Marty "complaining" and "flopping dramatically" is smart hockey especially in the playoffs. You know as well as anyone that a team needs any advantage it can get this time of the year. Holtby stood his ground didn't get a call and the goal was allowed. Could have cost his team the game but luckily for the Caps it didn't.

Sometimes you have to sell it a little harder than usual. Could be the difference between moving on to the next round or moving on to the golf course.

E.Johnson would be great. I also wouldnt mind Shattenkirk, Gundbransen, Peitreangelo (sp). Maybe you can even try for Fowler... He had a big-time down year last year... I wonder if there would be a way to pry Ryan and Fowler from Anaheim...
- RooNosHockey

Just me but I think hoping to land Pietrangelo is a fart in a windstorm. The Blues saw what happened when he went down.

The problem with all of these young d-men is as promising as they are none of them are really guys I would look to as being top pairing guys, let alone #1 d-men in a playoff series. They may become so, but with the condition of Kimmo they dont fill the glaring need for a top pairing war horse imo.

This team is young, but all those young promising kids will need new contracts eventually. I'd like to make a really strong push for the cup next season, and take advantage of whatever #44 has left.

Just to play Devil's Advocate, they have had the same issues for a couple years now, despite the radically changed roster.
- Jsaquella

Yes, but you have to factor in the radical roster change and the number of young inexperienced rookies in the lineup, a long with losing a top NHL defenseman. So I don't think you can look at it as the same issue two years in a row. There are just too many different variables. However I do think there is some merit to it. I've talked about the way Laviolette likes to play since the first day he came here. His teams have always been a double edged sword. He plays a very risky, very aggressive style.

Marty "complaining" and "flopping dramatically" is smart hockey especially in the playoffs. You know as well as anyone that a team needs any advantage it can get this time of the year. Holtby stood his ground didn't get a call and the goal was allowed. Could have cost his team the game but luckily for the Caps it didn't.

Sometimes you have to sell it a little harder than usual. Could be the difference between moving on to the next round or moving on to the golf course.
- FAZOOL

I agree. I don't think that was goalie interference last night on that goal. And I think the correct call was made on disallowing the JVR goal. Even though Brodeur certainly sold it.

Just me but I think hoping to land Pietrangelo is a fart in a windstorm. The Blues saw what happened when he went down.

The problem with all of these young d-men is as promising as they are none of them are really guys I would look to as being top pairing guys, let alone #1 d-men in a playoff series. They may become so, but with the condition of Kimmo they dont fill the glaring need for a top pairing war horse imo.

This team is young, but all those young promising kids will need new contracts eventually. I'd like to make a really strong push for the cup next season, and take advantage of whatever #44 has left.
- flyer_nutter

If you want to do that, then some of those young promising kids will need to be moved. You wouldn't need that young promising d man to be a #1 D man in the playoffs.

The problem is more the lack of depth in the FA market. There's Suter, Carle, Wideman and Oduya. They are likely to get overpaid by somebody.

I'm not eager to trade JvR or any of the good young forwards. The guys in the AHL and junior are not going to replace what they have in the NHL. I expect Eric Wellwood to lock up a spot, perhaps even Ben Holmstrom or Sestito. But guys like Harry Z, Holmstrom and Sestito are 4th liners. It's not as if there's a 30 goal scorer waiting in Adirondack waiting for a chance.

A trade just makes the most sense in regards to the market, the cap and what the team has on hand.
- Jsaquella

What about Brown, Cousins, and McGinn? I would think one of those guys might be able to step up next year if given a chance...

I'm as excited as I have ever been for this team. I will eagerly anticipate the draft, July 1st and anything else that happens this summer. Honestly, with the emergence of Giroux, the potential of guys like Schenn, Couturier and Voracek, there's as much reason to be excited for this team as ever.
- Jsaquella

Im excited too, I just liked the part of the article that described the happenings since 2007. While there was some heartache, the ride was amazing.

Yes, but you have to factor in the radical roster change and the number of young inexperienced rookies in the lineup, a long with losing a top NHL defenseman. So I don't think you can look at it as the same issue two years in a row. There are just too many different variables. However I do think there is some merit to it. I've talked about the way Laviolette likes to play since the first day he came here. His teams have always been a double edged sword. He plays a very risky, very aggressive style.
- MJL

Do you feel comfortable with the current group of forwards playing a defensive style?

Do you feel comfortable with the current group of forwards playing a defensive style?
- flyer_nutter

I think this group of Forwards would be fantastic in a defensive first, counter attacking system.

If you want to do that, then some of those young promising kids will need to be moved. You wouldn't need that young promising d man to be a #1 D man in the playoffs.
- MJL

In that case you roll the dice and hope Kimmo can be a #1 again for another year, and a playoff run.

