Sunday, February 10, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
After dropping a tough one to the Rangers yesterday, the Flyers had to turn right around and head to Pittsburgh today to faceoff against the Penguins. Considering the Pens are currently without Sidney Crosby there was a good chance the Flyers would win and get back on track. Unfortunately, someone forgot to tell that to the Pens. Marty Biron got the start in goal again and although he didn't have his best game he kept the Flyers in it until the end. In the first period of play R.J umberger scored about midway through for a 1-0 Flyers lead. Late in the period Petr Sykora scored on the power play to tie it up at one a piece. In the second period of play Sergei Gonchar scored early and Evgeni Malkin scored late for a 3-1 Pens lead. In th 3rd period of play R.J Umberger scored his second goal of night early in the period to cut the lead to 3-2. Kris Letang answered for Pittsburgh midway through the period for a 4-2 Pens lead. Finally, Scott Hartnell scored with just over 30 seconds to play to cut the lead to 4-3. From there with so little time to play the Flyers could not get the equalizer and succumbed to Pittsburgh 4-3. So the Flyers drop to 30-20-5 overall, but remain in 3rd place in the Atlantic division.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued their so far successful homestand tonight, welcoming the struggling L.A Clippers to the Wachovia center. Coming into tonight the Sixers had won two in a row and were well on their way to catching the Nets for that coveted final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, okay so it's a little early to be talking playoffs, but why not. It's just ridiculous that the Sixers, who came in 10 games under .500 are still in it. Anyway, the Sixers continued right on that path toward catching the Nets tonight. Offensively, five Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Miller, Willie Green, Andre Iguodala, Samuel Dalembert, Louis Williams) with sweet Lou's 18 leading the way. Defensively, it was a team effort and a pretty good one as the Sixers out rebounded the Clips 41-30, and held them to just 40% shooting from the field. Through the first period of play, the Sixers eked out to a 4 point lead, with the score 29-25. By the half that lead had exlpoded to 19, with the score 59-40. In the 3rd quarter the Clips attempted to cut into the Sixers lead, but the Sixers still led by 16 heading into the 4th quarter, with the score 82-66. In the 4th quarter the Sixers continued to run away with it and won easily 101-80. So the Sixers improve to 21-30 overall, but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division, still just ,5 games behind those Nets.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers welcomed the New York stinkin Rangers to the Wachovia center this afternoon for a matinee. Marty Biron got the start and goal and delivered a dazzling performance saving 31 of the 33 shots he faced. Unfortunately, Ranger's goalie Steve Valiquette who shutout the Flyers these two teams met was just a tick better, as he shutout the Flyers for time in a row. I don't what it is about him, but for whatever reason the Flyers just can't seem to score on Valiquette. In the first period of play, Nigel Dawes scored on the power play late in the period for a 1-0 Rangers lead. In the 2nd period, Scott Gomez scored early in the period for a 2-0 Rangers lead. Finally ,the 3rd period of play was scoreless as the Rangers closed out their 2-0 win. So another with Valiquette in a goal and another scoreless contest of wonderment for the Flyers as they drop to 30-19-5 overall and into 3rd place in the Atlantic division, just 2 points out of first.
