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Meltzer's Musings: Numb to losing

December 22, 2009, 11:41 AM ET [ Comments]
Bill Meltzer
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Philadelphia Flyers have reached the point of no return this season. They've now gotten to the point where they are numb to losing and go into every game just waiting for bad things to happen (which they inevitably do). With a few exceptions, such as Ian Laperriere, the club does not have a winner's mentality. Even if the club were to win a few games over their upcoming southern swing, it is clear the culture of the locker room needs to be changed.

Unfortunately, the Flyers have no bargaining power whatsoever in trade talks. They are strapped to the salary cap, have numerous contracts that will be difficult or impossible to shed, lack high-end prospects below the NHL level and don't even have their own first round pick in the upcoming draft (which could potentially be Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin if the Flyers don't improve in the standings). As a result, you can be sure that other teams mention Claude Giroux and James van Riemsdyk in every trade discussion of substance.

There's no trust or teamwork on the ice, and holding yet another player's only meeting after last night's miserable performance against the Florida Panthers isn't about to magically repair what ills the team. There's been way too much talk already, and little to no action.

Beyond that, the Flyers aren't just a bad hockey team right now. Most nights, they're a boring one, too. It would be easier to deal with losing if you got the sense that the club was committed to doing the little things it takes to play focused, competitive and commited hockey on a regular basis. Lack of goal scoring is one thing, but a lack of hustle, puck support and overall intesity is inexcusable and very difficult to watch.

Over the last six weeks, the Flyers have been an awful hockey club in virtually every aspect of the game. Brian Boucher, until he was injured last night, was giving his all in net and doing a commendable job under terrible circumstances. The rest has been utter garbage.
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