I've asked nicely.
- MJL

Ok, I will stop.

Thank you for being so nice, seriously you are a nice guy and I will not mention it again.

I do not think you have played tough hockey MJL. If a guy like Coburn got pissed and dropped the gloves once in awhile he would be much more respected, example how many guy drop the gloves with Chara?? Nobody anymore if they want to remember their wives name and where they live. My point being if he dummied a few more on a regular basis he would not have to even fight, just be there. If you have ever been dummied by a real mean ass you would know what I mean. I thought I was pretty tough once when I met one of them and will never challenge that dude again. I stayed away from him forever after the beating he gave me. I hope you see the point. Once you earn the total respect as a mean sob you can pretty much do what you want out there.
- flyerdude17

Coburn does not need to fight to earn respect. Nor does he need to fight to be physical and play his position. It is not a fighting League anymore. If it happens, and is neccessary, then Coburn will fight. Coburn just needs to bring his game with more consistency.

I guess u didn't see coburn destroy downie a few weeks ago
- griouxmvp2012

I saw it and that is what he has to do more often. He should be extremely aggressive around our net and not just talk mean. Give a guy a good poke once in awhile and if it gets challenged beat the crap out of them. That Downie beatdown is the way I want Coburn to play all the time.

In my opinion, if all of that it true about Bryzgalov, then I want him to play even less, and I'll take my chances with Bobrovsky.

I hear this a lot about Laviolette. And most of it is because of last year, where as a Coach, he was stuck between a rock and hard place. We forget that Laviolette made goaltending decisions that resulted in a Stanley Cup.
- MJL

I hear this a lot about Laviolette. And most of it is because of last year, where as a Coach, he was stuck between a rock and hard place. We forget that Laviolette made goaltending decisions that resulted in a Stanley Cup.

I'm aware that Laviolette has won a cup. I still think it's fair to say that he did not handle the goalies well last year. I'm not sure whether Bob is the rock or the hard place in your analogy above, but I find it odd that you describe last year's situation that way, yet you are ready to let that same goalie get the majority of the starts unless Bryz "earns" them.

I saw it and that is what he has to do more often. He should be extremely aggressive around our net and not just talk mean. Give a guy a good poke once in awhile and if it gets challenged beat the crap out of them. That Downie beatdown is the way I want Coburn to play all the time.
- flyerdude17

I agree that I would like to see both Coburn and Meszaros have a little more Hatcher in their game and a little less Therien. But I disagree about the fighting part. I don't really think he needs to fight. But I agree with MJL that they BOTH need to be more consistent with their physical play.

Coburn does not need to fight to earn respect. Nor does he need to fight to be physical and play his position. It is not a fighting League anymore. If it happens, and is neccessary, then Coburn will fight. Coburn just needs to bring his game with more consistency.
- MJL

In my opinion you just don't get this part. As a high scoring physical forward I have no problem playing against a guy like Coburn. Coburn is tough but clean. Sheldon Souray for example will chop your legs off, Chara will crush you with nasty hits, Coburn hits hard but clean. Opposing players can handle hard and clean but the dirty ones tend to hurt you and affect your play. I am sure many of you who have played serious hockey know what I am talking about.

I'm aware that Laviolette has won a cup. I still think it's fair to say that he did not handle the goalies well last year. I'm not sure whether Bob is the rock or the hard place in your analogy above, but I find it odd that you describe last year's situation that way, yet you are ready to let that same goalie get the majority of the starts unless Bryz "earns" them.
- BringBack25

I think Lavy flat out panicked last season in regards to Bob and the whole goalie situation. He pulled Bob way too fast after just two games. The first game he was great even though they lost. Not so great in game two and then he was basically buried until the Boston elimination game....which by the way, was the only game of the series the Flyers seemed to be in at all.

Lavy has won himself some leeway by winning a cup with Ward....but last season I will go to my grave thinking he over thought the whole thing.

I agree that I would like to see both Coburn and Meszaros have a little more Hatcher in their game and a little less Therien. But I disagree about the fighting part. I don't really think he needs to fight. But I agree with MJL that they BOTH need to be more consistent with their physical play.
- MBFlyerfan

I agree with that. Being physical and stinging opposing forwards is more effective. I am just saying that if challenged please Coburn do not be shy and smash some face.

I saw it and that is what he has to do more often. He should be extremely aggressive around our net and not just talk mean. Give a guy a good poke once in awhile and if it gets challenged beat the crap out of them. That Downie beatdown is the way I want Coburn to play all the time.
- flyerdude17

That's a perfect recipe to get penalties called on you and have the ref keeps an eye on you throughout the game. You are seriously underestimating how much this game has changed over the years.

