Live From the 2012 Winter Classic: Eric Lindros Among Flyers Alumni That Bring Back Memories

Just like it was 15 years ago, John LeClair shot down the wing on a 2-on-1 with Eric Lindros on the other side of the ice, looking to receive a pass. As the defenseman bit, LeClair coolly flipped a saucer pass across the ice to watch Lindros fire it past a flailing goaltender, culminating in a multitude of fans leaping to their feet with their arms raised high.

It seemed as if a dam had been lifted, allowing memories to rush back like a stream of water, to the pleasure of over 1,000 fans in attendance at the Flyers Skate Zone and to the players themselves. Eric Desjardins, Brian Propp, Joe and Jimmy Watson, Orest Kindrachuk, Bill Barber, Bernie Parent, Neil Little, Jeremy Roenick, Lindros, LeClair, and others, entertained fans for just under an hour as the Flyers alumni took to the ice for practice before heading to the locker room to speak with the media – with smiles on their faces as if they had rekindled the extinguished flames that were once vibrant NHL careers.

“What a great showing for us old guys,” Roenick exclaimed. As he spoke you could see the glow in his eye, like a child finally getting to meet a boyhood idol. “You talk about this weekend as being a celebration, but having something like this – bringing back guys like Clarkie, Bernie [Parent], [Rick] Tocchet, it really is historic. It’s a humbling experience being here with some of these guys. Seeing Eric and John, guys I battled against, this is a really good step back in time.”

“I had a good time,” Lindros said with a Don Cherry-like smirk as he peered around the locker room to examine the historic faces he had just laced up with. “Saw some old people. Big turnout for a little get-together.”

When asked about the fan turnout for the alumni skate, Lindros began to answer, but paused ever so briefly and looked up, deep in thought. In just a split second, the memories of the prime of his career – centering the famous “Legion of Doom” with LeClair and Mikael Renberg, the line that combined for 305 goals and 666 points in just over two seasons together – appeared in his mind like a movie reel. “I’m not surprised,” he finally muttered, a grin forming at the corners of his lips, perhaps thinking of the great times he shared with millions of Flyers fans for almost a decade – including a Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP, a Stanley Cup final appearance, and enough highlight reel plays to fill a YouTube account. “Flyers fans are so supportive of their team.”

“Flyers fans are like that,” LeClair chimed in from the next stall. “They really enjoy this and support us.”

As the media dispersed, Lindros sat, enjoying a few laughs with LeClair, Bob Kelly, and more. He signed a few pucks for the organization, a picture for Kelly, and a jacket for Reggie Leach’s young grandson, who was puttering around the locker room as if he were just mesmerized by a shooting star. As little Leach stared at the behemoth of a man (6-foot-5, for those that do not recall), Lindros talked with him about school, about treating his teachers right, doing his homework and catching up on the work he is missing by being here for the festivities. The tyke walked away like he had been given a message from God himself, while Lindros craned his head around the room. He took one last look at the legends and role players that donned the Orange and Black before, with, and after him. The former league MVP slowly walked out of the Philadelphia Flyers locker room, as he had done so many times.

 

Alan Bass, a former writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. E3 Jonas Brodin

After seven Swedes were taken in the first round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, none were selected last year. That will change when defenseman Adam Larsson becomes the first Swede taken in the 2011 draft, and will further be strengthened when defenseman Jonas Brodin is drafted late in the first round.

“Brodin is an outstanding skater whose strength is his east-west lateral movement and ability to crossover in the face of forwards who attack with speed,” wrote Bruins 2011 Draft Watch. “He’s got excellent vision and defensive instincts, able to diagram unfolding plays and put himself in position to interdict and neutralize the opposition attack. Brodin also has the ability to start the transition game to offense with his soft hands and crisp outlet passing. Although only about 165-170 pounds, Brodin has also shown a surprising ability to play a physical game. This is especially significant because he’s competing at the Swedish Elite League (SEL) level this season with Färjestad.”

Last season, Brodin became the youngest player ever to suit up for Färjestad, after making his debut as a 16-year-old. Being a late birthday (July), he was able to spend another season developing, which has helped him exponentially.

