Give it 5 more games. If they continue to lose I think "selling" might not be the worst idea out there.
- hereticpride

and this is the problem with the Flyers organization. No damn patience. For once I would love to see this team build thru the draft. Keep the kids and picks. Snider has been a great owner but this is where he hurts the Flyers. I'd sooner accept a year or two of losing to build this team.

Right now, the Flyers look too young (and a bit soft) up front and too slow and reactive on the blueline.
- bmeltzer

Exactly.

Too much youth and not enough attitude.

and this is the problem with the Flyers organization. No damn patience. For once I would love to see this team build thru the draft. Keep the kids and picks. Snider has been a great owner but this is where he hurts the Flyers. I'd sooner except a year or two of losing to build this team.
- nastyflyergirl

If they're in a situation like 2006-07, I'd hope they'd try to move the veterans for picks & prospects, but keep the younger players. Where you draw the line is what's important, and remember, they'll need vets to help mentor the kids after this season.

I'm not one for blaming Lavy when the team has done such a poor job of executing these past 2 games, but....

Is anyone else frustrated by the fact that these games look similar to those from the playoffs last year? After practically getting swept by the Devils last year, I was hoping that he would come out with a plan to combat New Jersey's defensive style of hockey. I won't go into systems this, and systems that. But the fact of the matter is, similar to last year, we could hardly complete a pass without having it deflected or we were always getting out-manned in every scrum 2-1. I know we lost against Pit and Buf, but they weren't such frustrating losses. This loss hurts because it's as if both teams didn't change a thing from last year and the Devils came out on top again.

I'll blame the players for execution, that's fine. But I place a heavy blame on the coach when it looks like I'm watching a replay of the playoffs from last year.
- steelydan

I don't think they've looked all that similar. The Flyers were dominated by the Devils for the most part in the playoffs but I wouldn't say the Flyers have been dominated this year. Looking at last night's game, the Devils weren't able to get their cycle game going like they were in the playoffs. They stifled the Flyers' attack but NJD's own attack was visibly worse than in May.

I don't think they've looked all that similar. The Flyers were dominated by the Devils for the most part in the playoffs but I wouldn't say the Flyers have been dominated this year. Looking at last night's game, the Devils weren't able to get their cycle game going like they were in the playoffs. They stifled the Flyers' attack but NJD's own attack was visibly worse than in May.
- NickTheKid87

I agree that the Flyers haven't been dominated all year. This is more of a critique of Lavy vs. the Devils. The Pens game and Buffalo game were close to the end. I felt like this game against the Devils was over as soon as goal #2 was scored.

glad some of you aren't gm's in real life.


I have to miss work today because I got a concussion from the sky hitting me in the head.
- hockeylover

The voice of sarcastic reason. 3 games does not make a season...
Once they get a win and some mojo back then we need to reassess. Too early now.

It's been an awful 7 games. They've lost 7 in a row in my book.

I agree that the Flyers haven't been dominated all year. This is more of a critique of Lavy vs. the Devils. The Pens game and Buffalo game were close to the end. I felt like this game against the Devils was over as soon as goal #2 was scored.
- steelydan

Like I said early, this isn't as much of a system issue as it is the individual players playing poorly. Even if they ran a defensive system, they'd be screwed by they way they are executing. It's not about playing a different style, it's about playing BETTER, IMO.

One of the reasons the phantoms are the NY Islanders of the AHL is that every year Holmgren is willing to spend every asset he has to overpay for a perceived need this year.

Trading a 1st round draft pick for Steve Eminger is the reason the Flyers don't have a John Carlson to call up on defense, etc.

They also need to revamp their draft strategy/scouting. Very few flyers picks outside of the first round ever contribute to the team.

