Morin - Myers pairing has great chemistry, and they are playing well. They are an NHL-ready, perfect third pairing. What does this mean? You shouldn’t throw two leftovers on that 3rd pair just because you don’t want to scratch them. I get that the top pairing is a work-in-progress. And yes, unless there is an injury, someone should be traded. Otherwise it becomes a case of choosing to play the highest d-men on the depth chart and not the ones that work well together. I know they haven’t tried all the combos yet, but instead of using what was working, now what will we see opening night?

Okay, I’m sorry but I’ve heard this all day and it’s garbage. This isn’t directed at Raffl but the entire team as a whole. Expectations are high regardless of what time of year it is. We brought in Alain Vigneault who has been a top coach for over a decade. You actively signed Kevin Hayes or traded for Matt Niskanen and Justin Braunn. You gave Travis Konency and Ivan Provorov exactly what they wanted. Now losing a game like they did today in the fashion that they did is okay because it’s exhibition. The season hasn’t started yet and the excuses are already sad. We probably will have a winning record and make the playoffs but oh boy, if we don’t get past the first round and go deep, we’ll be back to the same sad excuses like the ones I’ve read all day. The Flyers failed to represent the NHL as the best league in the world today. It doesn’t matter that they lost, what matters is, they didn’t complete. Period!
- SuperSchennBros

As AV said, its not like this is some team coming off a long string of playoff appearances. Yesterday was an embarrassment. I don't care about he bigger ice, or that it was an exhibition. Where is the pride? You are effing NHL players in the best league in the world and you just got beat by a bunch of Swiss league players and a 35 year old goalie in front of the whole world.

The switch needs to be on yesterday for these guys. They haven't earned the right to flip it whenever they want (if it even exists for this lineup)

If they play like that against Chicago they will get spanked.

As AV said, its not like this is some team coming off a long string of playoff appearances. Yesterday was an embarrassment. I don't care about he bigger ice, or that it was an exhibition. Where is the pride? You are effing NHL players in the best league in the world and you just got beat by a bunch of Swiss league players and a 35 year old goalie in front of the whole world.

The switch needs to be on yesterday for these guys. They haven't earned the right to flip it whenever they want (if it even exists for this lineup)

If they play like that against Chicago they will get spanked.
- MBFlyerfan

Seems to be a common issue with these players. Change the coach, change the gm. Same poop.

I really think these guys are in for a wake up call with AV. He'll drop guys to the 4th line for not hustling.

Seems to be a common issue with these players. Change the coach, change the gm. Same poop.

I really think these guys are in for a wake up call with AV. He'll drop guys to the 4th line for not hustling.
- hereticpride

It was good to see Giroux looking pissed off and embarrassed after the game. But that should have been the mood right from the opening puck drop.

As AV said, its not like this is some team coming off a long string of playoff appearances. Yesterday was an embarrassment. I don't care about he bigger ice, or that it was an exhibition. Where is the pride? You are effing NHL players in the best league in the world and you just got beat by a bunch of Swiss league players and a 35 year old goalie in front of the whole world.

The switch needs to be on yesterday for these guys. They haven't earned the right to flip it whenever they want (if it even exists for this lineup)

If they play like that against Chicago they will get spanked.
- MBFlyerfan

I completely agree, and so far I am not seeing anything that tells me the squad will have improved over last season. It's preseason, but you have to start building that winning chemistry at some point. They have zero swagger or it seems pride. They start games and seasons slowly and then run out of gas because they are behind the 8 ball.

AV is spot on, and the core players have no excuse. As I've said before, there is a strong possibility that the core players that have been here for a while just aren't good enough. A trade to mix up the chemistry is in order of they don't get it together.

I completely agree, and so far I am not seeing anything that tells me the squad will have improved over last season. It's preseason, but you have to start building that winning chemistry at some point. They have zero swagger or it seems pride. They start games and seasons slowly and then run out of gas because they are behind the 8 ball.

AV is spot on, and the core players have no excuse. As I've said before, there is a strong possibility that the core players that have been here for a while just aren't good enough. A trade to mix up the chemistry is in order of they don't get it together.
- Hextall271

I have no doubt about the skill of Giroux and Couturier. But after that?


