I don't know if this team is going to make the playoffs. It's pretty disappointing if they don't because they should be one of the eight best teams in the Eastern Conference.
- stveshdy

I agree, wholeheartedly. Despite falling short on Weber and Suter, they should still be a playoff team.

I've seen bad teams and I've seen poorly coached teams, and this team really strikes me as the latter.

I'll need more than a win....I will root for him to win and to prove me wrong, but I've been kicking these thoughts around all season long.
- Jsaquella

Everything is magnified in a short season, especially rivalry games. Seemed like some positive news on the walking wounded today.

Do you think if the Hawks would still be on this streak if they had to play Eastern teams?
- canadianpenfan

Maybe not, but they play the right way in all three zones. I hope the entire Flyers team is in a hotel room somewhere watching this game.

All that has to happen is a win tomorrow night, and everyone will be right back aboard the train. Including me.
- PLindbergh31

Depends on how they play. If they happen to win another game of river Hockey against the Pens. I'll take the two points, but I won't be happy with how they play. Same thing as in the Ottawa game. They won the game, but I knew if that play that way against a top team, they'll get throttled. When you're a young team and a developing team, the process and how you win is very important.

Everything is magnified in a short season, especially rivalry games. Seemed like some positive news on the walking wounded today.
- PLindbergh31

Going 4-17-1 last season against the Devils & Rangers doesn't matter now?

Maybe not, but they play the right way in all three zones. I hope the entire Flyers team is in a hotel room somewhere watching this game.
- MBFlyerfan

Do you think that Quennville and Laviolette play the same style?

Is it fair to say this team is underachieving?
- stveshdy

If you merely look at the standings, no. If you look at how they've played and view that they are capable of more - or let quite a few games (and thus, points) slip away like I felt they did in the 2009 series against the Penguins, yes.

They're not far below my expectations, but they are often beating themselves more than simply being beaten by opponents. They go hand in hand, to be certain, but they sure are making it easier on their opponents by not making second chances happen in the O zone and by making mistakes that end up in the back of their own net.

Thats whats funny isnt it.

Its a sick, sick way that this team has with me.

Just when I think I am getting fed up they suck me back in. The fiance always says that it is just a game. Infuriating.
- flyer_nutter

I get this constantly. It's beyond annoying. That being said it would be worse if my wife was into sports. I couldn't deal with that. I'm glad she has no interest.

Maybe not, but they play the right way in all three zones. I hope the entire Flyers team is in a hotel room somewhere watching this game.
- MBFlyerfan

I'm not saying they wouldn't be, they are deep and have great talent at all positions. They'll be a tough out for anyone.

Just wait if they lose the next two.

It will be insanity, and not the kind I like.
- flyer_nutter

If that happens, I will be on Twitter. Most likely trimming my "following" list to the Christian, music, and gaming folks. I won't want to read anything hockey-related at that point.

Which is why the smartest thing to do is fold the franchise.


- Flyskippy

that would actually make sense for the Sixers

Depends on how they play. If they happen to win another game of river Hockey against the Pens. I'll take the two points, but I won't be happy with how they play. Same thing as in the Ottawa game. They won the game, but I knew if that play that way against a top team, they'll get throttled. When you're a young team and a developing team, the process and how you win is very important.
- MJL

The only thing I'm sure of, is that Pittsburgh will be up 2-0 at one point.

Do you think that Quennville and Laviolette play the same style?
- MJL

All this style talk is bogus. Systems don't win hockey games. Tight checking, smart hockey, speed and goaltending win hockey games. You can play a 1-4 and score goals. You can play an aggressive 2-1-2 as long as you back check hard yet play a responsible aggressive attack scheme.

One doesn't forego the other.

I agree, wholeheartedly. Despite falling short on Weber and Suter, they should still be a playoff team.

I've seen bad teams and I've seen poorly coached teams, and this team really strikes me as the latter.
- Jsaquella

Their special teams have been very good lately. The 5 on 5 play has been a big disappointment for this team.

Going 4-17-1 last season against the Devils & Rangers doesn't matter now?
- Jsaquella

I have it at 1-16 in the last 17 games. They said on the MSG broadcast last night the Rags have won 10 of last 11 meetings. And I know they have lost 6 in a row to Devils. (I'm counting last years playoffs) That adds up to 1-16 by my gorilla math.

It eats at me, but what can I do, I have no control over it.

Do you think that Quennville and Laviolette play the same style?
- MJL

Chicago does play an aggressive forecheck game, but the difference is that I see the third man staying a little further back and the forwards do NOT overstay their welcome in the offensive zone. They always have at least one forward back far enough on the defensive side when possession is gained by the other team.

Their forwards aren't chasing the puck out of their offensive zone like the Flyers always seem to be doing.

If that happens, I will be on Twitter. Most likely trimming my "following" list to the Christian, music, and gaming folks. I won't want to read anything hockey-related at that point.
- Flyskippy

Great, I'll have to convert back

Better that happens here than in our blog imo.
- canadianpenfan

Feh. Both fan bases are as volatile as the Middle East.

It's not a cup contending team at this point. DO NOT trade any players or picks that help the future. It's friggin ridiculous. It's chasing your tail. In the pre-cap era it wasn't a big deal because you could buy your way out of problems. Young team so suck it up and determine who you want to keep or who youwant assets for.

that would actually make sense for the Sixers
- isaiah520

Make sense for the what now?

Chicago does play an aggressive forecheck game, but the difference is that I see the third man staying a little further back and the forwards do NOT overstay their welcome in the offensive zone. They always have at least one forward back far enough on the defensive side when possession is gained by the other team.

Their forwards aren't chasing the puck out of their offensive zone like the Flyers always seem to be doing.
- MBFlyerfan

Precisely, that's an aggressive forechecking, yet it's smart and responsible. You don't forego the defense for offense. Or vise versa.

Depends on how they play. If they happen to win another game of river Hockey against the Pens. I'll take the two points, but I won't be happy with how they play. Same thing as in the Ottawa game. They won the game, but I knew if that play that way against a top team, they'll get throttled. When you're a young team and a developing team, the process and how you win is very important.
- MJL

2 points are 2 points. No such things as style points.

Great, I'll have to convert back
- Jsaquella

So glad to know you'll be playing first edition Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, too. #OldSchool

I have it at 1-16 in the last 17 games. They said on the MSG broadcast last night the Rags have won 10 of last 11 meetings. And I know they have lost 6 in a row to Devils. (I'm counting last years playoffs) That adds up to 1-16 by my gorilla math.

It eats at me, but what can I do, I have no control over it.
- PLindbergh31

I've broken many things in my house during those games.

I have it at 1-16 in the last 17 games. They said on the MSG broadcast last night the Rags have won 10 of last 11 meetings. And I know they have lost 6 in a row to Devils. (I'm counting last years playoffs) That adds up to 1-16 by my gorilla math.

It eats at me, but what can I do, I have no control over it.
- PLindbergh31

That number is the combined record for all of last year and this season vs those two teams.

It bugs me, too, and if Laviolette proves me wrong I will be the first to admit it and celebrate the smart decision to keep him.