This all started the day they fired Hextall and Scott and Holmgren had that beyond absurd press conference where Scott said he wanted an "action bias" GM. Bob Clarke, you are the greatest player this franchise has ever had. Thank you for the glory years. What I can't thank you for though is that your recent actions have made me have to turn on you and dislike you for your recent behavior. Your services in any manner, and any level, are no longer needed. You don't know how to run a team in the modern day NHL.
Paul Holmgren, what an amazing career you had. NHL player, coach, scout, GM and team President. Amazing accomplishments. Had a good run as GM but the NHL has passed you by, You no longer know how to run a franchise in the modern day NHL. Thank you for your services but goodbye.
To any other of the alumni country club members, other than for anything ceremonial or community related, your influence and insights are no longer needed. Thank you and good bye.

To Dave Scott, maybe you're a good business man but you don't have the first clue on how to run a hockey team. You have disgraced this organization and the legacy of Ed Snider. Just plain good bye



MJL We don't always agree but I'm with you 100% on the above. Top to freaking bottom.

(?)
I'm hard on Bill I realize that. It just baffles me to see such apparent apathy. This is not how other proper hockey markets function. Accountability is demanded after a decade of failure.
- FlyerFan3260

Here is my personal take on the interesting subject. There are 2 parts to sports coverage. One part is reporting and analysis of play. The second is interpretation and opinion.

Saying Yandle was a minus player for the 10th (?) straight game and has played 900 (?) games and is going for the all time ironman record is reporting. Saying that it is a travesty he continues to dress at the expense of giving York/Zamula valuable playing time and that is sad is an interpretation/opinion.

I personally feel it is fair to critique Bill if he omitted details that are unflattering to the Flyers in the reporting. It is not fair to critique him if he is light on the valid criticisms that be made in the second category. Often, you will see understated hints about the same in the former anyway.

My $0.02.

On top of it all, I WORK for the organization. Yet I try to be as objective as possible in the public sphere. That's not the same as apathy. Plenty gets said behind the scenes.
- bmeltzer

Not that my opinion matters, but Bill, no matter how good or bad this team plays, I appreciate your updates, blogs, opinions and consistency in keeping us fans up to date. You kept me a fan through the hockey strikes with some creative blog topics, some bad seasons, terrible playoffs and some great games. You are the best writer on HB, and the fans appreciate you, the team's performances and lackluster effort not so much.

Not that my opinion matters, but Bill, no matter how good or bad this team plays, I appreciate your updates, blogs, opinions and consistency in keeping us fans up to date. You kept me a fan through the hockey strikes with some creative blog topics, some bad seasons, terrible playoffs and some great games. You are the best writer on HB, and the fans appreciate you, the team's performances and lackluster effort not so much.
- GPerogie

Amen. I’d like to see some of these folks complaining walk into their bosses office and give them the finger. Let me know how it plays out.

Fletcher needs to go but even more so this is all on Scott, Holmgren, Clarke and the rest of the country club. Unless they go also, it's not going to matter.
- MJL

I wonder if anyone is there can identify what the real issues have been with this team or if they are all just blaming COVID and bad luck for this mess.

If not then it will take an ownership change if possible.

On top of it all, I WORK for the organization. Yet I try to be as objective as possible in the public sphere. That's not the same as apathy. Plenty gets said behind the scenes.
- bmeltzer

Do you reign in criticism based on your employment status?

Not that my opinion matters, but Bill, no matter how good or bad this team plays, I appreciate your updates, blogs, opinions and consistency in keeping us fans up to date. You kept me a fan through the hockey strikes with some creative blog topics, some bad seasons, terrible playoffs and some great games. You are the best writer on HB, and the fans appreciate you, the team's performances and lackluster effort not so much.
- GPerogie

Well said; thanks

Amen. I’d like to see some of these folks complaining walk into their bosses office and give them the finger. Let me know how it plays out.
- ClaudeFather

Which I will fully admit, is my wrongdoing here. It's easy to ask for something, but understanding the potential implications of such a move are easy to ignore.

