Deadline - Deaad and Gone

Dispite efforts and emails, Flyers GM Jazz Matthews was unable to get the right winger that he covets. "There were no replies to any of the emails, not even the ridiculous just to say HA!", said Matthews. It is true that the Flyers were not going to trade any big names, except in the case of Mike Richards and like Matthews said, "NO replies...NONE".

The Flyers did make one trade however, acquiring 19 year old rookie centerman Greg NEMISZ (L C 6 9 7 7 9 4 9 6 8 7 8 80). "He is right wing eligible next season and though his PA PC numbers are not quite there, we feel he will fit in nicely with Zetts (Henrik Zetterberg) and Thorny (Joe Thornton)". It is true that it cost the Flyers two draft picks but Matthews thinks the pickings are slim anyway.

The one other addition that Matthews feels was key is 9/9 goaltender
Nikolai Khabibulin. "The fact that he is a 70 OV is a bonus as well. We would have been happy in the 64 to 66 range. Then Habby comes in with 11-3 and 6-1 wins over the Canadiens and the Bruins". Matthews added, " This year, we have no expectations. We blasted the League last year and were gone in round one, the same happened the year before. This year we played our game. Solid and planned. Somwetimes it worked and sometimes not but what we do have this year that we haven't had for a while is protection spots....our core guys don't have to worry, but this season we should be able to help an underachiever or two and Habby might fit that glove. Let's face it, his stats coming in were not that great and we can't get him in enough games to make a difference here".

The Flyers looked poised to move beyond round one and has one team in their sites.....




Bubba Davis, Philadelphi Enquirer