Wednesday, February 27, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers continued their hot streak, tonight as they welcomed the Orlando Magic to the Wachovia center. The last time these two teams met, the Sixers were outclassed and a little embarrassed, by Dwight "superman" Howard and his mates. This time however, the Sixers put a little kryptonite in superman's cape and pulled out the impressive win, their 7th in a row at home, apparently they can't lose at home any more. Any how this was an impressive night for the Sixers to say the least. Offensively, three Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Willie Green, Andre Miller) with Green and Miller's 26 each leading the way. Defensively, Samuel Dalembert led the way with 12 rebounds, as the Sixers equaled Orlando on the boards 41-41 and forced them into 2o costly turnovers, which with this team is a recipe for easy fastbreak points and wins. Through the first quarter of play the Sixers jumped out to an early 8 point lead, with the score 33-25. In the second quarter of play the Sixers only increased their lead to 19 by the half, with the score 61-42. In the 3rd quarter of play the Magic began to rally back cutting the lead to 15, with the score 83-68. Finally in the 4th quarter of play, the Magic continued to rally, but the Sixers stood firm and hung on to win by 12, with score 101-89. So the Sixers improve to 26-32 overall, and move into 3rd place in the Atlantic division all by their lonesome. Consequently they also jump to 7th in the Eastern conference, pretty cool huh?
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils played their first spring training game today against the Cincinnati Reds and won convincingly 8-1. I tell you about all the stats and everything, but it wasn't televised, so I know as much as you do at this point. Still although the outcome really doesn't matter in spring training, it's good to see the Phils get off to a good start for once.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
It's over, it's finally over and none too soon. A season that just weeks ago had started to look so promising for Flyers, had begun to unravel over the last week in and a half in the wake of a 10 game losing streak. Tonight, however, a miracle rally against the Buffalo Sabres finally got the Flyers out of it. Marty Biron got the start in goal and after having a rough start, allowing three goals in the first period, he buckled down and kept Buffalo out of the net the rest of the way, setting the stage for an Orange and black comeback. Early in the first period of play, Derek Roy and Chris Macarthur each scored for a quick 2-0 Sabres lead. Then late in period Jay Pominiville scored for a 3-0 Sabres lead. Finally Scott Hartnell and Jeff Carter answered a few minutes later to cut the lead to a manageable 3-2 heading into the 2nd period. In the 2nd period the two teams went scoreless. In the 3rd period it became a real test of wills, that Buffalo appeared to be winning, but with just over 8 minutes to play in the period, R.J Umberger slapped in the equalizer and it was all tied at 3. An overtime period then yielded only 4 shots on goal and no results. So the game went to a decisive shootout, usually a harbinger of impending doom for the Flyers, but not this time. In the first round of the shootout both teams failed to score. In the second round of the shootout, Jeff Carter scored for the Flyers, and Jan Spacek scored for the Sabres. In the 3rd round of the shootout Derek Roy failed to score for the Sabres, so it came down to a final confrontation between ex-Sabre captain Danny Briere and current Sabre goalie Ryan Miller. This time with a perfect fake, Briere prevailed and the Flyers had won 4-3 for 2 big points. So the Flyers improve to 31-25-7 overall, remain 4th in the Atlantic division, but move back up into 8th in the Eastern conference, for that coveted final playoff spot.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
PHILLIES NEWS
Well, as you probably know by now the Phillies have begun spring training and as luck would have it there is already bad news to report. The biggest offseason pickup for the Phils was veteran closer Brad Lidge. Unfortunately during an early batting practice toss last week he tweeked his knee. The same knee that kept him out for a while last season. While he was hopeful, it was just some torn cartilege from the knee surgery he underwent this offseason, it turned out to be a bit more serious and on Monday he will have to undergo Arthroscopic knee surgery again. Thus, he will likely miss 3 to 6 weeks and might miss opening day, which would not be a disaster, but it would be rather unpleasant. So while this is not a crushing blow to the Phils it is a bit unsettling to say the least.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After a tough loss to Orlando last night the Sixers shot on over to Miami to face the now Shaqless Heat. Still, Shaq or no Shag, the Sixers still needed every ounce of effort possible to hang on in this one. