The Flyers traveled to Pittsburgh this afternoon for a matchup with the Penguins as they looked to snap a 4 games losing streak. Desperate to stop the losing streak and their slide out of playoff contention the Flyers brought up Jonas Backlund from the Phantoms to get the start in goal. He did pretty good job in the first two periods but reaggravated the groin injury, which kept the Flyers from calling him up sooner, and could not come out for the 3rd period. The Flyer's also had some bad luck with the officials in the first those first 2 periods as well, with a Simon Gagne goal getting disallowed while a Pen's goal that should probably have been disallowed was not, and ended up going into the 3rd period down 2-1. There with Boucher in goal Pittsburgh quickly made it 3-1 and then eventually 4-1 with a later power play goal, to the send the Orange and Black to their 5th straight loss.
Actually the goal by Matt Cooke, that made it 3-1, probably should have been disallowed too, but with ex-Flyer Ruslan Fedotenko scoring that late power play goal, the Flyers would have lost anyway so I guess it doesn't really matter. For the record Aaron Asham scored the only Flyer goal just one minute into the game. Which means the Flyers did actually lead this game 1-0 at one point, but obviously that didn't last long. It's too bad Backlund reinjured himself because now he'll be out for at least 10 days, which means we're pretty much stuck with Boosh for most of the rest of the season. Hopefully he can clean up his act enough to at least get the Orange and Black into the playoffs and then perhaps Micheal Leighton will be back to care of things after that. At this point with the loss the Flyers are down to 8th in the East, but still 2 points ahead of 9th place Atlanta and 4 points ahead of the Rangers. If they are still to make the playoffs they're going to have a win a few at some point.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued spring training today against the Minnesota Twins. Cole Hamels got the start and was roughed up for the 2nd time in as many spring training starts, allowing 5 runs on 7 hits over 6 and 1/3rd innings as the Phils fell 8-4. It' s still only spring training so I don't want to get too alarmed with Cole at this point, but I would say one more start like this and there might be something to worry about.
Friday, March 26, 2010
SIXERS NEWS
After a shocking win over the red hot, Eastern conference #5 seed Milwaukee Bucks in their last game the Sixers looked to make it two shockers in a row as they welcomed the already playoff bound, and Eastern conference #4 seed, Atlanta Hawks to the Wachovia center tonight. For most of the night it was a pretty listless affair with a disinterested Atlanta holding a slim lead. Then late in the 3rd quarter Andre Iguodala slammed a back a rebound off a miss by Jason Kapono, to put the Sixers up 4 and they were off and running. Atlanta did come back to take an 88-87 lead with 6 minutes to play in the 4th, but then Jrue Holiday stole the ball from Josh Smith, and took all the way to the basket before making a perfect dish to Sammy Dalembert for the stuff and an 89-88 lead. The Sixers would never trail again as they used more Hawk turnovers to close out another shocker 105-98, in arguably the best game the Sixers have played all season.
Other than the steals the Sixer's defense was just okay, but they came up with 15 steals in all and they made all the difference, as the Sixers were able to get out and run and attack the basket, the two things they must do to succceed. While steals helped the Sixers greatly tonight, their new look lineup, with Mo Speights at center, and Jason Kapono again starting small forward, with Iggy shifted over to shooting guard. All I have to say is where has this lineup been all year, because it perfect tonight. Elton Brand, had 14 and 6 rebounds, Kapono had drilled 4 treys for 14 pts, and racked up 5 rebounds and 3 steals, Speights had 8 and 4 rebounds, Holiday was fantastic with 12, 13 assists, and 7 steals, Iggy was Iggy with 25, 9 assists, and 10 rebounds, and Sammy Dalembert was great off the bench with 14 and 7 rebounds. Put it all together and you an impressive win over the Hawks, especially considering both Lou Williams and Thad Young sat the night out with injuries. You just wonder how much the better the Sixers could have been this year if they had found this lineup sooner and how exciting things could be in the future if they stick with this lineup. For now anyway, the Sixers move to 26-47 overall, still 12th in the East, and 10 games out of 8th, that is just barely alive in the playoff race for another day at least.
