to borrow a soccer term, the flyers first touch is generally very bad. almost like they are not expecting to get the puck and are not in a good position to accept it. i watched 3 games last night and all 6 teams were whipping the puck around and guys were taking airborne passes and hard pucks off the board in stride and the play just looked much smoother than the flyers do.

I think that plain, old hockey smarts have played a role this year, too.

The Flyers have had issues with execution this year. Guy a step late, a pass a few feet off, a shot that goes just wide, etc. But they have also suffered from some really dumb play.

There's been enough issues that it should be a concern. Whether it's a poorly timed pinch or a blind clear, dumping the puck in when there's an available carry in option and the other forwards are not in good position to chase(by either being stationary or without a clear path to chase the puck. Little things like that build up.

They contribute to the poor 5 on 5 play, expose the team's lack of speed to a greater extent and cause the kind of gap control issues that teams like the Rangers and Devils have exploited for years.
- Jsaquella

I think Hextall knows what he has. I think he is just waiting to make some moves.

Also what would you like them to say. You can't say "damn our team sucks". They need to try and build value on some of these plyers. Killing them now doesn't help anything.
- J35Bacher

Meh, hysterical complaining in all some of us have in here. WHat else would they do with themselves?

Rinaldo hasnt really looked bad this year, schenn yes and i think its time he starts getting scratched and inserting schultz or bringing up a Phantom if he cant stay consistent with thought processing, Mdz too.
- JoeRussomanno

You mean your not excited to see what he's going to do with the puck when he gets it at the point in the Ozone?!

I think Hextall knows what he has. I think he is just waiting to make some moves.

Also what would you like them to say. You can't say "damn our team sucks". They need to try and build value on some of these plyers. Killing them now doesn't help anything.
- J35Bacher

Well if by game 10 they have not played " a full 60 minutes" than something must change. I would expect the GM to address it in whatever way he can

Even when we have had good coaches, they don't get saved because the GM dealt them a bad hand.
I am certainly in the all of the above category. I wasn't a berube guy at the start. he should have been interim for the year and them see who is available.
- nails

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

Meh, hysterical complaining in all some of us have in here. WHat else would they do with themselves?



- MBFlyerfan

I know. BUt do people really expect the truth from a team. Like the Hextall is going to come out and say " Yeah we suck. Some of our players are done. I would never trade for one of these guys"

He is going to say they are close. Guys are getting there and players are going to be getting better. Anything to try and drive some value into them or get them going.

Well if by game 10 they have not played " a full 60 minutes" than something must change. I would expect the GM to address it in whatever way he can
- 3flyerkids

I think they may just blow up the defense quicker than we think. The TDL could be very interesting.

I know. BUt do people really expect the truth from a team. Like the Hextall is going to come out and say " Yeah we suck. Some of our players are done. I would never trade for one of these guys"

He is going to say they are close. Guys are getting there and players are going to be getting better. Anything to try and drive some value into them or get them going.
- J35Bacher

especially when the guy who built the leaning tower is a good buddy, still around and technically his boss

I know. BUt do people really expect the truth from a team. Like the Hextall is going to come out and say " Yeah we suck. Some of our players are done. I would never trade for one of these guys"

He is going to say they are close. Guys are getting there and players are going to be getting better. Anything to try and drive some value into them or get them going.
- J35Bacher

Oh no doubt. I was referring to the nonstop "our defense sucks" posts that we have to wade through on an hourly basis. As if they are imparting on us some scholarly wisdom that escaped our notice over the past season plus.

Well if by game 10 they have not played " a full 60 minutes" than something must change. I would expect the GM to address it in whatever way he can
- 3flyerkids

Like what? He would be dealing from a position of weakness then. He has to just have stones to ride this out. By the TDL a team could be looking for a second line center for a playoff run(Vinny). Maybe a 3rd line winger and pk'er(Umberger). Maybe someone needs a dman with Size and experience for a third or second pair(Grossmann, Schenn). Maybe a team needs insurance on an offensive dman 7th guy for playoffs(del zotto).

I know as a fan this is horrible to watch but if this is finally the chance for them ot turnover this team I'll hope hextall is the guy and be patient

- MBFlyerfan

Self-awareness is a positive step.

Self-awareness is a positive step.
- bradleyc4

tumbleweed.gif

- MBFlyerfan

Its great that Bernie has found a second career doing these commercials.

I can't wait for the Avs to sign Marty Brodeur so Roy can jerk him around.

Its great that Bernie has found a second career doing these commercials.
- Marc D

Stay horny my friends.

http://www.courierpostonl...ke-knuble-helps/17377347/


It will be interesting to see if the team starts shooting from everywhere as Berube wants.

Just trying to create thinking but are there any teams that "NEED" to make the playoffs this year. I can think of the Islanders and Winnipeg so far. Places that haven't done much and need to bring something to thier fan base for one reason or another. These are teams that I would look at for trades. Could get prospects and picks because they need more immediate help.

I think the GM has to improve his team. Be patient with youth but I really just don't want this team getting off to another 1-7 or 2-8 start and we keep hearing from coaching and management that " we are getting better each and every game"
Maybe after the 10 game point of the season they will evaluate what they have compared to what they thought they had.
- 3flyerkids

It's pretty the same roster as last year... They know what they have

You mean your not excited to see what he's going to do with the puck when he gets it at the point in the Ozone?!
- Just5

No sir... In fact i cringe evertime he touches the damn thing

http://www.courierpostonl...ke-knuble-helps/17377347/


It will be interesting to see if the team starts shooting from everywhere as Berube wants.
- MBFlyerfan

Evidence that the crowd impacts organizational policy

Evidence that the crowd impacts organizational policy
- JoeRussomanno

SHOOOOT!

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?

Its great that Bernie has found a second career doing these commercials.
- Marc D

Bernie Parent is just living the dream.