I point out Bill because he is the most easily accessed. It's his blog after all. Just seems like nobody that even covers them, dares to speak about anyone in an actual position of influence.

It is beyond laughable that CC wears a Flyers shirt with “something to prove” on the front with the trash he rolls out every game every season. Another double digit loosing streak. What a bum

If he had any guts or actually cared how about next game fighting another skill guy as a way to snap an 11 game loosing streak or go out & run someone through the boards. A good leader would try something to turn it around not just same crap over & over
- Fopa21

Like score 2 goals...oh wait he did that tdy. Should have scored 7 the bum

Do you reign in criticism based on your employment status?
- corduroy

I criticize as needed. But in the public sphere, I try my best to do it factually and fairly, and take as much emotion out of it as possible. There's a right way and a wrong way to walk the tightrope. Have been told by enough people who've worked for NHL organizations (both here and elsewhere) that I do it well. If you've never done it, you really don't understand what the job entails.

What gets said in private stays private. But if you read The Five Things previews -- which go into a lot of depth -- and Postgame 5, I defy you to tell me that I cherry-pick only favorable things. Same thing if you listen to Flyers Daily. We're critical, we say that hockey is a business and failure to meet performance expectations (at any level) means changes are coming, and we call out specific issues.

For example, we spent an entire segment on how Chuck putting so many eggs in the basket of having a healthy Ryan Ellis and counting on Yandle to have something left in the tank has had a brutal effect because the pieces aren't there to work around it. We questioned AV's handling of Hart last season. We've said that, for $7 million, the Flyers have needed more than they've gotten from JVR. We've said that GMs only get so many coaches and roster changes before they're on the hot seat.

We don't scream it the heavens. We don't dwell constantly on it. We don't question any one's fundamental competency or call for anyone's head -- I ascribe to the Jay Greenberg philosophy on those matters https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=95758.

Both Jason and I are realists, and you can read between lines of the facts that presented repeatedly.

Which I will fully admit, is my wrongdoing here. It's easy to ask for something, but understanding the potential implications of such a move are easy to ignore.

I point out Bill because he is the most easily accessed. It's his blog after all. Just seems like nobody that even covers them, dares to speak about anyone in an actual position of influence.
- FlyerFan3260

Who's to say that no OTR conversations have been had?

I criticize as needed. But in the public sphere, I try my best to do it factually and fairly, and take as much emotion out of it as possible. There's a right way and a wrong way to walk the tightrope. Have been told by enough people who've worked for NHL organizations (both here and elsewhere) that I do it well. If you've never done it, you really don't understand what the job entails.

What gets said in private stays private. But if you read The Five Things previews -- which go into a lot of depth -- and Postgame 5, I defy you to tell me that I cherry-pick only favorable things. Same thing if you listen to Flyers Daily. We're critical, we say that hockey is a business and failure to meet performance expectations (at any level) means changes are coming, and we call out specific issues.

For example, we spent an entire segment on how Chuck putting so many eggs in the basket of having a healthy Ryan Ellis and counting on Yandle to have something left in the tank has had a brutal effect because the pieces aren't there to work around it. We questioned AV's handling of Hart last season. We've said that, for $7 million, the Flyers have needed more than they've gotten from JVR. We've said that GMs only get so many coaches and roster changes before they're on the hot seat.

We don't scream it the heavens. We don't dwell constantly on it. We don't question any one's fundamental competency or call for anyone's head -- I ascribe to the Jay Greenberg philosophy on those matters https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=95758.

Both Jason and I are realists, and you can read between lines of the facts that presented repeatedly.
- bmeltzer

Fair enough, and appreciate the responses here.

I give credit to those who can stay emotionless.

Time to light the fires and start trading anyone/everyone. There is no rebuild with the pieces we have. We'd at least show some heart/purpose and will if we iced an AHL team.
- Nh_kong

Yeah Fletchy the pantload trading guys for 25 cents on the dollar is the answer.

