1) Shave Head,
2) Humiliate,
3) Bag skate the rest of the guys while Hartsy eats his jelly donut,
4) Throw a blanket party.


- Tomahawk

Or worse.

He would have had him traded for Matt Ellison.

I'm sure they would've battled. I still think Laviolette is a very good coach. I just don't think he did a good job last season. I think he needs to place more emphasis on the defensive side, and demand more from the players in that area. But it has to start with the Coach. Other Coaches have shown that you can be aggressive, but do it smartly. Instead of doing it recklessly.
- MJL

I think a lot of that comes from natural instinct. Flyers have young forwards. It takes time to develop instincts like that.

I think they should take the approach of playing more conservative if the game is tied or they're ahead. If the player has any doubt about making a pass or being the third man in on a forecheck, just don't do it.

They have such a good PP and PK, they can win games by just being even at even strength.

I think a lot of that comes from natural instinct. Flyers have young forwards. It takes time to develop instincts like that.
- PhillySportsGuy

But... but... Lavi's telling them to do it!!!!!!!1!!1

I also went with Hitch. And agree with your post and would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

Lavi, to me, is a little too married to his system and has repeatedly shown an inability (or stubborness) to adjust his system in game, per opponent, or out of necessity. I also have a big problem with the way he handles goalies.
- MBFlyerfan

It's funny, I feel the same way about Hitch. Mired in a Defensive system, he has such a low tolerance for mistakes amongst his players, I understand why he has a difficult time developing young players and why eventually his teams rebel against him.

I think Lavi's system issues are really overblown. I think the real issue wasn't that we did not have the players for his system. But more that because of the uncertainty of the season, condensed schedule and lack of practice time most of our players were either too hurt, too tired, or too unprepared for a season to play Lavy's physically demanding up tempo style. And that more than anything else is why it took the team so long to gel this past year.

I think they are both good coaches and have their downsides, but I thought I'd point out Hitch's as you pointed out Lavy's. To me, Lavy's time outs (especially Game 7 against Boston) are a pretty dramatic example of good coaching. There are other important things to judge the coaches on. But that's probably the most visable example.

But... but... Lavi's telling them to do it!!!!!!!1!!1
- Tomahawk

I don't know a ton about the intricacies of hockey, but there must be a way that Lavi can adjust his system a little to make the team a little more conservative.

When his system is played correctly, it is a thing of beauty. Constant motion with waves of attacks. I don't know why but the team appeared very stationary throughout the season. I believe that's the exact opposite of what Lavi wants.

It's funny, I feel the same way about Hitch. Mired in a Defensive system, he has such a low tolerance for mistakes amongst his players, I understand why he has a difficult time developing young players and why eventually his teams rebel against him.

I think Lavi's system issues are really overblown. I think the real issue wasn't that we did not have the players for his system. But more that because of the uncertainty of the season, condensed schedule and lack of practice time most of our players were either too hurt, too tired, or too unprepared for a season to play Lavy's physically demanding up tempo style. And that more than anything else is why it took the team so long to gel this past year.

I think they are both good coaches and have their downsides, but I thought I'd point out Hitch's as you pointed out Lavy's. To me, Lavy's time outs (especially Game 7 against Boston) are a pretty dramatic example of good coaching. There are other important things to judge the coaches on. But that's probably the most visable example.
- flyler

To me, what stood out the most was the Flyers inability to leave their zone in an efficient manner. Lot's of standing around and, at best, chipping the puck out.

This is the primary thing that needs to be resolved. I think we took for granted young Timonen's ability to move the puck along with Pronger and (cough cough) Carle's ability to move it as well.

If that aspect is rectified, I see no reason the Flyers can't be a contender. That's a big IF though

I don't know a ton about the intricacies of hockey, but there must be a way that Lavi can adjust his system a little to make the team a little more conservative.
- PhillySportsGuy

A lot of things went wrong for them this season... to pin the lion's share of the blame on the coach is just looking for easy answers -- the players weren't exactly doing all the right things out there.

I think a lot of that comes from natural instinct. Flyers have young forwards. It takes time to develop instincts like that.

I think they should take the approach of playing more conservative if the game is tied or they're ahead. If the player has any doubt about making a pass or being the third man in on a forecheck, just don't do it.

They have such a good PP and PK, they can win games by just being even at even strength.
- PhillySportsGuy

The problem is that the Coach doesn't teach "just don't do it". He preaches gambling on the offensive side of the puck. When the same thing happens over and over, and not just with the young players, but also with veterans. It's clear what the message is from the Coaches. There has to be a compromise. Deep in the offensive zone on the forecheck, is not the only place on the ice to pressure the puck. Top teams pressure the puck all over the ice. And they are commited defensively. This team wasn't last Season.

A lot of things went wrong for them this season... to pin the lion's share of the blame on the coach is just looking for easy answers -- the players weren't exactly doing all the right things out there.
- Tomahawk

It's really not an easy answer, it's simply the right answer. It was plainly evident that the players were playing how they were told to play. Team wide they didn't have the ability to play that way. Players are never perfect, but when the same issues are apparent player to player across the board, that's the style of play that is the issue.