Friday, February 08, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
There is good news and there is bad news. First the good news. Tomorrow when the Flyers faceoff against the Rangers, they will once again have the services of Joffrey Lupul. Lupul has been on injured reserve since January 5 with a spinal contusion suffered in a big collision with teammate Derian Hatcher. It's not as if the Flyers potent offense has missed him lately, but he can only aid their cause. Now the bad news. In their last game, a tough loss to the Washington Capitals, Scottie Upshall went down with a sprained ankle. So while Lupul returns to the lineup, Upshall goes on injured reserve for apparently 7 to 10 days. Still the addition of lupul, if he really is healthly, should balance the loss of Upshall, so I think the Flyers will be just fine and continue to stay hot.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After a satisfying win over the Washington Wizards in their last game, the Sixers welcomed the newly deShaqified Miami Heat to the Wachovia Center. Having won only 9 games this season and without the services of one Shaquille O'neal, the Heat figured to be easy pickings for the Sixers, but to their credit they did make a game out of it early on, but yet anothe 4th quarter surge allowed the Sixers to pull away and win easily. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Willie Green, Thaddues Young, Andre Miller) with Iggy's 25 leading the way. Defensively, Reggie Evans led the way with 14 rebounds, as the Sixers owned the boards 48-38 and held Miami to under 40% shooting from the field. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers jumped out a six point lead, with the score 30-24. In the 2nd quarter, the Heat cut into the Sixer lead, and by the half it was only a 4 point game, with the score 54-50. In the 3rd quarter Miami briefly pushed a head with 16-2 run, but then the Sixers came up with a late run of their own and went back ahead 75-72. Finally, the 4th quarter belonged to the Sixers as they outscored Miami 26-12, to win easily 101-84. So the Sixers improve to 20-30, but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division, just .5 games behind the Nets.
EAGLES NEWS
Most pundits who follow the Eagles as much as I do, would have told you if you asked them that L.J Smith would not be returning to the Eagles next season. After today that may not be so, as the Eagles slapped the franchise tag on Smith. That means that it will be tough for anyone other than the Eagles to sign him this offseason. Although teams can still send him offers the Eagles will now have 7 weeks to match them, and even if another team were to sign Smith, that team would have to send two first round draft picks to the Eagles. Thus, Smith might just be an Eagle next season after all.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Orange and Black have been exceptionally hot lately but tonight they ran into the even hotter Washington Capitals and ubertalent Alexander Ovechkin, arguably the NHL's best player at the present moment. The Flyers continued to flip flop their goalies as Marty Biron got the start in goal tonight, but unfortunately after two solid periods he and the defense had a terrible 3rd period, helping to contribute to the Flyer's demise. The first period of play was scoreless. Early in the second period Brooks Laich put the Caps up 1-0. Mike Knuble scored yet another Flyer's power play goal to knot it at one late in the period. In the third period Washington quickly jumped out to a 4-1 lead with early goals from Matt Bradley, Viktor Kozlov and Ovechkin, and for a fleeting moment all hope seemed lost for the Flyers. Still, the Flyers have been extra resilient lately and you had to believe they could still pull it out. Thus, late in the period the Flyers came up with one final rally. With just over 6 minutes to play Sami Kapanen cut the lead to 4-2. Then with just under a minute to play Randy Jones scored on the power play to cut the lead to 4-3. The Flyers now had 54 seconds to tie it up, and they had a few good chances to do so, but they just couldn't quite get the puck in the net one more time and succumbed to the Caps 4-3. So the Flyers drop to 30-18-5 overall, but since New Jersey also lost tonight, they remain in first place in the Atlantic division by a point.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers stayed hot tonight in Atlanta with yet another well deserved victory. Antero Niittymaki got the start in goal tonight and saved 23 of the 25 shots he faced to help push the Orange and Black to victory. In the first period of play, Mike Knuble scored early for a 1-0 Flyers lead. Midway through the second period Ilya Kovalchuk answered for the Thrashers to tie it at 1. One minute later, Mike Richards scored on the power play for a 2-1 Flyers lead. Finally late in the period, Ed Boulton tied it at 2 for the Thrashers. Last but certainly not least, Steve Downie scored late in third period to put the Flyers up for good 3-2. Not surprisingly that's how it ended with a 3-2 Flyers win. So the Flyers improve to 30-17-5 overall and retain sole possession of first place in the Atlantic division. Additionally, the Orange and Black moves up to second in the Eastern conference, just three points behind the Ottawa Senators for first. Considering they finished dead last in the conference and the NHL for that matter, last season, catching the Senators by season's end would be quite an accomplishment for the Flyers and now it is well within reach.