“Jonas is progressing after the individual plan we set up for him prior to this season. He takes one step at the time and his thirst for knowledge is admirable. Jonas is a good listener and learner which is a good asset,” said Leif Carlsson, assistant coach responsible for the defensemen with Farjestad in an interview with ESPN.com. “Jonas has put a lot of effort into improving his mobility and his shot. He has exceeded with both and on top of that he has become faster when body checking.”

The 6-foot, 172-pound Karlstad, Sweden native has yet to score a goal in the Swedish Elite League, but has posted four points and a plus-6 rating playing against professionals twice his age. He is extremely undersized weight-wise, but as we have seen with other Europeans, physical maturity comes simply with time. His skating and hockey sense are his best features, while his ability to keep the puck on his stick through traffic makes him an even more desirable player to NHL teams looking for a defenseman that can start a breakout up the ice. And although his size is not yet up to par, there is absolutely no lack of physical or passionate play – or a desire to take on everyone bigger than him, for that matter.

“I did not think I would be impressed by such a young guy,” said coach Charles Berglund to HockeyServige.se. “One thinks, of course, to tell the players just to ‘run over that f**king brat,’ but it is of course not that easy.”

“He’s not a spectacular player, he will not take on three players at one time with the puck,” said head coach Tommy Samuelsson in an interview with HockeyServige.se at the beginning of the 2009-10 season. “But he solves almost any situation and plays smart and simple.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Mock Draft: BT and Bass at it Again

This year, Bryan Thiel and Alan Bass continued their annual tradition of a mock draft. We will be publishing our picks 10 at a time over the next few days to preview the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota!

The odd picks (1, 3, 5, etc.) are BT’s, while the even picks (2, 4, 6, etc.) are Alan’s. Enjoy!

1. Edmonton Oilers

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, C, Red Deer (WHL)

While there is the possibility that the Oilers trade out of this position if someone is enamored enough with one of the four or five players that could go first overall, expect them to keep it and target either Nugent-Hopkins or Adam Larsson. The Oilers have plenty of talent on the wings, so Gabriel Landeskog would simply be an addition to those riches, and with Nugent-Hopkins’ high-end puck sense and vision, he’d form a dynamic top-line with fellow number one Taylor Hall. Edmonton is fortunate though, that both Larsson and Nugent-Hopkins address a need for the franchise.

2. Colorado Avalanche

Gabriel Landeskog, LW, Kitchener (OHL)

There is also a possibility that the Avs may trade out of this pick, specifically if Bryan Murray and the Ottawa Senators desperately want to draft the star winger out of Kitchener. But if Colorado hangs on here, Landeskog would be a great addition, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities, in addition to a physical presence – one who can play on a first line with Matt Duchene or Paul Stastny. Defense is also a need right now, but Landeskog can provide more help in the short-term and the long-term, while Adam Larsson could take longer to develop.

3. Florida Panthers

Jonathan Huberdeau, C, Saint John (QMJHL)

Adam Larsson’s “slide” from first overall continues simply because there is a wealth on the back-end in Florida’s system. Back-to-back first round selections of Dmitri Kulikov and Erik Gudbranson (provided he can sign this time around) mean that the Panthers can concentrate on some needs up front. Huberdeau’s smooth hands put him in a great position to succeed alongside some of the young wingers Florida picked up last year, namely Quinton Howden. With solid two-way centres Scott Timmins and John McFarland in place, Dale Tallon can add that scoring centre he’ll need whether or not Stephen Weiss is around.

4. New Jersey Devils

Adam Larsson, D, Skelleftea (SEL)

Although the Devils do have Jon Merrill and Matt Corrente waiting to make the jump to the NHL, neither translate into a top-two defenseman. However, after winning the draft lottery, Lou Lamoriello will be able to replenish his blue line with the 6-foot-3 Swede, at one point a potential number one overall pick. Larsson will provide both offense and defense to the New Jersey organization and can help ease the transition to a new era when Martin Brodeur retires in the next two years.

5. New York Islanders

Dougie Hamilton, D, Niagara (OHL)

People have fallen in love with Hamilton’s all-around game and he’s certainly earned those endorsements. An all-around defenseman with a hulking 6’4″ frame and a flair for offense, Hamilton takes pride in his defense as well, making him a complete defenseman with a nasty side as well. Hamilton’s ascension through the draft ranks is difficult to overlook, but it’s well deserved. He’ll bring grit to the back end along with leadership and give the Isles a great potential top-pairing with Calin de Haan.