Amen. I’d like to see some of these folks complaining walk into their bosses office and give them the finger. Let me know how it plays out.
- ClaudeFather

I've done that. Worked great. Was a parting shot to an incompetent douche. Worked in the auto business. Was told lying to customers was proper procedure. Actually did it 3 times in 6 months. Apparently giving a direct answer to a yes or no question was frowned upon.

Who's to say that no OTR conversations have been had?
- bmeltzer

OTR, I assume you mean off the record?

Those conversations aren't available to STH's, or fans that can afford a game or two.

I won't speak for the fanbase, but it feels like there is a thought that we are walking piggy banks to draw money from. Distracted by gritty, and the new age lights/sounds at the arena.

This team has seen itself not only stagnate, but starkly regress under the reign of the current regime. Has seen longtime members of the alumni continue to be employed in critical roles, when their performance should have dictated the need for change long ago.

Your points are all valid. Every single one. It would just be nice if for one damn time, someone had the gall to treat this fanbase with an ounce of respect the way Snider did. To speak plainly, and openly. To demand some accountability, and direction. The organization sure as hell seems like it wont.

If the day comes that Briere is moved to a GM role, but Fletcher keeps his president tag. Is the thought that we will continue to buy in? People aren't so stupid, and those in the Flyers Ivory Tower should look at the number of empty seats to realize it.

I'll maintain that one of the beats needs to talk about this to start a much needed process of change. If not yourself, so be it.

The job to keep the fans reading, the team above you happy, and the players to trust you enough to do interviews and reveal details both on and off the books has to be harder than the writing itself. I doubt the Comcast ups will be upset about criticisms from the blog. Now if bill posts like some unnamed posters here. “This guys a bumb, he’s a deadbeat, captain comfortable sucks” I could see an issue but reading and listening to the full content has plenty of both sides questioning everyone at times and giving praise when earned. If you see any unwarranted praise in the last few weeks blogs I must have missed it. I’ve found them to be honest.

We are the draft lottery champions
WE ARE THE DRAFT LOTTERY CHAMPIONS

No time for winners cause we are the draft lottery champions
of the world!

Every 5 Things game preview I write -- which goes on the team website and goes in depth-- is critical in a stick to the facts way. Every Postgame 5 analysis portion is critical. Every Flyers Daily I've done with Jason the last two months has been critical.
- bmeltzer

Bill, you do not have to defend yourself. Your professionalism speaks for itself. Those, who respect your work have no doubts, and you will not sway those who don't. You will just give them fodder.

OTR, I assume you mean off the record?

Those conversations aren't available to STH's, or fans that can afford a game or two.

I won't speak for the fanbase, but it feels like there is a thought that we are walking piggy banks to draw money from. Distracted by gritty, and the new age lights/sounds at the arena.

This team has seen itself not only stagnate, but starkly regress under the reign of the current regime. Has seen longtime members of the alumni continue to be employed in critical roles, when their performance should have dictated the need for change long ago.

Your points are all valid. Every single one. It would just be nice if for one damn time, someone had the gall to treat this fanbase with an ounce of respect the way Snider did. To speak plainly, and openly. To demand some accountability, and direction. The organization sure as hell seems like it wont.

If the day comes that Briere is moved to a GM role, but Fletcher keeps his president tag. Is the thought that we will continue to buy in? People aren't so stupid, and those in the Flyers Ivory Tower should look at the number of empty seats to realize it.

I'll maintain that one of the beats needs to talk about this to start a much needed process of change. If not yourself, so be it.
- FlyerFan3260

The job to keep the fans reading, the team above you happy, and the players to trust you enough to do interviews and reveal details both on and off the books has to be harder than the writing itself. I doubt the Comcast ups will be upset about criticisms from the blog. Now if bill posts like some unnamed posters here. “This guys a bumb, he’s a deadbeat, captain comfortable sucks” I could see an issue but reading and listening to the full content has plenty of both sides questioning everyone at times and giving praise when earned. If you see any unwarranted praise in the last few weeks blogs I must have missed it. I’ve found them to be honest.
- GPerogie

A lot of lifelong fans are very upset, and understandably so. They want a proxy for their outrage. Also understandable.