SIXERS NEWS
After a tough loss in Atlanta last night the Sixers returned home tonight to face the floundering Washington Wizards, losers of their last 3 games coming into tonight, and yet somehow still in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, as they sat in 6th place. The Sixers meanwhile, continue to be on the outside looking in and needed a win tonight to keep in touch with the 8th place New Jersey Nets. Thanks to some 4th quarter determination, the Sixers were able to do just that. Offensively, five Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Miller, Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala, Louis Williams, Rodney Carney) with Iggy's 20 leading the way. Defensively, it was a team effort and a good one as they held Washington to just 43.8% shooting the from the field and forced them into 19 turnovers, 11 of them steals, which came especially handy in the aforementioned 4th quarter. In the first quarter of play the Wizards eeked out to a two point lead, with the score 25-23. In the second quarter, the Wizards pushed their lead to seven, with the score 56-49. In the 3rd quarter Washington continued to front run, pushing their lead to ten, with the score 83-73. In the 4th quarter Washington pushed their lead as high as twelve. Then the Sixers suddenly came to life, scoring 12 unanswered points before taking a two point lead with just over 4 minutes to play and the score 92-90. From there the Sixers continued their late rally until they had hung on to win 101-96. So the Sixers improve to 19-30 overall and remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division, just 1.5 games behind the Nets.
Monday, February 04, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers were back on the road again tonight in Atlanta against the resurgent Hawks. Early on all signs pointed to another dominating Sixer victory, as they jumped out to a 20 point lead, but from the second quarter on it slowly slipped away, until they had lost again. Oh woe is me. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Thaddeus Young) with Iggy's 22 leading the way. Defensively, the night belonged to Samuel Dalembert with 13 rebounds and 5 blocks as the Sixers out rebounded Atlanta 42-38. In the end though, the two teams were so evenly matched that it really didn't matter. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers jumped out to a commanding 20 point lead, and still lead by 18 heading into the second quarter, with the score 32-14. Atlanta turned things around in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 6 by the half, with the score 50-44. Thus heading into the third quarter, it was a whole new ball game and the Hawks took advantage of it and eeked out to a 2 point lead, with the score 72-70 heading into the 4th quarter. Finally in the 4th quarter, Atlanta kept it's nose out in front until with 19 seconds remaining, and the Sixers trailing 94-91, Josh Smith sunk two clutch free throws, to close out a 96-91 Hawks win, So the Sixers drop to 18-30 overall, but as usual they remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Saturday, February 02, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
Slightly derailed after a shutout loss to the New York Rangers in their last game, the Flyers got right back on track tonight by returning the favor to the big bad Anaheim, "don't call them mighty" Ducks. Marty Biron got the start in goal(Antero Nittymaki took the loss against the Rangers) saved all 27 shots he faced to the lead the Orange and Black to a satisfying victory that kept them a top the Atlantic division. The First period of play was scoreless as two teams locked in a defensive stalemate. In the 2nd period of play Mike Knuble scored twice to break the stalemate, once early in the period at even strength and then again late in the period on the power play, for a 2-0 Flyers lead. Early in the 3rd period Knuble scored again to cap off a hat trick and the Flyers scoring, as Biron controlled things the rest of the way to close the 3-0 win. So the Flyers improve to 29-17-5 overall and remain in first place in the Atlantic division.
