I was reading up on some things the other night and ran into a piece about Paddock being moved to assistant coach (from asst. GM) just before the season (see article below). It seemed like he would be charged with observing the D from up high and passing along suggestions and giving feedback. I think it was at Homer's behest. I wonder to what extent, if any, he has played a role, and if so, is it helping or hurting? Should he or Murray have any part in the future?

Some ironic things said about the D in this article from a few months ago regarding Paddock's move to assistant:

http://www.nj.com/flyers/...ks_gauging_the_teams.html



Curious, would you take a guy like Tortorella? He seems to be on the outs...he'd be a riot with the press corps here. It would be worth it just to see him and Panatch go at it.

http://newyork.cbslocal.c...coach-on-nhl-firing-line/

I hate him as the coach of an opponent, but as the article I linked notes, he knows how to push buttons but in doing so, can often get the best out of players...with the caveat being that the teams might be motivated at first, but eventually get tired of his harsh tone and start to tune him out. I do think his bluntness could be a reality check/wake up call for some players that are dragging it...and could be the kind of presence younger players need to stay in line and focused... he seems to have an understanding of how to manage younger talent too*: read how he treats younger players:

http://snyrangersblog.com...deals-with-young-players/

*on the Internet, so, true
- exlund

Despite the issues of the individuals this season-injuries, inconsistencies, etc. I think that the defensemen can be salvaged. I never really felt the group was that bad anyhow.

I think it's kind of a perfect storm of a system that needs disciplined play by everyone on the ice, poor performance by the individuals and a poor job of making adjustments by the staff-not just Laviolette, but the staff as a whole.

As for Torts, he's intriguing, but he's a guy that definitely comes with a shelf life. I'm also unsure that a domineering personality is the best thing for a guy like Couturier's development. I do admit he could be just the thing, because Couturier played well under Terry Murray this season, and Murray's a no nonsense guy, too.

I would love to see Torts deal with some of the MSM in Philly. I'd be DvRing the post game PCs

There's some interesting stuff in this, food for thought. Of course at this hour, my brain's mush

In regards to Couts you cant teach speed....You just cant I truly belive he is what he is at this point you will be lucky to see him as a Jordan Staal type player. He doesnt have very good hands which is obvious and the kid looks like he is skating in cement. Not saying he wont be a good player but the whole "Selke Trophy" candidate is a bit premature.
- flyerfan28

Couturier's skating is fine. I don't know where this skating in cement comes from. And you don't score 90+ points in Juniors back to back Seasons, if you don't have good hands. So it's not at all obvious that he doesn't have good hands.

g struggled under stevens and became the player he is under lavvy, maybe the young core needs a new voice

g struggled under stevens and became the player he is under lavvy, maybe the young core needs a new voice
- mydoglicks

The NHL is based on speed and playmakers.

The Flyers have a few of these but not enough.

Goaltending has been average, offense slumping, defense not very good.

Changing the makeup of this team is the only direction. That could mean a couple of things. Moving some players, signing new ones, firing the coach/GM, adding quality picks to bolster the farm.