I agree with the latter portion. However, it seems like an early/mid-August start would be better. It would give the players more rest/recuperation time before the start of the season, and it would let them fully participate in NHL preseason.
- jmatchett383

Surely there is someone around here that can fill us in on how the players condition themselves and whether or not a tournament like this would help them or hurt them over the course of a season

I agree with the latter portion. However, it seems like an early/mid-August start would be better. It would give the players more rest/recuperation time before the start of the season, and it would let them fully participate in NHL preseason.
- jmatchett383

Agreed, if you have to do it, August would be better.

Surely there is someone around here that can fill us in on how the players condition themselves and whether or not a tournament like this would help them or hurt them over the course of a season
- YuenglingJagr

They already need to stay in "game" shape from late Sept to well into the Spring. I don't think it's really a training issue. It's more of a "why risk injury in a cash grab, meaningless late Sept. tournament" issue.

They already need to stay in "game" shape from late Sept to well into the Spring. I don't think it's really a training issue. It's more of a "why risk injury in a cash grab, meaningless late Sept. tournament" issue.
- BiggE

I share in the worry about injury risk, but I'm excited for the World Cup.

I share in the worry about injury risk, but I'm excited for the World Cup.
- MJL

Same here. Im not too worried about the other stuff. They will be well ahead in terms of game shape and wont need the farcical preseason games to get in game shape.

I share in the worry about injury risk, but I'm excited for the World Cup.
- MJL

A few days ago I noticed that report that Zetterberg was injured just training for the World Cup. Right away the last 2 or 3 training camps spring the mind with Claude Giroux. The Golf accident most notable for me and I believe he was hurt in a pre season game, so not many of us were sure he play game 1 during last camp.

I don't mean to be a stick in the mud but I think history will show that the odds are against G staying healthy through September.

Same here. Im not too worried about the other stuff. They will be well ahead in terms of game shape and wont need the farcical preaeason games to get in game shape.
- MBFlyerfan

I would everyone playing in the tournament out of pre season action.

I would everyone playing in the tournament out of pre season action.
- roenick97

I'd rather them all play preseason games and training camp with the guys they'll be playing with for 6 months as opposed to guys they'll be playing against for 6 months.

Edit: I will watch the "World" Cup because I'm a hockey junkie, but aside from the Flyers participating, I don't think I'll get too into it.

I'd rather them all play preseason games and training camp with the guys they'll be playing with for 6 months as opposed to guys they'll be playing against for 6 months.

Edit: I will watch the "World" Cup because I'm a hockey junkie, but aside from the Flyers participating, I don't think I'll get too into it.
- jmatchett383

This is my feelings on this tourney. Not really wanting to see it affect teams in the regular season. But I'll catch what I can cause it's hockey.

Then again...if Giroux accidentally sticks Crosby in the eye in practice...

I agree with the latter portion. However, it seems like an early/mid-August start would be better. It would give the players more rest/recuperation time before the start of the season, and it would let them fully participate in NHL preseason.
- jmatchett383

I don't think this matters. It's no different than the Winter Olympics where the timing is even worst. John Tavares' season ended playing for Canada and he was having a career year. Everyone is in the middle of their season, some players and teams might be on a hot streak. At least this way the best players get into a groove and if they get hurt, they're likely to return before the season ends. I'm not in love with starting a season without a key player due to international play but this might be the best way for G, Coots, Ghost to spend training camp. Ghost might come into this season with sky high confidence thanks to this experience.

I'd rather them all play preseason games and training camp with the guys they'll be playing with for 6 months as opposed to guys they'll be playing against for 6 months.

Edit: I will watch the "World" Cup because I'm a hockey junkie, but aside from the Flyers participating, I don't think I'll get too into it.
- jmatchett383

I have no problem with this mind set except Giroux has been playing with Voracek, Simmonds and Schenn for the better half of 6 years. This tourny won't screw up that chemistry. In fact they could bring back strategic ways to get into the heads of oppsing players and learn tendencies.

