Oh and for all those thinking JvR faked the concussion or who are blaming the medical staff for the handling of it, JvR first felt symptoms on Saturday morning at the skate, per Dave Isaac.

That's really the game today. It's a skating passing game. We need a Crease clearer is the new catch phrase now. That's not what we really need. Now that doesn't mean they can't use a defenseman. They can. But clearing the crease is not the issue. Puck management and team defense, along with subpar goaltending is.

If anyone wants to see an example of this, take a look at the last game. Look at the Kostitysin goal, and watch Timonen. If the initial shot didn't score, how would Timonen have cleared the crease? Tackle the guy, cross check, or push him out. As Bill said, it would likely lead to a penalty. But realize why the Predator was able to get inside position on Timonen.
Then watch the Spaling goal highlight. And watch how the Preds are skating up ice 3 on 2, with 3 Flyers forwards trailing the play, and free reign to skate the puck in a straight line through the neutral zone, right to the net. How were the defenseman going to clear the porch there, if there was a rebound? Again what, tackle them going to the net? Not going to happen.
The issues Bill mentioned are the problem. And adding a "crease clearing" defenseman, isn't going to change much if the other problems aren't changed.
- MJL

right. brooks Robinson used to explain that before any ball was hit to him, he knew exactly what he was going to do in any given scenario and that's what he concentrated on. the hottest shot down the 3rd base line pales in comparison to the responsibilities of a dman on the NHL today. the greats like lisdstrom not only understand and excel in this regard, they also diffuse trouble before it even begins.

My recollection is that Bob had some confidence issues in the playoffs, and Laviolette reacted by forgetting he existed and Snider told Holmgren that he wanted the goalie spot addressed once and for all.

From the very first, this year, Bob has said he's playing to be the number one.

As far as the KHL threat, that's how Varlamov forced a trade. He felt that he should be the starter in DC, and after they signed Vokoun, he told them he'd go play in Russia. So they moved him.
- Jsaquella

Yea I remembered the snider rant, lord was I not fist pumping after that one. Had my face in my hands after his rant during a post game when we lost in the playoffs to Toronto too. I just couldn't remember the exact details about Bob's supposed admission.

Yea I guess that makes sense about the khl. I just think if all parties involved are patient this could reap huge rewards for everyone.

My recollection is that Bob had some confidence issues in the playoffs, and Laviolette reacted by forgetting he existed and Snider told Holmgren that he wanted the goalie spot addressed once and for all.

From the very first, this year, Bob has said he's playing to be the number one.

As far as the KHL threat, that's how Varlamov forced a trade. He felt that he should be the starter in DC, and after they signed Vokoun, he told them he'd go play in Russia. So they moved him.
- Jsaquella

here's the annoyance to me: Bob has the tools to be an excellent goalie in the NHL in the very near future and to be a no. 1. but the Flyers have lacked a clear cut stud for years, so rather than risk that he's gonna flop and never be a true #1, like a Nitty, the Flyers made a bold move and grabbed the best available goalie, an excellent goalie. That's something they haven't really done at that position. So we sit back and think, ok, we finally have our guy and we don't feel quite so bad about taking Bob virtually out of the picture.

And that new guy ends up being Mr. Inconsistent. Rather than provide a solution, he's exacerbated the problem. Rather than allow me to think that we have our guy, I'm thinking that at least this one more year for Bob to learn the ropes and eventually take over the team as our goalie. Because I think he can do that. And Bryz isn't doing anything to change that feeling I have. Maybe he eventually will, but right now he's not.

If his shoulder is OK and he can win faceoffs...I'd keep him
- Jsaquella

prob is, he was never a great f/o guy. he is an esp, big bodied pk guy who would likely be a plyoff upgrade if he can skate.

That is a microchosim of the breakdowns on the team. I wrote a long post about this yesterday. It's hard to get good position defensively when turnovers are created, leading to extended attack time in your zone.
- MJL

This is also true, but I'm talking about clear cut cases where D men are guarding the blue paint and there is a warm body 3 feet away waiting for a pass or deflection. And then there are the times when somebody is standing next to a guy and he doesn't tie up the stick properly or provide a timely bump. It's pretty simple stuff actually. And it's making it tougher on the goalie(s).

here's the annoyance to me: Bob has the tools to be an excellent goalie in the NHL in the very near future and to be a no. 1. but the Flyers have lacked a clear cut stud for years, so rather than risk that he's gonna flop and never be a true #1, like a Nitty, the Flyers made a bold move and grabbed the best available goalie, an excellent goalie. That's something they haven't really done at that position. So we sit back and think, ok, we finally have our guy and we don't feel quite so bad about taking Bob virtually out of the picture.

