He's made an entire career out of cheating up the ice, camping in soft spots, and waiting for the puck to come to him. Pretty much the antithesis of the kind of play that Berube/Hexy are asking for.
- Tomahawk

Well, it certainly worked in 2004. I'd love to have that VLC.

Is it just me or does it seem like Simmonds isnt a great fit on any line he plays on. Only time he does anything is on the PP.
- GOA88

I don't think it's that Simmonds isn't a great fit. And to this point, in the last stretch, he hasn't done much at ES. But as a whole, he's been a solid ES point producer. The Flyers, especially if Giroux and Voracek are going to stay together, need another play maker puck carrier in the lineup. Preferably a LW.

- jak521

I was going to post the guy from Billy Madison, but I refrained.

Well, it certainly worked in 2004. I'd love to have that VLC.
- jmatchett383

While we are at it, let's get 2006 Pronger and 2008 Playoff Umberger on the case

I don't think it's that Simmonds isn't a great fit. And to this point, in the last stretch, he hasn't done much at ES. But as a whole, he's been a solid ES point producer. The Flyers, especially if Giroux and Voracek are going to stay together, need another play maker puck carrier in the lineup. Preferably a LW.
- MJL

One thing that's pissing me off about Simmonds is that he needs to play a Hartnell-like game at ES. Even if he's not producing, he needs to be banging bodies out there, mucking it up and making life hell for the opposition. And for the past stretch of games, he's been far too passive for my liking.

I still think of the media player everytime you guys say VLC

He's made an entire career out of cheating up the ice, camping in soft spots, and waiting for the puck to come to him. Pretty much the antithesis of the kind of play that Berube/Hexy are asking for.
- Tomahawk

This is completely untrue. Ask John Tortorella about how Lecvalier grew as a player under him. He praised Lecavalier for his growth into a complete player, and learning to play the game the right way.

I wish we could trade G for Toews. It would solve all of our problems and make the Blackhawks terrible.

While we are at it, let's get 2006 Pronger and 2008 Playoff Umberger on the case
- Jsaquella

I'm not saying it's gonna happen. Just that, if we're gonna criticize his style of play, I'm gonna give him credit for making it work in the past.

But I'll also take 2012 MDZ and 2008 Coburn. May as well grab 2006 Timonen, as well.

Thanks Bill. Philly.com also had some good comments on the Flyers woes. G had better start playing more of a leadership role, or he might just be out of here. His numbers aren't bad, but his play of late has been in question; nothing like diving to try to motivate his team the other night. I think that part of the reason Richards, and Carter were traded was that the team just couldn't take it to the next level with them in leadership roles. They were great players in the own right, but those darn long term deals, and having all that money thrown at them went to their heads. If I were GM, I would only sign players to performance laced deals, with a maximum of 4 years. I don't care if the player might leave after that term for more money, because the loyalty days of the past are over. Most players, like coaches have a team life span, and are only money driven. Besides, four years is enough time for the younger players to start taking over. To summarize, this will allow time for your draft picks to develop, and this will keep your cap costs down. In this new age of free agency created by, and forced by the players, this will have to be the new norm. You see it in the other major sports, and now in the NHL. I would love to have certain players on a team for life, but it's just not going to happen if you wish your team to succeed.
Thanks for listening.
- OrangeAndBlack1

Giroux has 6 points in his last 6 games and the 2 games he didn't have points in, the team got shut out. He has 27 points in 23 games. I don't think he's the issue here. Just because the C is on his chest doesn't mean he has the power to make everything better. IMO, he has done his part.

I wish we could trade G for Toews. It would solve all of our problems and make the Blackhawks terrible.
- PhillySportsGuy

We'd be lucky to get Raanta for him.

This is completely untrue. Ask John Tortorella about how Lecvalier grew as a player under him. He praised Lecavalier for his growth into a complete player, and learning to play the game the right way.
- MJL

True. I used to live in Tampa and I have watched Vinny his whole career. To me it just seems like he doesnt have that fire anymore. He still has talent but the desire is lacking. Also not having a playmaker on his wing is killing him.