A lot of things went wrong for them this season... to pin the lion's share of the blame on the coach is just looking for easy answers -- the players weren't exactly doing all the right things out there.
- Tomahawk

It's terribly impractical to fire 25 hockey players.

It's funny, I feel the same way about Hitch. Mired in a Defensive system, he has such a low tolerance for mistakes amongst his players, I understand why he has a difficult time developing young players and why eventually his teams rebel against him.

I think Lavi's system issues are really overblown. I think the real issue wasn't that we did not have the players for his system. But more that because of the uncertainty of the season, condensed schedule and lack of practice time most of our players were either too hurt, too tired, or too unprepared for a season to play Lavy's physically demanding up tempo style. And that more than anything else is why it took the team so long to gel this past year.

I think they are both good coaches and have their downsides, but I thought I'd point out Hitch's as you pointed out Lavy's. To me, Lavy's time outs (especially Game 7 against Boston) are a pretty dramatic example of good coaching. There are other important things to judge the coaches on. But that's probably the most visable example.
- flyler

I agree with a lot of this. Some of it, I don't. Do you think that Laviolette's style of play, is more physically demanding then another team's style of play is. Say comparing it to Boston or Chicago's style of play?

A lot of things went wrong for them this season... to pin the lion's share of the blame on the coach is just looking for easy answers -- the players weren't exactly doing all the right things out there.
- Tomahawk

I agree. I'm of the philosophy that nothing in sports can ever be completely blamed on a single play or player or coach.

I just think the play in their own end last year was terrible. Whatever they can do to fix that is what needs to be done. I'm just not sure Vinny and Streit are the answers to that problem. Hopefully Mez will be here and be healthy, Coburn will rebound, Timonen will be given less minutes, but be healthier and Gus can continue his strong play from last year.

I also hope Schenn and Couturier become above average players.

The team's ability to get better will have more to do with the internal upgrades than anyone they've signed in FA. They will also need Lavi to adjust earlier if they still show an inability to move the puck out of their zone. He will need to learn how to win 2-1 games.

To me, what stood out the most was the Flyers inability to leave their zone in an efficient manner. Lot's of standing around and, at best, chipping the puck out.

This is the primary thing that needs to be resolved. I think we took for granted young Timonen's ability to move the puck along with Pronger and (cough cough) Carle's ability to move it as well.

If that aspect is rectified, I see no reason the Flyers can't be a contender. That's a big IF though
- PhillySportsGuy

I think the standing around was a symtom of their lack of conditioning. Coburn for example is a good puck mover but looked slow and stationary out there last year. I think most players weren't ready for the news that there was going to be a season at all. I feel like we have those guys, we just need to let them get back to their routine of preparation for the new season. Adding Streit on the backend is only going to help. I know the media is all "Philly's got problems on the blueline" but in reality, I think our lineup is one of the best in the league.

It's terribly impractical to fire 25 hockey players.
- johndewar

Why fire anybody? This team has taken turns dumping successive failures on GMs, coaches and players alike, yet they're still no closer to winning the damned thing. This season was just one bump in the road... there's still nothing wrong with the team's overall identity and the future still looks bright.

I agree with a lot of this. Some of it, I don't. Do you think that Laviolette's style of play, is more physically demanding then another team's style of play is. Say comparing it to Boston or Chicago's style of play?
- MJL

I don't know enough to compare, I'd be interested in hearing someone who follows all of those teams compare them. But do know enough that Lavy's system has the reputation of being one of the most physically demanding system's in the league. Take away conditioning, practice time, and sprinkle in some injuries and a really compact early schedule (Flyers played most of their games early on) and I think that's what you saw at the beginning of last Season. And why things got better once practice time and conditioning caught up even with a lineup of AHL defensemen.

I voted for Lava, but it was a very close toss up between he and Hitch.

The thing that put it over the top for me was that Lava has a coaching moment that will forever resonate within my head. Flyers are trailing the Bruins 3-0 in a series, yet Lava is optimistic. "We need to win one game. Thats it." They come back, tie the series, and go down 3-0 in game 7. Lava calls a timeout, visibly can be seen (no need for my superhuman body language detection here) saying "1 goal". He then proceeds to be interviewed where he tells PM that "We are going to win this game". Flyers complete the epic comeback.

That swayed the vote for me.

Why fire anybody? This team has taken turns dumping successive failures on GMs, coaches and players alike, yet they're still no closer to winning the damned thing. This season was just one bump in the road... there's still nothing wrong with the team's overall identity and the future still looks bright.
- Tomahawk

I was pretty OK with the Flyers going status quo going into next year. I'm aware of some of the travails of individual players with injuries, failure to be in game shape for the start of the season, etc. Fully onboard with the organizational mulligan.

That said, there were certainly things that Laviolette needs to iron out in his own game, with respect to how certain teams play his teams (namely, NJD, NYR, Boston) and that goes back to the prior year, IMO. I didn't see much change in the shortened season until injuries forced his hand.

