[quote=MJL]No, it's not the same question. And it doesn't have to be both ways. This isn't raising children, it's a hockey team. I don't feel that this team as a whole believes in the way the Coach wants them to play.

And the biggest problem on this team currently, has zero to do with not having a #1 defenseman.
- spatso

And, so what do you believe is the biggest problem?

the lack of dark side followers

Both teams are under achieving this year.

I think the Flyers/Sabres have some great young talent (in minors/NHL). But both might be at a crossroads with some of their so called higher caliber players:

Briere
Hartnell
Pominville
Miller

Who blinks first here in the next few weeks? Should be interesting, does this game push one of these teams over the edge! Going 4 games without a win?

If they try to do this, when everyone can see there are so many holes/problems with this team the quick fix is impossible, than the GM needs to be questioned just as much as the players and coach. No way he thinks this team is capable enough to be successful in the playoffs. The past week showed everyone how far off they really are.
- the deaninator

I think the GM/Organization expected this to a degree that the pieces were missing. Thats why they asked Lavi to stress the defense side of the ice during the offseason. However, Lavi doesn't want to make that adjustment.

Both teams are under achieving this year.

I think the Flyers/Sabres have some great young talent (in minors/NHL). But both might be at a crossroads with some of their so called higher caliber players:

Briere
Hartnell
Pominville
Miller

Who blinks first here in the next few weeks? Should be interesting, does this game push one of these teams over the edge! Going 4 games without a win?
- Irish 14

Honestly it really doesn't matter cause neither is a true contender this year.

MJL is right maybe some small changes, but in no way should this team be blown up or try to bring in one big name player. Enough with the band-aids.

I like Lava but I think it is best for everyone to move on. There seems to be no trust going both ways.

There is some sort of hubris I have as a Flyer fan, although it does make for quite some shock when we don't make the playoffs, I like having my standards high and love Ed Snider for making me that way.

Having said that, I really wanted this team to succeed as it is; and while it still could, I think something big is going to happen, for better or worse.

Still would hang on to Giroux and Couts at all costs. Anyone else is fair game including the coach and GM.
- DrMidnite

If you had to pick one player off the Flyer roster with a shot at the HHOF, I would say there are three with that lofty potential

Giroux
Voracek
Simmonds

Of the three I think Voracek has the greatest raw potential.

There is some sort of hubris I have as a Flyer fan, although it does make for quite some shock when we don't make the playoffs, I like having my standards high and love Ed Snider for making me that way.

Having said that, I really wanted this team to succeed as it is; and while it still could, I think something big is going to happen, for better or worse.

Still would hang on to Giroux and Couts at all costs. Anyone else is fair game including the coach and GM.
- DrMidnite

I'm with you. The O and B gives you a little bit of a right to have that extra swagger. I think they should stay the course as well and just suck it up...not that the team isn't already "sucking it up big time". But don't blow up the core of players. But out Briere in the off season and make room for a #1 D. We also have to start thinking about the RFA group coming the following year.

And, so what do you believe is the biggest problem?
- spatso

With this team currently the biggest issue is Coaching.

With this team currently the biggest issue is Coaching.
- MJL

Then you know less a out hockey than I thought you did.

Then you know less a out hockey than I thought you did.
- spatso

Okay!

With this team currently the biggest issue is Coaching.
- MJL

I think it is players mailing it in, but that is the coach's responsibility to a degree as well. I guess those time outs aren't working anymore. Maybe he has lost them.

I think it is players mailing it in, but that is the coach's responsibility to a degree as well. I guess those time outs aren't working anymore. Maybe he has lost them.
- section32

The most damaging part of this team is they just can't put together 60 minutes of hockey.

Then you know less a out hockey than I thought you did.
- spatso

the coach really is an issue tho. If you think otherwise plz explain.

I think it is players mailing it in, but that is the coach's responsibility to a degree as well. I guess those time outs aren't working anymore. Maybe he has lost them.
- section32

I don't think the players are mailing it in at all. They lack structure and they are looking for adjustments and changes to the way they play to come from the Coach. Because they know they can't play the way he wants them to play. And it leads to self doubt, confusion, and confidence issues. That presents on the ice as if it is an effort issue. And that is a downward spiral that gets worse and worse. And that's what were seeing with this team.

The most damaging part of this team is they just can't put together 60 minutes of hockey.
- stveshdy

Absolutely. They are consistently inconsistent.

