It's been a miserable struggle against NJ and NYR no question. Doesn't seem as if there are very many adjustments made, if any. That said, Laviolette had them within 2 games of the pinnacle, as well as winning a playoff series last year vs. a heavily favored Penguins team.

Say Murray takes over with 15 games to go this year, and the team goes 5-8-2, and misses the playoffs, who is the coach next year?

There just isn't many better options out there than a guy who has coached in 2 SCF winning one.
- PLindbergh31

You can't stick with the same guy if there is no progress being made. The 3rd period of the Ranger's game showed that he isn't going to, or isn't willing to change. You wouldn't be bringing Murray in to be the Coach next year. Just for the rest of this year. And there are always options out there. This Coach won the Cup in Carolina, but missed the playoffs the other 3 Seasons.

It's been a miserable struggle against NJ and NYR no question. Doesn't seem as if there are very many adjustments made, if any. That said, Laviolette had them within 2 games of the pinnacle, as well as winning a playoff series last year vs. a heavily favored Penguins team.

Say Murray takes over with 15 games to go this year, and the team goes 5-8-2, and misses the playoffs, who is the coach next year?

There just isn't many better options out there than a guy who has coached in 2 SCF winning one.
- PLindbergh31

I feel Laviolette is at his best with veteran teams. That's what he had when he won his Cup and what he had when he took the Flyers to the Final.

He won't have that next season, hopefully. The last thing I want to see is youth moved for veterans. I want this young core to stay here and develop.

Murray is a good teacher and disciplinarian. That's what these kids need.

And when the season ended, then you review and hire a coach that will continue that process moving forward.

Why is that? If there's one thing that Murray has done in his coaching career it's to instill discipline and solid two way play into his teams.

People want to shred him for his shortcomings, then say they'd be surprised if his strengths as a coach will be effective. Ask the Kings if Murray's work making them into a responsible and disciplined defensive team was a factor in their Stanley Cup run.
- Jsaquella

Big, great shot, good offensive/defensive instincts, ok skater. Lots to like but pretty raw in my opinion. 2nd rounder for me. (Madison Bowey - Kelowna)

Just got this from a writer who covers the WHL

Would be a mistake to fire Laviolette in favor of the options being discussed. Shortened season, a roster that wasn't great to begin with (specifically the defense) has been hurt by injuries.

I would give Laviolette the start of next season with a full camp and hopefully some sound additions to the roster.
- PLindbergh31

Right there with you.

No need to be premature.

Better to wait, and have that replacement come when its ready. Will be much better.

It's been a miserable struggle against NJ and NYR no question. Doesn't seem as if there are very many adjustments made, if any. That said, Laviolette had them within 2 games of the pinnacle, as well as winning a playoff series last year vs. a heavily favored Penguins team.

Say Murray takes over with 15 games to go this year, and the team goes 5-8-2, and misses the playoffs, who is the coach next year?

There just isn't many better options out there than a guy who has coached in 2 SCF winning one.
- PLindbergh31

GM Jim Rutherford said he regretted firing Laviolette shortly after doing so. And I don't mean in the "It's the nice thing to say even as we dispatch him," either. It was either the following offseason or the following season that Rutherford said it.

In short: I'm ambivalent.

I laughed

Big, great shot, good offensive/defensive instincts, ok skater. Lots to like but pretty raw in my opinion. 2nd rounder for me. (Madison Bowey - Kelowna)

Just got this from a writer who covers the WHL
- ob18

Murray isn't that big...

I've seen a few mocks that have Bowey as a mid to late 1st rounder. Intriguing kid

Every coach has his strengths and weaknesses. Murray was fired in LA for a reason, even though they were playing solid D. You just don't know how coaches are going to do in different situations. The Flyers have not played consistently good hockey for years even before Laviolette.

Even if they change coaches, it's not going to solve everything. Murray will have his own weaknesses that will come out over time.

What happens if Philly hires Murray and then they can't beat Pittsburgh? Good god.
- feelingkettle

I agree. Like I said, I give Laviolette the rest of this year, and the start of next year with a full camp and a reworked roster. If they get off to a bad start make a change of both coach and GM.

Every coach has his strengths and weaknesses. Murray was fired in LA for a reason, even though they were playing solid D. You just don't know how coaches are going to do in different situations. The Flyers have not played consistently good hockey for years even before Laviolette.

Even if they change coaches, it's not going to solve everything. Murray will have his own weaknesses that will come out over time.

What happens if Philly hires Murray and then they can't beat Pittsburgh? Good god.
- feelingkettle

The Battle of Pennsylvania could swin-- I Seravalling hate that term for all Pittsburgh-Philadelphia games/series.

Murray isn't that big...

I've seen a few mocks that have Bowey as a mid to late 1st rounder. Intriguing kid
- Jsaquella

Yes, I'm getting more into it & asking around for reports. But soon enough I'll have a short list of players depending on the pick they get.

GM Jim Rutherford said he regretted firing Laviolette shortly after doing so. And I don't mean in the "It's the nice thing to say even as we dispatch him," either. It was either the following offseason or the following season that Rutherford said it.

In short: I'm ambivalent.
- Flyskippy

When Rutherford fired Laviolette, he was in the midst of his third straight non=playoff year and re-hired the guy who Laviolette replaced.

Rutherford recycles as much as the Flyers do

The Battle of Pennsylvania could swin-- I Seravalling hate that term for all Pittsburgh-Philadelphia games/series.
- Flyskippy

As frustrating as it is to lose to NYR and NJ a lot, I couldn't give a poop if they keep beating Pittsburgh the way they've been. So satisfying.

