Maybe you ride it out, but it’s something I do to explore changing the core chemistry which I think we all agree needs to be addressed.
- Hextall271

I agree but the few options like him out there would probably be a detriment to the team on the ice.

Why I said 10 days ago sit Braun, nothing against him just let the younger guys get some reps in. What are they doing raising Braun's trade value?
- wcorvette

No idea. Watching players come in and out of the line up in my opinion is the biggest issue. You can’t find consistency if you’re not consistently playing.

Would it help at all to switch up the leadership of the team, giving Coots the C and G an A?
- copelal

I don't think it makes a difference.

The C is such an overblown thing IMO. Giroux was the teams best player all season. Granted, that isn't saying much, but he wasn't leading from behind in any way.

These are grown men, they shouldn't have to be yelled at between every period like children. And to be fair, we have no idea what is said behind closed doors. Its idiotic to assume what is said publicly has any relation to what happens away from the cameras and mics. Those who point to public statements by this player or coach as being comparable to what happens off camera is being silly. Throwing your team mates under the bus in public is not good leadership.

I think this group a few years ago were good players and did produce an above average PP, but they are not that any more. Giroux is no longer that sniper on the PP he once was. Jake is just pass happy and a turnover machine, JVR does nothing but deflect pucks and Ghost struggles as the QB of the PP to get pucks through to the net where JVR can deflect them. This group has created a very predictable PP that has become easy to defend, over passes and whose primary strategy is to get pucks to the point; they never attack the center of the ice and utilize an effective pivot. Case in point, the Flyers had a 4 minute PP against the Devils and only got 1 shot on goal, and in a recent two man advantage gave up a short handed break away.
- jd250

Hang on! When was Giroux ever a sniper on the power play???

No idea. Watching players come in and out of the line up in my opinion is the biggest issue. You can’t find consistency if you’re not consistently playing.
- SuperSchennBros

That’s definitely been an issue this year and it’s on av. If a guy has a bad game, let him try to recover the next one. We’ve seen lineup changes after a rare win, and what for? To send messages? At a certain point you’ve tried all of the permutations, assess the best lineup you have and stick with it for 10 games or so. Guys get used to the line mates, communicate and start sorting it out. It’s like av lost his mind or something once we started plying poorly.

But what about Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo? Do they get to stay?
- bmeltzer

I don’t know whether to laugh or ask you if I make sarcastic comments when you post one forward twice in the same line up. We’ve only ever had one Michael Raffl.

Let me preface this by saying that I’m 55 years old and have been a diehard fan of this franchise since before they won their first Cup.

Here’s what I’m seeing:

First, their is something just off with this team at the most fundamental level. They rarely start games well, and they have a maddening habit of consistently losing focus and being caught unprepared and out of position.

Second, most successful hockey teams are built with strength up the middle, and here the Flyers are sorely lacking. Couturier is a fine player and a guy you want to keep, but he is not a dynamic offensive player. You can succeed with him as your top pivot, but only if you have 2 quality centers on the next 2 lines and that’s where they have a serious problem. Hayes, in a perfect world, should be centering the 3rd line and playing heavy minutes on the PK. He simply doesn’t have the vision or offensive creativity to be a top 6 center on a contending team. But with Patrick looking like a total bust and Laughton far from a top 9, let alone top 6 center, they have little choice. Giroux certainly can play center but he’s much better off, and simply a better player, on the wing.

Moving to the D, Provorov is looking more and more like a guy who can play on a top pair, but only with the right partner. He is not a franchise #1 guy and for Gods sake, get his tunnel vision off the pp. Now add to the lack of a top pair guy to go with Provorov, the lack of a strong 2nd pair as well. Sanheim is fine in that role, but with Myers slumping and Braun past his prime, he lacks a partner. Ghost, Hagg & Braun all have their strengths and weaknesses but they all belong on the 3rd pairing as does Myers.

Now add in mediocre at best goaltending and you get the disaster that we have been watching. In regards to the coaches, I’m not an AV fan and wasn’t happy with the hire. I think he’s highly overrated and the less that is said about Michel Therrien, the better.

