I think Bryz will be 10x more consistent in a good way. We'll see. I'm glad this team is being doubted because that seems to get them going more than being the favorites.
- NickTheKid87

The lockout made me kind of numb for this season as it is.

I will just go along for the ride this season. I dont expect too much, and wouldnt be at all suprised to see Brayden Schenn or Coots on another team next season. The blueline has to be upgraded.

Let me guess...Weber for all Edmonton's spare parts? That's how Cloutier rolls.
- canadianpenfan

Hemsky, Klefbom & 2 1sts. Not even kidding.

Based on the defense pairings in practice, coupled with the good news of Meszaros likely being ready to start the season it appears Foster has jumped Lilja and Gervais on the depth chart.
- PLindbergh31

People always love to place blame.

If the Flyers miss the playoffs or go out early.

Bryzgalov? Management? Lava?

I love after Game 4, I think...when Gerbe took a run at Timonen in the closing seconds...Kaleta is yapping from the bench, and Giroux skates over--hunched down on his stick and is just listening like a G.

Also, where is the .gif of Giroux from the bench looking over at the other and pretty much saying, "What? (frank) yeah..."
- KGBflyers10

Based on the defense pairings in practice, coupled with the good news of Meszaros likely being ready to start the season it appears Foster has jumped Lilja and Gervais on the depth chart.
- PLindbergh31

That's like choosing between a punch in the face and a kick in the nuts.

Hemsky, Klefbom & 2 1sts. Not even kidding.
- NickTheKid87

Jersey got to the final, but lost. While I give them credit, you usually see a trend in who gets to the finals or go deep. They have a hot goaltender and a star d-man. While I do still believe Kimmo is a star in this league, his age and how long he can play at that level leaves a lot to be desired.

Any team can get hot, and so can this one, I just wouldnt be setting my expectations on winning the cup with this defensive core.
- flyer_nutter

I didn't say I expect a Cup run. I said that saying the Flyers don't have the horses to be a solid defensive team is wrong, in my opinion.

I will always prefer a system that initiates play and doesnt react to othe other team. Its playing to win the game.

The Flyers as they stand do not have the horses on the back end to be a really strong defensive team imo. The forward group is an improving mixture, but you still have many forwards who constantly back-check with no effort or just glide leaving glaring holes in coverage.

Mix that in with an abudance of soft goals and you have a poop storm. I understand the organization's desire to win every year but if the team struggles this season and Lava is fired that is the fault of management. An aging, injury prone, and slow blueline that lacks star power. I agree with tweaking things a bit but to bring in a guy like Murray as head coach (if Lava ever got fired) scares the hell out of me.
Again though, a lot falls on Bryzgalov. His play is aided by the play of the team but it goes both ways. The team can play a solid up tempo game and back-check but breakdowns will ALWAYS happen. Letting in weak goals will make any system look foolish.
- flyer_nutter

That's like choosing between a punch in the face and a kick in the nuts.
- canadianpenfan

Reports are Foster has improved his mobility. The games I saw him play with the Devils last year he played pretty well.

I didn't say I expect a Cup run. I said that saying the Flyers don't have the horses to be a solid defensive team is wrong, in my opinion.
- Jsaquella

Could it happen? Definately. I dont see it happening personally. With the current system or if Murray was made head coach.

I see them struggling in that department until upgrades are made on D.

Let me guess...Weber for all Edmonton's spare parts? That's how Cloutier rolls.
- canadianpenfan

Well, Klefbom's not really a spare part, but yeah, basically.

People always love to place blame.

If the Flyers miss the playoffs or go out early.

Bryzgalov? Management? Lava?
- flyer_nutter

D. All of the above. But mostly Bryzgalov.

I will always prefer a system that initiates play and doesnt react to othe other team. Its playing to win the game.

The Flyers as they stand do not have the horses on the back end to be a really strong defensive team imo. The forward group is an improving mixture, but you still have many forwards who constantly back-check with no effort or just glide leaving glaring holes in coverage.

Mix that in with an abudance of soft goals and you have a poop storm. I understand the organization's desire to win every year but if the team struggles this season and Lava is fired that is the fault of management. An aging, injury prone, and slow blueline that lacks star power. I agree with tweaking things a bit but to bring in a guy like Murray as head coach (if Lava ever got fired) scares the hell out of me.

