Friday, 25 January 2013

Flyers sign veteran, awful officiating in Edmonton; lineup news


Veteran signing; not good news for Laughton
    Late last night when the Philadelphia Flyers signed veteran Mike Knuble to a 1 year contract, one knows it’s not a short term patch-up job while the team struggles with injuries. The signings would lead one to assume it means rookie centerman Scott Laughton wouldn’t be with the team all year long. The Flyers have one more game before they reach their 5 game limit with the rookie. If Laughton plays more than 6 games, it counts as the first year of his contract. The first rounder hasn't looked out of place, but hasn't stood out either. With Knuble on board, Hartnell & Briere coming back with a few weeks; they need to free up a roster spot. If they decide to keep Laughton; that would indicate they might finally waive tough guy Jody Shelley; who is in final year of his three year contract.
Kimberly & Kowal struggle in Edmonton
    Greg Kimberly & Tom Kowal are normally very dependable officials. But last night in Edmonton they struggled throughout the contest with calls that were not penalties & non-calls late in the game that should have been penalties. Earlier in the night; the two refs made a few questionable calls where LA Kings Dustin Brown & Anze Kopitar went down easier than they should have lets say. But half way through the third period, Kings forward Trevor Lewis was called for high sticking; when on the same play Oilers de-man Mark Fistric should have been nailed for slu-footing Lewis. But without question the
biggest missed call all night; is when Sam Gagner cross checked a Kings de-man right in front of the crease with less than 2 minutes left. The Oilers of course went onto to score with 5 seconds left; then won it in overtime on a powerplay after a questionable to many men on the ice penalty against the Kings.
Lineup changes for Ottawa tonight in Tampa
    Backup goalie Ben Bishop makes his first start of the season in Tampa Bay. Often injured forward Guillaume Latendresse misses his first game of the year due to a lower body injury. Kaspars Daugavins makes his season debut in for Latendresse. The third and final change for the Sens will see Mark Borowiecki in for Patrick Weinroch; the American born de-man makes his season debut and is in known for his rough and tumble style like departed veteran Matt Carkner. With Borowiecki being inserted into the lineup tonight; look for the Lightning to insert tough guy Pierre-Cedric Labrie as well
Helm & Bertuzzi back in motown
    Darren Helm & Todd Bertuzzi make their season debuts tonight for the struggling Detroit Red Wings. Helm on the third line, Bertuzzi on the second line, look to bring some stability. They will be already this season (fourth game tonight) the 17th & 18th forward to play so far this year.

No comments:

Post a Comment