Yea 61 points in 60 games...remember he wasn't a top line center for most of those games. His numbers will drop as we are seeing before our eyes because he is playing against better players. Power play 0-12 and a 5-3 mixed in and still no points....excuses now.
- Williamc5468

Who's making excuses. No one is arguing that he is having a good playoff, or even a mediocre playoff. His play is terrible. Oddly enough, 3 bad games doesn't mean a player is past his prime, on the downhill of his career, or any other ridiculous over-dramatization of a player. It's embarrassing. Just stop.

Who's making excuses. No one is arguing that he is having a good playoff, or even a mediocre playoff. His play is terrible. Oddly enough, 3 bad games doesn't mean a player is past his prime, on the downhill of his career, or any other ridiculous over-dramatization of a player. It's embarrassing. Just stop.
- steelydan

3 bad games? Guy hasn't scored since March! When's the last time he dominated a game and looked like a superstar? Looking to the future here, not past stats. Moving forward he has a big cap hit & is getting older. Not producing like a superstar is gonna hurt this team

giroux and voracek both need to get their heads outta their asses and mason as well

I'm feeling feelings, and they ain't good feelings.

Through 2 games and 2 periods tonight, the games were at least competitive for the juggernaut team versing the barely-in rebuilding team. But the 3rd period was disgraceful -- from the players to the fans. Especially the fans, on this night of all nights. What a bunch of troglodytes hell bent on (frank)ing things up for the rest of us; helping to turn a run-of-the-mill blowout into a night we (and our constant detractors) won't forget.

I wondered earlier what it'd be like if, instead of this debacle, the Flyers missed the playoffs. We would've picked 14th, griped a bit, but would've gone out feeling like substantial progress had been made this year. There would've been a sense of optimism and future. Instead we are left with...whatever this is. But, hard as it is to see at the present time, this season has been a great success. I don't need to go into the details -- you all real fans know them. And who knows, maybe they will squeak a game out yet.

But maybe there is good to come from this series. Lappy (he of zero adjustments) and maybe another assistant (Mullen?) might have forced management's hand in letting them go. This series has been a microcosm of their season at special teams, turned up to 11. Mistakes are one thing; repeating mistakes ad infinitum is another. Hakstol, management, the players will hopefully all learn from it; they'll better assess where we are and what we still have left to do (like answer the severe lack of skill, specifically at the center ice position imo). If they actually learn from this, then this series can have meaning. Good meaning.

I fail to see how Edmonton's level of suck somehow makes it ok for your team to suck this hard.
- thenewguy

This is the problem with scraping into the playoffs. You get crappy draft picks when you need game changers. If Philly keeps this up they will stay mediocre......watching from the sidelines while Edmonton wins the cup again (Damn I hated to type that)

- PhillySportsGuy

I wondered earlier what it'd be like if, instead of this debacle, the Flyers missed the playoffs. We would've picked 14th, griped a bit, but would've gone out feeling like substantial progress had been made this year. There would've been a sense of optimism and future. Instead we are left with...whatever this is. But, hard as it is to see at the present time, this season has been a great success. I don't need to go into the details -- you all real fans know them. And who knows, maybe they will squeak a game out yet.

But maybe there is good to come from this series. Lappy (he of zero adjustments) and maybe another assistant (Mullen?) might have forced management's hand in letting them go. This series has been a microcosm of their season at special teams, turned up to 11. Mistakes are one thing; repeating mistakes ad infinitum is another. Hakstol, management, the players will hopefully all learn from it; they'll better assess where we are and what we still have left to do (like answer the severe lack of skill, specifically at the center ice position imo). If they actually learn from this, then this series can have meaning. Good meaning.
- Mononoke

I absolutely expect them to learn from this -- how was Hakstol supposed to learn what it's like to be outgunned in the playoffs if you never get there and never see exactly how much a talented, focused team can turn it up?

The Flyers were 2-2 against the Caps in the regular season. Now everyone is learning or getting reminded that there is no correlation to the regular season and the postseason and that everything is quicker, faster, more physical.

