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Post by joe (Simmer + CHI) on Dec 8, 2018 16:07:24 GMT
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT
Brandon Brindisi
All of his life, Brandon Brindisi has had to fight against the grain to make his way in the hockey world. The story begins on the night of the 2020 PTPHL Draft, but ultimately the events leading up to the night are important. "The night of the draft was the strangest thing to ever happen to me, for obvious reasons..." Brindisi said. "My hockey career took a strange turn that night, but I'm glad it did. I'm not sure I'm here talking to you otherwise."
Most Flyer fans were flabbergasted that night, as was Brindisi. The Flyers pick was slowly approaching, and they had their choice of several skill players left, including Luke Reid, Noah Delemont, and Wyllum Deveaux. But on this particular evening, it was not meant to be any of those fine players. Instead, the short-statured and quick-tempered GM of the Flyers, Joe Papp, waddled up to the podium, smiled, and said "With the last pick in the first round of the 2020 PTPHL draft, the Flyers are proud to select Brandon Brindisi, forward from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute."
A hush fell over the arena. The hush felt like an eternity, until a fan in the upper level shouted "WHO?!" Brandon was out fishing in one of New York's finest state lakes where the cell service was as fleeting as the trout, but his agent called him and finally reached him. "I felt like it was a joke. There was no way I was selected that high" he indicated. But, he was selected. Surprisingly.
You can't blame him or others for their reaction -- coming out of one of the worst college programs in D1, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or more affectionately known as "RPI" to the locals, is not a hotbed of hockey activity. The most notable NHLers include Adam Oates, Mike McPhee, Jon Juneau, and more recently, Brandon Pirri, and they were the outliers. "I liked RPI because they wanted to make me a focal point of their team. Even though I wasn't the best player, they made it a point to make me part of the team."
It would seem that his luck would turn prior to the draft at the combine. "Oh sure, one of the best days of hockey in my life" he noted. GM Papp would agree. "Absolutely...he shattered that combine. We knew he wouldn't last into the second round. ISS had him ranked as the 19th best center. We laughed at that. We knew he wouldn't always be a center and he didn't need to be, but we knew he had a future as a bottom-six guy who could blossom a bit more offensively." Papp said.
Now Brindisi is on a talented Flyers squad, and is producing. He has won 56% of his faceoffs, has great TK-GA numbers, and has 2 goals and 5 assists. "Its a dream. I love this organization and I love that they are giving me this chance. I just want to keep it going!" the elated player said.
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Post by joe (Simmer + CHI) on Jan 12, 2019 21:16:11 GMT
S7 OUTLOOK
The Flyers may be in their final chance for serious cup contention. While they boast a young, albeit talented defense, three contributors on the offensive side of puck -- Giroux, Simmonds, and Toews -- are all set to retire at the end of the year. However, the Flyers are in touch with representatives from all three players to see what options exist at the close of the season.
"No doubt with the offseason news, we want to add and compete. That's always the goal..." commented GM Joe Papp. "Its hard enough and those guys are key contributors, so we'll do our best to support them and the team as we head into this season."
Youth is always on the outlook for teams, and the Flyers will boast a talented rookie. Eric Henault will make his NHL debut after a strong preseason, and will open in a top 6 role. "I am excited, nervous, but excited. The guys have really welcomed me -- I just hope to contribute and show I belong.." commented the young rookie.
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Post by joe (Simmer + CHI) on Jan 15, 2019 21:50:41 GMT
SLOW START FOR THE FLYERS
After a spat of 6 games against tough opponents, it would appear the Flyers have started slow. This seems to be an issue that plagues them year after year.
"Couldn't tell you why..." indicated head coach Fred Shero. "The planning and preparation is there, and I know the guys are pushing hard. But we've had some breakdowns in our own end that have ended up in the back of our net. We had a strong practice today, keeping lines intact but looking at getting the skating legs going quicker in games, and we're hoping it makes a difference."
Shero isn't wrong; the team's biggest issue would be the defensive breakdowns that have ended up behind Carter Hart, the team's starter. He's posted a +3.50 GAA and essentially easy goals are squeaking by. "It's been tough sledding -- I think it'll improve as time goes on, but obviously not the way I wanted to start the season" Hart said. "Ultimately it falls on me to make the saves and that's been a struggle, for whatever reason."
