The700Level.com - Philly Sports & Minutiae

Flyers, Bruins to Get a Little Cozy at Fenway?

I've had the pleasure of seeing a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, an experience I'd recommend to any fan of the game. Fenway is as old as it is unique, and many of its "features" would be considered atrocities if they were part of a new stadium. Its concourse level is cavernous and devoid of any sunlight in some areas. The sightlines from some outfield seats are among the worst I've ever seen (though most vantages are fine). And yet, these quirks only add to the experience, at least for first-timers. 

So with the Flyers and Bruins expected to play in the Winter Classic at Fenway on New Year's Day, you can imagine there might be some logistical issues when the NHL drops an ice rink on the field. The first of what I assume will be many structure-related news items popped up today, and it elicits quite the visual... 

Just Another Potent Philadelphia Offense...

Speaking of great home run feats, the Phillies joined an exclusive club last night, becoming just the second team to ever have four players hit 20 or more homers before the All-Star Break. Toronto was the other in 2000, but 2009>2000 in terms of power stats, so eat it, Blue Birds. Last night, Chase Utley and Jayson Werth each hit their 20th, with Utley's being of the stand-up, inside-the-park variety. They joined Raul Ibanez (22) and Ryan Howard (21) in the 20+ club. 

Just a few years removed from being a scrap heap player in a few organizations, Werth is becoming a bona fide MLB star, dare I say a potential All-Star? Shane Victorino's ascendence yesterday coupled with Charlie Manuel using a manager's selection on Ryan Howard could keep Werth at home next week, but that's not to say he isn't deserving—particularly lately. Werth's homer last night was his seventh in the past 12 games, and he has now gone yard in four straight. With the Phillies' HR leader on the DL for much of the past month, Werth has really stepped to make up for lost offense. And now we get Raul back too?

Report: Niittymaki to Sign With Ray Emery's Former Russian Club

In an interesting twist of fate, it appears that free agent goalie Antero Niittymaki will head to the Russian KHL's Atlant Mytishchi, filling the spot vacated by Ray Emery, who was recently signed to be the Flyers' starter in '08-'09. Hopefully he'll have better luck with the team's staff than Emery did. 

Good luck to a good guy. We'll miss Nitty. 

Update: With no official word on the KHL signing, some in Tampa still think Niitty could end up with the Lightning. 

Report: Flyers, Pronger Agree to 7-Year Extension

Sportsnet in Canada is reporting that the agent for Chris Pronger has informed them that the defenseman signed a 7-year contract extension with the Flyers. You read that right—7 years—a number that's bound to have a little shock value considering the age of the player involved. The deal is said to be front-loaded to decrease the cap hit, and worth about $5 million per season with an overall value of $35 million and a no-movement clause. I'd speculate that it's unlikely that Pronger, who will be 35 this October, will play into his 40s, but a few good years beyond next season at $5 million per would end up being a bargain. Hopefully, if his play starts to decline significantly, he'll know to call it a career like many veterans of his ilk have. If not, he'd become a costly burden in a few years. With Pronger though, I'd lean toward him having a few great seasons left in him, trailing down to "good," at which point he'll hang it up. /optimism

We''ll have more on this as details emerge regarding the exact and definite nature of the contract. Right now there is still just the one report, which doesn't have many details, and importantly, no announcement from the team yet. Stay tuned. 

Unlike You, Chris Pronger Is Not Afraid of Commitment

The Flyers officially introduced Chris Pronger in Philadelphia (well, Voorhees) today, with the giant defenseman hoisting an orange jersey with his name and the number 20 stitched on. 

The big news of the day is that the two sides will be discussing a long-term deal that will keep Pronger in Philly for more than the remaining year on his contract—possibly for the rest of his career. Despite his being 34, locking the stud blueliner up would help to ease the blow of losing Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, and two first round picks. There is plenty of game left in his tank. 

It's good to know Pronger could be willing to stay on after this year, but the price will obviously be an issue with a team as up-against-the-cap as the Flyers continue to be. For now we'll just enjoy the sight above. 

