Don't be silly. It's all the defensive systems in front of the goaltenders. Boston's defense was stellar. Pittsburgh had almost zero quality chances against Rask. Bryzgalov would have held the Penguins scoreless in that series. Rask was only able to stop 136 of 138 shots. What a stiff.

So sick of hearing about the defense in front of the goalies. It's such garbage. Watching these playoffs, outside of MAF, and Nabakov, none of these goalies allow any soft goals. And every goaltender faces a bunch of high quality shots every game.
- PLindbergh31

I don't go that far, cause quick had some tough moments and Crawford was a little shaky in the DET series, but i get where you're coming from. i think the fan base collectively bent over backwards to give bryz some slack and it's understandable, because we all want to put this situation to bed.

Personally, I have a problem with handing Steve Mason the keys to the kingdom. I think he still needs to earn that spot. This is why I think we should sign a player like Ray Emery. You sign him, you don't get him in a trade. Emery should cost less and have less years then Bryz. I think it's a win-win for the Flyers.
- dingo8urbaby

Sign Jake Allen to an offer sheet. St. Louis can't keep all three goalies and can't afford to match since Shattenkirk, Pietrangelo, Stewart and Berglund are also all RFAs. Not enough cap space to fit them all in.

They can keep him another season and still use a compliance buy out on him. The NHL made the compliance buy outs available in 2013 and 2014.
- Jsaquella

This!

I would keep him. Buyout Briere and make a trade for a Dman. If Bryz stinks it up next year you can make the decision next summer.

Sign Jake Allen to an offer sheet. St. Louis can't keep all three goalies and can't afford to match since Shattenkirk, Pietrangelo, Stewart and Berglund are also all RFAs. Not enough cap space to fit them all in.
- therealagent

They will likely sign all those RFA's and dump Perron. Then the cap will work for them.

If Bryz is gone, they're going to get another goalie, regardless. Like anything else, it depends on the cost. Maybe they can get a goalie in a bigger trade for defense help, rather than a 1 for 1 trade for Bernier.
- Jsaquella

I'm not against trading Matt Read unless we re-sign Gagne at a reasonable cost and we get our man on D. At the same time, let's say the Flyers are lucky enough to get an Erik Johnson for example, I think they have to ask themselves what happens to Meszaros? I don't think a healthy Timonen, Coburn, Grossman or Schenn are going anywhere. I understand the question smarts surrounding Grossman's health but when healthy he's a player of need. Since Meszaros' first season as a Flyer, I feel both his play and health keeps becoming more and more of a concern and the moment you acquire someone who does it better, the Flyers are going to want to move on without him.

I'm not against trading Matt Read unless we re-sign Gagne at a reasonable cost and we get our man on D. At the same time, let's say the Flyers are lucky enough to get an Erik Johnson for example, I think they have to ask themselves what happens to Meszaros? I don't think a healthy Timonen, Coburn, Grossman or Schenn are going anywhere. I understand the question smarts surrounding Grossman's health but when healthy he's a player of need. Since Meszaros' first season as a Flyer, I feel both his play and health keeps becoming more and more of a concern and the moment you acquire someone who does it better, the Flyers are going to want to move on without him.
- dingo8urbaby

I get you on Read. I'm talking more about dealing for a goalie in that respect.

If they can get a Johnson or Yandle or whomever, I think they simply try to give Meszaros away

This!

I would keep him. Buyout Briere and make a trade for a Dman. If Bryz stinks it up next year you can make the decision next summer.
- Iggysbff

I'd still bag him. Not sold on Steve Mason at all, but I'd be terrified all year of Bryz getting hit by a Zamboni and suffering a career ending injury

Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way but what are the chances of the Penguins re-signing Jerome Iginla? I feel he still has plenty to give for another 2 seasons at least. I'm not saying the Flyers can get him but would you take him if it's possible?

Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way but what are the chances of the Penguins re-signing Jerome Iginla? I feel he still has plenty to give for another 2 seasons at least. I'm not saying the Flyers can get him but would you take him if it's possible?
- dingo8urbaby

I love Iggy. Not sure I'd take him on...it'd depend massively on cost

I love Iggy. Not sure I'd take him on...it'd depend massively on cost
- Jsaquella

It's strange and I don't have the numbers in front of me but I thought he looked better as a Flame this season with the weight of the team on his back, then as a role player with the Penguins...

It's strange and I don't have the numbers in front of me but I thought he looked better as a Flame this season with the weight of the team on his back, then as a role player with the Penguins...
- dingo8urbaby

He did look better before the trade. I'm not real happy with how the Pens used him, to be honest. If they make a couple moves up front to address the D, and can get him for $3mm or so, I'd be interested.

He did look better before the trade. I'm not real happy with how the Pens used him, to be honest. If they make a couple moves up front to address the D, and can get him for $3mm or so, I'd be interested.
- Jsaquella

A team like the Pens can offer an aging star like Iginla 3 million and say "Take it or leave it". The Flyers on the other hand probably could or should say here's 5 million for 2-3 seasons. What do you think? He'll have a bigger role here and a chance to show he still has it. I think he does...

I love Iggy. Not sure I'd take him on...it'd depend massively on cost
- Jsaquella

So do I. Agree about cost. Cost becomes even a bigger issues when there are several needs to address.

He did look better before the trade. I'm not real happy with how the Pens used him, to be honest. If they make a couple moves up front to address the D, and can get him for $3mm or so, I'd be interested.
- Jsaquella

He's probably going to get something close to what Doan got. I doubt its in Pittsburgh.

Lots of rumours swirling regarding his marriage and possibly a divorce. If that is truly the case he'll likely want to be somewhere close to his kids. 95% chance its not Calgary though. Will be interesting offseason....

Nice blog Bill and one that is a real tough call. Personally I like Bryz and his Mr. Universe, I find it amusing and all but the bottom line that is the real problem here. His job is to stop pucks and be a good team mate and not a team spokeman and always trying to be a comedian in a serious show. If the team is winning it probably can be tolerated but when you are losing his Mr. Universe does not go over well with either fans or team mates. You are not going to change this guy, you can tell him to tone it down but then he would not be a happy Bryz and that is not good. To me he must be bought out as management has made a costly mistake because as long as Bryz is in the net the reputation will hinder this team until he is gone.
That being said unless the teams attention to defence or the system changes it does not matter if the great Pelle or Bernie were in net they are going to get lit up. I am surprised Hot Lava is still coach and I predict he will get canned at some point next year. I would have replaced him with somebody that coaches with authority unlike Lavy who is too good to his players, my opinion. He can't be their buddies and then have tantrums on them , it just does not work. I like Dallas Eakins, seems to hold players accountable and is a very good teacher.

A team like the Pens can offer an aging star like Iginla 3 million and say "Take it or leave it". The Flyers on the other hand probably could or should say here's 5 million for 2-3 seasons. What do you think? He'll have a bigger role here and a chance to show he still has it. I think he does...
- dingo8urbaby

I can't do a multi-year deal with an over 35 guy right now...sadly.

So do I. Agree about cost. Cost becomes even a bigger issues when there are several needs to address.
- 2731color

If you could realistically trade for Bobby Ryan or Chris Stewart, I'm all for that. If you can sign Iginla short term, I like that idea too.

I just feel one of those needs is a front line winger with Claude Giroux. There is no doubting that Jake Voracek can be that guy and Scott Hartnell being a compliment to he both of them but I still look at that impact Jagr had on these youngsters. I feel Iglina could still play at a high level while motivating these young kids from within the dressing room. Voracek has also played with with Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier within the past 2 seasons. I think Jake can play anywhere.

I'd still bag him. Not sold on Steve Mason at all, but I'd be terrified all year of Bryz getting hit by a Zamboni and suffering a career ending injury
- Jsaquella

Excellent comment and that is why I say it will happen as well as what I said in my previous post. Tough pill to swallow though, dollar wise.

