Not much again this week. That’s what happens when your team is dead last. However, the owners did the right thing and signed Paul Holgrem to a two-year contract so he can continue with the rebuilding. No one wants to go in on tentative arrangements on something as delicate as getting the Flyers back into a Cup winner by next season. Mike Knuble returned to the line up too which will help in the current goal of 58 or more points. With 11 remaining games, I think that’s still possible.
I’m done discussing anything further on Phoenix at this point. Sure they embarrassed the Flyers with a 4-0 shut out. What does it matter though? Both teams are out of the running and the victory was meaningless. The latest article on JR states he’s pretty ready for retirement as he’s busy with the restaurant and bar he co-owns with some baseball player in Scottsdale. Never understood why celebrities want to own such a money pit. Next season? I don’t know if I’ll care unless they get a different coach who isn’t bent on building around a rather mediocre center.
The Icebats are also hobbling across the finish line in last place for their division this season. Last game is soon. Not sure if I’ll go as money is tight and there’s too much else to get done around the house. I hope they have better luck next season and they play near my house again.
Lastly, Mike Modano made it to the 500 club on goals. It was made even more painful because it was against my Flyers during their Pacific division road trip. Looks like he’ll beat out Joey Mullen and JR will be retiring shy of the record. All I can think about now is the “what if” with the lockout of 2004-05 being avoided. Another reason why I will never forgive Bettmann and the Stingy Eight of the NHL. Oh, seems they’re going to amend the next Draft to screw over the four teams that duke it out over the Conference championships instead of just the two in the Cup. With all the trading that goes on for draft picks and how long it takes some players to make it into the NHL franchise, I doubt this will have any lasting effect on dynasties such as Detroit, Colorado, Dallas or Philly. Admittedly, one is on the ropes, one is getting by and another hit bottom.