Honestly, all this talk of systems and footspeed is immaterial until they start executing better.

Not one of the three goals last night was due to system or footspeed, but poor execution.

The first goal saw a total team breakdown that left Travis Zajac all alone in front of the net with all 5 Flyers skaters one the opposite side of the ice.

The second goal was more of a fluke than poor execution. That said, Guys have to be ready for what Clarkson did on the play.

The third goal came off a turnover. Kovalchuk pressed Timonen, who got the puck down the boards. When he did, Kovalchuk circled out to the neutral zone, and when the other Devils forward pressed and stole the puck off the boards, it was simply to spring Kovalchuk for the breakaway that led to the penalty shot.

Now, I'm not saying the Flyers couldn't use more speed-especially on defense-and that Laviolette's attack style needs to be tweaked to better fit the players on hand now. That said, the execution of simple hockey play, regardless of system has been dreadful. They could be playing a neutral zone trap, but if they execute the way they did last night they'd still lose badly.

All this talk of speed and systems is fine, but it means nothing until the execution improves.
- Jsaquella

I pretty much agree with all of this. I'll summarize: they're playing like poop.

Even when they get that sorted out I do have concerns about the defense. I think collectively they're too slow for the game.

I'm fine with Bryz. Although I hope he's an even temepered sort else I fear we'll see a Cechmanek moment soon.

Not sure I agree with Briere being the lacking leadership. Maybe he's good in the locker room but I'm not sure Mr. I Really Only Show Up For The Playoffs is going to provide the on-ice spark and leadership that this team may be lacking. Getting him back certainly won't hurt, I'm just not sure how much it will help.

Its ok we will have 5 or 6 more cups at that point. It is just a shame we havnt won one since 1975..... o wait.
- nbartley9

5 or 6 really? Our supposed poop team destroyed yours in the playoffs....still a little early to be planning a parade you female genitalia.

So how many games does Schenn get for the hit on Volchenkov?
- jak521

2 at most. McKenzie thinks it's possible that it might just be a fine, but feels that the NHL might want to send a message.

I pretty much agree with all of this. I'll summarize: they're playing like poop.

Even when they get that sorted out I do have concerns about the defense. I think collectively they're too slow for the game.

I'm fine with Bryz. Although I hope he's an even temepered sort else I fear we'll see a Cechmanek moment soon.

Not sure I agree with Briere being the lacking leadership. Maybe he's good in the locker room but I'm not sure Mr. I Really Only Show Up For The Playoffs is going to provide the on-ice spark and leadership that this team may be lacking. Getting him back certainly won't hurt, I'm just not sure how much it will help.
- Scoob

Briere will fetch some nice picks come april 3rd.

Go Perry Giroux (Ryan 2 years)

Draft Jones.

the post
- mydoglicks

Briere will fetch some nice picks come april 3rd.

Go Perry Giroux (Ryan 2 years)

Draft Jones.
- Philly1980

flyers luck, worst record and third pick

Chris Pronger
- jak521

Guy was a flat out speedster. And they really miss his footspeed.

Talent does not automatically equate to cohesive play, effort, determination, etc. A Coach can prepare a team and teach them to be in the best position to succeed. The players still have to go out and do it on the ice. Talent or the Coach are not the only explanations.

I wish we could back to before Laviolette came on board. And just change the names from Stevens to Laviolette in the posts. And then go to what a great Coach Laviolette is. And how Stevens had no system, and how much better Laviolette's system is. Seems we have come full circle based on 3 games.
- MJL

First of all, I'm not basing anything I've said after 3 games. I'm going to back to the end of last season as well. It was brought up during the broadcast last night; this team has a tendency to start off slow. Going back to last season, when was the last time the Flyers actually scored first in a game? I'll hang up and listen.

Secondly, there is no perfect "system". Feel free to change the coaches names too. When a team has certain tendencies, those tendencies get scouted by other teams. Smart coaches take those tendencies and put together plans to counter them. The fact that the Flyers have not been able to adjust against teams that play a disciplined defensive systems is not a good look for the coaching staff.

And I think even Holmgren sees this. Afterall, whey bring Terry Murray into coach Adirondack? To make guys like Matt Ford better hockey players? Pfft. Or how about the move to bring Paddock on the coaching staff? Why do that if you don't have concerns about how your team is being approached, tactically?

