Another year Bobby Abreau didn't make the playoffs. Jake isn't guy you win with. For all his production you would think contending teams would be lining up for his services. Yet none are or were.
- hello it's me 2050

Doesn't change what I said. He also would lead this team in PP points.

https://twitter.com/BroadStBull/status/1519700572135374854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1519700572135374854%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

have at it peeps.
- hello it's me 2050

https://giphy.com/gifs/hu...-vegas-3o6Zt4HU9uwXmXSAuI

Doesn't change what I said. He also would lead this team in PP points.
- FlyerFan16

tallest midget. Flyers in the same boat regardless.

tallest midget. Flyers in the same boat regardless.
- hello it's me 2050

Everyone picking on midgets today

Fletcher reported that he doubled the size of the analytics department this year, wouldn't that indicate that he values analytics?
- jd250

Hahahahha

Everyone picking on midgets today
- FlyerFan16

Tough day for the vertically challenged.

That's the thing, the Flyers analytics department doesn't really help them improve at all. There is a world of difference between what an Eric Tulsky provides as opposed to what Ian Anderson can. One has demonstrated repeatedly that they actually know the game and know what types of data can help improve a team or a player, whereas the other is a seemingly nice guy, who essentially just asks for input as to what data should be tracked and provides it.
- Flyerfan2868

I'm sure Ian Anderson is smart and perfectly capable of providing impactful information on his own. The biggest problem is, from I've read, he's basically fetching numbers that people want instead of really influencing the team's relationship with numbers and pushing it forward. If the team wants to know about crease clears and board pins, you have to be capable of convincing them that those numbers aren't valuable and steer them to more important stuff.

Tulsky, on top of his other virtues, has always had ace persuasion skills. He was able to go to Carolina and influence how the departments he worked with looked at data and how they employed it in day to day operations. He wasn't just fetching what was asked of him, he was changing hearts and minds, getting old shool types to not just buy into numbers, but the right numbers.

Whatever number Chuck and the Flyers are looking at right now, they obviously aren't the right ones.

I'm sure Ian Anderson is smart and perfectly capable of providing impactful information on his own. The biggest problem is, from I've read, he's basically fetching numbers that people want instead of really influencing the team's relationship with numbers and pushing it forward. If the team wants to know about crease clears and board pins, you have to be capable of convincing them that those numbers aren't valuable and steer them to more important stuff.

Tulsky, on top of his other virtues, has always had ace persuasion skills. He was able to go to Carolina and influence how the departments he worked with looked at data and how they employed it in day to day operations. He wasn't just fetching what was asked of him, he was changing hearts and minds, getting old shool types to not just buy into numbers, but the right numbers.

Whatever number Chuck and the Flyers are looking at right now, they obviously aren't the right ones.
- Tomahawk

that is what we do not know. Just he just do as asked? Or does he provide info on his own. Maybe he is content doing what is asked only

So…I tried something to attempt to put a number on what I have suggested in going with two 3rd lines next season. If the Flyer’s placed available players in the bottom-six on two balanced lines—with a playmaker, goal scorer and complement forward—they would get 1 additional goal for about every 3rd game. A total of 28 extra goals scored. For comparison, this season they ranked 29th in goals for and that increase in goals would rank them 20th.

I’m not saying this is the only route to more goals. They can certainly improve the team game, allowing the defenseman to contribute more, young players in the top-six could step up, veteran players could be healthy and contribute significantly, and there could be new acquisitions via trade or FA. I am simply stating that I believe the “two 3rd lines” approach is a feasible, available option. It can also have this impact in conjunction with any of the other routes to more goals without hindering them. Additionally, it plays to the strength of the organizational depth in forwards who project to a middle-six ceiling.

Provy was a better d man last year … it wasn’t close. This year I felt that after the coaching change Sanheim started to find a groove and really was the better guy in the last 30-40 games.
- landros 2

Sanheim's been more effective than Provy 3 out of the past 4 seasons, including last season.


