I don't agree with any of this. One at fantastic cap hit puts Read under their thumb for a year as they work out an extention like any other player. Read's deal is a one year deal for us now and will be no matter where he plays. As for goaltender, LA had and still has goaltending options if need be like the rest of the league. LA made a trade today, the Leafs over paid with three pieces and in my opinion those three pieces were nothing special.
- dingo8urbaby

That's the whole point. They wanted a player with a lower Cap hit then Read is likely to get. Frattin is an RFA. Read is going to be a UFA. Big difference there.

That ignores one very key and vital point. Mason came to the Flyers AFTER the injuries on defense and Laviolette's resulting systemic changes, which simplified things and asked the forwards to be a lot more responsible in their own end.

Granted, even with those adjustments, Mason posted better numbers than Bryz did down the stretch.

But Bryzgalov's work is a moot point for me, because there's no way I wouldn't buy him out this summer, regardless of the defensive issues. The point is, Bernier or whomever, is coming from a different system and will have to adjust.
- Jsaquella

We're on same page. Bryz shouldn't be here. Plenty of teams who don't play defense and their goalies play well. Ex: Lehtonen

Don't disagree. I just think too much is blamed one way or the other. Mason seemed to play pretty well with the same defense that Bryz had. Small sample but it can be done.
- stveshdy

It seems the defense had started to tighten up quite a bit by the time Mason arrived.

If that's true, then the Flyers really didn't have a player to make the deal, unless they were going to give up Schenn or Couturier. Which they weren't going to do. Both teams have to be a fit to make a deal.
- MJL

The salary retention was not something the Flyers could have offered, plus they didn;t have a solid back-up goalie to include.

Yes, the Leafs are the team that traded Tuukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft, so they could keep Justin Pogge and they are now the Gold Standard in goalie scouting. Good to know.

I would have been OK if it was just Read for Bernier. More than that is an overpayment. The guy is unproven, with 62 NHL games under his belt. Reimer has played more games and has a better save % than Bernier, and was the number one goalie for a playoff team. All more than Bernier's ever accomplished.

I think Bernier's a good goalie and will be a good goalie, but I'm not 100% sold on him.

As for Halak, he had his playoff run with the Canadiens and played great. He's had ups and downs in St Louis, but he's certainly more accomplished than Bernier.
- Jsaquella

I am completely supportive of a move for Halak. I'm thinking that is going to cost a bit extra in assets. I'm also not sure of what St. Louis is looking for. I do know that he expressed concern over how he has been handled.

And if you take some small chunks of games with Bryzgalov, he's had good numbers in certain frames of games. It's over the long haul that matters. I believe Bryzgalov is a good Goalie. I believe Mason is also. But it's not easy to play goal over the long haul when the team in front of you, plays the way the Flyers did. Regardless of who is in net, that has to change.
- MJL

Not sure the coach will make that change. Hockey to me comes down to effort and hard work, that's how you win games.

Hmm, let's see where I said that.....Oh, no I didn't. Sorry, I can speak for myself, no need for you to put words in my mouth.

What I said was that Bryzgalov played at a near elite level behind Tippett's tight checking system, where all he needed to do was let the puck hit him
- Jsaquella

Okay.

It seems the defense had started to tighten up quite a bit by the time Mason arrived.
- MBFlyerfan

Bryz still wasn't good when it was IMO

That's the whole point. They wanted a player with a lower Cap hit then Read is likely to get. Frattin is an RFA. Read is going to be a UFA. Big difference there.
- MJL

Then it seems to me LA made made a trade just to make one.

So every good goalie in the league has good team systems?
- stveshdy

Have you seen the Blue Jackets defensive system? It reminds me of the 95' Devils. They put poop on lock down yo.

Not sure the coach will make that change. Hockey to me comes down to effort and hard work, that's how you win games.
- stveshdy

I agree, that's a necessity. What happens when both teams are working hard and giving maximum effort? Such as in the Finals now?

