Agreed. The team is really not that far off of being a Stanley Cup contender. I think better coaching, more experience, and a piece or two would put them over the top. This season sucks but might be the best thing to happen to the franchise in the long run. The Flyers could add a top prospect this year. Every team but Detroit that has won a cup since the lockout has drafted in the top 10 at least three times within 6 years before winning the cup.
- psuhockey

I couldn't agree more. I still believe in the future of this team. And it's players. They just need to learn to play the right way. Tweak the roster, and most importantly. Stay the course and show some patience.

If the Flyers want to develop Gustafsson as an NHL defenseman he should be playing games with them. There is nothing more for him to accomplish playing games in the AHL.

Recall him, and put Gervais on waivers. I'm sick of seeing that guy.
- PLindbergh31

There's no pressure in Dallas. Hell last year they had more empty seats than Sixers games.
- Jsaquella

Played well in the hockey hotbed of Atlanta before that. Would've been a better choice in 2011(?), IMO.

I didnt say they WEREN'T comfortable.. I said they AREN'T comfortable.
- jak521

In my opinion, it has nothing to do with that. I think it's all about the Coach putting the best player on the ice as much as possible. To try and get back in the playoff race. It's desperation from a Coach. Rather then any comfort level with a player.

His claim really isnt all that outlandish. Philly is known for hating its superstars anyway. Look how they went from loving Richards to hating him. Look at Howard. Look at Schmidt. McNabb...
- jak521

From an outsider perspective, I did find it funny that every single Flyers fan thinks the local media are d-bags (a position I don't disagree with) yet a big criticism of Richard's captaincy was his unwillingness to deal with said local media.

Homer has issues with drafting Dmen for the phantoms but will go and sign these wretched Dmen from other organizations. He had the chance to draft Dmen the last couple years and opted for centermen. I feel the organization has this belief they are going to draft the next Bob Clarke and that the center position is the most important.
- vejim

The Organization has stated repeatedly that their drafting strategy is to draft who they feel is the best player available. Regardless of position.

There are only 2 ways the Flyers win tonight
1. Bryz has the game of his life
2. Hedberg is awful

The Flyers are a dysfunctional team right now. They are trying to hard and making terrible mistakes. They will lose tonight and probably Sunday against Tampa too. Expect a press conference to announce a new coach on Monday.

The Flyers were up on their skates, especially to start the game. But the structure just isn't there. And as much as I think he's a moron at times. Mike Milbury's description of the Flyers was perfect. They are recklessly aggressive.
- MJL

Yep. The difference is night and day. The Devils are disciplined and aggressive. The Flyers are all over the place. The Devils weaker defensive group is protected by the aggressive and smart forecheck and commitment to defense shown by the forwards.

Hell, somebody mentioned the Clarkson interview with Pierre prior to the game. Clarkson's eyes lit with glee when he mentioned that the Devils just stay within their system and knew what they had to do.

People can blame the players and Holmgren all they want. But Holmgren and the players are not the ones that build structure and set the system up.

There's no pressure in Dallas. Hell last year they had more empty seats than Sixers games.
- Jsaquella

but that d is no better and the chances are every bit as tough according to Bill. does this call into ? bryz's mental strength?

From an outsider perspective, I did find it funny that every single Flyers fan thinks the local media are d-bags (a position I don't disagree with) yet a big criticism of Richard's captaincy was his unwillingness to deal with said local media.
- Atomic Wedgie

I think the big criticism was directed towards that of the media... at least from knowledgeable fans. There were times he acted a bit childish with things he would do.. (ie reportedly refusing to wear a Flyers hat during the media sessions).. but the vast majority of the criticism was directed towards the media.

The Organization has stated repeatedly that their drafting strategy is to draft who they feel is the best player available. Regardless of position.
- MJL

And by best player available, you mean best Canadian centre.

There are only 2 ways the Flyers win tonight
1. Bryz has the game of his life
2. Hedberg is awful

The Flyers are a dysfunctional team right now. They are trying to hard and making terrible mistakes. They will lose tonight and probably Sunday against Tampa too. Expect a press conference to announce a new coach on Monday.
- BiggE

Trying too hard is definitely accurate. To the point of it causing dysfunction. The harder they try, the worse it get's. If you're doing something wrong, try harder all you want. It's not going to change. That's why you see Hartnell running around like a knucklehead later in the game. He's frustrated, has pride, and has no idea what to do about it.

And by best player available, you mean best Canadian centre.
- Atomic Wedgie

I don't think Country of Origin has anything to do with it either.

From an outsider perspective, I did find it funny that every single Flyers fan thinks the local media are d-bags (a position I don't disagree with) yet a big criticism of Richard's captaincy was his unwillingness to deal with said local media.
- Atomic Wedgie

richies biggest issue was on the ice, not off

I think the big criticism was directed towards that of the media... at least from knowledgeable fans. There were times he acted a bit childish with things he would do.. (ie reportedly refusing to wear a Flyers hat during the media sessions).. but the vast majority of the criticism was directed towards the media.
- jak521

It could have been worse.

Patrick Kane reportedly showed up for a Blackhawks golf tourney wearing a Sabres hat.