As frustrating as it is to lose to NYR and NJ a lot, I couldn't give a poop if they keep beating Pittsburgh the way they've been. So satisfying.
- feelingkettle

Every coach has his strengths and weaknesses. Murray was fired in LA for a reason, even though they were playing solid D. You just don't know how coaches are going to do in different situations. The Flyers have not played consistently good hockey for years even before Laviolette.

Even if they change coaches, it's not going to solve everything. Murray will have his own weaknesses that will come out over time.

What happens if Philly hires Murray and then they can't beat Pittsburgh? Good god.
- feelingkettle

Again, good point.

Murray himself and his style will bring out other weaknesses in the team. No style or system is perfect. For all of Lava's shortcomings, he has been pretty damn good as well. That same Jersey team that owns the Flyers? They owned in the playoffs with Boucher in net.

Boston was defeated.

For all the talk that a good defensive system doesnt mean the team cant play well offensively. I agree, but there is a reason those defensive teams dont score a lot of goals. They dont play to attack.

Every coach has his strengths and weaknesses. Murray was fired in LA for a reason, even though they were playing solid D. You just don't know how coaches are going to do in different situations. The Flyers have not played consistently good hockey for years even before Laviolette.

Even if they change coaches, it's not going to solve everything. Murray will have his own weaknesses that will come out over time.

What happens if Philly hires Murray and then they can't beat Pittsburgh? Good god.
- feelingkettle

I haven't seen anyone who is in favor of a coaching change being in favor of hiring Murray as a full time, permanent replacement.

I'd be looking at him as an interim, for the rest of this season, at most.

I feel Laviolette is at his best with veteran teams. That's what he had when he won his Cup and what he had when he took the Flyers to the Final.

He won't have that next season, hopefully. The last thing I want to see is youth moved for veterans. I want this young core to stay here and develop.

Murray is a good teacher and disciplinarian. That's what these kids need.

And when the season ended, then you review and hire a coach that will continue that process moving forward.
- Jsaquella

I understand what you are saying. You feel Laviolette is being tuned out right? Murray is more of a disciplinarian that holds players accountable, and is a defense first coach.

I don't know, I want to keep Laviolette. I can see an argument made either way.

I haven't seen anyone who is in favor of a coaching change being in favor of hiring Murray as a full time, permanent replacement.

I'd be looking at him as an interim, for the rest of this season, at most.
- Jsaquella

Not really in favor of hiring a new coach with 20 some games left in a shortened season with games packed to the brim the rest of the way starting soon again.

I haven't seen anyone who is in favor of a coaching change being in favor of hiring Murray as a full time, permanent replacement.

I'd be looking at him as an interim, for the rest of this season, at most.
- Jsaquella

Knowing the Flyers they will give Murray the keys to the city, a 2 year extension, and 1 hour with Snider's wife before this season is even done.

GM Jim Rutherford said he regretted firing Laviolette shortly after doing so. And I don't mean in the "It's the nice thing to say even as we dispatch him," either. It was either the following offseason or the following season that Rutherford said it.

In short: I'm ambivalent.
- Flyskippy

Laviolette had a few bad years in a row in Carolina. IMO, winning a Cup gives you some currency.

I like Laviolette, the constant mistakes (bad line changes, poor discipline, etc.) basic fundamentals of the game is tiresome, and ultimately fall on the coach, but the players are the ones on the ice. They have to look themselves in the mirror and hold themselves accountable.

I understand what you are saying. You feel Laviolette is being tuned out right? Murray is more of a disciplinarian that holds players accountable, and is a defense first coach.

I don't know, I want to keep Laviolette. I can see an argument made either way.
- PLindbergh31

Let Lavi finish out the year. Evaluate his job during the offseason. I find it hard to believe that this team lacks playing an entire game cause the coach can't motivate them. Some blame has to go on the players as well.

For all the talk that a good defensive system doesnt mean the team cant play well offensively. I agree, but there is a reason those defensive teams dont score a lot of goals. They dont play to attack.
- flyer_nutter

Simply not true. And the teams that play well defensively that struggle to score, is because they lack offensive talent.

Goals against/game Goals for/game
Chicago 1.78 3.13
Boston 2.25 2.90
LA 2.43 2.81
Montreal 2.48 3.04

You can't stick with the same guy if there is no progress being made. The 3rd period of the Ranger's game showed that he isn't going to, or isn't willing to change. You wouldn't be bringing Murray in to be the Coach next year. Just for the rest of this year. And there are always options out there. This Coach won the Cup in Carolina, but missed the playoffs the other 3 Seasons.
- MJL

So you are ready to fire the coach, ok... When does the GM have some accountability? Another offseason swinging for the fences, and ending up walking down the clearance aisle?

Simply not true. And the teams that play well defensively that struggle to score, is because they lack offensive talent.

Goals against/game Goals for/game
Chicago 1.78 3.13
Boston 2.25 2.90
LA 2.43 2.81
Montreal 2.48 3.04
- MJL

Tampa also has a good amount of offensive talent...

Boucher's defensive scheme is getting old.

Let Lavi finish out the year. Evaluate his job during the offseason. I find it hard to believe that this team lacks playing an entire game cause the coach can't motivate them. Some blame has to go on the players as well.
- stveshdy

Yep. Agreed.

So you are ready to fire the coach, ok... When does the GM have some accountability? Another offseason swinging for the fences, and ending up walking down the clearance aisle?
- PLindbergh31

I think there is some blame that should go to the GM. But one off season where he didn't get what he targeted, doesn't scream fire the GM to me. There is still plenty of talent on this team, to compete and be a solid playoff team. You act like the roster is desolate.