We're on same page. Bryz shouldn't be here. Plenty of teams who don't play defense and their goalies play well. Ex: Lehtonen
- stveshdy

Again, nowhere near the point I was trying to make.

What I said was that Bryzgalov succeeded in a system where he was highly protected. Bernier put up great numbers in LA, which is a team noted for being a good defensive team.

All I have been saying is, Bernier would have to make adjustments. So would a lot of other top goalies. Rask, Lundqvist...they don;t face the kind of opportunities the Flyers give up.

Then it seems to me LA made made a trade just to make one.
- dingo8urbaby

Don't see how that is.

The salary retention was not something the Flyers could have offered, plus they didn;t have a solid back-up goalie to include.
- Jsaquella

I kind of never see the Flyers using this option in the future. Lombardi got a very good return for a piece who couldn't afford or need to keep. It was a job well done by him.

I am completely supportive of a move for Halak. I'm thinking that is going to cost a bit extra in assets. I'm also not sure of what St. Louis is looking for. I do know that he expressed concern over how he has been handled.
- Flyers1218

I think I'd blow my pants off if they brought in Halak.

I wanted him when he was traded away to St. Louis.

Again, nowhere near the point I was trying to make.

What I said was that Bryzgalov succeeded in a system where he was highly protected. Bernier put up great numbers in LA, which is a team noted for being a good defensive team.

All I have been saying is, Bernier would have to make adjustments. So would a lot of other top goalies. Rask, Lundqvist...they don;t face the kind of opportunities the Flyers give up.
- Jsaquella

I disagree that those goalies don't face those kinds of opportunities. Maybe not as many but they still face them IMO.

Bryz still wasn't good when it was IMO
- stveshdy

I thought Bryz played great at the beginning of the season, but wore down significantly when he was completely overused. I am in favor of getting rid of him, tho. considering that I don't believe the team wants to play for him.

I am completely supportive of a move for Halak. I'm thinking that is going to cost a bit extra in assets. I'm also not sure of what St. Louis is looking for. I do know that he expressed concern over how he has been handled.
- Flyers1218

I have issues with Halak, too. I wouldn't be running out and offering a premium for him, either. Just another option.

Hell, instead of Bernier or Reimer, why not see if they could pry a guy like Robin Lehner out of Ottawa? Maybe not ready to be a number one right now, but could split time with Mason for a year or two.

There's always options.

Given our current defense, no it's not. Guy could be a solid top-4 defenseman that we don't have to give $4M+ to on the open market.

Also, if he was gonna move, I'd hope it would be for a need, as we already have a top-line right winger.
- jmatchett383

Like most fans, you are overrating the value of your prospects. The only blue chip prospect the Flyers currently have is Laughton. That's it. Stolarz, Ghost, Lauridsen, Cousins, McGinn etc.. are average to good prospects, but none of them are really blue chip.

Have you seen the Blue Jackets defensive system? It reminds me of the 95' Devils. They put poop on lock down yo.
- PLindbergh31

Lol

I disagree that those goalies don't face those kinds of opportunities. Maybe not as many but they still face them IMO.
- stveshdy

Maybe a few a game. The Flyers give up more high quality chances against in one period, then LA gives up in a week of games.

I disagree that those goalies don't face those kinds of opportunities. Maybe not as many but they still face them IMO.
- stveshdy

Every goalie faces them, I meant the sheer number the Flyers allow is generally higher than you see a Boston or LA surrender.

Just to clarify in fairness to Glen and Sarah (re Bryz exit interview) RT @RealGlenMacnow: “@sbaickerCSN:
"no, I never said Giroux said that.” Nor did I. Just said G and others unhappy w him.



sometimes you have to take your medicine. apologies.

I agree, that's a necessity. What happens when both teams are working hard and giving maximum effort? Such as in the Finals now?
- MJL

Special teams come into play. Hot goalie. Turnovers. Bad line changes. Numerous things can come into play.

Maybe a few a game. The Flyers give up more high quality chances against in one period, then LA gives up in a week of games.
- MJL

Disagree. That's extreme.