) was put on the injured reserve list by Tampa Bay because of an ailing neck. . ...Fans attending the home game Saturday against the Islanders are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes. There will be a costume contest and trick-or-treating along the concourse. To enter the contest, fans must register before the start of the first period at the Broad Street Atrium.
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Honestly, Jody Shelley should not be playing in the NHL. He seems like a decent enough guy, but he has absolutely nothing to offer for a winning hockey team.— Truth B. Told- Shelly was not a good signing. They would have been much better off signing John Scott who is a real heavyweight and can make a difference in momentum— OldSchoolG
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Zherdev shows flashes of offensive brilliance, but needs to be a two way skater and play defense when necessary. Looking at the trade of loyal Simon, the Flyers showed some acumen as he is cooked.
"but he has absolutely nothing to offer for a winning hockey team." Then he should be a good fit with this year's Flyers.— poger67- We'll take him up here in Glens Falls!! In fact, we'll take anyone who can score !Another very long, boring season in Adirondack. We play the 6-0 Pens tonight, probably won't score a goal. There is nobody down here that can help you.— smpotter
Zherdev is a diva, he would have fit perfect with the russians of the 70's. I love hockey as much as the next guy but free agency is killing the sport. Every year, its going to be the team that can gain the most chemistry by seasons end, that will have a shot to win. The first half of the year with every team having half their rosters with new people, will be like training camp until the winning team gels. I can't stand it.
