Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Schizophrenic FLyers, A Look at Blowout Losses

What a mess.

Thanks Bill.
It's going to be a hard playoff sell the way that the gang played last night. As mentioned, the first period wasn't great, but it wasn't bad either. However, the second period was horrible. I don't know why the forwards quit helping out the D. It has become a hit or miss situation with the forwards, and if they continue with that play, I would consider some changes during the off season. We really need some leadership on this team, and I am struggling to find anyone that would currently fill that void. Also, the lazy, and crazy passes have to stop. Everyone is guilty on this one. Just keep it simple, and don't get cute, or lazy. Finally, what was Coby trying to do on D last night. When he was in front of the net, he looked lost. He doesn't know who to cover, and who to clear out. I don't mind his board work, or his shot, but he should be a D man first, in my opinion.
The guys had better wise up, or they will be sitting on the outside once again.
NY is next.....crossing fingers.

I can't believe we had waited for 3 weeks for that mess. Nothing wrong with loss- it's sport after all, but showing no heart in the game is unacceptable.

i have only a few things to say about last nights game:
1. after a good 1st period every thing went to sh!t and they played like a bunch of bums!!!!!
2. this is what happens when you have a team that is red hot then give them 20 days off for the Olympic games...games that were originally meant for amateur athletes, not professionals...the NHL should not be in the Olympics...and yes i am Canadian and am saying that...

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Schizophrenic FLyers, A Look at Blowout Losses
- bmeltzer

Team always seems to start out slow... the first 5-10 mins of periods, coming back off of breaks, starts to seasons, what have you. Without that slew of improbable third period comebacks, they'd be far closer to a lottery pick than a playoff spot.

Blow em up up up.

Team always seems to start out slow... the first 5-10 mins of periods, coming back off of breaks, starts to seasons, what have you. Without that slew of improbable third period comebacks, they'd be far closer to a lottery pick than a playoff spot.
- Tomahawk

This is why I have been clamoring to sell, move the UFAs to be out and get assets for them.

Steve Downie, Andrej Meszaros and Ray Emery all have some value. Kimmo Timonen would have a good deal of value. They could keep their good youngsters, pile up some assets to make deals at the draft or even to add systemic depth and emerge from this year really strong.

I think Shawn Tilger should call Coburn and send him a season ticket holder invoice, because no one was a better spectator than Cobie last night.

Anyone that pins that game on Mason wasn't watching.

At least Berube's message of coming back after the break in game shape and ready to go was received.

Blow em up up up.
- hereticpride

Blow up what? The rubble?

What a mess.
- tangent_man

At least Bill will get a ton of comments today.

This is why I have been clamoring to sell, move the UFAs to be out and get assets for them.

Steve Downie, Andrej Meszaros and Ray Emery all have some value. Kimmo Timonen would have a good deal of value. They could keep their good youngsters, pile up some assets to make deals at the draft or even to add systemic depth and emerge from this year really strong.
- Jsaquella

I strongly believe they should move Kimmo at this point. The Ducks own 4 picks in the first two rounds and might be the best fit.

The other guys. .. Take what you can get.

This is why I have been clamoring to sell, move the UFAs to be out and get assets for them.

Steve Downie, Andrej Meszaros and Ray Emery all have some value. Kimmo Timonen would have a good deal of value. They could keep their good youngsters, pile up some assets to make deals at the draft or even to add systemic depth and emerge from this year really strong.
- Jsaquella

The Bruins blogger as a blog up about the Bruins heavy interest in Mez. The Flyers should be able to get their 2nd rounder from them at a minimal. If Mez is on this team still Holmer has no excuses. You know there is a buzz around the league with him.

I strongly believe they should move Kimmo at this point. The Ducks own 4 picks in the first two rounds and might be the best fit.

The other guys. .. Take what you can get.
- hereticpride

Yeah....Ducks have a need for some depth there. I would do it if Kimmo wants it.

