I have been a Flyers fan for a long time. And although the team is in the wilderness now, with very little hope of even making the playoffs this season, and all the longer until they are actually a Cup contender, it's the first game of the season tonight. The boys will be back on the ice in the orange and black with that flying-P on their chests. And while maybe it would benefit the club to lose a lot of games this season to improve draft position, I can't really stomach rooting for that, at least for now. Just one more thing to say: Let's go Flyers!
- copelal

Amen

I have been a Flyers fan for a long time. And although the team is in the wilderness now, with very little hope of even making the playoffs this season, and all the longer until they are actually a Cup contender, it's the first game of the season tonight. The boys will be back on the ice in the orange and black with that flying-P on their chests. And while maybe it would benefit the club to lose a lot of games this season to improve draft position, I can't really stomach rooting for that, at least for now. Just one more thing to say: Let's go Flyers!
- copelal

I can’t cheer for them to lose either unfortunately. Not in my dna. Probably because we always lose the lottery.

I’m all for the NHL getting rid of all the special pre-game jersey stuff. In fact I wish they’d get rid of all pregame bullpoop. I don’t need to see old players honored or hanging flags in the rafters while the players have to stand there waiting for the game to start. No more ceremonial puck drops. They could stop with the national anthems too. Just play the game and stop wasting my time. If they want to honor someone do it between periods, while the players are in the locker room, or after the game.

Hi Bill,

What is your take on why so many analysts are predicting the Flyers for dead last, not only in the division, but the league ? Every indication to me is that they have improved areas that were surely lacking. The most important of those is team speed. They made improvements in the puck possession area during the offseason that was evident in the preseason.

Of course that was preseason, and I do see a period of adjustment with them early on due to so many changes in the roster, to achieve chemistry against the other teams' regulars. Yes, they started to show chemistry in the preseason, but once again, was without playing against starters.

But when they do get their timing, and chemistry, I see this roster to be better than last year's. Thoughts ?
-Bluehorseshoe64

I think its pure laziness if you ask me. It's like hearing year after year the Flyers have goalie issues, even though Hart is more than up to the task. I think pundits are not accounting for the impact of having a players like Couts and Atkinson healthy again, and not yet seeing the potential in players like Frost, Tippet and TK. I think the Flyers will surprise a lot of people this year. Sure the defense is a problem and that will hold the team back, but in nets and with this forward group, I think the Flyers are going to be a tough out most nights, and that is why I don't think they will finish last in the division.

I have been a Flyers fan for a long time. And although the team is in the wilderness now, with very little hope of even making the playoffs this season, and all the longer until they are actually a Cup contender, it's the first game of the season tonight. The boys will be back on the ice in the orange and black with that flying-P on their chests. And while maybe it would benefit the club to lose a lot of games this season to improve draft position, I can't really stomach rooting for that, at least for now. Just one more thing to say: Let's go Flyers!
- copelal

👍🏻👍🏻

I’m all for the NHL getting rid of all the special pre-game jersey stuff. In fact I wish they’d get rid of all pregame bullpoop. I don’t need to see old players honored or hanging flags in the rafters while the players have to stand there waiting for the game to start. No more ceremonial puck drops. They could stop with the national anthems too. Just play the game and stop wasting my time. If they want to honor someone do it between periods, while the players are in the locker room, or after the game.
- Dkos

Though I agree with you regarding the pre-game jersey stuff, I think you take it too far here. The reason we play the National Anthem before sporting events is to remind ourselves of the freedoms we have in this country thanks to the finest of people that comprise our military. Just ask those folks in southern Israel how they are feeling right now. We are extremely lucky and I for one don't mind being reminded of it.

But as far as Laughton goes, I think he should focus on winning hockey games and not what color tape he has on his stick. IMO no one cares about stick tape! This is not going to change any minds out there! People are either pro what the tape represents or against it, there is no middle ground and there never will be. If Laughton cares that much about it, he can wear rainbow underwear for all I care. But in season, I would prefer Laughton focus on his game and winning hockey games.

I think its pure laziness if you ask me. It's like hearing year after year the Flyers have goalie issues, even though Hart is more than up to the task. I think pundits are not accounting for the impact of having a players like Couts and Atkinson healthy again, and not yet seeing the potential in players like Frost, Tippet and TK. I think the Flyers will surprise a lot of people this year. Sure the defense is a problem and that will hold the team back, but in nets and with this forward group, I think the Flyers are going to be a tough out most nights, and that is why I don't think they will finish last in the division.
- jd250

their forward group is as vanilla as can be. Not a threat on there that any team really needs to game plan for. Your also not accounting for those 2 missing all that time and its going to take time to get up to speed playing every other night for the most part. Cam is what 34 years old, what do you really expect from him?

It is also possible for a sophomore slump from frost cates and tippet.

Hart has been nothing but average overall.

I think its pure laziness if you ask me. It's like hearing year after year the Flyers have goalie issues, even though Hart is more than up to the task. I think pundits are not accounting for the impact of having a players like Couts and Atkinson healthy again, and not yet seeing the potential in players like Frost, Tippet and TK. I think the Flyers will surprise a lot of people this year. Sure the defense is a problem and that will hold the team back, but in nets and with this forward group, I think the Flyers are going to be a tough out most nights, and that is why I don't think they will finish last in the division.
- jd250

Hart is most definitely a solid tender and on a team that provides him a modicum of defence to work with, he’d excel. It’s a team game and too often goaltenders get blamed for all the team’s problems.