6. Ottawa Senators

Sean Couturier, C, Drummondville (QMJHL) 

If the Senators can’t move up to take Gabriel Landeskog (and believe me, they’ll try their best), then Couturier would be the next best choice. Although he seemed to hit a wall at points throughout the season, he performed well in the playoffs, averaging over a point per game. Couturier would make a great number-two center in 2011-12 behind Jason Spezza, and could take over the number one spot within a few years.

7. Winnipeg/Manitoba

Ryan Strome, C, Niagara (OHL)

The Niagara Ice Dogs and Marty Williamson have produced two players with top-ten potential in this year’s draft, and with the defenseman off the board, the Thrashers go with forward Ryan Strome. The NHL squad has a number of young wingers in the NHL right now and their defense is established, meaning that another young centre to help out Alexander Burmistrov is key. Like Burmistrov, Strome is a little smaller, but he’s a speedy, crafty centre with grit and toughness to go with it. While Strome is a talented player, it’s his ceiling as a prospect (which may be one of the highest in the draft) that will draw the interested parties.

8. Columbus Blue Jackets

Ryan Murphy, D, Kitchener (OHL)

Columbus has never had a franchise defenseman since their inception in 2001. However, with the selection of offensive defenseman Ryan Murphy, that will change for the next two decades. Murphy may still be a couple years away from the NHL, but once he fills out his 5-foot-11 frame and hones his defensive skills, he will anchor the Blue Jackets’ blue line for years. His 26 goals and 79 points this past season will translate well into NHL production, specifically when playing with Rick Nash.

9. Boston Bruins (from Toronto)

Nathan Beaulieau, D, Saint John (QMJHL)

After using the first pick they acquired from the Maple Leafs to draft Tyler Seguin last year, the second first rounder they got in the Phil Kessel trade will go to further stabilizing Boston’s blueline. That may sound silly considering Zdeno Chara is patrolling the blueline, but the hulking 34-year old won’t be around forever. The Bruins have a strong nucleus of young forwards doing the heavy lifting (Lucic, Horton, Bergeron, and Krejci are all 26 or younger), Brad Marchand and Seguin are long-term, controllable assets at centre, while Jordan Caron and Zach Hamil got call-ups this year to go along with a handful of other young forwards. Like Seguin, Beaulieau would find himself in a fortunate situation with the Bruins as the key cogs in this defense have a few years left, allowing him more time to grow and mature into the physical puck-mover he can be.

10. Minnesota Wild

Mika Zibanejad, C, Djurgarden (SEL)

After selecting center Mikael Granlund last year in the 2010 Draft, Minnesota will go with another two-way forward from Europe, one whose stock has risen drastically over the past year. Zibanejad is a bit of a project, but at 6-foot-2, 191 pounds, he is physically capable of stepping into the NHL next year. He and Granlund could make a great 1-2 tandem down the middle, contributing on both sides of the puck.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

Boston Bruins or Vancouver Canucks Will (Most Likely) Set NHL Record In Game 7

With the Boston Bruins tearing through the Vancouver Canucks (yet again) at TD Garden Monday night, it sets up a textbook Game 7 on Wednesday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. On the line: the Stanley Cup.

But regardless of who wins, a record will most likely be set — which record that is, however, will vary based on the final score. As of the end of Game 6, the goal differential is plus-12 for the Boston Bruins (Bruins: 19 GF, Canucks: 8 GF).  If the Boston Bruins win the Stanley Cup by at least two goals in Game 7, they will have a goal differential of at least plus-13, which would tie the record for largest goal differential for a Stanley Cup champion. Ironically, the team they would tie is the 1970 Boston Bruins, who defeated a terribly inferior St. Louis Blues squad, one who was still struggling after 1967 NHL Expansion. That Bruins team outscored the Blues 20 to 7.

If the Vancouver Canucks win, they will become just the fourth team in NHL history to win the Stanley Cup while having a negative goal differential (unless they happen to win Game 7 12-0). However, they will most likely become the Stanley Cup champion with the lowest goal differential, after the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins were outscored 18 to 14 by the Detroit Red Wings, whom they would defeat in Game 7 by one goal.

