After losing their first three games of the season, the Philadelphia Flyers have fired Laviolette and replaced him with Berube. While this seems to be the Flyers attempt to shake things up (1-1 since), this still seems like a temporary fix. Their offense and defense are good enough for them to be contenders, but for years the Flyers have yet to find the goalie that would push them into that status. Including their run in 2010, it's been a constant turnover in net. Bryzgalov has been the longest-serving starter since then and he lasted a season and a half (lockout for the half). This organization's ineptitude in net is impressive. The last time they drafted and developed a goalie was Antero Niittymaki, and even then he was destined to be a backup (maybe platoon at best). Hitching their wagon in a hope-he-turns-it-around Steve Mason and the now-a-god-backup in Ray Emery won't be enough for this franchise to do anything in the playoffs, if they even make it. Most of their core (Giroux, Simmonds, the Schenns, Voracek) are still young enough were a rebuild isn't necessary, but a serious retooling of the roster is needed if they don't want this window to stay just barely open.
Side note: with the track record of Berube (3000+ PIMS), that first meeting against Colorado should create the next big East-West rivalry.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Hertl
Tomas Hertl has been on fire, leading the league with 6 goals so far in the season. But his masterpiece this season (so far) has been this goal against the Rangers:
Credit to him for being able to do that. The between-the-legs goal has been worn out a bit, but it's nice to see it being done at a high speed during a game rather than in a shootout. I can see why some people might be upset over it, but in the end A) he's a rookie trying to have fun and B) probably best that he pulled that move in a blowout game. If the game had been tied or a one-goal difference then yeah it may not have been the best time to try it. Adam Oates got after him, and while people got after Oates for decrying the move I'm not surprised. Oates has been against showing any personality.
He's Called "Jumbo Joe" for a Reason
Probably the best thing (no pun intended) to come out of Hertl Night was the comment of San Jose Captain and future Swiss Superstar^ Joe Thornton. From The Province:
Hearing a question to Marleau about Hertl and whether he was showboating, Thornton said:
“Shut up, have you ever played the game?”
When the press turned his way, he then added:
“I’d have my cock out if I scored four goals. I’d have my cock out, stroking it.”
*Orders Thornton Jersey*. The question of ethics has come up over how on the record the quote was. For their part, San Jose and Thornton himself have done a good job in damage control (whatever-little was needed).
^You laugh, but he'll be captain of the Swiss team in PyeongChang 2018
Lineup Notables
Edmonton Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The Coach Leafs Fans Want: Sam Gagner (jaw), Jesse Joensuu (back), Steve MacIntyre (knee), Corey Potter (back), and Denis Grebeshkov (groin) are out. Devan Dubnyk might start.
The Coach Leafs Fans Have: Nikolai Kulemin (ankle), Frasier McLaren (broken finger), and Mark Fraser (knee) are out. David Clarkson is suspended. Jonathan Bernier is expected to start.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Vancouver Canucks
Canada Olympic Goalie Candidate #2: Brian Gionta (personal), George Parros (concussion), Alexei Emelin (knee), Douglas Murray (upper body), and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Carey Price is in net.
Canada Olympic Goalie Candidate #1: Alexandre Burrows (foot), Nicklas Jensen (upper body), and Jordan Schroeder (foot) are out. Zack Kassian and Alexander Edler are suspended. Roberto Loungo will start.
Ottawa Senators vs. San Jose Sharks
Ottawa: Jason Spezza (non-back) is questionable. Craig Anderson starts tonight.
San Jose: Martin Havlat (groin), Raffi Torres (knee), and Adam Burish (lower body) are out. Brad Stuart is suspended. Antti Niemi is in net.
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