Monday, February 28, 2011
Posted: 3:25 p.m.
By Tim Panaccio
CSNPhilly.com
Trade deadline day can be enormously uncomfortable for some players, even on teams like the Flyers that made no moves.
Danny Briere was on pins and needles in Buffalo in 2007 wondering if he would be dealt by the Sabres, who weighed whether they would re-sign him.
Briere, of course, signed with the Flyers that July.
Ive been in a position where it was a lot more stressful, Briere said. But maybe not so much for the guys here. Were not trying to get rid of anybody. If we make additions, maybe someone might have to.
Nobodys name, other than NikolayZherdev that has been mentioned anywhere. I dont think guys are too nervous. Its a great day for hockey. And a great day to be a hockey fan.
NHL
Veteran Chris Pronger said the most interesting part comes after the deadline passes and you can compare notes on people who were supposed to be moved but never left.
With what actually happened, when you go back and look at the all the blogs, and trade talk that really didnt happen, Pronger said. Im sure its fun for a lot of people. For a lot of others, it isnt.
We made a few moves here over the last few weeks to add some depth and solidify some positions, I think for us, its looking forward and looking at what we need to do to be successful and thats winning the Stanley Cup.
Coach Peter Laviolette seemed very relaxed after practice.
To be honest, I havent thought about it much, he said. Im more concerned with our guys in practice. Its always a day that is a little bit edgy, but were thinking of the work we have to do.
Over the weekend, the Flyers added their sought-after depth defenseman by plucking Nick Boynton off waivers from Chicago.
Thats just itits insurance, its depth and he proved that last year playing in Chicago, Pronger said. Hes played on a number of teams that have been to the playoffs. Certainly, you need guys like that who have been tested. We all know in the playoffs, theres a lot of injuries, lot of things happen. Again, it gives us another piece Peter can put in our lineup.
Boynton, who knocked 'Hawks teammate Marian Hossa out of the lineup with a collision earlier this season, decked James van Riemsdyk in his first Flyers practice. Boynton plays it hard every game. And in practice.
Things change over 11 years, but I know what kind of coach Laviolette is and hes a real good coach, Boynton said. We know each other. Hes no different.
He played for Laviolette in Providence.
We had some real good teams and he coached me, Boynton said. Thats always a positive you have to remember. Knowing a few people, Sean ODonnell, and Kris Versteeg, it makes it a little bit easier coming into a brand new team.
Boynton, who played against the Flyers in the Stanley Cup Final, says he learned something about this team.
You go from the way they got into the playoffs to the run they went on, they were one shot, one game away from winning the Cup, he said. Its unbelievable the ride they went on last year. It shows in the standings the confidence and the way its carried over this year. It should be exciting.
Laviolette was pleased to be reunited with Boynton.
He told me he had not skated in a while and he jumped into a practice that was moving up and down with a lot of competitive battles, but I thought he did a great job, Laviolette said. Hes a veteran defenseman who has been around and played a lot of games and just a good pickup and adds a lot of depth to our back end.
Practice
Laviolette skated his players hard. Very hard.
He said it wasnt punishment, Kimmo Timonen said, referring to the ugly 4-1 loss in Ottawa on Saturday. So I guess we have to believe him since hes the coach.
Laviolette said it was not a punishment practice.
Today was a good day and we need a lot more of those this month, he said. We need to make sure were hitting the end of the year and in shape to charge hard.
Briere liked it.
Things havent been as smooth lately for everybody, and I think it was gooda little kick in the behind, Briere said. Get us going, put us back on track. I know weve been saying for the past week thats our challenge - to get ready for the playoffs. But little things like that to make sure were in shape and ready to compete. I think its going to go a long way.
"One of the things Peter has been stressing is you look at the end of the season as mid-April. Well, for us, the goal is not mid-April. The goal is the beginning of June. Its a long way out. Were just starting March. You cant let yourself go for the next four months. I think hard practices is a good thing.
Pronger update
Pronger also went through the practice but couldn't say with certainty whether his bruised right hand would allow him to play Thursday against Toronto.
Its my first practice and it feels better than yesterday, Pronger said, adding that he is still having issues gripping his stick.
Betts update
Blair Betts also practiced, but admits he is still having difficulty with the lacerated finger on his left hand.
It was a little uncomfortable today, Betts said. Couple more days to let it heal a bit more. Its still uncomfortable at this point.
Betts is still hoping to play against Toronto.
We have two more days here to see improvement in it, he said. Each day well go on the ice and see how it feels.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net
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