Here's the thing, kids.

This team is a legitimate 0-3.

If you think the talent is good enough, it has to be the coaching. Call it a system. Call it a different voice. Whatever.

Saying they simply need to "play better" reflects as much on the coach who has to put the talent he has in a better position to be effective as it does the talent of the individual player.

If you can't see that, I can't help you.
- johndewar

Briere will fetch some nice picks come april 3rd.

Go Perry Giroux (Ryan 2 years)

Draft Jones.
- Philly1980

Remember that we are only 3 games in.. a hell of a lot can change.

flyers luck, worst record and third pick
- vejim

lol

If he's not making adjustments-which I think he is-then who cares if he's fired?

I mean if a guy is truly a good coach, he'll adapt to the players he has. If Laviolette can't or won't, then he's not a good coach. Trouble is, I think he has made tweaks and the lousy play has made them irrelevant right now.
- Jsaquella

I agree. People need to realize, a coach can make all the changes in the world, but in the end, you can't play for the players. It's still on them to perform. I think Laviolette is trying to make changes. But all you can do is coach. And if it comes down to a few player's attitudes not listening to the coach or working to improve their game, then they need to go... not the coach.

I think it all comes down to the players just playing lousy. Timonen has made a bunch of bonehead mistakes and looks slow. Grossmann and L.Schenn have taken a bunch of bad penalties... Giroux is trying, but is forcing some bad passes, and he just needs to relax and play his game... B.Schenn and Couturier have underperformed so far... Hartnell has taken some bad penalties, and hasn't been a light on offense. And while I like the work Simmonds has done deep, he only has 1 assist to his name so far.

They have talent... unfortunately that doesn't always translate to goals and wins. I like pretty much all these guys, but if one or two need to go in order to improve the team, and to gain chemistry, then so be it. Chemistry is something that can't be seen on the roster sheet. (and no.. the cancer that is Subban would not be a gain in the chemistry department.)

No doubt something needs to change, but I personally don't think it's the coach.

Guy was a flat out speedster. And they really miss his footspeed.
- MJL

Remember that we are only 3 games in.. a hell of a lot can change.
- jak521

Yeah but if it doesnt then i would flip kimmo and briere to a contender for picks....if your going to suck then suck a lot.....it pays to do so.

Because you get pennys on the dollar so to speak for them. Teams don't trade good young puck moving defensemen unless it is a drastic overpayment. So you end up with Couturier + for a 2nd tier dmen or an aging veteran. Look how much they gave up for Pronger, and he was 34 years old, about to turn 35.
- psuhockey

Sekera and a pick for Briere...hes a "good" puck moving defenseman....for a rapidly aging over paid center that we could really use.

5 or 6 really? Our supposed poop team destroyed yours in the playoffs....still a little early to be planning a parade you female genitalia.
- Philly1980

Yeah you beat us last year, remember when we beat you in the playoffs? Brace yourself, we won the Cup after that, thats what you are supposed to do. How did that go for you last year? Did you enjoy your parade or did you enjoy wearing your Stanley Cup Championship hat, or maybe a shirt? O wait it was the year before that you wont it all,,, by year before I mean 1975. Ask your grandfather how it feels to win a cup.

First of all, I'm not basing anything I've said after 3 games. I'm going to back to the end of last season as well. It was brought up during the broadcast last night; this team has a tendency to start off slow. Going back to last season, when was the last time the Flyers actually scored first in a game? I'll hang up and listen.

Secondly, there is no perfect "system". Feel free to change the coaches names too. When a team has certain tendencies, those tendencies get scouted by other teams. Smart coaches take those tendencies and put together plans to counter them. The fact that the Flyers have not been able to adjust against teams that play a disciplined defensive systems is not a good look for the coaching staff.

And I think even Holmgren sees this. Afterall, whey bring Terry Murray into coach Adirondack? To make guys like Matt Ford better hockey players? Pfft. Or how about the move to bring Paddock on the coaching staff? Why do that if you don't have concerns about how your team is being approached, tactically?
- johndewar

They brang Murray into Adirindack because he is an excellent Coach at teaching and developing young players, and getting them to play the right way. Look at what Murray's approach has been with players down there. Tells you what you need to know. Far too much is being placed on Coaching. And what's happening now, is the same as what happened before. Laviolette is now going from a great Coach with a great system, to now being the problem. Instead of looking at the big picture.

