The more money you're given (or make), the less it matters to you overall. As someone who was paid a lot of money to do a regular job (not the military) and be away from family for many months I can honestly tell you that the more time it goes on, the less interested you are in being the absolute best. And in a league where you need to be the best of the best, that little edge may mean the difference between winning and losing
- atibus

It’s human nature. When people are comfortable it gets very easy to not push yourself and make sacrifices to achieve goals.
I am sure Giroux wants to win the Stanley cup but does he want it bad enough to sacrifice some family time to train like a beast.
As an older player that lost a step it’s that much more important to rely on experience.
I’m not in his head so I don’t know if any of this is the case.
Watching the games Giroux and Couturier are not playing to their capabilities.
Part of that is the islanders playing their game.
That’s why I think Giroux needs to be put back at center and out out against better matchups.
Have Couturier put out against Barzal.

Say what you want about G, but in the only prior playoff series played in Couturier’s prime, he had 5 goals and 9 points in only 5 games. I’d be shocked if Couts isn’t playing through an injury right now.
- BiggE

Wasn’t he playing with a torn MCL during that playoff series?

With how perpetually ineffective giroux’s play has been in the playoffs. I think a buyout merits a real discussion.

With how perpetually ineffective giroux’s play has been in the playoffs. I think a buyout merits a real discussion.
- Just5

If anything it would be a lot better for us if we could get him to waive to go to Seattle.

But yeah, I don’t think we can rely on him to carry a team anymore. That’s why it’s all the more important to get JVR off the books. The money vs production between him and G is brutal. You can probably lump Ghost in that discussion too.

Three when you include JVR.

And I wouldn't have sacrificed that time for any amount of money. My daughters first six months were the most amazing thing I ever experienced as a parent.
- MBFlyerfan

Not a chance in hell I would trade in those 6 months for anything! I truly feel bad for these guys having to leave their newborns and wives at home alone. I would be consumed by the loss of time with my baby.
I understand these guys are paid a lot of money and are professionals but they're still human.
Also, not being there with your newborn ranks as one of the worst feelings in the world, to Any father who is worth a damn anyway

The more money you're given (or make), the less it matters to you overall. As someone who was paid a lot of money to do a regular job (not the military) and be away from family for many months I can honestly tell you that the more time it goes on, the less interested you are in being the absolute best. And in a league where you need to be the best of the best, that little edge may mean the difference between winning and losing
- atibus

Agreed 100%! It's hard to be your best when you're depressed and sad about life decisions that hurt your family.
If the players had their family in the bubble with them so you think their level of care would be greater? I can't help but think it would be a dramatic impact for the new fathers

Not a chance in hell I would trade in those 6 months for anything! I truly feel bad for these guys having to leave their newborns and wives at home alone. I would be consumed by the loss of time with my baby.
I understand these guys are paid a lot of money and are professionals but they're still human.
Also, not being there with your newborn ranks as one of the worst feelings in the world, to Any father who is worth a damn anyway
- Bob Habib

Completely understandable for sure. If you do make that choice to go into the bubble and not be with your family it is still up to you to be 100% committed to playing to your best capability.
If not then stay home. Sure there will be heat from some but family comes first.
There are occupations that not having your complete undivided attention to what you are doing can get people killed.
In that aspect playing hockey isn’t so bad of a deal.

I don’t think it’s a motivation thing. I think he’s just lost a step. He’s not the same player anymore. And we have the most predictable power play in the world which isn’t helping him either.
- hereticpride

Giroux is still an effective NHL player but i just dont think he is a top 15/20 guy in the league anymore. age sucks. Hes definitely in a slump right now but even still, i dont think he has "that" gear anymore. Theres not really much you can do though. i doubt he is going anywhere.

