One big take-away watching the Caps and Bruins last night, if you think teams don't still need size and toughness in this league to win big games, you don't know what you are watching. Ovechkin came out and completely ran over Krejci right out of the gate, the captain set the tone for the game! Wilson was physical but under control, and Chara was his usual monster self. If the Flyers want to seriously compete next season, they need to get bigger, tougher and faster.

One big take-away watching the Caps and Bruins last night, if you think teams don't still need size and toughness in this league to win big games, you don't know what you are watching. Ovechkin came out and completely ran over Krejci right out of the gate, the captain set the tone for the game! Wilson was physical but under control, and Chara was his usual monster self. If the Flyers want to seriously compete next season, they need to get bigger, tougher and faster.
- jd250

Pretty fair to say that’s not the type of team AV or Fletch want.....this is the “new” NHL. Small skilled, with speed. The Flyers could have had Nick Ritchie for next to nothing....most around here told me he sucked....all he he brings is size, toughness, net front presence and the ability to score. Nope, Flyers don’t need that. Ovechkin smoked Cout’s in the playoffs a few years ago as well. When he wants to ramp it up, he destroys guys....same with Wilson. The Flyers have no answer for that....(frank) they don’t even think it’s a question.

Pretty fair to say that’s not the type of team AV or Fletch want.....this is the “new” NHL. Small skilled, with speed. The Flyers could have had Nick Ritchie for next to nothing....most around here told me he sucked....all he he brings is size, toughness, net front presence and the ability to score. Nope, Flyers don’t need that. Ovechkin smoked Cout’s in the playoffs a few years ago as well. When he wants to ramp it up, he destroys guys....same with Wilson. The Flyers have no answer for that....(frank) they don’t even think it’s a question.
- landros 2

You can certainly still play a fast strong game, I suggest you go watch the AVs. Unfortunately the Flyers don’t have a team build of either though.

Sam Reinhart unfollowed the Sabres on Instagram.

You can certainly still play a fast strong game, I suggest you go watch the AVs. Unfortunately the Flyers don’t have a team build of either though.
- ClaudeFather

I’ve watched them as well...they to have added grit. They have built a real good team....using BOTH trades and solid drafting to build a team.

I’ve watched them as well...they to have added grit. They have built a real good team....using BOTH trades and solid drafting to build a team.
- landros 2

Doesn’t hurt when your top draft picks actually turn into good players

Doesn’t hurt when your top draft picks actually turn into good players
- ClaudeFather

Yes. They also consistently finished lower for higher picks. Makes you wonder how some other teams feel about their drafting. Feel a few teams have been rebuilding for twenty years.

Doesn’t hurt when your top draft picks actually turn into good players
- ClaudeFather

2013 Draft
AV - McKinnon #1, Flyers - Morin #13 overall
2015 Draft
AV - Mikko Rantanen #10, Flyers - Ivan Provorov #7, TK #24
2017 Draft
AV - Cale Makar #4, Flyers - Nolan Patrick #2

In all these drafts, the Flyers had high picks to either draft a great player or move up in the draft to get a great player. Instead they screwed the pooch while the AV drafted not good, but great players. Yet there are those on this forum that still praise Hextall ... amazing!