Chara is 12th in the league amongst defenseman for PIM. Whether they are minor or fighting majors is moot. You want your top on the ice in all situations, especially during the PK.

The most you could ask of a physical defenseman is for him to be in solid position and to take the body when possible. Come playoff time, the battles in front of the net become more intense and frequent, and that style may start to show a bit more. But if you have Coburn out there on Tuesday night poking/slashing the guy in front of Bryz, he is likely going to put his team on the PK and assist in a potential PK goal...

I guess u didn't see coburn destroy downie a few weeks ago
- griouxmvp2012

After the game, I went up to Coburn and slapped him. He said "thanks for that." If that's not passive, I don't know what is.

I'm aware that Laviolette has won a cup. I still think it's fair to say that he did not handle the goalies well last year. I'm not sure whether Bob is the rock or the hard place in your analogy above, but I find it odd that you describe last year's situation that way, yet you are ready to let that same goalie get the majority of the starts unless Bryz "earns" them.
- BringBack25

Why is it odd? Bobrovsky right now is the better player. Bobrovsky is a more experienced player then last year. Big difference between a rookie in the playoffs, and a 2nd year player in the regular season.

In my opinion you just don't get this part. As a high scoring physical forward I have no problem playing against a guy like Coburn. Coburn is tough but clean. Sheldon Souray for example will chop your legs off, Chara will crush you with nasty hits, Coburn hits hard but clean. Opposing players can handle hard and clean but the dirty ones tend to hurt you and affect your play. I am sure many of you who have played serious hockey know what I am talking about.
- flyerdude17

I get it just fine. Now your suggesting that not only should Coburn fight, but he should also make some dirty hits. That's exactly what a team that is struggling to keep the puck out of their own net, and has a team issue in taking too many penalties, needs from one of their defenseman.

That's a perfect recipe to get penalties called on you and have the ref keeps an eye on you throughout the game. You are seriously underestimating how much this game has changed over the years.

Chara is 12th in the league amongst defenseman for PIM. Whether they are minor or fighting majors is moot. You want your top on the ice in all situations, especially during the PK.

The most you could ask of a physical defenseman is for him to be in solid position and to take the body when possible. Come playoff time, the battles in front of the net become more intense and frequent, and that style may start to show a bit more. But if you have Coburn out there on Tuesday night poking/slashing the guy in front of Bryz, he is likely going to put his team on the PK and assist in a potential PK goal...
- steelydan

Well said.

After the game, I went up to Coburn and slapped him. He said "thanks for that." If that's not passive, I don't know what is.
- feelingkettle

You made him your female dog!

Why is it odd? Bobrovsky right now is the better player. Bobrovsky is a more experienced player then last year. Big difference between a rookie in the playoffs, and a 2nd year player in the regular season.
- MJL

Yes, he has more experience. But he still seems to make a lot of the same mistakes he was making last year (making himself small in the net, going down too early, giving up the soft goal at the worst time). I think he's a little better than last year, but not so much that I'm ready to make him the number one.

Anyway, I've said what I would do if it was up to me. If others don't agree, that's fine. I think the facts, and the history of Bryz as a player support what I am suggesting. But it's by no means a sure thing. It's a tough situation. I'll be hoping whatever Laviolette does works, even if he doesn't do what I think he should.

I get it just fine. Now your suggesting that not only should Coburn fight, but he should also make some dirty hits. That's exactly what a team that is struggling to keep the puck out of their own net, and has a team issue in taking too many penalties, needs from one of their defenseman.
- MJL

It just got pointed out last night on NHL tonight that the Flyers lead the league in Penalties per game. I seriously doubt the flyers need more penalties. Considering how depleted the Flyers dcorps is to injuries i doubt they need one of their top four spending frequent minutes in the box.

Yes, he has more experience. But he still seems to make a lot of the same mistakes he was making last year (making himself small in the net, going down too early, giving up the soft goal at the worst time). I think he's a little better than last year, but not so much that I'm ready to make him the number one.

Anyway, I've said what I would do if it was up to me. If others don't agree, that's fine. I think the facts, and the history of Bryz as a player support what I am suggesting. But it's by no means a sure thing. It's a tough situation. I'll be hoping whatever Laviolette does works, even if he doesn't do what I think he should.
- BringBack25

I'm not interested in coddling Brygalov and telling him he's the man, so he decides to play like he's capable of. I want him to seize the job and take it and prove he's the man. Rather then to just stroke him with what he right now, doesn't deserve.
Bobrovsky does have weaknesses to his game. But his game is better then Bryzgalov's right now

Yes, he has more experience. But he still seems to make a lot of the same mistakes he was making last year (making himself small in the net, going down too early, giving up the soft goal at the worst time). I think he's a little better than last year, but not so much that I'm ready to make him the number one.

