Nope, I just flagged the West because across the board, teams in the West are more physical than Eastern Conference teams. More teams in the west play a fast, physical brand of hockey.

I don’t give a crap about “the game has changed.” The Flyers built their legacy on having skilled, physical teams. This team has for years lacked an identity. It’s dumb to think otherwise, and if they continue to try and get by with the team as constructed, nothing will change in terms of getting to/succeeding in the post-season.
- BroadSTmayhem

Like I said, if you want to say the Flyers are not playing competitive enough in puck battles and puck races and around the net, I'm completely with you on that. If you talk about a legacy, and retribution for hits and anything related to that, I view that as nonsense and a non issue. Flyers issues are a combination of what I alluded to in the first sentence, injuries and players who just aren't ready to take a bigger chunk as well as a few weaknesses in the lineup.

The Flyers size is not an issue. There's a difference between lacking toughness and just not playing with toughness.
- MJL

I Understand what you are saying but would point out who Tampa added for their cup run. Team lacked toughness, had a different swagger after they got Coleman maroon bogo and whatnot. Players that hit. Will fight etc.

I Understand what you are saying but would point out who Tampa added for their cup run. Team lacked toughness, had a different swagger after they got Coleman maroon bogo and whatnot. Players that hit. Will fight etc.
- Peter Richards

I can say with 100% confidence that they didn't add any of those players because they could fight. Flyers don't have a need for more foot soldiers or role players. They have plenty of that. They need to get better on defense and they need their best players to play like it consistently.

Like I said, if you want to say the Flyers are not playing competitive enough in puck battles and puck races and around the net, I'm completely with you on that. If you talk about a legacy, and retribution for hits and anything related to that, I view that as nonsense and a non issue. Flyers issues are a combination of what I alluded to in the first sentence, injuries and players who just aren't ready to take a bigger chunk as well as a few weaknesses in the lineup.
- MJL

Didn’t give up on this season yet but if they miss or lose in the first round of the playoffs, how is this not the pattern the team has exhibited for the last 10 years. Who is picked in the expansion may be an important pivot this summer. But if the above happens I would guess this summer we may see a vet or a prospect or two traded.

I can say with 100% confidence that they didn't add any of those players because they could fight. Flyers don't have a need for more foot soldiers or role players. They have plenty of that. They need to get better on defense and they need their best players to play like it consistently.
- MJL

Didnt say that was the only reason they were signed. Just how they play the game.

I Understand what you are saying but would point out who Tampa added for their cup run. Team lacked toughness, had a different swagger after they got Coleman maroon bogo and whatnot. Players that hit. Will fight etc.
- Peter Richards

Logic spoken here...totally agree!

For some teams, including the Flyers, you’re right - it’s not 1975. Western Conference teams would disagree with you, as do I.
- BroadSTmayhem

Some people just don’t understand how important toughness is in the NHL....true the game has changed but to have no team toughness like the Flyers do is proving disaster out. It was a reason the islanders skated them into ice in the playoffs....and to me they look like a bunch of pussies so far this year as well....how do you beat the Flyers...play physical...they will wilt.

Some people just don’t understand how important toughness is in the NHL....true the game has changed but to have no team toughness like the Flyers do is proving disaster out. It was a reason the islanders skated them into ice in the playoffs....and to me they look like a bunch of pussies so far this year as well....how do you beat the Flyers...play physical...they will wilt.
- landros 2

this

I Understand what you are saying but would point out who Tampa added for their cup run. Team lacked toughness, had a different swagger after they got Coleman maroon bogo and whatnot. Players that hit. Will fight etc.
- Peter Richards

Funny Tampa crashed and burned one year....the next they addressed team toughness added some pieces to go with the obvious skill level and it brought them a Stanley cup. Your correct.

How is it AV's fault, exactly? He made Niskanen retire? He made Giroux struggle in four of the first six games?
- bmeltzer

Agree....this is not a coaching issue.

How is it AV's fault, exactly? He made Niskanen retire? He made Giroux struggle in four of the first six games?
- bmeltzer

I'd hate to disappoint you Bill but Giroux has been struggling much more than the first 4 of last 6 games.

funny thing sports talk radio here is bashing the eagles HC hire saying he's not too bright

Funny Tampa crashed and burned one year....the next they addressed team toughness added some pieces to go with the obvious skill level and it brought them a Stanley cup. Your correct.
- landros 2

Coleman and Maroon are both great players. Goodrow was seen as a former first round pick who could turn into Tom Wilson. Their toughness is not seen by big hits or fights its how they win board battles and are a problem in front of the opponents nets. We have guys who can do that, the problem is they aren't not that they can't. Could one those 3 players help us ? Sure. They play good hockey. Are they a requirement? No.