I kniw I saw Nick Cousins making quicker plays. Brandon Manning, for all his warts, was making quicker plays. So was Ghost.

Laughton was using his speed better. Raffl was trying to make plays, possess the puck, instead of immediately dumping it in and knowing you weren't gonna get it back.

I thought Schenn had a decent game, and even though he isn't part of the future, I saw Sam Gagner trying to figure it out, make some plays, use his body a little.

Yes, they got destroyed. But I know I saw young players out there competing and getting just a little better, from the repetitions and experience.

They are not all going to be on the team, but this experience has been valuable for Hakstol and the players who will remain -- as I said, I know I see Cousins and Ghost trying to figure out what they can and can't do. That's learning against one of the better collections of talent I have seen in the cap era. Washington is freaking good

I absolutely expect them to learn from this -- how was Hakstol supposed to learn what it's like to be outgunned in the playoffs if you never get there and never see exactly how much a talented, focused team can turn it up?

The Flyers were 2-2 against the Caps in the regular season. Now everyone is learning or getting reminded that there is no correlation to the regular season and the postseason and that everything is quicker, faster, more physical.

I kniw I saw Nick Cousins making quicker plays. Brandon Manning, for all his warts, was making quicker plays. So was Ghost.

Laughton was using his speed better. Raffl was trying to make plays, possess the puck, instead of immediately dumping it in and knowing you weren't gonna get it back.

I thought Schenn had a decent game, and even though he isn't part of the future, I saw Sam Gagner trying to figure it out, make some plays, use his body a little.

Yes, they got destroyed. But I know I saw young players out there competing and getting just a little better, from the repetitions and experience.

They are not all going to be on the team, but this experience has been valuable for Hakstol and the players who will remain -- as I said, I know I see Cousins and Ghost trying to figure out what they can and can't do. That's learning against one of the better collections of talent I have seen in the cap era. Washington is freaking good
- AllInForFlyers

I see this as good for Hakstol, Gost, Cousins, Laughton learning what it is to be in the playoffs. That there is a whole other gear physically and mentally and you have to be ready for it. And oh please get us someone to coach the PK.

As for the fans. Remember that there were nearly 20,000 people there last night. I'd guess there were less that 100 throwing things (one of which hit me...thanks for the bruise whoever you are chumley). The bumholes managed to prolong the narrative for the media. But all Philly fans aren't brainless dolts.

I see this as good for Hakstol, Gost, Cousins, Laughton learning what it is to be in the playoffs. That there is a whole other gear physically and mentally and you have to be ready for it. And oh please get us someone to coach the PK.

As for the fans. Remember that there were nearly 20,000 people there last night. I'd guess there were less that 100 throwing things (one of which hit me...thanks for the bruise whoever you are chumley). The bumholes managed to prolong the narrative for the media. But all Philly fans aren't brainless dolts.
- bodiva88

Exactly-- there's always going to be someone who ruins it for everyone else. Humans are not that complicated. The vast majority of people merely want to be entertained and left alone as they go about their lives. There's only a percentage of tools out there who can find a way to ruin pretty much everything they are involved in, and the more you acknowledge their presence, the worse they behave

I'm really disappointed i expected a better series. Hextall needs to blow this up. Does anyone still think there is not a problem with the age gap of prospects to vets? This will be third series in a row going back to the NJ series 3-4 years ago (wow look how sad that is) that Giroux has looked mostly invisible after that series with pittsburgh fearuring hula hoop goaltending.

Some of my thoughts:

Top line leaders are on a milk carton right now.

Best players for Flyers so far...Mason(except for a couple questionable goals), Schultz, Manning, Schenn, 4th line, Laughton(in little ice time and role), Raffl at times.

Yes, We all know Washington is better but the identity of this team the last few months was once they got punched they punched back. Right now they have no punch back because the leaders are no where.

Also watching Ovechkin just tee up one times and snipe wristers makes me want Stamkos more. What player do the Flyers have that has the ability. Other then Gostisbehere, the Flyers don't have a player who can change the game with a shot.