I dont know how he would have held up even this season for two more rounds.

If Kimmo goes down you are esentially looking at a d-core where your top guys are made up of Carle, Mez and Coburn. That screams inconsistent defensive play to me.

Just to play Devil's Advocate, they have had the same issues for a couple years now, despite the radically changed roster.
- Jsaquella

Is there another Chris Pronger out there? I don't think so. So I think Homer should keep finding "diamonds in the rough" like he did with Grossmann. I know we will need to move some forwards this offseason.

I was impressed with Jakub V.'s play in the playoff. A little to much puck handling but he never quit which I thought was going to be his flaw. The offensive core is strong. There goaltending will be good enough. The defense has Mez, Corby, Kimmo and Grossmann.

Lavy system can definately work. To ask the rookies to play 82 games and 2 rounds of playoffs at that high tempo may have been asking to much. Next year, is a different story.

Great year and many more to come. GO FLYERS

In that case you roll the dice and hope Kimmo can be a #1 again for another year, and a playoff run.

I dont know how he would have held up even this season for two more rounds.

If Kimmo goes down you are esentially looking at a d-core where your top guys are made up of Carle, Mez and Coburn. That screams inconsistent defensive play to me.
- flyer_nutter

Timonen isn't going to be a #1 anymore. And I don't feel that Carle will be here next year. Your omitting Grossmann also.

Great read, so true, sorry if Leight


http://www.the700level.co...05074&feedID=8510&qv=1#bp
- aosplayo

This was a good read. I must say though as someone who has been a fan through 4 different decades/multiple eras and been a blogger and intern for a media outlet he's suffering more from blogger burn out more than anything else. Haven't read all his stuff just that one piece but the guy seems like he definitely has a pulse on the team.

As a fan you deal with the year in and year out disappointment of losing in the playoffs if your team doesn't win it all. That's not exactly strange, there hasn't been a back to back winning team or dynasty in the NHL for some time now. However you have to hold onto the good memories and if you're getting to caught up in the losing then it's time to re-evaluate why you watch sports.

As a blogger for me, dealing with the people who come up with crazy off the wall ideas is taxing. For example last trade deadline was filled with stupidity on the web, c'mon trading Briere and Bryzgalov for Rick Nash? hindsight is always better but I told people back then it would have been a disaster and after this playoffs I think we can all agree Rick Nash wouldn't have helped.

Right now everyone is ripping Bryzgalov and wrongfully so. If the series was a game 7 situation and he made that outlet pass/goal for the devils and cost the Flyers the series, I could understand but seriously that series was over way before Bryzgalov's brain fart. Also he's not the only goalie to give up a goal off a failed outlet pass. No instead right now until the cup is over and perhaps through the summer, bloggers will be either feeding or trying to put out that fire and it's draining. The goalie was the least of the problems.

So I can understand why the author of that article is feeling that way, but I also think he lost sight of why he was doing what he was doing, and that was to deliver a message to the fanbase and or interact with them. The team is going to struggle and go through phases, every team does in every sport not just the Flyers.

For what its worth me personally, I am proud as ever before to be a Flyers fan. They give you a competitive product year in and year out. They have missed the Playoffs 6 times in my lifetime, unless I'm missing a year, I'm counting the early 90''s and 07. They have been to the Finals 5 or 6 times in my lifetime. The 87 year is one I will cherish and love probably as much as a cup year. They give you the bang for your buck, the only thing they haven't done is win a cup and hasn't been for lack of trying. If someone was to come down from heaven or wherever and tell me the Flyers would never win a cup but will go on like they have through the 80's, 90's 00's and 20teens, then I wouldn't think for a minute about changing my loyalty. This team always was and will continue to be an extension of my family/social life.

I think this group of Forwards would be fantastic in a defensive first, counter attacking system.
- MJL

Where we differ.

I think with the inconsistency of the d-men, and basically hoping Ilya returns to form thats even a worse gamble.

I also think as a forward group they do not have enough grit to play that way.

What I would like to see them do is get more grit up front by sacrificing some of the youth and scoring. Do that and improve the D.

(frank) the Devils

Foligno, Myers and our Nasville #1 for JVR??
- Ripped Fuel

I would take Myers and a pick.

Marty "complaining" and "flopping dramatically" is smart hockey especially in the playoffs. You know as well as anyone that a team needs any advantage it can get this time of the year. Holtby stood his ground didn't get a call and the goal was allowed. Could have cost his team the game but luckily for the Caps it didn't.

