when else is it time to be desperate if not while you're in a 0-3 hole and have barely come close to beating the Capitals even once so far in the series?
- funmaster18

I totally get it. I understand why he is trying it, but the real problems should have been addressed before this point.

Im not saying Hak is doing a poor job. Im not saying that Neuvy cant steal a game here. I just think we are a team who willed our way into the playoffs, and are now over our heads, and finding any little thing to cling to in order to steal a game.

I would much rather see a change in the PK structure. Obviously its not ideal to change game plans, but when you the other team is 8-12.. you need to do something. That something for Hak is changing the goalie. So be it.

Neuvirth is definitely not getting the respect he should be for what he did for this team. We were lucky enough to have 2 very good goalies play for the Flyers this season.
- wolfhounds

I don't think I've ever heard anyone say something negative about Neuvirth. Choosing Mason over Neuvirth isn't an insult; it's an opinion.

They don't see the team play enough to comment intelligently and they get influenced by what others say.
- bmeltzer

And unfortunately local Philly broadcasters and writers are woefully inadequate in the hockey knowledge and understanding department. Present company excluded, of course.

Thats because it would probably be Neuvirth's turn to start. In the playoffs, any goalie switch is big news.

Look, I'm for the switch tonight simply because I think Mason is tired. I just don't understand why there is even an argument like this is a black and white decision. There really is no wrong choice here and both sides have their valid points. Just not sure why defending Mason is viewed so negatively.
- PhillySportsGuy

Why: Because Mason lost

Trust me. You are in your mid-to-late 20s or so, maybe? Put in another few decades, and you will find there is no goalie that can withstand the fury of this fanbase when they don't win in the playoffs

Been "Next Man Up" since Hextall in the 80s

Also, if you remove those two goals, he has a .960 save percentage at even strength.

I hope for Neuvirth's sake they have a new game plan for the PK. Be aggressive, attack the puck. Better than what we have right now.
- jak521

Just a question.

You state you play mason because of what he has done in the past 3 years and that the series isn't really his fault.

If Neuvirth plays well and they win this series do you go back to Mason for a round 2? Just curious as to what your thought process would be?

A lot of your points were to loyalty and owing mason.

I don't think Roenick watches much at all, and I don't know that he ever has

He absolutely kills guys, like Mason on the long-distance shot, and is dead wrong when he says it's the worst goal ever because it's the playoffs, when I remembered that Lidstrom had scored one from center ice in the playoffs

It's horrible because casual fans listen to people like Roenick and don't know any history or perspective -- hell, Mason's goal has competition for the worst goal the Flyers have given up, not just the worst goal in history

When you are that prone to hyperbole but are unwilling to own when players do well, it's hard to believe that you watch much hockey
- AllInForFlyers

You fight a losing battle really. The medias account becomes fact in retrospect and it blows. I spent all day yesterday listening to radio and podcasts absolutely flub and fumble through was happened on Monday night. Some (Hockey Central at Noon) actually did a good job of searching out the facts and presenting a well rounded review of the game. Others... they just ran with the headlines. yelling back and forth at each other like jackanapes.

I had finally forgotten that Mike Rathje was a Flyer, and then you bring this up...
- jmatchett383

He's easy to forget as he spent nearly 4 years out of his 5 year contract on LTIR.

He was 2-1 and the game they lost was shut out to the oilers.

Using the Mason defense, the team didn't score so can't be all his fault.
- J35Bacher

Play that game all you want. The Flyers are in a 0-3 hole, and it isnt Mason's fault. Despite what the ignorance of many fans says.

2 goals in 3 games, wont win you games no matter who is in net.

I totally get it. I understand why he is trying it, but the real problems should have been addressed before this point.

Im not saying Hak is doing a poor job. Im not saying that Neuvy cant steal a game here. I just think we are a team who willed our way into the playoffs, and are now over our heads, and finding any little thing to cling to in order to steal a game.

I would much rather see a change in the PK structure. Obviously its not ideal to change game plans, but when you the other team is 8-12.. you need to do something. That something for Hak is changing the goalie. So be it.
- jak521

When would you change this?

You don't really practice right now. Days off are critical for rest. The system has been trained all season so to try and shake it up without practice is tough to do and make sure everyone is on the same page.

I agree they need to change it. But that is something for in training camp and next season

Why: Because Mason lost

Trust me. You are in your mid-to-late 20s or so, maybe? Put in another few decades, and you will find there is no goalie that can withstand the fury of this fanbase when they don't win in the playoffs

Been "Next Man Up" since Hextall in the 80s
- AllInForFlyers

That's what pisses me off. I'm tired of the hot flavor of the month goalie stuff. Mason has been a rock for close to 3 seasons now, but 2 bad months by him and 2 good months from Neuvirth and people start appointing Neuvirth as the goalie of the future. This knee-jerk reaction poop is bullpoop. I bet LA is glad they didn't get rid of Quick when Bernier and Jones played well for stretches after their first Cup.

(frank)ing Neuvirthites.

Just a question.

You state you play mason because of what he has done in the past 3 years and that the series isn't really his fault.

If Neuvirth plays well and they win this series do you go back to Mason for a round 2? Just curious as to what your thought process would be?

A lot of your points were to loyalty and owing mason.
- J35Bacher

If you play Neuvirth and he wins you the round, he is your guy unless he is injured/flaters.

