What I think I see though, is that the offense has to pay too much attention to defense because the defense, while okay, is still the weak link on this team. I think they do need to make a deal or two to strengthen the defensive corps a bit so they can loosen the reigns a little on the offense to allow them to use their skill and creativity a little more.


- Scoob

I agree. I feel like they are playing a little too timidly and this would certainly explain it.

The thing is, he'll never be 07/08 Coburn again. He just won't. I think the puck to the face, for some reason, ruined him offensively. That said, he is a big, mobile defender. He can carry the puck up the ice, he's an averaget-to-above average puck mover, and, while he doesn't make bone crushing hits, he does play an effective physical game. If you want him to be a top-pair guy, then you're SOL. He is a #3 defenseman, he is paid like one, and that's just what it is.
- jmatchett383

The 07/08 Coburn got to play with a 33 yo Timonen in his prime.
Coburn's play this season is as good as he's done anytime with the Flyers, imo.
He has never had an accurate shot, but he does everything else pretty well.

With the right player he could be the partner on a top pair.
He has the ability to play big minutes.
If they had signed Ryan Suter for instance Coburn would be able to play that role.

He's not a number one franchise type defender because the offensive side of his game is not to that level.

I don't disagree. Here are my thoughts on that.

It seems that goaltending has become a non-issue with the acquisitions of Mason and Emery. (Although they both have let in some "shoulda-hads" - nobody is perfect, right?)

It seems that Berube has gotten the offense guys to pay attention to their defensive responsibilities.

What I think I see though, is that the offense has to pay too much attention to defense because the defense, while okay, is still the weak link on this team. I think they do need to make a deal or two to strengthen the defensive corps a bit so they can loosen the reigns a little on the offense to allow them to use their skill and creativity a little more.

But what do I know? :shrug:
- Scoob

This is exactly what I see. On offense and forechecking they will now always have one forward held back high or at the blue line. Rarely a defender will pinch in deep and join the cycle. Typically it's two forwards deep and 3 guys at the blue line.

It's conservative and a D first system.
Berube has them playing it, I guess he figures its their best chance to win.

Lots of 2-1 games is the result.
Maybe it's the best system for the players they have.

Adding a dynamic offensive defenseman with a green light to join the attack would surely increase the scoring. I think Berube only lets the D jump up when they are behind in a game, at least that's what it looks like to me.