Team always seems to start out slow... the first 5-10 mins of periods, coming back off of breaks, starts to seasons, what have you. Without that slew of improbable third period comebacks, they'd be far closer to a lottery pick than a playoff spot.
- Tomahawk

Slow starts, whether it is for the Season, or for games, is the biggest issue with this team.

This is why I have been clamoring to sell, move the UFAs to be out and get assets for them.

Steve Downie, Andrej Meszaros and Ray Emery all have some value. Kimmo Timonen would have a good deal of value. They could keep their good youngsters, pile up some assets to make deals at the draft or even to add systemic depth and emerge from this year really strong.
- Jsaquella

Not sure they will be able to move any guys out just as pure rentals... either they'd have to take salary back or they'd have to be willing to retain some money or both.

I have a feeling the TDL is going be nuts, not in terms of volume of deals, but in terms of some of the names that go.

Not sure they will be able to move any guys out just as pure rentals... either they'd have to take salary back or they'd have to be willing to retain some money or both.

I have a feeling the TDL is going be nuts, not in terms of volume of deals, but in terms of some of the names that go.
- Tomahawk

I don't think they'd have much trouble at all moving those guys & even if they did eat money, it's for 2 months

Anyone know much about Zach Trotman? 6'3 215 lb 23 yoa dman for providence bruins that ty anderson listed as a possible target for the flyers. Not sure how he projects but he played 2 nhl games this season and seems to be right on the cusp. He would prob be our #1 callup option immediately.

Whats intriguing is his size, skating ability (thats reported), and the RH shot.

Slow starts, whether it is for the Season, or for games, is the biggest issue with this team.
- MJL

It's been like this forever... maybe because many of these Flyers teams have been fundamentally flawed in one way or another, but they don't seem capable of matching their opponents' effort until their backs are against the wall, or their opponents let them back into a game.

At least Bill will get a ton of comments today.
- funmaster18

yeah, all those negative people who don't like it when their team gives up a touchdown for the third time in a season and shorthanded goals on consecutive power plays (they didn't count the second one but we all saw it was in)....impressive list of blowout losses there, too, eh?

The Bruins blogger as a blog up about the Bruins heavy interest in Mez. The Flyers should be able to get their 2nd rounder from them at a minimal. If Mez is on this team still Holmer has no excuses. You know there is a buzz around the league with him.
- Just5

Sure there is, an expiring contract, decent third pair guy that can add offense, 80% of his salary paid....I just don't see any of these guys coming back next season

This is why I have been clamoring to sell, move the UFAs to be out and get assets for them.

Steve Downie, Andrej Meszaros and Ray Emery all have some value. Kimmo Timonen would have a good deal of value. They could keep their good youngsters, pile up some assets to make deals at the draft or even to add systemic depth and emerge from this year really strong.
- Jsaquella

This plus ten! Even during the first period they didn't play well. They are a terrible puck possession team. They were lucky to come out with a lead. And they are slow, period. Team speed is lacking. Vinny looked terrible and is just not a fit for this team. While I liked the idea of getting bigger down the middle, it makes no sense at this point to keep Vinny. B Schenn is a good center. It's time to stop trying to force players to play out of position.
I see no reason for a block-buster and not really crazy about most of the names out there. This team needs assets. Holding on to Kimmo is just as bad as making a bad trade.

Sure there is, an expiring contract, decent third pair guy that can add offense, 80% of his salary paid....I just don't see any of these guys coming back next season
- Jsaquella

but shouldn't we hold onto him for the playoff run?

It's been like this forever... maybe because many of these Flyers teams have been fundamentally flawed in one way or another, but they don't seem capable of matching their opponents' effort until their backs are against the wall, or their opponents let them back into a game.
- Tomahawk

I don't have any doubts that they are capable of it, but they just don't do it at times. Last night they started fine, and had a good period. 2nd period they simply stopped competing and got steam rolled.
Look a the history of the League. Having flaws in the lineup hasn't stopped a lot of teams from competing and skating consistently, despite not having equal talent to better teams.