and free agency worked SO well for us last summer, it's almost a lock they'll gamble on it again this summer. what could go wrong?
- BringBack25

Just throw 34 year old Andrew Ference in there!

and free agency worked SO well for us last summer, it's almost a lock they'll gamble on it again this summer. what could go wrong?
- BringBack25

If they hit the market in free agency this year, it'll be for depth defensemen or to stop gap things. No big fish out there, really

Yes, but just because he hasn't made a trade doesn't mean he's not going to make one or two later
- Jsaquella

That's possible. I just think the Flyers stand pat. That's all I'm saying.

So would I. But a first round pick is not the right price, in my opinion.
- MJL

That's fair. Your price may be higher. I would want a 1st and either an NHL defenseman or prospect who's ready now to play.

That's possible. I just think the Flyers stand pat. That's all I'm saying.
- stveshdy

I doubt they do, one way or the other, they'll do something. Might not be big, but they will do something

I doubt they do, one way or the other, they'll do something. Might not be big, but they will do something
- Jsaquella

If you think little what would be an example? Moving Fed?

If you think little what would be an example? Moving Fed?
- stveshdy

Yes. He's a UFA, there's zero reason to not trade him.

The Flyers' transition game and zone entries were ineffective last night as it is usually the case. One forward is stationary on the boards waiting for the puck in the D zone, while the others take off hoping for a pass. If the passing/transition is successful, you have one or two forwards without support and more often than not, the only option is to dump the puck at the opponent's blue-line without getting a scoring chance or a shot on goal.

The 5 on 5 goals per game ratio of 0.80 Goals/Game ranked 26th in the league serves as a sign or evidence of poor team cohesion and ineffective zone entries. To state the obvious, if you can't generate scoring chances 5 on 5, you can't win on a regular basis. The difference between a zone entry with possession and a dump-in is quite substantial. Zone entry data and statistics have shown that zone entries with possession generate twice as many shots and scoring chances vs the dump-in. The Flyers 13 wins this season are directly linked to the success of special teams. There is too much talent UP FRONT not to score more goals at even strenght. If the offensive talent is there and the results aren't coming, the Flyers' coaching staff should share a big part of the blame and take responsibility for the lack of results and more importantly, the lack of adjustments.

Think of the NJD and the Pens offensive game. Two teams with excellent coaches that possess the ability to analyze and synthesize, adjust and adapt on the fly. Offensively, those teams seem able to generate scoring chances quite easily. We often see the puck carrier slowing down after center ice and waiting for a better play to develop as his teammates catch up and crisscros/converge into the O zone forcing the defense to give up space. The puck carrier has options: he can shoot and generate a rebound, look to pass for a one timer or even play the boards with his teammates already in position. With so many options available, the opposing team's defense has to cover a lot of real estate and that creates a lot of space for the attacking team. Think of Jagr and Giroux last year. In the Flyers' last few games we saw the Gags- Talbot - Read line do an amazing job. A lot less dump and chase and more zone entries with possession. As a result, the team's best line that generated the most scoring chances minus yesterday's line vs Pitt since the unit was broken up as a result of Briere's injury.

It is clear this team lacks talent on the back end and they are in desperate need for a speedy puck moving defenseman or maybe even two of them. A great attack often starts in the D zone with a quick and crisp first pass. It is also a given you dump and chase to generate time for a line change or to avoid a turnover when pressured or if the puck carrier is out of options. But why does your first line dump and chase 10 seconds into a shift with time and space is beyond me. With Lavy and 2 assistant coaches behind the bench, and with Murray, Reese and Hatcher in the press box, one has to wonder why changes and adjustments aren't made with 7 "experts" watching the same game and the same ineffective system. Growing pains, injuries, line juggling, a condensed 48-game schedule and a short training camp are all factors that affect a team's performance and win/loss ratio, but 29 other teams are in the same boat.


Using Zone Entry Data To Separate Offensive, Neutral, And Defensive Zone Performance:
http://www.sloansportscon...%20Zone%20Performance.pdf

The whole notion behind my Douglas Murray idea a while back was he would be able to bring something along the lines of what OD did here.

Stability on the lower pairings, PK experience, toughness and veteran leadership. He wont be a guy that logs huge minutes, but I think its a solid move for the Pens.