Sometimes you have to sell it a little harder than usual. Could be the difference between moving on to the next round or moving on to the golf course.
- FAZOOL

I think you guys are gonna win the Cup, I really do. Good luck and congratulations, you deserve it!

Timonen isn't going to be a #1 anymore. And I don't feel that Carle will be here next year. Your omitting Grossmann also.
- MJL

I am omitting Grossmann.

Out of 60 minutes he will only take up so much compared to the collective minutes of Carle/Coburn/Mez.

You said it right there though. If Kimmo isn't going to be the #1 who is? I do not feel confident that Flyers have anyone in the organization that comes anywhere close to filling that need other than #44.

This was a good read. I must say though as someone who has been a fan through 4 different decades/multiple eras and been a blogger and intern for a media outlet he's suffering more from blogger burn out more than anything else. Haven't read all his stuff just that one piece but the guy seems like he definitely has a pulse on the team.

As a fan you deal with the year in and year out disappointment of losing in the playoffs if your team doesn't win it all. That's not exactly strange, there hasn't been a back to back winning team or dynasty in the NHL for some time now. However you have to hold onto the good memories and if you're getting to caught up in the losing then it's time to re-evaluate why you watch sports.

As a blogger for me, dealing with the people who come up with crazy off the wall ideas is taxing. For example last trade deadline was filled with stupidity on the web, c'mon trading Briere and Bryzgalov for Rick Nash? hindsight is always better but I told people back then it would have been a disaster and after this playoffs I think we can all agree Rick Nash wouldn't have helped.

Right now everyone is ripping Bryzgalov and wrongfully so. If the series was a game 7 situation and he made that outlet pass/goal for the devils and cost the Flyers the series, I could understand but seriously that series was over way before Bryzgalov's brain fart. Also he's not the only goalie to give up a goal off a failed outlet pass. No instead right now until the cup is over and perhaps through the summer, bloggers will be either feeding or trying to put out that fire and it's draining. The goalie was the least of the problems.

So I can understand why the author of that article is feeling that way, but I also think he lost sight of why he was doing what he was doing, and that was to deliver a message to the fanbase and or interact with them. The team is going to struggle and go through phases, every team does in every sport not just the Flyers.

For what its worth me personally, I am proud as ever before to be a Flyers fan. They give you a competitive product year in and year out. They have missed the Playoffs 6 times in my lifetime, unless I'm missing a year, I'm counting the early 90''s and 07. They have been to the Finals 5 or 6 times in my lifetime. The 87 year is one I will cherish and love probably as much as a cup year. They give you the bang for your buck, the only thing they haven't done is win a cup and hasn't been for lack of trying. If someone was to come down from heaven or wherever and tell me the Flyers would never win a cup but will go on like they have through the 80's, 90's 00's and 20teens, then I wouldn't think for a minute about changing my loyalty. This team always was and will continue to be an extension of my family/social life.
- JoeRussomanno

My favorite part was the "SSHHHHHHHHHH". Took me a second to realize what he meant, then got me PO'd again.


Im still convinced Max Talbot is a spy

I understand that, But he will need to be replaced with someone who can do what he does.

He isn't the best d-man in the world, but if the Flyers go into next season thinking Gus or MAB can replace his minutes then the Flyers will struggle.

Carle helps this teams transition game. He is a very good skater with solid first pass skills.

Don't just throw out "don't bring back Carle" without providing away to replace him.
- ggunky

Here is my big question.. Why cant Meszaros replace Carles minutes?

Meszy-Timonen
Coburn-Grossmann

Thats a pretty solid top 4. Acting like Carles minutes are irreplaceable is kinda over the top.

In fact, if we were able to add a guy like Luke Schenn this off season (obviously in a trade).. our top 6 could be pretty damn good.

Would it be nice to get a number one guy? Certainly. Do I think that will happen. Nope. Is it smart to over pay for Suter? Nope. Carle at more than 4.75 is a tough pill for me to swallow.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Are Flyers Better Off Than a Year Ago?
- bmeltzer

Bill thanks for all you do and the wonderful blogs you provide us. You are truly the best blogger on this site and your work is top notch. You are hockey sir.

The interference call was brutal on Schenn in Game 3. It was a total acting job by Broduer. That also was a game that if the Flyers potted one of their PP's in OT the series could have been much different.

As for how I feel going into this offseason. It's tough to say. Despite losing 4 straight (and the series in 5) we are still in better position and I feel much better about this team then I did after last year's exit. We were totally dominated by the Bruins and really didn't have a shot in that series. You can at least pin point and look back (such as Game 3) and say if this happened here or there it could have been different.

What scares me though is we felt good after 85 that we'd have a chance. We had our goalie and a young team. Felt the same way after 97 too. We had Lindros. Felt good after '10, we just needed a little better goaltender.

