The logical disconnect is hysterical.
- MJL

What’s hysterical is doing the same thing over & over again. Keep this guy & get rid of X Y & Z. What’s that called?

That little MacEwan and Ekblad dust up was weird. Ekblad throws a kick and gets nothing. MacEwan gets thrown out of the game.

The myths surrounding the captaincy and about Giroux in terms of the captaincy are really mind boggling.
- MJL

I certainly think the Flyers issues run deeper than the Captain, but it’s also hard to overlook that 3 of the 4 seasons have devolved into utter quagmires of lost seasons as we’ve watched this team look lost or disinterested. This transcends multiple coaches, GMs and roster turnover. Giroux has been the constant through it all. Some of that criticism is gonna fall on the captain. I say this with no joy as someone who’s been a big supporter of Giroux going back to his time with the Phantoms.

I certainly think the Flyers issues run deeper than the Captain, but it’s also hard to overlook that 3 of the 4 seasons have devolved into utter quagmires of lost seasons as we’ve watched this team look lost or disinterested. This transcends multiple coaches, GMs and roster turnover. Giroux has been the constant through it all. Some of that criticism is gonna fall on the captain. I say this with no joy as someone who’s been a big supporter of Giroux going back to his time with the Phantoms.
- Sublime55

This guy gets it

Weird is the lengthy list of players, coaches, GMs that everyone wanted to run out of town/have left & yet here we are w the same results & it’s still not the constants fault. That’s weird. Unless you guys are all CC burner accounts. CC the KD of the NHL
- Fopa21

Who got ran out of town exactly? I gotta hear this.

Who got ran out of town exactly? I gotta hear this.
- SuperSchennBros

You don’t really follow the team closely I get it. 90% of people screamed for Jake to go after last season correct? What about AV, wasn’t everyone calling for his head? Holmgren? Hexy 50/50? Hak? Do you pay attention?

I certainly think the Flyers issues run deeper than the Captain, but it’s also hard to overlook that 3 of the 4 seasons have devolved into utter quagmires of lost seasons as we’ve watched this team look lost or disinterested. This transcends multiple coaches, GMs and roster turnover. Giroux has been the constant through it all. Some of that criticism is gonna fall on the captain. I say this with no joy as someone who’s been a big supporter of Giroux going back to his time with the Phantoms.
- Sublime55

What else has been a constant through it all? In terms of Giroux's play, what has been a constant? Many such as yourself want to ignore or perhaps just aren't aware of what the true constants are that have plagued the team and ultimately caused the results you speak of.

JD...heres another source you like to parrot so often

https://www.broadstreetho...inen-contract-is-not-good

What else has been a constant through it all? In terms of Giroux's play, what has been a constant? Many such as yourself want to ignore or perhaps just aren't aware of what the true constants are that have plagued the team and ultimately caused the results you speak of.
- MJL

Spin spin spin

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

JD...heres another source you like to parrot so often

https://www.broadstreetho...inen-contract-is-not-good
- THE BLACK HAND

The best comment in the article is that Ristolainen drastically needs to change the way he plays. He won't though. He's just not that smart.

What team did you captain for in the NHL?
- SuperSchennBros

I’m not allowed to say! I signed a non disclosure agreement. Sorry I’m legally bound.

Ok I’ll give you a hint, I played in the same division you played in!

Who is James Minger? Sounds like a nerdy geek that NEVER laced up a pair of skates in his life picking on every mistake Risto makes. I like that he hits people, but get equally hissed off when he goes for the big hit at the wrong time. He's got warts, but 27/28 isn't old for a defender and why the hell are people comparing Risto to Macdonald? They are nowhere near the same type of player. Anyway, the hope is that Risto will be the 5th/6th defenseman next year cause then he will be properly slotted. At least #3 will be gone. My God is he awful! JVR an assist away from the old Gordie Howe hat trick. Wonders never cease.

Risto's stats for the night? 1 assist and +1. He had 4 penalty minutes and 3 SOG along with 5 hits and one giveaway. This against perhaps the best team in the league. Oh, and he lead the team in TOI with 24 minutes. Not too shabby if you look at it objectively.