If we are going to point out PP goals against Manning then we need to point out Simmonds with a early penalty that took momentum from the Flyers.

What truly bothers me is not being less talented. We knew the odds. It's that the leaders who have said the cliché's and lauded for a worthless game 1 fight have done nothing. When you role players are your best players, you will have trouble winning games.

That wasn't memorable? C'mon.

Years from now this will be right up there with the dollar dog fiasco (actually had another small one against the Mets yesterday too ) and the Santa incident. Another stinky notch to be added to the Philly sports fans collection of why they are the worst, but conveniently spun as the best because it somehow shows passion and not thuggish, insubordinate ignorance. No, no, that's just being a good fan!

Seriously, I've never heard of the announcer actually having to scold fans at a game before and after they did something to cause their team to be penalized and ultimately scored against. But whatever, it happens everywhere and the media is just picking on Philly like always. If Flyer fans could have thrown Ed's flaming corpse onto the ice last night they would have and excused it off as just fun loving gamesmanship.

Whatever helps you guys sleeps at night. I would normally say stay classy but let's just say, Stay Philly!

I'm really disappointed i expected a better series. Hextall needs to blow this up. Does anyone still think there is not a problem with the age gap of prospects to vets? This will be third series in a row going back to the NJ series 3-4 years ago (wow look how sad that is) that Giroux has looked mostly invisible after that series with pittsburgh fearuring hula hoop goaltending.
- JoeRussomanno

I think most reasonable fans know the Flyers will need another top notch young center to compete when the defense prospects are ready. It doesn't mean Giroux will be worthless in the future and should be traded. He will probably be better suited as a number 2 center when the Flyers are ready.

That wasn't memorable? C'mon.

Years from now this will be right up there with the dollar dog fiasco (actually had another small one against the Mets yesterday too ) and the Santa incident. Another stinky notch to be added to the Philly sports fans collection of why they are the worst, but conveniently spun as the best because it somehow shows passion and not thuggish, insubordinate ignorance. No, no, that's just being a good fan!

Seriously, I've never heard of the announcer actually having to scold fans at a game before and after they did something to cause their team to be penalized and ultimately scored against. But whatever, it happens everywhere and the media is just picking on Philly like always. If Flyer fans could have thrown Ed's flaming corpse onto the ice last night they would have and excused it off as just fun loving gamesmanship.

Whatever helps you guys sleeps at night. I would normally say stay classy but let's just say, Stay Philly!
- NJPensfan

Hey dude we cheered lemieux when he returned from cancer and you guys were chanting flyers suck (which they do right now, but that wasn't the time or place) during a moment of silence for an owner who made it possible for teams like yours to exist, so piss off.

I think most reasonable fans know the Flyers will need another top notch young center to compete when the defense prospects are ready. It doesn't mean Giroux will be worthless in the future and should be traded. He will probably be better suited as a number 2 center when the Flyers are ready.
- psuhockey

I'd rather get value, then be paying that contract.

That wasn't memorable? C'mon.

Years from now this will be right up there with the dollar dog fiasco (actually had another small one against the Mets yesterday too ) and the Santa incident. Another stinky notch to be added to the Philly sports fans collection of why they are the worst, but conveniently spun as the best because it somehow shows passion and not thuggish, insubordinate ignorance. No, no, that's just being a good fan!

Seriously, I've never heard of the announcer actually having to scold fans at a game before and after they did something to cause their team to be penalized and ultimately scored against. But whatever, it happens everywhere and the media is just picking on Philly like always. If Flyer fans could have thrown Ed's flaming corpse onto the ice last night they would have and excused it off as just fun loving gamesmanship.

Whatever helps you guys sleeps at night. I would normally say stay classy but let's just say, Stay Philly!
- NJPensfan

Will you just (frank) off?

