John Tavares is the most underrated hockey player in the game. If he played in any semi-big NHL market he'd be a household name.
- GirouxForTheShow

The knock on Tavares is that he is a so-so skater.

John Tavares is the most underrated hockey player in the game. If he played in any semi-big NHL market he'd be a household name.
- GirouxForTheShow

Yeah, New York is such a media black hole

Yeah, New York is such a media black hole
- Jsaquella

When it comes to the Islanders, yes it is. Once they move to Brooklyn that could change.

Yeah, New York is such a media black hole
- Jsaquella

I edited NHL market in there, because obviously NY is one of the biggest in general. But you can't say that the Islanders get a lot of attention

The knock on Tavares is that he is a so-so skater.
- NickTheKid87

Not MacKinnon's problem.

Not MacKinnon's problem.
- 77rams

I think MacKinnon will be better than Tavares overall because he is a good skater and pretty good defensively.

A logical and effective argument that he has done a good job. For instance, I point to his record against teams that play a responsible defense and a disciplined system such as Boston, New Jersey and the Rangers. Granted one could say those teams are more talented-I don't think the Devils are more talented, but OK...then I point at Tampa Bay who has given the Flyers the fits the last few years.

Or even Florida, who is terrible this year, but basically played the Flyers the same way the Devils and Rangers do, and won the last two meetings after getting killed 7-1.

We see numerous guys making ill advised decisions, like pinching from the point at inopportune times or the forwards being in bad position to receive outlet passes. Now, if that's one or two guys, its more the players. When you have a chronic issue of it, it's hard to blame a player or two. At that point it's systemic and the players are being coached to be too aggressive.

That's really what it boils down to for me. Laviolette has done a poor job of instilling discipline and holding guys accountable. Yes, he demoted Hartnell for a bad penalty-yet he still played a ton on the PP.

There are a lot of players playing under expectations, too. And the GM didn't make a lot of improvements to the roster. But at the same time, the coach got the roster he had, and failed to make effective adjustments to his system/style/scheme to get the best he could out of it.
- Jsaquella

Solid argument.

I'm all for whatever system gets us wins. And it's my opinion this team is under-performing across the board. However, I would argue our problems are driven primarily by an anemic offense more than a poor defensive system.

I think MacKinnon will be better than Tavares overall because he is a good skater and pretty good defensively.
- NickTheKid87

I dont think he will be the goal scorer that Tavares is... He is better all around though.. definitely a 1st line impact player.

The knock on Tavares is that he is a so-so skater.
- NickTheKid87

Espo was a terrible skater.

It worked out OK.

I edited NHL market in there, because obviously NY is one of the biggest in general. But you can't say that the Islanders get a lot of attention
- GirouxForTheShow

No they don't, I was joking

I think MacKinnon will be better than Tavares overall because he is a good skater and pretty good defensively.
- NickTheKid87

And he will be a Flyer. Or an Panther. Or something.

I'm on a big MacKinnon kick this week. Next week it's Jones' turn again.

And he will be a Flyer. Or an Panther. Or something.

I'm on a big MacKinnon kick this week. Next week it's Jones' turn again.
- Jsaquella

I like the immediate impact MacKinnon will bring, along with the fact that it gives us the ability to trade a guy like schenn or couts for d-help...

Espo was a terrible skater.

It worked out OK.
- Atomic Wedgie

Luc Robitaille wasn't so graceful either.

i really have to give him credit.
after seeing him on 24/7 I couldnt believe someone that awkward could be a good coach, but he really does make it work
- Crimsoninja

mother(frank)er, bruce (frank)ing boudreau is not (frank)ing awkward at all.......(frank)

mother(frank)er, bruce (frank)ing boudreau is not (frank)ing awkward at all.......(frank)
- KINGKENZO

lol

Overall, the Rangers and controversial head coach John Tortorella have more or less owned Peter Laviolette's Flyers in recent seasons. Over the last 11 games between the teams, the Flyers have a 1-9-1 record against the Blueshirts.

That somebody can read that, and still defend the coaching of Laviolette, is beyond me. When combined with the record against the Devils, it's staggering to me that the Flyers still employ him as coach.
- Jsaquella

The Dude concurs

Luc Robitaille wasn't so graceful either.
- 77rams

different times.. If Tavares had the skating ability of even Giroux.. he'd be an even scarier player.

I like the immediate impact MacKinnon will bring, along with the fact that it gives us the ability to trade a guy like schenn or couts for d-help...
- jak521

Thats where I'm at on this hypothetical senario. I really like jones, but with the mix of forwards we currently have, will his development curve be in tune with their peaks inorder to give them an impact player from the blueline? Will management do the right thing and allow him the propper development time? Who knows.....

I would rather bolster the forward position with a kid that is touted as a potential 1st line center, perenial all-star( scouting reports, not my words) and deal from the rest of the stable.

I dont condone losing for losing sake, but for THIS year, under THESE circumstances, IMO, its the best thing for the longterm health and contendership of the organization.

Still have to land a defenseman somehow
- Jsaquella

Couts and Danny B. to MTL for Subban would be interesting

Espo was a terrible skater.

It worked out OK.
- Atomic Wedgie

Tavares is still a great player but will never be in the class of Crosby, Stamkos and Malkin.

Couts and Danny B. to MTL for Subban would be interesting
- Chris48

Subban is a big part of Montreal's defense AND offense.

All I want out of this year is MacKinnon

Stop winnin', get MacKinnon
- KINGKENZO

In order to stop winning, wouldn't they have to start winning?

Tavares is still a great player but will never be in the class of Crosby, Stamkos and Malkin.
- NickTheKid87

This is laughable. I completely disagree.

But when in Rome...

In order to stop winning, wouldn't they have to start winning?
- PLindbergh31

I see what youre getting at and Im terrified they put a mild streak together to slot them in the latter part of the lottery selections.......you know it scares you too

This is laughable. I completely disagree.

But when in Rome...
- KGBflyers10

If you're a numbers guy, you can just check them out. Tavares is a great player but not of that caliber. He's one wrung below.