They could really use Rinaldo's energy. Every shift he takes you notice him.

Put Talbot on the third line, move Laugton to wing and let him play on the 4th line with Hall and Rinaldo.
- PLindbergh31

See, but the problem is that Laughton's never played wing in his life.

See, but the problem is that Laughton's never played wing in his life.
- JAKEw1234

Then let Hall play Wing.

And it's so obvious what they need to do, too. They just have to look around the league. The best teams in the league (Chicago, Boston, LA, Detroit) all put a strong emphasis on their team defense. It's right there, in front of us. They have the tools to run the system that brings teams great success, they just choose to neglect it.
- JAKEw1234

Do what they did the last 20 games or so of last season. Adjust so the gapping between the forwards and defense isn't so huge that opponents can sit in the neutral zone and kill the attack.

They have to move the puck quickly and smartly out of the zone and up the ice...but you can't do that when you have two forecheckers between you and the winger.

Agreed. I get worried because it's looking like the same old, same old against a good forechecking team...even though it's a pre-season game and you have guys just getting going and they haven't played for a week.
- Jsaquella

The Flyers breakout scheme is still horrendous. They still can't beat a strong forecheck. Defenseman still have to dump the puck out, or into a 50/50 puck battle along the wall. Leads to very little possession and offensive attack. They seemed to pick it up towards the end.

Then let Hall play Wing.
- PLindbergh31

Hall is playing the Wing tonight.

i thought they started to get some things going later in the period. third line looked solid

i'm hoping that whoever makes it out of raffl, laughton, vandevelde starts off (at least) on the 4th line

Do what they did the last 20 games or so of last season. Adjust so the gapping between the forwards and defense isn't so huge that opponents can sit in the neutral zone and kill the attack.

They have to move the puck quickly and smartly out of the zone and up the ice...but you can't do that when you have two forecheckers between you and the winger.
- Jsaquella

All it takes is a slower build up for our attack. It seems like we're always just trying to score on the rush. We have a really good cycling team, though. That's apparent from our PP. Let the forwards focus on defense. Have them take it up ice more slowly, more controlled. Instead of immediately dumping and chasing, or taking a shot, have the forwards turn around and start a cycle. We'll get a lot more time on attack, have a lot less time spent in our zone, and a lot more quality scoring opportunities, I think.

All it takes is a slower build up for our attack. It seems like we're always just trying to score on the rush. We have a really good cycling team, though. That's apparent from our PP. Let the forwards focus on defense. Have them take it up ice more slowly, more controlled. Instead of immediately dumping and chasing, or taking a shot, have the forwards turn around and start a cycle. We'll get a lot more time on attack, have a lot less time spent in our zone, and a lot more quality scoring opportunities, I think.
- JAKEw1234

All very good points.

All very good points.
- Jsaquella

They should just make me the coach

is vinny even playing?

Raffl's having a real good couple of shifts right now.

penalty shot for Jake

Raffl's having a real good couple of shifts right now.
- JAKEw1234

Yeah, he's really picked it up here the last few shifts.

Is laviolette's system considered offensive because the opposing team plays most of the game in the offensive zone? Or is it because it's terrible to watch sometimes? I hope it's just preseason rust because I feel like I'm watching the beginning of last season again.

Always trying the long home run pass...mainly because that is all they are left with because of the horrible gap control coming out of the zone.

I'm nervous.

The Flyers breakout scheme is still horrendous. They still can't beat a strong forecheck. Defenseman still have to dump the puck out, or into a 50/50 puck battle along the wall. Leads to very little possession and offensive attack. They seemed to pick it up towards the end.
- MJL

Agreed. The breakout is horrible tonight. That's supposed to be a big part of lavi's "system", right? Not sure if it's coaching or players failing I execute, but I hope they can improve there this year.

Is laviolette's system considered offensive because the opposing team plays most of the game in the offensive zone? Or is it because it's terrible to watch sometimes? I hope it's just preseason rust because I feel like I'm watching the beginning of last season again.
- funmaster18

It looks like every game vs the Devils, Rangers and Lightning the past 2 or 3 years...Devils apply solid forecheck, exploit the Flyers gapping and kill the transition game at 5 on 5.

It looks like every game vs the Devils, Rangers and Lightning the past 2 or 3 years...Devils apply solid forecheck, exploit the Flyers gapping and kill the transition game at 5 on 5.
- Jsaquella

I just hope if it doesn't start well they make a change early so we don't have to sit through another bad season. As of now there isn't a whole lot I'm crazy about, aside from the play of emery and maybe a couple of other individuals.

Agreed. The breakout is horrible tonight. That's supposed to be a big part of lavi's "system", right? Not sure if it's coaching or players failing I execute, but I hope they can improve there this year.
- funmaster18

It's just all either trying to force your way into the zone, making a desperate hail mary pass, or dumping and chasing. It's just frustrating to watch. I don't know how a coach could look at this system and tell himself "yes, this is good"

I just hope if it doesn't start well they make a change early so we don't have to sit through another bad season. As of now there isn't a whole lot I'm crazy about, aside from the play of emery and maybe a couple of other individuals.
- funmaster18

Couturier looks like he's really confident and comfortable out there...Raffl looks really solid in the second period. Laughton's making a strong case to get a job.

But If I'm coaching against Laviolette and the Flyers, I'm telling my forwards to harrass the defense and clog the gap to kill the transitional game.

Lavys gone by December this is just horrible. They should have no problem scoring... It seems as if they can't get anything started. This is preason, but all of the regular season players are playing... I'm scared!

I have long been a supporter of Lava, but damn.

Still favour an up-tempo aggressive system but that was tough. I just have a big fear we will see a drastic panic change to a complete defensive scheme and have to watch that BS for years.

Could be just me, but I really hate that style of play. I also have concerns that many of the forwards on this team really arent all that great defensively to begin with, exposing the weakness further.

We will see, but these issues with Lava. If they remain. He will be gone.

Couturier looks like he's really confident and comfortable out there...Raffl looks really solid in the second period. Laughton's making a strong case to get a job.

But If I'm coaching against Laviolette and the Flyers, I'm telling my forwards to harrass the defense and clog the gap to kill the transitional game.
- Jsaquella

I love the couturier line all around. Raffl started off lackluster but got stronger as it went on. Now we get to see if Voracek is OK. I think he is going to be a really special player and he's knocking on the door already.

I have long been a supporter of Lava, but damn.

Still favour an up-tempo aggressive system but that was tough. I just have a big fear we will see a drastic panic change to a complete defensive scheme and have to watch that BS for years.

Could be just me, but I really hate that style of play. I also have concerns that many of the forwards on this team really arent all that great defensively to begin with, exposing the weakness further.

We will see, but these issues with Lava. If they remain. He will be gone.
- flyer_nutter

Could be less about the system and more about the team losin faith or growing tired of his act. Who knows. Hopefully it's just the preseason and they look good when it counts next week.