Tim Panaccio: Not Just One Issue, But Several

Tim
While the confidence and the blue-line are at least part of the issue, the lack of three zone play and cohesion of the forwards is every bit as much of an issue.

Too often defensemen end up out of position covering up for forwards not backchecking.

All that said, the Flyers could do with some upgrades to the blue-line.

I don't know if I'm seeing things because nobody really talks about this, but how about coaching? How many times I saw 2-3 guys skating toward the guy with the puck in the defensive zone... Are there defensive assignments and the players just don't do it or is it coaching blunders? And without a doubt our defense is sooo slow but where you going to get quality speedy defensmen? And one more thing - Luke Schenn......

There are several things missing from this team right now, in my opinion.
-Lack of leadership. We need a Pronger, or Lindros type leader, and we do not have one. You really can't point to a vocal leader. You have many silent leaders, but we need someone to kick these guys in the pants vocally.
-Lack of discipline. When we fall behind or get out worked we start getting frustrated, and start taking bad penalties.
-Lack of motivation. How many times do we see the forwards coasting along, or not contributing to getting the puck out of the D zone or a lack of effort along the boards.
-Lack of skills. Learn to pass the puck, and clear the zone. Pushing the puck along the boards, no look passing, etc.. This is grade school stuff. Keep it simple, and work hard. Practice this if you need to, but, at this level (NHL), it's sad if you don't know what you are doing.
-Lack of dedication to the game. Show some interest guys. Don't be in such a hurry to play golf or play on social media sites. THIS IS YOUR JOB. How many of us can afford to take a day off, or go on vacation for the summer? Most of us fear losing our jobs. With those crazy contracts, they are set for life.

We have talented guys on the team. However, the team chemistry or dedication is in question if you ask me. If I was the coach, I would ask them, "You have finally reached the pro level. NOW WHAT?" Start bringing up some guys, and benching others. The AHL guys would gladly take your job, if you know what I mean. In addition, they won't cost us a zillion dollars, and they actually want to play. During the lock out last year, look at the guys that were able to play in the AHL. The knock on them was a lack of focus, and dedication. The bottom line was that they were not interested in playing in the AHL, and keeping in shape. They seemed to think that they were too good for the AHL. That says a lot about a person's character, if you ask me.

There are several things missing from this team right now, in my opinion.
-Lack of leadership. We need a Pronger, or Lindros type leader, and we do not have one. You really can't point to a vocal leader. You have many silent leaders, but we need someone to kick these guys in the pants vocally.
-Lack of discipline. When we fall behind or get out worked we start getting frustrated, and start taking bad penalties.
-Lack of motivation. How many times do we see the forwards coasting along, or not contributing to getting the puck out of the D zone or a lack of effort along the boards.
-Lack of skills. Learn to pass the puck, and clear the zone. Pushing the puck along the boards, no look passing, etc.. This is grade school stuff. Keep it simple, and work hard. Practice this if you need to, but, at this level (NHL), it's sad if you don't know what you are doing.
-Lack of dedication to the game. Show some interest guys. Don't be in such a hurry to play golf or play on social media sites. THIS IS YOUR JOB. How many of us can afford to take a day off, or go on vacation for the summer? Most of us fear losing our jobs. With those crazy contracts, they are set for life.

We have talented guys on the team. However, the team chemistry or dedication is in question if you ask me. If I was the coach, I would ask them, "You have finally reached the pro level. NOW WHAT?" Start bringing up some guys, and benching others. The AHL guys would gladly take your job, if you know what I mean. In addition, they won't cost us a zillion dollars, and they actually want to play. During the lock out last year, look at the guys that were able to play in the AHL. The knock on them was a lack of focus, and dedication. The bottom line was that they were not interested in playing in the AHL, and keeping in shape. They seemed to think that they were too good for the AHL. That says a lot about a person's character, if you ask me.
- OrangeAndBlack1

Very good post here. How many times did we hear about Brayden schenn and cooter being "bored" in the ahl during the lockout. Now those words I don't believe came out of their mouth, but rather a coach or executive. That is a bunch of crap

It is just one issue, talent level.

It is just one issue, talent level.
- jtb3rd

Edmonton has all the talent in the world -- they still suck.

If you don't have a rock-solid foundation of team-play to fall back on, talent isn't going to get you anywhere.

Those were the issues for a while but most wanted to play kick the goalie.

Tim,

I would counter that while the Flyer forwards are capable of skating with most teams in the NHL their defense simply is unable to do that with far too many clubs.

Defense should be the Flyers priority at the trade deadline, if not sooner. They need to get quicker back there. They need to get someone who can amp it up on the breakout and not panic with the puck.

Yes, their forwards are capable. But too often they do not.
The d-men are not the entire problem. "Team Defense," as you note in the first two words of your article, requires a commitment from all five skaters on the ice.

I've seen too many forwards watch players through the neutral zone. Take bad line changes. And fail to support a defensive corps that does not have the best puck handling skills.

There are teams in the NHL with inferior d-men (talent-wise) compared to the Flyers who make the playoffs on a consistent basis.

A trade for a d-man is not needed at this point. Nor would I advise them to do it as the cost will be astronomical in season. Return to keeping a forward high in the zone and work on shortening passes in the defensive and neutral zones (which requires forwards to come back).

If your answer is to trade for D now--you will be plugging a hole in your ship with the wood from your lifeboat. End result--both sink.

Edmonton has all the talent in the world -- they still suck.

If you don't have a rock-solid foundation of team-play to fall back on, talent isn't going to get you anywhere.
- Tomahawk

I don't care what Edmonton has, the Flyers don't have the talent the upper teams do and that is the biggest problem with this team. A ping pong ball and an errant stick set them back, TS, better managed teams would have handled it much better. I think Berube's system can work given the right talent, but these guys, as much as I like most them, just won't get it done, too many fringe guys.
Homer made mistakes and it's set the team back, it's time the team fixed it.

Flyers need AT LEAST 2 top defensemen! They have NOBODY that is a top 2 on a good team IMO. Coburn is so, so overrated, Minus player last year and this one. Timo is old Grossmann is like minus 11, if you listened to some people you'd think he was plus 20. Gus SHOULD BE PLAYING! Berube doesn't know what hes doing with D. Luke should be benched plain and simple. There D is a turnover machine. See if someone will give us something for Timo, Luke Schenn and Grossmann. Play Gus for Timo...Lauridsen for Luke and Gill for Grossmann until the off season, how much worse can it get?