How Swede it is

By Michael Rushton

With the Birds playoff run in full effect, the Sixers going for the top spot in the lottery (their still doing that, right?) and the Phillies new state-of-the-art rotation, we here in Philadelphia have cast aside the Flyers like an ugly Christmas sweater.

And I can’t say I blame you. A while back, I wrote on this very blog that it was too early to give up on the Black and Orange. Now I’m telling you it isn’t.

The Flyers are finished, kaput, one foot in the grave.

So what is Peter Forsberg still doing around?

The Flyers have made some small moves this season, getting Mike York, Alexei Zhitnik and Dimitry Afanasenkov, giving up very little outside of Freddy Meyer. But it’s obvious the Flyers are going to let their young guys play and develop with each other while waiting for the rest of the guys to get healthy.

Which brings us to the great Swede.

After missing last night’s loss to the Rangers, the Flyers are winless in 13 games without Forsberg in the lineup. It was the same deal last year, when Peter the Great was absent, Philly’s skaters looked loss.

I hate to admit it because -- WHEN HEALTHY -- Forsberg’s talent is matched by few, but he just may never be healthy again. The Flyers need to move him and get back whatever they can. Forsberg is not part of their future.

Who knows if Forsberg will even play next year? He becomes increasingly frustrated each day, as skate problems and groin issues (issues he still claims are related to his foot) continue to dog him.

So send the rest of the Flyboys a message. Get used to playing without Peter. If the Flyers’ management is content on riding out the rest of this season and letting its young players develop, that’s fine.

But the young guys need to how that they are going to be playing without Forsberg’s talent and whatever leadership he provides. To often, the team looks defeated on the ice without their captain. Kind of like when you drive six hours to your family reunion, only to find out your really cool cousin didn’t come this year. What was the point of showing up, right?

So move Forsberg, get some farm talent or some draft picks and move on.

Michael Rushton will print out your praise and hang it on his fridge at rushpac@comcast.net


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The Phanatic