That LA team was pretty much left for dead.

Can't believe they've come back like this.
- johndewar

San Jose are renowned chokers.

I think they're better than the Flyers. If the Flyers lose this series, I'm not sure how you can put them on the same level. The Rangers have dominated the Flyers for 3 years now. They have a better record over that span too.

The Flyers are a young team and a work in progress. I like their future. I just don't think they are disciplined enough to beat this team.
- PhillySportsGuy

What happened 3 years ago has no bearing. The Flyers and Rangers have played 9 times this Season. The Rangers have won 5 games, the Flyers won 4.

2 points separated the teams in the standings this season.

if you have them do this, i dont think you will like the results from a lot of the guys on the roster. gus might be decent at it though
- stayinthefnnet

Ahhhh, well there you have my gripe. If you don't have one (frank)ing d-man outside of twiggy Guss that can skate the puck halfway out of your end before making a pass that's horsepoop.

I do think Macdonald, Streit, Coburn and Timonen have some of that in their game. Have to try at this point imo.

Im not asking for them to rush it up the ice Subban style, but again if they cant even do it half-way out of their zone or to god forbid their own blue-line that's pretty bad.

One, it means having your D-men try and stand up at the blueline more. They have not done this all series, and wait for the forwards to take the puck away with back-pressure.

The Rangers just push them back with their speed, and they back off far too easily.

Two, you have your d-men pinch in more as well as trying to skate the puck up slightly instead of passing it off immediately and making your forwards carry it up the ice the whole way. I realise not many of the d-men are great at this, but you must try. Every successful team does that, and its a big reason why NY has easier break-outs compared to the Flyers.

The two biggest, in my mind.
- flyer_nutter

Defenseman can't stand up at the blueline without the support of the forwards. Every play is an individual play, and an individual read for the defenseman, whether to stand up or retreat. The Flyers haven't been good enough in the neutral zone, which is the biggest factor.
The key to the Rangers breakouts have been quick short passes to the forwards, and they've been able to get a lot of stretch passes. That again is due to a bad gap and neutral zone presence by the Flyers.

One, it means having your D-men try and stand up at the blueline more. They have not done this all series, and wait for the forwards to take the puck away with back-pressure.

The Rangers just push them back with their speed, and they back off far too easily.

Two, you have your d-men pinch in more as well as trying to skate the puck up slightly instead of passing it off immediately and making your forwards carry it up the ice the whole way. I realise not many of the d-men are great at this, but you must try. Every successful team does that, and its a big reason why NY has easier break-outs compared to the Flyers.

The two biggest, in my mind.
- flyer_nutter

I would like to see this too. It's just not possible if your forwards aren't back checking hard enough. Watch Luke Schenn step up without a back check and he'll get turned around faster than a Salsa Dancer.

That LA team was pretty much left for dead.

Can't believe they've come back like this.
- johndewar

I haven't watched much of that series, but I caught game 4. They stopped being the hunted, and turned the tide. They stopped being pushed around and activated their physical game.

Some teams play better on that "dirty" edge, and with emotion. When they don't it shows. Flyers need to realise this.

What happened 3 years ago has no bearing. The Flyers and Rangers have played 9 times this Season. The Rangers have won 5 games, the Flyers won 4.

2 points separated the teams in the standings this season.
- MJL

The teams are made up of a lot of the same players.

I haven't watched much of that series, but I caught game 4. They stopped being the hunted, and turned the tide. They stopped being pushed around and activated their physical game.

Some teams play better on that "dirty" edge, and with emotion. When they don't it shows. Flyers need to realise this.
- flyer_nutter

I think that's the Flyers' only shot tonight is to come and assert themselves, physically, without going over the edge.

I would like to see this too. It's just not possible if your forwards aren't back checking hard enough. Watch Luke Schenn step up without a back check and he'll get turned around faster than a Salsa Dancer.
- PhillySportsGuy

Well then there you have your issues with this team.

I'm not trying to start a thing with MJL, even though I know he puts the blame on the forwards this series. I think it all comes down to the transition skill but more so immobility of that back end.

Its forcing them to play a certain way, being unable to do a lot of things that make the best teams successful. I push those d-men to their limits tonight though. Empty the tank.

That LA team was pretty much left for dead.

Can't believe they've come back like this.
- johndewar

I thought it would go 7 games. Im a little surprised at the route its taken to get there though.

The teams are made up of a lot of the same players.
- PhillySportsGuy

Doesn't matter. Last year doesn't mean squat this year.

I think that's the Flyers' only shot tonight is to come and assert themselves, physically, without going over the edge.
- johndewar

Id prefer they stay on the right side of that line, but if they go over the edge (frank) it.

If its to be their end, let it be such an end as to be worthy of remembrance. Take the leash off of your team, and let them play in a way that focuses on their strength instead of fearing the penalties.

Well then there you have your issues with this team.