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Willie Green, Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Louis Williams) with Miller and Iggy's 24 each leading the way. Defensively, Samuel Dalembert lead the way with 11 rebounds and a block, and Iguodala chipped in for 12 rebounds as the Sixers dominated the boards 50-33. However, with 23 turnovers the Sixers were sloppy with the ball and so Miami was able to hang around when they shouldn't have able to. In the first quarter of play, the Sixers jumped out a 5 point lead, with the score 24-19. In the second quarter Miami rallied back and by the half it was only a 2 point game, with the score 51-49. In the third quarter of play, Miami continued to rally and heading into 4th quarter, it was all tied at 73. In the 4th quarter the two teams were even all the way and by the end of regulation it was still all tied up at 91. Finally, in the overtime period ,Miami took the lead early, but the Sixers battled back, pulled ahead with just over a minute to play and hung on to win 101-96. So the Sixers improve to 25-32 overall, but remain 4th in the Atlantic division and 8th in the Eastern conference.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyer's downhill plummet continued tonight in more ways than one as they dropped their 10th in a row, to the Florida Panthers. Antero Niittymaki got the start in goal and despite facing 40 shots on goal, in regulation, he only allowed on goal. So almost single-handedly he kept the Flyer's in it but it wasn't enough. In the first period of play there was no score. Early in the 2nd period of play Danny Briere, who had been in a bit of a slump himself lit the lamp for a 1-0 Flyer's lead. For a while it appeared that goal would be the only one of the night en route to a Niittymaki shutout and a huge Flyer's win. Instead with just over 8 minutes to play, Jay Bouwmeester scored Florida's first goal of the night to forge a 1-1 tie and thwart the Flyer's chances for a win. From there both teams were scoreless until the end of regulation, setting the stage for an overtime period. There, the two teams combined for only 4 shots on goal, the Flyers with 1, and Florida with 3, but all the Panthers would need would be their last shot. Only 3 minutes into the period the Panthers went on the power play and Olli Jokinen slapped in a power play goal to win it for the Panthers 2-1. So the Flyer's drop to 30-26-7 overall, but since this was an overtime loss, they do earn a point, and at least for now, move back into a tie for 4th place in the Atlantic division. Sadly, things only got worse afterwards when the Flyers learned that Mike Richards had gone down with a torn hamstring during the game and will likely miss 3 weeks, and so this losing streak may never end.
Friday, February 22, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
After their dominating win over the Knicks Wednesday, the Sixers traveled to Orlando to face the Magic. A win for the Sixers would have proved to the NBA that they are legitimate playoff contenders and maybe that they belong among the Eastern conference elite. Instead after a tough loss this game only proved that the Sixers aren't quite ready to make that step yet. Still, a playoff visit, providing them with invaluable experience is within reach for them. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Louis Williams) with Miller and Iggy's 25 each leading the way. Defensively, it was another quality team effort, but it was of little consequence in a game such as this between two teams with similar skill sets. In short, it came down not to who played well and who didn't, but rather to which team played their game better, and clearly at this point that mental victory will still go superman, Dwight Howard, and the Magic every time. Through the first period of play the Magic jumped out to a ten point lead with the score 26-16. In the second quarter of play, Orlando stayed firm and increased their lead to thirteen, with the score 53-40 at the half. In the 3rd quarter of play the Sixers sunk their teeth in and got back into it cutting the lead to 10, with score 76-66 heading into the 4th. Finally, in the 4th quarter of play, the Sixers stayed with Orlando most of time, but try as they might they couldn't pull back even with them, and eventually the Magic held on to win, 115-99, a final score cleary misleading the reader to believe the game was not closer than it would indicate. So the Sixers drop to 24-32 overall, but remain 4th in the Atlantic division, still .5 games behind the Nets and still 8th in the Eastern conference.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The misery continues for the Flyers, as they welcomed the San Jose Sharks to the Wachovia Center tonight. Once again the defense lagged. Once again Marty Biron was left to face a barrage of 40 shots on goal and to his credit somehow only allowed three goals. Once again the Flyers couldn't come up with much offense and actually failed to even register a power play opportunity, let alone a goal. Once again with this their 10th straight loss it can't get any worse than this. Late in the first period of play Jonathan Cheecho scored for a 1-0 Sharks lead. Late in the second period of play Mike Knuble scored to tie it up at 1 for the Flyers. Early in the third period of play Milan Michalek and Douglas Murray each scored a minute between each other for a quick 3-1 Sharks lead. From there the Flyers had no answer and succumbed to the Sharks 3-1. So the Flyers drop to 30-25-6 overall and into last place in the Atlantic division, and more depressingly down into 10th place in the Eastern conference.