You haven't made a very compelling case. In fact the facts you offered previously argue against your point. One more question. You stated that Giroux is not a good choice as a captain on a contending team. Has Giroux ever captained a team that was a true contender? I'm attempting to lead you to a simple logical deduction.
- MJL

The year the Flyers beat the Penguins then lost to the Devils at best.
I get your point it’s not all Claude’s fault but I don’t think he was or is the best leader to get them to be a contender. It’s more the GM over the years. I believe Hextall had the right idea but he missed big on a few years of draft picks that are killing the team.
If leaders including captains get credit for winning they also get the blame for the losses.

Who is James Minger? Sounds like a nerdy geek that NEVER laced up a pair of skates in his life picking on every mistake Risto makes. I like that he hits people, but get equally hissed off when he goes for the big hit at the wrong time. He's got warts, but 27/28 isn't old for a defender and why the hell are people comparing Risto to Macdonald? They are nowhere near the same type of player. Anyway, the hope is that Risto will be the 5th/6th defenseman next year cause then he will be properly slotted. At least #3 will be gone. My God is he awful! JVR an assist away from the old Gordie Howe hat trick. Wonders never cease.

Risto's stats for the night? 1 assist and +1. He had 4 penalty minutes and 3 SOG along with 5 hits and one giveaway. This against perhaps the best team in the league. Oh, and he lead the team in TOI with 24 minutes. Not too shabby if you look at it objectively.
- Phillywhiteout

did you watch the game...he was directly responsible for 3 first period goals hahahah

The year the Flyers beat the Penguins then lost to the Devils at best.
I get your point it’s not all Claude’s fault but I don’t think he was or is the best leader to get them to be a contender. It’s more the GM over the years. I believe Hextall had the right idea but he missed big on a few years of draft picks that are killing the team.
If leaders including captains get credit for winning they also get they also get the blame for the losses.
- Hosher12

You bring up some valid points. I've always had mixed feelings about Giroux. I've often wondered if he ever truly was a #1 center. I mean, is he physically able to fit that role especially come playoff time when things get ramped up physically. He was good in the 2010 playoffs as the third line center and he was great in that one series against the Pens when the Pens decided to outscore the Flyers and not play any defense. He's really been a none factor come playoff time since that 2012 series. It's still very hard to put much blame on Giroux cause this team has simply been constructed wrong for a loooooong time.

did you watch the game...he was directly responsible for 3 first period goals hahahah
- THE BLACK HAND

I actually did not see the first period. I saw the second period and most of the third until the empty netter was scored. Stat line looks okay to me though. It is what it is. Once Chucky found out that no GM was gonna part with a first rounder he had to get a deal done to save face.

What else has been a constant through it all? In terms of Giroux's play, what has been a constant? Many such as yourself want to ignore or perhaps just aren't aware of what the true constants are that have plagued the team and ultimately caused the results you speak of.
- MJL

MJL, you and I will just have to agree to disagree. He’s one of leaders at the helm of this organization (GM, coach, president, captain). I ask why has this team gone off the rails constantly in recent seasons as soon as a little bit of adversity hits? Giroux is leader in that locker room. You can’t point that dysfunction solely at others when this now stems across multiple administrations.

You seem to also be conflating individual production with team performance. No one doubts Giroux’s importance as a point producer. His legacy here is secure and his number will one day be retired and recognized as one of the better players to ever don a Flyers Jersey. His legacy as a captain is more muddled and it’s fair to wonder whether he’s best suited to have been captain all these years.

Personally I feel the Flyers are in a very interesting position. The Flyers need Morgan Frost, Cam York and Tyson Foerster to be NHL regulars and contributors within the next two season. The Flyers also need their first round pick in the upcoming draft to be a top 5 pick. I’m hoping for one of Shane Wright, Logan Cooley and Matthew Savoie. Next I don’t mind if we keep Giroux but if we trade him. You gotta hit with the best possible prospect.

MJL, you and I will just have to agree to disagree. He’s one of leaders at the helm of this organization (GM, coach, president, captain). I ask why has this team gone off the rails constantly in recent seasons as soon as a little bit of adversity hits? Giroux is leader in that locker room. You can’t point that dysfunction solely at others when this now stems across multiple administrations.