Other than the steals the Sixer's defense was just okay, but they came up with 15 steals in all and they made all the difference, as the Sixers were able to get out and run and attack the basket, the two things they must do to succceed. While steals helped the Sixers greatly tonight, their new look lineup, with Mo Speights at center, and Jason Kapono again starting small forward, with Iggy shifted over to shooting guard. All I have to say is where has this lineup been all year, because it perfect tonight. Elton Brand, had 14 and 6 rebounds, Kapono had drilled 4 treys for 14 pts, and racked up 5 rebounds and 3 steals, Speights had 8 and 4 rebounds, Holiday was fantastic with 12, 13 assists, and 7 steals, Iggy was Iggy with 25, 9 assists, and 10 rebounds, and Sammy Dalembert was great off the bench with 14 and 7 rebounds. Put it all together and you an impressive win over the Hawks, especially considering both Lou Williams and Thad Young sat the night out with injuries. You just wonder how much the better the Sixers could have been this year if they had found this lineup sooner and how exciting things could be in the future if they stick with this lineup. For now anyway, the Sixers move to 26-47 overall, still 12th in the East, and 10 games out of 8th, that is just barely alive in the playoff race for another day at least.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued spring training today against the Yankees. Jamie Moyer got the start and was brilliant tossing 6 and 1/3rd scoreless innings, while allowing 1 hit, striking out 6, and walking none. Best of all the Phils went on to win 3-0. So Moyer is again the front runner for the number 5 spot in the Phils rotation and in fact he may have already locked up the spot with this one.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers welcomed the Minnesota Wild to the Wachovia center tonight, as they looked to snap a 3 game losing streak. Minnesota has been too good this season, so this was a real opportunity for the Orange and Black, to pickup a desperately needed 2 points and bolster their playoff positioning. For the better part of 3 period it looked like the Flyers would do just that, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. The Flyers jumped out to a quick 2 -0 lead just 4 minutes into the 1st period, with goals by Oscars Bartulis and Simon Gagne. Dan Carcillo scored a little over halfway through the 2nd period to make it 3-1 Orange and Black. 6 minutes into the 3rd period it was still 3-1 Flyers and victory appeared imminent. However, the bottom kinda fell out from under the Flyers from that point on. Brian Boucher's level of play dropped and by the time the 3rd period was 13 minutes old Minnesota had rallied all the way back to tie it at 3.
Form there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation so the game ended going into overtime. There, just 2 and a half minutes in Kyle Brodziak broke the Flyer's hearts, scoring for a 4-3 Wild win. This one is tough to swallow as the Flyers really needed it, had it in their grasp, and ultimately let it slip way. Since they lost in overtime the Flyers do still earn at least a point and remain 7th in the Eastern conference, 4 points up on 9th place Atlanta. This was the kind of effort the Flyers will need the rest of the season, but they have got to learn how to finish. Otherwise their season may not last too much longer.
Form there neither team could score for the remainder of regulation so the game ended going into overtime. There, just 2 and a half minutes in Kyle Brodziak broke the Flyer's hearts, scoring for a 4-3 Wild win. This one is tough to swallow as the Flyers really needed it, had it in their grasp, and ultimately let it slip way. Since they lost in overtime the Flyers do still earn at least a point and remain 7th in the Eastern conference, 4 points up on 9th place Atlanta. This was the kind of effort the Flyers will need the rest of the season, but they have got to learn how to finish. Otherwise their season may not last too much longer.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued spring training today against the Houston Astros. Kyle Kendrck and was solid again, allowing just 1 run on 5 and 1/3rd innings, as the Phillies won 8-7. So once Kendrick gets a leg up in the competition for the Phils 5th starter.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
SIXERS NEWS
The Miracle finally happened tonight. The Sixers actually won a game, against a good Eastern conference team, in the Milwaukee Bucks, who came in as the 5th seed in the Eastern conference. Given the Sixer's track record against the top Eastern conference teams this season, there wasn't much hope for them to win tonight. Instead for a change they actually played for it and showed what they're capable of doing when they actually care. They shot 54% from the field with 6 Sixers scoring in double figrues, on a superb night for the Sixer scorers, led by Wille Green and his 16. Thanks to the hot shooting the Sixers were able jump out to a 5 point lead after the 1st quarter, a 13 point lead at half, and an 18 point lead, heading into the 4th quarter. There the Bucks were able to make a final push but the Sixers held them off for a surprising 101-86 win.