For your statistics pleasure, here is the list of smallest and largest goal differentials for Stanley Cup champions in NHL history, and even beforehand in Stanley Cup challenges (for all your hockey history nuts out there)!

Smallest Goal Differentials for Stanley Cup Champions

2009 Pittsburgh Penguins – outscored 18-14 by the Detroit Red Wings

2004 Tampa Bay Lightning – outscored 14-13 by the Calgary Flames

1928 New York Rangers – outscored 6-5 (in a five-game series) by the Montreal Maroons

Biggest Goal Differentials for Stanley Cup Champions

1970 Bruins outscored the St. Louis Blues 20-7 (13)

1990 Oilers outscored the Boston Bruins 20-8 (12)

1991 Penguins outscored the Minnesota North Stars 28-16 (12)

1996 Avalanche outscored the Florida Panthers 15-3 (12)

Others (Pre-NHL):

1900 Montreal Shamrocks (CAHL) outscored Halifax Crescents (HCHL) 21-2 (two games)

1904 Ottawa HC (CAHL) outscored Toronto Marlboros (OHL) 17-5 (two games)

1905 Ottawa HC (FAHL) outscored Dawson City Nuggets (FAHL) 32-4 (two games)

1906 Ottawa HC (ECAHA) outscored Queen’s University (OHA) 28-14 (two games)

1906 Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) outscored New Glasgow (Amateur) 17-5 (two games)

1908 Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) outscored Ottawa Victorias (FAHL) 22-4 (two games)

1908 Montreal Wanderers (ECAHA) outscored Winnipeg Maple Leafs (MHL) 20-8 (two games)

1912 Quebec Bulldogs (NHA) outscored the Moncton Victorias (NHA) 17-3 (two games)

1915 Vancouver Millionaires (PCHA) outscored the Ottawa Senators (NHA) 26-8 (three games)

1917 Seattle Metropolitans (PCHA) outscored the Montreal Canadiens (NHA) 23-11 (four games)

1918 Toronto Maple Leafs (NHA) – outscored 21-18 (five games) by the Vancouver Millionaires (PCHA)

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. 31 Seth Ambroz

Growing up in New Prague, Minnesota, there isn’t much to do in the winters other than play hockey. And although Omaha Lancers right wing Seth Ambroz was not really into hockey at first, it only took his brother and a couple skating sessions to develop his love for the game.

“Living in Minnesota, it’s just what you do,” Ambroz said in an interview with USHL.com.  “I started playing shortly after my brother.  He got into it when he was about three or four years old and I followed shortly thereafter.  Then our sister joined us when she was about 12.”

“My brother definitely got me started in hockey and opened up some doors for me,” Seth said. “He told me about Bliss and he liked him a lot as a coach. He told me he was a tough coach, but also a great teacher.”

Years later, after his sophomore season in the United States League, Ambroz was one of the top-ranked prospects for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. His 22 goals and 49 points in 56 games, combined with the plus-24 rating he compiled, led NHL Central Scouting to label him as one of the most talented upcoming players in the world. But after his two linemates, Montreal Canadiens first rounder Louis LeBlanc and Boston College forward Pat Mullane, moved on from the USHL, Ambroz’s game regressed a bit, as his plus/minus rating dropped to just plus-1, after posting 46 points in the 2010-11 season. His Central Scouting ranking dropped to 31st among North American skaters. But Ambroz continues to work on his game and refuses to give up.

“The transition from high school to the USHL was hard since it’s a much faster game, but you just have to get used to it,” Ambroz said. “Playing with Louie (Leblanc) and Pat (Mullane) helped me a lot though. Louie just had that attitude of wanting to play hard and he would never quit. Being with him every day was a great thing for me to have.”

“He’s a freak,” Omaha GM Bliss Littler told NHL.com. “He’s a special kid. To think, he started on our third line last year and ended up on the top line with Louis Leblanc and Pat Mullane. He’s on one of our top two power-play units and he’s killing penalties.”

“He’s an outstanding underage player with a very bright future,” NHL scout Jack Barzee told NHL.com. “He’s good at all facets of the game and has them down pretty well.”

The 6-foot-3, 198-pound forward’s best aspect is probably his size. As a power forward, he is very difficult to move off the puck – and he can throw bodies around when the opportunity calls for it. His skating and hands are above average, but still needs to work on his two-way play. He still lacks the explosive acceleration needed to succeed at the professional level. But Ambroz is pumped to be a part of June’s annual ceremonies, and knows that he needs to work hard if he hopes to take that big step to the next level.