21-22 WAR
Sanheim +1.67
Provorov 0.38

20-21 WAR
Sanheim +0.49
Provorov -0.09

19-20 WAR
Provorov +1.52
Sanheim +0.84

18-19 WAR
Sanheim +1.54
Provorov -0.28


Sanheim's always been head and shoulders above Ivan at generating HQ scoring chances, and most years better than him at preventing them. Provorov is massively overrated and fans are only finally realizing how good Sanheim is.

Some interesting thoughts from Crossing Broad this week.

Two very different things coming out from the organization about there being large shakeups ranging from hockey ops/business side of things.

To simply rearranging the chairs, so to speak.

One can hope at least.

that is what we do not know. Just he just do as asked? Or does he provide info on his own. Maybe he is content doing what is asked only
- hello it's me 2050

Based on what I've read and from his interview on Bill's podcast, they're still on the ground floor with everything. He's basically still going around to all the different departments and asking them what they'd like to see. It certainly didn't sound like he had any mandate to reshape the way they were doing things.

So…I tried something to attempt to put a number on what I have suggested in going with two 3rd lines next season. If the Flyer’s placed available players in the bottom-six on two balanced lines—with a playmaker, goal scorer and complement forward—they would get 1 additional goal for about every 3rd game. A total of 28 extra goals scored. For comparison, this season they ranked 29th in goals for and that increase in goals would rank them 20th.

I’m not saying this is the only route to more goals. They can certainly improve the team game, allowing the defenseman to contribute more, young players in the top-six could step up, veteran players could be healthy and contribute significantly, and there could be new acquisitions via trade or FA. I am simply stating that I believe the “two 3rd lines” approach is a feasible, available option. It can also have this impact in conjunction with any of the other routes to more goals without hindering them. Additionally, it plays to the strength of the organizational depth in forwards who project to a middle-six ceiling.
- NC Flyers Fan

It’s a decent thought, but I’ve long held the premise that the Flyers simply ignore the elephant in the room. When comparing the top talent of this team to the best clubs in the league the Flyers don’t match up in quantity, and quality to the real contenders in the NHL. It’s not even close.

Focusing on the micro, obsessing about locker room fit or some notion they can win with overwhelming depth is what’s been happening for years.

They just don’t have the horses to run with the best in this league. It’s going to take more than one year of a top 5 pick to build that core, which is why a similar finish next season is crucial.

This is going to take time if done properly. Hextall had the right idea but it’s hard when you essentially “luck” into a top 5 pick one time in a rebuild. Retaining the old guard while trying to retool has come home roost.

It’s shocking they are about to do it again, and apparently learned nothing.

I’m not sure it’s a fault of the analytics team.

If the men truly in charge don’t value what they say, or ask for data that basically just looks to confirm what they already believe…
- FlyerFan3260

I totally understand what you're saying and that can be true in some cases...however it's been confirmed on here that the head of the department does have considerable influence. I can't blame all the analytics department, because the 2 newest acquisitions were still working elsewhere through this season.

That said, I have concern due to public statements made by the head of the department. #1 being they were self admittedly never a fan of the game. Rather it seems by their own words, he felt he saw a niche role to create a job. When asked about stats and analytics in the nhl, the answer was essentially no team compiled data or statistics prior to him doing so lol....which is blatantly false and was also corrected on here. Further to that, when asked about how he got his start with the Capitals....his answer was pretty evasive "oh gosh, I can't even remember what I did" and the topic was dropped...Really? You don't remember your first job in the NHL? When asked in another setting, he pretty much did everything for the capitals in his management position. When asked about his start with the Flyers, he said he essentially came across some video software and sold the Flyers on it....He was hired in the summer of 2014. I find it odd the capitals didn't retain him for such a role, yet in October of that year formally chose to hire Tim Barnes instead....a guy that was well known in analytics I.e Corsi

So…I tried something to attempt to put a number on what I have suggested in going with two 3rd lines next season. If the Flyer’s placed available players in the bottom-six on two balanced lines—with a playmaker, goal scorer and complement forward—they would get 1 additional goal for about every 3rd game. A total of 28 extra goals scored. For comparison, this season they ranked 29th in goals for and that increase in goals would rank them 20th.

