Phightins

This is irrelevant to the fact that the Kings are burning all bridges with him. Regardless of what you think he's worth, I don't think it's very smart to piss him off like they are. Either make him happy or stand pat. Don't go tell the media that your offer will be declining with every day he misses camp. What is that accomplishing for them long term?

The Kings are doing a very effective job burning their bridges with Drew Doughty. Good work!

Chris Pronger named captain. In other breaking news, there is a pretty good chance the sun will rise tomorrow morning. Danny Briere and Kimmo Timonen alternates.

Speaking of Blake Kessel, I am wondering if he actually has a chance of making the team. They obviously like him, since they brought him into camp on a tryout deal and signed him after like, 2 practices. Even at age 22, I feel like he is a better 3rd pairing option than Bartulis or Lilja. I have also gotten the impression all along that they don't want to rush Gustafsson, so Kessel may get a legit look in the preseason. Maybe I am way off here, we'll see.

Yeah, they are pretty unpredictable as of now. Although I think they'd need to get raped pretty hard by injuries to miss the playoffs. IMO, worst case is the young forwards don't develop. But even if this happens, if the defense can stay healthy, they will not be allowing many goals (although this is no lock with Pronger and Timonen getting up there in age). So they could potentially be boring to watch, but they should still sneak into the playoffs. Best case? Bryz+ the defense stay healthy, plus they get big contributions out of Schenn and Couturier (assuming they can even find roster space for both guys), and possibly Matt Read also, plus Giroux and JvR each take another big step forward. If this happens, they can play with anybody in the East. Offensive depth is the big question mark right now, and I feel like that can swing either way depending on what they get out of the young guys.

So in other words, everybody should rate Tim Thomas #1 since he has absolutely no competition. Got it. For the record, I think BFT's rankings are basically spot on.

Rookie game today vs. Caps. Was awesome to see hockey at WFC again. Admission was free, and I was down in the Complex anyway for the Phillies game, so I gave serious thought to going. Didn't work out though. Anyway, Blake Kessel (Phil's bro) was very impressive apparently. Goal and assist. Schenn and Couturier looked good also.

One of the greatest times on the sports calendar, with the MLB postseason, NHL opening up, and (hopefully) the NBA not far behind. It literally feels like Christmas, with all of the new toys the Flyers have this year. Can't wait to see them get on the ice. As I may have mentioned, IllWill and I will be going to the Flyers-Rangers preseason game in 12 days. So freaking excited already.

(He is serious, btw).

Making my first trip to Fenway next Tuesday! Going with IllWill...can't wait!

Give it a rest. It was most likely just an accident.

Most are speculating he will be 3rd line center. With Laviolette, I have learned to not even try to guess on line combos, so we will have to wait to see what he does in the preseason.

The Rays called up Matt Moore. Pure filth.

Couple interesting veterans in camp on a tryout basis: Michael Nylander and Adam Mair. I wonder if Nylander and Jagr will play together in the preseason. I really doubt that either makes the roster. Too tight against the cap. If the Flyers were able to clear a little bit of space, I think they'd rather give a roster spot to Sean Couturier or Matt Read anyway. But Nylander is especially intriguing, given the whole Jagr reunion deal.

New thread time. Rookies reported to camp today. Can't wait for the season to get here. Preseason even (Kyle and I will be at the Flyers-Rangers preseason game in a few weeks). Lets go!!!

6-1 this week vs. Atlanta and Milwaukee. Hell yes.

Not sure if it was just early game jitters or what, but the offensive line really flipped the switch after the first quarter. Very promising. I'd like to see Watkins get in there next week though.

Can we get a Red Sox report, ECN?

Rough NFL debuts for Casey Matthews and Jason Kelce so far (although Kelce had a great block on the McCoy TD). With the short offseason, very tough year to have rookies starting at center and middle linebacker...

1st, 2nd, and 3rd round picks are all inactive. And Jamaal Jackson is the only reserve offensive lineman that is active. WTF.

Yeah, basically an expansion draft.

I feel like an ass for admitting this, but I have always considered this scenario and wondered how a pro league would handle losing an entire team in something such as a plane crash. Apparently the KHL is asking every other team to "donate" at least 3 players so that Lokomotiv can build a new roster.

The magnitude of this is just hitting me now, after thinking about it all day.

Greg Golson is worth $200 million himself.

Too lazy to make a new thread, but wow, RIP to all the victims of the flight in Russia. What an awful offseason for hockey.