The Flyers need to make a trade sooner rather than later. Their defense is soft, and lackluster. Other teams finally realized the Flyers have almost become a one line team, if that. You shut down the Giroux line, you beat the Flyers. Briere and Jagr are winding down and clearly don't have a lot left in the tank. Not enough to be effective for 82 games and the playoffs. I wouldn't know where to begin fixing it either. They need another top line forward, and another physical defenseman or two if this team wants to compete with the Rangers and the Bruins or even the Penguins when they're healthy. As a Flyers fan I haven't felt this hopeless in a while. Even when the Flyers finished as a 7th seed a couple years back I was optimistic about the team because they were so talented in every area and had unlimited upside because of it. This team's best case scenario is making the playoffs and winning a round. It sucks to know just how far the Flyers have fallen behind the elite teams in the conference. Make a trade Holmgren before its too late!

The Flyers need to make a trade sooner rather than later. Their defense is soft, and lackluster. Other teams finally realized the Flyers have almost become a one line team, if that. You shut down the Giroux line, you beat the Flyers. Briere and Jagr are winding down and clearly don't have a lot left in the tank. Not enough to be effective for 82 games and the playoffs. I wouldn't know where to begin fixing it either. They need another top line forward, and another physical defenseman or two if this team wants to compete with the Rangers and the Bruins or even the Penguins when they're healthy. As a Flyers fan I haven't felt this hopeless in a while. Even when the Flyers finished as a 7th seed a couple years back I was optimistic about the team because they were so talented in every area and had unlimited upside because of it. This team's best case scenario is making the playoffs and winning a round. It sucks to know just how far the Flyers have fallen behind the elite teams in the conference. Make a trade Holmgren before its too late!
- TonyBazz

There's some exagerrations here. We've read how many times that Briere is out of gas, needs to be traded, etc. Only to have him step his game up in the playoffs and he's done how many times now. Jagr isn't out of gas either. They just aren't playing well, or playing the right way. And it starts on the defensive side of the puck. A trade isn't going to fix that.
The Flyers haven't fallen behind. They are a developing team. They made a bunch of trades, and have a bunch of young players that are going to get better and better. This is a team of the future, not a team falling behind.

don't break up the g line, just don't match them up with against other teams' top lines as has been suggested. switch up the centers a bit and maybe match talbot-couturier-voracek or simmonds-couturier-read against parise-henrique-kovalchuk.

The Flyers need to make a trade sooner rather than later. Their defense is soft, and lackluster. Other teams finally realized the Flyers have almost become a one line team, if that. You shut down the Giroux line, you beat the Flyers. Briere and Jagr are winding down and clearly don't have a lot left in the tank. Not enough to be effective for 82 games and the playoffs. I wouldn't know where to begin fixing it either. They need another top line forward, and another physical defenseman or two if this team wants to compete with the Rangers and the Bruins or even the Penguins when they're healthy. As a Flyers fan I haven't felt this hopeless in a while. Even when the Flyers finished as a 7th seed a couple years back I was optimistic about the team because they were so talented in every area and had unlimited upside because of it. This team's best case scenario is making the playoffs and winning a round. It sucks to know just how far the Flyers have fallen behind the elite teams in the conference. Make a trade Holmgren before its too late!
- TonyBazz

I hope that Holmgren doesn't share this opinion. Simply making a trade isn't likely to cure the team's ills. They need guys to step up and play better.

It really doesn't have anything to do with that. Every team studies video and has scouting reports and knows how to defend any top line. That's no different for any line in the game. The problem starts on the defensive end. Create some turnovers and get some odd man rushes and out numbered situations. It starts with good decision making and not forcing the play. It has little to do with teams knowing how to defend them. That's nothing new.
- MJL

It has a lot to do with that, the longer a line is together, the more tape and scouting reports scouts have to put together a game plan to beat them. And when 3 guys had a lot of sucess doing things a certain way, and that way is taken away from them, they either have to find a different way to play through the apdapted defense, or the line needs broken up.

IMO the Flyers have given the G line long enough to try and adapt. Switch up the lines for a bit, see if you can get other guys going and maybe go back tot he G line later on when you need it.

have either of the goalies commented on sticking with the throwback pads?

i like it
- Crimsoninja

As long as Bryzgalov is rocking a Don Beaupre save % out of the 80's the throwback pads will remain.

