Results tagged “derianhatcher”

The Second Coming wasn’t supposed to be like this. On his return to Philadelphia, the Flyers seemed set to dominate the league. Prior to the NHL returning from the 2004-2005 season, Bob Clarke assembled what had appeared to be a sure Cup contender. Former 30-plus goal scorer Mike Knuble was added along with versatile forward Turner Stevenson. The signing of massive and proven defensemen Mike Rathje and Derian Hatcher was announced on the same day in early August ’05. We seemed set for a title run. But, after a somewhat inspired early season, the level of play dropped off dramatically through March and April, prior to the team being absolutely embarrassed by the Buffalo Sabres in a first round playoff loss. Knuble proved to be the only one of those big ’05 additions that has had a lasting impact. Rathje and Hatcher are too slow to be effective in the speedier NHL of today, and Stevenson was lost last season after continuous hip problems (Rathje is currently out indefinitely with Piriformis Syndrome, which is described as condition that causes backside pain). Besides having slow footed defensemen, the Flyers have sorely missed Stevenson as his two way play was invaluable on the penalty kill and in close game situations. Additionally he demonstrated the tireless work effort that this team currently lacks.

The Philadelphia Flyers return to the ice tonight, playing a nationally broadcast game to kick off the NHL's new season.

As the Flyers practice without the injured Peter Forsberg and the injured Derian Hatcher, we have to get our hockey fix in other fashions since Comcast Sportsnet inexplicably doesn't cover preseason hockey practices in HD.

ESPN is reporting that Peter Forsberg, former center for the Colorado Avalanche, has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers for 2 years and over $10 million dollars. The move will put the Flyers over the salary cap, thus reports are surfacing that the Flyers will deal center Jeremy Roenick, the team's highest paid player, to the Los Angeles Kings for draft picks. Roenick, you might recall, was outspoken during the lockout.