The Flyers loss to the Islanders last night, their 4th in a row, followed the recent pattern of too many turnovers. In a week’s time, they have fallen from 2nd in the East to 6th, and will soon be on the outside looking in if this current trend continues. Some of the turnovers in last night’s game were just appalling for a team that considers itself a contender. This is nothing that can’t be fixed, though. We’ll see what coach John Stevens has planned to fix the current problems.
Briere needs to step up
Danny Briere’s first period goal last night was his first in 9 games. Briere still finished the night -2, again highlighting his continuing struggles at even strength. The year-long concussions of assumed running mate Simon Gagne are certainly a factor in his lack of productivity, but this team has plenty of capable line-mates for a player of his skill. Briere appears to be a player with fragile confidence; not exactly what was bargained for when he was signed to an 8-year contract. One way or another, he has to find his way out of this funk, because the Flyers need him, and right now he is little more that a $9 Million Power Play Specialist.
Not Again
Simon Gagne suffered his 3rd concussion of the season on Sunday, raising doubts about both his immediate and long-term future. Flyer fans have been down this road before with both Eric Lindros and Keith Primeau, and neither of those stories had a happy ending. Gagne is an elite 2-way forward just entering his prime. Let’s hope he can one day skate symptom free and be the aggressive player he needs to be.
Don’t look now…..
But the Sixers are just a ½ game out of the 8th playoff spot in the East (never mind the fact that the East has only 5 teams over .500). One school of thought is that the Sixers should be losing in order to get a higher draft pick. That didn’t work to well for the Celtics and Grizzlies last season, did it? I think making the playoffs would be a good thing for this reason: Most of the teams in the race with them are underachievers, while the Sixers are getting the most out of what they have (which ain’t much). A playoff berth for the Sixers would be the first step back to respectability. If this young, inexperienced team can get to the playoffs, then maybe they are just a player or two away from taking the next step.
Tired of Roger
Embattled alleged juicer Roger Clemens finally testifies before congress today. Thank God! I’m so tired of hearing, reading, and watching the daily soap opera surrounding his alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs. I know that ‘innocent until proven guilty” gets thrown out the window when it comes to steroids, and that is wrong. However, the mounting evidence, along with Clemens’ transparent congressional charm offensive last week, sure point to his guilt. If he was truly innocent, he would just let the facts speak for themselves. But Clemens’ arrogance has him believing that he can convince both the public (his press conference, complete with inconclusive taped phone conversation) and the government (meeting with many of his questioners in advance of the hearing) to look away from the facts. Both he and his big-mouthed lawyer need to stop talking, before Clemens ends up in jail.
Bring on the Spring
1 day until pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Opening day can’t get here soon enough.