Yes. He's a UFA, there's zero reason to not trade him.
- Jsaquella

I can see that but not sure you get much for him. Guess that's better than nothing.

The Flyers' transition game and zone entries were ineffective last night as it is usually the case. One forward is stationary on the boards waiting for the puck in the D zone, while the others take off hoping for a pass. If the passing/transition is successful, you have one or two forwards without support and more often than not, the only option is to dump the puck at the opponent's blue-line without getting a scoring chance or a shot on goal.

The 5 on 5 goals per game ratio of 0.80 Goals/Game ranked 26th in the league serves as a sign or evidence of poor team cohesion and ineffective zone entries. To state the obvious, if you can't generate scoring chances 5 on 5, you can't win on a regular basis. The difference between a zone entry with possession and a dump-in is quite substantial. Zone entry data and statistics have shown that zone entries with possession generate twice as many shots and scoring chances vs the dump-in. The Flyers 13 wins this season are directly linked to the success of special teams. There is too much talent UP FRONT not to score more goals at even strenght. If the offensive talent is there and the results aren't coming, the Flyers' coaching staff should share a big part of the blame and take responsibility for the lack of results and more importantly, the lack of adjustments.

Think of the NJD and the Pens offensive game. Two teams with excellent coaches that possess the ability to analyze and synthesize, adjust and adapt on the fly. Offensively, those teams seem able to generate scoring chances quite easily. We often see the puck carrier slowing down after center ice and waiting for a better play to develop as his teammates catch up and crisscros/converge into the O zone forcing the defense to give up space. The puck carrier has options: he can shoot and generate a rebound, look to pass for a one timer or even play the boards with his teammates already in position. With so many options available, the opposing team's defense has to cover a lot of real estate and that creates a lot of space for the attacking team. Think of Jagr and Giroux last year. In the Flyers' last few games we saw the Gags- Talbot - Read line do an amazing job. A lot less dump and chase and more zone entries with possession. As a result, the team's best line that generated the most scoring chances minus yesterday's line vs Pitt since the unit was broken up as a result of Briere's injury.

It is clear this team lacks talent on the back end and they are in desperate need for a speedy puck moving defenseman or maybe even two of them. A great attack often starts in the D zone with a quick and crisp first pass. It is also a given you dump and chase to generate time for a line change or to avoid a turnover when pressured or if the puck carrier is out of options. But why does your first line dump and chase 10 seconds into a shift with time and space is beyond me. With Lavy and 2 assistant coaches behind the bench, and with Murray, Reese and Hatcher in the press box, one has to wonder why changes and adjustments aren't made with 7 "experts" watching the same game and the same ineffective system. Growing pains, injuries, line juggling, a condensed 48-game schedule and a short training camp are all factors that affect a team's performance and win/loss ratio, but 29 other teams are in the same boat.


Using Zone Entry Data To Separate Offensive, Neutral, And Defensive Zone Performance:
http://www.sloansportscon...%20Zone%20Performance.pdf
- Chris48

Exlund is that you?

Good post, and I agree about the need for move offensive creativity in the back end. Flyers dont really have a guy who provides that consistent threat, even though some of the D-men try who in reality is really thinking anything will come from it.

I think this season has shown me more than anything, that the forwards are the big hooligans. The D has trouble getting it out at times, and makes bad decisions however most Flyer forwards are a mess in the D zone.


Edit: I'd like to add that the gritty 3rd line last night was the most effective at times. For all of the Flyers skill up front, I do think they are a bit of a soft group.

The Flyers' transition game and zone entries were ineffective last night as it is usually the case. One forward is stationary on the boards waiting for the puck in the D zone, while the others take off hoping for a pass. If the passing/transition is successful, you have one or two forwards without support and more often than not, the only option is to dump the puck at the opponent's blue-line without getting a scoring chance or a shot on goal.

The 5 on 5 goals per game ratio of 0.80 Goals/Game ranked 26th in the league serves as a sign or evidence of poor team cohesion and ineffective zone entries. To state the obvious, if you can't generate scoring chances 5 on 5, you can't win on a regular basis. The difference between a zone entry with possession and a dump-in is quite substantial. Zone entry data and statistics have shown that zone entries with possession generate twice as many shots and scoring chances vs the dump-in. The Flyers 13 wins this season are directly linked to the success of special teams. There is too much talent UP FRONT not to score more goals at even strenght. If the offensive talent is there and the results aren't coming, the Flyers' coaching staff should share a big part of the blame and take responsibility for the lack of results and more importantly, the lack of adjustments.