So, what would I do to fix this mess. First, I’d offer Rod Brind’amour the position the position of Executive VP of hockey operations along with the position of head coach. He’d be in complete control of the hockey operation and would answer only to ownership. Fletcher can stay on as GM and handle the day to day duties of the position but Brind’amour would have final say on all hockey matters. Brind’amour’s work ethic is unparalleled and he understands the passion of Flyers fans. He also knows what makes a hockey team successful and he’s an excellent coach who would command instant respect in “the room”

I’d next suggest that Brind’amour bring in his old linemate, Kevin Dineen, as associate head coach and put him in charge of the special team units. Dineen is another smart hockey who has dedicated his life to the game and knows what it takes to win in the NHL.

Will this fix all their problems? No, it won’t. They will still need to find another quality center and a top notch defenseman to pair with Provorov but I think you’d see a much more focused team under Brind’amour and one that comes out ready to play from the first drop of the puck.

Something has to fundamentally change with this organization both on and off the ice. Bringing back this coaching staff with just a few new players will not cut it. Major change is necessary if this team is going to contend.

Hang on! When was Giroux ever a sniper on the power play???
- SuperSchennBros

in 14-15 he had 14 (out of 25 total)pp goals....

For his career he has 183 es goals, 81 pp goals, and 7 sh goals.

he used to shoot way more often from that spot. Especially one timers. Not any more.

I don't think it makes a difference.

The C is such an overblown thing IMO. Giroux was the teams best player all season. Granted, that isn't saying much, but he wasn't leading from behind in any way.

These are grown men, they shouldn't have to be yelled at between every period like children. And to be fair, we have no idea what is said behind closed doors. Its idiotic to assume what is said publicly has any relation to what happens away from the cameras and mics. Those who point to public statements by this player or coach as being comparable to what happens off camera is being silly. Throwing your team mates under the bus in public is not good leadership.
- MBFlyerfan

The veterans are the only ones that played well, granted the slow starts is a major issue but the supporting cast was pitiful

That’s definitely been an issue this year and it’s on av. If a guy has a bad game, let him try to recover the next one. We’ve seen lineup changes after a rare win, and what for? To send messages? At a certain point you’ve tried all of the permutations, assess the best lineup you have and stick with it for 10 games or so. Guys get used to the line mates, communicate and start sorting it out. It’s like av lost his mind or something once we started plying poorly.
- Hextall271

There is blame to go around up and down within the origination. Fletcher was unable to fill holes in the line up in season and the off season. AV doesn’t keep consistent players in the line up, nor consistent lines. The players need to find a second, third or fourth gear every night. Aside from what I saw from the Devils against us in terms of hard work, I saw it against other teams like the Penguins prior to these last four games in a row. Devils don’t give up no matter the meaning of the game.

Dave Scott interview from Carchidi:

“You look at it, and it’s the coaches’ jobs to make sure the players are ready to play,” he said. “We’ve been showing up not ready to play. I mean, the guys have gotten off to slow starts in, what, 19 of the last 21 games” and allowed the first goal.


Lol what? Jesus this guy is clueless. You're telling me the core of this team doesn't know how to get up for games? And it's on the coaches?


“But I don’t think there’s just one thing that you can point to” for the poor season, he said. “All I can tell you is that we’re going to have a busy summer. I’m determined to get his thing back on track, and that ‘s everything from spending to the cap and giving the resources to Chuck and A.V.”



Get this bean counter away from the team as fast as possible. Selling the team might be a good start at this point.

in 14-15 he had 14 (out of 25 total)pp goals....

For his career he has 183 es goals, 81 pp goals, and 7 sh goals.

he used to shoot way more often from that spot. Especially one timers. Not any more.
- MBFlyerfan

Well it sounds like a lack of shooting as you’ve stated. Not that he’s incapable of doing it.

But what about Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo? Do they get to stay?
- bmeltzer

Why does the head coach escape the gauntlet, but his assistants do not?

In the NHL teams fire head coaches all the time. Just because ours has only been here two years does not mean he gets a pass. If he is not the right fit then make a move. There are some pretty good options coming.

You simply cannot lose the way they have that many times with 0 pride, heart or character.

Dave Scott interview from Carchidi:

“You look at it, and it’s the coaches’ jobs to make sure the players are ready to play,” he said. “We’ve been showing up not ready to play. I mean, the guys have gotten off to slow starts in, what, 19 of the last 21 games” and allowed the first goal.

Just what did he say that was wrong?


Lol what? Jesus this guy is clueless. You're telling me the core of this team doesn't know how to get up for games? And it's on the coaches?