Another problem that can be identified is a lack of goals. 21 goals in 6 games isn't a terrible stat, but a lack of scoring goals comes into play when you're letting in too many, especially compared to league leaders. Captain Claude Giroux chimed in on the issue, only saying "it's early, guys. Don't read too much into it. We're integrating some new guys and chemistry takes time. It'll come..."
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Post by joe (Simmer + CHI) on Jan 26, 2019 17:48:54 GMT
Philadelphia Flyers players selected to World Junior Championships!
Everyone's favorite time of year is upon us, the U20 World Junior Championships (U-20) in about to start! The Philadelphia Flyers boast four (4) prospects in our organization that have been selected to represent their countries:
- Jason Ciccarelli (CAN): acquired via trade
The Flyers opened eyes when they were a cap casulty, needing to move trusted defenseman Travis Sanheim to a division rival. But the return included Ciccarelli, a young, talented forward who has tremendous skill. Moreover, he is expected to be a focal point of the Canadian offense in this year's tournament, so much so that the Flyers have sent top management to watch all Canadian games throughout the tournament. Being this his last year in U20, and he'll likely be on the Flyers AHL squad (or a darkhorse candidate to start the year with the pro team), this will be a great opportunity for him to contribute, but also show the Flyers he can overcome some of his deficiencies that plague all young players, including the finer points of the game. The Flyers know he has loads of talent, but they're expecting more -- they want to see progression in his skating, his strength, consistency, board battles, etc., and doing it against the top prospects in the game will cement his place as a household name in Philadelphia for years to come.
- Elvin Prohaska (AUT): selected 11th overall in 2023
Elvin is a bonafide two way forward and should be a spark plug for the upstart Austrian team. He's not expected to take on a key contribution role, but could play a solid 200-foot game. The hope for him is he gets good experience in the U20s, as he's about to see his best competition yet. He's also graded as one of the strongest Austrian players, but is certainly still raw; it's all about potential and experience for Elvin at this point. Be assured the Flyers will be checking in on him to see his progression throughout the tournament.
- Britt Marson (USA): acquired via trade
Britt may have trouble cracking the USA roster this tournament, but it's great he was named to the squad. Marson may project as a middle 6 forward but is not expected to provide much to this squad this year. However, should he see the ice, it will show the USA and Flyers brass that his game continues to move forward, and that will bode well for his chances of signing a professional contract with the Flyers.
- Valeri Kholodov (RUS): late draft pick
With a talented Russian team, its unknown if Kholodov will see the ice. But, should he see it, it'll be valuable experience for the young blueliner, who appears to be one of the last prospects available to the Flyers in the lower leagues. He has no competition in house, so his camp will be helpful to him on gaining exposure in the U20. At this point, it's all about showing Russia and the Flyers he should be called upon for a significant role in next year's tournament.
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Post by joe (Simmer + CHI) on Feb 13, 2019 16:45:15 GMT
Claude Giroux Foregoes Retirement
"The Captain" has made it official -- he will play his age 36/37 season as his last.
At a joint press conference in Philadelphia, nearly 24 hours removed from a picturesque Stanley Cup parade, GM Joe Papp and Giroux made a joint announcement.
"It's vitally important to have a player like Giroux on this team" said the GM. "I, his teammates, our coaching staff -- nobody can describe in words what it means to have a player like Claude. And this team is poised to make a run again, frankly doing so without Claude is a travesty. He deserves to be here and continue to cement his legacy."
Giroux beamed at the conference, but clearly is already thinking about next season. "I appreciate the kind words, but this is not a selfish decision. I don't care about points, or my legacy, or anything like that. Winning the Cup with the Flyers and being a part of the organization is all I care about. Now that we've won, the only thing that would make me happy is to be a part of another one" the elated captain said. "I'm so excited to be a part of what we're doing here and every guy in that locker room bought in last season. Because of that -- I want to do this again. My body has told me it has a year left and I intend to contribute until the final game."
Still undecided is the future of Jonathan Toews. GM Papp would not comment on his status in this press conference, and refused any questions about any topics other than Giroux's announcement. But it is no secret or surprise that the Flyers have a salary cap issue for next season, even with the known retirement of Wayne Simmonds. He may consider retiring, but the Flyers are also looking for suitors in a trade, and may even be in discussions with his camp on a 1-year deal. The key to all of this playing out is the PTPHL draft, scheduled for this weekend.