Coots has to be injured. I really dont buy the newborn thing. I guess its easier for me to say never having gone through it, but its not as though its a momentary lapse in concentration. its simply not physically doing or engaging in the ways that make him a stud. to think he just wants to pack up and go home and thats why hes sucking is insulting to virtually everything these guys do. most of these guys would let you take out their teeth one by one with tweezers if it meant a cup.

sucks but it largely is a young player driven sport. even look at boston. yeah bergeron is still going, but they arent where they are if they dont hit on pastrnak and a number of young guys. same with tampa. its not even stamkos anymore, its point. McKinnon. Vancouvers kids. Vegas has a lot of mid 20s guys, but even that is a big difference than giroux/crosby pushing 33/34.

giroux should just retire he's a liability going forward on this team

Danny Briere being interviewed on WIP now

Thinking back to to October this was about my expectations for the team. Get in and hopefully win a round. They have. That's even with G and Coots being themselves.

Probably an injury or the simple fact he’s not an offensive powerhouse to begin with.

Do you really think they’re on the bench with their head in the clouds during games? That’s ridiculous.
- hereticpride

No I don't think they're sulking on the bench, but I do think it's taking a mental toll. They're not robots, they're people, and their personal lives can absolutely affect their job performance.

Braun/Hagg are getting caved in every shift, I find it hard to believe the coaches can’t see this.

- BiggE

A pair like Braun-Hagg are always going to lose the Corsi battle.

Do you know which two players lead the Flyers in +/- this series, and also happen to be one of 3 players who are + in that regard?

Braun and Hagg.

EDIT: 2 of 3 players

Giroux is still an effective NHL player but i just dont think he is a top 15/20 guy in the league anymore. age sucks. Hes definitely in a slump right now but even still, i dont think he has "that" gear anymore. Theres not really much you can do though. i doubt he is going anywhere.

Coots has to be injured. I really dont buy the newborn thing. I guess its easier for me to say never having gone through it, but its not as though its a momentary lapse in concentration. its simply not physically doing or engaging in the ways that make him a stud. to think he just wants to pack up and go home and thats why hes sucking is insulting to virtually everything these guys do. most of these guys would let you take out their teeth one by one with tweezers if it meant a cup.

sucks but it largely is a young player driven sport. even look at boston. yeah bergeron is still going, but they arent where they are if they dont hit on pastrnak and a number of young guys. same with tampa. its not even stamkos anymore, its point. McKinnon. Vancouvers kids. Vegas has a lot of mid 20s guys, but even that is a big difference than giroux/crosby pushing 33/34.
- stayinthefnnet

I dunno if he is a top 35 forward anymore. I strongly doubt it.

Wasn’t he playing with a torn MCL during that playoff series?
- Dkos

Yes.

And that would mean something if the other teams weren’t all in the same boat.

These guys simply aren’t as good as we want them to be. G has never been a huge playoff performer offensively. At least not in the last 7 years. Neither has Coots.

The team needs upgrades up front, not excuses.
- hereticpride

Doesn't Giroux hold the team record for points in a playoff round? And if I remember correctly, Coots had like 5 goals in 3 games on a partially torn MCL 2 years ago. But yeah, they've never been huge playoff performers offensively.

Criticizing them this year is valid, fine. But to say they've never been so is just wrong.

I’m sure the Islanders have new dads and families that they miss, just as the Flyers and other teams have.

Giroux is still an effective NHL player but i just dont think he is a top 15/20 guy in the league anymore. age sucks. Hes definitely in a slump right now but even still, i dont think he has "that" gear anymore. Theres not really much you can do though. i doubt he is going anywhere.

Coots has to be injured. I really dont buy the newborn thing. I guess its easier for me to say never having gone through it, but its not as though its a momentary lapse in concentration. its simply not physically doing or engaging in the ways that make him a stud. to think he just wants to pack up and go home and thats why hes sucking is insulting to virtually everything these guys do. most of these guys would let you take out their teeth one by one with tweezers if it meant a cup.

sucks but it largely is a young player driven sport. even look at boston. yeah bergeron is still going, but they arent where they are if they dont hit on pastrnak and a number of young guys. same with tampa. its not even stamkos anymore, its point. McKinnon. Vancouvers kids. Vegas has a lot of mid 20s guys, but even that is a big difference than giroux/crosby pushing 33/34.
- stayinthefnnet

Am I correct in saying the Islanders are one of the oldest teams in the NHL ? I just think the flyers are being out played and out coached. See what happens tonight

Doesn't Giroux hold the team record for points in a playoff round? And if I remember correctly, Coots had like 5 goals in 3 games on a partially torn MCL 2 years ago. But yeah, they've never been huge playoff performers offensively.

