Monthly Archives: February 2013
Sixers Cheat Sheet 2/20 – 2/27 (Starting off on the wrong foot)
That look about sums it up.
No, your eyes have not deceived you. Just as we run a Flyers Cheat Sheet, we’ll now be doing a Sixers Cheat Sheet throughout the rest of the season! Enjoy!
The Sixers went into the All-Star Break with a record of 22-29, a two game losing streak, and an outside view of the playoffs. So, with Bynum allegedly returning after the break, would the Sixers be able to get it together?
The answer so far is no.
The Sixers went 0-4 against Minnesota, Miami, New York, and Orlando and fell to a 22-33 record while Bynum still rehabs his ailing knees.
Much much more after the break: Read the rest of this entry
Gagne Style
Simon came home.
The Flyers announced today that they have traded a conditional draft pick for winger Simon Gagne, who returns to the team after stints with the Lightning and defending-champion L.A. Kings.
Although fans are sure to embrace Gagne immediately upon his return, it’s left to be determined how he will affect the makeup of the team. The seven-time 20+ goal scorer is averaging a career low 13:46 of ice time per game this season, 1:46 of which was with a man advantage. According to behindthenet.ca, Gagne has also been sheltered by match-ups this season. His shifts have started in the offensive zone 62% of the time at even strength, often against one of the opponent’s weaker lines. On the season he’s tallied 0 goals and 5 assists in 11 appearances. Read the rest of this entry
Eagles Begin Remolding Early; Release Two
Get the flock out!
It was assumed that the Eagles would be reshaping the roster and making some moves. However, the emphasis is on the wrong guy.
Amidst rumors of Nnamdi Asomugha being told to take a pay cut or be released, it’s being reported that the Eagles have released both Mike Patterson and Cullen Jenkins.
Mike Patterson, who was the first round draft pick of the Eagles in 2005, has been a quality starter since 2006. However, he is most likely a casualty of the new defensive system in addition to his salary cap hit. As a smaller, non-pass rushing DT Patterson is more equipped to fit in a 4-3 scheme and will likely be a target for the Chiefs.
Flyers Cheat Sheet: 2/17 – 2/24
After finishing a six game road trip, the Flyers hunkered down for the beginning of a five game home stand. They went 3-1 over the last week against the Islanders, Penguins, Panthers, and Jets, which makes them 9-10-1 for the year. As a result, the Flyers are now eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Storylines:
- The Flyers/Penguins game gave fans everything they wanted in the feisty 6-5 win.
- Scott Hartnell returned to the line-up against Winnipeg and played just under 15 minutes.
- Bryzgalov was pulled in the Panthers game after giving up four goals on 15 shots. He also admitted that being tired may have played a role. Read the rest of this entry
Around the Cooler 02/22/13 – Weekly Podcast
Here’s what we’re talking about:
The trade deadline: “What the $%@#, Sixers?!” (0:00)
Trades the Sixers should have made (18:00)
Flyers talk: Who’s performing? (25:00)
The Eagles at the Combine: What’s the best strategy? (39:00)
Play:
Right Click for Download: Around the Cooler 02/22/13
What are you talking about around the water cooler this week? Leave us a comment!
Don’t Believe the Combine Hype
It is undeniable that the combine has become another sideshow in the NFL circus.
Thousands will tune in over the next week to gawk over the greatness of 40 yard dash times and bench press reps of college players from around the country. Based on their performance, some players will be heralded as superstars and others will be considered table scraps.
This, however, is garbage. The combine is now a media fueled hype-machine that has become totally blown out of proportion. It needs to be taken down a notch, or twenty.
Around the Cooler 02/19/13 – Discussion: NBA and NFL draft eligibility rules (are garbage)
Freshman C Nerlens Noel grimaces in pain after tearing his ACL on Feb. 12, 2013. Noel could have been a top pick in last year’s NBA draft if the current rules did not limit his eligibility
Did the NBA’s eligibility rules cost Nerlens Noel his shot at being the #1 overall pick? Should Jadeveon Clowney be playing in the NFL this year? In response to an excellent article by ESPN’s Tim Keown, Ransom and Hank discuss whether the NCAA’s amateur athlete designation and the rules that accompany it are fair, or even based in reality.
Play:
Right Click for Download: Around the Cooler 02/19/13
What are you talking about around the water cooler this week? Leave us a comment!
Flyers Cheat Sheet: 2/10 – 2/16
This week the Flyers headed to Canada to begin a six game stretch on the road. At this point, they’re tapping their ruby red slippers and dreaming of home. The Flyers have lost three of their four contests thus far and still have to play the Islanders and Penguins away from Philadelphia. The Flyers now stand at 6-9-1, which is good for 12th in the conference.
Storylines:
- Ilya Bryzgalov was pulled in the middle of the second period against Toronto. Brian Boucher entered the game for his first minutes as a Flyer this year.
- Sean Coutourier missed the games against Toronto and Winnipeg with a case of the flu. He returned to limited action against New Jersey.
- Harry Zolniercyzk was called up from the AHL to replace Coutourier while he recovered. He is yet to be sent back to the Phantoms, despite Coutourier’s return.
- Eric Gustafsson has replaced Andreas Lilja on the Flyers active roster.
- The Devils continue to own the Flyers. They have beaten the orange and black six straight times and won 5-3 this week.
Read the rest of this entry
As Expected, Eagles Sign Dixon
The Eagles signed quarterback Dennis Dixon to a two year contract yesterday. Dixon, who is former Heisman finalist under Chip Kelly, will likely compete for the back-up position.
Dixon has started three games in five seasons. He threw for one touchdown and two interceptions in those starts.
The move is simple and practical. Dixon gets the opportunity to compete for a back-up role in a familiar system. Kelly gains a veteran who can help teach his system to the other quarterbacks and doesn’t make any real cap hit. Everyone wins.
What are the Odds?
This week we are proud to announce our new partnership with our friends over at 3D Philly Sports, who will be chatting with us from time to time. You should check them out over at www.3DPhillySports.com and on Facebook.
So, with the Flyers’ season under way, we decided to ask them some questions about the orange and black. Here’s what Dan Schmidt of 3D had to say:
What are the odds…
That Bryzgalov is top 5 goalie?
Bryz is playing phenomenal. His save pct looks merely above average at .912, but that’s mostly due to a horrendous penalty kill where a lot of the goals aren’t his fault. However, the defense in front of him isn’t very strong and that’s likely to keep his numbers down. He’s been the Flyers best player, but traditional goalie stats are dependent on team defense, and this Flyers team doesn’t appear to be upper echelon in anything.
Odds: 35%
Catch the rest of the odds after the break… Read the rest of this entry