Anyway, I've said what I would do if it was up to me. If others don't agree, that's fine. I think the facts, and the history of Bryz as a player support what I am suggesting. But it's by no means a sure thing. It's a tough situation. I'll be hoping whatever Laviolette does works, even if he doesn't do what I think he should.
- BringBack25

I feel similar to what you are saying but at this point I think it might be a good idea to prepare for the eventuality that Bobrovsky ends up getting the nod in the playoffs.

That's a perfect recipe to get penalties called on you and have the ref keeps an eye on you throughout the game. You are seriously underestimating how much this game has changed over the years.

Chara is 12th in the league amongst defenseman for PIM. Whether they are minor or fighting majors is moot. You want your top on the ice in all situations, especially during the PK.

The most you could ask of a physical defenseman is for him to be in solid position and to take the body when possible. Come playoff time, the battles in front of the net become more intense and frequent, and that style may start to show a bit more. But if you have Coburn out there on Tuesday night poking/slashing the guy in front of Bryz, he is likely going to put his team on the PK and assist in a potential PK goal...
- steelydan

You have made some good points and I respect what you are saying. You are right in saying what you have. If we are up a couple goals or more that is the time to play nasty a a nasty slash or a solid jab sends future messages. I mean you have to pick your spots to be effective.

In today's game you can not do what the old flyers used to do. I remember the broad street bullies playing the whole first period shorthanded and coming out 0-0. In the second period they played hockey and ran away with the game. I really miss the old time hockey sometimes. Funny we have all these concussion and now they all wear helmets and hardly hit or fight.

Yes, he has more experience. But he still seems to make a lot of the same mistakes he was making last year (making himself small in the net, going down too early, giving up the soft goal at the worst time). I think he's a little better than last year, but not so much that I'm ready to make him the number one.

Anyway, I've said what I would do if it was up to me. If others don't agree, that's fine. I think the facts, and the history of Bryz as a player support what I am suggesting. But it's by no means a sure thing. It's a tough situation. I'll be hoping whatever Laviolette does works, even if he doesn't do what I think he should.
- BringBack25

I will also say that Bob has been the better goalie. But part of me was watching this game last night and after the first two goals Bryz let up I'm thinking, jeez I wonder if he is already believing he is on the bench the next game. This guy just cannot catch a break.

i hate the giants, c'mon pack beat those uncooth individuals.

I will also say that Bob has been the better goalie. But part of me was watching this game last night and after the first two goals Bryz let up I'm thinking, jeez I wonder if he is already believing he is on the bench the next game. This guy just cannot catch a break.
- MBFlyerfan

The first two goals weren't the problem the third one was.

You have made some good points and I respect what you are saying. You are right in saying what you have. If we are up a couple goals or more that is the time to play nasty a a nasty slash or a solid jab sends future messages. I mean you have to pick your spots to be effective.


- flyerdude17

If your up a couple of goals or more, that is absolutely not the time to slash or spear another player. It is the time to play shutdown defense, and play with discipline, and not give the other team a PP that can result in them getting back in the game. No Coach in his right mind would support the strategy you are proposing.

Yes, he has more experience. But he still seems to make a lot of the same mistakes he was making last year (making himself small in the net, going down too early, giving up the soft goal at the worst time). I think he's a little better than last year, but not so much that I'm ready to make him the number one.

Anyway, I've said what I would do if it was up to me. If others don't agree, that's fine. I think the facts, and the history of Bryz as a player support what I am suggesting. But it's by no means a sure thing. It's a tough situation. I'll be hoping whatever Laviolette does works, even if he doesn't do what I think he should.
- BringBack25

What have you been watching, .921 save percentage, 10w 3 losses, tracking the puck well, making glove saves he wasn't making last year. Overall he is growing into a star netminder and will be traded sooner or later. He will not sign after next year when he is a ufa to be Bryz's backup. The flyers will trade him before he hits ufa status.

If your up a couple of goals or more, that is absolutely not the time to slash or spear another player. It is the time to play shutdown defense, and play with discipline, and not give the other team a PP that can result in them getting back in the game. No Coach in his right mind would support the strategy you are proposing.
- MJL

Don Cherry would!