Homer has issues with drafting Dmen for the phantoms but will go and sign these wretched Dmen from other organizations. He had the chance to draft Dmen the last couple years and opted for centermen. I feel the organization has this belief they are going to draft the next Bob Clarke and that the center position is the most important.
- vejim

Drafted four defenseman last year and traded for another, a former 2nd round pick from Carolina, playing in the NCAA.

but that d is no better and the chances are every bit as tough according to Bill. does this call into ? bryz's mental strength?
- isaiah520

I have the utmost respect for Bill. But in my opinion you can't compare situations with two different teams. Tons of variables between the two situations.

I don't think Country of Origin has anything to do with it either.
- MJL

Let me elaborate:

The Flyers like Canadian players.

Canadian minor hockey has a different philosophy on forwards than the rest of the world: in Canada, your best forwards play centre. Period.

Think of the greatest centres of the past 25 years: Gretzky, Lemieux, Sakic, Yzerman, etc. All Canadians.

Think of the greatest wingers of the last 25 years: off the top of my head, it's hard to think of Canadians. Kariya?

2nd case in point: think of every time Canada assembles a national team. They always take centres and put them on the wings.

Flyers like Canadians. Flyers like drafting forwards. So Flyers draft Canadian centres.

is anyone actually excited about the game? even if they win does it really matter?
- mydoglicks

i'm not, and it doesn't.

While I am open to moving guys like Coburn or Meszaros, I don't see a need for a total overhaul of the defensemen.

Look around the NHL. The Flyers defense isn't that terrible. It's not the best mix, but it's a capable group. When the are used properly.

As Bill has often said, if you flip the Devils and Flyers defense corps the other night, the Devils still win. The group the Devils have is largely the same group that went to the SCF last season.

The coach has to use what he has on hand properly. If you have Erik Karlsson, you don't ask him to be Johnny Boychuk. And if you have Johnny Boychuk, you don't ask him to be Erik Karlsson.

In the Flyers case, Luke Schenn is being asked to be Chris Pronger and Erik Gustafsson is being asked to be Matt Carle. Recipe for failure.
- Jsaquella

Well put. If the Flyers could find just one more solid defenseman who can skate well, they will be fine as long as they are paired and used properly. Coburn/Grossmann works for me, but Schenn/Timonen doesn't, neither skates well enough to be paired together. I would rather see Timonen paired with Mezaros and Schenn paired with either a new acquisition that skates well, or Gus. There is no point of Gus playing in the AHL, let him play here and waive Foster already. So what if he makes mistakes, they aren't going anywhere this season, so it is the perfect time to learn.

Let me elaborate:

The Flyers like Canadian players.

Canadian minor hockey has a different philosophy on forwards than the rest of the world: in Canada, your best forwards play centre. Period.

Think of the greatest centres of the past 25 years: Gretzky, Lemieux, Sakic, Yzerman, etc. All Canadians.

Think of the greatest wingers of the last 25 years: off the top of my head, it's hard to think of Canadians. Kariya?

2nd case in point: think of every time Canada assembles a national team. They always take centres and put them on the wings.

Flyers like Canadians. Flyers like drafting forwards. So Flyers draft Canadian centres.
- Atomic Wedgie

They do, but they have also drafted a Swiss defenseman and wingers from Canada and the US among the last 6 first round selections they have made.

Let me elaborate:

The Flyers like Canadian players.

Canadian minor hockey has a different philosophy on forwards than the rest of the world: in Canada, your best forwards play centre. Period.

Think of the greatest centres of the past 25 years: Gretzky, Lemieux, Sakic, Yzerman, etc. All Canadians.

Think of the greatest wingers of the last 25 years: off the top of my head, it's hard to think of Canadians. Kariya?

2nd case in point: think of every time Canada assembles a national team. They always take centres and put them on the wings.

Flyers like Canadians. Flyers like drafting forwards. So Flyers draft Canadian centres.
- Atomic Wedgie

I'll repost the same reply I did earlier. The FLyers drafting philosophy is to draft the best player available. Regardless of position or Country of Origin.

His claim really isnt all that outlandish. Philly is known for hating its superstars anyway. Look how they went from loving Richards to hating him. Look at Howard. Look at Schmidt. McNabb...
- jak521

Mike Schmidt was booed unmercifully by Philly fans. I was at the game when he came out on the field with a wig on and this is a hall of fame player

Well put. If the Flyers could find just one more solid defenseman who can skate well, they will be fine as long as they are paired and used properly. Coburn/Grossmann works for me, but Schenn/Timonen doesn't, neither skates well enough to be paired together. I would rather see Timonen paired with Mezaros and Schenn paired with either a new acquisition that skates well, or Gus. There is no point of Gus playing in the AHL, let him play here and waive Foster already. So what if he makes mistakes, they aren't going anywhere this season, so it is the perfect time to learn.
- BiggE

I like the Timonen/Schenn pairing. I don't think skating is an issue for either player. And if the Flyers feel that Gustafsson is struggling for whatever reason. Then they did the right thing by sending him down. This is not a good situation for a struggling young defenseman.

I'll repost the same reply I did earlier. The FLyers drafting philosophy is to draft the best player available. Regardless of position or Country of Origin.
- MJL

guess its not working