The Flyers need to make a trade sooner rather than later. Their defense is soft, and lackluster. Other teams finally realized the Flyers have almost become a one line team, if that. You shut down the Giroux line, you beat the Flyers. Briere and Jagr are winding down and clearly don't have a lot left in the tank. Not enough to be effective for 82 games and the playoffs. I wouldn't know where to begin fixing it either. They need another top line forward, and another physical defenseman or two if this team wants to compete with the Rangers and the Bruins or even the Penguins when they're healthy. As a Flyers fan I haven't felt this hopeless in a while. Even when the Flyers finished as a 7th seed a couple years back I was optimistic about the team because they were so talented in every area and had unlimited upside because of it. This team's best case scenario is making the playoffs and winning a round. It sucks to know just how far the Flyers have fallen behind the elite teams in the conference. Make a trade Holmgren before its too late!
- TonyBazz

I agree we need a trade, but its not that hopeless. They just need a swift kick in the butt, and it doesnt help Pronger's legs are at home.

Something's wrong with Giroux. His play is a complete 180° from earlier in the year. I say they break that top unit up. I agree keeping the Read/Coots/Simmonds unit together is a good idea. Flyers were not ready or willing to work last night save Simmonds and a few others.

http://www.aolnews.com/20...er-skate-severs-his-face/

I can only imagine Pronger is feeling some of this conditions. It's going to take time.

There's some exagerrations here. We've read how many times that Briere is out of gas, needs to be traded, etc. Only to have him step his game up in the playoffs and he's done how many times now. Jagr isn't out of gas either. They just aren't playing well, or playing the right way. And it starts on the defensive side of the puck. A trade isn't going to fix that.
The Flyers haven't fallen behind. They are a developing team. They made a bunch of trades, and have a bunch of young players that are going to get better and better. This is a team of the future, not a team falling behind.
- MJL

I never said Briere needs to be traded and I've always had faith in him...until lately.  I'm not saying he's done either but he is close.  I don't see him being a top two line player for much longer is what I'm saying.  I think next year he'll be in a lesser role.  And Jagr is out of gas on a lot of nights.  Same deal with him, good now but for how much longer?  And do you really see Voracek, Simmonds, Reed,  or JVR ever being a top line 30 plus goal scorer?  I don't see that.  This team is not good enough to win anything right now, which doesn't sit well with most Flyers fans.  Acquiring a guy like Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan would put them right back in the race though.

Something's wrong with Giroux. His play is a complete 180° from earlier in the year. I say they break that top unit up. I agree keeping the Read/Coots/Simmonds unit together is a good idea. Flyers were not ready or willing to work last night save Simmonds and a few others.
- Pixote Andolini

Simmonds baffles me. Sometimes his moves look great, but others he looks like a stumbling baffoon.

To be honest, thinking about the last couple games, this team hasn't been playing with the "edge" they were earlier in the year. They dont have the toughness right now. I think Giroux tried to say that last night with his fight, but where is the fire from Simmonds, Hartnell, Zulnerczyk, and Talbot?

The Flyers need to make a trade sooner rather than later. Their defense is soft, and lackluster. Other teams finally realized the Flyers have almost become a one line team, if that. You shut down the Giroux line, you beat the Flyers. Briere and Jagr are winding down and clearly don't have a lot left in the tank. Not enough to be effective for 82 games and the playoffs. I wouldn't know where to begin fixing it either. They need another top line forward, and another physical defenseman or two if this team wants to compete with the Rangers and the Bruins or even the Penguins when they're healthy. As a Flyers fan I haven't felt this hopeless in a while. Even when the Flyers finished as a 7th seed a couple years back I was optimistic about the team because they were so talented in every area and had unlimited upside because of it. This team's best case scenario is making the playoffs and winning a round. It sucks to know just how far the Flyers have fallen behind the elite teams in the conference. Make a trade Holmgren before its too late!
- TonyBazz

Hopeless...this team is poised for success for years to come given the high quality young players. Also, the 2011-12 Flyers were not really considered to be a contender due to the vast overhaul and youth they brought in. I've posted this before, this team has overacheived for the current makeup. To be in solid playoff position (only 4 points out of the top spot in the East) at this point in the season given the new fces and changes is actually a testament to the entire org IMHO.

With a solid D addition the Flyers will be in great shape for a long, long time. (With the caveat that Holmgren doesn't sell the youth away for Weber or Suter).

Your pessimism is completely misplaced I believe.

I saw that alot of people said that Bob played well and was hung out to dry yesterday... lets see if Bryz has a similar game how many people rip into Bryz instead of saying he was hung out to dry...... Just Sayin'

I never said Briere needs to be traded and I've always had faith in him...until lately.  I'm not saying he's done either but he is close.  I don't see him being a top two line player for much longer is what I'm saying.  I think next year he'll be in a lesser role.  And Jagr is out of gas on a lot of nights.  Same deal with him, good now but for how much longer?  And do you really see Voracek, Simmonds, Reed,  or JVR ever being a top line 30 plus goal scorer?  I don't see that. This team is not good enough to win anything right now, which doesn't sit well with most Flyers fans. Acquiring a guy like Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan would put them right back in the race though.
- TonyBazz

This type of impatience is foolish. I'm sorry to be harsh, but I just can't disagree more with your approach.

