AJC > Sports > Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2005 > December > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhen Disney on Ice attacks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Every February the Thrashers become an itinerant NHL team, leaving home for almost the whole month, save a few scant home dates.
But that’s nothing compare to what the Philadelphia Flyers, who play tonight against the Thrashers at Philips Arena, have to deal with. The Flyers are in the midst of an 11-game, 20-day road trip because Disney on Ice is currently occupying the Wachovia Center.
As many injuries as the Flyers have had – they’re missing Eric Desjardins, Keith Primeau and goalie Robert Esche) they still have one of the league’s better groups of forwards (Peter Forsberg, Simon Gagne, Mike Knuble, Michal Handzus, Sami Kapanen, rookies Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, etc., etc.). A lesser team might allow an 11-game road trip to sink their playoff chances. That probably won’t happen to the Flyers.
What do you think of this ridiculous circumstance, which is created in part by the need to compress the schedule so the league can interrupt its season for the lengthy Olympic break? Should the league – or Flyers’ ownership – be more concerned with competitive advantages/disadvantages by such an unusual situation?
Comments
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By JB
December 28, 2005 04:29 PM | Link to this
Isnt the Spectrum still there across the street? Why not put it to use with Roll back prices and Vintage uniforms. Have one of their famous Broad Street Bullies reunion games.....This is the 30th anniversary of their last Stanley Cup. Of course I dont know what kind of shape the Spectrum is in. I think the AHL Phantoms play there. Just a thought.
By Bob
December 28, 2005 04:49 PM | Link to this
Disney on Ice is there for 20 days straight? That can’t be right. I can see it taking up the arena for a week, but for 3 weeks? Huh? Must be a mix of scheduling and being out of the arena, but it’s not fair to a team to be sent on the road for that long. Let’s take advantage of it tonight!
By Ryan
December 28, 2005 05:37 PM | Link to this
Well it is the holidays and the kids need to have something to go to with families, but for 20 days. When I was a kid I’d rather go to a hockey game then see Dumbo skate. Very unfortunate for the team, but it should be no excuse you gotta play and they better bring something the boys are hot right now. Go Thrash!
By Jim
December 29, 2005 07:00 AM | Link to this
I love JB’s suggestion that they consider using the Spectrum with a Broadway Bullies reunion, throw back uniforms, Kate Smith singing “God Bless America”, Bernie Parent in net, and Dave Schultz hitting everything that moves. Fond memories. JB- you must be in marketing.
By jehle george
December 29, 2005 07:06 AM | Link to this
The Trashers are a fine Hockey Team and being away from their home ice is not good for the Hockey fans, they also need to bring down their prices
By Other Mark
December 29, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this
Don’t really care about the Flyers’ problems - we had the same problem during the Olympics with the Braves. This only means that they will have a lot more home games at some point in the season.
Arenas have large tabs, most paid for by the taxpayers, and if this is how they can get revenue to pay off those bonds, so be it.
I’m just excited to see the Thrashers playing such high energy hockey right now and that they are on this streak with so many home dates. Fun to watch and makes the early morning get-up after the long trip downtown worth it.
By Brendan
December 29, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this
Don’t the Flyers have “controlling interests” over the arena where they play?
Somehow, methinks the Flyers “grudingly approved” this. If so, that’s THEIR business.
If they don’t have control over dates in the arena where they play, then that’s very unfortunate.
By JB
December 29, 2005 03:10 PM | Link to this
Brendan…..I think Flyers owner and President Ed Snider built the Wachovia Center with mostly his money and private funding. I guess Wachovia bought the naming rights. They may have a say in the Disney thing. I was a big Flyers fan from 67-72 and 80-99 (when Atlanta didnt have an NHL team). They have those 2 Cups from the70s, but have put out great teams year end and year out over the years. A great organization.
By Brendan
December 30, 2005 12:34 AM | Link to this
The Flyers have been one of the league’s best teams since expansion (‘67). In the 38 years, 37 seasons, that the Flyers have existed, they’ve been to seven (7) Stanley Cup Finals, and won two of them. Back-to-back, in ‘74 and ‘75. Such was the progress of an expansion team! Seven years into their existence, and they’d already won a Cup.
Since 1982, the Flyers have been to seven (7) Eastern/Prince of Wales Conference finals, winning three (‘85, ‘87, ‘97).
Flyers fans would be quick to point out that Philly has lost their last five (5) appearances in the Finals (‘76, ‘80, ‘85, ‘87 and ‘97).
Well, you can’t win it, unless you’re “in it.”