Flyers Continue Hot Streak

The Flyers continued their amazing postseason run last night by winning Game 2 against the Canadiens and holding serve by winning both games at the Wachovia Center. The Flyers won the game 3-0, and have now outscored the Canadiens 9-0 in the two games.

The story of this game was simple – Michael Leighton. Leighton, much like in Game 1, kept the Flyers in the game when they were outplayed in the first period for the 2nd straight game. In Game 1, Leighton had to make 13 saves in the first period, as the Flyers went into the locker room with a 1-0 lead. In Game 2, Leighton was even better, making 16 saves in the opening period, again allowing the Flyers to take a 1-0 lead into the break. Leighton made 3 point blank saves in a row on Andrei Kostitsyn in the first period right out in front of the net. Leighton put himself in a great position all night in order to make the necessary saves. Leighton’s positioning has been nothing short of spectacular, allowing him to make nice saves, and not get out of position.

On the offensive end, I would have liked to see the Flyers get more chances and opportunities. The Flyers need to get better at 5-on-5 hockey going forward in this series, especially on the road. The Flyers power play is what has propelled them to this 2-0 series lead, along with Leighton. The Flyers were 2-6 on the power play in Game 1, and 2-4 in Game 2. The 4 power play goals in the first two games of the series has been solid, and obviously I would like the Flyers to continue to score power play goals, but also want to see the Flyers play better 5-on-5 hockey the rest of the series.

Also, the Flyers have technically been outshot in both games so far, so that is something to look at going forward. Actually in each game, the Canadiens have come out and really controlled the first period, but the Flyers have scored a goal in the first period each game. The 2nd period seems to be fairly even both games, and the Flyers outshot the Canadiens in both 3rd periods thus far. Shots on net is a somewhat overrated statistic, as you can have plenty of scoring chances and not get a shot on net, and put a weak shot on net which isn’t a scoring chance.

Any way you look at it, taking a 2-0 series lead is a very good thing, but it doesn’t get any easier having to go to Montreal for Games 3 and 4. Montreal is one of those teams who has a very good home ice advantage, and always seem to play better on their home ice than on the road. The Flyers need to continue to play good defense in front of Michael Leighton, as we cannot rely on Leighton to shut out the Canadiens the entire series. The Flyers defense I think has done a good job shutting down Mike Cammalleri and Tomas Plekanec. The Flyers need to take at least one in Montreal, as you don’t want let the Canadiens back in this series by winning 2 in a row and tying the series at 2, and having all the momentum. Game 3 will be Thursday night in Montreal.

Flyers Drop Game 2

The Flyers opening round series against the Devils is tied up after the first 2 games at the Prudential Center in New Jersey. The Devils came back in Game 2, and beat the Flyers with 2 late third period goals to win the game 5-3.

The Devils wasted no time getting on the score sheet in this game, with a short handed goal early in the first period by Zach Parise, less than 3 minutes into the game. The Flyers however, didn't let the early goal affect them, and came back with 2 goals in the first period to take a 2-1 first intermission lead, even though the Devils, like most of Game 1 had control of the action.

The Devils continued to push the pace in the 2nd period scoring a goal about 4 minutes in to make the score 2-2. This was really the first bad goal that Boucher has allowed in the postseason, as he led a fairly weak wrist shot from the point creep through his pads. Each team added a goal later in the period to go into the 3rd period tied at 3. The Devils again controlled most of the 2nd period.

In the 3rd period, the Flyers actually appeared to control most of the action, and definitely had their chances to take the lead and take a 2-0 series lead, but Martin Brodeur shut the Flyers down. The Flyers finally outshot the Devils in the 3rd period, which is the first period they have done so in the first 2 games of the series. However, it was the Devils who got on the board, with ex-Flyer Dainius Zubrus scoring with about 4 minutes left. The Devils would add an empty net goal, and thus go on to tie the series up at 1.

The Flyers have too many supposed "stars" on their team who either underachieve like crazy or just plain aren't star players. Jeff Carter is coming back from an injury, but he still needs to step it up in the playoffs. Carter had his chances this game, but came up small. Carter was the Flyers leading point getter most of the season, and needs to stop playing soft in big games. Danny Briere is basically a joke on the ice, and is stealing money from the Flyers. He tries out there, but just isn't good enough or big enough to get it done anymore. Also, Scott Hartnell is flat out not a very good player. He's a good guy to have on your team, and a guy you definitely root for, but he doesn't play smart, and doesn't bring much else to the table unless he is mixing it up with an opponent. He definitely should not be in the game at the end when you need a goal, because he is not very good. I honestly think they should healthy scratch Hartnell, and play Ville Leino next game.

Either way, The Flyers need to get a jolt on energy in the next 2 home games, and at worst take 1 of them. The Flyers should play better being at home, they do seem to usually respond to the great home crowds. Game 3 is Sunday at 6.

