I actually liked both Richards and Carter. But I still think Holmgren showed a lot of balls in making the deals he did because he felt (rightly or wrongly) that the locker room was suffering with the presence of those two. The players they got as a result were a big part of the Flyers success this year (at least in the regular season and first round). So I certainly won't be angry if the Kings can go all the way. I wish only good things for both Richards and Carter.
I DO have to question Holmgren's judgment though on the Bryzgalov signing. Way too high a price for a goalie who did not look good in the playoffs against the Red Wings. I know that he (Holmgren) felt that something needed to be done in the goaltending department, and I agree with that. But the price was too high and too long; and sure doesn't look like the solution.
I just don't know who I'll root for in the finals. Unless it's the Rangers. Then I'll root for the team from the West. I'll wait and see what my gut tells me once the two teams are established.
Looking back on it,...I think the moves were the best thing that could have happened to both the teams and players involved. It may have been hard to see at the time,...but Richards is in a better place,...where his leadership skills aren't scrutinized by the media,...where he can just play hockey,...same with Carter. Holmgren gave them both a wake up call by moving them and I think they both will be better for it.
In return the Flyers got a dazzling young team that overcame a lot of adversity, losing their Captain,...injury after injury.
Provided that the key pieces can remain in place; This team has a promising future.
A disappointing exit for the season (somewhat of a relief for me as trying to schedule in time to watch games was starting to get overwhelming).
As far as Bryz goes,...I'm still not ready to turn my back on him. I'm not saying that he doesn't have work to do but he is what we have to work with at least in the immediate future.
I'm hoping he comes back to camp,...knowing what to expect with Flyers culture and media scrutiny. I'm hoping that next year he will be more grounded and focused; with his head out of the clouds.
Will probably help that HBO won't be everywhere for the first half of the season and they can just focus on hockey. If he strings together 2 or 3 more disappointing seasons,...then I'll have had it.
EDIT: oh yeah,...GO KINGS.