*UPDATE: Knuble, Victim of Cap Becomes Cap-ital, Boucher and Laperriere sign

The Flyers faithful's internets and facey-spacies are ablaze with the news that veteran forward and powerplay "rock", Mike Knuble has signed a 2 year deal with the Washington Capitals at 2.8 mil per.  July 1st, 2009 had been a quiet day for the Orange n' Black with fans hoping the team could sign a backup goalie AND keep Knuble.  As of this particular moment, they have failed to do so.  Couple this loss with Lupul's 25+ goal average and you have a 50+ goal deficit that now needs to be filled.  Pronger's presence on the powerplay should get some of that  production back, but the new-comers (Giroux & JVR) will have to step into this veteran void.  A healthy and productive Briere could also help soften the blow.  Mike Knuble was a very popular Flyer, as consistent  in front of the opposition's net as he was in front of the post-game cameras.  We wish him good luck and success in the future... as long as it isn't against the Flyers.  Timmy P has the full story.  **Flyers sign former Shark (and Flyer) goalie, Brian Boucher to a $900,000 per,  2 year contract and former 'Lanche forward, Ian Laperriere for 3 years for 3 million** 

Flyers Trade for Chris Pronger, Send Lupul, Sbisa, and High Picks to Ducks

As the 2009 NHL draft got underway, the Flyers already had a deal in place to remedy one of their biggest needs. Paul Holmgren has sent a sizable package to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for 34-year-old defenseman Chris Pronger and forward Ryan Dingle. Headed to the Ducks are Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, this year's first round pick (21), next year's first rounder, and a conditional third round pick in 2010 or 2011. 

Pronger gives the Flyers a huge presence at the blue line. He stands 6'6 and weighs in at about 220 lbs and is a great hitter. Although he's 34, there's still plenty left in the tank, although it's been nearly 10 years since he won the Hart Trophy as the league MVP as a member of the St. Louis Blues. Still, the fact that he has an MVP as a defenseman speaks to the caliber of his ability. Also, just two years ago, in 2007, he was an integral leader on the Ducks' Stanley Cup championship team. 

Anthony SanFilippo reported on the possibility of this deal earlier today, stating that the Flyers' top target was still Jay Bouwmeester of Florida. However, as opposed to J-Bo, who becomes a free agent on July 1, Pronger is under contract for next season and is now officially a Philadelphia Flyer. The price (in terms of players) for simply acquiring the rights to J-Bo before free agency opens so as to try for a deal beforehand was said to be high, and the contract he will command will be huge. 

So what about the package that brought Pronger here, and the contract that comes with him? 

Two White-Knuckle-Excitement, Philly Sports Events in Canada Tonight...

Which one will you care more about at 8PM? In 5 years? Chances are the answers vary (unless you're that pissed at the Phillies right now). 

The Phils head up to Toronto to face the fierce, dangerous Blue Jays that swept them just last week. J-Roll continues his time riding the pine despite the Phillies' extra lineup needs with Raul on the DL and a designated hitter required for away games in interleague play. Jimmy has had some success outside of the leadoff spot in 2009, but Charlie insists that when he comes back, he's still #1. Right now, he just needs some time to reflect, talk to the man in the mirror, ask him to make a change. The Phils have been a trainwreck to watch lately, and to be honest, other than their hitting talent and the law of averages, there aren't many reasons to think they'll turn this around right away. They're currently just 0.5 up on the triple-A team that is the current Mets roster, and they can't get out of their own way to win a few games lately. I'm not a doomsday guy, but failing to kick the Mets when they're down could really bite the Phils when/if they get healthy. Also, mercy is for the weak. An enemy deserves no mercy. Etc. On to Montreal...

Ordinarily, I'm much more of a hockey guy than hoops man. One of the only times this isn't true is when it comes to the respective drafts of each sport, as I alluded to before last night's extravaganza. Whereas I love the NBA draft and watch at least the first round each year, with the NHL draft, I usually just flip back to it every so often to see how soon it is until the Flyers pick. I figure, at best, most Flyers fans do the same. 

This isn't to say it's not important. It's absolutely huge, and the Flyers kinda kick ass at it. 

Everyone, Prepare to Bid Adieu to Flyers' Goalie Coach

I know, the headline alone is enough to shatter all aspirations for a nice evening. The Flyers will reportedly not be renewing the contract of goalie coach Reggie Lemelin, who has been with the team since the '93-'94 season. 

All those Vezina and Jennings trophies, rarely a goalie controversy, and yet, his tenure in Philly only lasted 15 years, most of which were as the top 'keepers coach. There's just no loyalty in hockey anymore when a man who has fostered such great goaltending only gets a little over a decade in his position. This could have been the year. 

Word is that Jeff Reese, currently with Tampa Bay, will likely replace Lemelin.  

Today in Philly Sports History: Flyers Draft Possible Franchise Player, Clarkie Forgets His Name, 2006

It's that time of year again, when NHL and NBA/NCAA fans check out mock drafts, scouting reports, and youtube videos of the players that might be the next to wear their team's colors. In the case of the NBA, the post-draft day gratification is relatively immediate. The first round picks are all pretty well-known from their college or international play, and even if they don't get a lot of PT as rookies, they're still on the roster and will get some minutes here and there. 

