That is what i was thinking. Might be more willing to move prospects if they need something. Need to bring in a fanbase in brooklyn and a nice playoff run would help. Just like it is about time WPG moves forward and GM might be willing to deal for more immediate help
- J35Bacher

I would be wary of trading with a division rival but with all these teams in one division, you're severely limiting your trade partners.

They have practiced shootouts.
- J35Bacher

http://articles.philly.co...-the-flyers-sidney-crosby

1) I'd start by actually practicing the damned thing more, make it a priority.

2) I'd adopt a similar competition style practice format as the Pens, but make the incentive more meaningful. Top-three cumulative performers in practice are the guys who get the call in the real SO... period. You want a shot? Perfect your craft and earn it.

2) I'd invite different am/pro goalies to every practice so they get exposed to different tendencies/techniques. Practicing predominantly against Mase, when there's only one other southpaw starting goalie in the league (Hiller), doesn't really make much sense.

3) Assemble a comprehensive book on goalie tendencies and make studying mandatory, like playbooks in football, pitching/hitting in baseball. Not anecdotal poop... real hard data. Every player on the bench should be able to recite what the %'s are with any given goalie.

4) The reverse for the goalies... they should be studying data and watching film on all the top SO players in the league.

i agree with you, i just cannot believe we are now comparing our team to the islanders, never thought i would live to see the day
- mydoglicks

They were bad for a long time, they were bound to become good eventually. Tavares certainly made that an eventuality.

The problems are tiered, IMO and there are a lot of little ones that make the bigger ones seem worse. The top tier involves execution. The talent would probably be a tier down. Berube would be several tiers down after that.
- NickTheKid87

The periods of poor execution, and times of lackadaisical play have exasperated the issues of the team. To the point where the defense is a train wreck, and the coach isn't a good coach, etc, etc.

Most of the commentary being given on the team is no different then some of the commentary from afar that the Flyers goaltending is no good even when Mason was solid. It's the same thing. Because it's just too easy to overlook the actual problems that are correctable, just blame it on the scapegoats and the defense.

i agree with you, i just cannot believe we are now comparing our team to the islanders, never thought i would live to see the day
- mydoglicks

It happens. Eb and Flow of the league. Flyers currently are at the very bottom of a downswing I believe over the last 3 years. As long as management remains patient good things are in store for this team within the next 5 years. We all just need to be patient.

That doesn't mean we have to stop ripping some of the players on the team, coaches, etc. Anything to keep us interested is better than having apathy set in.

The periods of poor execution, and times of lackadaisical play have exasperated the issues of the team. To the point where the defense is a train wreck, and the coach isn't a good coach, etc, etc.

Most of the commentary being given on the team is no different then some of the commentary from afar that the Flyers goaltending is no good even when Mason was solid. It's the same thing. Because it's just too easy to overlook the actual problems that are correctable, just blame it on the scapegoats and the defense.
- MJL

They haven't executed all that well over the past 2-3 years so something's gotta give.

http://articles.philly.co...-the-flyers-sidney-crosby

1) I'd start by actually practicing the damned thing more, make it a priority.

2) I'd adopt a similar competition style practice format as the Pens, but make the incentive more meaningful. Top-three cumulative performers in practice are the guys who get the call in the real SO... period. You want a shot? Perfect your craft and earn it.

2) I'd invite different am/pro goalies to every practice so they get exposed to different tendencies/techniques. Practicing predominantly against Mase, when there's only one other southpaw starting goalie in the league (Hiller), doesn't really make much sense.

3) Assemble a comprehensive book on goalie tendencies and make studying mandatory, like playbooks in football, pitching/hitting in baseball. Not anecdotal poop... real hard data. Every player on the bench should be able to recite what the %'s are with any given goalie.

4) The reverse for the goalies... they should be studying data and watching film on all the top SO players in the league.
- Tomahawk

Require all HB posters to take a basic math class in counting from 1-5 !

http://articles.philly.co...-the-flyers-sidney-crosby

1) I'd start by actually practicing the damned thing more, make it a priority.

2) I'd adopt a similar competition style practice format as the Pens, but make the incentive more meaningful. Top-three cumulative performers in practice are the guys who get the call in the real SO... period. You want a shot? Perfect your craft and earn it.

2) I'd invite different am/pro goalies to every practice so they get exposed to different tendencies/techniques. Practicing predominantly against Mase, when there's only one other southpaw starting goalie in the league (Hiller), doesn't really make much sense.

3) Assemble a comprehensive book on goalie tendencies and make studying mandatory, like playbooks in football, pitching/hitting in baseball. Not anecdotal poop... real hard data. Every player on the bench should be able to recite what the %'s are with any given goalie.

