| Mike Santa Barbara. 16th October, 2008 - 2:39 pm
 The Flyers entered the 2008-09 campaign with a lot of promise, and so far have delivered only 1 point in three games. Three losses, one being in overtime, the Flyers have dug themselves an early hole. However, it is not time to panic, not yet anyway.
If you look back at all three games the Flyers played only 2 ½ bad periods. And let’s not forget their opponents, the Rangers, Canadiens and Penguins, none of which are anything to turn your nose up at.
The Rangers had already played three games including a two game sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning in Prague. You can’t underestimate the team bonding going on during a trip like that across the pond. The Rangers looked to be in mid-season form while the Flyers were playing their first minutes of “real” and “meaningful” hockey. Take away the dreadful first period and the Flyers probably win that game, even with the first period the Flyers had chances to tie and perhaps win that game.
As for the Habs, they had already played two games. Giving up a lead in the third period isn’t exactly what you want to see but it happens to everyone especially in an 82 game season. Other then that it was a pretty even match up the Flyers were just unable to match some of the speed and intensity of the Canadiens.
The Penguins, the defending Eastern Conference Champions, played their usual style of hockey. A style that gives the Flyers fits, after falling down 2-0 the Flyers crawled back scoring twice, both goals coming 21 seconds apart. They were physical, and showed a lot of heart and intensity. The Pens scoring with only around 10 seconds left in overtime was a tough pill to swallow. However, the Flyers were changing lines, and overtime is 4 on 4.
And remember they were also away which means it’s a long line change. And on top of that, Nittymaki should have made the save and he’d probably tell you the same. He makes that save you go to a shoot-out and who knows what happens.
Also what seems to be lost in sports when it comes to cheering for a “home” team is the “other” team is trying to win too. Sometimes you have to give them a little credit. The Rangers, Canadiens and Penguins are all outstanding teams, and all three of them will make the playoffs. And you’d be hard pressed to find three better teams in the East right now in my mind.
Once the Flyers get their defensive pairings situated they should be fine. Remember they not only have an 18 year old rookie back there but they have a lot of guys logging a lot more ice time then they are use too. There is an adjustment period, on the bright side the Flyers were in positions to win all three games. The hope now is that during the rest of the season they learn how to win these types of games. So now is not the time to panic, it is still very early. |
