The trouble with that is, when Leighton was signed, it was planned for an 82 game season, not a 48 game cluster(frank) where the Flyers have already played 6 sets of back to backs.

Look at Boston. They have played 14 games overall. That's just two more than the Flyers back to back games alone. Boston has played one back-to-back so far (January 28&29) and have had 2 or more days off between games 6 times, including three 3 day breaks in February alone.

Had the Flyers had Boston's schedule, Bryzgalov probably would have played every single game without a break.
- Jsaquella

i think it was a bad signing under any circumstances, but it's starting to become an issue and will loom larger as the season moves along...a self inflicted wound. hopefully boosh can give us more.

Folks have talked about the fact that the flyers have had the most compressed schedule and that they have played the most back to back games, but there is another factor less talked about. Servalli didnt mention this in his article today in the inky, fwiiw.

But Looking at our opponents at any given game, it seems that we are almost never playing a tired team on thier second game in a row or 3 in 4 nights. This makes our schedule even harder than discussed. Is there a comparison of this across the league?

so if lavy had more trust in his backup he wouldn't have played more when it's obvious that bryz has been fatigued?
- isaiah520

You're assuming that the reason he isn't playing the backup more, is because he doesn't trust the backup. Just because you want it to fit your opinion that the Flyers made a bad choice of backups. And also you're basing your opinion of Bryzgalov being tired, on his comments on WIP. I'm sure a mental break could be good for him, based on the schedule. But it's just a comment and I don't see it as a big deal.

LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!

so if lavy had more trust in his backup he wouldn't have played more when it's obvious that bryz has been fatigued?
- isaiah520

This is a big game for the Flyers, not that every game isn't, but this one step forward, two steps back cycle cannot continue much longer if they want to have a chance to make the post season.

i think it was a bad signing under any circumstances, but it's starting to become an issue and will loom larger as the season moves along...a self inflicted wound. hopefully boosh can give us more.
- isaiah520

Well, I think that Boucher will remain the back for the rest of the year anyhow, and Leighton will end up back with the Phantoms or elsewhere when he gets healthy.

Still think that it's unfair to blame the signing on the overworking of Bryzgalov. When the deal was signed, Holmgren had zero idea he'd be facing the schedule he has been dealt.

i think it was a bad signing under any circumstances, but it's starting to become an issue and will loom larger as the season moves along...a self inflicted wound. hopefully boosh can give us more.
- isaiah520

It's not starting to become an issue. What's an issue is the inconsistency of the team as a whole. Poor team defense, lack of scoring goals. And Bryzgalov hasn't played as well as he has lately. Those are the real issues, not who the backup is.

Exactly. Have to take all the factors into consideration. Rather then just using one meaningless comment from Bryzgalov. And also the FLyers slow start and being behind n the points and out of a playoff spot has contributed to Laviolette playing Bryzgalov more. But regardless, it's probably the difference of a couple of games.
- MJL

i heard the comments from bryz- he's tired and needs a break. that's clear and his recent play reflects that.

You're assuming that the reason he isn't playing the backup more, is because he doesn't trust the backup. Just because you want it to fit your opinion that the Flyers made a bad choice of backups. And also you're basing your opinion of Bryzgalov being tired, on his comments on WIP. I'm sure a mental break could be good for him, based on the schedule. But it's just a comment and I don't see it as a big deal.
- MJL

I see it is a legitimate concern. I just don't know how big a concern exactly. It tells me what's in Breeze's head. Whether it's mental fatigue or physical, if he's not stepping between the pipes without the proper frame of mind, it will reflect in his game, and in those around him.

i heard the comments from bryz- he's tired and needs a break. that's clear and his recent play reflects that.
- isaiah520

I heard them to. And it's nothing but a comment. And I'm sure if you asked the other players, they're a little tired also. It's been a tough schedule. Watching Bryzgalov's play and the goals that he has let in. It doesn't look like it's fatigue to me. It's the ups and downs of a Season. He was asked a question and he answered it. Some of the same BS from last year. Guy answers a question honestly and mountain is made out of a molehill. How much in games played are we talking about? Maybe a couple of games. No big deal.

When Hartnell gets back Knuble should be gone. Guy is a penalty machine.

Even if the Flyers were to squeeze into the playoffs they are not good enough to win. Time should be giving to the young guys. Feds and Knuble should be dropped closer to the deadline. Let the young guys play as much as possible. Give guys like Schenn, Read more PK time. No need for Feds he is not a part of the future.

Voracek G Hartnell
Simmonds Briere Schenn
Read Cooter McGinn
Rinaldo Talbot Sestito

Balanced, tough lineup to play against.

Wait, there are people literally buying into the manufactured 'Bryz is tired' drama?

When Hartnell gets back Knuble should be gone. Guy is a penalty machine.

Even if the Flyers were to squeeze into the playoffs they are not good enough to win. Time should be giving to the young guys. Feds and Knuble should be dropped closer to the deadline. Let the young guys play as much as possible. Give guys like Schenn, Read more PK time. No need for Feds he is not a part of the future.