I wish Voracek didn't have such an immovable contract. I don't see him and AV gelling too well as he starts making blind passes and turning the puck over game after game in the neutral zone.

Or JVR disappearing for long stretches of games while forgetting to backcheck or get to the net.

Jury is still out on Hayes but 7 million for a guy who doesn't score 60 points will get real thin real fast. So he better be close.

The offence was anemic all of preseason against other teams also playing at preseason levels. It ain't going to get easier when the games count either. This is very worrisome to me.

I have no doubt about the skill of Giroux and Couturier. But after that?


I wish Voracek didn't have such an immovable contract. I don't see him and AV gelling too well as he starts making blind passes and turning the puck over game after game in the neutral zone.

Or JVR disappearing for long stretches of games while forgetting to backcheck or get to the net.

Jury is still out on Hayes but 7 million for a guy who doesn't score 60 points will get real thin real fast. So he better be close.

The offence was anemic all of preseason against other teams also playing at preseason levels. It ain't going to get easier when the games count either. This is very worrisome to me.
- MBFlyerfan

I'm worried about being too cute on offense and trying to pass too much. Like AV has been saying, "shoot the puck." This seems to have been happening the past 2 seasons. Guys passing up the shot and trying to make another pass, which is usually deflected or just misses. Seemed like this was the case against Swiss Miss team.

I have no doubt about the skill of Giroux and Couturier. But after that?


I wish Voracek didn't have such an immovable contract. I don't see him and AV gelling too well as he starts making blind passes and turning the puck over game after game in the neutral zone.

Or JVR disappearing for long stretches of games while forgetting to backcheck or get to the net.

Jury is still out on Hayes but 7 million for a guy who doesn't score 60 points will get real thin real fast. So he better be close.

The offence was anemic all of preseason against other teams also playing at preseason levels. It ain't going to get easier when the games count either. This is very worrisome to me.
- MBFlyerfan

All solid points. The pressure jacks up from here. I think that Jake's contract could be moved for a similar player who needs a change kind of thing. Hockey trade to shake up chemistry. I can see Ghost getting moved as well. No advocating for it, but the next step here is flipping players who for 8 years haven't gotten it done and seem to have the same issues. I think part of the Niskanen move was to bring in a solid vet who has won it all to try to guide the D corps and team. We haven't had that since Pronger left.

The PP had been great for a long period and now it's stagnant. I don't know why, but with the O talent, this has to get sorted and fast. It's been (frank)ing terrible.

I am hoping the PK can be improved with the addition of Hayes and

I have no doubt about the skill of Giroux and Couturier. But after that?


I wish Voracek didn't have such an immovable contract. I don't see him and AV gelling too well as he starts making blind passes and turning the puck over game after game in the neutral zone.

Or JVR disappearing for long stretches of games while forgetting to backcheck or get to the net.

Jury is still out on Hayes but 7 million for a guy who doesn't score 60 points will get real thin real fast. So he better be close.

The offence was anemic all of preseason against other teams also playing at preseason levels. It ain't going to get easier when the games count either. This is very worrisome to me.
- MBFlyerfan

Preseason points
Jake Voracek - 4 GP 1 goal 3 assists
Kevin Hayes - 4GP 1 goal 2 assists

Both of them have looked good in the preseason, especially Hayes.

I'm worried about being too cute on offense and trying to pass too much. Like AV has been saying, "shoot the puck." This seems to have been happening the past 2 seasons. Guys passing up the shot and trying to make another pass, which is usually deflected or just misses. Seemed like this was the case against Swiss Miss team.
- cdearth23

Yes. Jake, G and several others look to pass first. They need to start thinking shoot first when it's a clear lane to the net.

Yes. Jake, G and several others look to pass first. They need to start thinking shoot first when it's a clear lane to the net.
- Hextall271

Oh Yea! Lets start telling two guys that have both registered 60+ assists to stop passing

After watching yesterday's game it appears to me that the guys were not listening when AV said "be a fu@king Flyer!"