Changing the topic a bit though, it is easy to see what Bill meant when he said that a lot of the fan base may not realize what a full rebuild entails/may entail. Look at the reaction here after only 90 odd games since a 2nd round exit in 2020.

A full rebuild may take 400 games like this, and there are no guarantees it will yield success. Will we fans be able to perservere, keep faith, etc or will the knives be out for every single scapegoat?

I criticize as needed. But in the public sphere, I try my best to do it factually and fairly, and take as much emotion out of it as possible. There's a right way and a wrong way to walk the tightrope. Have been told by enough people who've worked for NHL organizations (both here and elsewhere) that I do it well. If you've never done it, you really don't understand what the job entails.

What gets said in private stays private. But if you read The Five Things previews -- which go into a lot of depth -- and Postgame 5, I defy you to tell me that I cherry-pick only favorable things. Same thing if you listen to Flyers Daily. We're critical, we say that hockey is a business and failure to meet performance expectations (at any level) means changes are coming, and we call out specific issues.

For example, we spent an entire segment on how Chuck putting so many eggs in the basket of having a healthy Ryan Ellis and counting on Yandle to have something left in the tank has had a brutal effect because the pieces aren't there to work around it. We questioned AV's handling of Hart last season. We've said that, for $7 million, the Flyers have needed more than they've gotten from JVR. We've said that GMs only get so many coaches and roster changes before they're on the hot seat.

We don't scream it the heavens. We don't dwell constantly on it. We don't question any one's fundamental competency or call for anyone's head -- I ascribe to the Jay Greenberg philosophy on those matters https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=95758.

Both Jason and I are realists, and you can read between lines of the facts that presented repeatedly.
- bmeltzer

I respect the hell out of you Bill, but can you see where my question is coming from. It has to be hard for employees to criticize the organization that employs them publicly. If the brand gets damaged, profits fall, and all employees are impacted.

As long as this franchise flounders with the presently employed leadership, I interact with it as little as possible. I do not visit the Flyers site to read your analysis as those clicks generate profits for Comcast.

Sigh.

I wish, even though at times I have taken it a touch too far. You could say that I am pleading for the real culprits of this team's struggle to be spoken of.

It's those that wear suits, and not the sweaters. We have both watched this team for many years I believe. Both grew up cheering for a team that meant something not only to us, but our families. To Philadelphia.

That very team, the very fabric is being eroded. It's time to hold those responsible accountable, and at the very least initiate a conversation.
- FlyerFan3260

How would you expect Bill (or anyone else) do so? What specific questions do you think should be asked and in what forum? Do you really think Bill has that much power to hold Scotts and Homers of the world accountable? At best he will get ignored, at worst he will get fired.
The best way, in my opinion, to have brass accountable is to act with your wallets and viewing patterns.

Bill is the professional sounding voice of all of us.

It's not his fault they (frank)ing suck

Bill, you do not have to defend yourself. Your professionalism speaks for itself. Those, who respect your work have no doubts, and you will not sway those who don't. You will just give them fodder.
- missingmike

I’m not trying to attack him, and if it seemed like it I am trying to clarify that.

He is incredibly professional, in his writing. He knows his stuff as some would say, to put it simply.

I’ve listened to the podcasts he mentions. I’ve listened to Bundy speak out as well.

I hold steady that we are in dire need for light to be placed on certain individuals, on certain elements of this team. That light to not just be seen behind closed doors, but to the public eye.

Comcast has shown zero ability to run this franchise. The steps needed, are going to have to be forced upon them. Mentioning a coaches name, or the name of a struggling young player isn’t anywhere near enough. Why not dare whisper the name of say, Dave Brown? Bill Barber? Lombardi? Fletcher? Just examples but names nonetheless.

Again, so we believe there would be this much silence in say a Toronto, or New York?

We are the draft lottery champions
WE ARE THE DRAFT LOTTERY CHAMPIONS

No time for winners cause we are the draft lottery champions
of the world!
- 2Real

Mandela effect. Song doesn’t end with of the world anymore. Just saying.