Think of the NJD and the Pens offensive game. Two teams with excellent coaches that possess the ability to analyze and synthesize, adjust and adapt on the fly. Offensively, those teams seem able to generate scoring chances quite easily. We often see the puck carrier slowing down after center ice and waiting for a better play to develop as his teammates catch up and crisscros/converge into the O zone forcing the defense to give up space. The puck carrier has options: he can shoot and generate a rebound, look to pass for a one timer or even play the boards with his teammates already in position. With so many options available, the opposing team's defense has to cover a lot of real estate and that creates a lot of space for the attacking team. Think of Jagr and Giroux last year. In the Flyers' last few games we saw the Gags- Talbot - Read line do an amazing job. A lot less dump and chase and more zone entries with possession. As a result, the team's best line that generated the most scoring chances minus yesterday's line vs Pitt since the unit was broken up as a result of Briere's injury.

It is clear this team lacks talent on the back end and they are in desperate need for a speedy puck moving defenseman or maybe even two of them. A great attack often starts in the D zone with a quick and crisp first pass. It is also a given you dump and chase to generate time for a line change or to avoid a turnover when pressured or if the puck carrier is out of options. But why does your first line dump and chase 10 seconds into a shift with time and space is beyond me. With Lavy and 2 assistant coaches behind the bench, and with Murray, Reese and Hatcher in the press box, one has to wonder why changes and adjustments aren't made with 7 "experts" watching the same game and the same ineffective system. Growing pains, injuries, line juggling, a condensed 48-game schedule and a short training camp are all factors that affect a team's performance and win/loss ratio, but 29 other teams are in the same boat.


Using Zone Entry Data To Separate Offensive, Neutral, And Defensive Zone Performance:
http://www.sloansportscon...%20Zone%20Performance.pdf
- Chris48

Awesome post Chris.

And what else hurts all of that, is the Flyers lack of ability to create turnovers with neutral zone pressure, that lead to odd man rushes, and transition breaks.

I doubt they do, one way or the other, they'll do something. Might not be big, but they will do something
- Jsaquella

I tend to agree.

Even in the season that must not be named they traded for Biron at the deadline I believe (could have my years wrong).

I just pray it isn't Boyle.

The Flyers' transition game and zone entries were ineffective last night as it is usually the case. One forward is stationary on the boards waiting for the puck in the D zone, while the others take off hoping for a pass. If the passing/transition is successful, you have one or two forwards without support and more often than not, the only option is to dump the puck at the opponent's blue-line without getting a scoring chance or a shot on goal.

The 5 on 5 goals per game ratio of 0.80 Goals/Game ranked 26th in the league serves as a sign or evidence of poor team cohesion and ineffective zone entries. To state the obvious, if you can't generate scoring chances 5 on 5, you can't win on a regular basis. The difference between a zone entry with possession and a dump-in is quite substantial. Zone entry data and statistics have shown that zone entries with possession generate twice as many shots and scoring chances vs the dump-in. The Flyers 13 wins this season are directly linked to the success of special teams. There is too much talent UP FRONT not to score more goals at even strenght. If the offensive talent is there and the results aren't coming, the Flyers' coaching staff should share a big part of the blame and take responsibility for the lack of results and more importantly, the lack of adjustments.

Think of the NJD and the Pens offensive game. Two teams with excellent coaches that possess the ability to analyze and synthesize, adjust and adapt on the fly. Offensively, those teams seem able to generate scoring chances quite easily. We often see the puck carrier slowing down after center ice and waiting for a better play to develop as his teammates catch up and crisscros/converge into the O zone forcing the defense to give up space. The puck carrier has options: he can shoot and generate a rebound, look to pass for a one timer or even play the boards with his teammates already in position. With so many options available, the opposing team's defense has to cover a lot of real estate and that creates a lot of space for the attacking team. Think of Jagr and Giroux last year. In the Flyers' last few games we saw the Gags- Talbot - Read line do an amazing job. A lot less dump and chase and more zone entries with possession. As a result, the team's best line that generated the most scoring chances minus yesterday's line vs Pitt since the unit was broken up as a result of Briere's injury.

