I remember when Homer took over for Clarke his first move (I think) was to get Biron ... and I thought "this guy isn't like Clarke. He KNOWS goaltending is our problem"' well, it still is.

- FlyerGuy

WB is the answer!

WB is the answer!
- isaiah520

he played well tonight.

I remember when Homer took over for Clarke his first move (I think) was to get Biron ... and I thought "this guy isn't like Clarke. He KNOWS goaltending is our problem"' well, it still is.

- FlyerGuy

They have bigger issues than goaltending.

The GM either needs to get the coach the guys to run the system he wants or he needs to get a coach that will make adjustments before 3/4ths of the defense is injured.

Also, regardless of coach they need to get a top four defenseman in, who has decent mobility and puck skills.

They need to have Hartnell, Coburn and Meszaros (or at least two out of the three) to rebound.

Hopefully, in Mason they either got a good back-up or decent time splitter, depending on Bryzgalov's future with the team.

I agree goal is an issue, but it's not THE issue.

They have bigger issues than goaltending.

The GM either needs to get the coach the guys to run the system he wants or he needs to get a coach that will make adjustments before 3/4ths of the defense is injured.

Also, regardless of coach they need to get a top four defenseman in, who has decent mobility and puck skills.

They need to have Hartnell, Coburn and Meszaros (or at least two out of the three) to rebound.

Hopefully, in Mason they either got a good back-up or decent time splitter, depending on Bryzgalov's future with the team.

I agree goal is an issue, but it's not THE issue.
- Jsaquella

I agree ... there are a multitude of issues.

the difficulty of fixing the D might be the biggest, imo.

I agree ... there are a multitude of issues.

the difficulty of fixing the D might be the biggest, imo.
- FlyerGuy

To fix the blueline is gonna cost Coots or B. Schenn as a centerpiece in a deal. I'm a Coots guy, I think he will ultimately be the better player.

I agree ... there are a multitude of issues.

the difficulty of fixing the D might be the biggest, imo.
- FlyerGuy

I still think the biggest issue is the coach. If it's Laviolette, I'd like to see them stick with a more responsible two way system, that isn't prone to breakdowns and odd man rushes and I'd like to see the younger players handled a lot more responsibly.

His handling of Couturier is enough for me to fire him. It's rare to see a kid who the organization feels is untouchable to be stuck playing with the kind of linemates Couturier has had to deal with, getting virtually no time at 5 on 5 in a scoring line role.

Laviolette's handling of him is why other teams seem to think they can poach him cheaply, because he's used as a 4th liner, almost exclusively.

To fix the blueline is gonna cost Coots or B. Schenn as a centerpiece in a deal. I'm a Coots guy, I think he will ultimately be the better player.
- ravishingone

Its amazing how Couts is criticized more than B Schenn....Brayden's older, was a higher draft pick as well if im not mistaken.

I still think the biggest issue is the coach. If it's Laviolette, I'd like to see them stick with a more responsible two way system, that isn't prone to breakdowns and odd man rushes and I'd like to see the younger players handled a lot more responsibly.

His handling of Couturier is enough for me to fire him. It's rare to see a kid who the organization feels is untouchable to be stuck playing with the kind of linemates Couturier has had to deal with, getting virtually no time at 5 on 5 in a scoring line role.

Laviolette's handling of him is why other teams seem to think they can poach him cheaply, because he's used as a 4th liner, almost exclusively.
- Jsaquella

Centering Hall and Rosehill. I like Rusty, but how the heck is Rusty playing with better wingers? Is Coots in the doghouse? Do they really believe that B. Schenn is that much better of an alternative then Coots as 2nd line center?

Its amazing how Couts is criticized more than B Schenn....Brayden's older, was a higher draft pick as well if im not mistaken.
- flyerfan28

I've given my thoughts on Brayden Schenn here before. Others disagree and thats cool, but I wouldnt be putting hopes on the guy being a 2nd line center, or much more than an average player.

