It's not old if it's a valid concern -- and it is a valid concern. Berube has two jobs: winning hockey games and fully developing the young players on this roster. He has to find ways to do both.

It's garbage that just because Couturier plays the best defense of,the forwards at 18, 19, 20 and 21 years old, he doesn't get the opportunity to grow his total game just because older players can't win a (frank)ing faceoff or figure out how to kill a penalty.

The Flyers need Couturier to be more than he is. That is beyond debate. And if he can't get there because the coach can't see how to get him there, then maybe another coach can and would.
- AllInForFlyers

I'll explain where I think you have it wrong. It is a valid concern that the Flyers have to overuse Couturier, in defensive zone starts. It is a valid concern that it could affect Couturier's growth as a player going forward.
But what is complete BS is criticizing the coach for using really the only elite defensive player he has, in defensive zone starts against top lines. The issue of not having a top defense pair, and not having other players capable of taking some of that load off of Couturier, is a GM and management issue. Not a coaching issue.

So let's review. The team is a poor defensive team. They lack a top defense pair. They have one line, and one defensive center that can truly be trusted to play in key defensive situations. How silly of the coach to use that player in those situations when it is the only option he has. And the coaches first priority is to win games. If Berube does not win games, it's likely he'll be out of a job.

The criticism towards the coach is baseless and really rather foolish. He doesn't have a choice.

Are you sure?
- ob18

I'm sure tonight will make a greek tragedy look like a sorority pillow fight.

Are you sure?
- ob18

I just want to know when rock bottom is

#Pens have won six straight games with ref Wes McCauley working: http://t.co/stGl0WJ6Nx #PIT #Penguins #PHI #Flyers
- wilsonecho91

I was so hoping for Chris Lee and Tim Peel.

I'm sure tonight will make a greek tragedy look like a sorority pillow fight.
- mayorofangrytown

It will make something awesome look awesome and sexy?

I just want to know when rock bottom is
- PhillySportsGuy

November 7th if we still only have 1 win. Book it.

I just want to know when rock bottom is
- PhillySportsGuy

Losing 9-0 against Buffalo

Ha! Just tired of hearing how the Flyers have done right by giving Couturier some of the pooptiest responsibilities I have ever seen a top 10 pick get.
- AllInForFlyers

Where this is off base is not realizing that the problem is that they only have one player and one line capable of handling those poopty responsibilities. And that they also lack a top defense pair, that they could put out with a lesser line to cover for the inadequacies that a line has defensively.

Anybody who thinks the Flyers should give up on trying to win and make the playoffs 6 games in the season is crazy. Using Couturier as they are, gives the Flyers the best chance to win, in terms of defensive play.

I'm sure tonight will make a greek tragedy look like a sorority pillow fight.
- mayorofangrytown

Losing 9-0 against Buffalo
- Jsaquella

Nope. Using three goalies in a playoff series while getting annihilated

It will make something awesome look awesome and sexy?
- aflyerpower8

November 7th if we still only have 1 win. Book it.
- mayorofangrytown

The day after we play the Panthers. Lolz

I only buy those for the in-laws. There's a separate fridge for the real beer.
- mayorofangrytown

Are you in Orlando?

http://www.ajc.com/news/n...-life-beer-stolen-/nhpRF/

Losing 9-0 against Buffalo
- Jsaquella

Thats not that bad

Are you in Orlando?

http://www.ajc.com/news/n...-life-beer-stolen-/nhpRF/
- Jsaquella

That might be people on my Dad's side of the family. If it was Bud Light Lime I'd be positive.

Where this is off base is not realizing that the problem is that they only have one player and one line capable of handling those poopty responsibilities. And that they also lack a top defense pair, that they could put out with a lesser line to cover for the inadequacies that a line has defensively.

Anybody who thinks the Flyers should give up on trying to win and make the playoffs 6 games in the season is crazy. Using Couturier as they are, gives the Flyers the best chance to win, in terms of defensive play.
- MJL

The coach picks the roster, through camp. He talks to the GM about what he needs, to some degree.

The cap means you can't have everything, but to completely absolve the coach for who is on the NHL roster and how,that roster is deployed is what is off-base

November 7th if we still only have 1 win. Book it.
- mayorofangrytown

Its going to be so very impossible to finish worse than Buffalo, Carolina, Florida, AND Edmonton. Two of those four, sure. All four, no way.


So, we very well could suck the entire year, but not nearly enough to win one of the grand prizes of suckitude.

Its almost enough to make me consider taking up drinking again.

Its going to be so very impossible to finish worse than Buffalo, Carolina, Florida, AND Edmonton. Two of those four, sure. All four, no way.


So, we very well could suck the entire year, but not nearly enough to win one of the grand prizes of suckitude.

Its almost enough to make me consider taking up drinking again.
- Doc_Sarcasm

They're going to be a little better when Coburn returns... I hope

Its going to be so very impossible to finish worse than Buffalo, Carolina, Florida, AND Edmonton. Two of those four, sure. All four, no way.


So, we very well could suck the entire year, but not nearly enough to win one of the grand prizes of suckitude.

Its almost enough to make me consider taking up drinking again.
- Doc_Sarcasm

Still, dumping some bodies and cap for picks at the deadline could help us moving forward even if it doesn't end in McDavid.

Its going to be so very impossible to finish worse than Buffalo, Carolina, Florida, AND Edmonton. Two of those four, sure. All four, no way.


So, we very well could suck the entire year, but not nearly enough to win one of the grand prizes of suckitude.

Its almost enough to make me consider taking up drinking again.
- Doc_Sarcasm

They're likely to end up between the 10th-17th picks, in terms of record, when it comes to the draft.

They will likely rebound, make a run and be in the hunt for the playoffs. Might even sneak in with one of the Wild Cards.

Still, dumping some bodies and cap for picks at the deadline could help us moving forward even if it doesn't end in McDavid.
- aflyerpower8

Okay.. this is me being totally serious for a brief moment.

Who are you willing to give up that you are going to get value for?

The coach picks the roster, through camp. He talks to the GM about what he needs, to some degree.

The cap means you can't have everything, but to completely absolve the coach for who is on the NHL roster and how,that roster is deployed is what is off-base
- AllInForFlyers

The coach does not pick the roster, the GM has final say on that. The coach certainly has input on that.
There was not a candidate in camp that would be a reliable option to choose to make the team, to take that load off of Couturier.

You're incorrect in stating that I'm absolving the coach of anything. I'm not. I'm saying the coach is making the right decision on how he is using Couturier based on the roster and options that he has. And with how the team as a whole is playing.

Okay.. this is me being totally serious for a brief moment.

Who are you willing to give up that you are going to get value for?
- Doc_Sarcasm

Grossmann, Amac, B. Schenn, and MDZ

Okay.. this is me being totally serious for a brief moment.

Who are you willing to give up that you are going to get value for?
- Doc_Sarcasm

Depends on what you'd consider value. If the Flyers are out of the race at the TDL, and can flip Grossmann for a 4th rounder, it's worth it for the cap relief alone.

If they are out of the race, realistically, at the TDL, I'd try to stockpile picks like a bastard.

Okay.. this is me being totally serious for a brief moment.

Who are you willing to give up that you are going to get value for?
- Doc_Sarcasm

By value, you mean what? A lawn chair?