Takes and trash talk from both ALL sides of the NHL's most obscure PATHETIC* rivalry

* Thanks, Kevin Lowe!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Ducks Game Day–TrainWreckadelphia

Philadelphia Flyers (3-12-2, last in league) at Anaheim Ducks (13-1-4, first in west)

Philly comes to town with a league-worst 1-7-0 road record to try their lot at the Ducks' 8-0-3 home record.

This Flyer team has fallen apart in dramatic fashion. Last year the Flyers got 101 points; this year they are on pace for 39.

How best to express the futility?

  • In 8 road games, they have been outscored 32-13, and their road power play is 2 of 50.
  • They have but 6 players who have scored more than one goal. Conversely, they have 6 players who sport a +/- of -10 or worse.
  • Overall, Philadelphia has two players with a “plus” rating, and one of them is Todd Fedoruk.
  • One crazy stat about Philly is that through 17 games, they are outshooting their opponents by 60 shots. Problem is, Philly shooters have a collective 6.3% shooting percentage, while their opponents are scoring at a 13.6% clip.
  • Philly has allowed 38 even-strength goals, which is remarkably bad considering they have scored only 35 goals in total. Anaheim, meanwhile, has scored 39 even-strength goals, which is remarkably good considering they have allowed only 37 goals in total.
But hey, maybe there’s hope for the once-proud Broadstreet Bullies. The Flyers are 1-0 so far vs. the western conference, and the Ducks have been pretty kind to the east this year, agreeing to go to OT in all three contests. As a result, eastern teams vs. the Ducks have taken 5 of a possible 6 points, while the Ducks themselves have taken 4 of a possible 6. Conspiracy?

Prediction: Ducks 5, Flyers 1. Pahlsson and Getzlaf each get a goal; Selanne gets a hat trick and knocks Derian Hatcher's teeth out.

20 comments:

VeryProudofYa said...

The Ducks struggled against the weak-links last year somewhat, so I hope they don't flub it tonight. It'd be nice so Big Penn notch a pair tonight, as he's been playing quite nicely for the past little while, with but a goal to show for it.

mike said...

Is Breezy getting the start, ya think?

Earl Sleek said...

Is Breezy getting the start, ya think?

Funny, I was going to put something in the prediction about Breezy getting pulled after allowing one goal, but I refrained.

I don't know, it seems like a good Breezy game, but so do the next two games also:

-hosting Chicago (Breezy shut 'em out once already this year)
-hosting Phoenix (Breezy beat 'em twice already this year)

I'm going to guess Giguere for this one. Lately it's the safe bet.

Anonymous said...

The Flyers collapse is just mind-boggling. I don't think anyone thought they'd be that good, but how do you go from 101 points to a 39 point pace without some kind of roster dump or catastrophic accident?

Kent W. said...

Quit being modest, Sleek. The Ducks are going to hammer the Flyers tonight.

Anonymous said...

Looks like you will have to beat both the Flyers AND Jebus:

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.sports.hockey.nhl.phila-flyers/browse_thread/thread/6e016eced6d89d31/9b3eb01d39a8159a#9b3eb01d39a8159a

As a devout Flyers hater, keep that crazy train rolling Geese!

Anonymous said...

Looks like you will have to beat both the Flyers AND Jebus:

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.sports.hockey.nhl.phila-flyers/browse_thread/thread/6e016eced6d89d31/9b3eb01d39a81


I love Bada Bing's comment on that thread:
You could have at least asked for a Cup

Only in Philly.

Earl Sleek said...

Looks like you will have to beat both the Flyers AND Jebus:

OK, OK. 5-2 then.

Also, for those who have been following, the Battle of Thorntons is called off again. I guess it's Parros time.

Anonymous said...

Considering Philly fans past track record, I don't think they are in a position to ask for too much:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/eagles/2003-11-27-santa-snowballs_x.htm

Ducks 4, (Flyers+Jebus-Santa) 3

Anonymous said...

Prediction for tonight: Ducks 6, Flyers 2...

But, who knows? I'll be present with pearly whites blinking as I flash my... sign. =D ahhaha

Are you headed to the HC?

Earl Sleek said...

Are you headed to the HC?

Unfortunately, not until next week (cue Jaws music) for the Sharks.

Unless, of course, HC = home couch, in which case I will be in full force tonight.

Anonymous said...

I predict Ducks 6, Flyers 1, in a massive slaughter.

It will be a fun game to watch!

Anonymous said...

Unless, of course, HC = home couch, in which case I will be in full force tonight.

I meant the Honda Center, you got it right the first time. =D

And that Jaws music is SCARY.

VeryProudofYa said...

"The Ducks struggled against the weak-links last year somewhat, so I hope they don't flub it tonight."

AND THE TREND CONTINUES, 4-1.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...maybe the Sabres and Ducks have learned the value of humility...5-2 sounded like a good prediction but for the flyers?!?! After the first?!?!

Of course by the time I wake up tomorrow it'll be 7-5 Ducks.

VeryProudofYa said...

The Ducks didn't get enough mileage out of their dominant second period. They'll really have to fly against a team that will most certainly act like a clam the entire period.

Temujin said...

The dynamic duo of Bryz and Giggy aren't looking very dynamic.

Mercifully this one is almost over.

Miss. Scarlett said...

The Senators won against the Sabres today too.

While I'm thrilled, I think we might have wandered into Bizzaro World by accident.

Anonymous said...

Human sacrifice, cats and dogs living together... mass hysteria!

There can be no other explanation for this de-pantsing. I mean, the Flyers get what, 16 shots and HALF of them go in? Somebody didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

VeryProudofYa said...

I can only imagine which goalie gets the next start.