I've become caulous a bit. I'll be 36 in June, the Flyers drought now is 37 years and counting. I want to see a Stanley Cup raised by a guy in a Flyers jersey so bad. Nothing else will suffice, Phillies, Eagles. It's all Flyers for me, all the time.

Again, thanks for the great work you do.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Are Flyers Better Off Than a Year Ago?
- bmeltzer

not sure if the flyers are any better than last year,but i think they have to look at how phoenix plays and try to play a system like theirs.
bryz is the key and if they want to be successful they need to play a system that suits him.i am on the fence when it comes to jvr because there is a good chance they dont get much from schenn,or coots next year,with briere a year older and hartnell and simmonds coming off career years scoring may be a problem.would like to see 2 new defensive minded d and vet forward.

I am omitting Grossmann.

Out of 60 minutes he will only take up so much compared to the collective minutes of Carle/Coburn/Mez.

You said it right there though. If Kimmo isn't going to be the #1 who is? I do not feel confident that Flyers have anyone in the organization that comes anywhere close to filling that need other than #44.
- flyer_nutter

Which is why Homer may overpay for Suter unless he can pull a trade off.

This was a good read. I must say though as someone who has been a fan through 4 different decades/multiple eras and been a blogger and intern for a media outlet he's suffering more from blogger burn out more than anything else. Haven't read all his stuff just that one piece but the guy seems like he definitely has a pulse on the team.

As a fan you deal with the year in and year out disappointment of losing in the playoffs if your team doesn't win it all. That's not exactly strange, there hasn't been a back to back winning team or dynasty in the NHL for some time now. However you have to hold onto the good memories and if you're getting to caught up in the losing then it's time to re-evaluate why you watch sports.

As a blogger for me, dealing with the people who come up with crazy off the wall ideas is taxing. For example last trade deadline was filled with stupidity on the web, c'mon trading Briere and Bryzgalov for Rick Nash? hindsight is always better but I told people back then it would have been a disaster and after this playoffs I think we can all agree Rick Nash wouldn't have helped.

Right now everyone is ripping Bryzgalov and wrongfully so. If the series was a game 7 situation and he made that outlet pass/goal for the devils and cost the Flyers the series, I could understand but seriously that series was over way before Bryzgalov's brain fart. Also he's not the only goalie to give up a goal off a failed outlet pass. No instead right now until the cup is over and perhaps through the summer, bloggers will be either feeding or trying to put out that fire and it's draining. The goalie was the least of the problems.

So I can understand why the author of that article is feeling that way, but I also think he lost sight of why he was doing what he was doing, and that was to deliver a message to the fanbase and or interact with them. The team is going to struggle and go through phases, every team does in every sport not just the Flyers.

For what its worth me personally, I am proud as ever before to be a Flyers fan. They give you a competitive product year in and year out. They have missed the Playoffs 6 times in my lifetime, unless I'm missing a year, I'm counting the early 90''s and 07. They have been to the Finals 5 or 6 times in my lifetime. The 87 year is one I will cherish and love probably as much as a cup year. They give you the bang for your buck, the only thing they haven't done is win a cup and hasn't been for lack of trying. If someone was to come down from heaven or wherever and tell me the Flyers would never win a cup but will go on like they have through the 80's, 90's 00's and 20teens, then I wouldn't think for a minute about changing my loyalty. This team always was and will continue to be an extension of my family/social life.
- JoeRussomanno

I get pissed when they lose for sure but at the end of the day I am left with good memories. I think all the comebacks agauns the Pens was the highlight this year. That and I have a soft spot for that Jets game where they tied it with seconds left and won in OT.

There is a reason, for the times where I cant fall asleep that I think of possible line combinations in my head.

Here is my big question.. Why cant Meszaros replace Carles minutes?

Meszy-Timonen
Coburn-Grossmann

Thats a pretty solid top 4. Acting like Carles minutes are irreplaceable is kinda over the top.

In fact, if we were able to add a guy like Luke Schenn this off season (obviously in a trade).. our top 6 could be pretty damn good.

Would it be nice to get a number one guy? Certainly. Do I think that will happen. Nope. Is it smart to over pay for Suter? Nope. Carle at more than 4.75 is a tough pill for me to swallow.
- jak521

Ummm, I would think Mezzy could be on a top pair with Kimmo.

My concern is can Kimmo be counted on to be a #1 again this year?

I don't think so.

Mezzy is not a #1 D-man so if he isn't anchored by a #1 d-man he can't be the lead dog on the top pairing.

I think Mezzy is a little to inconsistent to be a #1.


*this is all my opinion and is subject to change*