And that new guy ends up being Mr. Inconsistent. Rather than provide a solution, he's exacerbated the problem. Rather than allow me to think that we have our guy, I'm thinking that at least this one more year for Bob to learn the ropes and eventually take over the team as our goalie. Because I think he can do that. And Bryz isn't doing anything to change that feeling I have. Maybe he eventually will, but right now he's not.
- wilsonecho91

Bryzgalov hasn't played well and is not giving much confidence, and that is worrisome. But he's had bad seasons before and bounced back strongly.

And if it turns out that Bob is the long term guy, I'm sure he will prove it and they will figure out a way to fix the situation.

prob is, he was never a great f/o guy. he is an esp, big bodied pk guy who would likely be a plyoff upgrade if he can skate.
- isaiah520

Honestly, an upgrade is an upgrade.

here's the annoyance to me: Bob has the tools to be an excellent goalie in the NHL in the very near future and to be a no. 1. but the Flyers have lacked a clear cut stud for years, so rather than risk that he's gonna flop and never be a true #1, like a Nitty, the Flyers made a bold move and grabbed the best available goalie, an excellent goalie. That's something they haven't really done at that position. So we sit back and think, ok, we finally have our guy and we don't feel quite so bad about taking Bob virtually out of the picture.

And that new guy ends up being Mr. Inconsistent. Rather than provide a solution, he's exacerbated the problem. Rather than allow me to think that we have our guy, I'm thinking that at least this one more year for Bob to learn the ropes and eventually take over the team as our goalie. Because I think he can do that. And Bryz isn't doing anything to change that feeling I have. Maybe he eventually will, but right now he's not.
- wilsonecho91

+1

Betts is still a long way from playing. He has been doing longer skates but still avoiding quick cuts and sudden stops. He reported that there is still soreness in his knee, as well.

He was then asked if he hopes to play this season and he said yes, but right now it's just a lift mentally to be out on the ice. His overall status is the same: in limbo.

Asked if he wants to play here if he does play, Betts said yes, but he has to meet first with Holmgren and the coaching staff to discuss what their intentions are if and when he can come back.

There is benefit to both sides if Betts is somehow able to play in the playoffs: 1) There's no cap to worry about in PO even if others are added to the team by deadline, so he can simply be activated off LTIR if able to play, 2) the Flyers could use a little more penalty killing/faceoff depth and experience, 3) it would give Betts a chance to show he's healthy enough to earn a training camp invite somewhere next Sept.

Yea I remembered the snider rant, lord was I not fist pumping after that one. Had my face in my hands after his rant during a post game when we lost in the playoffs to Toronto too. I just couldn't remember the exact details about Bob's supposed admission.

Yea I guess that makes sense about the khl. I just think if all parties involved are patient this could reap huge rewards for everyone.
- JoeRussomanno

I was excited and happy to seemingly end the goalie go round, myself.

I still haven't given up hope that Bryzgalov will rebound and be as good as he has been in the past.

As far as Bobrovsky goes, the kid wants to be the man. He works hard and obviously did so in the off season to fix the weaker areas of his game. That's why I don't think he will be patient and wait for Bryzgalov to get several years into his deal and be content for his shot down the line.

Betts is still a long way from playing. He has been doing longer skates but still avoiding quick cuts and sudden stops. He reported that there is still soreness in his knee, as well.

He was then asked if he hopes to play this season and he said yes, but right now it's just a lift mentally to be out on the ice. His overall status is the same: in limbo.

Asked if he wants to play here if he does play, Betts said yes, but he has to meet first with Holmgren and the coaching staff to discuss what their intentions are if and when he can come back.

There is benefit to both sides if Betts is somehow able to play in the playoffs: 1) There's no cap to worry about in PO even if others are added to the team by deadline, so he can simply be activated off LTIR if able to play, 2) the Flyers could use a little more penalty killing/faceoff depth and experience, 3) it would give Betts a chance to show he's healthy enough to earn a training camp invite somewhere next Sept.
- bmeltzer

I root for Betts. Guy's a good soldier. Just dreadful luck with injuries, though.

right. brooks Robinson used to explain that before any ball was hit to him, he knew exactly what he was going to do in any given scenario and that's what he concentrated on. the hottest shot down the 3rd base line pales in comparison to the responsibilities of a dman on the NHL today. the greats like lisdstrom not only understand and excel in this regard, they also diffuse trouble before it even begins.
- isaiah520

Thank you. Your last statement is it in a nutshell. The best teams take care of the puck, check well, and keep the puck away from the front of the net. You can't get beat around the net, if you keep the puck out of there, and limit opportunities. The best teams do the same as Lidstrom does, as a whole.

i sent this to all my Niner fan friends and they got all mad they think alex smith is having a coming of age now

I was excited and happy to seemingly end the goalie go round, myself.

