Friday, August 9, 2013

215 Basketball: Josh Harris to purchase New Jersey Devils

August 9, 2013

By Nick Tricome



The Sixers won't be the only team Joshua Harris owns anymore.

On Friday, Harris added the New Jersey Devils to his list.

Jody Shelley calls it a career

August 9, 2013

By Nick Tricome



Jody Shelley is calling it a career.

The 37-year old enforcer is hanging up his skates and will be joining one of his former teams in the Columbus Blue Jackets as a broadcaster.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

NHL officially releases preseason schedule

August 8, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The NHL officially released the 2013 preseason schedule on Thursday.

104 exhibition games will be played over a 16-day span starting on September 14.

The Flyers will have seven preseason games, starting with a game in London, Ontario's Budweiser Gardens on Sunday, September 15. They will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in one of 15 games being played outside NHL venues.

Here is the Flyers' complete preseason schedule:

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

215 Basketball: Sixers ownership group wants to buy...the Devils?!

August 7, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The Sixers still need to find a head coach, but that may not be team owner Joshua Harris' only priority.

According to multiple reports, Harris and the rest of the Sixers' ownership group are looking to buy the New Jersey Devils.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Laviolette named Team USA assistant coach, things could get interesting

July 23, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette will be at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, serving as an assistant coach for Team USA.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Sochi bound?: Select Flyers invited to Olympic prelim rosters

July 22, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The NHL made a deal at the end of last week to allow their players to participate in the 2014 Winter Olympics and teams have been putting together their preliminary rosters in preparation of orientation camps.

Here are the Flyers that will be getting a shot at representing their countries this winter...

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Sean Couturier gets two-year extension

July 20, 2013

By Nick Tricome



Getting pending restricted free agents under contract has been a top priority for the Flyers this season.

They already signed defensemen Erik Gustafsson and Oliver Lauridsen, who already hit restricted free agency, to deals and signed their captain Claude Giroux, who would have become a restricted free agent after the 2013-14 season, to an eight-year contract extension.

Now the Flyers have signed forward Sean Couturier to a two-year contract extension.

Important games on the schedule

July 20, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The NHL finally released the schedule for all 30 of its teams on Friday, leaving some interesting match-ups on the Flyers' schedule

Some of it's due to conference re-alignment, while the rest of it is the result of the team's acquisitions and departures during the offseason.

So, let's take a look...

Monday, July 15, 2013

Hextall returns to Flyers as assistant GM

July 15, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Ron Hextall has made his way back to the Flyers.

The Flyers named Hextall assistant general manager and director of hockey operations on Monday.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Lauridsen signed to two-year extension

July 10, 2013

By Nick Tricome



The Flyers re-signed another one of their restricted free agents on Wednesday in defenseman Oliver Lauridsen.

Lauridsen will be getting a two-year contract extension after the two-year entry level deal he originally signed ended after the 2013 season.

Broad Street Bullies coach Fred Shero finally gets elected to Hockey Hall of Fame

July 10, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The honor was long overdue, but it's finally happening.

The Hockey Hall of Fame announced its newest inductees on Tuesday. The list includes greats players like Scott Niedermayer, Brendan Shanahan and Chris Chelios and now, finally, former Flyers coach Fred Shero.

Gustafsson signed to one-year deal

July 10, 2013

By Nick Tricome



The Flyers signed defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a one-year, $1 million contract on Tuesday and it is a one-way deal, according to Flyers Inside Reporter Anthony SanFilippo.

After 14 years with Lightning, Lecavalier wears colors of a different team

July 9, 2013

By Nick Tricome


It's hard to imagine Vincent Lecavalier wearing the colors of any other team but the Tampa Bay Lightning.

On Tuesday, though, the day finally came.

At the conclusion of the introductory press conference for the Flyers' newest signings in center Lecavalier, defenseman Mark Streit and goaltender Ray Emery, the three of them put on their orange and black sweaters for the first time (well, second time in Emery's case).

No one looked more different than Lecavalier.

Streit after Islanders' playoff appearance: "It was time to move on"

July 9, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Mark Streit had spent the past five of his eight (technically four of seven) NHL seasons playing for the New York Islanders.

But even though the Islanders made the playoffs for the first time in six years, with him as their captain, the 35-year old Swiss defenseman felt it was time to move on.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Holmgren on Emery: "All he does is win"

July 9, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The Flyers introduced their newest members on Tuesday in center Vincet Lecavalier and defenseman Mark Streit. They also welcomed goaltender Ray Emery back into the fold.