for their part the Bucks didn't play that poorly, but they shot just 40% from the field compared to the Sixers 50%, hit just 5 treys, the Sixers actually had more with 6, and were outrebounded by the Sixers 43-37. Basically they played down to the Sixers like the most of top teams in the NBA have against the Sixers this season, but simply weren't good enough to pull it off. Losing games like this that you should win is just one of those things that happens to young teams like Milwaukee, and the Sixers know that all too well by now. While Willie Green was there leading scorer tonight, the Sixers top performer on the night was Sammy Dalembert who tallied another 12 and 10 rebounds on the night. Jrue Holliday was pretty impressive too with 15 and 7 assists, but all in all it was a total team effort for the Sixers tonight and the best they've put forth in some time. So now the Sixers move to 25-47 overall, still good enough for 12th in the East, currently 11 games out of 8th.
for their part the Bucks didn't play that poorly, but they shot just 40% from the field compared to the Sixers 50%, hit just 5 treys, the Sixers actually had more with 6, and were outrebounded by the Sixers 43-37. Basically they played down to the Sixers like the most of top teams in the NBA have against the Sixers this season, but simply weren't good enough to pull it off. Losing games like this that you should win is just one of those things that happens to young teams like Milwaukee, and the Sixers know that all too well by now. While Willie Green was there leading scorer tonight, the Sixers top performer on the night was Sammy Dalembert who tallied another 12 and 10 rebounds on the night. Jrue Holliday was pretty impressive too with 15 and 7 assists, but all in all it was a total team effort for the Sixers tonight and the best they've put forth in some time. So now the Sixers move to 25-47 overall, still good enough for 12th in the East, currently 11 games out of 8th.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued spring training today against the Atlanta Braves. J.A Happ got the start and was roughed up a bit, allowing 4 runs on 6 hits, over 5 innings. Meanwhile, Tim Hudson tossed 6 scoreless innings for Atlanta, allowing just 3 hits, as the Braves blanked the Phils 8-0. Again it is only spring training so there is no need to worry to much, but it seems it will be very scary facing the Braves this season, particularly when Hudson is on the mound.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers traveled Ottawa tonight for a key matchup with the Senators, as they looked to snap a 2 game losing streak. Ottawa came into tonight 5th in the Eastern conference, just 2 points ahead of the Flyers. So a win for the Orange and Black in this one could have meant a jump for them from 6th in the East back up to 5th in the East. Unfortunately for the 3rd straight night it just wasn't to be for the Flyers. They played fairly good defense in holding the Sens to just 26 shots on goal and killing off all 7 of their power play opportunities. Brian Boucher was also okay saving 24 of the 26 shots he faced to keep the Orange and Black firmly in it most of the night. Unfortunately, with no Jeff Carter and still a lack of energy in the lineup, the Flyer's couldn't get anything going offensively. They too had just 26 shots on goal and they too had several opportunities to score, with 7 power play chances. In the end though they just couldn't finish off any of their opportunities and it cost them.
Brian Elliot wound up a pitching bag left in a shutout for the Sens, saving all 26 shots he faced. Meanwhile Daniel Alfreddson and Chis Kelly to put Ottawa up 2-0, a lead they would never relinquish en route to the win. So it was another disheartening for the Orange and Black and they desperately need to rebound in their next game or they're chances of making the playoffs could very well completely go up in smoke. For now even with the loss, the Flyers remain 6th in the East, now 4 points out of 5th and just 4 points clear of 9th Atlanta. It is going to be a tough and interesting final week or so of the regular season for the Flyers and you just hope they're still standng at the end of it.