They most def look like the 07 team that was embarrassed all year long. Its pretty scary to be honest. I know everyone is trying to fool themselves with the whole (flyers came out 3-7) after the old lockout. Yes , and it was a completely diff game then. Clutching, grabbing, actual physicality during the game,, those were diff times. now its all about speed, finese and how you draw penalties( for the power play goals) and so far ive seen junk up and down the line up. Giroux is taking too much responsibilty too soon and is over thinking his shifts, which leads to his numerous turn overs last night and i think he was benced for a bit. It seemed like it anyway, or maybe that was because no player seemed to be on the ice last night for us. I just dont understand why they cant keep a simple game, enter the zone,,, set up some type of perimeter and if you cant then send that puck towards the goalie and crash the net. Ive been watching flyers hockey a long time and ive never seen a team lead 2-0 after one period , after only 1 scoring chance. Right now the whole NHL is laughing at us which makes it harder to swallow since we did just suffer the lockout :/ we waited for this???

Yeah you beat us last year, remember when we beat you in the playoffs? Brace yourself, we won the Cup after that, thats what you are supposed to do. How did that go for you last year? Did you enjoy your parade or did you enjoy wearing your Stanley Cup Championship hat, or maybe a shirt? O wait it was the year before that you wont it all,,, by year before I mean 1975. Ask your grandfather how it feels to win a cup.
- nbartley9

the vultures are buzzing

Remember that we are only 3 games in.. a hell of a lot can change.
- jak521

Trade Recchi for a defenseman, and high-end prospect, and a 3rd line power forward?

what did i say about that shanahan (frank), constantly looking to suspend flyers. #biasedas(frank)

edit: just realized it's another non-head hit against a team shanny played for #whatashock

I agree. People need to realize, a coach can make all the changes in the world, but in the end, you can't play for the players. It's still on them to perform. I think Laviolette is trying to make changes. But all you can do is coach. And if it comes down to a few player's attitudes not listening to the coach or working to improve their game, then they need to go... not the coach.

I think it all comes down to the players just playing lousy. Timonen has made a bunch of bonehead mistakes and looks slow. Grossmann and L.Schenn have taken a bunch of bad penalties... Giroux is trying, but is forcing some bad passes, and he just needs to relax and play his game... B.Schenn and Couturier have underperformed so far... Hartnell has taken some bad penalties, and hasn't been a light on offense. And while I like the work Simmonds has done deep, he only has 1 assist to his name so far.

They have talent... unfortunately that doesn't always translate to goals and wins. I like pretty much all these guys, but if one or two need to go in order to improve the team, and to gain chemistry, then so be it. Chemistry is something that can't be seen on the roster sheet. (and no.. the cancer that is Subban would not be a gain in the chemistry department.)

No doubt something needs to change, but I personally don't think it's the coach.
- WarriorHockey21

Its either the coach or the players. Cant be neither.

I had no expectatione from this team this year. Its early to sqy its over, but I think a bad season has been brewing.

Rather suck in a 48 gm season then suffer thru 82 gms of this.

They brang Murray into Adirindack because he is an excellent Coach at teaching and developing young players, and getting them to play the right way. Look at what Murray's approach has been with players down there. Tells you what you need to know. Far too much is being placed on Coaching. And what's happening now, is the same as what happened before. Laviolette is now going from a great Coach with a great system, to now being the problem. Instead of looking at the big picture.
- MJL

The big picture being?

Yeah you beat us last year, remember when we beat you in the playoffs? Brace yourself, we won the Cup after that, thats what you are supposed to do. How did that go for you last year? Did you enjoy your parade or did you enjoy wearing your Stanley Cup Championship hat, or maybe a shirt? O wait it was the year before that you wont it all,,, by year before I mean 1975. Ask your grandfather how it feels to win a cup.
- nbartley9

The Penguins won the Cup when they beat the Flyers in 07/08?
Or are you saying that you personally won something after eliminating the collective Flyers fanbase on Hockeybuzz?

what did i say about that shanahan (frank), constantly looking to suspend flyers. #biasedas(frank)
- flyerscup2011

Soon as Schenn threw the hit I knew it was gonna be punishable. He launched himself.