You have it backwards. The players played the system well. The players made the system what it was. This group could absolutely play the same way.
- MJL

This is a new level of semantics

You've misunderstood my logic then. I didn't say it doesn't matter what players you have in a given system. For instance, Ottawa could absolutely play the same system that Laviolette does here with the Flyers. The question is do they have the talent to be successful in doing it. Because all a system does, is put players in position. What the player does in that spot, is what matters. Then it becomes a matter of execution. Systems are very basic in nature. Nothing the Rangers, Chicago, Ottawa is any different then what many teams have played before them.

If two teams are playing the same system and executing the system. Chances are the team with the better talent is going to win more times then not. Just like I've often said. Players make systems work, not the other way around. Players win games, not systems. But even if you have top talent, you still have to play the right way. The Flyers are a very talented team. Doesn't really seem like it at times.
- MJL

We're essentially saying the same exact thing.

But I think you're viewing a system as more of a framework and the players within the system as the dependent variables whereas I am viewing it all collectively. I think we are defining what a system is differently.

Pittsburgh is the one team that you don't have to worry about playing uninspired Hockey against. Think back to the recent games against the Pens.
And why have the Flyers have success against the Pens? Because the Pens have been willing to play a wide open and undisciplined game against the Flyers. The Pens have talked about it, such as after the last game. How they're aware of how the Flyers want to play. And how they need to play differently against the Flyers.
- MJL

I agree 100%. That's why I say if they a major egg against pit I can see them making a coaching change. It's been awhile since we had a major meltdown. Just feel one coming.

I remember being at the Flyers game the day after the Phillies won in '08 and that game (against the Islanders, I think) seemed very unimportant as all anyone wanted to talk about was the Phillies and the parade plans.
- johndewar

Conversely, I was at a Phillies' game during Game 3 against the Bruins in '10. We all figured the Flyers were toast.

This is a new level of semantics
- jak521

Not semantics at all.

We're essentially saying the same exact thing.

But I think you're viewing a system as more of a framework and the players within the system as the dependent variables whereas I am viewing it all collectively. I think we are defining what a system is differently.
- NickTheKid87

What's your definition of a system. Give me one component of the Flyers system, or any other team?

You have it backwards. The players played the system well. The players made the system what it was. This group could absolutely play the same way.
- MJL

So what your saying is the players make the system, the system doesn't make the players?

I said earlier that a 5 or 6 point night from Crosby isn't out of the question.
- NickTheKid87

Well if Philly is going to lose I hope he does. Have him on my fantasy team.

What's your definition of a system. Give me one component of the Flyers system, or any other team?
- MJL

I just view the system as a way of playing the game, whether it being offensive, defensive or a little bit of both. I think where we are having a disconnect is that with any system in place, you have to tailor it to the strengths of the team in order for it to be effective. Basically, putting the guys into a system that they can make work well.

Not semantics at all.
- MJL

of course it is... he just said that certain players work well with certain systems and you are saying certain systems work well with certain players.. or the reverse.. same idea.

Semantics.

2010 They had a very strong group of two way forwards led by Richards, Carter, Gagne, Betts, Lappy.

They traded experience for youth and lost a lot of their better two way players.

Pronger also.
- Marc D

Pronger hurts the most but this team was successful last year and there should be no reason why they can't play like they did last year, instead they are playing worse. The team is essentially the same minus Jagr and Carle. Jagr was good but he was done by playoff time, Carle was a big loss from last year. He was a guy who we had playing 20+ minutes a game, could move the puck effectively and was on PP and PK. Thats exactly the type of player we are missing. Timonen isn't the dman he used to be, he can't quarterback the PP anymore

Pronger hurts the most but this team was successful last year and there should be no reason why they can't play like they did last year, instead they are playing worse. The team is essentially the same minus Jagr and Carle. Jagr was good but he was done by playoff time, Carle was a big loss from last year. He was a guy who we had playing 20+ minutes a game, could move the puck effectively and was on PP and PK. Thats exactly the type of player we are missing. Timonen isn't the dman he used to be, he can't quarterback the PP anymore
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

They were 0-6 vs the Rangers last year, and 3-7-1 vs the devils last season

You have it backwards. The players played the system well. The players made the system what it was. This group could absolutely play the same way.
- MJL

Especially at the forward position, there shouldn't be a reason why they still can't execute the same system, imo

Pronger hurts the most but this team was successful last year and there should be no reason why they can't play like they did last year, instead they are playing worse. The team is essentially the same minus Jagr and Carle. Jagr was good but he was done by playoff time, Carle was a big loss from last year. He was a guy who we had playing 20+ minutes a game, could move the puck effectively and was on PP and PK. Thats exactly the type of player we are missing. Timonen isn't the dman he used to be, he can't quarterback the PP anymore
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Missing Carle and also Mez for most of this season, Hartnell for a good chunk, sophomore slump for Couts, Talbot and Coburn both playing considerably worse thean last yr.

otoh Voracek looks legit, Simmonds and B Schenn doing well, and Grossmann very well.

I really don't think this is a bad team. In my opinion, they are a highly talented group of young, underachieving players that could afford some defensive upgrades, but certainly good enough to be a lock for the playoffs. Not sure if a coaching change is the answer, but if they do it, I'd like it to be for a solid coach with a vision and not done to kick the players in the arse.

I really don't think this is a bad team. In my opinion, they are a highly talented group of young, underachieving players that could afford some defensive upgrades, but certainly good enough to be a lock for the playoffs. Not sure if a coaching change is the answer, but if they do it, I'd like it to be for a solid coach with a vision and not done to kick the players in the arse.
- funmaster18

they have a combination right now of youth and I think some glaring holes on D that makes them vulnerable.

I do think they should make the playoffs but I don't see them as a lock to make the playoffs, too inconsistent for that

I appreciate your optimism

they have a combination right now of youth and I think some glaring holes on D that makes them vulnerable.

I do think they should make the playoffs but I don't see them as a lock to make the playoffs, too inconsistent for that

I appreciate your optimism


- Marc D

I said I think there's enough talent that they should be a lock, not that they were playing well enough to do so

2 games with Devils next week, has a chance to be 1-18, although the Devils can't get out of their own way right now.
- PLindbergh31

just wait until the flyers show up. always the perfect antidote for a struggling team or a guy who hasn't scored in 5 years.

just wait until the flyers show up. always the perfect antidote for a struggling team or a guy who hasn't scored in 5 years.
- hammarby31

I expect Brodeur to make a miraculous recovery to start both games against the Flyers

Im 25.

My most memorable game that I have ever been to in person was the Flyers vs Sens brawlfest in 03.
- jak521

that was in march 04.

From Anthony San Filippo

Injury updates: Matt Read is day to day. Nicklas Grossmann is day to day with a lower body injury. Meszaros is day to day.

Not much detail there but day to day is better then out for 6 weeks

Wellwood was loaned back to ADK today as well.

Maybe Matt Read is really close to playing?

From Anthony San Filippo

Injury updates: Matt Read is day to day. Nicklas Grossmann is day to day with a lower body injury. Meszaros is day to day.

Not much detail there but day to day is better then out for 6 weeks
- Marc D

They will all probably play against the Bruins, if not the Pens.

They will all probably play against the Bruins, if not the Pens.
- Jsaquella

great news

I was pretty down when Grossmann got hurt

that was in march 04.
- hammarby31

Be gentle, us young folk don't have much in the way of memory nor attention span.