Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Berube,

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Berube,
- bmeltzer

Great write up Bill. It will be interesting to see who is coach next year. You would have to think that until he is off the market, Babcock is a #1 target.

While we do not know the details of the Mason handling, even having question marks is a serious issue. The guy is the first legitimate tender the Flyers have had in too many years to have question marks. He needs to be handled appropriately. Additionally, having Reese come back next year would be a real twist.

However, he also hastens to add that he doesn't care what Mason's statistics say, he cares only about wins and losses. Berube has said on several occasions that, in his view, the goaltender's record -- especially on the road -- is reflective of him having some letdowns of his own in low-scoring games and having as much room for improvement as everyone else.

So when Mason loses a shootout after giving up 0 in regulation and the forwards can't score in the shootout on the road, it's Mason's fault? It's good to know the Islander's loss was Mason's fault for not taking a turn in the shootout.

I know players should always be looking to improve and the bar should be set high by the coach but let's give the guy a little credit. It really is bizarre.

Bill,

If you had to take a shot at coaches that might interest the Flyers, who would you think would be on their list?

Mine:

Babcok
Blashill (if babcock resign in Detroit)
Kevin Dineen
Todd McLellan(if let go)

Bill,

If you had to take a shot at coaches that might interest the Flyers, who would you think would be on their list?

Mine:

Babcok
Blashill (if babcock resign in Detroit)
Kevin Dineen
Todd McLellan(if let go)
- J35Bacher

What about Dan Bylsma or maybe even John Stevens?

What about Dan Bylsma or maybe even John Stevens?
- BernieKorch

Peter DeBoer is also a possibility.

Love you Bill... you're a straight shooter who doesn't sugar coat anything with orange sprinkles.

Great write up on Reese as well. I always thought he did an incredible job here, with what he was given! It's neat to hear how much pride and connection he had with his goalies, almost like a father/son thing. That's a tough loss to swallow, regardless of circumstances..

What about Dan Bylsma or maybe even John Stevens?
- BernieKorch

Possibly Stevens.

I didn't like Bylsma's system. He seemed to be as all out offense as Lavy and left a lot of odd man rushes against the d and let his goalie out to dry

Assessing Craig Berube?

Dear Lord, the red meat has been tossed out early!

Back, you wolves! Back, damn you! Some of you need to work today!

So when Mason loses a shootout after giving up 0 in regulation and the forwards can't score in the shootout on the road, it's Mason's fault? It's good to know the Islander's loss was Mason's fault for not taking a turn in the shootout.

I know players should always be looking to improve and the bar should be set high by the coach but let's give the guy a little credit. It really is bizarre.
- Flyers_01

Just goes to show how shallow-minded Berube is. Doesn't even take into account his sv% and gaa, not to mention lack of offensive help, numerous screens, odd man rushes, etc.

If he's going to single anyone out, Mason is the wrong person to do it on. Out of all the guys on the roster who have sucked all season, he singles out the one who has been solid.

Just goes to show how shallow-minded Berube is. Doesn't even take into account his sv% and gaa, not to mention lack of offensive help, numerous screens, odd man rushes, etc.

If he's going to single anyone out, Mason is the wrong person to do it on. Out of all the guys on the roster who have sucked all season, he singles out the one who has been solid.
- WarriorHockey21

If it wasn't for Mason, Chief probably would have been put of a job back in December.

Bill,

If you had to take a shot at coaches that might interest the Flyers, who would you think would be on their list?

Mine:

Babcok
Blashill (if babcock resign in Detroit)
Kevin Dineen
Todd McLellan(if let go)
- J35Bacher

All viable names, although I think Babcock wants more authority than just coaching and he won't get that here.

Dave Tippett would be good choice if the Coyotes let him go. Very structured style of play but also has had many of his teams overachieve (although certainly not this year).

Bylsma's name will probably come up, too.

If it wasn't for Mason, Chief probably would have been put of a job back in December.
- 3flyerkids

In all seriousness, you're probably right. How many of their wins did Mason steal for them this season? Quite a few.. You think the season is bad now, just imagine if they only had half the wins they have..

I've said multiple times this season that I don't lay the blame for the Flyers' struggles this season on Craig Berube -- it's the roster, folks -- and that I thought he'd be back next year.

I based that on the fact that the GM -- whether you agree or disagree with the why/outcome -- didn't do a damn thing to help this roster this season. Not a single trade that added a healthy roster player this season -- Radko Gudas was acquired, obviously, but is injured.

But my thinking has shifted over the past few weeks, since Jeff Reese got turfed AND Craig Berube's subsequent handling of Steve Mason. Combined with the bizarre handling of Mason all season by the Flyers, I do believe that some kind of systemic issue is in play here that will see Chief fired, and I won't be surprised in the slightest if Mason gets moved.