Friday, February 01, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Fresh off their dominating victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, the Sixers got a chance to knock off the Atlantic division leading Orlando Magic, which would have been even more special. The game itself was a special kind of back and forth thriller, an epic battle to the finish if you will, but unfortunately despite their best efforts the Sixers fell just short in the end. Offensively, six Sixers scored in double figures (Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Thaddeus Young, Samuel Dalembert, Louis Williams) with Miller's 23, to go along with 11 assists, leading the way. Defensively, neither the Sixers nor the Magic were much of a factor as the game was a shootout throughout with both teams shooting over 50% from the field, although Orlando did have a bit of a size advantage with behemoth Dwight Howard pulling down 14 rebounds to generate a 42-33 rebounding advantage in favor of the Magic. Not surprisingly it would be this size advantage that eventually got Orlando the win. Through the first quarter of play, It was all knotted up at 33 with both teams getting off to a fast start. By the half the Sixers had eked ahead by 1, with the score 60-59. In the 3rd quarter Orlando jumped ahead by 3, with the score 87-84. Finally in the 4th quarter it came right down to the wire. With just over a minute and a half to play Iggy tied it at 106 with a layup. Unfortunately, Iggy followed that up by fouling Hedo Turkoglu with 2 seconds to play. Turkoglu calmly sunk two free throws and Orlando led 108-106. The Sixers immediately called a timeout and had one final chance to inbound the ball and score for a tie or the win. Andre Miller attempted to throw it in to Dalembert for the tie, but couldn't throw it in over the taller Magic, and instead Dwight Howard stole it and ran out the clock for a 108-106 Magic victory. So the Sixers drop to 18-29 overall, but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Slumping New York Rangers visited the Wachovia center tonight and treated the host Flyers rudely. Steven Valiquette made his first start of the season in goal for the Rangers, replacing the usually solid Henrick Lundquist. Ordinarily you would assume that to be a big advantage for the Flyers. Instead it proved to be the other way around as Valiquette saved a measely 20 shots en route to shutting out the Orange and Black. Sure, the Ranger's defense made it easy on him, but it was still a superb performance by Valiquette and just what the doctor ordered for New York. Midway through the first period Noah Dawes made it 1-0 Rangers. Then late in the period Peter Prucha made it 2-0 Rangers. Early the 2nd period Chris Drury and Brendan Shanahan each scored to push the lead to 4-0 Rangers. The 3rd period was scoreless as the two teams combined for just 18 shots on goal, to close out a dreary 4-0 Rangers victory. So for one night at least, the Broad Street express was derailed, as the Flyers drop to 28-17-5 overall, but remain a top the Atlantic division.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers came into tonight's game at the wachovia center with the Milwaukee Bucks, having lost 7 of their last 10 games. Despite all that they were still somehow in 4th place in the Atlantic division and only 2 games behind the 3rd place Nets, who also happen to be the current 8th seed in the Eastern conference. That's right coming into tonight the Sixers were only 2 games out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern conference and now after a dominating performance they're even closer. Offensively, seven Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Thaddeus Young, Reggie Evans, Rodney Carney) with Iggy's 18 leading the way. Defensively, it was a team effort and a good one at that. The Sixers out rebounded Milwaukee 45-33, held them to just 38% shooting from the field, and forced them into 21 costly turnovers. The Sixers jumped out to an early 27-18 lead in the 1st quarter and never looked back. By the half, the lead was up to 19, with the score 51-32. Through the 3rd quarter, the lead had ballooned to 30, with the score 77-47. Finally, in the 4th quarter the slaughter continued until the Sixers had won laughably by 43 points, with the final score 112-69. So the Sixers improve to 18-28 overall and while still 4th in the Atlantic division are now just 1 and 1/2 games out of the last playoff spot in the Eastern conference. Can you dig it?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers returned from the All-star break tonight, by welcoming the L.A Kings to the Wachovia center. Marty Biron got an increasingly rare start in goal, and made the most of it saving 29 of the 31 shots he faced to help keep the Flyers in it from beginning to end. Through the first period of play the game was scoreless. Early in the 2nd period Braydon Coburn put the Flyers up 1-0. Less than a minute late Anze Kopitar tied it at one for the Kings. Early in the 3rd period Simon Gagne put the Flyers up again 2-1. Late in the period Matt Moulson tied it at 2 for the Kings. From there, Biron and fellow goaltender J.LaBarbera kept it that way until the end of regulation. The resulting overtime period was fast paced as always and dominated by the Flyers who had 3 shots on goal and created countless chances to score throughout the period, while L.A could muster only 1 shot on goal and handful of chances. Finally on the last of those chances, with under 30 seconds in the period, Scott Hartnell redirected a shot sprayed on goal by Mike Richards, resulting in a score and a 3-2 Flyer's victory. So the Flyers improve to 28-16-5 overall and move into first place in the Atlantic division all by their lonesome. Can you dig it!
