In my opinion, they aren't this bad. A few key moves, and their right back at it next year. The future of this team is still very, very bright.
- MJL

Talent wise, you are correct. But effort wise, half the team can't take nights off. Yes, the young core is really strong, but they were almost all, young and old alike, playing uninspired hockey. Streaky at best. Other than Jake and simmer, and possibly L. Schenn. IMHO.

Talent wise, you are correct. But effort wise, half the team can't take nights off. Yes, the young core is really strong, but they were almost all, young and old alike, playing uninspired hockey. Streaky at best. Other than Jake and simmer, and possibly L. Schenn. IMHO.
- section32

I think of it this way.

That young core has some good pieces, but not enough of them. I think the Flyers will need some more star power on offense and especially defense to eventually be a consistent elite team. That these days, has to be done primarily through drafting.

This whole anything can happen if you make the playoffs is bang on, but I rather build a team that is consistently near the top for a few years, not one that has to rely on a shootout just to make the dance.

Talent wise, you are correct. But effort wise, half the team can't take nights off. Yes, the young core is really strong, but they were almost all, young and old alike, playing uninspired hockey. Streaky at best. Other than Jake and simmer, and possibly L. Schenn. IMHO.
- section32

Not taking nights off can to a degree be fixed. I rather just bring in players who are most consistent to begin with, first and foremost in terms of effort and defensive play.

My approach would be to continue building through the draft, and keeping the kids. Bring in solid veteran leadership through FA to show these kids the right way to play. Infuse that attitude, take some weight off Giroux, and in a few years if the organization is patient this team should be consistently fighting for the division title.

Edit: The key to all this is the Flyers have to be realistic. They cant go around throwing huge money at players who are best suited to secondary roles.

Talent wise, you are correct. But effort wise, half the team can't take nights off. Yes, the young core is really strong, but they were almost all, young and old alike, playing uninspired hockey. Streaky at best. Other than Jake and simmer, and possibly L. Schenn. IMHO.
- section32

You're right. It's not one player, it's team wide. So what's the cause? The Flyers team as a whole isn't capable of it?

I think of it this way.

That young core has some good pieces, but not enough of them. I think the Flyers will need some more star power on offense and especially defense to eventually be a consistent elite team. That these days, has to be done primarily through drafting.

This whole anything can happen if you make the playoffs is bang on, but I rather build a team that is consistently near the top for a few years, not one that has to rely on a shootout just to make the dance.
- flyer_nutter

On defense, they could use a top defenseman. But offensively, they have all the star power they need. They just need some players to rebound. And young players to continue to grow.

Should be entertaining watching the teams of suck playing each other.

On defense, they could use a top defenseman. But offensively, they have all the star power they need. They just need some players to rebound. And young players to continue to grow.
- MJL

Right on. Continued growth of the kids is needed obviously.

I dont think they have enough pieces on offense to be a consistent elite team but thats just me. We disagree but I think too many guys are poor defensively to begin with, and too many are soft along the wall too often. Its why teams are so willing to take the Flyers there.

A lot of this depends on how the kids develop. I do think Coots and Laughton will make a great 3rd line shutdown duo along with Talbot in the future.

Brayden Schenn will need to anchor that 2nd line, and we will see if he can do it. I am not so sold, but we will see. Doesnt mean he wont be a decent player, but having Barkov on that 2nd line for example wouldnt be the worst thing either.

Again I dont think this is a one year fix and management will need to evaluate properly over time, and not give out huge contracts to players when they really arent deserving from a consistent team production standpoint. What this team needs more of, is someone to help ignite the offense other than Giroux/Voracek. Which I think with Coots taking shutdown duty falls on Schenn. I hope he lives up to it, but part of that is improving his D game big time.

Can't wait for the college hockey championship.should be a good one.

Right on. Continued growth of the kids is needed obviously.

I dont think they have enough pieces on offense to be a consistent elite team but thats just me. We disagree but I think too many guys are poor defensively to begin with, and too many are soft along the wall too often. Its why teams are so willing to take the Flyers there.

A lot of this depends on how the kids develop. I do think Coots and Laughton will make a great 3rd line shutdown duo along with Talbot in the future.