We'll see how the first part of the year plays out, because it should be obvious by then whether or not Laviolette can make it happen with this group of players.

I voted for Lava, but it was a very close toss up between he and Hitch.

The thing that put it over the top for me was that Lava has a coaching moment that will forever resonate within my head. Flyers are trailing the Bruins 3-0 in a series, yet Lava is optimistic. "We need to win one game. Thats it." They come back, tie the series, and go down 3-0 in game 7. Lava calls a timeout, visibly can be seen (no need for my superhuman body language detection here) saying "1 goal". He then proceeds to be interviewed where he tells PM that "We are going to win this game". Flyers complete the epic comeback.

That swayed the vote for me.
- jak521

I know they don't give the Jack Adams for playoff performances... but you gotta admit, that was probably one of the most dramatic moments from any coach in the NHL in recent memory.

I voted for Lava, but it was a very close toss up between he and Hitch.

The thing that put it over the top for me was that Lava has a coaching moment that will forever resonate within my head. Flyers are trailing the Bruins 3-0 in a series, yet Lava is optimistic. "We need to win one game. Thats it." They come back, tie the series, and go down 3-0 in game 7. Lava calls a timeout, visibly can be seen (no need for my superhuman body language detection here) saying "1 goal". He then proceeds to be interviewed where he tells PM that "We are going to win this game". Flyers complete the epic comeback.

That swayed the vote for me.
- jak521

I admit this moment, especially seeing it recently on TV, helped put him ahead of Hitch. I liked Hitch, and hated how Lavi did not seem to adjust this past season until it was too late, but Lavi's half-season and lack of a training camp give him a little more lenience over the weaknesses of Hitch.

1) Shave Head,
2) Humiliate,
3) Bag skate the rest of the guys while Hartsy eats his jelly donut,
4) Throw a blanket party.


- Tomahawk

Hitch would have run Hartsy with a Civil War bayonet if Hitch saw him doing this in the hallway:

Why fire anybody? This team has taken turns dumping successive failures on GMs, coaches and players alike, yet they're still no closer to winning the damned thing. This season was just one bump in the road... there's still nothing wrong with the team's overall identity and the future still looks bright.
- Tomahawk

You know how they say you are wearing Flyers colored glasses? I have 2 pair... One orange where the future looks bright, and one black where the future looks bleak.

I don't know enough to compare, I'd be interested in hearing someone who follows all of those teams compare them. But do know enough that Lavy's system has the reputation of being one of the most physically demanding system's in the league. Take away conditioning, practice time, and sprinkle in some injuries and a really compact early schedule (Flyers played most of their games early on) and I think that's what you saw at the beginning of last Season. And why things got better once practice time and conditioning caught up even with a lineup of AHL defensemen.
- flyler

Every team dealt with the same situation. And Laviolette's style of play is not the only style of play in the League, that is like that. And when the AHL defenseman were on the team, the style of play was changed.

I voted for Lava, but it was a very close toss up between he and Hitch.

The thing that put it over the top for me was that Lava has a coaching moment that will forever resonate within my head. Flyers are trailing the Bruins 3-0 in a series, yet Lava is optimistic. "We need to win one game. Thats it." They come back, tie the series, and go down 3-0 in game 7. Lava calls a timeout, visibly can be seen (no need for my superhuman body language detection here) saying "1 goal". He then proceeds to be interviewed where he tells PM that "We are going to win this game". Flyers complete the epic comeback.

That swayed the vote for me.
- jak521

That was an unbleivable peice of Coaching by Laviolette.

I was pretty OK with the Flyers going status quo going into next year. I'm aware of some of the travails of individual players with injuries, failure to be in game shape for the start of the season, etc. Fully onboard with the organizational mulligan.

That said, there were certainly things that Laviolette needs to iron out in his own game, with respect to how certain teams play his teams (namely, NJD, NYR, Boston) and that goes back to the prior year, IMO. I didn't see much change in the shortened season until injuries forced his hand.

We'll see how the first part of the year plays out, because it should be obvious by then whether or not Laviolette can make it happen with this group of players.
- johndewar

They changed the dzone scheme to collapse like the Rangers/Devils at the start of the year... Homer and Snider shoved that down his throat, probably. Players, by their own admission, had trouble catching on, and a lot of the mess we saw with coverages could partly be attributed to that. Bryz was complaining about the change too... according to him, so many defenders collapsing in front of him he couldn't see the puck... heh.

They changed the dzone scheme to collapse like the Rangers/Devils at the start of the year... Homer and Snider shoved that down his throat, probably. Players, by their own admission, had trouble catching on, and a lot of the mess we saw with coverages could partly be attributed to that. Bryz was complaining about the change too... according to him, so many defenders collapsing in front of him he couldn't see the puck... heh.
- Tomahawk

As the results weren't very good, it's still going to be up to Laviolette to get these guys working on the same page or they'll bring in someone else who will.

Right, wrong or indifferent, that's part of the gig when you become an NHL coach and I'm sure Peter Laviolette is a big enough boy to understand that.