Brian Elliot wound up a pitching bag left in a shutout for the Sens, saving all 26 shots he faced. Meanwhile Daniel Alfreddson and Chis Kelly to put Ottawa up 2-0, a lead they would never relinquish en route to the win. So it was another disheartening for the Orange and Black and they desperately need to rebound in their next game or they're chances of making the playoffs could very well completely go up in smoke. For now even with the loss, the Flyers remain 6th in the East, now 4 points out of 5th and just 4 points clear of 9th Atlanta. It is going to be a tough and interesting final week or so of the regular season for the Flyers and you just hope they're still standng at the end of it.
EAGLES NEWS
The New Orleans Saints finally confirmed today that they will not match the Eagles offer to free agent RB Mike Bell, which means he will be signing with the Birds after all. In his career, when he has played Bell has been a strong RB, good at following his blockers and breaking tackles. He's also a veteran presence in the what would have been a very young backfield for the Birds, with 2nd year man Lesean McCoy leading the way. Now at least he has the veteran Bell to learn from. Speaking of signings the Birds also locked LB Akeem Jordan the other day for 1 year at $1.684 million.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued spring training today against the Tampa Rays. Joe Blanton got the start and was solid allowing just 2 runs over 5 and 1/3rd innings. Meanwhile, Ryan Howard slammed 2 solo homers and Jimmy Rollins collected a couple of hits as the Phils rallied to win 4-3.
Monday, March 22, 2010
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers welcomed Dwight "Superman" Howard and the Orlando Magic to the Wachovia center tonight, as they looked to, oh who am I kidding, continue throwing away the rest of their season. In a game pitting two teams heading in opposite directions you wouldn't expect it to be much of a contest. As they have done all season against the NBA's best, the Sixers brought out close to their best in this one, and incredibly managed to hang in there for 3 quarters. They trailed by only 4 after the 1st quarter, 9 at the half, and just 10 heading into the 4th quarter. There Orlando finally pulled away for an easy 16 point, 109-93 win. As usual it was the 3 pointer that killed the Sixers in this one. Orlando shot 51% from beyond the arc and drilled 16 of them, plus Howard was dominant inside with 23 and 15 rebounds, basically everything you don't want to see happen when you're playing the magic. Moreover, the Sixers again failed to attack the basket, not they could have with Howard standing in the middle anyway, and instead attempted to out magic the magic, pounding it inside to Elton Brand and Sammy Dalembert either for an easy basket or a kick out for an open three.
It almost worked as Eddie Jordan was finally smart enough to bring his best 3 point shooter, Jason Kapono, off the bench. In fact Kapono started at small forward for the first time all season, and hit two treys, as the Sixers shot a respectable 42% from the beyond the arc, with 6 treys all together. In the end though, they simply didn't have the firepower to stay with the Magic. They also really didn't make much of an effort to stop the Magic, who as mentioned shot 51% from beyond the arc, and 52% from the field and even 70% from the free throw line, with 30 attempts. Basically Orlando got to do whatever it wanted on offense tonight. The Sixers for their part got impressive performances out of Sammy with 16 and 14 rebounds, Andre Iguodala with 23 , 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Brand with 23, but none of it was ever going to be enough to knock off the Magic tonight and I am not sure they really wanted to win anyway. With the loss they drop to 24-47 overall now, still good enough for 12th in the East, but now 12 games out of 8th.
It almost worked as Eddie Jordan was finally smart enough to bring his best 3 point shooter, Jason Kapono, off the bench. In fact Kapono started at small forward for the first time all season, and hit two treys, as the Sixers shot a respectable 42% from the beyond the arc, with 6 treys all together. In the end though, they simply didn't have the firepower to stay with the Magic. They also really didn't make much of an effort to stop the Magic, who as mentioned shot 51% from beyond the arc, and 52% from the field and even 70% from the free throw line, with 30 attempts. Basically Orlando got to do whatever it wanted on offense tonight. The Sixers for their part got impressive performances out of Sammy with 16 and 14 rebounds, Andre Iguodala with 23 , 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, and Brand with 23, but none of it was ever going to be enough to knock off the Magic tonight and I am not sure they really wanted to win anyway. With the loss they drop to 24-47 overall now, still good enough for 12th in the East, but now 12 games out of 8th.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils continued spring training today against the New York Yankees. Cole Hamels got the start and was roughed up allowing 7 runs over 4 innings. Incredibly that didn't cost the Phils the game as Wilson Valdez slammed a game winning 2 run homer in the 9th inning, for a 9-7 win. Hamels says he was just working on some things and is not worried. Considering it is still pretty early in the spring that's good enough for me.