I'm not trying to start a thing with MJL, even though I know he puts the blame on the forwards this series. I think it all comes down to the transition skill but more so immobility of that back end.

Its forcing them to play a certain way, being unable to do a lot of things that make the best teams successful. I push those d-men to their limits tonight though. Empty the tank.
- flyer_nutter

I think the blame is shared. The forwards would need to do a better job even if we had the blues defense.

Our forwards need to accept the fact that our defenseman need constant help. It would be better if they didn't, but thats the way it is.

It's been a good season. But it's over. Soon as rags score a goal we will fold like we always do. Don't get your hopes up tonight. My prediction: 3-1 rags

I think the blame is shared. The forwards would need to do a better job even if we had the blues defense.

Our forwards need to accept the fact that our defenseman need constant help. It would be better if they didn't, but thats the way it is.
- PhillySportsGuy

You said it yourself.

That's a really damn hard way to play.

It's been a good season. But it's over. Soon as rags score a goal we will fold like we always do. Don't get your hopes up tonight. My prediction: 3-1 rags
- Sms401

I cant agree with that. I don't want them to roll over.

I want those d-men pushed to their limits instead of trying to be "hidden". I want them trying to skate the puck slightly, and trying to stand up at the blueline.

I want to see them force a game 7, and turn the tide here.

In Northfield?
- Deasr1

Yes, sorry if Leight

BigE will be the one dancing on the bar after a Flyers win. He likes imitating dancing bear.
- PhillySportsGuy

Well then there you have your issues with this team.

I'm not trying to start a thing with MJL, even though I know he puts the blame on the forwards this series. I think it all comes down to the transition skill but more so immobility of that back end.

Its forcing them to play a certain way, being unable to do a lot of things that make the best teams successful. I push those d-men to their limits tonight though. Empty the tank.
- flyer_nutter

Two different conversations. One is what is happening right now, and the other is what changes have to be made to the team going forward. But now is not the time for making player changes obviously. Are we talking about what this team has to do to win, right now? Or talking about something else.
If anyone truly wants a Coaches tactics to be labeled as BS, then asking players to do what they aren't capable of, is the surest way for a Coach to put his team in a bad spot. No player can skate the puck faster then the puck can be passed. Take the play that is there. If the play is a puck retrieval and skate out , then do that. But don't just do it to do it. Because that is not the ideal play. Pass and move the puck quickly. And play as a 5 man unit in all 3 zones. And win the puck battles and the puck races.

I cant agree with that. I don't want them to roll over.

I want those d-men pushed to their limits instead of trying to be "hidden". I want them trying to skate the puck slightly, and trying to stand up at the blueline.

I want to see them force a game 7, and turn the tide here.
- flyer_nutter

I don't want them to roll over either but I've seen this story played all to many times in the playoffs over the last 10 years. ( outside of the caps series)

You said it yourself.

That's a really damn hard way to play.
- flyer_nutter

exactly. they NEED that element back there. but right now, it cant really come mid postseason. the forwards need to realize it, and just deal with it the best they can right now. cavalry isnt coming yet. only thing they can do is try to make do, and pull out a win.

You said it yourself.

That's a really damn hard way to play.
- flyer_nutter

It's not a hard way to play. It's the way that every top team plays. Puck support all over the ice.

Two different conversations. One is what is happening right now, and the other is what changes have to be made to the team going forward. But now is not the time for making player changes obviously. Are we talking about what this team has to do to win, right now? Or talking about something else.
If anyone truly wants a Coaches tactics to be labeled as BS, then asking players to do what they aren't capable of, is the surest way for a Coach to put his team in a bad spot. No player can skate the puck faster then the puck can be passed. Take the play that is there. If the play is a puck retrieval and skate out , then do that. But don't just do it to do it. Because that is not the ideal play. Pass and move the puck quickly. And play as a 5 man unit in all 3 zones. And win the puck battles and the puck races.
- MJL

yeah. thats pretty much the distinction i see too.

Two different conversations. One is what is happening right now, and the other is what changes have to be made to the team going forward. But now is not the time for making player changes obviously. Are we talking about what this team has to do to win, right now? Or talking about something else.
If anyone truly wants a Coaches tactics to be labeled as BS, then asking players to do what they aren't capable of, is the surest way for a Coach to put his team in a bad spot. No player can skate the puck faster then the puck can be passed. Take the play that is there. If the play is a puck retrieval and skate out , then do that. But don't just do it to do it. Because that is not the ideal play. Pass and move the puck quickly. And play as a 5 man unit in all 3 zones. And win the puck battles and the puck races.
- MJL

Steve Coates, ladies and gentlemen.

exactly. they NEED that element back there. but right now, it cant really come mid postseason. the forwards need to realize it, and just deal with it the best they can right now. cavalry isnt coming yet. only thing they can do is try to make do, and pull out a win.
- stayinthefnnet

How good was Niskanen last night?