Nice to see Hartnell continuing his solid play...

Lots of issues on thsi team, I think they should look at fixing as many as they can.

Its amazing how Couts is criticized more than B Schenn....Brayden's older, was a higher draft pick as well if im not mistaken.
- flyerfan28

Brayden went 5th. Coots went 8th.

They both need to step it up, however Brayden is getting a much better shot as he is usually seeing 2nd line duty.

I don't have a problem with moving either for a D man if the price is right. They are still mostly expectations not results. To get a Shattenkirk or Yandle it is probably going to take at least a 2nd rounder added to either player to get it done, maybe even a 1st. Not deals I would be thrilled about making.

Centering Hall and Rosehill. I like Rusty, but how the heck is Rusty playing with better wingers? Is Coots in the doghouse? Do they really believe that B. Schenn is that much better of an alternative then Coots as 2nd line center?
- ravishingone

Both are young players that have a lot of growing to do, like Carter and Richards once did.

I have no idea why Laviolette handles Couturier the way he does. I think it's inexcusable. Even if we ignore the near complete inability to beat the Devils, Rangers or really any team that stays disciplined and waits for the team to get over aggressive and make a mistake, the handling of Bobrovsky, probably missing the playoffs this year and the inability to make effective changes to his system until they were using 3 AHL defensemen in the top six, the handling of Couturier this year would have me really doubting him as a head coach.

I've given my thoughts on Brayden Schenn here before. Others disagree and thats cool, but I wouldnt be putting hopes on the guy being a 2nd line center, or much more than an average player.

Nice to see Hartnell continuing his solid play...

Lots of issues on thsi team, I think they should look at fixing as many as they can.
- flyer_nutter

I didn't watch the game on Saturday, why did they drop Read off the top line? I thought Read on the top line was playing pretty well. Hartnell has been pretty awful and given plenty of opportunities.

Brayden went 5th. Coots went 8th.

They both need to step it up, however Brayden is getting a much better shot as he is usually seeing 2nd line duty.

I don't have a problem with moving either for a D man if the price is right. They are still mostly expectations not results. To get a Shattenkirk or Yandle it is probably going to take at least a 2nd rounder added to either player to get it done, maybe even a 1st. Not deals I would be thrilled about making.
- hereticpride

B is more physically mature , a stronger skater and has more polish in his game in certain areas. i think couts will be the better plyr as well, though.

Brayden went 5th. Coots went 8th.

They both need to step it up, however Brayden is getting a much better shot as he is usually seeing 2nd line duty.

I don't have a problem with moving either for a D man if the price is right. They are still mostly expectations not results. To get a Shattenkirk or Yandle it is probably going to take at least a 2nd rounder added to either player to get it done, maybe even a 1st. Not deals I would be thrilled about making.
- hereticpride

If it takes one of them to land Shattenkirk, I'd rather sign a guy like Streit to a 2 or 3 year deal, despite his over 35 status.

Trading one of them for a guy who is just a really nice top 4 defenseman, is probably a bad move.

I would not be suprised to see the Flyers during the draft trade with the Jets, Coyotes or the Blues. Both teams have a plethora of d-men and a need for top 6 forwards.
- ravishingone

Yes, they would each seem to be suitable dance partners for the Flyers.

Both are young players that have a lot of growing to do, like Carter and Richards once did.

I have no idea why Laviolette handles Couturier the way he does. I think it's inexcusable. Even if we ignore the near complete inability to beat the Devils, Rangers or really any team that stays disciplined and waits for the team to get over aggressive and make a mistake, the handling of Bobrovsky, probably missing the playoffs this year and the inability to make effective changes to his system until they were using 3 AHL defensemen in the top six, the handling of Couturier this year would have me really doubting him as a head coach.
- Jsaquella

It's very strange to see B. Schenn used on wing on the top 2 lines and now seemingly entrenched at the 2nd line center and rotating various wingers for him. Coots entrenched as 4th line center, teams want him in trades, but he is seemingly untradeable. A very weird situation. I honestly do not understand what is going on.