You seem to also be conflating individual production with team performance. No one doubts Giroux’s importance as a point producer. His legacy here is secure and his number will one day be retired and recognized as one of the better players to ever don a Flyers Jersey. His legacy as a captain is more muddled and it’s fair to wonder whether he’s best suited to have been captain all these years.
- Sublime55

What should/could Giroux have done differently that would have improved this team?

I don’t think Giroux has been an “issue” for this team. Just like a good coach sometimes needs to move on because things need to change, sometimes you have to change the captain/star player to really make an impact and I can understand some wanting to try that. Personally I like Giroux and think if he has the right leadership group around him he’s a fine captain. But to each their own.

Who is James Minger? Sounds like a nerdy geek that NEVER laced up a pair of skates in his life picking on every mistake Risto makes. I like that he hits people, but get equally hissed off when he goes for the big hit at the wrong time. He's got warts, but 27/28 isn't old for a defender and why the hell are people comparing Risto to Macdonald? They are nowhere near the same type of player. Anyway, the hope is that Risto will be the 5th/6th defenseman next year cause then he will be properly slotted. At least #3 will be gone. My God is he awful! JVR an assist away from the old Gordie Howe hat trick. Wonders never cease.

Risto's stats for the night? 1 assist and +1. He had 4 penalty minutes and 3 SOG along with 5 hits and one giveaway. This against perhaps the best team in the league. Oh, and he lead the team in TOI with 24 minutes. Not too shabby if you look at it objectively.
- Phillywhiteout

I think they are comparing contracts not type of player.

Who is James Minger? Sounds like a nerdy geek that NEVER laced up a pair of skates in his life picking on every mistake Risto makes. I like that he hits people, but get equally hissed off when he goes for the big hit at the wrong time. He's got warts, but 27/28 isn't old for a defender and why the hell are people comparing Risto to Macdonald? They are nowhere near the same type of player. Anyway, the hope is that Risto will be the 5th/6th defenseman next year cause then he will be properly slotted. At least #3 will be gone. My God is he awful! JVR an assist away from the old Gordie Howe hat trick. Wonders never cease.


- Phillywhiteout

The Flyers didn't sign Ristolainen to that deal to be a 3rd pair defenseman.

Risto's stats for the night? 1 assist and +1. He had 4 penalty minutes and 3 SOG along with 5 hits and one giveaway. This against perhaps the best team in the league. Oh, and he lead the team in TOI with 24 minutes. Not too shabby if you look at it objectively.
- Phillywhiteout

Ristolainen's night last night. CF% 38.10 SF% 47.37 xGF% 55.32 SCF% 47.83
HDSCF% 62.50. So some good, some bad.

The year the Flyers beat the Penguins then lost to the Devils at best.
I get your point it’s not all Claude’s fault but I don’t think he was or is the best leader to get them to be a contender. It’s more the GM over the years. I believe Hextall had the right idea but he missed big on a few years of draft picks that are killing the team.
If leaders including captains get credit for winning they also get the blame for the losses.
- Hosher12

So in other words, you can't make a case. You believe that through magical captain powers, if Giroux was a good captain. He should've been able to overcome the team deficiencies and through what I don't know. Locker room speeches and motivation I guess, raise other players up and increase their talent level. Raise the overall quality of the team by being a good captain. Make the team a contender by being a good captain.

So in other words, you can't make a case. You believe that through magical captain powers, if Giroux was a good captain. He should've been able to overcome the team deficiencies and through what I don't know. Locker room speeches and motivation I guess, raise other players up and increase their talent level. Raise the overall quality of the team by being a good captain. Make the team a contender by being a good captain.
- MJL

Briere had the ability to do that in the playoffs. I haven’t seen Giroux do that. Though not many can do what Briere used to do come playoff time.

So in other words, you can't make a case. You believe that through magical captain powers, if Giroux was a good captain. He should've been able to overcome the team deficiencies and through what I don't know. Locker room speeches and motivation I guess, raise other players up and increase their talent level. Raise the overall quality of the team by being a good captain. Make the team a contender by being a good captain.
- MJL

It's pretty simple. He just needed to tell them to play better. Not sure why he never did that. Would have been a lot more fun around here over the last ten years if he had.