FLYERS NEWS
There was more bad news for the Flyers today as they learned that Jeff Carter is out for the next 3 to 4 weeks with a fractured foot. Considering he was their leading scorer, on a team that has struggled to score at times this season, losing him could be a huge blow to the Flyers chances of wrapping up a playoff spot in the next couple of weeks and frankly getting anywhere if they were to get to the playoffs. On other hand this could be the wake up call the Flyer's needed to get them going down the stretch and make a final push into the playoffs. Only time will tell.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers welcomed the Atlanta Thrashers to the Wachovia center tonight to complete the 2nd half of a home and home with them, as they looked to snap a 2 game losing streak and avoid an Atlanta sweep of the season series between the two teams. While the Orange and Black did put up a much better effort on this night, allowing just 31 shots on goal, while littering the Atlanta goal with 45 shots, it made little difference. Once again the Thrashers jumped out to a quick lead, this time 2-0 just 11 minutes into the game. With 8 minutes to play in the 3rd period Mike Richards finally got the Flyer's on the board, cutting it to 2-1 and briefly restoring hope for an Orange and Black victory. That hope was dashed just 5 minutes later when Rich Pevereley scored to make it 3-1 Atlanta and put the Flyers away for good.
While it was poor defense that doomed the Flyers last night, tonight it was poor play Brian Boucher that killed. As mentioned the Flyer's defense did a decent job holding the quick Thrashers to just 31 shots on goal and killing off all 3 of their power play opportunities. Unfortunately, Boucher failed to handle a couple of pucks he should have been able to, while Atlanta's Ondrej Pavelec, made all the saves he had to, 44 in all, and carried his Thrashers to the 3-1 win. The Flyers also failed to really take advantage of all the scoring opportunities they had, including 3 listless powerplays. Put it all together you've got the Flyer's 3rd straight loss and now a big problem for the Orange and Black. With the loss the Flyers drop to 6th in the Eastern conference, now just 4 games ahead of the 9th place Thrashers, and suddenly are now in danger of the missing the playoffs completely if they don't turn things around and fast. He's hoping they do turn it around again before it's too late or we'll have nothing to watch next month.
While it was poor defense that doomed the Flyers last night, tonight it was poor play Brian Boucher that killed. As mentioned the Flyer's defense did a decent job holding the quick Thrashers to just 31 shots on goal and killing off all 3 of their power play opportunities. Unfortunately, Boucher failed to handle a couple of pucks he should have been able to, while Atlanta's Ondrej Pavelec, made all the saves he had to, 44 in all, and carried his Thrashers to the 3-1 win. The Flyers also failed to really take advantage of all the scoring opportunities they had, including 3 listless powerplays. Put it all together you've got the Flyer's 3rd straight loss and now a big problem for the Orange and Black. With the loss the Flyers drop to 6th in the Eastern conference, now just 4 games ahead of the 9th place Thrashers, and suddenly are now in danger of the missing the playoffs completely if they don't turn things around and fast. He's hoping they do turn it around again before it's too late or we'll have nothing to watch next month.
PHILLIES NEWS
After a bit of rain delay the Phils continued spring training today against the Orioles. Jamie Moyer got the start, his first official spring training start(the rest were in 'B' games), and was solid, allowing just 1 run over 5 innings, while striking out 6 and walking none. Unfortunately the Phils struggled to score once again and lost 5-4. At any rate thought it was an important performance for Moyer which probably put him back in front in the contest for the Phils #5 starting spot.
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