Brayden Schenn will need to anchor that 2nd line, and we will see if he can do it. I am not so sold, but we will see. Doesnt mean he wont be a decent player, but having Barkov on that 2nd line for example would be the worst thing either.

Again I dont think this is a one year fix and management will need to evaluate properly over time, and not give out huge contracts to players when they really arent deserving from a consistent team production standpoint. What this team needs more of, is someone to help ignite the offense other than Giroux/Voracek.
- flyer_nutter

The Flyers have Giroux, Hartnell, Voracek, Simmonds, Schenn, Couturier, and Read. That's enough offense. They could use one or two secondary Forwards that can play both ways, and chip in points. They have two players scoring at an 80 point pace. They have enough offense. Another big scorer would be nice, but not necessary.
No such thing as a player that is poor defensively to begin with. They just choose not to excel in that area. And if you're in a situation that does not demand it, well then that's what you get. The Flyers may play soft, but they have the players to fix that also. It's a state of mind. And being confident, and coming with that extra effort.
I think it's a huge mistake to think that this Season defines this team as a whole.
And I sure hope Couturier becomes far more then a 3rd line defensive Center. And I think he will.

Any chance you guys qualify for the playoffs, honestly?
- Orpik44

Can't wait for the college hockey championship.should be a good one.
- wilsonecho91

what time is the game?

- hammarby31

Thats the same response we give to that question

Not sure if this is leight or not, but Mason's getting the start today and Danny B is back

what time is the game?
- hammarby31

7pm your time

The Flyers have Giroux, Hartnell, Voracek, Simmonds, Schenn, Couturier, and Read. That's enough offense. They could use on or two secondary Forwards that can play both ways, and chip in points. They have two players scoring at an 80 point pace. They have enough offense. Another big scorer would be nice, but not necessary.
No such thing as a player that is poor defensively to begin with. They just choose not to excel in that area. And if you're in a situation that does not demand it, well then that's what you get. The Flyers may play soft, but they have the players to fix that also. It's a state of mind. And being confident, and coming with that extra effort.
I think it's a huge mistake to think that this Season defines this team as a whole.
And I sure hope Couturier becomes far more then a 3rd line defensive Center. And I think he will.
- MJL

I'd be very happy with Coots being a consistent elite 3rd line center. On a true shutdown line with Talbot, and Laughton. Having that line together for long term I would love. That is where he should have been playing, alongside Talbot and Gagne when the team traded for him.

Again a lot of this depends on Brayden Schenn. He could be that missing element that helps ignite the offense when things aren't going well for the team. If he does great, but again I have my concerns.

Regarding the poor defensively thing, a lot of players never become good defensively while still putting up good points. Briere would be a perfect example.

I would agree that this season shouldnt be used to completely define them, but to also take that into context and see that this may not be a quick one year fix nd they do need more pieces.

In terms of Hartnell... Well you know where I stand... Perfect example of a player who usually goes with how the team goes, chronically inconsistent, chronically stupid, and in turn overpaid. Will Hartnell rebound? Probably. I also dont feel comfortable paying such big money to a guy who you have no idea if he will go from a threat to pretty much useless. That cant happen in a SCF. Defensive play, has been an area Hartnell has been poor in his whole time here.
His statistical production may not be immediately replaced but I would rather have someone like Jagr in his spot, teaching the kids how to play the right way, and with the right approach.

A lot of this depends on how close you think the team is. To making the playoffs? They may be somewhat close with the right growth. To being a true elite team that challenges for a cup not just one year. I think they are farther off, and it will be the kids to lead them there. Those kids need to be groomed the right way.

A big reason why I think they are farther off is the D. Coburn'schronic inconsistent play aside, you have Meszaros who I wouldnt rely on. Grossman has vision issues, which are concerning and his future status should become more clear in the summer. The biggest issue is Timonen. The Flyers already need a top d-man. Timonen has shown real signs of age this season, even if he is still the best D-man by miles (an issue on its own). When Timonen is gone, you then need two top d-men.

The only real certain thing on that D core for more than a couple of years, is Luke Schenn.

Should be entertaining watching the teams of suck playing each other.

- cabin

go sabres!

go sabres!
- 2Real

Meh, I'd rather see Briere come out and provide a real boost.

Even if it may be his last season, I want to see a few more meaningful celebrations from the guy.

Bryzgalov.