I hope that Holmgren doesn't share this opinion. Simply making a trade isn't likely to cure the team's ills. They need guys to step up and play better.
- Jsaquella

Your logic is sound.

I never said Briere needs to be traded and I've always had faith in him...until lately.  I'm not saying he's done either but he is close.  I don't see him being a top two line player for much longer is what I'm saying.  I think next year he'll be in a lesser role.  And Jagr is out of gas on a lot of nights.  Same deal with him, good now but for how much longer?  And do you really see Voracek, Simmonds, Reed,  or JVR ever being a top line 30 plus goal scorer?  I don't see that.  This team is not good enough to win anything right now, which doesn't sit well with most Flyers fans.  Acquiring a guy like Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan would put them right back in the race though.
- TonyBazz

and who would you give up to get one of these guys? Remember you need to cut salary to acquire salary.

Your logic is sound.
- BulliesPhan87

Making a trade just for the sake of change rarely works.

I'm more annoyed at Giroux and Jagr's defensive game than their offensive game right now. On that first Isles goal, WTF was Jagr doing? He came back on the backcheck and skated to the circle and stopped. meanwhile the trailer picked up the puck and of course scored untouched. Giroux is forcing the puck in the offensive zone and has been terrible in the defensive zone.

I never said Briere needs to be traded and I've always had faith in him...until lately.  I'm not saying he's done either but he is close.  I don't see him being a top two line player for much longer is what I'm saying.  I think next year he'll be in a lesser role.  And Jagr is out of gas on a lot of nights.  Same deal with him, good now but for how much longer?  And do you really see Voracek, Simmonds, Reed,  or JVR ever being a top line 30 plus goal scorer?  I don't see that.  This team is not good enough to win anything right now, which doesn't sit well with most Flyers fans.  Acquiring a guy like Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan would put them right back in the race though.
- TonyBazz

Acquiring a guy like that also would cost them a ton, and it probably doesn't make them much more likely to beat Boston or the Rangers in a 7 game series.

Making a trade just for the sake of change rarely works.
- Jsaquella

Not in Flyer Land...trade everyone and still have cap room....
have my cake and .....syndrome

Hopeless...this team is poised for success for years to come given the high quality young players. Also, the 2011-12 Flyers were not really considered to be a contender due to the vast overhaul and youth they brought in. I've posted this before, this team has overacheived for the current makeup. To be in solid playoff position (only 4 points out of the top spot in the East) at this point in the season given the new fces and changes is actually a testament to the entire org IMHO.

With a solid D addition the Flyers will be in great shape for a long, long time. (With the caveat that Holmgren doesn't sell the youth away for Weber or Suter).

Your pessimism is completely misplaced I believe.
- dcflyerfan71

Though I don't see much hope for this season's edition, I do like their future.

trade trade trade get out the ps7

This type of impatience is foolish. I'm sorry to be harsh, but I just can't disagree more with your approach.
- dcflyerfan71

It's cool bro it's an open discussion. The Flyers may be young and promising with a lot of potential for the future. But in my opinion they're a top line winger and a defenseman away from a cup. The team they put on the ice now simply can't compete with Boston or the Rangers. They lack elite talent besides Giroux. I'm not content with them not trying to win right now like they do EVERY year.

I'm more annoyed at Giroux and Jagr's defensive game than their offensive game right now. On that first Isles goal, WTF was Jagr doing? He came back on the backcheck and skated to the circle and stopped. meanwhile the trailer picked up the puck and of course scored untouched. Giroux is forcing the puck in the offensive zone and has been terrible in the defensive zone.
- nastyflyergirl

Giroux needs to shoot the puck when he is in the red zone.

I never said Briere needs to be traded and I've always had faith in him...until lately.  I'm not saying he's done either but he is close.  I don't see him being a top two line player for much longer is what I'm saying.  I think next year he'll be in a lesser role.  And Jagr is out of gas on a lot of nights.  Same deal with him, good now but for how much longer?  And do you really see Voracek, Simmonds, Reed,  or JVR ever being a top line 30 plus goal scorer?  I don't see that.  This team is not good enough to win anything right now, which doesn't sit well with most Flyers fans.  Acquiring a guy like Rick Nash or Bobby Ryan would put them right back in the race though.
- TonyBazz

Couple things.

First, I think Briere needs new line mates. And if that doesnt work, the wing.

Second, Jagr barely had an offseason last year. Russian league, the World Tourney thingy...lol, and then almost right into preseason. Rest him a little in game, and give him this off-season and he will be fine.

Third, the positive thing about this team is the depth of scoring, and the fact if the top line is shut down you can get scoring from the other lines, However, when the 2-3 lines get shut down, the Flyers are in trouble. And the good defensive teams like Rangers and Boston can shut down all the lines...

Ryan and Nash would make any team better, but I think you have to address the Defense first, which is a bigger need.