I'm highly doubtful that a guy like Gomez makes the Flyers a better team this year.

I also doubt that Holmgren was being totally serious when he said, "I like this team"...You don't offer $200mm dollars in contracts over the summer when you are totally happy with the team. What did you expect him to say? "(frank) these guys. We got a better chance to win a softball game against the Haddonfield Police Department than get in the playoffs"

Accepting that statement at face value is naïve. If he was happy with the team he wouldn't have tossed an offer sheet at Shea Weber. The fact he wasn't able to make a deal isn't necessarily from lack of trying. Perhaps it was a situation like with Ryane Clowe, where the price remained too high.
- Jsaquella

Gotta pay to play. I was wary of a trade at the deadline that would give up a marquee youngster. There are only so many players available at the deadline and during free agency. It seems we always try to hit a home run which I love about Holmgren. But it certainly hurt to come up empty.

Standards are slipping
- Jsaquella

Weren't they slipping when Milbury was added?

Gotta pay to play. I was wary of a trade at the deadline that would give up a marquee youngster. There are only so many players available at the deadline and during free agency. It seems we always try to hit a home run which I love about Holmgren. But it certainly hurt to come up empty.
- section32

It does hurt. But coming out and saying that they're in deep trouble hurts in a few ways. First of all, it tells the current roster that you have little faith in their ability to win. It also sends a message to other GM's that you're desperate and can be taken advantage of.

Is it smart to overpay in a deadline deal? Especially this year? There's a lot of other factors in play here. Short year, shorter camp, compressed schedule at the beginning all really hurt and put them in a bad spot out of the gate.

Even with all the troubles, in an 82 game season, they probably rebound and make the playoffs. As rough as things were this year, it's a trip, not a fall off a cliff.

Weren't they slipping when Milbury was added?
- ob18

Nope. Even Shakespeare has comedic relief

Nope. Even Shakespeare has comedic relief
- Jsaquella

Fair enough.

Calgary Hitmen just beat the Edmonton Oil Kings in OT to force a game 7 on Tuesday. Portland has to wait a few more days to know who the face in the WHL finals.

It does hurt. But coming out and saying that they're in deep trouble hurts in a few ways. First of all, it tells the current roster that you have little faith in their ability to win. It also sends a message to other GM's that you're desperate and can be taken advantage of.

Is it smart to overpay in a deadline deal? Especially this year? There's a lot of other factors in play here. Short year, shorter camp, compressed schedule at the beginning all really hurt and put them in a bad spot out of the gate.

Even with all the troubles, in an 82 game season, they probably rebound and make the playoffs. As rough as things were this year, it's a trip, not a fall off a cliff.
- Jsaquella

Exactly. It's just a speed bump on the journey this team is on.

I'm highly doubtful that a guy like Gomez makes the Flyers a better team this year.

- Jsaquella

This is the first thing I read when I logged on and I'm seriously considering not logging on again until October.

Jesus Christ, people. Gomez!?!

Exactly. It's just a speed bump on the journey this team is on.
- MJL

Until it hops a guard rail and tumbles down a cliff like 2011

Standards are slipping
- Jsaquella

Therien is great on radio. He calls it as it is.

Bill is there anything we can do to help elevate your status as a reporter? I hope to someday be watching post game and see you there interviewing players on hockey issues. I just can't take it anymore abs if there's something we can do, petition Comcast, flyers, whatever to make you more visible I think we'd all like to contribute in some way

Not when you go into the playoffs with a very lack luster regular season. It makes you look like you are "mailing it in" for 82 games.
- section32

Briere's down regular seasons the last two years have had a lot to do with injuries that could hamper any player. He's had concussions each of the last two seasons, a groin pull last season and a hairline wrist fracture that made him miss the start of this season.

Therien is great on radio. He calls it as it is.
- KGBflyers10

Yeah, I love Bundy.

Bill is there anything we can do to help elevate your status as a reporter? I hope to someday be watching post game and see you there interviewing players on hockey issues. I just can't take it anymore abs if there's something we can do, petition Comcast, flyers, whatever to make you more visible I think we'd all like to contribute in some way
- Just5

Thank you. I appreciate that.

This is the first thing I read when I logged on and I'm seriously considering not logging on again until October.

Jesus Christ, people. Gomez!?!
- hereticpride

Ya really, dude's a plague to whatever team he ends up on next and no one seems to learn the trend that follows him around.

Thank you. I appreciate that.
- bmeltzer

Maybe its because I am in a mushy mood. Or that nutter will admit he likes to have a good cry sometimes haha.

For someone who doesnt live in the Philly area and doesn't get as much exposure your blogs really do help fuel the fire I have for the team. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Roll on wild man, roll on.

"Enough of Buff: Get rid of him

Lacks commitment, discipline of true pro"

http://www.winnipegfreepr...992331.html?device=mobile
- Marc D

Typical whipping boy blahg...that guy sounds like he's projecting/scapegoating all the team's problems onto Buff (sound familiar). But, you know, this is how you can maybe snag a top producing d man that otherwise wouldn't be on the market... If the price wasn't too high, I'd bring him here as part of the team, without the weight of the franchise on him...get him working hard with Hatch and Prongs and the staff...again, it's a bit of a risk, but, if nothing else, you're probably going to get the 50+ pt production, which doesn't seem like such a horrible scenario when taking a chance on a guy.