Preseason, I get it, but one win? Not the best way to be heading into the regular season.

It was good to see Giroux looking pissed off and embarrassed after the game. But that should have been the mood right from the opening puck drop.
- MBFlyerfan

If they get off to a slow start, in both games and record, I fully expect a core player or 2 being traded. The most likely guys that will be moved are Jake and/or JVR and on D, it would likely be Ghost

It feels the way it did when Hitch was 1st brought in: the coach is here to stay and it’s the players asses that are on the line.

Time to man up or get the (frank) out of town boys!

No desire to back read. The sky fell, right?

Preseason points
Jake Voracek - 4 GP 1 goal 3 assists
Kevin Hayes - 4GP 1 goal 2 assists

Both of them have looked good in the preseason, especially Hayes.
- ClaudeFather

Jake

1 assist in a 3-1 loss to the Islanders
1 goal 2 assist in a 4-1 win against the Rangers.
0 points in the other 2 games.

I disagree that he has looked good. He looks uninterested.

No desire to back read. The sky fell, right?
- Scoob

Of course the Sky Fell..
This is Flyersbuzz.

What time is Fantasy draft tonight?

Jake

1 assist in a 3-1 loss to the Islanders
1 goal 2 assist in a 4-1 win against the Rangers.
0 points in the other 2 games.

I disagree that he has looked good. He looks uninterested.
- MBFlyerfan

Let's see what he looks like playing in front of his clan on Fri.

If they get off to a slow start, in both games and record, I fully expect a core player or 2 being traded. The most likely guys that will be moved are Jake and/or JVR and on D, it would likely be Ghost

It feels the way it did when Hitch was 1st brought in: the coach is here to stay and it’s the players asses that are on the line.

Time to man up or get the (frank) out of town boys!
- BiggE

Reactionary trades are never a good idea in my opinion but with the way upper management has been, I wouldn't doubt it. Let's play at least one game. New players and a new coach, there are going to be some adjustment time until it becomes second nature to them.

Jake

1 assist in a 3-1 loss to the Islanders
1 goal 2 assist in a 4-1 win against the Rangers.
0 points in the other 2 games.

I disagree that he has looked good. He looks uninterested.
- MBFlyerfan

He probably is in pre season. If he looks disinterested in the regular season, then I'll have an issue.

Oh Yea! Lets start telling two guys that have both registered 60+ assists to stop passing
- ClaudeFather

I would when neither one shoots when they have clear opportunities! There's a reason AV is telling them to shoot.

Reactionary trades are never a good idea in my opinion but with the way upper management has been, I wouldn't doubt it. Let's play at least one game. New players and a new coach, there are going to be some adjustment time until it becomes second nature to them.
- MJL

I agree about reactionary trades, however if the team exhibits the same issues as before, and we're not in the race for a playoff spot, I can see something happening at the deadline or at a minimum in the offseason to shake the core up. At that point, you will have changed the GM and entire coaching staff with no effect. Ownership will expect changes I believe.

Of course the Sky Fell..
This is Flyersbuzz.
- opeth_pa

I'll wait to see how they are looking at around December or Jan before I make a judgement, but they haven't impressed me in preseason.

I completely agree, and so far I am not seeing anything that tells me the squad will have improved over last season. It's preseason, but you have to start building that winning chemistry at some point. They have zero swagger or it seems pride. They start games and seasons slowly and then run out of gas because they are behind the 8 ball.

AV is spot on, and the core players have no excuse. As I've said before, there is a strong possibility that the core players that have been here for a while just aren't good enough. A trade to mix up the chemistry is in order of they don't get it together.
- Hextall271

I didn’t even hear AV’s comments. My post was speaking from how I feel and how I’ve felt the past five years. This isn’t a competitive team. I agree with Fletcher bringing in at least one tough guy because I think we’re soft physically and mentally. All the skill in the world but soft.

All off season, the majority of the talk has been that the Flyers made some good moves and have improved the team. The moves brought optimism along with the additions of new players. What did it take to change that? One pre-season.