“I’m definitely excited about the draft coming to Minnesota,” wrote Ambroz in his NHL.com draft blog. “I just hope it all works out well. I realize there’s pressure but you just hope to play well in front of the scouts who are watching. It’s something that you can’t really think about too much because you know you’re not going to be able to have your best game every single night. You can’t let the pressure get to you because that’s when you kind of start grabbing your stick a little harder or not making the simple plays you should be making, so just got to think of it as just another game. Just do what you do best.”

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

2011 NHL Draft Prospects: No. 15 Zack Phillips

When you are a talented player on arguably the best Major Junior team in Canada, your statistics are most likely going to be exceptional. Saint John Sea Dogs center Zack Phillips is no different. His 38 goals and 95 points in 67 Quebec Major Junior League games this season helped spark their dominance in the Q, en route to 58 wins and 119 points, the most of any Canadian League team in 2010-11. Phillips finished the season tied for sixth in the QMJHL in points, and second on Saint John to 2011 draft prospect Jonathan Huberdeau.

After dominating play at Eaglebrook Pre-prep School against some of the best AAA players in the world, Phillips committed to play the 2009-10 season at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. However, just before the hockey season started, he dropped his commitment and headed to the QMJHL, where he was picked up by Saint John. Playing on the fourth line that season, he managed to put up 44 points in 65 games – including 30 of those points in the final 32 games. “At the time, I thought the college route might be better for me as a player and a person,” Phillips said in an interview with Yahoo! Sports. “I was really small growing up, my second year down there I grew nine inches and started to get more notice for my hockey and thought this [the QMJHL] might be the better route.”

The 6-foot-1, 181-pound center upped his game in year two of the Q, posting the aforementioned 95 points, along with an impressive plus-48 rating. His numbers were helped by playing with QMJHL stars Huberdeau and Stanislav Galiev – one of whom has already been drafted (Galiev, Washington Capitals, 3rd Round), the other of whom will be drafted this summer.

Phillips’ biggest strength is his hockey sense. He understands the game well, knows where to be and where not to be, and simply gets it. He also has soft hands, can make great passes, and is willing to and capable of playing consistent defense.

“Zack is a very talented two-way ice hockey player who has a bright future ahead of him,” said Jeff Quebec, Eaglebrook School’s Director of Ice Hockey. “He sees the ice extremely well and is a creative playmaker and pure goal scorer. Zack was a strong student-athlete at Eaglebrook and played a large role in the success of our teams during his two years here. He served as one of our captains and displayed strong leadership both on and off the ice. I am very proud of him and look forward to seeing another one of my former Eaglebrook School players drafted by the National Hockey League.”
Something that scouts have noticed Phillips needs to improve on is his skating. In the new NHL, as everyone knows, having speed and high-level skating ability is crucial to anyone’s success. Phillips is great in traffic and able to maneuver around bodies. But on the rush and on the backcheck, he is often caught and overtaken by opposing skaters.

But if Phillips can improve his skating just a bit, you can expect him to make an impact in the NHL in just a couple years. And any team who drafts him understands the talent they will be getting.

Alan Bass, a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com, is the author of The Great Expansion: The Ultimate Risk That Changed The NHL Forever. He has worked for the Philadelphia Flyers’ Fan Development department, going to schools throughout the tri-state area to teach about fitness and the importance of teamwork. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College Division II hockey team as well. You can contact him at Alanbasswriting@aol.com.

Philadelphia Flyers Offense: 2010-11 Season Preview

Departures: Simon Gagne, Arron Asham, Mika Pyorala, Riley Cote

Arrivals: Jody Shelley, Nikolai Zherdev

The 2009-10 Philadelphia Flyers featured some of the greatest offensive depth in the league. Seven players hit 40 points, while 10 players reached the 10-goal plateau. Captain Mike Richards led the team with 62 points, while Jeff Carter led the Orange and Black with 33 goals. First year player James van Riemsdyk was among league rookie leaders with 35 points, while defenseman Chris Pronger anchored the blue line offense with 55 points—45 of those being assists. The Flyers’ toughness was also summed up with four players surpassing 100 penalty minutes and six with over 70.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs featured breakout campaigns from Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, and Ville Leino, who put up 30, 23, and 21 points in 23, 23, and 19 games, respectively. The trio also came up big in the Stanley Cup finals, helping lead the team within two games of a Stanley Cup.