“But I don’t think there’s just one thing that you can point to” for the poor season, he said. “All I can tell you is that we’re going to have a busy summer. I’m determined to get his thing back on track, and that ‘s everything from spending to the cap and giving the resources to Chuck and A.V.”



Get this bean counter away from the team as fast as possible. Selling the team might be a good start at this point.
- StepfordSam

Dave Scott interview from Carchidi:

“You look at it, and it’s the coaches’ jobs to make sure the players are ready to play,” he said. “We’ve been showing up not ready to play. I mean, the guys have gotten off to slow starts in, what, 19 of the last 21 games” and allowed the first goal.


Lol what? Jesus this guy is clueless. You're telling me the core of this team doesn't know how to get up for games? And it's on the coaches?


“But I don’t think there’s just one thing that you can point to” for the poor season, he said. “All I can tell you is that we’re going to have a busy summer. I’m determined to get his thing back on track, and that ‘s everything from spending to the cap and giving the resources to Chuck and A.V.”



Get this bean counter away from the team as fast as possible. Selling the team might be a good start at this point.
- StepfordSam

Wow. This offseason will be a party I’d say

in 14-15 he had 14 (out of 25 total)pp goals....

For his career he has 183 es goals, 81 pp goals, and 7 sh goals.

he used to shoot way more often from that spot. Especially one timers. Not any more.
- MBFlyerfan

All of his goals this year are even strength except for 1. This Pp is that bad, blame goes all the way around.

[quote=Joe Nardone]

It's not on the coaches to get the team up to play each and every game. What would you have them do? Show Rocky or Rudy before every game? More military flyovers?

The coaches did a poor job this year overall but to blame them on the slow starts is ludicrous. It's 100% on the players.

Hang on! When was Giroux ever a sniper on the power play???
- SuperSchennBros

Up to a few seasons ago he had a killer one timer from the top of the circle, don't see that much any more.

Dave Scott interview from Carchidi:

“You look at it, and it’s the coaches’ jobs to make sure the players are ready to play,” he said. “We’ve been showing up not ready to play. I mean, the guys have gotten off to slow starts in, what, 19 of the last 21 games” and allowed the first goal.


Lol what? Jesus this guy is clueless. You're telling me the core of this team doesn't know how to get up for games? And it's on the coaches?


“But I don’t think there’s just one thing that you can point to” for the poor season, he said. “All I can tell you is that we’re going to have a busy summer. I’m determined to get his thing back on track, and that ‘s everything from spending to the cap and giving the resources to Chuck and A.V.”



Get this bean counter away from the team as fast as possible. Selling the team might be a good start at this point.
- StepfordSam

Lol Apparently we've hired Coaches who cant get the team ready to play for the past decade. What is is, 6 different coaches at this point?

[quote=StepfordSam]

I would say its the coaches job to hold these guys accountable if they dont show up to play.

Interesting suggestions. I like foligno for sure. Larsson as well, as a depth guy. Who do you want us to target for that top pair dman?
- Hextall271

I would love to get Hamilton, but I hear he wants to stay in Carolina, and frankly what worries me the most about Hamilton is whether he wants to play in an intense market. He shot himself out of town in Boston and went to Calgary, then to Carolina. Would he want to play for a market like Philly? If so he is my first choice because all it costs you is money. If not there is strength in numbers, i.e. you sign a player like Larsson and then augment with a trade for another top 4 dman ... like .. wait for it ... that's right folks ... EKHOLM!

I don't think it makes a difference.

The C is such an overblown thing IMO. Giroux was the teams best player all season. Granted, that isn't saying much, but he wasn't leading from behind in any way.

These are grown men, they shouldn't have to be yelled at between every period like children. And to be fair, we have no idea what is said behind closed doors. Its idiotic to assume what is said publicly has any relation to what happens away from the cameras and mics. Those who point to public statements by this player or coach as being comparable to what happens off camera is being silly. Throwing your team mates under the bus in public is not good leadership.
- MBFlyerfan

Overall I agree with you, however changing up who wears the 'C' will signal the locker room that everything is on the table here, including a player like Giroux. Its not about yelling or rah-rah speeches, its about setting a tone and sticking with it.

