PhillySportsJunkie.com

It seemed like a good idea at the time.  Peter Forsberg desired a return to the NHL and the Philadelphia Flyers were at the top of his list.

At the outset of February, the Flyers were playing an impressive brand of hockey, kicking the month off with a dominant 3-0 win against the Anaheim Ducks that featured a Martin Biron shutout and a Mike Knuble hat trick. 

The outlook was bright for the Fly-guys.  A 29-17-5 record was good for 1st place in the Atlantic Division.

A season that began with moderate expectations was quickly inspiring hope for more, hope for a run at the vaunted Cup.

The day after the victory over the Ducks, when GM Paul Holmgren returned from Sweden after sitting down with Peter Forsberg, it seemed like a blessing.

There were a few dissenting opinions, conjuring past images of Forsberg refusing a shootout opportunity, missing time due to injury only to lead Sweden to Gold, and generally questioning a man with the nickname Foppy.

All that said the situation was ripe for Forsberg’s triumphant return.  The leadership contingent of Smith, Timonen, and Richards was in place.  There would be no pressure on Forsberg to skate major minutes or perform magic acts as the team was already successful.  The only thing required of him would be to fit in on a 2nd line and add his experience, skill, and speed.  In an arms race in pursuit of the Cup, how could that be a bad thing?

And then the Forsberg follies began.

In a process beginning on February 3rd after Holmgren’s visit, Forsberg first needed an extension on his decision.  Then another extension.  His agent followed with a report that he would not be returning this year due to his foot.  A day later Forsberg spoke out in Sweden and re-opened the door.  The agonizing back-and-forth lasted nearly a full month.

As it unraveled, so did the Flyers.  After winning a tight 3-2 game against the Thrashers on February 5th, they proceeded to drop 10 straight games, playing an uncharacteristically sloppy brand of hockey and leaving coach John Stevens scratching his head and facing rumors that he would take the fall.  The injuries mounted.  Gagne was lost for the year.  Richards for a month.  Fans witnessed a plummet from the 2nd playoff seed to the possibility of missing them altogether.

The Forsberg follies had become a curse. 

On February 24th Peter Forsberg made the decision to sign with the Western 10th seeded Colorado Avalanche, spurning the freefalling Flyers.  Just like that it was over.

Scott Hartnell had this to say:  “We were in the running [for Forsberg] right down to the end.  That’s life.  We got to move on.  We got to get ourselves back into the [playoff] race.”

No more distractions.  On cue the Flyers have rattled off two consecutive wins.  Daniel Briere, recently the invisible man, chalked up the first win against the Sabres.  Last night the Flyers put together a huge win versus the Senators and looked aggressive and hungry in doing so. 

Good riddance Foppy.  Philadelphia thanks you for Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent, and the 1st and 3rd round picks you netted us in last year’s trade, for your 115 points in 100 games of service, but for little else.  Take your grandstanding act to Colorado.  For the Avalanche’s sake, here’s to hoping they do not need you in a shootout anytime soon.