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Post by joe (Simmer + CHI) on Feb 26, 2019 16:00:49 GMT
Mediocre Start for the Stanley Cup Champions
New season, same result -- the Flyers have come out of the chute with mediocre play and results to boot. Namely, the problem plaguing them last season is back again, as they've given up more goals than they scored.
"Its tiring to play these pond hockey games" said Captain Claude Giroux, who is no spring chicken at age 36. "They're dangerous because its typically last goal wins, and sometimes that won't be your team" he said poignantly. "We've got to find a way to clean that up or it could be tough sledding down the line."
Assistant Captain Jonathan Toews, also in his final season, echoed the sentiments -- "its like skating downhill and then uphill and switching back and forth. It can be exciting, but tiring. It's up to every man in this locker room to ask himself what he can do better to help prevent the goals. We love scoring them, too, but the hallmark of last year's run was goal prevention" the experienced veteran said.
The Flyers boast three rookies in the lineup -- Pasi Kelander, Jason Ciccarelli, and Tomas Sebranek -- and that can take time to gel. "I don't know if that's the case" commented head coach Fred Shero. "These guys are working hard, but new faces can be challenging both for the team and the player. The NHL is a completely different ballgame; credit the coaching staff at Lehigh (Valley Phantoms) for readying these guys because they've come in, and done everything we've asked for."
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Post by joe (Simmer + CHI) on Mar 1, 2019 4:10:35 GMT
Spotlight ON: The Old Folks Home
When you hear the names Claude Giroux, Anders Lindback, Radko Gudas, Jonathan Toews, and Joe Colborne, what do you think of? Multiple Stanley Cups? Storied careers? Players who have shaped the Flyers history? All true.
What else do they have in common? Seemingly the desire to call it a career at the same time. "Yep, it's time" said Anders Lindback, the team's backup goalie. "The grind has its perks, but I'm ready to spend time with family" he said.
"When you've been doing this as long as we have, the game slows down, but so does your body. At some point it just becomes too much and you realize its time to step away" said the effusive leader, Jonathan Toews. "It sucks, truly, and you never think it will happen to you, but it does. When you are in are your 20s, it's all well and good. But then you hit 30, and this starts to hurt, that starts to hurt, and it all starts to hurt. And then you realize you don't have the same legs as you once did on the ice. It sucks, man" noted the always honest veteran.
"I just want to spend more time with my kids" noted Joe Colborne, who's been in and out of the lineup.
"Same here. Too many flights, bag skates, blocked shots...it just wears on you" chimed Radko Gudas.
At that point, Giroux chimed in: "Maybe we'll all join a shuffleboard league together at the old folks home, eh boys?" quipped the always-aloof captain.
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Post by joe (Simmer + CHI) on Mar 2, 2019 19:15:10 GMT
Spotlight ON: Brandon Brindisi
The Inquirer wrote an article a few seasons back about the emergence of Brandon Brindisi. We might have to do another.
Brandon was projected as a bottom 6 player, and is currently the 4th line center for the Philadelphia Flyers. However, its not hard to fathom him taking over for Jonathan Toews when he retires -- yes, he's been that good.
"That's not a fair comparison" he said, incredulously. "You can't compare anyone to Jon...he's too good and he's been a star in this league. I appreciate people saying it, and I'm working hard to be the best player I can be, but that's incredibly lofty" he said.
At this point, Toews, hearing this interview, chimed in. "He absolutely can be that type of player in this league" piped Toews. "Don't let his current usage and ice time fool you -- we know what he is when he's on the ice every day. He win because a guy like Brandon brings his skill set in his role, and you can't ask for anything more. That's what wins championships..." he said.
True, its difficult to look at his numbers and think he's anything more than a 4th liner -- not a single point this season, which is indicative both of his usage and maybe bad luck, but to consider him a two-way player? That's a stretch.
"I'm telling you, I think he will be. Jon is spot on..." said Head Coach Ray Shero. "I know, you hear that statement and its hard to believe. It goes to show you how deep this team truly is. Brandon is part of the solution here, and we hope he's going to be here beyond this year because he will be an integral part of what we do. Yes, he's playing his role as a bottom six guy now, but trust me, his role will expand. He just needs something to happen above him and that will happen. It's no secret guys are retiring this year, and that means opportunities for other guys to step up and play" the aloof coach commented.
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