4) The reverse for the goalies... they should be studying data and watching film on all the top SO players in the league.
- Tomahawk

5) Taser anyone who, after no dekes at all, shoots the puck right into the goalies pads or midsection

6) Make them all watch tapes of Forsberg on the shootout while screaming: THIS YOU FRANKIN MORONS, GET IT?!

Require all HB posters to take a basic math class in counting from 1-5 !
- PhillySportsGuy

Hey I can count to 20 if I'm barefoot!!

there is really no hope for this team this year
our forwards just aren't that good outside if simmonds and our defense is beyond pathetic

It happens. Eb and Flow of the league. Flyers currently are at the very bottom of a downswing I believe over the last 3 years. As long as management remains patient good things are in store for this team within the next 5 years. We all just need to be patient.

That doesn't mean we have to stop ripping some of the players on the team, coaches, etc. Anything to keep us interested is better than having apathy set in.
- Just5

well put

there is really no hope for this team this year
our forwards just aren't that good outside if simmonds and our defense is beyond pathetic
- 2Real

5) Taser anyone who, after no dekes at all, shoots the puck right into the goalies pads or midsection

6) Make them all watch tapes of Forsberg on the shootout while screaming: THIS YOU FRANKIN MORONS, GET IT?!
- BiggE

yes

They have practiced shootouts. Bill has already stated that. He can't go out there and do it for them though. I think he is saying that there is more to worry about right now then that. And they need to be better at ingame things the skills compatition
- J35Bacher

It just amazes me that outside of G and maybe Read not one of these guys puts the slightest amount of thought into their moves.

I hate the shoot out. But it's part of the game. And writing it off is even more foolish than the shoot out itself.

5) Taser anyone who, after no dekes at all, shoots the puck right into the goalies pads or midsection
- BiggE

Jeff Carter is so happy they never had this during his tenure in Philly.

Hey I can count to 20 if I'm barefoot!!

- BiggE

21 if I'm naked

Jeff Carter is so happy they never had this during his tenure in Philly.
- jmatchett383

He actually went to the backhand quite a bit

That wouldn't have changed anything. If the Flyers had missed the playoffs by 10 points under Berube he would have been gone.
- Feanor

After a 1-7 start last year, Berube turned the team around and they went something along with 41-23-10, which was one of the top records in that time period. But he's not a good coach.

5) Taser anyone who, after no dekes at all, shoots the puck right into the goalies pads or midsection

6) Make them all watch tapes of Forsberg on the shootout while screaming: THIS YOU FRANKIN MORONS, GET IT?!
- BiggE

Common, 4 more and we'll have 10.

He actually went to the backhand quite a bit
- PhillySportsGuy

Yeah, SOB could roof that sucker, too.

Require all HB posters to take a basic math class in counting from 1-5 !
- PhillySportsGuy

Two of Bill's observations jumped out at me...

"...Craig Berube was asked by the beat writers about the team's issues with getting pinned in their own end of the ice. He responded, "I think what happens a lot of times, it starts from the D-zone coverage. You break a play up and we get the puck and we don’t execute the play and now we’re in our zone longer. That’s what really puts you on your heels. Play good defense and you break pucks up and when you get the puck you have to make a play. It’s important."

A comment on the inability of the D to make that good first pass? The inability/unwillingness of the forwards to place themselves in the proper position to assist the breakout? Or perhaps it's simply poor coaching?

One thing that Berube does not want to dwell on right now is the team's struggles in shootouts. "Don’t put so much emphasis on it," Berube said. "We need to win a regulation game."

Yep. NJ agrees.

Guess what Craig? There will, at times, be tie games at the end of regulation and there will be S/O's unless the league decides it is a bad idea, which won't be happening anytime soon. So until the rule changes, spend a little time dwelling on it. Please?
- 77rams

The point Berube is making is he doesn't want the teams main focus and thought process on the shootout. He wants them focused on the breakdowns in game, and place a priority over that versus the shootout. And he's right. Becauce that is more important.

The point Berube is making is he doesn't want the teams main focus and thought process on the shootout. He wants them focused on the breakdowns in game, and place a priority over that versus the shootout. And he's right. Becauce that is more important.
- MJL

Is there really a good reason why they can't do both?

Yeah, SOB could roof that sucker, too.
- Tomahawk

Nonsense. Everyone knows he always shot the puck into the goalie's chest.

It's an excellent point. It's on the entire team. If the Dman gets the puck he needs to move it smartly. If he has no passing option that's not on him. In the case of the Flyers it's both.

The gap is bad & the puck support not there which limits options and the defense definitely doesn't always execute well when the gap control is good and the support is there

In addition there's almost zero possibility of a Flyers D man simply racing up up with the puck and generating offense from his legs. That gives the opposing forecheck free run to press hard knowing the defenseman won't deke and burn them
- Jsaquella

Streit and Del Zotto are more then capable of generating offense with their legs.