I'm not saying it's gonna happen. Just that, if we're gonna criticize his style of play, I'm gonna give him credit for making it work in the past.

But I'll also take 2012 MDZ and 2008 Coburn. May as well grab 2006 Timonen, as well.
- jmatchett383

Stanley Cup Here we come.

Nah, I agree, Vinny was not always such a one dimensional player. I don't know the reasons why, I just know he's been terrible as a Flyer.

We'd be lucky to get Raanta for him.
- jmatchett383

Well at least we'd solve our biggest problem, goaltending

Giroux has 6 points in his last 6 games and the 2 games he didn't have points in, the team got shut out. He has 27 points in 23 games. I don't think he's the issue here. Just because the C is on his chest doesn't mean he has the power to make everything better. IMO, he has done his part.
- NickTheKid87

I don't think he's the "rah rah" guy or the "Fear of God" type of captain. I'm sure he is well respected in the room and that he's willing to speak his mind, but I don't really think "Captain" when I think of him. Guys like Primeau, Pronger, and even Hatcher and Forsberg, seemed like more captain material. Just my thoughts.

Giroux has 6 points in his last 6 games and the 2 games he didn't have points in, the team got shut out. He has 27 points in 23 games. I don't think he's the issue here. Just because the C is on his chest doesn't mean he has the power to make everything better. IMO, he has done his part.
- NickTheKid87

NO TRUE! He is the captain therefore he is responsible for each and every player on the ice. Even if its not his line. Giroux wont be a good captain until he scores 92g 120a and is a +80 in order to make up for this teams lack of depth.

I think the Jackets pissed off the injury ninja...Artem Anisimov out 2-3 months with a torn triceps.

Well at least we'd solve our biggest problem, goaltending
- PhillySportsGuy

His save% would be 97.2% for the rest of the season, national writers say Flyers don't have goalie, sv% regresses to 67.3% next year.

This is completely untrue. Ask John Tortorella about how Lecvalier grew as a player under him. He praised Lecavalier for his growth into a complete player, and learning to play the game the right way.
- MJL

Vincent Lecavalier: two-way, power forward, complete player.

I think the Jackets pissed off the injury ninja...Artem Anisimov out 2-3 months with a torn triceps.
- Jsaquella

Maybe they could use Umberger and/or VLC.

Maybe they could use Umberger and/or VLC.
- jmatchett383

PLEASE!!!

I don't think he's the "rah rah" guy or the "Fear of God" type of captain. I'm sure he is well respected in the room and that he's willing to speak his mind, but I don't really think "Captain" when I think of him. Guys like Primeau, Pronger, and even Hatcher and Forsberg, seemed like more captain material. Just my thoughts.
- jmatchett383

Look no further than last season. Team is in the toilet, he's struggling. he picks up the team and basically carried them to the playoffs. That's all I need to see to not question his leadership.

I still think of the media player everytime you guys say VLC
- BulliesPhan87

Same

(orange pilon logo is hilariously appropriate, tho)

I don't think it's that Simmonds isn't a great fit. And to this point, in the last stretch, he hasn't done much at ES. But as a whole, he's been a solid ES point producer. The Flyers, especially if Giroux and Voracek are going to stay together, need another play maker puck carrier in the lineup. Preferably a LW.
- MJL

So then wouldn't the smart play to make Simmonds available for a LW with more skill.

Yes I know what Simmonds brings but is it so much he can't be moved for a more pressing need? You might be able to get a nice package for simmonds.

So then wouldn't the smart play to make Simmonds available for a LW with more skill.

Yes I know what Simmonds brings but is it so much he can't be moved for a more pressing need? You might be able to get a nice package for simmonds.
- J35Bacher

If we trade Simmonds than this team would literally have no heart or fight in them left. IMO