Voracek G Hartnell
Simmonds Briere Schenn
Read Cooter McGinn
Rinaldo Talbot Sestito

Balanced, tough lineup to play against.
- flyers2001

You need a blend of veterans and young players. Both Fedetneko and Knuble are good players to have. But if they're out of it, and they get a good deal for either, then you move them. But otherwise, no need to.

I heard them to. And it's nothing but a comment. And I'm sure if you asked the other players, they're a little tired also. It's been a tough schedule. Watching Bryzgalov's play and the goals that he has let in. It doesn't look like it's fatigue to me. It's the ups and downs of a Season. He was asked a question and he answered it. Some of the same BS from last year. Guy answers a question honestly and mountain is made out of a molehill. How much in games played are we talking about? Maybe a couple of games. No big deal.
- MJL

When you're on the outside looking in, and have a schedule from hell to deal with, and your 6 mil goalie says he's fatigued which has been reflected in his play recently...it's a concern to me.

When you're on the outside looking in, and have a schedule from hell to deal with, and your 6 mil goalie says he's fatigued which has been reflected in his play recently...it's a concern to me.
- 77rams

I hear you. But I think far too much is being made of those comments. if Claude Giroux says he's tired, do you sit him out?

At least the schedule thins out a little bit, compared to the first month and a half.

The next back to back is March 8th & 9th. Then after that, they have at least one day off between games until March 30 & 31st, before playing a pretty packed April.

The April back to backs are brutal, a home game vs the Habs, then they have to travel to Toronto. The next one they play in Montreal and have to travel home to play the Rangers.

Only one of the remaining four back to backs is two home games. The one at the end of March, Boston & Washington travel here, Bruins fro a Saturday afternoon match and the Caps on Sunday night

You're assuming that the reason he isn't playing the backup more, is because he doesn't trust the backup. Just because you want it to fit your opinion that the Flyers made a bad choice of backups. And also you're basing your opinion of Bryzgalov being tired, on his comments on WIP. I'm sure a mental break could be good for him, based on the schedule. But it's just a comment and I don't see it as a big deal.
- MJL

all this argument on your part just to maintain your position that leighton was just fine as the b/u choice. maybe if you weren't so strident in your criticism of other's opinions, you wouldn't get your back up so much when those opinions appear to be a better read.

love how you try to minimize bryz's comments because they came on WIP. i realize it was a tendentious interview w/ an agenda, but the fatigue aspect of it was quite clear and relevant to what's going on with the team right now.

Last time I checked Bryz said he was tired but didn't want a break.

So how does that get turned into Bryz is asking for a break?

Well, I think that Boucher will remain the back for the rest of the year anyhow, and Leighton will end up back with the Phantoms or elsewhere when he gets healthy.

Still think that it's unfair to blame the signing on the overworking of Bryzgalov. When the deal was signed, Holmgren had zero idea he'd be facing the schedule he has been dealt.
- Jsaquella

i think it's a fair point regarding the lockout and resulting schedule, but leighton's a bad move under most any circumstances, imo.

Wait, there are people literally buying into the manufactured 'Bryz is tired' drama?
- BulliesPhan87

It is manufactured, but he's not as focus as he had been over the first 15 games or so. Could be fatigue, but I don't think it's as huge an issue moving ahead, as the schedule starts to thin out for a bit here.

I hear you. But I think far too much is being made of those comments. if Claude Giroux says he's tired, do you sit him out?
- MJL

No, but there's a big difference between one player and your #1 goaltender.

But maybe it's Breeze just being Breeze and it's just his way of commenting on the brutal schedule, so hopefully you're right.

all this argument on your part just to maintain your position that leighton was just fine as the b/u choice. maybe if you weren't so strident in your criticism of other's opinions, you wouldn't get your back up so much when those opinions appear to be a better read.

love how you try to minimize bryz's comments because they came on WIP. i realize it was a tendentious interview w/ an agenda, but the fatigue aspect of it was quite clear and relevant to what's going on with the team right now.
- isaiah520

Leighton has played one game. Where is the evidence that it was a bad choice? Bryzgalov's comments? That's it? I take the comments for exactly what they are. Just a player telling you how he feels. You're taking them and saying, see Leighton was a bad choice. Because Bryzgalov is tired! If were going to go the fatigue route, were going to need a lot more players.

i think it's a fair point regarding the lockout and resulting schedule, but leighton's a bad move under most any circumstances, imo.
- isaiah520

May well have been, but honestly, I doubt he plays another game. Moving forward, it's not much of an issue

I heard them to. And it's nothing but a comment. And I'm sure if you asked the other players, they're a little tired also. It's been a tough schedule. Watching Bryzgalov's play and the goals that he has let in. It doesn't look like it's fatigue to me. It's the ups and downs of a Season. He was asked a question and he answered it. Some of the same BS from last year. Guy answers a question honestly and mountain is made out of a molehill. How much in games played are we talking about? Maybe a couple of games. No big deal.
- MJL

you obvi weren't listening to what he said mentioning the xtra 4 games in a monthly strtch. you minimize it because it doesn't comport to your ultra-rigid opinions. even joe thought he looked tired and needed a rest.

Cool were going to have an argument all morning over a guy that's played one game and isn't likely to play again, for at least awhile. awesome.