I don't think this matters. It's no different than the Winter Olympics where the timing is even worst. John Tavares' season ended playing for Canada and he was having a career year. Everyone is in the middle of their season, some players and teams might be on a hot streak. At least this way the best players get into a groove and if they get hurt, they're likely to return before the season ends. I'm not in love with starting a season without a key player due to international play but this might be the best way for G, Coots, Ghost to spend training camp. Ghost might come into this season with sky high confidence thanks to this experience.
- roenick97

Again, personally, I'd rather them get into game shape with their NHL teamates (especially the team captain) as opposed to players they'll play with for 3 weeks before becoming enemies for the rest of the year. Just personal opinion. And yes, I'm 100% against players playing in the Olympics mid-season. I just think these games are nothing but a farcical cash grab for the league.

Again, personally, I'd rather them get into game shape with their NHL teamates (especially the team captain) as opposed to players they'll play with for 3 weeks before becoming enemies for the rest of the year. Just personal opinion. And yes, I'm 100% against players playing in the Olympics mid-season. I just think these games are nothing but a farcical cash grab for the league.
- jmatchett383

If its a cash grab maybe the owners will finally be satisfied by the revenue they bring in and then they wont need to pud adds on jerseys!...

They give him ball so it can go in and then yes. Young is good and better later for more good we have. Ball go to it and Super Bowl. E-A-G-L-E-S ESCOBIRDS.
- jmatchett383

I really would like to get this translated to English but I cannot decide which foreign language it is written in.

Or:
So, what was the deal, here? Driving? In a big rush? Spell-check gone crazy?

Or:
Insert Jim Downey clip from "Billy Madison" here.

If its a cash grab maybe the owners will finally be satisfied by the revenue they bring in and then they wont need to pud adds on jerseys!...
- YuenglingJagr

Fat chance.

If its a cash grab maybe the owners will finally be satisfied by the revenue they bring in and then they wont need to pud adds on jerseys!...
- YuenglingJagr

Sports owners? Satisfied with the money they have?

That's adorable.

People? Satisfied with the money they have?

That's adorable.


- johndewar

ftfy

I share in the worry about injury risk, but I'm excited for the World Cup.
- MJL

I am, too. One of the Flyers might get hurt in a WC game, but injuries can happen at any time, even in training or on the golf course.

I don't think this matters. It's no different than the Winter Olympics where the timing is even worst.
- roenick97

Worse describes something that is of lower quality than something else. It is used to compare two things with each other.

Worst describes something that is of the lowest quality of a group of three of more things.

I am, too. One of the Flyers might get hurt in a WC game, but injuries can happen at any time, even in training or on the golf course.
- Feanor

Agreed, but playing in a tournament for a team other than they one that is paying you millions (or hundreds of thousands) of dollars seems like an unnecessary risk, to me. If you get hurt playing for your team, it happens. If you get hurt playing for some team that will disband in 3 weeks, I would not be happy.

What an absolute gem of a blog.
Writing about hockey and sports as a reflection of life and the human condition.
Really well done Bill.
I think it may be one of your best pieces.
Celebration, ecstasy, tragedy and the beloved 80s Flyers.

Agreed, but playing in a tournament for a team other than they one that is paying you millions (or hundreds of thousands) of dollars seems like an unnecessary risk, to me. If you get hurt playing for your team, it happens. If you get hurt playing for some team that will disband in 3 weeks, I would not be happy.
- jmatchett383

Where is your national pride, Colin?

Bill or anyone else, can you tell me if the new 50th jerseys will be available for purchase on line after the initial release to the sth and at the fan gear store in philly?

Thanks!
- Hextall271

NHL.com just sent out an email that has them on their site, so they are probably on Fanatics and FansEdge, also.
I quickly looked and it seemed that Giroux was the only player specific jersey so far. You can order customized. Indicated that they would be shipped to arrive before the opener. Despite the graphics shown, the description indicated embroidered and twill logos and numbers on the Giroux adult and custom jerseys.

Where is your national pride, Colin?
- YuenglingJagr

I'm not even going to get into that on here.