I’m not saying this is the only route to more goals. They can certainly improve the team game, allowing the defenseman to contribute more, young players in the top-six could step up, veteran players could be healthy and contribute significantly, and there could be new acquisitions via trade or FA. I am simply stating that I believe the “two 3rd lines” approach is a feasible, available option. It can also have this impact in conjunction with any of the other routes to more goals without hindering them. Additionally, it plays to the strength of the organizational depth in forwards who project to a middle-six ceiling.
- NC Flyers Fan

Cant happen with the likes of zac mac, nate, and the browns of the world. Not how this organization thinks.

It’s a decent thought, but I’ve long held the premise that the Flyers simply ignore the elephant in the room. When comparing the top talent of this team to the best clubs in the league the Flyers don’t match up in quantity, and quality to the real contenders in the NHL. It’s not even close.

Focusing on the micro, obsessing about locker room fit or some notion they can win with overwhelming depth is what’s been happening for years.

They just don’t have the horses to run with the best in this league. It’s going to take more than one year of a top 5 pick to build that core, which is why a similar finish next season is crucial.

This is going to take time if done properly. Hextall had the right idea but it’s hard when you essentially “luck” into a top 5 pick one time in a rebuild. Retaining the old guard while trying to retool has come home roost.

It’s shocking they are about to do it again, and apparently learned nothing.
- FlyerFan3260

I understand what you’re saying, but I disagree that the Flyer’s have used their depth effectively, from a team and trade standpoint. Also, they most definitely do not and have not had good roster fit on the ice for years.

Based on what I've read and from his interview on Bill's podcast, they're still on the ground floor with everything. He's basically still going around to all the different departments and asking them what they'd like to see. It certainly didn't sound like he had any mandate to reshape the way they were doing things.
- Tomahawk

What you need on that role is a go getter. Someone who will upset the apple cart and let his views be heard. Asking others what the need is fine. He needs to be pro active and give them data they didn't even ask for. If he doesn't of course.

I totally understand what you're saying and that can be true in some cases...however it's been confirmed on here that the head of the department does have considerable influence. I can't blame all the analytics department, because the 2 newest acquisitions were still working elsewhere through this season.

That said, I have concern due to public statements made by the head of the department. #1 being they were self admittedly never a fan of the game. Rather it seems by their own words, he felt he saw a niche role to create a job. When asked about stats and analytics in the nhl, the answer was essentially no team compiled data or statistics prior to him doing so lol....which is blatantly false and was also corrected on here. Further to that, when asked about how he got his start with the Capitals....his answer was pretty evasive "oh gosh, I can't even remember what I did" and the topic was dropped...Really? You don't remember your first job in the NHL? When asked in another setting, he pretty much did everything for the capitals in his management position. When asked about his start with the Flyers, he said he essentially came across some video software and sold the Flyers on it....He was hired in the summer of 2014. I find it odd the capitals didn't retain him for such a role, yet in October of that year formally chose to hire Tim Barnes instead....a guy that was well known in analytics I.e Corsi
- Flyerfan2868

Thanks for the post. In my long winded talks about accountability there is nobody I hold off of that list. Including the analytics staff. I don’t believe anyone here should be given a pass even if at initial glance some fans might view the analytics department as a sacred cow.

If they haven’t been able to properly articulate the importance of their findings, or the lack of focus on the appropriate data to the men in charge they are also at fault.

I just don’t get a strong feeling that there is much going on in this organization beyond individuals more focused on keeping their cushy jobs, and not upsetting the status quo.

At the very least, there is nobody here to hold them to accountability. Scott sure as hell hasn’t shown he will do it.