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils made their biggest move of the off season yesterday agreeing on a 2 year $8.5 million deal with free agent 3rd baseman Pedro Feliz. This is the deal they have been trying to make all off season. Clearly they weren't comfortable with the tandem of Greg Dobbs and Wes Helms holding the hot the corner and now they don't have to be. Feliz is a clear upgrade over that tandem. He is an excellent fielder and a slugger with 21 homers for the Giants last season. At the Citizens Bank that total could easily balloon to 30 or more. Moreover, the Phils can now send Helms packing if they can find someone stupid enough to take his contract. So the Phils lineup is pretty well set now, and if they can just bring in one more pitcher or resign one of their current pitchers(paging Kyle Lohse) they might just have the team to beat in the NL East again. Just don't tell the Mets they might collapse late again.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Having lost three games in a row, the Sixers actually needed a win tonight to stay ahead of the Knicks in the standings. Thanks to a big third quarter the Sixers managed to pull out a win over the Charlotte Bobcats in Charlotte. Offensively, only three Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Louis Williams) with Iggy's 33 leading the way. Defensively, Samuel Dalembert was again the standout with 14 rebounds and 3 blocks, as the Sixers out rebounded Charlotte 49-42 and held the Bobcats to just 40 % shooting from the field. Long story short, it was the Sixer's defense that won them the day. Through the first period of play the Bobcats jumped out a 27-20 lead. By the half the bobcat lead was up to 8 with the score 55-47. The third quarter was a different story as the Sixers outscored Charlotte 33-16 and surged to a nine point lead, with the score 80-71. In the 4th quarter the Sixers traded baskets with the Bobcats and hung on to win 103-96. So the Sixers improve to 17-28 overall but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Friday, January 25, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
If anything could get the Sixers out of this tailspin they are currently in it would be a game against the equally atrocious Knicks, one of only two teams in the Eastern conference with a record worse than the Sixers(Pat Riley's Miami Heat is the other). The last time these two met, the Sixers crushed the Knicks in back to back games, as part of a weekend home and home series. Tonight in New York, that unfortunately would not be the case. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Willie Green, Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Samuel Dalembert) with Iggy's 24 leading the way. Defensively, it was a team effort with the Sixers getting out rebounded by New York 44-38. However, since neither team performed all that well offensively, the defensive ability of the two teams, took a back seat tonight to their total ineptness on offense. In other words, this was not a well played game, by any stretch of the imagination. Through the first quarter of play, the Knicks jumped out a quick 28-23 lead. The Sixers pushed back within 4 by the half with the score 50-46. In the 3rd quarter New York edged its lead back up to 6, with the score 72-66. In the 4th quarter the Sixers put together yet another late surge and with 5 minutes left they were within 2 points of the Knicks. From there, they missed 6 shots in a row, including three free throws, while the Knicks sunk their last three shots and hung on to win 89-81. So the Sixers drop to 16-28 overall, but as always remain in 4th place in the Atlantic Division, just ahead of the Knicks.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
In a key contest and their last until after the all-star break, the Flyers faced off with the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight. Coming into the game a win for either team could set them up to head into the break leading the Atlantic division. In a back and forth shootout it would be the Orange and Black, who would outlast Pittsburgh. Through the first period of play, the match started true to form. Midway through the period R.J Umberger put the Flyers up 1-0. Then late in the period Evgeni Malkin tied it at 1 for Pittsburgh. Late in the second period Randy Jones put the Flyers up 2-1, but again the Pens answered, this time in the form of a Peter Sykora power play goal to tie it at 2. Early in the 3rd period Jim Vandermeer scored on the power play for a 3-2 Flyers lead, but just a minute later Ryan Whitney scored shorthanded to tie it up again at 3. Finally, just over five minutes into the period Mike Knuble put the Flyers up for good 4-3. From there Marty Biron, starting in goal for the first time in a while, held the lead until the Orange and Black had won 4-3. With the Devils losing tonight as well, the Flyers not only improve to 27-16-5 overall, but also move back into a tie for first place in the Atlantic Division. So the Flyers are in good shape heading into the break.