Since 2004. The only players that the flyers drafted who are still on the team who have played for the Flyers are :

2005 - 1st Giroux
2011 - 1st Couterier
2012 - 1st - Laughton
2008 - 3rd - Marc Andre Bourdon
2008 - 6th - Zac Rinaldo
2010 - 4th - McGinn

That's it as far as i can tell and outside of the 1st round it's all 3rd pairing or 3rd or 4th liners. I'm not counting guys on the phantoms who may or may not ever play in the NHL.

I can only think of 2 other players the flyers drafted in the last 9 years (2004 -) playing anywhere in the NHL .. Van Riemsdyk and Luca Sbisa.

From 10 years ago you would add Richards and Carter (both 1sts). It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since they were drafted.

In a salary cap world it is important to maintain a pipeline of young (cheap) talent and to give them time to develop.

Laughton (as well as he's played) and McGinn wouldn't even be playing if they had anyone else to put there.
- Flyers_01

Ok you made me look.....last 9 draftss:

Steve Downie, Claude Giroux, James Van Riemsdyk, Luca Sbisa, Marc-Andre Bourdon, Zac Rinaldo, Eric Wellwood, Tye McGinn, Sean Couturier, Scott Laughton

now honestly its way too early to judge the last 2 drafts. they have had 6 #1 picks in the last 9 drafts.

It's been an awful 7 games. They've lost 7 in a row in my book.


- bgratch

Are we in the 2real School of Mathematics again??

I'm not one for blaming Lavy when the team has done such a poor job of executing these past 2 games, but....

Is anyone else frustrated by the fact that these games look similar to those from the playoffs last year? After practically getting swept by the Devils last year, I was hoping that he would come out with a plan to combat New Jersey's defensive style of hockey. I won't go into systems this, and systems that. But the fact of the matter is, similar to last year, we could hardly complete a pass without having it deflected or we were always getting out-manned in every scrum 2-1. I know we lost against Pit and Buf, but they weren't such frustrating losses. This loss hurts because it's as if both teams didn't change a thing from last year and the Devils came out on top again.

I'll blame the players for execution, that's fine. But I place a heavy blame on the coach when it looks like I'm watching a replay of the playoffs from last year.
- steelydan

And had the Flyers executed like they are supposed to that would have gone a long way towards countering what Jersey was doing.

He might....but counting on it happening is premature....so is counting the Flyers out after 3 games.
- Jsaquella

im not counting them out, but lets face it....this team is not going to win it all...if they dont win id rather have them tank and watch poop hockey for three months and have something to look forward to next year......somehow i get the feeling that homer is going to trade away assets to get help.....id rather tank hard and restock the cupboards....

Ok you made me look.....last 9 draftss:

Steve Downie, Claude Giroux, James Van Riemsdyk, Luca Sbisa, Marc-Andre Bourdon, Zac Rinaldo, Eric Wellwood, Tye McGinn, Sean Couturier, Scott Laughton

now honestly its way too early to judge the last 2 drafts. they have had 6 #1 picks in the last 9 drafts.
- nastyflyergirl

Over the last 8-10 years, the Flyers have used just as many picks as Detroit. The idea that they sell off picks way more than other top teams (who are considered to build their teams through the draft) is a bit off. More to heart of the matter is that they either just don't make as many good picks, or fail to develop guys taken in the 2nd round and beyond as well as other teams.

Simmonds is saying stuff like the next game is a "must win" and Bryz said the team needs to be in "playoff mode". I feel like the team is trying to get themselves fired up because they've lacked said fire. I also believe that they could end up psyching themselves out by putting so much pressure on themselves to win the 3rd, 4th, 5th games of the season.

Like defense?
- Flyersgod

The Flyers need a #1 defenseman. But if the Flyers were 3-0 now, that would still be the case.

Simmonds is saying stuff like the next game is a "must win" and Bryz said the team needs to be in "playoff mode". I feel like the team is trying to get themselves fired up because they've lacked said fire. I also believe that they could end up psyching themselves out by putting so much pressure on themselves to win the 3rd, 4th, 5th games of the season.
- NickTheKid87

Didn't see the quote, but I kind of like it.