Long term?

One more season?

Buy out in the summer?

Thats the same response we give to that question
- cabin

it's the only appropriate response.

Meh, I'd rather see Briere come out and provide a real boost.

Even if it may be his last season, I want to see a few more meaningful celebrations from the guy.
- flyer_nutter

nothing from here on out is meaningful

Bryzgalov.

Long term?

One more season?

Buy out in the summer?
- flyer_nutter

good-bye bryz!

I'd be very happy with Coots being a consistent elite 3rd line center. On a true shutdown line with Talbot, and Laughton. Having that line together for long term I would love. That is where he should have been playing, alongside Talbot and Gagne when the team traded for him.

Again a lot of this depends on Brayden Schenn. He could be that missing element that helps ignite the offense when things aren't going well for the team. If he does great, but again I have my concerns.


- flyer_nutter

I wouldn't be unhappy with that concerning Couturier, but I'd be disappointed. I think he has the ability to be more then that.
I think it's very early, and very premature to be concerned about B Schenn. This hasn't been a great environment all season for a young player. Difficult circumstances.

Regarding the poor defensively thing, a lot of players never become good defensively while still putting up good points. Briere would be a perfect example.


- flyer_nutter

True. But that doesn't mean that the player isn't capable of becoming better defensively. All players are capable of it. A player like Briere is at a disadvantage in physical situations. But even he could improve defensively.

I would agree that this season shouldnt be used to completely define them, but to also take that into context and see that this may not be a quick one year fix nd they do need more pieces.


- flyer_nutter

That was already known, even before the Season started.

In terms of Hartnell... Well you know where I stand... Perfect example of a player who usually goes with how the team goes, chronically inconsistent, chronically stupid, and in turn overpaid. Will Hartnell rebound? Probably. I also dont feel comfortable paying such big money to a guy who you have no idea if he will go from a threat to pretty much useless. That cant happen in a SCF. Defensive play, has been an area Hartnell has been poor in his whole time here.
His statistical production may not be immediately replaced but I would rather have someone like Jagr in his spot, teaching the kids how to play the right way, and with the right approach.


- flyer_nutter

Hartnell can bounce back. I keep reading about inconsistency. Most players in this League are inconsistent in terms of offense. Players go on hot streaks and cold streaks. All but the top players. I've explained previously, how I think Hartnell goes.

A lot of this depends on how close you think the team is. To making the playoffs? They may be somewhat close with the right growth. To being a true elite team that challenges for a cup not just one year. I think they are farther off, and it will be the kids to lead them there. Those kids need to be groomed the right way.


- flyer_nutter

How many teams are truly elite year after year? This is a team of the future. Can't lose sight of that.

A big reason why I think they are farther off is the D. Coburn'schronic inconsistent play aside, you have Meszaros who I wouldnt rely on. Grossman has vision issues, which are concerning and his future status should become more clear in the summer. The biggest issue is Timonen. The Flyers already need a top d-man. Timonen has shown real signs of age this season, even if he is still the best D-man by miles (an issue on its own). When Timonen is gone, you then need two top d-men.

The only real certain thing on that D core for more than a couple of years, is Luke Schenn.
- flyer_nutter

The defense needs some pieces. But apart from that. Improve the overall team play. And you'll find that this team defenseman are better then most think. Meszaros injuries are a concern. Not real worried about Grossmann.

7pm your time
- wilsonecho91

down here, it's my time. it's my time down here. and that's all over the minute I ride up holmger's bucket.

Bryzgalov.

Long term?

One more season?

Buy out in the summer?
- flyer_nutter

He absolutely gets one more year. I don't understand why ANYONE would want to get rid of Bryz. One of our only consistent performers all year. Not to mention we have compliance buy-outs through next summer and next summer we don't have to pay out the full deal where as this summer we would.

I seriously don't get it, Bryz with an even average defense is a starting goalie on 30 teams. Yes, his term sucks. But his cap hit is what a starting goalie costs.

I'm baffled. None of this talk was being spoke of until we got Mason. You know, Steve Mason? Aka statistically the worst starting goalie in the entire leauge the past 4 seasons?

Danny B is anothe story

down here, it's my time. it's my time down here. and that's all over the minute I ride up holmger's bucket.
- hammarby31

You watch that this morning?