Back where we belong...

It was SO great to watch an official, meaningful NHL game last night. Despite the fact that my team, the Flyers, dropped a 5-3 decision to the Rangers, it was just a wonderful feeling to be sitting on couch, beer in hand, watching hockey again. While I was disappointed by the lack of effort in the third period by the Flyers (leading to the loss), I was encouraged by their early dominance, and realize it's only the first game. This team will compete for the cup this year, and should win. It might take 5-10 games until everything shakes out with the new lineup, new rules, etc, but the Flyers are built to win this year. They have no weaknesses up and down the lineup.

Some initial observations on the "new" NHL: Realizing it's only one regular season game (and one preseason game that I got to watch), I'm still in a "jury's out" mode on the game. While there were some very exciting moments last night, I almost felt like I was watching a slightly different sport at times. I think I've gotten so used to the clutching, grabbing, hooking, etc., that it looked like everyone was being really tentative out there last night - not engaging people on defense, etc. I know that's in response to the strict rules changes, but it looked like either someone would get checked hard, or the defense would back off and allow room. It sort of reminded me of an all-star game at times, where the "gentlemen's rules" would prohibit rough play during the exhibition. Then a minute later, Brashear would be putting Jagr on his head. It just seemed really strange at times. I am hopeful that the referees will allow at least a little contact in the defensive zone as time goes on. Maybe not clutching and grabbing, but at least allowing D men to clear the porch and such. I'm sure my opinion of the product would be a bit better had my team been able to hold on and win. I think it's going to work, but the players and fans need to get used to things a bit.

On OLN's coverage: The best quote I saw all night regarding the coverage came from ESPN's NHL blog. They said something like the set resembled a Bob and Doug McKenzie show. I thought that was great! For all the hype and publicity surrounding the OLN having the games, it really did seem like the set and graphics were a bit on the "cheap" side. Especially those computer generated graphics of hockey players skating down the ice. It looked like something I could have programmed on my old Commodore 64 back in the '80s. I was a bit confused b/c I thought Doc Emerick was going to be calling the game with Davidson. They had some putz out there and the combo was sort of weak. They also had Clement in studio, and I think he should be on the air, not Davidson. Jonesey is a great analyst, and would work either on air or in studio. Neil Smith is just there as window dressing. I think they could have found a better "expert" to put on the show. But again, as it's the first game, I'm willing to reserve judgement. I'm really glad that most of the Flyers games are going to be on Comcast. I really do enjoy having our familiar announcers calling and analyzing the game.

So overall, I'm elated to be able to watch games and follow the league this year. I'm sure this year, more than any before, it's going to take a while until everything settles into what the new "normal" is going to be, but that was to be expected. The bottom line is the league will tweak things until they really work. Scoring will be up...games will be more exciting...and the Flyers will win the Stanley Cup...

s42