Not only was that a horrible display from our team, but from our fans as well. Can't see why Caggiula would want to sign with us now. Supposedly he attended the game last night. Pray to god he was watching and thinking I can help this team rather than this is pathetic

Bellemare is not a dirty player. Not by any stretch of the imaginary. But he had every chance to avoid that play. I think frustration got the better of him there. He was genuinely concerned after the hit which is at least nice to see.
- Flyers1218

Guy could have broken his neck on that hit.... PEB should be suspended.

That entire third period....

WILL EVERYONE JUST CALM DOWN

Not only was that a horrible display from our team, but from our fans as well. Can't see why Caggiula would want to sign with us now. Supposedly he attended the game last night. Pray to god he was watching and thinking I can help this team rather than this is pathetic
- arichardson22

Regardless of what transpired in 3rd period -- BTW, the entire contingent of late season additions to the Phantoms was there -- it won't in any way affect Caggiula's decision.

The third period was a crazy bounce, a lot of frustration leading to a slew of PIMs and out-of-gas and already demoralized PKers getting picked apart with a contingent of idiot "fans" making it worse by making the latter minutes one giant 5-on-3. The first two periods were competitive and the Flyers (for the third straight game) were the better club in the first period.

Some are getting a tad carried away with Caggiula. 'His pro level upside is likely as a useful complementary player for some team as an 8-9 forward. If he signs here, he'd be yet another undersized forward in an organization that could really use some more size (not plodding size, mind you, skilled size with mobility). That's OK but the other need would still exist.

Worth signing? Absolutely. You can never have too much depth, and he looks like he can become an NHL regular who offers some two-way game, speed and skill and can be plugged on different lines. Worth praying to sign? Nah. He'd be competition for someone like Taylor Leier, which is a positive for an organization but not someone who is going to be a major impact player by himself.

Thanks losers, now the best team in hockey will have an extra week & a half of rest
- DJ Lance Rock

OMG An actual Panthers fan? They do exist? No worries, your team won't get past the Isles.

I see this as good for Hakstol, Gost, Cousins, Laughton learning what it is to be in the playoffs. That there is a whole other gear physically and mentally and you have to be ready for it. And oh please get us someone to coach the PK.

As for the fans. Remember that there were nearly 20,000 people there last night. I'd guess there were less that 100 throwing things (one of which hit me...thanks for the bruise whoever you are chumley). The bumholes managed to prolong the narrative for the media. But all Philly fans aren't brainless dolts.
- bodiva88

While I agree that it is pretty much always a few people making everyone look bad. There seems to be a much larger and more consistent "few people" among the Flyers fans. Their reputation is well-deserved, and not new.

I fail to see how Edmonton's level of suck somehow makes it ok for your team to suck this hard.
- thenewguy

How do they suck? They made the playoffs in a rebuilding year. Maybe the Oilers should try it rather than bottoming out year after year. They ran into a superior cup contender and they just can't compete with them.

Regardless of what transpired in 3rd period -- BTW, the entire contingent of late season additions to the Phantoms was there -- it won't in any way affect Caggiula's decision.

The third period was a crazy bounce, a lot of frustration leading to a slew of PIMs and out-of-gas and already demoralized PKers getting picked apart with a contingent of idiot "fans" making it worse by making the latter minutes one giant 5-on-3. The first two periods were competitive and the Flyers (for the third straight game) were the better club in the first period.

Some are getting a tad carried away with Caggiula. 'His pro level upside is likely as a useful complementary player for some team as an 8-9 forward. If he signs here, he'd be yet another undersized forward in an organization that could really use some more size (not plodding size, mind you, skilled size with mobility). That's OK but the other need would still exist.

Worth signing? Absolutely. You can never have too much depth, and he looks like he can become an NHL regular who offers some two-way game, speed and skill and can be plugged on different lines. Worth praying to sign? Nah. He'd be competition for someone like Taylor Leier, which is a positive for an organization but not someone who is going to be a major impact player by himself.
- bmeltzer

Perhaps pray to God was over the top. But just think it would be exciting to land a somewhat-highly coveted college ufa. I figured he could be a good replacement for Matt Read but maybe I overrated him based on what I've read on him the past few weeks. I'm sure it was nice for him to meet all the phantom players that attended the game as well.