A Call To Fans in Red

So the Phillies lost game 2. How you ask? Most notably because the line-up curled up like a snail in salt. But one thing is for sure: It WAS NOT because of the umpires!

The men in blue are part of the game. They always have and they always will be. The TV cameras showed that they missed a few calls. One for the Phillies and one against. The fans who call up sports talk stations screaming “the umps blew our chances” or “baseball needs instant replay” need to please be quiet.

The Phillies lost because they scored only one run. They lost because Ryan Howard struck out in each of his 4 at bats. They lost because Rollins and Victorino failed to get on base. They lost because Charlie Manual stuck with Pedro a little too long.

Please Phillies, I beg of you, stop complaining about the umpires. It's the kind of thing we should leave to fans who don’t know what its like to be champions. It shows weakness. And right now, the Phillies are still the champs. So we need to stand tall, shake off the loss and come back revved up for Saturday night. Whether we’re dressed as skeletons, muscle heads, nerds, or Seinfeld characters on Halloween night, we still bleed Phillies red.

The umpires did not determine who won game 2. The Phils lost. Lets get over it, stop pointing fingers and prepare for game 3. All eyes now turn to Cole Hamels.

Sixers Fall in Game 2

The Sixers couldn't do the unthinkable and take the first two games of the series in Orlando. The Sixers fought hard, but fell to the host Magic 96-87. The game had a fairly similar ebb and flow to Game 1.

The Sixers jumped out to an early lead much like they did in the first game, and held the lead most of the 1st quarter. Andre Miller came out on fire abusing Rafer Alston, but he was really the only Sixer who could get anything going early except for Thaddeus Young. As the 2nd quarter went on, the Magic beared down on defense, and held the Sixers to 18 2nd quarter points, and the Magic took a 7 point halftime lead. The Magic then went up big at the beginning of the 3rd quarter, just like Game 1. But the Sixers fought back, and after an Iguodala three pointer, the Magic lead was down to 5 points with Dwight Howard on the bench having fouled out. But the Sixers resorted to shooting jump shots after Howard fouled out and were never able to close any further.

The Sixers continue to get virtually nothing from Dalembert or Willie Green. Miller, Iguodala, and Young all had 20+, led by Andre Miller's 30. Besides those three players, the next leading scorer was Marreese Speights with 5. Lou Williams couldn't get much going and finished the game shooting 2-10. The outside shooting just flat out was not there, especially down the stretch. The Sixers did not get the ball inside enough, and shot the ball way too much early in the shot clock without working their half court offense. They also need to get out and try to run after a rebound, and if nothing is there, then slow it down. The Sixers have not been trying to even see if they can get out and get anything in transition as much as they should.

While they did close in the 4th quarter to make it close, just like they did in Game 1, the Sixers are not going to win this series if they continue to get behind by double digits. They need to start playing from ahead. They are playing decently on defense, making the Magic make their outside shots, which Courtney Lee did well tonight.

Either way, it cannot be considered a disappointment coming back here to Philly tied 1-1. The Sixers now have the home court advantage, and hopefully can come out ready to go in Game 3.

Sixers Game 2 Preview

The 76ers look to go up 2-0 in their series against the Magic and possibly steal another game in Orlando. It isn’t going to easy, nor is it likely that the Sixers will take two in Orlando and bring a 2-0 series lead back to Philadelphia.

The Sixers just need to keep their momentum going from the 4th quarter of Game 1, and play the way that they want to play. They can’t worry about being up 1-0 in the series, they need to approach this game just like they would approach any other. The Sixers stole Game 1 in Detroit last season in the 1st round of the playoffs, and then got blown out in Game 2. Even though overall it would still be considered a good thing to go 1-1 in Orlando, the Sixers need to realize that they have the opportunity to really take control of this series by winning this game. Instead of coming out and not working as hard in Game 2, knowing that you still won Game 1, the Sixers need to come out and play even harder in Game 2, knowing that they have an opportunity to go up 2-0 in this series.

To win this game, the Sixers will really need to continue to defend the three pointer like they did in Game 1. It helped that Orlando missed shots that they usually make, but the Sixers did a good job of not letting Rashard Lewis or Hedo Turkoglu ever get into a rhythm and get into the game. It seems stupid to talk about how to stop the Magic and not mention Dwight Howard first, but Howard had a great Game 1, and the Sixers still won. Yes, it would be nice to slow down Howard, but let’s be honest; it’s not going to happen. Howard is a beast, and no one on the Sixers can defend him. Theo Ratliff did do a respectable job defending him though I will say.

On offense, the Sixers need to get out and run where they can, and get as many easy baskets as possible. Orlando is a very good defensive team, so the Sixers need to get as many layups and dunks in transition as possible. In the half court set, Iguodala, Miller, Young, and Williams need to get their baskets, as they can all create.

It would be exciting if the Sixers can get this win tonight and come home up 2-0 in the series, but they will need to play their best game possible to accomplish that.