During the introductory press conference at the Wells Fargo Center, general manager Paul Holmgren had very high praise for the 30-year old goaltender.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Ray Emery Part 2

July 5, 2013

By Nick Tricome


Free agency opened at noon and the Flyers went and found a goaltender almost immediately.

They signed Ray Emery to a one-year, $1.65 million contract, giving him another shot in Philadelphia.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

4th of July Notes: Briere signs with Habs, Hall re-signs, Flyers pushing for Emery

July 2, 2013

By Nick Tricome



Free agency doesn't start until tomorrow, but that hasn't stopped teams from making moves on the 4th of July.

UPDATED: Giroux's extension finalized and agreed to

July 4, 2013

By Nick Tricome


UPDATE #2: It's official, Giroux signed to the eight-year contract extension.

Here is the press release statement by GM Paul Holmgren concerning Giroux's deal.

“We are pleased to announce that we have agreed to an eight-year contract extension with Claude Giroux,” Holmgren said. “Claude is a high-quality young man that over the past few years has blossomed into our best player and also one of the top players in the league. We look forward to more and better things to come from Claude over the next number of years as we try to achieve our goal of becoming a championship team.”

UPDATE: Giroux's contract extension has been finalized, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. He will sign an 8-year, $66.2 million deal that has a full no-movement clause.

Giroux's annual cap hit will be $8.275 million starting in the 2014-15 season.
ORIGINAL
Claude Giroux is going to be a rich man in a couple days.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Notes from Tuesday

July 3, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The Vinny Lecavalier signing took up a lot of attention yesterday, but there was some more Flyers-related news that broke.

Here is a quick look...

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Lecavalier agrees to terms with Philly, but Flyers still have issues to address

July 2, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The Flyers secured one former captain when they reached a deal with defenseman Mark Streit, and  now they secured another.

Center Vincent Lecavalier, the former Tampa Bay Lightning captain who was bought out of his contract a week ago, has agreed to five-year, $22.5 million contract with Philadelphia. The deal will carry a $4.5 million cap hit, along with a no-movement clause.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Flyers use second compliance buyout on Bryz

June 25, 2013

By Nick Tricome


The Flyers wasted no time using their second compliance buyout.

Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, who has been one of the Flyers' more interesting characters over the past two years, has been informed by the organization that his nine-year, $51 million contract will be bought out.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Danny Briere...Thank You

June 21, 2013

By Nick Tricome


So the reports were true.

On Thursday, the Flyers confirmed that Danny Briere will have his contract bought out 48 hours after the Stanley Cup Final ends. Then, he will be a free agent.

It's the end of an era in Flyers history, but endings allow time for reflection.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Update: We're Back!

June 6, 2013

It took some time, but I'm finally back to updating 215 Sports again! I have some help this time too! My friend, Mike Patterson, will now be helping me write for the blog. Content should be added more regularly now with Mike in the mix.

In addition, adding Mike also allows 215 Sports to expand. A new page called 215 Basketball will open up on the blog soon. Mike will do the best job he possibly can to keep you up to date with the 76ers on the new page.

Phillies coverage will resume tonight with the opener of a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Flyers coverage will start up again after the Stanley Cup Finals end and Sixers coverage will follow the same  route, starting after the NBA Finals.

Now we jut need to find an Eagles and a Union writer and we're set! If you're interested, e-mail me.

Once again, I apologize for the halt in coverage. I'm very sorry that I had to stop posting for a while and I cannot thank you enough for your patience.

Go Flyers! Go Phillies! And now, go Sixers!
- Nick Tricome

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Notice


May 22, 2013

215 Sports has been down since the beginning of April and for that, I am extremely sorry. Final projects and preparations for final exams took up a lot of my time over the course of April and early May, leaving me unable to post on the blogs consistently. But finals are done now and I just began my summer break. However that brings good and bad news.The good news is that I can get back to posting again! The bad news is that I got a job that will most likely restrict how often I can update the blog.

The past couple of weeks have been a lot of planning and thinking about how I can better manage the blog with everything else going on in my life, what new content I can produce for the blog and how I can make this site a better overall source for the happenings in Philadelphia sports.

I have a lot of ideas in mind, but I ask you, the reader, for your patience. I don't know how long it could take  to put some of these ideas in motion, but I will do anything I can to make these ideas happen at some point in the future.

I'm working on putting a team together right now, that way it will be much easier to keep the blog up-to-date and will bring different styles of writing into the mix. I'm also thinking of ways to reboot the podcast and have put serious thought into bringing video content to the blog.

I have a few other things I'm trying to make happen as well, but I can only share the ones I just mentioned in the last paragraph, because they're the ones that are closest to happening. The other idea still need some work.

Expect more announcements within the next couple of weeks and a full return for 215 Sports in the imminent future.

