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In a game where the Flyers did have the lead, they wound up losing 4-2 to the Penguins in PIttsburgh. The Flyers had the lead early2-1 in the 1st period, after Mike Richards scored his 2nd goal of the night. However, the lead was short lived, as Sidney Crosby scored just several minutes later. The Flyers had a tough time containing stars Crosby and Evengi Malkin, who combined for 3 goals and an assist. The series is set to continue Sunday night, again in Pittsburgh, as the Flyboys will try not to fall to a 2-0 hole.
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Rumors that the Sixers are interested in Memphis guard Mike Miller have risen. At first, I wasn't to sure about this. Miller's a great shooter, going at a 46% clip for his career and a 40% career three point shooter. But that's about all he gives... he averaged 6.7 boards last year, pretty good for a 6-8, moderately athletic guard. But he's a much more average 4.9 for his career. I'm also not too up on his defense...to me at first glance he seemed like another Kyle Korver. A role player. But the more I think about it, the more I like it. Arguably, he's a better shooter than Korver. He's also a better rebounder than Korver, bigger, and there's no way his defense is worse. Although I still think an athletic big is priority #1 in terms of acquisitions, Miller could be a valuable addition. He would immediately start, at either shooting guard or the 3, Ianding Iggy at whatever position is left open. The only reservation I have is Miller would instantly become our #1 option, I think. He's talented, but is he that talented? Could he handle being a #1? I don't know. Also, since he's not a free agent, what would we trade for him? Probably be a combination of picks and players, the players coming from a pool of guys like Willie Green, Lou Williams, and Rodney Carney. I'd love to get Willie out of town, but I don't know if getting a guy like Mike Miller upgrades the team enough to justify getting rid of Williams and Carney, as well. Especially not Williams, if he's gone, who do we have to come off the bench for offense? I think Miller is an attractive option, I just don't know HOW much he would actually help. We'll just have to see what happens.
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After the Penguins dispatched of the New York Rangers in 5 games, the Flyboys are set to meet them in the Conference Finals. Tough matchup for the Flyers, with the Penguins, I believe, being just as talented as any team in the East this year. The Flyers will come into the series as underdogs, for the third consecutive series. So...are the Penguins too talented, or are the Flyers on enough of a roll to get past Pittsburgh? What are the keys to the series?
First off, the Flyers need to stop the stars of the Penguins. Evengi Malkin and Sidney Crosby are two of the best players in the NHL, and have combined for 28 points in the playoffs thus far. Martin Biron needs to continue his fantastic play, because his counter part, Marc-Andre Fleury, has played just as well, if not better. It also wouldn't hurt if R.J. Umberger-who scored a ridiculous 8 goals in 5 games against Montreal-could continue his hot play. Overall, the Flyers have been great, but I just think Pittsburgh is too talented. I'm taking them in 6.
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Hey everyone, if anybody here actually reads my posts on a regular basis, I won't be posting here too often anymore. I have new blogs at actual domains (links at the bottom) where I will be posting. It'll still be mostly Philly sports I talk about, but unfortunately they won't all be on the same page. Just click on whichever one you want to read about (pretty self explanatory, doctorhoops is sixers, etc.). Thanks
I know this post is a few days late. But whatever, I've been a little busy...anyway, the Sixers dropped game six the other night. Well they were steamrolled, actually, I think that would be more accurate, 100-77. I think this series, in the long run, may have been the best thing possible for the Sixers. I mean, let's face it they obviously had no chance at a championship this year, so I'm glad that they lost in the first round actually...why am I glad? Because now the Sixers management is less likely to overestimate what they have (which has happened in the past). I know we have Stefanski now, not Billy King, but in the past we kind of sat around after getting "shown" flashes...and overpaid for it. Re: Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Kyle Korver...etc. The reason this is important this offseason is Andre Iguodala is a restricted free agent, and I am BEGGING Ed not to overpay him. I still think the $57 we offered at the beginning of the season was more than reasonable. All those who watched this series and still think Iggy is a #1 player raise your hand...yeah I thought so. So why pay him like one? Besides, it's not like many other teams can afford to outbid you for him. Only the Grizzlies are under the cap right now, besides us. So anyway, here's my offseason priorities for the Sixers:
1) Re-sign restricted free agents. Sure I might have bashed Iggy a little, but don't get me wrong, he's a valuable player. Letting go of him would create a major hole...just don't give him too much money. And Lou Williams has proven himself to be a valuable asset as well...the question is how valuable? I'm not sure he's the answer to become point guard once Andre Miller either A) is too old or B) leaves Philly...so is he the answer, or just instant offense off the bench? That's the difference between money and a lot of money.
2) Figure out your 2-spot. To be blunt, Willie Green stinks. The easiest way to do this would be to A) shift Iggy to the 2 and B) Move Thaddeus Young to the 3...but since Thad was at the 4 for many of his minutes this year that brings us to
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The Flyers won game 4, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in their series with the Montreal Canadiens.Martin Biron stopped 36 shots and Daniel Briere scored the game winning the goal in the Flyer's 4-2 win. The Flyers are just one more win from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, where the will most likely face the Pittsburgh Penguins, who hold a 3-1 lead over the New York Rangers. The Flyers have already exceeded expectations, having come into the playoffs a number 6 seed and being underdogs in both of their series.
