Spinorama

I liked that one season where the refs were trying to get the league to get used to no more clutching and grabbing and called everything under the sun that was even remotely close to a clutch or grab. NO, I didn't like the parade to the penalty box. I did like that they called everything and were consistent about making a rule and actually calling it every time it happened. I'm not really sure why they've allowed clutching and grabbing to creep back into the game though. Nothing made me happier then when they announced they were abolishing it. Can't speak to what happened in the game which you refer though, I refuse to watch these games.

I agree with Noodle/Aziz. I don't see a point in a young up and comer looking to develop as a back-up. A proven veteran who would know his role would be a much better option. They know their role and how to prepare for it. There wouldn't be any tension or frustration due to lack of playing time, in fact, they'd probably be happy just to still be playing. Kinda like Boosh that one season.

about the only good news coming out of that series...

I agree, nice find and thanks for sharing

well, it doesn't really. the title of this post should have implied that. I don't like any of the choices but if I had to make one, that's the route I will go this time. As I said , I don't normally pull for the team that knocked out my team but, again, the thought of seeing Carter and even Richards(though not nearly as much) hoist the cup, especially this season, is too much for this fan to consider. as I said though, I doubt I'll even watch the series, just tune in from time to time to see how it's going

I'm sorry guys, I loved Gagne as much as the next fan, when he was a Flyer but that just isn't enough for me to be able to get over possibly seeing Carter and yes, even Richards hoisting the cup. I liked Richards, but he didn't do enough when he was here to endear me like say Gagne and maybe Hextall (would he even care as much seeing he didn't get it as a player?). If the Rangers won maybe I'dsing a different tune but now I can at least say we got beat by the eventual champs is the Devils win. I normally go the other route when deciding what team to route for once mine is eliminated (I'm not routing for the team that spoil my team's fun) but in this case, that's what I shall do... if I even watch, still haven't been able to get into these games since that dreadful Devils series.

by the way, my last two posts were more in reference to the league and how they handle things and how it irritates me. for the play itself it doesn't seem to be all that bad. yeah he probably had time to adjust his course or let up or whatever. The part that does stick out to me though is not the result (whether it was knee on knee or knee on thigh), it's the fact that he was blatantly leading with his elbow AND knee and to me that demonstrates intent. But the league like to punish results not intent

it happened quick but then again, that's what replay is for. Maybe he doesn't get penalized for it in game but just because the refs missed it shouldn't mean the league then ignores it. I'd like the league change their approach and not take into consideration what the refs called or whatever. If it's a nasty play,then they should review it on it's own merits after the game. the refs missed it and therefor it didn't impact the game but the player should ALWAYS be held responsible and the way the league justifies punishing one player and then letting another player off the hook is ridiculous.

and way to stay consistent and preserve the integrity of the game

I wish that was me now. I'm still bent over the NJ series. and while i absolutely do not want the Kings to win it, it's really tough to get behind NJ, who chumped us, or New York, who owned us all year.

Mind you, I'm not suggesting they are. In fact, I haven't watched a single game outside of the Flyers games and have only seen highlights of all the others, which obviously doesn't give you a feel of the entertainment level as viewing it goes. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/darren_eliot/05/16/rangers.playoffs.defense/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a2 Saw this posted elsewhere and thought it was an interesting read. what say those who've been keeping up with the playoffs even though the Flyers have been eliminated?

I can't even believe that Carle would ever make as much as Pronger... based on what? making up for crap defense with some decent at best offensive play? I'm sorry but having decent skating ability to bring the puck up the ice and contribute every now and again with a goal doesn't mean a whole lot when you're garbage on D. play your own position STRONG first, then you can go ahead and play O.

that really is it. The Pronger deal was going to be tough enough as it was because we all knew we were going to be watching a good player fall from grace for the duration of his contract and hope we get some of what made him the player he was for as long as possible. You can't really factor his injury into the equation because who could possibly see that happening prior to signing a deal. If that stick hit him just a little over, it would've been in his eye and that would've been the end of it, no matter what age he was. With Weber, if you have a chance to acquire a proven player who is still young then you HAVE to at least look at it. 4 1sts (if that's the route it would go) would be tough to swallow but then again, 1st round picks still have to come into the league, adapt and show they can play at this level, a relative unknown. I'm also skeptical like Idaho with paying that sum of money every year but again, if he's gonna give you want you want then why not look at it, especially since it's the D position we are talking about where it is slim pickings these days.

I agree here, definitely not worth it. LTIR him each year and forget about it. What's the downside there? a roster spot? I'm not. Before we signed Bryz, I was looking forward to seeing what Bob could do with his rookie season and all the adjustments he needed to make behind him. I still like the guy but it's hard to ignore his results this year. There are plenty of reason to point to as excuses, like that he didn't play very often, so he couldn't keep sharp. Team D really was that bad (it really was but was it why he didn't do as well as I hoped?). Due to the fact that Bob is entering the final year of his contract, I wonder if his value isn't greater now to be shopped rather than hold on to him. As far as the other side of that tandem goes, anyone but Leighton please. Briere's post season play really makes it difficult to entertain him as a top choice, otherwise I'd say sure, why not. Timmo for me is a tough case as well cause I like the guy and I know he can play, it's just becoming apparent his body is getting in the way. It's been suggested that he get relegated to the 3rd D pairing to keep down his minutes but someone would need to fill in and I'm not sure they can afford his price in the 3rd pair. it's an interesting question, that's for sure. I guess the only definite is as I said earlier, to use it on Pronger would be a waste... unless there is a benefit I'm missing.

ahhh I see, thanks for clearing that up.

is my brain playing tricks one me? I could've sworn I saw the first half of this thread elsewhere, can't remember where, literally word for word. I was going to respond earlier but something came up that took me away and now I'm just getting back. anyway onto my response: the season as a whole was by far not pathetic. There were certain times during the season where I'd beg to differ but overall this season was indeed a very good season. I hate to wonder if the advertised aspect of our team (strong D and hot new goalie) lived up to their expectations how things would've turned out because it was the unknowns and the way they turned out which really had me excited by what I saw and excited looking forward. I dogged Schenn early an often. I was disappointed by the limited sample set I got when he was healthy at the beginning of the season with the biggest disappointment being that he didn't really stand out at the rookie game I attended. However, he showed me enough that I'm looking forward to hopefully a full season with him healthy next year. His physical game really surprised me too. There were plenty of other pleasant surprises as well but I figured I'd bring up Schenn since I was so hard on him early. everyone else it was just a wait and see.

I'll agree with this as well. I was baffled I didn't see a change during the course of the series. Obviously I'm glad the way things worked out but it did seem to me that a change was glaringly necessary however one was not made.

hopefully you are correct

I don't know, maybe he would. He already has his contract. He doesn't seem to like it here. Maybe he'd welcome being taken off the pressure cooker.

this!

that's interesting, I never actually followed his career much until he made it to the Flyers and I thought he's been pretty controlled. So your saying the dude was an animal at the lower levels? If so it could explain better why he seemed targeted the second he touched the ice wearing the O&B.

there was a period of time where I longed for Tootoo in the O&B.

haha, no question there. I wonder who fits this mold on other teams that gets as heavily scrutinized. Carcillo doesn't count, he's just a clown. Jordan Tootoo is a hard nosed player who's fights I've watched many a time. I don't ever watch his team play though so I have no clue if he gets called for just playing tough but he's one who I figure MIGHT fall into that category.

that sounds like a conspiracy theory

I know, and I would have thought that would have worked towards them actually cutting him some slack. Yeah he plays rough but at least he can play, not just a mindless thug.