I think Mario gets far too much credit. He took over because it protected him from losing the money the team still owed him as a player, not just because he wanted to be owner.
- Flyskippy

I don't think anyone disputes that. Who could blame him for wanting to make sure he got what was owed him? But its also fair to say he has been a GREAT owner since he took over:
-He could have taken the team out of bankrupcy and sold it to the highest bidder (Balsille) and taken the money and run, but when it became apparent that Balsille didn't intend to keep the team here, he nixed the sale.
-He brought in partners (Burkle) with sufficient resources and capital to take the long view in terms of building a winner.
-He held the city and Ed Rendell's feet to the fire when it was clear they didn't intend to live up to the promises they made when he brought the team out of bankruptcy and did it in a way that didn't alienate the fanbase.
-He replaced his long time friend, Craig Patrick when it became obvious that the league had passed him by, and hired the excellent Ray Shero, who was able to build upon the base of talent that Patrick had assembled.
-He has shown over an over he is committed to winning, and isn't afraid to take risks or spend money to do so, but ultimately leaves the player personnel decisions to Shero.
-I could name you a thousand little things the team does for its fans, especially season ticket holders (I am one) that they don't HAVE to do, but they do because they understand that fans are CUSTOMERS. A corporate culture like that starts at the top.

We couldn't ask for better ownership, as far as I'm concerned.

Cooter reminds me of Staal in his rookie year. Awesome shut down man and good for a few points. Not sure of the offensive upside for Cooter, but he's definitely a solid two-way player.

Hopefully that doesn't continue into the playoffs

Have you seen anything come across Twitter on who's reffing yet?
- canadianpenfan

If the NHL is smart it will be two veterans.

I don't think anyone disputes that. Who could blame him for wanting to make sure he got what was owed him? But its also fair to say he has been a GREAT owner since he took over:
-He could have taken the team out of bankrupcy and sold it to the highest bidder (Balsille) and taken the money and run, but when it became apparent that Balsille didn't intend to keep the team here, he nixed the sale.
-He brought in partners (Burkle) with sufficient resources and capital to take the long view in terms of building a winner.
-He held the city and Ed Rendell's feet to the fire when it was clear they didn't intend to live up to the promises they made when he brought the team out of bankruptcy and did it in a way that didn't alienate the fanbase.
-He replaced his long time friend, Craig Patrick when it became obvious that the league had passed him by, and hired the excellent Ray Shero, who was able to build upon the base of talent that Patrick had assembled.
-He has shown over an over he is committed to winning, and isn't afraid to take risks or spend money to do so, but ultimately leaves the player personnel decisions to Shero.
-I could name you a thousand little things the team does for its fans, especially season ticket holders (I am one) that they don't HAVE to do, but they do because they understand that fans are CUSTOMERS. A corporate culture like that starts at the top.

We couldn't ask for better ownership, as far as I'm concerned.
- Emperor Filonius

Oh, shush and let me hate the Seravalling team.

If he had gotten the team moved to KC, I wonder if he'd be the demigod he is in Pitt now.
- Flyskippy

He is the reason I fell in love with hockey. Period.

He is the reason I fell in love with hockey. Period.
- powerhouse

I can understand that. I cannot stand his whining (such as when he once opined that the NHL should look into 4-on-4 play all the time), but you can't argue with his talent on the ice. I imagine it is akin to my growing up and watching Bob Clarke - my first favorite Flyer (obviously different players, but the affinity for the best player of your favorite team is what I mean).

If the NHL is smart it will be two veterans.
- MBFlyerfan

nhl smart?

Cooter reminds me of Staal in his rookie year. Awesome shut down man and good for a few points. Not sure of the offensive upside for Cooter, but he's definitely a solid two-way player.

Hopefully that doesn't continue into the playoffs
- nhindian

ironically, people were saying his ceiling is on par with jordan Staal

Cooter reminds me of Staal in his rookie year. Awesome shut down man and good for a few points. Not sure of the offensive upside for Cooter, but he's definitely a solid two-way player.

Hopefully that doesn't continue into the playoffs
- nhindian

i'm not sure the opposition has the right to call him cooter.

nhl smart?
- the deaninator

rarely.

nhl smart?
- the deaninator

Yeah, what was I thinking, they will probably use women refs from the Olympics.

Oh, shush and let me hate the Seravalling team.
- Flyskippy

*goes to get dictionary*

Oh, shush and let me hate the Seravalling team.
- Flyskippy

I have no idea what that word even means...so I have no choice but to let you continue with your hatred, unabated.

ironically, people were saying his ceiling is on par with jordan Staal
- the deaninator

I disagree, I think he will be a better offensive player.

*goes to get dictionary*
- canadianpenfan

(I'm thinking he made it up, just to confound us)

*goes to get dictionary*
- canadianpenfan

this is used in lieu of "(frank)ing" and is a reference to one of the local flyers beat writers, frank seravalli.

(I'm thinking he made it up, just to confound us)
- Emperor Filonius

It worked. You can't come back on someone who uses words you don't understand.

this is used in lieu of "(frank)ing" and is a reference to one of the local flyers beat writers, frank seravalli.
- hammarby31

Thanks. The dictionary wouldn't have helped much.

this is used in lieu of "(frank)ing" and is a reference to one of the local flyers beat writers, frank seravalli.
- hammarby31

ahh...he switched to Philenglish to trip up the foreigners!

Thanks. The dictionary wouldn't have helped much.
- canadianpenfan

you're welcome. i figured i'd help you out since the series hasn't started yet.

ahh...he switched to Philenglish to trip up the foreigners!
- Emperor Filonius

it's a common term around here although it just came into existence this season.

you're welcome. i figured i'd help you out since the series hasn't started yet.
- hammarby31

And this is how the UPenn Law Team scored twelve goals on you. You told them all our secrets before the game began.

it's a common term around here although it just came into existence this season.
- hammarby31

*buffs knuckles on chest*

i do not like the oilers getting the #1 draft pick three years in a row. it's (frank)ing bullpoop is what it is. there should be a rule that prevents this from happening. no more than 2 consecutive years. i understand the desire for parity in the league, but i don't like teams being rewarded for failure that simply gives them the opportunity to collect a pile of stars if they're lucky, like the flyers current opponent. being able to draft crosby, malkin, fleury, and staal isn't exactly fair is it?

And this is how the UPenn Law Team scored twelve goals on you. You told them all our secrets before the game began.
- Flyskippy

did they really score that many? i don't remember much other than the fight from that night.