Look Who’s New in the Neighborhood!

Left winger Jody Shelley, formerly a member of the rival New York Rangers (and the San Jose Sharks before that), joins a deep Flyers’ offense that has three lines of capable scoring forwards and a line of energetic toughness, mixed with excitement and leadership. Though Shelley will not contribute much at all with regards to points (his career high is 10, attained in 2005-06 with theColumbus Blue Jackets), the 34-year-old will contribute to the team in the locker room and with his ability to throw a body check here and there and give the top lines some rest. A responsible forward, Shelley had a plus-four rating in 21 games with a New York Rangers squad that missed the playoffs.

The Columbus Blue Jackets thought they hit a home run when they selected Zherdev with the fourth overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, but they quickly realized that he needed work. His point totals jumped from 34 in his rookie year to 61 in 2008. But after posting 58 in 2009 with the Rangers, he bolted for Russia, after not receiving the contract offers he thought he was worth. Posting 39 points in the Kontinental League last season, Zherdev returns to a Flyers squad that has one of the greatest supporting casts in the league. Though Zherdev can put up close to a point per game, his defensive game must improve drastically if he hopes Coach Peter Laviolette will play him with the amount of ice time he believes he deserves (Zherdev is a career minus-46 in five seasons).

You’ll Be Sorely Missed

Left winger Simon Gagne was the longest-tenured Flyer before he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning this offseason. Though he regularly posted over 20 goals and 50 points at the beginning of his career, his totals dropped due to concussion problems in 2007-08 and though he bounced back in 2008-09, his numbers continued to drop due to injury last season. Gagne still has the talent to post 50 points (if he can stay healthy), but his cap hit of over $5 million was too much for the cash-strapped Flyers to handle. By moving him to Tamp Bay, the team saved over $3 million (after accounting for the Zherdev signing). Gagne’s leadership and offensive numbers will be missed, but his recent troubles playing defensively will be noted when weighing the pros and cons to this transaction.

Watch Out for…

Claude Giroux and Ville Leino. Both players are young and have some of the best potential of any young player in the league—and both had breakout years in the Flyers’ Stanley Cup run. Giroux scored three points in Game Five against Chicago. His 21 points in 23 games with the team ranked among team leaders, while his true contribution was his ability to draw defenders toward him then thread the needle with a cross-ice pass, creating a scoring chance almost every time he was on the ice.

Leino scored nine points in the Stanley Cup finals, including five in the final two games. He was consistently one of the Flyers’ top players, regardless of the fact that he was injured during the series. Look for him to be able to post at least 40 points this season, perhaps more if paired with the right players.

What’s the Outlook?

The Philadelphia Flyers have the best depth in the NHL. Though their top line may not be as glamorous as that of the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Washington Capitals, their top three lines have as much scoring ability as any other team’s lines. With incredible depth at center, plus some versatility (Briere, Giroux, Carter, and Richards have all shown they can play the wing when needed), in addition to great players on the wing, the Flyers are a threat to score for 60 minutes every game. A possible fourth line consisting of Jody Shelley, Blair Betts, and Ian Laperriere will scare the crap out of any team facing them—and might even draw a standing ovation from the Philadelphia fans after each shift.

Centers: A-

Wingers: B+

Stars: B

Depth: A

Alan Bass is a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com. In addition to writing for Inside Hockey and Pro Hockey News, he has also worked for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College hockey team as well. You can contact him atBergHockey24@gmail.com.

Philadelphia Flyers: Who is the Top Player in Franchise History?

If I told you that I wanted to use my second-round draft pick to take a somewhat good player with diabetes who may never play a game in the NHL, what would you tell me?

You would tell me I’m crazy, right?

That is exactly what the Flyers did when they chose Bobby Clarke in the 1969 NHL Entry Draft.

Robert Earle Clarke, as he was named at birth, did not seem to be a very reliable player, but Keith Allen thought that he was something special. In fact, another GM offered him a few players and some draft picks for Clarke immediately after he was drafted. Allen’s response?

“No way.”

