8 Days a Week

I have officially started work. In fact, I've been working for nearly a week solid--by tomorrow I will have been at Harrah's on seven consecutive days. I've also hit the ground running at full steam, as I've been tasked with a couple jobs with little time to steady myself out of New Hire Orientation. All in all though, I like my new job and would like to hang onto it for a while.

I've learned one major point about this position over my first few days on-the-job, I'm being paid to do a lot of walking around. Tons of it. From one end of this massive facility to the other and back again and again and again. I ache for a seat to sit in when I get to my car. The amount of time I spend on my feet in a given day is more than I have been used to for a couple years now, and while I prefer a seated job I do appreciate the exercise I'm getting here.

The folks I work with are pretty friendly people who know a hell of a lot more about computers and what not than I do, which I pretty much expected. They've been nice to me and have been eager to help me get used to the flurry of fixes required regularly to keep this place afloat. My main supervisor, Rob, is a funny guy who seems to be on a first name basis with everyone in the entire company. I'd be shocked if there is a single person here with whom he can joke.

On a Flyers related note: they've won their first game and lost their highest paid forward for a month. Yay/boo.

Philadelphia Freedom

As anyone who knows me is well aware of, the Philadelphia Flyers kicked off their season yesterday with a fizzle. They lost to the Rags 4-3, and looked horrible in the first period. This was the biggest disappointment I could think of with how much I'd been looking forward to hockey these past couple months, but I am happy about one event last night.

As part of the opening night festivities, Flyers' owner and big-time Republican Ed Snider invited Alaskan governor and GOP vice president candidate Sarah Palin to drop the puck as the most famous hockey-mom in the United States. Cheap political stunt as this was, it thankfully backfired as Snider evidently didn't realize that the city his team played for was a staunch Democrat stronghold and that its fans were know for their vocal tendencies.

As soon as voice of the Flyers Lou Nolan announced her name, the boos began to cascade down. The Flyers' faithful were so loud as to necessitate an increase in the music's volume to drown them out.

This one part of the evening was nearly enough to make up for the utterly disgusting play exhibited by the Flyers during a first period that saw them give up 4 goals to the hated Rangers. Over the next two periods, the Flyers tried to climb back and eventually scored 3 times to make it close at the end. It was all for naught, though, as the Rangers managed to hold on for the win.

Flyers Update

Bryan Berard has been let go. There goes my thought that he'd do well with the team this year. The link follows: http://flyers.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=18891

There is now less than one week until the home opener against the Rags. I cannot wait.

Flyers Thoughts

So it's now October, meaning that my beloved Philadelphia Flyers will be taking the ice for the regular season soon. I figure now is as good a time as any to commit my thoughts on this year's team to the wondrous internet.

Offense
The Flyers' strength last year was the depth up the middle, led by Mike "Captain" Richards who had a banner year in almost every regard. The scary thought for the rest of the league is this: he's still getting better as a player. He's just now getting to his prime, and he will remain an elite talent in the league for years to come--barring injury of course. Another centerman that looks to improve on an impressive 2007-08 campaign is Jeff Carter, who missed 30 goals by an inch last year.

Danny Briere looks to rebound from a season in which he put up 30 goals and a minus 22 performance. The return of winger Simon Gagne and a move to Richards' wing himself could be a big help. I'm looking for a big year out of Danny. Ditto for Lupul, who has been locked up for another 4 years.

Coming into the offensive fold, hopefully, is Claude Giroux. This kid is going to be exciting to watch, since he lit up the minor leagues for big points. I see him as a second line winger with Jeff Carter.

Defense
A big question mark for the Flyers last year was their defense, which allowed the most shots on net in the league. They also led the league in shots blocked, but I'm not so sure that's a stat to brag about since it just means you're good at hiding your defensive fuck ups. To remedy this, the Flyers made a conscious effort to be more mobile on the blue line, signing Steve Emminger, Osi Vannanen, and offering a trial deal to Bryan "Cyclops" Berard.

The obvious top pair is Timonen and Coburn, who were just spectacular in the playoffs. Look for Stevens to break them up on occasion to spread the wealth then throw them back together when it doesn't work.

Goaltending
Martin Biron shut every critic saying he's unproven in the playoffs up. I think there's no reason to doubt that he'll be just as strong to start the season. Niittymaki was injured in preseason, so the Flyers brought in J.S. Aubin to mind the backup role while Niitty recouperates.

Prediction
The Flyers improved their blueline, and maintained an offense that is downright scary. The rest of the Atlantic Division did not improve substantially. The Flyers take the division and second place in the Eastern Conference. Another deep playoff run is written on the wall. And I couldn't be more pumped.