In Part 1 of this series I covered some of the more realistic Unrestricted Free Agent options for the Flyers in their quest to acquire a starting goaltender. In addition to the Unrestricted Free Agent options, there are several viable Restricted Free Agent options. The benefit of restricted free agents is that they are all young…that is, after all, why they are restricted free agents. They are often times coming off their entry level contracts, and just haven’t played enough seasons to be eligible for unrestricted free agency. The bad part about restricted free agency is that, depending on how much the player is signed for, the team is required to pay some sort of draft pick compensation.

Continue reading "Goaltender Options for the Flyers - Part 2"

Continue reading "Bogosian Proving Worth"

Needless to say, the back-to-back victories are a much-needed confidence boost for the Thrashers, especially considering the competition they will be facing when they return home next week: the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes. In the meantime, though, the Thrashers will be facing off against the Phoenix Coyotes and the San Jose Sharks before heading home. The Coyotes are the first up, with a game this Thursday.

One of the biggest questions lately is "Who's going to be in the net?" Goaltender and perennial fan-favorite Kari Lehtonen has been hit-or-miss in his performances lately. Still, coach John Anderson has been favoring the young player over Johan "Moose" Hedberg. Despite the win at Anaheim with Lehtonen in goal, though, Hedberg took over goaltending duties against the Kings. Lehtonen let four shots get past him at Anaheim, while Hedber's total at L.A. was three. The team hasn't announced who will stand in the net for the next game, but it's looking like Anderson isn't afraid to change things up in his effort to build a winning team.

Continue reading "Atlanta Thrashers West Coast Victories"

What's that? This isn't the Thrashers Addicts Anonymous meeting? Whoops, sorry. 

At any rate, I wanted to introduce myself since I'm a new presence here. I'm a writer and editor by trade, but I'm also a huge fan of the Atlanta Thrashers. I've been steadily delving deeper into hockey fandom over the past few years, and I went from "hockey novice" to "hooked" in a short span of time. I live in Atlanta, just a few miles from Phillips Arena, so it's no surprise that I can often be found at home games, cheering until I'm hoarse.

Unfortuantely, one of the players I haven't been able to cheer for lately is Jim Slater. He's my favorite Thrasher, but he got a shoulder injury after taking a hard hit into the boards several weeks ago. The latest word from the team is... well, there is no word, really. They haven't yet announced when they expect Slater to return to the ice. There have been some rumors swirling about his recovery time, but it looks like the guys who are really in the know are keeping mum about it, for now. You can believe that I'll be posting any news about Slater's return as soon as its announced!

Continue reading "Atlanta Thrashers Introduction and Injury"

 Nittymaki came to the rescue on Saturday in Boston, inheriting a 0-3 deficit from Biron after one period, and steering the Flyers to a 4-3 overtime win.  He then continued his dominance over Atlanta on Sunday, posting a 3-2 win.  He will claim his throne between the pipes tonight against the Ottawa Senators.

Biron came down with a flu in December, missing almost two weeks, and has struggled since.  His lackluster play is easily attributable to his lack of consistent playing time.  But Stevens could no longer ignore the strong, consistent play of Nittymaki.  

Continue reading "Nittymaki Gets the Nod"

The Thrashers had two goals disallowed in the second period.  The first, which bounced of Hawks goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin then a  Hawks defender before crossing the line, was waived off because the referee had blow the play dead with a whistle.  The second goal was negated when Kovalchuk rifled a rebound past Khabibulin as time ran out on the period, but replays clearly showed time expiring before the goal entered the net.

Continue reading "Blackhawks Trip up Thrasher 3-1 February 11 2009"

Continue reading "Blackhawks in Atlanta 21109"

Philadelphia turned an amazing come back in Boston into a 2-0 weekend road trip.  But the Flyers should consider themselves lucky.  They fell back into their old habits Sunday, taking way too many penalties that helped the Thrashers back into the game.  Atlanta turned three third period penalties into two goals, keeping Flyers' fans on the edge of their seats until the final horn sounded.

Carter continued his season-long hot streak, having a hand in all three Flyers goals.  Nittymaki continued his dominance over Atlanta, sending some analysts into goalie controversy conversations.

Continue reading "Still Lucky"

A little luck is always nice, but it really can be attributed to Philadelphia doing all the little things.  The Flyers skated hard and played physical, and they threw the puck at the net at every opportunity.  The most important improvement can be seen in the special teams game.  The Fly Boys took just three penalties, compared with Boston's six.  This paid off, as the Flyers netted two power play goals. 

The Flyers hope this will be the momentum builder that snaps them out of a post-all star game funk.  They move to 2-3 since the break, and will face the Thrashers tomorrow in Atlanta before a string of games at the Wachovia Center. 

Continue reading "Flyers Finally Get a Lucky Bounce"

Continue reading "Tkachuk Trade Talk Again"