Again though, a lot falls on Bryzgalov. His play is aided by the play of the team but it goes both ways. The team can play a solid up tempo game and back-check but breakdowns will ALWAYS happen. Letting in weak goals will make any system look foolish.
- flyer_nutter

It doesn't take any special talent or skill to give effort on the backcheck. Terry Murray has been a successful Coach everywhere he's been.

Well, Klefbom's not really a spare part, but yeah, basically.
- Jsaquella

I didn't see that offer in particular, I stopped reading Cloutier a long time ago.



So this is how Calgary is thanking the fans, this is what we received as STH's today...

FLAMES WELCOME NHL FANS BACK TO THE SCOTIABANK SADDLEDOME
50% DISCOUNT ON ALL FOOD & 50% DISCOUNT AT FANATTIC
vs.
Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Sharks
Sunday, January 20th @ 4:00 PM

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GAME TIME FOR THIS GAME WAS CHANGED FOLLOWING THE PRINTING OF SOME TICKETS. START TIME IS 4 PM.

The Calgary Flames announced today their "welcome back" initiatives for loyal fans to launch the 2012-13 NHL season. The home opener, set for Sunday, January 20th versus the San Jose Sharks and game two on Monday, January 21st with the Anaheim Ducks, kicks off fan appreciation programs at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
The opening ceremonies for game one will include player introductions that feature a special salute to Flames fans with 75 autographed jerseys for fans. Other great prizes will be awarded throughout the evening with a game ending autographed game used stick giveaway from all the players to devoted fans.
Opening week highlights include:
•50% off on all food at the Scotiabank Saddledome including concessions, Avison Young Club, Saddleroom Grill, Dutton's and Club Seats for the first two games.

•50% discount on all Flames merchandise at all FanAttic locations. Discount applied during entire training camp week and up to the end of game one.

•Complimentary popcorn, hotdogs and pop during Flames open practices all this week.

•A $100,000 guaranteed 50/50 pot with the winner taking home a minimum of $50,000 for the first two home games.

•Flames Food Truck super specials.

•Flames alumni jersey presentation to lucky draw winners for original Flames season ticket holders.

•All Esso Minor Hockey Week champions will receive tickets to a Calgary Hitmen game.

•Social media fan appreciation contesting.

•AND……The Hardest Working Team in the NHL!

The Flames players were welcomed back to the ice on day one of training camp to cheers and applause as several hundred faithful fans attended the first practice sessions of the season. The fans were treated to a high tempo and spirited practice led by Flames new head coach Bob Hartley.
Training camp practices will continue to be open to fans all week with complimentary popcorn, hotdogs and pop for all in attendance.
GO FLAMES GO!


So basically, 50% off concessions for 2 games. They're too good to us...

D. All of the above. But mostly Bryzgalov.
- PLindbergh31

What I was getting at. Its easy to throw the blame on Lava or the "system" but it would be all of the above.

Kind of hard to talk about the current team as they havent played any games but what would you be looking at doing next summer?

This is where Andy Reid is a different coach from most. He's arrogant and refuses to change. It seems that Lavy is willing to tweak somethings to best suit the team. I'm not saying switch to a system like the Rangers employ. the Flyers can still use an offensive system but it needs to look more like the March 2012 system than the playoffs version.
- NickTheKid87

It was all the same system played in both of those time periods.

Could it happen? Definately. I dont see it happening personally. With the current system or if Murray was made head coach.

I see them struggling in that department until upgrades are made on D.
- flyer_nutter

I definitely think tweaks to the system will have to be made. That much is obvious. They don't have the mobility they did last year. A coach tweaking his system to get the best out of the players on hand isn't revolutionary or miraculous, it's what a good coach does.

Also, I wouldn't exactly discount Murray. Yes the Kings went on a run after he was let go, but people scoffed at the notion that Sutter was going to be better. The players bought in and stepped up their games as Sutter used Murray's system...and rode Quick.

Reports are Foster has improved his mobility. The games I saw him play with the Devils last year he played pretty well.
- PLindbergh31

He got a raw deal, I'd like to see him get himself back to where he was before that injury.