I know the latter sounds crazy. But there's a rhythm to how the Flyers do things, and something's just not right about this management's connection to Mason, I feel.

Just my opinion, but there's some kind of stench there, and I don't know that Berube will be the only one who gets the gate.

I've said multiple times this season that I don't lay the blame for the Flyers' struggles this season on Craig Berube -- it's the roster, folks -- and that I thought he'd be back next year.

I based that on the fact that the GM -- whether you agree or disagree with the why/outcome -- didn't do a damn thing to help this roster this season. Not a single trade that added a healthy roster player this season -- Radko Gudas was acquired, obviously, but is injured.

But my thinking has shifted over the past few weeks, since Jeff Reese got turfed AND Craig Berube's subsequent handling of Steve Mason. Combined with the bizarre handling of Mason all season by the Flyers, I do believe that some kind of systemic issue is in play here that will see Chief fired, and I won't be surprised in the slightest if Mason gets moved.

I know the latter sounds crazy. But there's a rhythm to how the Flyers do things, and something's just not right about this management's connection to Mason, I feel.

Just my opinion, but there's some kind of stench there, and I don't know that Berube will be the only one who gets the gate.
- AllInForFlyers

I have this same gut feeling, I think there will be more changes than the obvious ones.

I've said multiple times this season that I don't lay the blame for the Flyers' struggles this season on Craig Berube -- it's the roster, folks -- and that I thought he'd be back next year.

I based that on the fact that the GM -- whether you agree or disagree with the why/outcome -- didn't do a damn thing to help this roster this season. Not a single trade that added a healthy roster player this season -- Radko Gudas was acquired, obviously, but is injured.

But my thinking has shifted over the past few weeks, since Jeff Reese got turfed AND Craig Berube's subsequent handling of Steve Mason. Combined with the bizarre handling of Mason all season by the Flyers, I do believe that some kind of systemic issue is in play here that will see Chief fired, and I won't be surprised in the slightest if Mason gets moved.

I know the latter sounds crazy. But there's a rhythm to how the Flyers do things, and something's just not right about this management's connection to Mason, I feel.

Just my opinion, but there's some kind of stench there, and I don't know that Berube will be the only one who gets the gate.
- AllInForFlyers

I have this same gut feeling, I think there will be more changes than the obvious ones.

If it wasn't for Mason, Chief probably would have been put of a job back in December.
- 3flyerkids

Anybody who doubts that should re-watch the 1-0 shootout loss to the Islanders in the fall, where Mason put on one of the single-greatest goaltending displays I've ever seen

Just goes to show how shallow-minded Berube is. Doesn't even take into account his sv% and gaa, not to mention lack of offensive help, numerous screens, odd man rushes, etc.

If he's going to single anyone out, Mason is the wrong person to do it on. Out of all the guys on the roster who have sucked all season, he singles out the one who has been solid.
- WarriorHockey21

Poor Steve Mason. That mean old Berube just doesn't give him the praise he so richly deserves. In other fields, good workers are always appreciated. They are never crapped on unfairly by their bosses.

Not to be snarky, but I am sick of the all the fans, and one terrible journalist, bemoaning the abuse Mason and Giroux have gotten this season. These are groan men making millions playing a sport on a team that is not succeeding. I got no love for Berube but some fans take it personal that Giroux and Mason get criticism and feel they have to defend them.

I've said multiple times this season that I don't lay the blame for the Flyers' struggles this season on Craig Berube -- it's the roster, folks -- and that I thought he'd be back next year.

I based that on the fact that the GM -- whether you agree or disagree with the why/outcome -- didn't do a damn thing to help this roster this season. Not a single trade that added a healthy roster player this season -- Radko Gudas was acquired, obviously, but is injured.

But my thinking has shifted over the past few weeks, since Jeff Reese got turfed AND Craig Berube's subsequent handling of Steve Mason. Combined with the bizarre handling of Mason all season by the Flyers, I do believe that some kind of systemic issue is in play here that will see Chief fired, and I won't be surprised in the slightest if Mason gets moved.

I know the latter sounds crazy. But there's a rhythm to how the Flyers do things, and something's just not right about this management's connection to Mason, I feel.

Just my opinion, but there's some kind of stench there, and I don't know that Berube will be the only one who gets the gate.
- AllInForFlyers

If they trade Mason, I will be royal p'oed! He's been pretty impressive since they acquired him from Columbus and is the only reason the Flyers aren't vying for the #1 pick. Not to mention that if Mason had been playing in the entire Rangers series last season, the Flyers would've moved on!

I've said multiple times this season that I don't lay the blame for the Flyers' struggles this season on Craig Berube -- it's the roster, folks -- and that I thought he'd be back next year.

