It was actually mentioned several times last night by Pierre... No surprise that when they start playing responsible hockey they start winning. They have allowed 9 goals over their last 8 games. Pretty hard to lose when you are allowing one goal a game.
- jak521

Yep. They even overcame their goalie letting in one that was stoppable.

Imagine that.

April 28
- Flyskippy

Yep. They even overcame their goalie letting in one that was stoppable.

Imagine that.
- Scoob

Coburn got a away with more than a few easy calls for the refs. Not a great game for him. He could have easily been called for tripping at least twice, and his usual excessive roughing of guys who no longer have the puck.
- hereticpride

Coburn has been regressing for some time now and has more minor penalties than anyone in the league to show for it.

Oh you mean like the blatant cross check to Voracek that was flat out missed with one ref staring right at it? I'm fine with letting the teams play, but to allow Jake to get drilled like that then called a slash on Simmer is ridiculous.
- aantny88

And Coburn boarding Dupuis as time ran out in regulation?

Actually thought he looked okay last night. He actually made smart plays with the puck and TRIED to play physical.

I worded it like this last night...

When they sit back and try to play conservatively they look unsure of themselves. Zero confidence in they way they played last night. Oddly enough.. they gave a bit of commitment to team defense and Bryz had an outstanding game. They cant be related to each other...
- jak521

They played a "prevent" defense last night. I don't equate that with an improved commitment to team defense. I call that panic.

And we all know what the "prevent" defense prevents.

Coburn also got away with a blatant boarding penalty right at the end of the game.
- Feanor

True, though the way Pierre Maguire reacted, you would have thought Dupuis had been killed! Amazing how he miraculously recovered in time to be on the ice for the winning goal though.

With Grossmann injured, if Coburn is suspended for Tuesday night's game with the Rags, I'm hoping Lilja gets called up. Lilja, Foster, and Gervais in the same lineup would be a dream come true.
- PLindbergh31

So you're a Rangers fan?

this has to be one of the most unenjoyable teams I have watched in all my years of flyers hockey

And Coburn boarding Dupuis as time ran out in regulation?

Actually thought he looked okay last night. He actually made smart plays with the puck and TRIED to play physical.
- jmatchett

Never said Coburn didn't get away with that...stupid play.

So you're a Rangers fan?
- Scoob

Nope. Realistic fan that knows the playoffs are a pipe dream. Flyers have played 31 games this year without having a single 3 game winning streak. There will be no magical run, this team is what it is, a very undisciplined group of underachievers.

Season has been reduced to looking to the draft.

What happened with the Pens when they made a commitment to playing better defensively? When they starting playing more disciplined? They're now on an 11 game winning streak.
- MJL

Flyers only allowed one goal in regulation last night and still lost...doesn't seem to matter what system they play. They still come up on the short end of things regardless.

Still nothing doing 5-on-5 but good job not getting blown out.

Never said Coburn didn't get away with that...stupid play.
- aantny88

So, the Pens get all the calls late in a game, but the most glaring penalty of the game wasn't called?
It's not lie that the NHL wants to promote the Penguins. But when you blatantly slash a player's stick (although I think Orpik let it go) and the hook a guy on a breakaway, it's gonna get called 99% of the time regardless of the teams playing.

They played a "prevent" defense last night. I don't equate that with an improved commitment to team defense. I call that panic.

And we all know what the "prevent" defense prevents.
- Scoob

I dont call it panic.. I call it Lavas attempt at team defense. He is a straight forward coach.. he wants his guys running downhill at all times.. so when they changes to go backwards, it looks awkward, and to me awkward is the best word for last nights game.

I worded it like this last night...

When they sit back and try to play conservatively they look unsure of themselves. Zero confidence in they way they played last night. Oddly enough.. they gave a bit of commitment to team defense and Bryz had an outstanding game. They cant be related to each other...
- jak521

They are absolutely unsure of playing that way. Because they haven't been Coached how to play that way, and they haven't done it enough. But the key is that you can go into a more defensive posture, while still being aggressive. Regardless of how you play, you have to remain aggressive. We see teams do it all the time. We saw it in the previous Pens game when they got the goal head goal early in the 3rd. Switched their forecheck, stayed on the defensive side of the puck. But still remained aggressive. You can change how you play when you have a break in the Season. But don't expect it to click instantly. Especially when you're used to playing another way. Takes a little bit of time.

As much as I would love to see the Flyers go on an amazing hot streak and make the playoffs, it's just not gonna happen.

If and most likely when they lose to the Rangers tomorrow (yes I know the Rangers are struggling, but I just have a sick feeling that the Flyers will be the team to bring out the best in them), I can only hope that management will finally realize that this season is over. Time to move whatever vets you can for picks and let the kids play.

While I certainly agree with Bill that they should never try and tank the season, I do believe that getting these kids to play well is more important than wins and losses.

Wish this team had 1/2 the heart of the Poulin led Flyers.....they would be unstoppable.

So, the Pens get all the calls late in a game, but the most glaring penalty of the game wasn't called?
It's not lie that the NHL wants to promote the Penguins. But when you blatantly slash a player's stick (although I think Orpik let it go) and the hook a guy on a breakaway, it's gonna get called 99% of the time regardless of the teams playing.
- jmatchett

The Simmonds penalty pissed me off.. That right there is just a stupid play... He came down 12-6 with a two handed slash to the stick.. I dont think Orpik had any intentions of letting it go. Hell he hit it so hard that it bounced into the air.

So if we draft McKinnon who thinks cooter will be here next year

Flyers only allowed one goal in regulation last night and still lost...doesn't seem to matter what system they play. They still come up on the short end of things regardless.
- aantny88

That really doesn't answer the question. That is one game. And the goal that tied it up, was on a 5 on 3. Don't take penalties. If the Flyers are going to play differently, they'll need some time to adjust to it. Not going to happen overnight. The good news is that they allowed only one goal to a high powered offense.

One thing I don't want to hear anymore this season for the Flyers is "it's a must-win game".

That term is grossly overused.

They are in desperate need of points. Giving up on a season for purposes of a "better" draft pick rather than fighting for the postseason as long as possible is a disgraceful mentality. Even if you don't have a playoff team, you want to see as much compete level as possible.
- bmeltzer

that disgracefull mentality won pitt and chicago cups....i dont advocate doing but if you are, this is the best season to do it.

Wish this team had 1/2 the heart of the Poulin led Flyers.....they would be unstoppable.
- Pyzik

They could have all the heart in the world and it wouldnt matter. What this team needs isnt heart... its direction.

So if we draft McKinnon who thinks cooter will be here next year
- griouxmvp2012

I do.

If they draft McKinnon I see Schenn going.