Sorry to interrupt, but my friend just sent me a picture of my wife's present from last night, and I'm still too pumped to not show it off (sorry for the blurriness):


- jmatchett383

Two questions:
1. Do you have a plan to replace Jagr/Hartnell after next season with 20+ goals on that wing from an as-of-yet-unnamed player?
2. Is the depth D named Foster, Lilja or Gervias?
- jmatchett383

This team needs to better learn how to play the right way, and have the kids learn that. Im looking at more than statistical production. The Flyers might go through a couple of building years, but in the grand scheme of things I think its worth it to instill that proper culture and mold.

If you want random names to replace goal production aside from the growth of kids, and who would be brought in via draft, capgeek lists FA. In terms of depth D, again while not a lot there are pieces in FA.

I'm not looking at statistical production. Im looking at building this thing right. Which may take a little bit of time, and maybe an extra season. To draft solid talented kids. Sorround them with the attitude that was lost with the departure of Lappy/Pronger/Jagr. Grow that, and reap the benefits. It will not be those veterans that lead the team to a cup, it will be the youth this team has and drafts in the future. I want it sorrounded by the right kind of players, and the right mindset. From the top of the organization down.

Man, if this team was able not to be so abysmal in the third period of these games this season, we'd be in the playoff hunt even more.

With the breakout of Jake I see little need for Jagr back on the team or in the top 6. PP is number 1 in the league without him. Morrow prob wont be cheap and if he is he'll just re-sign with the Pens.

Who replaces Hartnell on the LW?
- hereticpride

Honestly, more than a #1 d-man, I think this team needs guidance.

A consistent direction from management, players who fit the mold set out by the organization and desired style of play, and most of all guidance from veteran players.

Players who have the right consistent attitude. Its about more than numbers and statistical production. I think this thing, needs to be built right. For one god damn time build it the right way. It may take a little bit of time, but to win, and be a consistent elite team, instead of flirting with hot streaks, they need to do it right imo. Step one, is building a culture.

This team needs to better learn how to play the right way, and have the kids learn that. Im looking at more than statistical production. The Flyers might go through a couple of building years, but in the grand scheme of things I think its worth it to instill that proper culture and mold.

If you want random names to replace goal production aside from the growth of kids, and who would be brought in via draft, capgeek lists FA. In terms of depth D, again while not a lot there are pieces in FA.

I'm not looking at statistical production. Im looking at building this thing right. Which may take a little bit of time, and maybe an extra season. To draft solid talented kids. Sorround them with the attitude that was lost with the departure of Lappy/Pronger/Jagr. Grow that, and reap the benefits. It will not be those veterans that lead the team to a cup, it will be the youth this team has and drafts in the future. I want it sorrounded by the right kind of players, and the right mindset. From the top of the organization down.

Excellent, well put!

- flyer_nutter[url]

I'll really agree with you that the things he does bring when on his game, really help a top team.

The Flyers may not be able to replace that immediately. I would trade off his immediate production (WHEN he is on his game), to setting a better culture for the kids and them not being sorrounded by such chronic inconsistency. The organization I feel shouldnt tie itself, and rely on players like that to lead the team. I also wouldnt deal him for back lane betty, under the right deal of course.
- flyer_nutter

Personally, I don't think it's a matter of replacing the brand of leadership Hartnell brings, so much as adding the right kind of counter balance. I think it takes a good mix of attitudes and personalities when it comes to team leadership. He seems to bring a certain kind of levity to his team, and a sort of mischievous presence to the opposition. I like that, but it also means other players have to bring a sort of down to earth element to the team, for when things aren't peachy.

That D corps makes me scream in agony....

Personally, I don't think it's a matter of replacing the brand of leadership Hartnell brings, so much as adding the right kind of counter balance. I think it takes a good mix of attitudes and personalities when it comes to team leadership. He seems to bring a certain kind of levity to his team, and a sense of mischief to the opposition. I like that, but it also means other players have to bring a sort of down to earth element to the team, for when things aren't peachy.
- BulliesPhan87

Which is why I wouldnt be throwing him away. If the Flyers can bring in players to counter-balance that so be it.