I have no cures.
One notation: The team has not played well in ANY game.

I am ancient and think that if you are not entertaining and you play like punks, WHY WATCH?

Yes, players haven't been good enough, including Giroux.

Jake is the most noticeable on-ice leader right now, and he doesn't seem to have a lot of company.
- Tomahawk

Giroux hasn't been good enough since that 90 point season he had but to be fair, Crosby shattered his wrists that year in the playoffs by slashing him literally every faceoff.

Coleman and Maroon are both great players. Goodrow was seen as a former first round pick who could turn into Tom Wilson. Their toughness is not seen by big hits or fights its how they win board battles and are a problem in front of the opponents nets. We have guys who can do that, the problem is they aren't not that they can't. Could one those 3 players help us ? Sure. They play good hockey. Are they a requirement? No.
- Tfaehner

Obviously they were compliments to the skilled...super skilled....players. I am more concerned current guys and there lack to engage. They are easy to play against and not nearly skilled enough to compensate for it. They have a lot of pieces , but I wonder as I’m sure Fletcher does if they complete the puzzle. Right now it doesn’t appear so.

I'd hate to disappoint you Bill but Giroux has been struggling much more than the first 4 of last 6 games.
- 2Real

Every aging player eventually hits the wall. I’m not sure Giroux is at the wall, but he may be in it’s shadow. I just don’t think they can count on his past production... who replaces it ? Yes I realize he had a decent year last year before the break...but his play slipped on the restart and just hasn’t been there to start this year. With that said it’s not like he’s not good enough to still help, he still can be a good player and still is....but I think people need to lower their expectations.

I have no cures.
One notation: The team has not played well in ANY game.

I am ancient and think that if you are not entertaining and you play like punks, WHY WATCH?
- Pompous

They are extremely stale and need some new life added to the top 6 who is not afraid to shoot or hold on to the puck to let a play develop

They are extremely stale and need some new life added to the top 6 who is not afraid to shoot or hold on to the puck to let a play develop
- Bayareaflyer

What I don't understand is why lindblom Patrick tk has been beyond changes. Lindblom Patrick have been mostly solid defensively but have really struggled offensively.

Id like to see something like:
Tk Hayes Jake (3 of our better players throughout the 6 games they've all had bad games but looking at the entire picture)
Jvr Patrick G
Lindblom Laughton NAK
Bee Bunny Raffl

Maybe it sparks something. Maybe it doesn't.

Didn’t give up on this season yet but if they miss or lose in the first round of the playoffs, how is this not the pattern the team has exhibited for the last 10 years. Who is picked in the expansion may be an important pivot this summer. But if the above happens I would guess this summer we may see a vet or a prospect or two traded.
- Peter Richards

We may and I would be fine with that but we're a long way from that point.

Coleman and Maroon are both great players. Goodrow was seen as a former first round pick who could turn into Tom Wilson. Their toughness is not seen by big hits or fights its how they win board battles and are a problem in front of the opponents nets. We have guys who can do that, the problem is they aren't not that they can't. Could one those 3 players help us ? Sure. They play good hockey. Are they a requirement? No.
- Tfaehner

Coleman and Maroon are great players? The rest I'm with you on.

Toughness needs to be defined. Are we talking about retaliation to hits, fighting and extra curricular battles between whistles? Or are we talking about being strong on the puck in puck battles and around the net? The former is not necessary and the latter is absolutely necessary. In fact it's impossible to win in the NHL without it. What I object to is that we need to be tougher and add toughness for the first part. We don't. What needs to happen is that the Flyers need to be a harder and tougher team to play against. I have been clear about that. So "some people" need to read what is actually being said.

Just watched the Hart stick smashing , the entire team owes that kid an apology for the turd they laid in front of him.

Just watched the Hart stick smashing , the entire team owes that kid an apology for the turd they laid in front of him.
- ClaudeFather

No doubt the team has been bad, but Hart has let in a ton of goals in the last 4 periods. 6 goals on 26 shots yesterday ain’t great however you look at it.

No doubt the team has been bad, but Hart has let in a ton of goals in the last 4 periods. 6 goals on 26 shots yesterday ain’t great however you look at it.
- Dkos

Agreed but which goals yesterday were bad goals on the goaltender?
I see one, the 2nd Marchand goal. So it's 5-1 instead of 6-1 if he makes that save.