From Cold to Hot

Not the start that many of us wanted to see. New York Rangers, a very hot team, came into the game last night undefeated and with a new type of attitude. This intense game let everyone know that the Flyers are going to give each team hell for three complete periods, and show little to no mercy to any team. With the Rangers playing four games before they seem to have been clicking a lot better then the Flyers start. But after quick moves in goaltending and lines getting shake up responded to the early deficits with a mighty run. Sadly the Flyers feel short of their goal and lost game 1.

Pros
Antero Nittymaki
Mike Richards
Stephen Valiquette
Blair Betts

Goofs
Mike Knuble
Martin Biron
NY Defense
Flyers Special Teams

Pros: Nittymaki was the sole reason why the Flyers stayed into the game. Nittymaki was lights out after coming into the game late in the first and trying to cover up Martin Birons big mistakes. I believe that we now know who is the starting goaltender. Mike Richards also gets the pro title after the game because of his leadership he had shown during the penalty kill, offensive attack, and both psychically and emotion fighting this team forward. With a goal and a fight let everyone know why he is the captain of the Flyers. Valiquette played an awesome game, and is the reason why the Flyers were unable to mount the upset come back last night. The starting goaltender of the NYR should be proud of his performance and really picked up his team for the long stretch. Also NYR Blair Betts also showed off his offensive skill with scoring a goal and earning an assist.

Goofs: Martin Biron is my first goof for the year because of the lack of energy and three soft goals that he let in during the game. Never before have I seen such a delayed reaction in covering post to post. It was like NHL 95 when you skated around the net the goaltender would follow you and then you had an open net. Mike Knuble to me is a waste of talent and should have been let go in the off season but here he is. Unable to check, and get the offense going affectively which weighs down the team, I am sure there is someone on the Phantoms who would play better. The self destruction NYR defense has a lot of work to do, and should reconsider their non aggressive strategy. And last but not least is the Flyers special teams which was lack their of last night. With a two man advantage and the fire power that the Flyers posses there should be no reason what’s so ever not to score. When you go 0-4 on the power play and nothing to show for your causes then a defeat in usually what you go through.

Overall I am still confident that the Flyers will play and have a good season this year. Game 1 surely is one to be on not repeated but not forgotten. Until next time, good time and good hockey.