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Tonight the Sixer's hosted the Detroit Pistons at the Wachovia center, and despite yet another loss they acquitted themselves well. Considering Detroit came in with the 2nd best record in Eastern conference, while the Sixers came in with the third worst, you would think the game would have been a blowout win for Detroit. Instead, the Sixers stood their ground and kept it close until the bitter end. As always with the Detroit, it was a defense fueled night. So while four Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Willie Green, Andre Miller, Louis Williams) the leading scorer was Green with only 16 points. Defensively, the Sixers performed far more admirably. Samuel Dalembert led the way with 13 rebounds and 2 blocks, while Reggie Evans chipped in 11 rebounds, as the Sixers out rebounded Detroit 47-33. On the other hand Detroit took better care of the ball with only 9 turnovers to the Sixers 18, and that was really the difference. Through the 1st quarter of play the Pistons clung to a 25-23 lead. In the 2nd quarter Detroit upped its lead to 9, with the halftime score 50-41. Rather than pull away in the 3rd quarter, Detroit was forced to fend off a Sixers charge which cut the lead to 7 with the score 70-63. In the 4th quarter, the Sixers stayed firmly within 2 possessions of Detroit, but could not find the late firepower to vanquish them and finally lost 86-78. So the Sixers drop to 16-27 overall, but yes, they still remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers faced off with the New Jersey Devils tonight at the Wachovia Center for the right to take sole possession of first place in the Atlantic division. Sadly, as they have all season the Devils pounded the Flyers into the submission for a crushing defeat. In the end the difference on the night was the power play. The Devils scored 5 power play goals in 7 chances, while the Flyers managed just 2 in 8 chances. That just won't get it done against the Devils. The 1st period of play was a back and forth tussle. Danny Briere scored early in the period for a 1-0 Flyers lead. Johnny Oduya answered on the power play to knot it at 1. Mike Knuble briefly put the Flyers back ahead 2-1, then New Jersery, reeled off two late power play goals by Jamie Langenbrunner and former Flyer Dainius Zubrus for a 3-2 lead heading into the break. Late in the 2nd period Patrick Elias and Zach Parise scored 2 more Devils power play goals for a 5-2 lead, before Jeff Carter tapped in a power play goal in the final seconds of the period to cut the lead to 5-3 heading into the 3rd period. There Parise and Elias did it again, this time at even strength early in the period for an insurmountable 7-3 lead. Not surprisingly that's the way it ended with a 7-3 Devils victory. So the Flyers drop to 26-16-5 and back down into 3rd place in the Atlantic division.
Monday, January 21, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers celebrated Martin Luther King day by welcoming the Indiana Pacers and old Sixers' head coach Jim O'brien to the Wachovia center for an afternoon matinee. From the beginning Indiana began drilling three pointers, and just never stopped, and despite yet another late surge the Sixers fell short. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures( Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Louis Williams) with Iggy's 23 leading the way. Defensively, Samuel Dalembert led the way again with 9 rebounds and 2 blocks, as the Sixers out rebounded Indiana 44-38. Unfortunately, that was once again more because of Indiana's hot shooting, than because of the Sixers out muscling the Pacers on the boards, as Indiana shot over 50% from the field and from beyond the arc, drilling 14 three pointers. In the first quarter of play, the Pacers jumped out to an early 32-19 lead on the heels of 5 three pointers. The 2nd quarter was closer, but the Sixers could only trade baskets and actually fell further behind heading into the half(14 pts, 63-49). In the 3rd quarter the Sixers finally made some middling inroads, cutting the lead to 11, with the score 90-79. In the 4th quarter, the Sixers made their usual late surge cutting the lead all the way down to 5 with 39 seconds to play, before the Pacers hit their free throws and hung on to win 110-103. So the Sixers drop to 16-26 overall, but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers stayed hot tonight and crushed the Eastern Conference leading Ottawa Senators. Antero Niittymaki got yet another start and saved 25 of the 26 shots he faced to spirit the Orange and Black to victory. In the first period of play, Braydon Coburn scored an early goal and Scott Hartnell added a late goal for a 2-0 Flyers lead. Early in the second period Scottie Upshall and R.J Umberger scored a couple early goals for a 4-0 Flyers lead. Then Midway through the period Chris Kelly finally put Ottawa on the board, cutting the lead to 4-1. Finally, in the 3rd period Sami Kapanen scored an early goal and Scottie Upshall added a late power play goal to cap an easy 6-1 Flyer's victory. So the with win the Flyers move into a log jammed three way tie for first place in the Atlantic division with the New Jersey Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins. That's pretty good considering they were in last place not too long ago, wouldn't you say?