No, not a repeat offender. FWIW Bob McKenzie felt it was a "fine" hit, more than a suspension hit, but said the NHL may want to send a message
- Jsaquella

Volchenkov wasn't hurt on the play.

1 game max. Probably a fine and a "don't launch yourself into others, even headhunters like Anton" type speech.

I'm not one for blaming Lavy when the team has done such a poor job of executing these past 2 games, but....

Is anyone else frustrated by the fact that these games look similar to those from the playoffs last year? After practically getting swept by the Devils last year, I was hoping that he would come out with a plan to combat New Jersey's defensive style of hockey. I won't go into systems this, and systems that. But the fact of the matter is, similar to last year, we could hardly complete a pass without having it deflected or we were always getting out-manned in every scrum 2-1. I know we lost against Pit and Buf, but they weren't such frustrating losses. This loss hurts because it's as if both teams didn't change a thing from last year and the Devils came out on top again.

I'll blame the players for execution, that's fine. But I place a heavy blame on the coach when it looks like I'm watching a replay of the playoffs from last year.
- steelydan

I think you look at two things here. First of all I think the Flyers played a good first period, overall. They had one horrendous breakdown, and a lucky deflection goal go against them, so they go into the 2nd down 2-0. Then early in the 2nd, Kovalchul scores the PS goal, and it's 3-0. So NJ then clogs up the neutral zone and goes into checking mode. Very difficult to come back from that. Especially when the Flyers basically quit and didn't show any sign of fighting back. And the PP is not clicking. Which is a lot of times the best way to get back in the game in that situation. Not a lot a Coach can do there except to push his team to play agressively to get back in the game. Against most teams that are sound defensively, getting behind like that is a death sentence.

Didn't see the quote, but I kind of like it.
- FlyerGuy

I guess it all depends. They could be putting too much pressure on themselves to win games (which might cause them to lose) or it could given them the necessary motivation they need to actually win. With the youth of this team and lack of veteran leadership, I could see them having real psychological issues of they start out 0-5 or what have you.

He might....but counting on it happening is premature....so is counting the Flyers out after 3 games.
- Jsaquella

No contender will take on Briere's contract. After this year, he is at 6.5 mil for another 2 years. With the cap going down in 2013-14, and the possibility of him being bought out in the summer, nobody, except maybe a team trying to get to the salary floor, will want him.

im not counting them out, but lets face it....this team is not going to win it all...if they dont win id rather have them tank and watch poop hockey for three months and have something to look forward to next year......somehow i get the feeling that homer is going to trade away assets to get help.....id rather tank hard and restock the cupboards....
- Philly1980

I don't want any tanking. I want the young guns, from the second year guys through Captain Claude, pushing themselves to improve, to continue learning the art of winning and kicking ass.

I guess it all depends. They could be putting too much pressure on themselves to win games (which might cause them to lose) or it could given them the necessary motivation they need to actually win. With the youth of this team and lack of veteran leadership, I could see them having real psychological issues of they start out 0-5 or what have you.
- NickTheKid87

yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. That could easily escalate to a 2 - 10 record at the quarter pole ... or worse.

Best season to do this. Get a kid thats going to be the next pronger in a few years....best part is youll have pronger to teach him lol....
- Philly1980

Is Pronged still even around? I thought he went back to St Louis?

The Flyers need a #1 defenseman. But if the Flyers were 3-0 now, that would still be the case.
- MJL

I would talk to the Islanders about Visnosky, Ottawa about Gonchar and, especially Calgary about J.Bo.

I don't want any tanking. I want the young guns, from the second year guys through Captain Claude, pushing themselves to improve, to continue learning the art of winning and kicking ass.
- BulliesPhan87

i want to tank this year.....trade kimmo briere and bring up Gus to replace kimmo...Make schenn second line center.