I dont really like relying, and paying a guy big money when you dont know how the hell he will play a given night. Your top players need to be your top players consistently to be an elite team in the league. Especially when you have a bunch of kids sorrounding those veterans.

If the Flyers can bring in the right players and still keep Hartnell, and to a lesser extent Coburn so be it. If however they need to shed salary, or need trade pieces to address the need for more consistent well rounded talent on D. It is those two, I look to deal. A part of me doesnt want their chronic inconsistency around the kids any longer, but Im not going to go as far as saying they should be burned at the stake. Eventually though, I do think they need to go.

@davegisaac: Kent Huskins will wear No. 23 with the #Flyers.

Honestly, more than a #1 d-man, I think this team needs guidance.

A consistent direction from management, players who fit the mold set out by the organization and desired style of play, and most of all guidance from veteran players.

Players who have the right consistent attitude. Its about more than numbers and statistical production. I think this thing, needs to be built right. For one god damn time build it the right way. It may take a little bit of time, but to win, and be a consistent elite team, instead of flirting with hot streaks, they need to do it right imo. Step one, is building a culture.
- flyer_nutter

Jagr and Morrow have like two years left in the tank, tops. I dont see how bringing them in will cause a huge culture shift.

I would still like to know who our top line LW is if we get rid of Hartnell.

Sorry to interrupt, but my friend just sent me a picture of my wife's present from last night, and I'm still too pumped to not show it off (sorry for the blurriness):


- jmatchett383

Ugggg. Nothing smells worse that a hockey jersey after a game. I can't believe she accepted it

Just kidding of course. That's terrific. It must have seemed surreal to her at the time.

Which is why I wouldnt be throwing him away. If the Flyers can bring in players to counter-balance that so be it.

I dont really like relying, and paying a guy big money when you dont know how the hell he will play a given night. Your top players need to be your top players consistently to be an elite team in the league. Especially when you have a bunch of kids sorrounding those veterans.

If the Flyers can bring in the right players and still keep Hartnell, and to a lesser extent Coburn so be it. If however they need to shed salary, or need trade pieces to address the need for more consistent well rounded talent on D. It is those two, I look to deal. A part of me doesnt want their chronic inconsistency around the kids any longer, but Im not going to go as far as saying they should be burned at the stake. Eventually though, I do think they need to go.
- flyer_nutter

As for consistency, I would contend that you're not going to find too many players who're truly consistent. Hartnell and Coburn, while kind of being whipping boys in this aspect, are definitely hot and cold players, and have earned this attention. But on the other hand, Coburn was rather solid while paired with Timonen, if that kind of balance can be restored for him he'll be a noteworthy asset for this team. Likewise, Hartnell has been a big presence on a number of our best scoring lines in recent history. For me, it's not so much a matter of replacing these players with consistent ones, as bringing players who'll help instill consistency in them. That said, for the right return I'd deal either one of them. I'd particularly be open to dealing Coburn, if it helped the consistency issue and/or help round out the talent on the blueline.

As for 'eventually they need to go', that's the unfortunate truth with all players. But I think these two have more yet to offer the Flyers.

EDIT: Excuse me if I'm a bit inexact or all over the place or whatever, my brain's running on auxiliary power.

@davegisaac: Kent Huskins will wear No. 23 with the #Flyers.
- stveshdy

(frank)ing travesty

Jagr and Morrow have like two years left in the tank, tops. I dont see how bringing them in will cause a huge culture shift.

I would still like to know who our top line LW is if we get rid of Hartnell.
- hereticpride

Players have alluded to missing some of the things Jagr brought to the team, and I truly believe Giroux needs more of that veteran help.