PHILLIES NEWS
The verdict is in and the winner of the abritration hearing between the Phils and Ryan Howard is Ryan Howard which means he will get the $10 million from the Phils that he deserves, instead of the 7 million they were trying to give him. Although this matter probably shouldn't have needed to go to arbitration, it is good to see the right party come out on top. If only all arbitration hearings could go like this.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers regrouped from their crushing loss in Minnesota on Monday and returned to the friendly confines of the Wachovia center to take their frustrations out on the woeful Knicks. Offensively, six Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Miller, Willie Green, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Louis Williams, Rodney Carney) with Green's 21 leading the way. Miller also chipped in with 10 assists, so the Sixer's offense scored early, often, and never stopped firing. Defensively, it was a team effort, and a good one, even though they didn't need to be. The Knicks played so poorly that even an average defensive night for the Sixers would have held their offense in check. All told the Sixers' out rebounded New York, 43-31, forced them to commit a whopping 23 turnovers, and held them to just 45.9% shooting from the field. In short, it was just an ugly night for the Knicks. Through the first quarter of play, the Sixers jumped out to a convincing 20 point lead, with the score 37-17, and never looked back. In the second quarter the Sixers lead only grew to 36, with the score 72-36 at the half. In the 3rd quarter of play the Sixers continued to dominate as their lead ballooned to 45, with the score 102-57. Basically the game was over at this point, but the rules say you have to play 4 quarters so they did and when it was over, the Sixers had destroyed the Knicks by 40, with final score 124-84. So the Sixers improve to 24-31 overall but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division and 8th in the Eastern Conference.
FLYERS NEWS
There is more bad news for the Flyers tonight. Simon Gagne is reportedly done for the season after his most recent mild concussion. He has continued to experience symptoms from it and apparently will not be able to come back from it this season. I just hope he's not done for good, like Keith Primeau and Eric Lindros before him.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
While the Flyers started it, the Sixers finished the excruciating night for Philly sports against the Timberwolves in Minnesota. After finishing the first half of the season with 5 straight wins, the Sixers were looking to pick up where they left off to start the second half of the season. Instead the T-wolves had other ideas. Offensively, three Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Miller, Thaddeus Young, Andre Iguodala) with Iggy's 17 leading the way. Defensively, It was a team effort and not a very good one as the Sixers were out rebounded 45-39, and allowed the T-Wolves to shoot nearly 50% from the field. It was the defense, specifically, timely steals and rebounds that had carried the Sixers through their winning streak and without it they were lost. In the first quarter of play, the T-Wolves jumped out to a six point lead with the score 23-17. In the 2nd quarter the T-wolves continued to play solid ball, and increased their lead to 9, with the score 53-44. In the 3rd quarter Minnesota continued to front run and increased their lead to 12, with the score, 74-62. Finally, in the 4th quarter Minnesota simply continued to hold the Sixer's at arm's length and pushed their lead to 16 for the laughable final score, 104-88. So the Sixers drop to 23-31 overall and back into 4th place in the Atlantic division, by .5 games.