Again, I'm not saying Buff is "the" answer here, but he could be part of a solution...looking forward, they're likely going to need more than just one top 4 offensive type once Timo is done and there's just no established #1 stud that's available...Big buf is on a small list of those who at least approach that kind of realm who may become available. I'm just trying to have an objective, open mind about the guy...the vitriol here for him amongst some seems inordinate.

Typical whipping boy blahg...that guy sounds like he's projecting/scapegoating all the team's problems onto Buff (sound familiar). But, you know, this is how you can maybe snag a top producing d man that otherwise wouldn't be on the market... If the price wasn't too high, I'd bring him here as part of the team, without the weight of the franchise on him...get him working hard with Hatch and Prongs and the staff...again, it's a bit of a risk, but, if nothing else, you're probably going to get the 50+ pt production, which doesn't seem like such a horrible scenario when taking a chance on a guy.

Again, I'm not saying Buff is "the" answer here, but he could be part of a solution...looking forward, they're likely going to need more than just one top 4 offensive type once Timo is done and there's just no established #1 stud that's available...Big buf is on a small list of those who at least approach that kind of realm who may become available. I'm just trying to have an objective, open mind about the guy...the vitriol here for him amongst some seems inordinate.
- exlund

The Jets know they cannot attract many FA's.

Would you be comfortable dealing one of Coots or the 1st rounder this year? I dont think Brayden Schenn gets it done on his own.

Bill is there anything we can do to help elevate your status as a reporter? I hope to someday be watching post game and see you there interviewing players on hockey issues. I just can't take it anymore abs if there's something we can do, petition Comcast, flyers, whatever to make you more visible I think we'd all like to contribute in some way
- Just5

I would be ecstatic if this happened. Franky and Sam should be blacklisted by the team. They are horrible. TimmyP has reached such a comical level of out-of-touchness that I dont even care anymore. I mean his first article as our season ended was actually titled "Who to amnesty?"

These guys conjure up their own stories and ideas of what is happening, and in the internet world of instant knowledge it is just so ridiculously infuriating to watch these guys try to write melodrama.

Typical whipping boy blahg...that guy sounds like he's projecting/scapegoating all the team's problems onto Buff (sound familiar). But, you know, this is how you can maybe snag a top producing d man that otherwise wouldn't be on the market... If the price wasn't too high, I'd bring him here as part of the team, without the weight of the franchise on him...get him working hard with Hatch and Prongs and the staff...again, it's a bit of a risk, but, if nothing else, you're probably going to get the 50+ pt production, which doesn't seem like such a horrible scenario when taking a chance on a guy.

Again, I'm not saying Buff is "the" answer here, but he could be part of a solution...looking forward, they're likely going to need more than just one top 4 offensive type once Timo is done and there's just no established #1 stud that's available...Big buf is on a small list of those who at least approach that kind of realm who may become available. I'm just trying to have an objective, open mind about the guy...the vitriol here for him amongst some seems inordinate.
- exlund

You just took me from agreeing with the article to wanting Buff... You should be a politician
Truly though, if what you're saying is true, he'd be good in philly. Do you think they would take Coburn and mez? That way we could keep our youth core intact. and guys, hear me now, Lauri and Gus CAN HOLD THE 3RD PAIR. Gus has all but already earned a roster spot, and Lauri is such a work horse with such unrivaled work ethic and constant determination to become better, that I don't have a doubt in my mind he can do it.

No one is taking Mesz. I think we all should be able to agree on this. Look at all the injuries. Look at his cap hit. Look at the salary cap coming down. Why would anyone possibly trade anything for that?

And I say that as someone who is a huge Mesz fan.

You just took me from agreeing with the article to wanting Buff... You should be a politician
Truly though, if what you're saying is true, he'd be good in philly. Do you think they would take Coburn and mez? That way we could keep our youth core intact. and guys, hear me now, Lauri and Gus CAN HOLD THE 3RD PAIR. Gus has all but already earned a roster spot, and Lauri is such a work horse with such unrivaled work ethic and constant determination to become better, that I don't have a doubt in my mind he can do it.
- JAKEw1234

Here's to hoping the flyers take a long look at the great Dane For the top 6 in training camp

If Domi is around at 11 when we pick if nothing changes, do the Flyers take him. Steve Simmons of the Toronton Sun said if he is around at 19 where he is currently listed he would eat his column. Is he that good that he could warrant a top ten or 11 pick?

If Domi is around at 11 when we pick if nothing changes, do the Flyers take him. Steve Simmons of the Toronton Sun said if he is around at 19 where he is currently listed he would eat his column. Is he that good that he could warrant a top ten or 11 pick?
- Daceroni

What time do they announce the pecking order?

Damn ping pong balls

If Domi is around at 11 when we pick if nothing changes, do the Flyers take him. Steve Simmons of the Toronton Sun said if he is around at 19 where he is currently listed he would eat his column. Is he that good that he could warrant a top ten or 11 pick?
- Daceroni

Kid is type 1 diabetic and has had to take his hockey career very serious as a result. Tremendous worker. Tremendous skater. Wears 16 in honor of bobby Clarke, another type 1 diabetic. I would all but guarantee the flyers love the kid

What time do they announce the pecking order?

Damn ping pong balls
- 77rams

8. 8:30?