Flyers Lose Game 2 in OT

The Flyers Lost Game 2 against the Penguins 3-2 in overtime. It was an extremely tough pill to swallow, as the Flyers had leads of 1-0, and 2-1, but allowed the Penguins to tie the game both times, including late in the game on a power play. Once the game went into overtime, the Penguins got a two-man advantage, and scored late in the first OT.

The Flyers looked like a much better team in this game than they did in Game 1 when they were dominated. The Flyers actually played their game, which we knew they were capable of. The Flyers held a 2-1 lead, and should have pushed it to 3-1 halfway through the 3rd period when Fleury stoned Jeff Carter on what looked like an easy open net goal for Carter. It definitely helped that the Flyers got the 1st goal in the game, a power play goal in the first period by Scott Hartnell. It is imperative that the Flyers play from ahead in this series, and they really need to get the first goal in all games.

It's extremely tough to lose this game, and to watch the Flyers lose on a two-man penalty kill in overtime. The Flyers have to quickly put that game behind them, and look forward to Game 3. The Flyers did a lot of things right in Game 2, and need to carry that over to Game 3, and hopefully play even better since the game is at home. Our home crowd will be ready to go, and can get the Flyers players fired up to play. Obviously Game 3 is a must win for our boys.

Flyers Need to Step it Up for Game 2

Game 2 of the Flyers Penguins first round series is tonight, and the Flyers really do not want to go down 2-0 in this series, even with the next two games being in Philadelphia. As the road team in this playoff series, the goal in the first two games in to just win one. The Flyers can accomplish that tonight, and no matter how bad they looked in Game 1, a victory tonight takes back home ice advantage.

The Flyers looked bad in Game 1, and the Penguins looked very good. There isn’t much time to get this all figured out either, since Game 2 is tonight. The Flyers need to find a way to slow down the Penguins through the neutral zone. I’m not sure how they are going to be able to do that against the quicker and more skilled Penguins, but they need to be able to do that. The Flyers also need to stay out of the penalty box. The Penguins can throw Crosby, Malkin, and Gonchar out on the ice together on the power play; all three of those players extremely efficient 5 on 5, and much more dangerous with the man advantage. It will also be important to get the first goal in this game. Another early Penguins goal could mean trouble in this game. You do not want to have to come from behind, the Flyers really have to play from ahead to have any chance in this game.

As we stated in the preview, it was a bad draw to end up playing the Penguins in the first round, who may be the most skilled team in the entire Eastern Conference. But the Flyers are a very good team as well, and need to get back to playing their game in this Game 2. If the Penguins are the better team, then let them beat us while we are playing good hockey. We did not show what we can do in Game 1, and you have to wonder if John Stevens, or captain Mike Richards will try some way to fire up the team going into tonight’s game.

Game 2 is a must win for the Flyers and is tonight at 7:00 PM.

Phillies Take 2-0 Series Lead

The Phillies took a 2-0 series lead against the Brewers with a 5-2 victory Thursday night. Kotite's Corner threw back some beers, watched the game, and enjoyed every minute of it. The Flyin' Hawaiian, Shane Victorino, and Brett Myers get the players of the game in Game 2. Victorino, back in the 2-hole in the order, went 3-4 with 2 doubles, and the game winning grand slam in the bottom of the 2nd off of C.C. Sabathia.

The game started off a little shaky as Myers walked in a run in the top of the first. He settled down with a double play on the next batter. Sabathia looked dominant in the 1st, especially against lefties Utley and Howard. However, the 2nd inning was a different story. With one out, Jayson Werth and Pedro Feliz hit back to back doubles, scoring a run and tying the game at 1 a piece. After Carlos Ruiz grounded out advancing the runner to 3rd, Brett Myers had the at-bat of the game, and maybe the season. Brett Myers, one of the worst hitting pitchers in the league, worked a full count against the best pitcher in the league. He fouled off good pitches, and stayed alive at the plate. The crowd was fantastic, and showed why Philadelphia fans are the most knowledgeable and passionate in the world, knowing how important the at-bat was, and cheering Myers like it was the biggest moment of the season (which is basically was). Myers finally drew a walk, and Rollins walked right after him loading the bases. Shane Victorino then came up, and jacked a grand slam off of Sabathia. Game over. Without Myers 9-pitch at bat, the grand slam never would have happened.

The Brewers added a meaningless run in the 7th, and the Phillies ended up with a 5-2 win, and more importantly, a 2-0 series lead. Brett Myers followed up Cole Hamels great pitching performance with one of his own, going 7 innings, and allowing 2 earned runs. Brad Lidge got another save, and this time actually made it look easy with a 1-2-3 inning, only throwing 12 pitches.

The Phillies travel to Milwaukee to play Game 3 of the series on Saturday. Projected starters for that game are the ageless Jaime Moyer, and Dave Bush for the Brewers.