Clarke Loads Up

The Flyers have apparently landed Derian Hatcher, Chris Therien and Mike Rathje, in signings to be announced today. Apparantly, Bobby Clarke went with the Super-Size Blue Line Combo - but the question here will be, is Clarke zigging while the rest of the NHL zags? After major rule changes that are meant to increase north-south play and open up the game, does it make sense to load up on big, physical (read: slow footed) defensemen? Hatcher is a treat to watch, to be sure, but could become more of a liability as teams stretch the neutral zone with two-line passes to streaking wingers.

If I'm a Flyers fan, I don't feel too good about this. Clarke could be holding on to his Broad Street Bullies memories a bit too much here.