You fight a losing battle really. The medias account becomes fact in retrospect and it blows. I spent all day yesterday listening to radio and podcasts absolutely flub and fumble through was happened on Monday night. Some (Hockey Central at Noon) actually did a good job of searching out the facts and presenting a well rounded review of the game. Others... they just ran with the headlines. yelling back and forth at each other like jackanapes.
- mayorofangrytown

excellent word!

I don't think I've ever heard anyone say something negative about Neuvirth. Choosing Mason over Neuvirth isn't an insult; it's an opinion.
- PhillySportsGuy

Works for me.

When would you change this?

You don't really practice right now. Days off are critical for rest. The system has been trained all season so to try and shake it up without practice is tough to do and make sure everyone is on the same page.

I agree they need to change it. But that is something for in training camp and next season
- J35Bacher

Correct. And please please let them do this!

When would you change this?

You don't really practice right now. Days off are critical for rest. The system has been trained all season so to try and shake it up without practice is tough to do and make sure everyone is on the same page.

I agree they need to change it. But that is something for in training camp and next season
- J35Bacher

Like I said, just go to a full press. As soon as the player gets the puck, the closest man rushes him. 3 quick passes leaves a man wide open, but that's not really different than what's happening now.

Just a question.

You state you play mason because of what he has done in the past 3 years and that the series isn't really his fault.

If Neuvirth plays well and they win this series do you go back to Mason for a round 2? Just curious as to what your thought process would be?

A lot of your points were to loyalty and owing mason.
- J35Bacher

If we win tonight there is no way Mason goes back in. Thats just how hockey goes... If the Flyers somehow make an epic comeback, I would go back to Mason next series. Yes. Absolutely. Because, the only way the Flyers end up doing anything in this series, they will need an unreal turnaround offensively. And I personally believe that Mason is the better goalie, and the better goalie gets the net.

loved the Spectrum....roof blowing off, sun on the ice, windows blowing out, riots with Ranger fans in the concourse, ladies peeing in the men's room...Bernie's blunder tape was lost in the sun

He was sat in the begining of the year when Neuvirth played well and he recovered fine.

Why is Mason this porcelain doll to you?
- J35Bacher

hes not a porcelain doll to me, hes a goalie. and also, the beginning of the year and the playoffs are two totally different things. a goalie, arguably, is the most important position, you build from the net out. its not really about emotion or motivation, this guy gave us everything he had to get us to the playoffs, and now hes being sat because of play in front of him. regardless of the two bad goals he let in, hes the least of our problems. it doesnt send a positive message to our number one netminder who gave his all for the team. thats it. plain and simple

Just a question.

You state you play mason because of what he has done in the past 3 years and that the series isn't really his fault.

If Neuvirth plays well and they win this series do you go back to Mason for a round 2? Just curious as to what your thought process would be?

A lot of your points were to loyalty and owing mason.
- J35Bacher

If they somehow win, Neuvirth play the rest of the games.......

Mason has played his last game this season.

It's suicide, but I almost want a full-pressure, rush the guy with the puck mentality. As soon as the player gets the puck, the closest player goes for the takeaway. It probably won't work, but neither does the passive box.
- jmatchett383

It's not even suicide. Most teams have the nearest man (usually forward up high) play aggressive somewhat to this extent. They go right at the player with the puck to take away time and space. Force the other team to be dynamic and quick.

It's the problem I have with the PP too. You watch other teams, at any level, and they are constantly moving, moving, moving: bodies and the puck. The Flyers' PP is as assertive as their PK. They should watch Sharks' PPs on loop.

Like I said, just go to a full press. As soon as the player gets the puck, the closest man rushes him. 3 quick passes leaves a man wide open, but that's not really different than what's happening now.
- jmatchett383

I think they could press a little harder in the neutral zone to force more dumps in.

I'll say it... Get Emery the start. Watch Holtby get rattled by his mere presence.

It's not even suicide. Most teams have the nearest man (usually forward up high) play aggressive somewhat to this extent. They go right at the player with the puck to take away time and space. Force the other team to be dynamic and quick.

It's the problem I have with the PP too. You watch other teams, at any level, and they are constantly moving, moving, moving: bodies and the puck. The Flyers' PP is as assertive as their PK.
- Mononoke

Well, the optimum approach is to have the player be able to pressure the puck carrier while also taking away passing lanes to limit his choices. The Flyers do neither. The full press forces the player to pass.

When would you change this?

You don't really practice right now. Days off are critical for rest. The system has been trained all season so to try and shake it up without practice is tough to do and make sure everyone is on the same page.

I agree they need to change it. But that is something for in training camp and next season
- J35Bacher

These guys are NHL players. They have all played on the PK before. Yes, it wouldnt be ideal, but can it be worse than 8-12.

Stop stacking forwards. Put the d-men on the inside of the circles and between the man and the net (looking at Johansson). Dont even need to be crazy with the pressure. puck side high man pressures the point and side wall, far side guy takes away middle and top of circle.

Sitting back and letting them set up and work the puck around wont cut. It hasnt cut it.

I'll say it... Get Emery the start. Watch Holtby get rattled by his mere presence.


- wolfhounds

Just station Emery outside of the Caps' dressing room entrance before the game.