Again, this is about building it right and having the patience to do so. I dont discount the benefits of the young kids playing next to say Jagr/Morrow would have on their growth as players. It will be those kids that lead this team to the cup, along with others behind them.

If you want an actual line-up

Read-Giroux-Jagr
Simmonds-Schenn-Voracek
Laughton-Coots-Morrow
Talbot-Gordon-Rinaldo

I would take that lineup, or a lineup that brings in similar kind of players over what we had this season, any day. That lineup, would help the kids grow the right way.

As for consistency, I would contend that you're not going to find too many players who're truly consistent. Hartnell and Coburn, while kind of being whipping boys in this aspect, are definitely hot and cold players, and have earned this attention. But on the other hand, Coburn was rather solid while paired with Timonen, if that kind of balance can be restored for him he'll be a noteworthy asset for this team. Likewise, Hartnell has been a big presence on a number of our best scoring lines in recent history. For me, it's not so much a matter of replacing these players with consistent ones, as bringing players who'll help instill consistency in them. That said, for the right return I'd deal either one of them. I'd particularly be open to dealing Coburn, if it helped the consistency issue and/or help round out the talent on the blueline.

As for 'eventually they need to go', that's the unfortunate truth with all players. But I think these two have more yet to offer the Flyers.

EDIT: Excuse me if I'm a bit inexact or all over the place or whatever, my brain's running on auxiliary power.
- BulliesPhan87

No worries, its all pretty good conversation. I wouldnt be throwing them away, and I wouldnt be going crazy if they stayed with the team. They arent useless. It would be them I would look to if the team was looking to trade, or needed cap room, to bring in more consistent well rounded talent on D, and the kinds of forwards this team needs imo. (see hypothetical lineup in my previous post)

Players have alluded to missing some of the things Jagr brought to the team, and I truly believe Giroux needs more of that veteran help.

Again, this is about building it right and having the patience to do so. I dont discount the benefits of the young kids playing next to say Jagr/Morrow would have on their growth as players. It will be those kids that lead this team to the cup, along with others behind them.

If you want an actual line-up

Read-Giroux-Jagr
Simmonds-Schenn-Voracek
Laughton-Coots-Morrow
Talbot-Gordon-Rinaldo

I would take that lineup, or a lineup that brings in similar kind of players over what we had this season, any day. That lineup, would help the kids grow the right way.
- flyer_nutter

But why breakup Roo and Jake? And go out and spend money to do so at that? I also don't want to bring Laughton up to play him at the wing.

I just dont see it. Jagr and Morrow are guys that have had a lot of injuries. I can see adding one of them maybe. But two is just too much for me.

Again, we have the #1 PP in the league. I don't see much of a need to mess with the top 6 at all.

Huskins tells media he will be playing tonight

Huskins tells media he will be playing tonight
- Jsaquella

- flyer_nutter

Hopefully for Foster

Hopefully for Foster
- Jsaquella

Do you honestly believe that?

Its a small thing, but who they decide to scratch will kind of tell me some things about management here. Finally accept its a year for the kids? Or play the trash that wont even be here when there is a cup run.

Huskins tells media he will be playing tonight
- Jsaquella

Do you honestly believe that?

Its a small thing, but who they decide to scratch will kind of tell me some things about management here. Finally accept its a year for the kids? Or play the trash that wont even be here when there is a cup run.
- flyer_nutter

Management, nothing. The decision who sits and who plays is on Peter Laviolette.

1 bad season doesn't mean you need to blow it up. That being said, a lot of the issues that plagued them last year continue into this season. The blue line needs to be addressed, but the core of youn players that everyone was excited about still have the same talent and potential as last year.

I'm excited about the future of this team if they mke the right moves. I think the next year will be a defining moment for Holmgren.

- ob18

Where'd you find a picture of rathje?

Huskins tells media he will be playing tonight
- Jsaquella

Why change the lineup? Chemistry was at its best yesterday.