I still haven't given up hope that Bryzgalov will rebound and be as good as he has been in the past.

As far as Bobrovsky goes, the kid wants to be the man. He works hard and obviously did so in the off season to fix the weaker areas of his game. That's why I don't think he will be patient and wait for Bryzgalov to get several years into his deal and be content for his shot down the line.
- Jsaquella

I haven't given up hope on Bryz either. I'm just hoping theres a future for Bob here. Would really hate to see him somewhere else.

If his shoulder is OK and he can win faceoffs...I'd keep him
- Jsaquella

I'm lukewarm at best at the idea.

Honestly, an upgrade is an upgrade.
- Jsaquella

we really could use an upgrade at the dot though.

Paralysis by analysis going on. As always soft goals are plaguing the Flyers. Until that changes, it will be more of the same against good teams.

There are no defensive zone coverages that will prevent soft goals. It's up to the goaltender (specifically Bryzgalov) to limit them. Get that problem solved and it's more then half the battle.

Minnesota is 29th in the NHL in goals per game and will be missing their leading scorer, zero reason not to lock this team down tomorrow night.

Thank you. Your last statement is it in a nutshell. The best teams take care of the puck, check well, and keep the puck away from the front of the net. You can't get beat around the net, if you keep the puck out of there, and limit opportunities. The best teams do the same as Lidstrom does, as a whole.
- MJL

that's what the rangers have done against us. most of the time it's like a wall around lundquist.

Thank you. Your last statement is it in a nutshell. The best teams take care of the puck, check well, and keep the puck away from the front of the net. You can't get beat around the net, if you keep the puck out of there, and limit opportunities. The best teams do the same as Lidstrom does, as a whole.
- MJL

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, said a wise man.

I was excited and happy to seemingly end the goalie go round, myself.

I still haven't given up hope that Bryzgalov will rebound and be as good as he has been in the past.

As far as Bobrovsky goes, the kid wants to be the man. He works hard and obviously did so in the off season to fix the weaker areas of his game. That's why I don't think he will be patient and wait for Bryzgalov to get several years into his deal and be content for his shot down the line.
- Jsaquella

He's played in a grand total of 77 NHL games so far. The fact he's where he is without having spent any time in the AHL is quite frankly amazing in and of itself. Having said that, I think Schneider is better than him. He can take a look at what happens to Schneider and get some clue of what his value might be. If he wants out of Philly quicker than that, well then I wish him all the best. He has potential for sure, but is far, far away from being a proven #1 starter imo.

that's what the rangers have done against us. most of the time it's like a wall around lundquist.
- isaiah520

The two games at MSG yes, the WC Lundqvist was the reason why the Rangers won the game.

Paralysis by analysis going on. As always soft goals are plaguing the Flyers. Until that changes, it will be more of the same against good teams.

There are no defensive zone coverages that will prevent soft goals. It's up to the goaltender (specifically Bryzgalov) to limit them. Get that problem solved and it's more then half the battle.

Minnesota is 29th in the NHL in goals per game and will be missing their leading scorer, zero reason not to lock this team down tomorrow night.
- PLindbergh31

Absolutely defensive zone coverage can prevent soft goals. By blocking shots, taking guys off of pucks, and eliminating the shot all together. As well as neutral zone checking to break up a rush before they even get into your zone. And soft goals allowed are only one of the issues plaguing the Flyers.

This is also true, but I'm talking about clear cut cases where D men are guarding the blue paint and there is a warm body 3 feet away waiting for a pass or deflection. And then there are the times when somebody is standing next to a guy and he doesn't tie up the stick properly or provide a timely bump. It's pretty simple stuff actually. And it's making it tougher on the goalie(s).
- rockychocbill

How do you tie up the stick? You can't do anything really but try and get body position. It's very difficult unless your a house like Chara is. Who's physical size makes him difficult to get around. They can also bump you. Tough strong physical forwards of today's game, just aren't going to be pushed out. And if you do anything such as grab, cross check, etc. your likely going to the box. Yow saw it on the Ottawa goal that Jsaq mentioned. Bourdon has position on Neil, but Neil just bulled his way to the net. Not much that can be done about it.

i sent this to all my Niner fan friends and they got all mad they think alex smith is having a coming of age now
- 2Real

This is better.