I can't see how Lava survives with the way this team gets thrashed by the Rangers and Debs.

If it takes one of them to land Shattenkirk, I'd rather sign a guy like Streit to a 2 or 3 year deal, despite his over 35 status.

Trading one of them for a guy who is just a really nice top 4 defenseman, is probably a bad move.
- Jsaquella

Depends on who they draft too. If they somehow get McKinnon I wouldn't have an issue moving one for Shattenkirk.

Hell, if they get McKinnon I bet Homer gets on the phone with Poile and makes the most awkward phone call ever.

It's very strange to see B. Schenn used on wing on the top 2 lines and now seemingly entrenched at the 2nd line center and rotating various wingers for him. Coots entrenched as 4th line center, teams want him in trades, but he is seemingly untradeable. A very weird situation. I honestly do not understand what is going on.

I can't see how Lava survives with the way this team gets thrashed by the Rangers and Debs.
- ravishingone

I agree. Schenn's been slumping, yet it's rare we see a shake up of his line with Simmonds.

Now that the are 5 points out, with 9 games to play, I'd like to see Couturier bumped up to a scoring line, and maybe Schenn moved to a wing.

I'd be OK with something like this:

19-28-93
12-14-17
15-10-24
26-18-9/37

Giroux, Schenn, Coots, Laughton

Even if you take Briere out that's one too many. Heck, Read can even play 2nd or 3rd line Center pretty decently too.

Some big moves will be coming for sure.

Depends on who they draft too. If they somehow get McKinnon I wouldn't have an issue moving one for Shattenkirk.

Hell, if they get McKinnon I bet Homer gets on the phone with Poile and makes the most awkward phone call ever.
- hereticpride

I'd have less issue with moving one. Still wouldn't be in favor of doing it for Shattenkirk.

I'd have less issue with moving one. Still wouldn't be in favor of doing it for Shattenkirk.
- Jsaquella

I have a feeling he may end up being the best guy available. If it's between Shattenkirk, Yandle and Big Buff sign me up for Shattenkirk.

If Bryz is bought out after the season, I wouldn't mind seeing a Backstrom/Mason combo.... would allow Mason to grow and give the Flyers a veteran goaltender short term.

I agree about Lavi's mishandling of Couts, but I'd have a hard time trading B Schenn at the ripe old age of 21 with his 1 season + (total games) of NHL experience.

If this season is going to be the barometer, the ruler by which we measure our young prospects, not a single forward, from Giroux down, has performed anything like a franchise or 'untouchable' player.

Brayden Schenn is a highly skilled, young center that has one of the brightest futures out of any prospect in the NHL. In fact, hockeysfuture.com ranked him as the #1 overall prospect in the NHL this spring, and many expect him to be able to contribute to the Flyers right away. My bet is that Schenn makes the NHL club, and could possibly the team’s third line center come the regular season.

http://www.buzzonbroad.co...spect-brayden-schenn.html

Maybe we're expecting too much, too soon from these kids. And if coaching is the issue, how do we really know what we have?

I have a feeling he may end up being the best guy available. If it's between Shattenkirk, Yandle and Big Buff sign me up for Shattenkirk.
- hereticpride

I cant see the Flyers making a big push for Big Buff....Think Shatty and Yandle are their main targets. Anybody else not that high on Barkov? Just dont see the "wow" factor scouts are talking about all I see if a power forward which Flyers have plenty of.

If Bryz is bought out after the season, I wouldn't mind seeing a Backstrom/Mason combo.... would allow Mason to grow and give the Flyers a veteran goaltender short term.
- flyerfan28

If that is the case I think that would be a solid duo. I'd give Emery a look too. Tim Thomas maybe, tho I can easily see that turning into a media circus.