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers began an excruciating night tonight for Philly sports, by taking it on the chin in Ottawa at the hands of the Eastern conference leading Senators, for their 8th straight loss. Marty Biron got the start in goal, and had a solid night as the Flyer's defense picked up again and allowed only 25 shots on goal, of which Biron saved 23. Early in the first period of play Chris Kelly scored shorthanded for 1-0 Senators lead. Late in the 2nd period of play Antoine Vermette scored for a 2-0 Ottawa lead. A few minutes later Kimmo Timonen answered for the Flyers to cut the lead to 2-1. Early in the 3rd period of play, Scottie Upshall tied it at 2. Thanks to the solid play of Biron and his counterpart Ray Emery it stayed that way until the end of regulation. The overtime period went scoreless, setting the stage for a decisive shootout. In the first round of the shootout both teams came up empty. In the second round of the shootout, Timonen scored for the Flyers, and Vermette scored for Ottawa, to tie the shootout at 1. In the 3rd round of the shootout Danny Briere failed to score for the Flyers , while Jason Spezza scored to win it for Ottawa. So Ottawa got the 3-2 win in a shootout and the Flyers drop to 30-24-6 overall, but since the game went to a shootout, they at least get a point for their troubles and remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 17, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers continued to struggle tonight as they finished their home and home with the Canadiens at home in the Wachovia center. Antero Niittymaki got another start in goal after his stellar performance in the Flyer's last game and well, he wasn't so stellar this time around, but that had more to do wth the Flyer's defense that allowed 32 shots on goal, than with him. Anyway, midway through the first period of play, Alexie Kovalev made it 1-0 Montreal. A few minutes later Mike Richards tied at 1 for the Flyers. Then late in the period Fredrick Bouillon made it 2-1 Habs. Early in the second period of play Braydon Coburn tied it at 2 for the Flyers. A couple minutes later Mike Ryder made it 3-2 Montreal. Then late in the period Saku Koivu made it 4-2 Montreal. It stayed that way until with less than two minutes to play in the 3rd period, the Flyers pulled Niittymaki in an attempt to come up with one last rally. It didn't work. Micheal Lapierre scored on the empty net for a 5-2 Habs lead and that was about all she wrote. With under 20 seconds to play Riley Cote scored a meaningless goal to make the final score 5-3 Canadiens. So the Flyers drop to 30-24-5 overall and down to 4th place in the Atlantic division.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The losing streak that wouldn't go away, didn't tonight as the Montreal Canadiens stretched it to six despite a superb effort by the Flyers. Sometimes all out effort is trumped by luck and that's exactly what happened tonight. Defensivly, the Flyers held Montreal to just 20 shots on goal while spraying 34 shots at Habs goalie Carey Price. Of the 20 shots he faced Antero Niittymaki saved 19 of them. Normally, in this day and age when you hold a team to 20 shots and 1 goal, you end up on the winning side of things. Tonight, as would luck have it, that one goal scored by Montreal was the game winner. In the first period of play, neither team could light the lamp. Early in the second period of play Alexsandr Kastsitsyn scored what proved to be both the only goal of the night and the game winner for a 1-0 Canadiens lead. Finally in the 3rd period of play, both teams failed to light the lamp as the Montreal closed out its 1-0 win. So the Flyers drop to 30-23-5 overall, but remain in 3rd place in the Atlantic division.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The Flyers downhill run continued today against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Of the all the teams you would expect to continue the Flyer's losing streak, the Lightning, dead last in the Eastern Conference coming, are last team you would suspect would be capable of doing so, but tonight they were. Early on everything seemed headed in the Flyers' direction. Marty Biron saved 12 of 13 shots he faced in the first period of play, and the Flyers jumped out to a 2-1 lead as Joffrey Lupul and Steve Downie each scored late goals to answer an early goal by former Flyer Vaclav Prospal. In the 2nd period Tampa Bay turrned things around and it was all down hill there. Dan Boyle scored early in the period for 2-2 tie. Then late in the period John Havlac and Martin St.Louis each scored for a 4-2 Lightning lead. It would be all they would need for victory. John Ward scored early in the 3rd period for a 5-2 Tampa Bay lead and that was about all she wrote. A few minutes Later Jeff Carter scored to cut the lead to 5-3, and give momentary hope, but the Flyers never scored again and eventually lost 5-3. So the Flyers drop t0 30-22-5 overall, but remain in the 3rd place in the Atlantic division.