Provorov is the one who needs help getting his leg over. 26 years old and presumably still a virgin thanks to his devout religious beliefs. No wonder he seemed so grumpy all the time.
- Feanor

I see people who preach tolerance aren’t very tolerant themselves. Seems about right in this day and age. Yes, having principles is a very difficult thing for some.

their forward group is as vanilla as can be. Not a threat on there that any team really needs to game plan for. Your also not accounting for those 2 missing all that time and its going to take time to get up to speed playing every other night for the most part. Cam is what 34 years old, what do you really expect from him?

It is also possible for a sophomore slump from frost cates and tippet.

Hart has been nothing but average overall.
- hello it's me 2050

Even if you think Hart has been average, he has been average playing behind a very below average team for the past 2+ seasons. I happen to think Hart is a well above average goalie. Sure, there is a chance the youngsters have a slump, but I think there is a better chance they progress further. And Couts and Cam are really good hockey players, and I expect if healthy they will be back to their former selves pretty quickly. I'm not saying the Flyers will make the playoffs, just that this team is going to surprise a lot of people and be better than expected.

What players have they added that have increased team speed? What players have they added to improve puck possession?
- MJL

Oh oh! I know the answer to this one!
Nobody and nobody!

PS seems like our rebuild is in full swing with Andrae and Foerester watching from the press box.

5-3 jackets. Let’s go

Even if you think Hart has been average, he has been average playing behind a very below average team for the past 2+ seasons. I happen to think Hart is a well above average goalie. Sure, there is a chance the youngsters have a slump, but I think there is a better chance they progress further. And Couts and Cam are really good hockey players, and I expect if healthy they will be back to their former selves pretty quickly. I'm not saying the Flyers will make the playoffs, just that this team is going to surprise a lot of people and be better than expected.
- jd250

you are entitled to your opinion.

Cam is not a really good hockey player. he is solid.

Surprise how? finish 7th overall instead of 3/4th?

I can’t cheer for them to lose either unfortunately. Not in my dna. Probably because we always lose the lottery.
- Hextall271

I'll never root for them to lose but the difference for me is that if they do lose, it doesn't bother me. Whereas for most of my life as a Flyers fan, I took losses to heart. Especially in the playoffs.

I think its pure laziness if you ask me. It's like hearing year after year the Flyers have goalie issues, even though Hart is more than up to the task. I think pundits are not accounting for the impact of having a players like Couts and Atkinson healthy again, and not yet seeing the potential in players like Frost, Tippet and TK. I think the Flyers will surprise a lot of people this year. Sure the defense is a problem and that will hold the team back, but in nets and with this forward group, I think the Flyers are going to be a tough out most nights, and that is why I don't think they will finish last in the division.
- jd250

It's interesting that you label it pure laziness and one of the reasons you give why is not seeing the potential in a player like Frost! That's you!

I'll never root for them to lose but the difference for me is that if they do lose, it doesn't bother me. Whereas for most of my life as a Flyers fan, I took losses to heart. Especially in the playoffs.
- MJL

provide some flyers season predictions

Oh oh! I know the answer to this one!
Nobody and nobody!

PS seems like our rebuild is in full swing with Andrae and Foerester watching from the press box.
- mikeyo27

I've been told they need to be eased in.

Provorov apparently made comments at morning skate which were veiled comments about how the last 3 years went in Philly. Jeff marek interpreted his comments as a shot at torts even though he hadn’t been there for the 3 years. He lamented that a lot of the players had a hard time adapting to rimming the puck around rather than being allowed to be creative. Marek says he was on the right track when he played with niskanen and that when he lost that mentor, he lost his way. Compares niskanen to mccrimmon in the way he helped young stars along being paired with them.

I see people who preach tolerance aren’t very tolerant themselves. Seems about right in this day and age. Yes, having principles is a very difficult thing for some.
- mikeyo27

Imagine being someone very concerned about someone’s else’s opinion on hockey tape….must be a a thrill to be around at parties.

I'll never root for them to lose but the difference for me is that if they do lose, it doesn't bother me. Whereas for most of my life as a Flyers fan, I took losses to heart. Especially in the playoffs.
- MJL

I let it go now as well because the losses are so plentiful and it’s been essentially a rudderless ship the last few years.

I mean.... I wouldn't kick her out of the bed, either
- Bob Habib

Girl is meh... that puppy tho

I let it go now as well because the losses are so plentiful and it’s been essentially a rudderless ship the last few years.
- Hextall271

Yeah I just want the young guys to play well and continue to grow. Sell off assets and continue to draft and develop. If those things are done properly I can tolerate losing on the ice.

I would like to speed up the process as well. Kind of stuck in neutral right now.

If we are in the bottom 5 I'll be a bit disappointed, if we are above the bottom 10 I'll think it was a successful season and be pleasantly surprised. I have no hope for the play-offs.

Since we are doing season projections...

Yeah I just want the young guys to play well and continue to grow. Sell off assets and continue to draft and develop. If those things are done properly I can tolerate losing on the ice.

I would like to speed up the process as well. Kind of stuck in neutral right now.
- mickel25

Yes. I’m hoping for a 3 year type turnaround rather than 5 to 7. Some smart trades to augment a solid young core kind of thing. Hope DB is up to the task here.

Yeah I just want the young guys to play well and continue to grow. Sell off assets and continue to draft and develop. If those things are done properly I can tolerate losing on the ice.

I would like to speed up the process as well. Kind of stuck in neutral right now.
- mickel25

I'll start with just wanting the young guys to play.