As soon as Clarke arrived at training camp, everyone else knew that he was something special.

15 years, three Hart Trophies, one Pearson, one Masterton, one Selke, four All-Star teams, one Lester Patrick trophy, and two Stanley Cups later, and Bobby Clarke retired, holding almost every offensive Flyers’ record that existed.

He still holds many of these records today, including most games, assists, points, shorthanded goals, and highest career plus/minus rating as a Flyer.

He played his entire career with the Flyers, and he finished with unbelievable stats, including 1,144 games played, 358 goals, 852 assists, and 1,210 points.  His stats earned him spots in the Flyers’ Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

His number 16 was also retired by the Flyers for Bobby Clarke night, which was held during the 1984 season. That night, he was also named the new general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers.

At that point, his second career with the Flyers started. He made many moves, both good and bad, from the time he was hired, to the time that he resigned in 2006, with a few-years break in the early ’90s, when he left to become GM of the newly expanded Florida Panthers.

His record as GM of the Flyers was 714-433-199. He was very successful, leading the Flyers to three Stanley Cup finals, but he was unable to win a Cup while the GM.

He did encounter a few problems, including the Eric Lindros incident, and his inability to create a fast, talented team following the lockout, which ultimately led to his resignation.

But he is one of the most known people in NHL history, and easily the most known Flyer in team history. Clarkie is one of the best skaters in Flyers’ history, and the best player in the teams’ long history as well.

This is the final part of a ten part series.  Thanks for reading!

Alan Bass is a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com. In addition to writing for Inside Hockey and Pro Hockey News , he has also worked for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is the general manager of the Muhlenberg College hockey team as well. You can contact him at BergHockey24@gmail.com .

Top Players in Flyers’ History: No. 6 Ron Hextall

Ron Hextall may have very well been the best goalie in Flyers’ history if he had won the Stanley Cup.  I know that it is a stretch, but he was unbelievable, and easily the most unique goalie that ever played for the Flyers, maybe the most unique one in NHL history.

He was a late draft pick, 119^th overall in 1982 by the Philadelphia Flyers, and immediately started to make an impact for this team.

He was quickly a fan-favorite in Philadelphia, as his aggressive play was something that Philadelphia fans not only love, but yearn for.  And when it is an NHL goalie that is fighting and making big hits, well, it makes the game that much more exciting.  He holds the NHL record for most penalty minutes in one season for a goaltender with 113 in the 1988-89 season.

His famous hit is when he knocked Chris Chelios hard into the boards in the 1989 season, and continued to beat the crap out of him until the refs sent him to the locker room.  He was then suspended for the first 12 games of the 1989-1990 NHL season.

He also became the first goalie in NHL history to score a goal by shooting it down the ice into an empty net.  You can see the goal at this link:

He was traded to the Quebec Nordiques in the trade that brought Eric Lindros to Philly, and then was traded from Quebec to the New York Islanders, but the Flyers eventually got him back, and he proceeded to take the Flyers to the Stanley Cup finals in 1997.

He did indeed win the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1987 as the MVP of the playoffs, yet the Flyers did not win the Stanley Cup, and Hextall clearly showed that the MVP trophy did not mean anything if his team was only second-best.

Here is a list of Hextall’s awards and honors:

Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award — 1986

Named to AHL First All-Star Team — 1986

NHL Rookie of the Month of November — 1986

Vezina Trophy — 1987

Conn Smythe Trophy – 1987

NHL All-Rookie Team — 1987

NHL First All-Star Team — 1987

Inducted into Flyers Hall of Fame – February 6, 2008

These are parts one and two to Hextall’s induction ceremony into the Flyers’ Hall of Fame during the 2008 season.  I watched this live, and it was a touching ceremony, where the fans showed how much they truly appreciated Hextall and all of his antics throughout his career in Philadelphia.

He is an unbelievable goaltender, and at least the second best one in Flyers’ history, which earns him this spot as number six on my list of top players in Flyers’ history.

This is the fifth part of a ten part series.  Stay tuned for the rest of the series!

Alan Bass is a writer for The Hockey News and THN.com. In addition to writing for Inside Hockey and Pro Hockey News , he has also worked for the Philadelphia Flyers. He is the General Manager of the Muhlenberg College hockey team as well. You can contact him atBergHockey24@gmail.com.