It is clear this team lacks talent on the back end and they are in desperate need for a speedy puck moving defenseman or maybe even two of them. A great attack often starts in the D zone with a quick and crisp first pass. It is also a given you dump and chase to generate time for a line change or to avoid a turnover when pressured or if the puck carrier is out of options. But why does your first line dump and chase 10 seconds into a shift with time and space is beyond me. With Lavy and 2 assistant coaches behind the bench, and with Murray, Reese and Hatcher in the press box, one has to wonder why changes and adjustments aren't made with 7 "experts" watching the same game and the same ineffective system. Growing pains, injuries, line juggling, a condensed 48-game schedule and a short training camp are all factors that affect a team's performance and win/loss ratio, but 29 other teams are in the same boat.


Using Zone Entry Data To Separate Offensive, Neutral, And Defensive Zone Performance:
http://www.sloansportscon...%20Zone%20Performance.pdf
- Chris48

Kind of hard for Murray to be in the press box when he's coaching the Phantoms

The whole notion behind my Douglas Murray idea a while back was he would be able to bring something along the lines of what OD did here.

Stability on the lower pairings, PK experience, toughness and veteran leadership. He wont be a guy that logs huge minutes, but I think its a solid move for the Pens.
- flyer_nutter

Murray can't bring what Sean O'Donnell could in his Season here. If he could, the Sharks wouldn't have traded him. It adds depth for the Pens. Always need that for a play off run for the defense. Huge difference between obtaining a player for a playoff run to provide depth. And obtaining a player to be an every game player for a full Season. Murray would not have been a good choice for the Flyers going forward.

I can see that but not sure you get much for him. Guess that's better than nothing.
- stveshdy

Not expecting much for him, just saying they will do something. That doesn't mean making a massive trade

Murray can't bring what Sean O'Donnell could in his Season here. If he could, the Sharks wouldn't have traded him. It adds depth for the Pens. Always need that for a play off run for the defense. Huge difference between obtaining a player for a playoff run to provide depth. And obtaining a player to be an every game player for a full Season. Murray would not have been a good choice for the Flyers going forward.
- MJL

I'll wait and see what Murray does in his time in Pittsburgh before making that assumption.

Kind of hard for Murray to be in the press box when he's coaching the Phantoms
- Jsaquella

My bad.... Paddock not Murray

The funny thing is, all the time that was spent criticizing Holmgren for leaving the defense short this Season. Now it's trade Coburn for a draft pick. And replace him with Free Agents. Well, sometimes Free Agents say no. And if that happened, who will at the front of the line if the defense is short again, to complain?
- MJL

Yeah moving any of Coburn, Meszaros or Grossman is a huge mistake IMO.

My bad.... Paddock not Murray
- Chris48

Paddock was a poop show in Ottawa. The idea of him even being close to the big club kind of annoys me to be honest.

I'll wait and see what Murray does in his time in Pittsburgh before making that assumption.
- flyer_nutter

It's not an assumption. San Jose is one point out of a playoff spot. If Murray could be that effective, why would they trade him?

Yeah moving any of Coburn, Meszaros or Grossman is a huge mistake IMO.
- Pixote Andolini

I'd be okay with moving any of them as long as a replacement is obtained in the return. But not for draft picks, in my opinion.

Kind of hard for Murray to be in the press box when he's coaching the Phantoms
- Jsaquella

An intelligent post and you have to pick that to comment on, Mr Cranky Pants?

Paddock was a poop show in Ottawa. The idea of him even being close to the big club kind of annoys me to be honest.
- flyer_nutter

Some Coaches are better as Assistants then Head Coaches. He wouldn't be there if his input wasn't respected.

It's not an assumption. San Jose is one point out of a playoff spot. If Murray could be that effective, why would they trade him?
- MJL

Who ever heard of a team that obviously wont win jack poop and needs a little more than some small pieces trading a d-man to get assets?

I'll use Murray's time in Pittsburgh as a judgement whether he could provide what OD did here as a 6th d-man.