Dave Scott interview from Carchidi:

“You look at it, and it’s the coaches’ jobs to make sure the players are ready to play,” he said. “We’ve been showing up not ready to play. I mean, the guys have gotten off to slow starts in, what, 19 of the last 21 games” and allowed the first goal.


Lol what? Jesus this guy is clueless. You're telling me the core of this team doesn't know how to get up for games? And it's on the coaches?


“But I don’t think there’s just one thing that you can point to” for the poor season, he said. “All I can tell you is that we’re going to have a busy summer. I’m determined to get his thing back on track, and that ‘s everything from spending to the cap and giving the resources to Chuck and A.V.”



Get this bean counter away from the team as fast as possible. Selling the team might be a good start at this point.
- StepfordSam

Yeah this is pure ineptitude if that's his plan. In no way shape or form should they even consider being a cap team.

Let me preface this by saying that I’m 55 years old and have been a diehard fan of this franchise since before they won their first Cup.

Here’s what I’m seeing:

First, their is something just off with this team at the most fundamental level. They rarely start games well, and they have a maddening habit of consistently losing focus and being caught unprepared and out of position.

Second, most successful hockey teams are built with strength up the middle, and here the Flyers are sorely lacking. Couturier is a fine player and a guy you want to keep, but he is not a dynamic offensive player. You can succeed with him as your top pivot, but only if you have 2 quality centers on the next 2 lines and that’s where they have a serious problem. Hayes, in a perfect world, should be centering the 3rd line and playing heavy minutes on the PK. He simply doesn’t have the vision or offensive creativity to be a top 6 center on a contending team. But with Patrick looking like a total bust and Laughton far from a top 9, let alone top 6 center, they have little choice. Giroux certainly can play center but he’s much better off, and simply a better player, on the wing.

Moving to the D, Provorov is looking more and more like a guy who can play on a top pair, but only with the right partner. He is not a franchise #1 guy and for Gods sake, get his tunnel vision off the pp. Now add to the lack of a top pair guy to go with Provorov, the lack of a strong 2nd pair as well. Sanheim is fine in that role, but with Myers slumping and Braun past his prime, he lacks a partner. Ghost, Hagg & Braun all have their strengths and weaknesses but they all belong on the 3rd pairing as does Myers.

Now add in mediocre at best goaltending and you get the disaster that we have been watching. In regards to the coaches, I’m not an AV fan and wasn’t happy with the hire. I think he’s highly overrated and the less that is said about Michel Therrien, the better.

So, what would I do to fix this mess. First, I’d offer Rod Brind’amour the position the position of Executive VP of hockey operations along with the position of head coach. He’d be in complete control of the hockey operation and would answer only to ownership. Fletcher can stay on as GM and handle the day to day duties of the position but Brind’amour would have final say on all hockey matters. Brind’amour’s work ethic is unparalleled and he understands the passion of Flyers fans. He also knows what makes a hockey team successful and he’s an excellent coach who would command instant respect in “the room”

I’d next suggest that Brind’amour bring in his old linemate, Kevin Dineen, as associate head coach and put him in charge of the special team units. Dineen is another smart hockey who has dedicated his life to the game and knows what it takes to win in the NHL.

Will this fix all their problems? No, it won’t. They will still need to find another quality center and a top notch defenseman to pair with Provorov but I think you’d see a much more focused team under Brind’amour and one that comes out ready to play from the first drop of the puck.

Something has to fundamentally change with this organization both on and off the ice. Bringing back this coaching staff with just a few new players will not cut it. Major change is necessary if this team is going to contend.
- BiggE

Excellent post, BiggE. I am hoping Myers comes around but other than, agree with all you said. I especially love the Brindy and Dineen recommendations.

Unfortunately, this guy Dave Scott, based on the comments and quotes posted above, seems like a corporate moron. Every single thing I read about him reeks of short-sighted showy moves this off-season and not the fundamental sort of changes that are needed.

I would love to get Hamilton, but I hear he wants to stay in Carolina, and frankly what worries me the most about Hamilton is whether he wants to play in an intense market. He shot himself out of town in Boston and went to Calgary, then to Carolina. Would he want to play for a market like Philly? If so he is my first choice because all it costs you is money. If not there is strength in numbers, i.e. you sign a player like Larsson and then augment with a trade for another top 4 dman ... like .. wait for it ... that's right folks ... EKHOLM!
- jd250