SIXERS NEWS
The Sixers, are currently enjoying the All-star break, literally, since none of them are on the team. When they return from the break it will be important for the Sixers to pick up where they left off, on a 5 game winning streak.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Can we officially say the Sixers are on a hot streak? I guess so. Tonight they made it 5 for 5 as they finished their current 5 game homestand with a date with the hapless Memphis Grizzlies. Offensively, five Sixers(all starters) scored in double figures(Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, Willie Green, Thaddeus Young, Samuel Dalembert) with Iggy's 29 leading the way. Additonally Miller had 11 assists to pace the Sixers offense, particularly their electrifying fast break. Defensively, Samuel Dalembert ruled the night with 12 rebounds and 4 blocks, as the Sixers out rebounded Memphis 48-40 and held them to just 42.2% shooting from the field. Through the first quarter of play the Sixers held a slim 5 point lead, with the score 26-21. By the half the lead was up to 10 with the score 55-45. Through the 3rd quarter the lead was up to 16 with the score 84-68. Finally, in the 4th quarter the Grizzlies made some middling inroads, but the Sixers held firm, hit their free throws and walked away with an easy 102-88 win. So the Sixers improve to 23-30, and at long last into a tie for 3rd place in the Atlantic division and 8th place in the Eastern conference.
PHILLIES NEWS
The Phils got some more pitching today, signing veteran Kris Benson to a minor league contract. Benson has a career record of 68-73 with an ERA. of 4.42. However, he was out all last season with a torn labrum. He will take part in spring training for the Phils, but obviously they want to be sure he's all the way back from his injury before they give him a spot on the roster of any kind and I guess that's the smart way to go.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
FLYERS NEWS
The hits just keep on coming for the Orange and Black. Tonight they traveled to New York to faceoff against the Islanders, currently last in the Atlantic division. Thus, you would think the Flyer's losing streak would end tonight. Unfortunately, the Islanders had other ideas. Antero Niittymaki got the start in goal tonight, as the Flyers continued to flip flop goalies, and just as Biron had done in the Flyers' last game, he kept them in it until the end, even though he didn't have his best night. Late in the first period of play Trent Hunter scored for a 1-0 New York lead. Early in the 2nd period Danny Briere tied it at one for the Flyers. Then a few minutes later Jeff Tambellini scored for a 2-1 Isles lead. Finally Sean Bergenheim scored late in the period for a 3-1 Isles lead, and Scott Hartnell answered a few minutes later to cut the lead to 3-2 heading into the third period. Late in the third period Ruslan Fedotenko, yes the former Flyer, scored for a 4-2 Isles lead. With about a minute to play Joffrey Lupul scored to cut the lead to 4-3, but once again there was not quite enough time for the Flyers to get the equalizer and they succumbed to New York 4-3, for their fourth straight loss. So the Flyers drop to 30-21-5 overall but remain in 3rd place in the Atlantic division.
Monday, February 11, 2008
SIXERS NEWS
Coming into tonight the Sixers had put together an impressive start to a five game homestand, with three wins in a row. However, tonight's game presented the ultimate test in Dirk Novitzki and the Dallas Mavericks, who came in with the 3rd best record in the Western Conference, which says alot in a conference where the top 10 teams each have a winning percentage of .550 or better. Thus, the Sixers' modest winning streak figured to end tonight. Fortunately, someone forgot to tell that to Sixers. Offensively, four Sixers scored in double figures(Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, Willie Green, Louis Williams) with Miller's 21 leading the way. Defensively, it was another strong team effort as the Sixers kept it close on the boards(although the Mavs out rebounded them 46-43) and held Dallas to just 35% shooting from the field and only 26% shooting from beyond the arc, despite jacking up 23 threes. So maybe the Mavs overlooked this one, or maybe they didn't, in any case the Sixers got the job done when they had too to pull out the surprising victory. Through the first quarter of play Dallas held a slim 2 point lead with the score 25-23. In the second quarter, rather than pushing farther ahead Dallas simply coasted and maintained their lead with the score, 53-50 at the half. In the 3rd quarter, the Sixers finally pushed ahead and forged a 4 point lead, with the score 70-66 heading into the 4th. Finally, in the 4th quarter the Mavs continued their poor lackadaisical play and the Sixers eventually held on to win by 8, 84-76. So the Sixers improve to 22-30, but remain in 4th place in the Atlantic division, .5 games behind the Nets.
FLYERS NEWS
There is more bad news for the Flyers today. The game wasn't the only thing the Flyers lost yesterday. Simon Gagne also went down with yet another mild concussion. At this point the prognosis is uncertain. He could be out for a couple days, a weeks, or gasp! longer. So its good bye Gagne, good bye winning streak, and maybe good bye division title, but let's hope not.
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
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