Nikolai Zherdev: Bently Beater???

Nikolai Zherdev has offensive talent. He has heart, desire and ambition. All the tools and skills to survive in the NHL; less one of the most important, discipline.

I was on board with the Flyers when Zherdev was brought in last year. Another guy to put the puck on net, great. I was forgiving of the New York City incident in the middle of the season, he was frustrated. Now this. He has become a Bently Beater! I refuse to let this one go. How on earth could you possibly, logically and of sound mind and body take a metal pole to your Bently! HIT SOMEONE ELSE'S CAR!!!

The lack of discipline on and off the ice may very well be the road to a fine career in a Russian league. The Flyers offered Zherdev an opportunity to showcase himself to the NHL. Redemption. A chance to prove he belongs in the league. Unfortunately, he has once again wasted an opportunity to change his image. Thanks for being a part of this years under achieving Flyers team. You fit right in. Good luck with your future endeavors.

The Details:

Nik Zherdev may be in a little bit of hot water in his native Russia

Reports surfaced in a Russian newspaper, Moskovsky Komsomolets, that the Flyers forward allegedly attacked his wife after a quarrel in a restaurant, damaged her car with a metal pole, and threatened her verbally with death.

"According to eyewitnesses, Nikolay picked up a metal pole from the parking lot and began hitting the car with the pole while shouting expletives at his wife. Fearing for her life, his wife rushed to escape, turning in the wrong direction on the highway. The same day, she went to the police," a translated report in the newspaper said.

Meanwhile, a conflicting report in Sovietsky Sport yesterday shot down any alleged foul play involving Zherdev, quoting the restaurant's owner.

"There was nothing remotely similar to what was written on the Internet took place in front of our restaurant," the restaurant's owner told Sovietsky Sport. "This is such nonsense! I specifically asked the entire personnel, including security guards, but no one saw anything."

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren acknowledged the reports yesterday.

"We are aware of the reports but until we have spoken to Nikolay and have more information, we will not comment," Holmgren said in a statement.

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