Again, I am very sorry for my absence. It's been a while, but I ask you to wait just a bit longer.

I can't thank you enough for your support!

- Nick Tricome

P.S. - If you're interested in writing for 215 Sports, e-mail me at nicktricome215@gmail.com


Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Mason headlines the Flyers' trade deadline

April 3, 2013


The Flyers didn't get a forward that can open up ice for Claude Giroux at the trade deadline. They didn't get a much needed number one defenseman either.

Instead the Flyers acquired goaltender Steve Mason from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Michael Leighton and a third-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Monday, April 1, 2013

Flyers still alive amidst trade rumors and April Fools' jokes

April 1, 2013


After dropping games to the Penguins, Rangers and Islanders, the Flyers were able to bounce back with huge wins against the Bruins and Capitals.

The results leave them two points out of the eighth and final playoff spot with 13 games left to play.

Although playoff hopes are still a long shot, the bottom line is that the Flyers are still alive. With the trade deadline coming up in two days, the rumors are showing up again.

Flyers make trade with Ducks, no not for Ryan

April 1, 2013


The Flyers made a trade with the Anaheim Ducks. No, it wasn't for Bobby Ryan.

Forward Harry Zolnierczyk has been shipped to Anaheim in exchange for defenseman Jay Rosehill.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Briere's season gets worse, out with concussion

March 25, 2013


Danny Briere's season just seems to keep getting worse.

The 35-year old forward has just five goals and eight assists on the season, and hasn't registered a point since March 2. You have to go back even further to February 18 for the last time he scored.

Now Briere is out indefinitely with a concussion, general manager Paul Holmgren announced.

Despite solid effort, Flyers lose in OT

March 25, 2013

Box Score (from Flyers.NHL.com)


If someone who doesn't watch hockey tuned in to NBC Sports Network's broadcast of the Flyers, Penguins game on Sunday night, the only thing they likely would be able to take away from it is that Sidney Crosby is the only player that matters.

It was bad enough, but coupled with all the praise he was getting from Pierre McGuire and Doc Emerick made Crosby's game-tying goal in the third period all the more nauseating.

Crosby's goal, a one-timer set up by Paul Martin, sent the game into overtime when Tyler Kennedy scored the game-winner 2:33 in, to hand the Flyers a 2-1 overtime loss.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

New candidate for best website ever

March 23, 2013


The name of the website is self-explanatory, but is sure to be loved by any Flyers fans or Penguins haters out there.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Flyers and other players around the league talk NHL '94

March 20, 2013



EA Sport's NHL '94, probably the most celebrated video game in hockey history, turned 20 today.

In honor of the game's 20th anniversary, NHL.com posted a video with players sharing their memories of the game.

The Flyers' Scott Hartnell, Max Talbot and Bruno Gervais are featured in the video, talking about their experiences with the game and the scoring exploits they found.

There are also some players featured in video that are not so loved by Flyers fans (Marc-Andre Fleury and Sidney Crosby).

One-timers and Jeremy Roenick are brought up often during the video. If you have ever played the game before, you know why.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Shots off the post cost Flyers

March 18, 2013

Box Score (from Flyers.NHL.com)


You could argue that the biggest factor in the Lightning's win wasn't a usual suspect like Steven Stamkos or Martin St. Louis, but the goalpost.

The Flyers' scored two goals in another game that carried playoff implications, but hit the post on golden opportunities. It cost them in their 4-2 loss in Tampa Bay.

Timonen's 1000th game another must win for Flyers

March 18, 2013


With only 19 games let in the lockout shortened 48-game schedule, every game becomes that much more important for the Flyers.

Monday night's road game against the Tampa Bay Lightning is no exception.

Playoff hopes are on the line, and it's clear to everyone in the locker room that this team needs to start stringing wins together.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Catching Up: Flyers' situation gets more desperate

March 15, 2013


Since the last post on the blog, things haven't really gotten better for the Flyers.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Harry Z suspended for hit

March 3, 2013


Not the biggest surprise of the day, but Harry Zolnierczyk has been suspended for four games.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety handed out the suspension on Sunday, the same day as the Flyers Wives Carnival at the Wells Fargo Center.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

7th time is the charm in 2-1 win. EXTRA: Sestito to make Canucks debut

March 2, 2013

Box Score (from Flyers.NHL.com)


The Flyers had six chances to reach a .500 record prior to Saturday's game against the Ottawa Senators, and each time they came up short.

But the Flyers proved that the seventh time is the charm in a 2-1 win at the Wells Fargo Center.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Gagne scores in return, Flyers win 4-0

February 27, 2013


The force was strong with the Flyers on Wednesday night.