What I was getting at. Its easy to throw the blame on Lava or the "system" but it would be all of the above.

Kind of hard to talk about the current team as they havent played any games but what would you be looking at doing next summer?
- flyer_nutter

I want to see them play some games. Team isn't lacking talent, they could be very good. If Bryzgalov doesn't play well, or they are crippled with injuries once again, then the season may be derailed.

This season the Flyers are a wild card team. Whether you loved Carle or hated him, he's left a huge hole on our back end. Luke Schenn and Nick Grossman are strictly defenseman. Meszaros is very good with the puck but his health is an issue. Timonen is much older now and we may not have him for next season. What can we expect from Coburn offensively? Some might think of me as a Voracek hater but I assure you I'm not but there are many players on this roster I prefer. I just feel Voracek is our best bargaining chip without losing a Brayden Schenn, a Sean Couturier or a Scott Laughton. The point I am making, I would begin to kick tires around PK Subban but I would only be willing to give up Voracek for him. If Voracek can remain a Flyer and be successful here, great! But if we must use him as away to upgrade,sorry, but I would do it. The defense seems like the toughest area to keep strong on a season to season basis. Again, I wouldn't be willing to give up anyone else for Subban but I hate to think what our forwards look like without Voracek short term, until he is replaced.

Just wanted to direct everyone to Cloutier's blog, where he suggests a trade Nashville could never refuse: Hemsky, Klefbom, and 2 firsts to help Nashville unload Shea Weber this offseason.
- jmatchett

The only reason anyone should read cloutiers blog is to get a laugh. It shows how spoiled we are to have a professional writer doing the flyers blogs.

I didn't see that offer in particular, I stopped reading Cloutier a long time ago.



So this is how Calgary is thanking the fans, this is what we received as STH's today...


So basically, 50% off concessions for 2 games. They're too good to us...
- canadianpenfan

The Flyers are giving away $5 off team hats and discounts on concessions at the practice being held tomorrow night at the Wells Fargo Center....and that's it.

That's what happens when the number of people who cancel their season tickets because of the lockout get doubled by the people ordering season tickets as soon as the lockout ends.

It doesn't take any special talent or skill to give effort on the backcheck. Terry Murray has been a successful Coach everywhere he's been.
- MJL

LA was screaming for him to get fired for a season + . The team finally played well once he was shown the door. He struggled to get a stacked team into the playoffs, and had them playing in mediocrity the whole team he was there.

I am not talking about Murray. Same breed as Stevens.

This season the Flyers are a wild card team. Whether you loved Carle or hated him, he's left a huge hole on our back end. Luke Schenn and Nick Grossman are strictly defenseman. Meszaros is very good with the puck but his health is an issue. Timonen is much older now and we may not have him for next season. Some might think of me as a Voracek hater but I assure you I'm not but there are many players on this roster I prefer. I just feel Voracek is our best bargaining chip without losing a Brayden Schenn, a Sean Couturier or a Scott Laughton. The point I am making, I would begin to kick tires around PK Subban but I would only be willing to give up Voracek for him. If Voracek can remain a Flyer and be successful here, great! But if we must use him as away to upgrade,sorry, but I would do it. The defense seems like the toughest area to keep strong on a season to season basis. Again, I wouldn't be willing to give up anyone else for Subban but I hate to think what our forwards look like without Voracek short term, until he is replaced.
- SuperSchennBros

If they can get the same return for Scott Laughton as they can for Jake Voracek, I say adios Scott, best of luck

The problem against the Devils was that the coaching staff never adjusted the approach to either the offensive or defensive dump-ins.

Offensively, they couldn't get their forecheck going as, for the most part, stuck with a straight dump-in rather than either a soft dump or hard wrap. Brodeur handled most of these and the Flyers' pursuit typically left one defenseman open for Brodeur to outlet.

Defensively, the Devils picked on the lack of a right handed defenseman and Bryzgalov's lack of puck-handling skills. As a result, the Devils, against us at least, always appeared to have 7 players on the ice. Their forecheck looked relentless.
- GeorgeBailey

All of that is pretty fundamental issues, that I'm sure the Coaching staff was aware of and pointed out to the players. I think it was more player related, as the Devils initiated and were more aggressive and carried the play.