In game 5 of the series, Andre Iguodala finally started to heat up, but so did the Pistons starters, particualarly Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton, who had been struggling earlier in the series. Billups, Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, and Tayshaun Prince all shot better than 50% in the game. The Pistons as a whole shot 58% and held Philly to 42% shooting, beating them at a final score of 98-81. Unfortunately, I was unable to watch this game because it was on the NBA network. What's up with all these playoff games being on premium channels? All of the Flyers games have been so far, so I haven't been able to watch any. It's rediculous. Anyway...Iggy finally had his game on, shooting 8-13 for 21 points (however, he also had 6 turnovers). Unfortunately, outside of Lou Williams, who was 6-9 with 16 points, the rest of the team stunk up the joint. Especially Andre Miller (5-17, 13 points, just 3 assists) and Willie Green (3-10, 8 points). I can't stand Willie Green. It's not necessarily that I can't stand HIM, though, more like I can't stand how the Sixers use him. I mean, c'mon, he's your starting SHOOTING guard, and he's a career 41% shooter. I mean, Allen Iverson was never exactly a sniper when he was here, but at least he got to the line 7,8,9 times a game to make up for it. Willie Green had 148 free throws in 74 games this season. That means he had two free throws a game. Meaning on average, your starting shooting guard shot just 43% for the season while getting to the line...one time a game. Not a shooter, not a slasher. He also doesn't set himself apart as a rebounder or passer, and he doesn't exactly set the world on fire with his defense. Seriously Mo, how can you not realize by now that you should shift Iggy to the two and start Thad Young at the 3 w/Reggie Evans at power forward? I just don't get it. Sigh. Anyway...Sixers come back home tomorrow night for Game 6 facing elimination. Maybe they can win another game...doesn't look like they will though, Pistons have finally turned it on.
The Flyers took control of their series with the Canadiens last night, winning the always pivotal game 3 in Philadelphia, by a score of 3-2. Unfortunately, due to the fact that all the hockey is on "Versus" network, I couldn't watch the game. ESPN analysts are lauding the performance of goalie Martin Biron, who made 32 saves on 34 shots. I think I heard one of them call him "the best goalie in the playoffs right now" or something along those lines. The Flyers and Biron will try to continue their good play on Wednesday night, again in Philadelphia, where they will attempt to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
The Phillies' bats went cold on Sunday as they missed their chance to sweep the PIrates, losing 5-1. Youngster Pat Maholm pitched a great game for the Pirates, going all 9 innings while allowing just two hits, needing just 99 pitches to get through the game. Phillies opening day starter Brett Myers continues to struggle in his return to the rotation, going just 5 innings while allowing 4 runs, increasing his ERA to 5.11. The Phillies remain even with the Mets at 2nd place in the division, 1.5 games behind the surprising first place Marlins. The Phils return home on Tuesday to face off with the San Diego Padres.
The Philadelphia Eagles wrapped up what looks like a relatively promising draft on Sunday. Having selected a defensive tackle and wide receiver in Round 2, the Eagles came away with another eight players on Sunday. In the third round they selected a player who was a bit of a surprise, defensive end Bryan Smith out of McNeese State. Although undersized at just 6-2, 228 pounds, Smith is also a very quick pass-rushing threat off the edge who dominated his level of competition in college. In 2007 he had 10.5 sacks, 60 tackles and 4 forced fumbles. However, having played in such a small school and being at such a small size, there are questions at how his game will translate to an NFL level. In the 4th round the Eagles picked up offensive tackle Mike McGlynn from Pittsburgh, free safety Quintin Demps from Texas El-Paso, and cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu from Wisconsin. McGlynn is a promising prospect, having won the Ed Conway award in Pittsburgh in back-to-back years, given annually to the most improved player from Pitt. This shows McGlynn likely has a great work ethic and is still getting better. A concern is that he seems to have an extensive injury history. Demps, to me, seems like a boom or bust type of player. He lacks the physical attributes that make a prospect appealing-size, blazing speed, etc,- but he has unbelievable production. He has 17 career interceptions, a trait that, if carries over, will be welcome in an Eagles secondary that struggled to produce turnovers last season. A concern is his ability to make tackles in the open field. Ikegwuonu is another boom or bust type prospect. At the beginning of the season Ikegwuonu was considered one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, and projected as a first or second round pick. However, character concerns arose as he was arrested on burglary and trespassing charges. In addition, Ikegwuonu's performance on the field was underwhelming. He also tore several ligaments in his knee during the NFL combine. Ikegwuonu is a physical tackler who garnered back to back All-Big Ten Conference first team selections. The Eagles took several risks in the 4th round, and may get nothing out of it. If it works their way, however, the payout could be huge. After having no picks in the 5th round, the Eagles went back to the O-Line in the beginning of the 6th, drafting guard Mike Gibson out of California. They also drafted linebackers Joe Mays out of North Dakota State and Andy Studebaker out of Wheaton. Gibson is an impressive, verastile blocker, having played both left and right tackle for the Bears in college. He is projected as a guard in the NFL. A concern that may have dropped him is his injury history, having previously torn his labrum in his left shoulder. He has also suffered multiple concussions. Mays is a powerfully built, at a bullish 5-11, 245 pounds. He is known as a punishing tackler. His build, however, reduces his agility, making it difficult to change direction and is somewhat of a liability in pass coverage. Studebaker is a 6-3, 251 pound linebacker from another small school, Wheaton. Having been a defensive end in college, he had 55 tackles and 17.5 sacks in 2007. He will move to linebacker in the NFL, hopefully bringing more depth to the Eagles' linebacking corps, a strength for the in 2007. With the Eagles' final pick, in the 7th round, they drafted another offensive lineman in offensive tackle King Dunlap, a mammoth at 6-9, 310 pounds out of Auburn. Coming into the year, Dunlap was considered one of the best tackle prospects in football. However, he came in out of shape, and performed terribly. He was eventually injured, and several games after his return was removed from the starting lineup. However, with his 6-9 frame, he seems to be a player worth taking a shot on. If he can pack on some more muscle and regain the talent that once made him a hot prospect, he could be a real steal for the Eagles.
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