Saturday, January 19, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
Is there a hotter team in the NHL right now than the Flyer's? I don't think so, at least not after tonight's game. Marty Biron got his first start in goal in a while and contributed 28 saves to help spirit the Orange and Black to victory. In the first period of play things actually looked pretty bleak. Midway through the period, Scott Hartnell scored on the power play for a 1-0 Flyers lead, then the Islanders reeled off 3 goals(Richard Park and Josef Vasicek at even strength, Bill Guerin on the power play) to finish the period ahead 3-1. From there however, it was all Flyers. Midway through the 2nd period Steve Downie cut the lead to 3-2. Then late in the period, Hartnell scored his 2nd goal on the power play to tie it at 3. Early in the 3rd period, Hartnell finished off a hat trick to put the Flyers up 4-3. Mike Richards then added a late goal and the Flyers hung on to win 5-3. So the Flyers improve to 25-15-5 and jump to 2nd place in the Atlantic division.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers rebounded from their tough loss last night, with a thrilling victory tonight over the Toronto Raptors, as they returned to the comfy home confines of the Wachovia Center. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Willie Green, Andre Miller, Samuel Dalembert) with Green's 23 leading the way. Defensively, Samuel Dalembert was again the standout with 13 rebounds and a block, as the Sixers out rebounded Toronto 40-37, and held them to 47 % shooting from the field, which was just good enough to win. Through the first quarter of play, the Raptors clung to an 18-15 lead. In the second quarter, the Sixers rallied ahead to take a 42-40 lead at the half. In third quarter the Sixers roared to a 20 point, 76-56 lead. Toronto surged back with a furious late rally in the 4th quarter, but after closing to within 4, with about a minute to play, the rally cooled off as the Sixers hit their free throws down the stretch and hung on to win 99-95. So the Sixers improve to 16-25 overall, but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Friday, January 18, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After snapping a 7 game losing streak the Sixers went right back on the road tonight as they traveled to Boston to face the Celtics. For a while it looked like they had a chance, but eventually Boston pulled away and got the win. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures (Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Samuel Dalembert, Jason Smith), with Iggy's 17 leading the way. Defensively, Samuel Dalembert led the way with 10 rebounds and a block, as the Sixers out rebounded Boston 39-30. Unfortunately, that had more to do with Boston's 58.9% shooting from the field and 63.6% from beyond the arc, than with the Sixers out muscling the Celtics on the blocks. Through the 1st quarter of play it was all knotted up at 29 a piece. By the half, the Sixers had nosed ahead by three with the score, 57-54. In the 3rd quarter Boston pulled ahead for the first time and never looked back, taking a 78-73 lead into 4th quarter. There, the Celtics sprinted away and won easily by 27, with the final score 116-89. So the Sixers drop to 15-25 overall, but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
EAGLES NEWS
The Eagles pro bowl roster got a much deserved addition today as it was announced that Defensive Tackle Trent Cole will replace the injured Patrick Kerney on the NFC squad. With 12 and 1/2 sacks this season, 4th in the NFC, Cole rightfully deserves this honor and it is nice to see him recieve it. Thus, there are now three Eagles on the pro bowl roster, Cole, Sean Andrews, and Brian Westbrook.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phillies avoided arbritration today with relief pitcher's Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson, signing each to one year deals. Thus, the Phils bullpen is now set for next season.
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