I based that on the fact that the GM -- whether you agree or disagree with the why/outcome -- didn't do a damn thing to help this roster this season. Not a single trade that added a healthy roster player this season -- Radko Gudas was acquired, obviously, but is injured.

But my thinking has shifted over the past few weeks, since Jeff Reese got turfed AND Craig Berube's subsequent handling of Steve Mason. Combined with the bizarre handling of Mason all season by the Flyers, I do believe that some kind of systemic issue is in play here that will see Chief fired, and I won't be surprised in the slightest if Mason gets moved.


I know the latter sounds crazy. But there's a rhythm to how the Flyers do things, and something's just not right about this management's connection to Mason, I feel.

Just my opinion, but there's some kind of stench there, and I don't know that Berube will be the only one who gets the gate.
- AllInForFlyers

I just don't see anyway possible they move Mason. He is their best goalie in recent memory. Chief.. Gone. But Mason..no way. I think there will be a couple of " suprise" moves. I would bet either 10 or 14 are moved. Laughton will be on the team next year as he should be. I also wouldn't be suprised if Streitis moved ( he has done a great job). It should be interesting

(snip)I based that on the fact that the GM -- whether you agree or disagree with the why/outcome -- didn't do a damn thing to help this roster this season. Not a single trade that added a healthy roster player this season -- Radko Gudas was acquired, obviously, but is injured.(snip)
- AllInForFlyers

But the plan isn't, and never was for "this season". Hextall has said he is planning for 2 or 3 years out, and so far, his actions have backed that up. Acquiring Umberger, who will clear cap for signing new guys sooner than they could have with Hartnell.. acquiring picks instead of trading picks to acquire older players.. putting more focus on the development of the D prospects, and hopefully acquiring a few decent forwards in the draft this year... etc.

(snip) and I won't be surprised in the slightest if Mason gets moved.(snip)

I can't see that happening, unless there is a proven #1 goalie coming back in a trade... I just don't see that making any sense, even with Mason being "outspoken"(which is the leadership this team needs). Even though I don't agree with owners injecting themselves in the process... if I'm Snider, I specifically tell Hextall that Mason is not being moved, unless he is a cancer to the team and hindering them more than helping them. Which, he's the only crutch they have to stand on this season, so I don't see that scenario. The carousel finally stopped with Mason.. they need to build around him, not reverse course, build a steam, and then not have a goalie again.

Just my opinion, but there's some kind of stench there, and I don't know that Berube will be the only one who gets the gate.

I don't think he will be either. I think Hextall will work to correct all the problems on this team, he just needs the time. The Reese thing baffles me, and the whole Umberger situation still irks me, but I'm optimistic Hextall is going to lead them in the right direction... hopefully..

I have this same gut feeling, I think there will be more changes than the obvious ones.
- puckhead17

There needs to be changes. I'm sorry, but some people just won't admit that B. Schenn and Couturier will never meet the expectations that have been placed upon them, fair or not. There's too much money wrapped up in Umberger, Lecavalier and MacDonald to really improve the team through free agency. Even if Ghost and Morin make the team out of camp next year, there will be a steep learning curve for both of them. Sad to say, but I think this team has huge roster issues

I just don't see anyway possible they move Mason. He is their best goalie in recent memory. Chief.. Gone. But Mason..no way. I think there will be a couple of " suprise" moves. I would bet either 10 or 14 are moved. Laughton will be on the team next year as he should be. I also wouldn't be suprised if Streitis moved ( he has done a great job). It should be interesting
- 3flyerkids

You are correct -- it's counterintuitive, but something just doesn't feel right there. I wish I didn't think that way, because I think Mason is exactly what you said: their best goalie in recent memory.

But there is something there that just doesn't add up, and I kinda wonder if it's going to be as simple as Chief being the only one to walk the plank.

That infamous sign that states "they don't care who you are," I think, is gonna prove eerily prophetic

There needs to be changes. I'm sorry, but some people just won't admit that B. Schenn and Couturier will never meet the expectations that have been placed upon them, fair or not. There's too much money wrapped up in Umberger, Lecavalier and MacDonald to really improve the team through free agency. Even if Ghost and Morin make the team out of camp next year, there will be a steep learning curve for both of them. Sad to say, but I think this team has huge roster issues
- aantny88

I'll say this about Brayden Schenn: There's no way in hell that I'd wait another season for him to "develop"

That's just me, my opinion. But enough's enough with this particular player, I feel

I'll say this about Brayden Schenn: There's no way in hell that I'd wait another season for him to "develop"

That's just me, my opinion. But enough's enough with this particular player, I feel
- AllInForFlyers

Can't say I disagree...from what I see from both Schenns, their hockey IQ is Forrest Gump level!