I don't think the players are mailing it in at all. They lack structure and they are looking for adjustments and changes to the way they play to come from the Coach. Because they know they can't play the way he wants them to play. And it leads to self doubt, confusion, and confidence issues. That presents on the ice as if it is an effort issue. And that is a downward spiral that gets worse and worse. And that's what were seeing with this team.
- MJL

i completely concur

If the Flyers lose is Lava looking for a new job on Monday?

I don't think the players are mailing it in at all. They lack structure and they are looking for adjustments and changes to the way they play to come from the Coach. Because they know they can't play the way he wants them to play. And it leads to self doubt, confusion, and confidence issues. That presents on the ice as if it is an effort issue. And that is a downward spiral that gets worse and worse. And that's what were seeing with this team.
- MJL

If we aren't changing personnel, then we need to change the system. If the coach is unwilling to do that, then the coach needs to go. But changing the system will also take some bite out of our offense and we aren't exactly setting the world on fire up front right now. We just aren't a top caliber team this year. That comes down to the players we out on the ice for the system we play. It's a whole lot more difficult to change an entire system in season than get the right personnel for that season. But BOTH come at a cost.

And the players don't have a lot of jam either. Plenty of lack luster performances out there.

If the Flyers lose is Lava looking for a new job on Monday?
- LJF

He should be but I think the Flyers let him finish out the season.

If we aren't changing personnel, then we need to change the system. If the coach is unwilling to do that, then the coach needs to go. But changing the system will also take some bite out of our offense and we aren't exactly setting the world on fire up front right now. We just aren't a top caliber team this year. That comes down to the players we out on the ice for the system we play. It's a whole lot more difficult to change an entire system in season than get the right personnel for that season. But BOTH come at a cost.
- section32

For all the reasons you stated they should be playing more responsibly in their own end. Lavi just has to make some adjustments not change his entire system. However, the guy just refuses to do it.

Wow, some new names added to your list today. I wonder who will be added to the list on Monday. You're up to about a dozen players on the list now.

And I would have zero interest in Byfuglien
- MJL

So overrated

the coach really is an issue tho. If you think otherwise plz explain.
- JoeRussomanno

Coaches can mess up a team. They can also push guys to accomplish above their talent level for a period of time.

But there is nothing a coach can do to help overcome the player frustration of a goalie letting in a bad goal every game. Over time it wears a team down. On the other hand, a coach cannot overcome a forecheck if the team does not have the back end skill to clear the zone. Great coaches know you need to get out of the way of great talent. You need to build your team around what your players are capable of doing (or, not doing).

He should be but I think the Flyers let him finish out the season.
- stveshdy

I put blame on both coach and players, but you can't fire the whole team so Lava has to go. Problem with keeping him is it hurts the young players. These guys are hurting and they need help.

Coaches can mess up a team. They can also push guys to accomplish above their talent level for a period of time.

But there is nothing a coach can do to help overcome the player frustration of a goalie letting in a bad goal every game. Over time it wears a team down. On the other hand, a coach cannot overcome a forecheck if the team does not have the back end skill to clear the zone. Great coaches know you need to get out of the way of great talent. You need to build your team around what your players are capable of doing (or, not doing).
- spatso

We knew going into this season we didn't have the horses to run with the top teams. You can't expect anything other than the results we are getting. Lavi's can't make this team any more than marginally better.

If we aren't changing personnel, then we need to change the system. If the coach is unwilling to do that, then the coach needs to go. But changing the system will also take some bite out of our offense and we aren't exactly setting the world on fire up front right now. We just aren't a top caliber team this year. That comes down to the players we out on the ice for the system we play. It's a whole lot more difficult to change an entire system in season than get the right personnel for that season. But BOTH come at a cost.

And the players don't have a lot of jam either. Plenty of lack luster performances out there.
- section32

I believe the opposite in regards to a change in systems play. I believe becoming better defensively will improve the offense. The Flyers don't generate any turnovers and break up plays in mid ice that lead to odd man rushes and transition breaks for the team. If you get guys like Giroux, Voracek, and even Briere in open ice with number advantages, that will increase offense. As well as spending less time in their own end and more time with the puck.
I'm not looking for the Flyers to play like the NY Rangers. But this team just doesn't have the horses to play a 3-2 press forecheck game in and game out.