What you need on that role is a go getter. Someone who will upset the apple cart and let his views be heard. Asking others what the need is fine. He needs to be pro active and give them data they didn't even ask for. If he doesn't of course.
- hello it's me 2050

Cant happen with the likes of zac mac, nate, and the browns of the world. Not how this organization thinks.
- hello it's me 2050

You really mean it won’t, instead of can’t. Which is why I beat the dying thought.

Thanks for the post. In my long winded talks about accountability there is nobody I hold off of that list. Including the analytics staff. I don’t believe anyone here should be given a pass even if at initial glance some fans might view the analytics department as a sacred cow.

If they haven’t been able to properly articulate the importance of their findings, or the lack of focus on the appropriate data to the men in charge they are also at fault.

I just don’t get a strong feeling that there is much going on in this organization beyond individuals more focused on keeping their cushy jobs, and not upsetting the status quo.

At the very least, there is nobody here to hold them to accountability. Scott sure as hell hasn’t shown he will do it.
- FlyerFan3260

I agree 100%....and it's not that these people aren't nice, or good people, or don't have an education etc...it's just sometimes it doesn't work out. That needs to be recognized. Results matter, and this club hasn't seen any in a very long time. The whole organization needs an overhaul, but it's not going to come....

What you need on that role is a go getter. Someone who will upset the apple cart and let his views be heard. Asking others what the need is fine. He needs to be pro active and give them data they didn't even ask for. If he doesn't of course.
- hello it's me 2050

There just isn’t a proper direction coming from the top. It’s where it starts.

If Scott comes out, and gives a mandate to rebuild. Tells everyone he wants to see a talented young core brought in over the next several years along with focusing on asset accumulation during that period.

If he tells those under him he wants the team to focus on a style of play that mirrors exciting teams like Florida, Colorado or Carolina, and not some perpetual obsession with defensive hockey.

That’s a direction those under him would have to follow. It’s something that hasn’t happened because the individual doesn’t have a clue about how to build a successful hockey team that’s easy to market.

What you are left with is too many cooks in the kitchen trying to influence the team in a direction that clearly hasn’t worked. The vision of what to do with the Flyers is the alpha, and omega here.

Player development, and scouting are very important but fall secondary to the overall direction the team needs to take.

Some interesting thoughts from Crossing Broad this week.

Two very different things coming out from the organization about there being large shakeups ranging from hockey ops/business side of things.

To simply rearranging the chairs, so to speak.

One can hope at least.
- FlyerFan3260

I am hoping like hell for major, substantive changes. That should be the payoff for having to endure a season like this.

You really mean it won’t, instead of can’t. Which is why I beat the dying thought.
- NC Flyers Fan

cant. Flyers wont allow it.

I agree 100%....and it's not that these people aren't nice, or good people, or don't have an education etc...it's just sometimes it doesn't work out. That needs to be recognized. Results matter, and this club hasn't seen any in a very long time. The whole organization needs an overhaul, but it's not going to come....
- Flyerfan2868

There is not one department in place the last decade that should escape extreme scrutiny. Not one. We have seen essentially zero changes, and I don’t know what individual believes change means adding a few new faces while retaining those still employed.

Two great examples are of McCauley who Bill outlined the other day. I’m sure Lombardi just loved pushing his personal relationship to make a crucial decision. How anyone can currently think any of the pro scouts deserve something labeled as a promotion is beyond me.

The other is Kim Dillabaugh. Some success this year sure, but after what transpired with Carter Hart last season how he could have been brought back in any capacity is astounding to me.

They coddle their own in this franchise, as a happy cohesive front office is clearly more important than actual success.

It’s exactly why I have strong distaste for anyone that will defend the ilk of someone like Clarke at this current time. Coming in to defend members of a franchise that needs turnover more than anything else is disgusting.

Go back to the retirement home, and keep your personal feelings out of the ears of those running the team.