Criticizing them this year is valid, fine. But to say they've never been so is just wrong.
- jmatchett383

Coots does not look like the same player. We will see whats going on.

G though was a tremendous playoff performer. We all remember those early years of his.

After the Pens series in 2012, it would be untrue to say he has had a dominant playoff run, it would be untrue to say he has had an dominant game, and it would be untrue to say he has had even a dominant period.

Interestingly, his regular season performance has not dipped at the same rate. Just a couple of years ago he had 100 points. But his style of play seems to have changed. Much more of guy who makes the high % plays rather than be more of a game breaker.

Come playoff time, defenses really tighten up. Players sell out bodies and stay in lanes much more than they did during regular season, and they are alert for no look passes and things like that, and maybe his new mo does not work there anymore.

Doesn't Giroux hold the team record for points in a playoff round? And if I remember correctly, Coots had like 5 goals in 3 games on a partially torn MCL 2 years ago. But yeah, they've never been huge playoff performers offensively.

Criticizing them this year is valid, fine. But to say they've never been so is just wrong.
- jmatchett383

Couturier postseason career 36g 20 points. .55 ppg
Giroux last 31 postseason games 3 goals 12 assists 15 points .48 ppg

Your best players have to be much more productive than this.

Under a first year coach, they are back to giving half ass effort. Periods at a time just going through the motions. It's embarrassing.

I dunno if he is a top 35 forward anymore. I strongly doubt it.
- PT21

60th on NHL scoring leaders 19-20!

Giroux is still an effective NHL player but i just dont think he is a top 15/20 guy in the league anymore. age sucks. Hes definitely in a slump right now but even still, i dont think he has "that" gear anymore. Theres not really much you can do though. i doubt he is going anywhere.

Coots has to be injured. I really dont buy the newborn thing. I guess its easier for me to say never having gone through it, but its not as though its a momentary lapse in concentration. its simply not physically doing or engaging in the ways that make him a stud. to think he just wants to pack up and go home and thats why hes sucking is insulting to virtually everything these guys do. most of these guys would let you take out their teeth one by one with tweezers if it meant a cup.

sucks but it largely is a young player driven sport. even look at boston. yeah bergeron is still going, but they arent where they are if they dont hit on pastrnak and a number of young guys. same with tampa. its not even stamkos anymore, its point. McKinnon. Vancouvers kids. Vegas has a lot of mid 20s guys, but even that is a big difference than giroux/crosby pushing 33/34.
- stayinthefnnet

Yup. I don’t even have G as top 30 forward in the league anymore. He’s probably just outside that. And if that’s who you’re hanging your hat on for offense it’s just going to be hard to compete in this league.

No I don't think they're sulking on the bench, but I do think it's taking a mental toll. They're not robots, they're people, and their personal lives can absolutely affect their job performance.
- jmatchett383

something something professionals

Doesn't Giroux hold the team record for points in a playoff round? And if I remember correctly, Coots had like 5 goals in 3 games on a partially torn MCL 2 years ago. But yeah, they've never been huge playoff performers offensively.

Criticizing them this year is valid, fine. But to say they've never been so is just wrong.
- jmatchett383

yea somebody did something once

Am I correct in saying the Islanders are one of the oldest teams in the NHL ? I just think the flyers are being out played and out coached. See what happens tonight
- Weeber@12

I juts don't see what role coaching has played in this series in either direction. When the Isles have ever taken the lead, Flyers have not even managed to score a goal. Conversely the Flyers have never managed to hold a lead. When the Isles are pressing, there is panic in the Flyers end. When the Flyers are pressing, they cannot break down the Isles in the middle and get open in the high danger areas: most of the offense is cycling around the board and shooting from the perimeter and hoping for scrambles and deflections.

Without Carter Hart and some leaky goals by Varly, this would be 3-0, with at least a 2 goal margin in every game.

Hate to be brutal, but that's complete domination. Nothing subtle or cerebral about it.