If you could realistically trade for Bobby Ryan or Chris Stewart, I'm all for that. If you can sign Iginla short term, I like that idea too.

I just feel one of those needs is a front line winger with Claude Giroux. There is no doubting that Jake Voracek can be that guy and Scott Hartnell being a compliment to he both of them but I still look at that impact Jagr had on these youngsters. I feel Iglina could still play at a high level while motivating these young kids from within the dressing room. Voracek has also played with with Brayden Schenn and Sean Couturier within the past 2 seasons. I think Jake can play anywhere.
- dingo8urbaby

I would not mess with the Giroux/Voracek combo, Jake finally broke out last year and I think he can still do much better. Hartnell being healthy will make this line what it used to be. I would be in favour of resigning Jagr for one year to play with Schenn and or Couturier. He would make both of them grow into their talent and give them the confidence Jagr gave Giroux. My respect for Jagr is off the charts, he is a humble superstar that leads by example and his presence can only inspire the team.

deleterious effect on offense

That's a good one Bill, doubt I could find that in the dictionary

I would not mess with the Giroux/Voracek combo, Jake finally broke out last year and I think he can still do much better. Hartnell being healthy will make this line what it used to be. I would be in favour of resigning Jagr for one year to play with Schenn and or Couturier. He would make both of them grow into their talent and give them the confidence Jagr gave Giroux. My respect for Jagr is off the charts, he is a humble superstar that leads by example and his presence can only inspire the team.
- flyerdude17

I don't think I would touch Jagr. He's not hurting Boston obviously but he's not exactly looking dangerous in my opinion.

I think skilled players such as Iginla, Stewart or Ryan helps with the issue of size that Holmgren seems to be concerned about.

I don't think I would touch Jagr. He's not hurting Boston obviously but he's not exactly looking dangerous in my opinion.

I think skilled players such as Iginla, Stewart or Ryan helps with the issue of size that Holmgren seems to be concerned about.
- dingo8urbaby

Jagr would bring more off the ice in developing the kids that any of the others and the fact is he can be had without giving up anything. Ryan and Stewart will cost you players in a trade I believe. I doubt Iggy want to come to Philly but with the rumours of divorce and his age there is a chance his mind could not be totally on hockey and therefore I would pass on him. I would like to see a pp dman signed like Mark Streit short term, max two years if possible and a mentor like Jagr for the kids. Jagr like Philly but if he demands to be a top six then it ain't going to work. I bet Jagr goes back to Dallas.

He's probably going to get something close to what Doan got. I doubt its in Pittsburgh.

Lots of rumours swirling regarding his marriage and possibly a divorce. If that is truly the case he'll likely want to be somewhere close to his kids. 95% chance its not Calgary though. Will be interesting offseason....
- Iggysbff

With McTavish's supposed moving Hemsky and Horcoff, and with Khabby not being asked back, the Oil will have a bit of extra cap space.

Can I interest you in a slightly used Bryzgalov?

Jagr would bring more off the ice in developing the kids that any of the others and the fact is he can be had without giving up anything. Ryan and Stewart will cost you players in a trade I believe. I doubt Iggy want to come to Philly but with the rumours of divorce and his age there is a chance his mind could not be totally on hockey and therefore I would pass on him. I would like to see a pp dman signed like Mark Streit short term, max two years if possible and a mentor like Jagr for the kids. Jagr like Philly but if he demands to be a top six then it ain't going to work. I bet Jagr goes back to Dallas.
- flyerdude17

I wouldn't touch Jagr. I wouldn't touch Steit. I wouldn't buy into the rumours of Iginla's personal life.

I wouldn't touch Jagr. I wouldn't touch Steit. I wouldn't buy into the rumours of Iginla's personal life.
- dingo8urbaby

Help is needed, who would you go after then that will not cost you a Schenn or Couter? It appears Jagr is a winner and a class guy. He competes every shift and that means he leads by example. If I was a young players I would love to have a legend on my team, one who is humble and respected.