Hexy27

Any word on whether they plan to keep this jersey around? It would be nice to see them use it as an alternate.

What scares me is that I can see this happening! I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope Homer passes on Orr...

Those aren't bad lines but I would change it a bit. I would swap JVR and Talbot. Maybe some time with the rookies on the 4th line might be good for JVR?

I understand what everyone is saying about JVR. I don't disagree. I just don't know when you cut your losses with him. Do you let him get healthy and then re-evaluate? Do you trade him before the deadline? or do you trade him after the season? I'd like to see him in one more post season but I can understand trading him or giving up on him sooner.

@Bertmega I totally understand where everyone is coming from. I just don't know what is going on behind the scenes. We have seen two different JVRs. One that is pouty and doesn't work hard and another that plays like a beast. If it weren't for last year's post season I would be on board for giving up. I have read much about the speculation that JVR doesn't really like (i.e. have a passion for) playing hockey on a high level. I can't honestly believe that after last year. Time will tell. I certainly understand his past (and do agree he has been given many chances). I just wonder if this season is more of the same or a result of his injury.

I posted about this in another thread. What about this report that mentions JVR needs surgery? http://articles.philly.com/2011-12-27/sports/30561835_1_van-riemsdyk-shoulder-injury-brayden-schenn#ixzz1hjtrVluf Is it possible that his lackluster play is due to this injury? I think the Flyers should shut him down and have him take care of it.

What about the reports that JVR needs surgery? Do you think his issue is physical (injury), mental or both?

I was at the game and it was amazing. That was the most fun I had at a hockey game ever. I totally geeked out! I brought my camera and took lots of pictures. When I get the chance I'll post them online.

@doom88 I agree! The WC is just another game but it also provides a stage to evaluate Bryz and plan your goalie situation for the rest of the season. If I want to win the WC I start Bob. If I want to see who my #1 is for the rest of the season I start Bryz. If Bryz comes up short in the WC then you have all the data you need to push Bob as the #1.

I don't think Bryz was ever brought here to be a mentor. Nine years with a NMC would say he was here to be the man (not mentor another). I have to agree with flyercanuck. There was no plan in any of these moves. Once you got rid of Carter and Richards you had committed to rebuilding your franchise (I was ok with this). The head scratcher is the Bryz signing. There were many who did not see this as a good move at the time. I am sure there was dissension even within the organization. The Flyers basically decided they were not willing to wait for Bob and wanted their franchise goalie now. That line of thinking was just inconsistent with their other moves (which made the team younger). I just wonder how many of these moves are Homer and how many are Ed Snider pushing things through. Bryz has been documented as an Ed Snyder reaction to last season. What about the other moves? How much is Homer actually able to do without owner involvement?

Bob has definitely been more consistent. The call, however, might not be Lavy's. Ed Snider (I am sure) wants to see his $51M goal tender out there and that will likely supersede anything Homer or Lavy wants.

I think Clarke would have already gotten rid of him. I don't see Homer trading Schenn unless it is for someone unbelievable with a good contract. I think JVR will be on the trading block before Schenn (although I don't think we should unload him either).

Schenn is going to be good. I just hope we don't trade him away in a knee jerk reaction.

If he retires it should come off the cap. I believe the cap hit only remains when the player is over 35 and signed that deal after he turned 35.

The reason this thread exists and the reason there is a debate is because Bryzgalov has not stepped up as a true number one (even though he is paid like one). I don't think you should discount the Boston game from his stats. Bryz is getting paid enough money where he should at the very least have kept the goal total lower. I don't think Bryz brings much value (when you consider his contract). Statistically Bob seems to be able to hang in there on fewer starts. Bryz, on the other hand, has some of his worst games after nights off. A true number one shouldn't struggle that greatly with consistency. I wasn't happy with his signing when it happened and so far Bryz hasn't really changed my opinion. He seems to be an upgrade over Boucher/Leighton but Bob is doing just fine.

I would love for Bob to get the start but it just doesn't make sense. They have been making a big deal about Bryz and the WC. If they want to win the WC they'll throw Bryz in there against the Rags now and hope it prepares him.

He said that during the post game interview on VS. I loved that he said that!

I was definitely not happy when I heard we signed Jagr. I thought it was a huge waste of money. I am glad I was wrong about that and definitely have an appreciation for him now. So what does everyone think about giving him another year on the team? I know he is 39 but if he can keep this up past the trade deadline it might be a good indicator. It seem his influence has gone beyond his performance and more into the realm of example.

I really came close to pulling the trigger on a Giroux jersey but couldn't do it after the Richards jersey. A Gagne jersey will be good forever!

I got the Winter Classic because I really wanted one of those. I had no idea the Alums were wearing the current home jersey (though that wouldn't have influenced my decision).

Bryz is one headbutt-to-a-puck away from completing the transformation.

I bought a Richards jersey two years ago with this very thought in mind. It is currently hanging in my closet. I decided to go for an alum this time around. I ordered a Lindros 88 WC jersey and a buddy of mine got a LeClair 10. I would have gone for a Hextal jersey but at the time I ordered he was not going to participate in any way.

I'm going to the Alumni game but I plan to DVR it as well. I am definitely more excited about this game than the actual Winter Classic!

Sounds interesting. I think I'll try to check this out!

It's good to see the Philly Flu finally returning. It's been a while since I have seen it in effect. That being said good move by the Pens.