In the NHL, however, the rosters are considerably bigger, and there's a minor league system in place. The talent pool is vast and more multinational, with many of the players after the top two or three picks being complete unknowns to the average sports fan, even to most hockey enthusiasts. Then, it often takes at least a year—usually more—for even a first rounder to crack the NHL roster. However, although the fans might not know the players well before they at least get some minor league pro time in, the scouting staff and GM have been tracking him for quite awhile before selecting him at the draft. Or so you'd think.

Who's Up for a Road Trip to Fenway? Flyers-Bruins Winter Classic Confirmed

Although we still don't have official word from the Flyers, NBC, or the NHL, Anthony SanFilippo of the Daily Times says he has sources that confirm that the Flyers will play the Bruins at Fenway Park on New Year's Day in this season's Winter Classic. ASF confirms previous reports that the league wanted the Caps involved, but NBC wasn't thrilled with the ratings of the Washington-Rangers opening round series and pushed hard for the Flyers. Hatred of NBC must be reaching near Pittsburghian levels in DC right now. 

See you at Fenway? 

Did the Flyers Party Too Hard Last Season?

The other Flyers story getting some play tonight is the Paul Holmgren interview with Wayne Fish of PhillyBurbs.com and the Bucks County Courier Times. As is often the case in hockey, perhaps more so than any other North American sport, the exec was more than willing to to engage in a light-a-fire interview. Homer was very forthcoming in his responses to some difficult questions, particularly those pertaining to why the players seemed to hit the wall late in the season while other teams got into stride just in time for the playoffs. And it wasn't just youthful inexperience on the ice—there seem to have been some off-ice concerns raised by Homer and John Stevens:

Fish: For the first time since the team moved its practice operations from Philadelphia to Voorhees, N.J., in 1982, a number of players, some in their early 20s, are living downtown. There are whispers that these players have easier access to the city's nightlife. Any concern on your part about that arrangement?

Holmgren: "First of all, if you want to look for nightlife, action or whatever, you can find it whether you live in South Jersey, Delaware or Philadelphia. Am I concerned about it? Let me say this: The issue has been raised by (coach) John (Stevens) and myself with all the players.

"I think this all falls under the umbrella of discipline. It's on-ice discipline - not overstaying-your-shift discipline - it's off-ice discipline, it's night before a game taking better care of ourselves. That's a natural maturation process that a lot of our younger players are still going through. We've addressed that. So am I concerned about it? We'll see how it goes this year. All our players have been talked to about it. Is it an issue? The fact that we've talked about it, I guess it is an issue.''

Sources: Flyers More Likely to Play Bruins at Fenway in Winter Classic

We've all previously heard that either the Capitals or the Flyers will likely play the Bruins at Fenway Park this coming New Year's Day in the NHL's Winter Classic. With Alex Ovechkin being essentially the league's most popular player, many thought the Caps were be the favorite to be included. However, WEEI in Boston is reporting that the Flyers are now the more likely opponent for the Bruins. Their unnamed sources say that NBC favors the Flyers for ratings purposes, while the league wants the Caps to get the prominent billing. 

We're not getting our hopes much higher than 50/50 just yet (OK... we're trending 60/40). The NHL is always host to more than its share of "source"-related rumors, and this is nothing until it's something. In any case, it's good to hear any report that the Flyers could be playing outdoors on New Year's Day. 

Many of us would love to see the Flyers play the Penguins at State College sometimes soon, but we'll get behind any appearance of the Orange & Black in the Winter Classic. The Pens have already played in a outdoor game, so their next appearance may be on hold, and we don't want the Flyers' first Classic tied to any type of delay. Also, it's Fenway... 

Close But No Selke for Mike Richards in Vegas; Hartnell the Poker Star

Everyone knew it'd be a tight race. The three finalists for the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward were all deserving, all elite two-way players. But when the votes were counted and the hardware was handed out last night in Las Vegas, it was Pavel Datsyuk who took it home. 

Mike Richards wasn't far off though—the vote was the closest in the history of the award, 945-942. Get 'em next year, Richie. Update: Richie actually had the most first-place votes. 

One Flyer who did win in Vegas last night was Scott Hartnell. 

Sean Avery: Bonnaroo Was 'The Greatest Weekend I've Ever Had;' Scott Hartnell a Clown

New York Rangers fashionista Sean Avery was a guest on Jimmy Fallon last night and told stories of hanging out all weekend at Bonnaroo in Tennessee. The former Vogue intern says Joffrey Lupul was in the tent/bus next door at the festival. Unfortunately, we didn't spot him. The d-bag extraordinaire Avery goes on to tell of how he once beat up Scott Hartnell by accident, calling him a clown. [video below]