Ilya Bryzgalov, wearing his new Star Wars themed mask, turned in a solid performance in net, and Simon Gagne scored in his return to Philadelphia.

Plus, Wayne Simmonds created a new trend on Twitter. But most importantly, the Flyers beat the Washington Capitals 4-0, to take control of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Video: Gagne's conference call with the media

February 26, 2013



Simon Gagne answers the media's question about his return to Philadelphia. As well as questions concerning his health and conditioning, and if he asked for a trade from the Kings.

(Video from Flyers.NHL.com)

McGinn out with broken orbital bone, Bryz's new mask

February 26, 2013


The news of Simon Gagne's return also led to the news that Tye McGinn will miss time with an injury.

GAGNE HAS COME BACK TO PHILADELPHIA

February 26, 2013


So here's your out of nowhere news for the day.

Simon Gagne is a Flyer again. He has been traded back to Philadelphia by the Los Angeles Kings for a conditional fourth round pick.

Testwuide traded to Calgary

February 26, 2013


There was some trade news to report on Monday night in the midst of the Flyers, Leafs game.

The Flyers have traded minor league forward Mike Testwuide to the Calgary Flames for another minor league forward in Mitch Wahl.

Monday, February 25, 2013

A timeline since the Penguins games

February 25, 2013


There hasn't been a post on 215 Hockey in the past few days, so let's get all caught up, shall we?

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Flyers's define rivalry game in win over Pens

February 20, 2013

Box Score (From Flyers.NHL.com)


NBC will have a hard time finding a game that better defines their "Wednesday Night Rivalry" moniker.

Wednesday night's Flyers-Penguins game had it all. A hat-trick, a Howe hat-trick, controversy and spectacular saves. But the most important thing is that the Flyers beat the Penguins 6-5 in a key game on the road.

Monday, February 18, 2013

Giroux, Flyers make for a long day in Long Island

February 18, 2013

Box Score (from Flyers.NHL.com)


The Flyers had all of Sunday to let the loss in Montreal sink in.

Competitiveness was something they were clearly lacking in that game, and based on players' post game comments, they knew it.

The Flyers desperately needed a win, and a convincing one, when they played the New York Islanders on Monday afternoon.

They got it in the form of a 7-0 shutout with Claude Giroux leading the way.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Flyers 'go through the motions' in loss to Habs

February 16, 2013



For every one step forward, the Flyers take two steps back.

That is what this season has felt like, especially after another frustrating loss following a win against the Jets then a loss to the Devils.

Credit has to be given to the Canadiens for playing a strong game, but the Flyers looked uninspired in the 4-1 loss.

Claude Giroux described his team best. "We're just going through the motions."

Gustafsson recalled, Timonen in, Boucher starts

February 16, 2013


Defenseman Erik Gustafsson has been recalled by the Flyers on Saturday according to CSNPhilly.com.

Gustafsson will be taking Andreas Lilja's spot on the roster, as Lilja has been loaned to the Flyers' AHL Affiliate, the Adirondack Phantoms.

Friday, February 15, 2013

VIDEO: Flyers, Devils highlights and other notes

February 15, 2013


The Devils managed a comeback after the Flyers took a 3-1 lead in the first period. Plus news on Timonen, Hartnell and Meszaros.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Shelley to have hip surgery

February 13, 2013


Jody Shelley was placed on injured reserve Tuesday night and now there is a reason why.

McGinn, Flyers KO Jets

February 13, 2013

Box Score (from Flyers.NHL.com)


One assist is what kept Tye McGinn from completing the Howe Hat-trick on Tuesday night.

The first year Flyer dropped the gloves and scored the deciding goal in a 3-2 win against the Winnipeg Jets in the second of a six-game road trip.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Zolnierczyk called up

February 12, 2013


After Monday night's frustrating 5-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, it was reported that the Flyers are recalling Harry Zolnierczyk from Adirondack.

Monday, February 11, 2013

JVR caps off Leafs' 5-2 win over Flyers

February 11, 2013

Box Score (from Flyers.NHL.com)


The biggest story going into Monday night's game was the fact that both Luke Schenn and James Van Riemsdyk would be facing their former teams for the first time since they were traded for each other in the off-season.

Van Riemsdyk was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Schenn was given to the Flyers in return. So far, Van Riemsdyk has made Toronto look like the clear winner in the deal.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Briere's OT goal gives Flyers 4-3 win over 'Canes

February 9, 2013

Box Score (from Flyers.NHL.com)


The Flyers found themselves in overtime for the second straight game. This time the shootout was avoided.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Next year is likely it for Timonen

February 8, 2013


Next season is likely to be the last of Kimmo Timonen's NHL career.