Bryzgalov has to step it up and be better in the second half, moreso than anyone. It's time for him to put up the kind of performances that Bob has been.
- Jsaquella

I would say there are 3 guys that really need to pick up their games, Briere, JVR, and Bryz.

Highlights of the draft for me.

Kane "That blond is unbelievable"

Alfie "The Sedins have esp or something, they're aliens"

I felt bad for Couture but he's a good kid and winning an ugly car isn't that bad really.
- Buts16

What I feel bad about is that the kid just coming off surgery beat him out...

I would say there are 3 guys that really need to pick up their games, Briere, JVR, and Bryz.
- RooNosHockey

I think that a lot of guys need to get better in different areas. JvR has been dealing with injuries since the preseason. No idea what has been up with Briere. Bryzgalov is well documented.

On the other hand, Giroux needs to get back to playing consistently solid defense. His defensive game, especially at 5 on 5 has been lacking. Jagr needs to wait until he's healthy to return from groin pulls. The whole group of forwards has to limit the turnovers and backcheck like demons. The defense has to make better first passes and everyone needs to stop trying to force stuff that isn't there.

I'd be happy if he just evens it out and matches Bob's level of play in most games. The problem is, even when he plays well, and allows a good goal, there's morons that rip him.

Even in the Devils game, where he was really solid, I saw some assclown tweet Bryz is back in the woods...That makes it worse than it really is. He gets consistent and the Flyers are going to be a hard team to beat.
- Jsaquella

Bryz was great in the Devils game, got me pumped up that he was maybe turning the corner.

Bryz is an easy whipping boy and morons will jump at the chance to rip him, mostly way off base.

I would say there are 3 guys that really need to pick up their games, Briere, JVR, and Bryz.
- RooNosHockey

Well, only one of them can possibly do that out of the gate as it stands unfortunately.

Bryz was great in the Devils game, got me pumped up that he was maybe turning the corner.

Bryz is an easy whipping boy and morons will jump at the chance to rip him, mostly way off base.
- Buts16

That's what bugs me about the media. If Bryz has a goal that one of the three stooges deems soft, they go on attack mode. Bob hasn't allowed as many, but when he does allow a soft one, the morons find a way to blame the defense or some other mitigating circumstance.

I think that a lot of guys need to get better in different areas. JvR has been dealing with injuries since the preseason. No idea what has been up with Briere. Bryzgalov is well documented.

On the other hand, Giroux needs to get back to playing consistently solid defense. His defensive game, especially at 5 on 5 has been lacking. Jagr needs to wait until he's healthy to return from groin pulls. The whole group of forwards has to limit the turnovers and backcheck like demons. The defense has to make better first passes and everyone needs to stop trying to force stuff that isn't there.
- Jsaquella

Yes the whole team needs to get better. There is always room for improvement, but except for Briere, JVR, and Bryzgalov I think everyone on the Flyers is either playing as we expected (Timonen, Carle) or a pleasant Suprise (Jagr, Hartnell, Couturier, could go on...) Only Briere, JVR, and Bryz are peforming below what we are expecting.

http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/6i8t

About 2:30 or so in, Richards raps and it is really about as good as it gets

Bryz was great in the Devils game, got me pumped up that he was maybe turning the corner.

Bryz is an easy whipping boy and morons will jump at the chance to rip him, mostly way off base.
- Buts16

People expect Philly goaltenders to fail because people who don't watch the team say we haven't had a goalie since ..X.... it's the canned response and it's fun to pile on when an expensive UFA doesn't turn into the second coming of Bernie right away.

If Bryz gets it together and plays great in the playoffs, I wonder what the convo will be? if you ask me, I'd rather have him play average in the reg season, sort it out down the stretch and play solid in the playoffs rather than rip it up like he had to in Phoenix just to get into the dance, get worn out and crap the bed first round.

Yes the whole team needs to get better. There is always room for improvement, but except for Briere, JVR, and Bryzgalov I think everyone on the Flyers is either playing as we expected (Timonen, Carle) or a pleasant Suprise (Jagr, Hartnell, Couturier, could go on...) Only Briere, JVR, and Bryz are peforming below what we are expecting.
- RooNosHockey

I think that both Meszaros and Coburn have not played up to expectations, either.

Rather than look for scapegoats, I'd rather hope that they all come around in the second half.

Couturier's first blog from All Star weekend...

http://www.nhl.com/ice/blogpost.htm?id=5974
- tangent_man

Nice Blog. I thought I read an article comparing Richards to Couturier - relating his lack of attention he gives to the media... I don't mind if a rookie is quiet around the media - he's probably just cautious. The big difference is that Richards was the captain and needs to interact.

That's what bugs me about the media. If Bryz has a goal that one of the three stooges deems soft, they go on attack mode. Bob hasn't allowed as many, but when he does allow a soft one, the morons find a way to blame the defense or some other mitigating circumstance.
- Jsaquella

Yeah it's true. The Rupp goal in the WC was horrendous and essentially turned the tide in that game, but they didn't seem to focus on it that much. Guess it didn't serve the purpose of feeding the drama.

Nice Blog. I thought I read an article comparing Richards to Couturier - relating his lack of attention he gives to the media... I don't mind if a rookie is quiet around the media - he's probably just cautious. The big difference is that Richards was the captain and needs to interact.
- leon neon

Cooter's a bit quiet but he's feeling out his first season in the bigs..

Also, I'm sure you noticed, he spoke on behalf of his rookie team and seemed fine when chatting with Duthie. I'm a HUGE Cooter fan. The kid has been leaps and bounds beyong what i expected for a guy we drafted in June.

I think that both Meszaros and Coburn have not played up to expectations, either.

Rather than look for scapegoats, I'd rather hope that they all come around in the second half.
- Jsaquella

Ok, so 3 years ago I had a partial season ticket plan, and took my wife to the games. She loved going and watching. Last year I couldnt afford it, so my wife lost a little interest with the team. Now she sits there and plays on the internet as i watch the games, despite all I try to get her back into it...

Because she sits there, she still hears the games, and last night while watching the Draft she asked me how Carter and Richards were doing on thier new teams... I told her, then she asked... Whatever happened to Briere? What team is he playing for... Yea, that is the kind of year Briere is having.

I love that the NHL has taken advantage of the fantasy sports craze and implemented the fantasy draft for the Allstar Game. I think other sports, especially the NBA, should do this as well. The only thing I am not a fan of is how the players feel an obligation to pick certain players because they are in Ottawa or on their NHL team. When picks like that are made, for some reason it bugs me.

How awesome would it be to have legends of the games act as those captains and create a team? For example, team Gretzky and team Messier. Maybe even paired up with two lucky fan chosen by the organization the legend played the most games with as their assistant captains. Take the bias out of it. Include everyone.

Just a thought, but I think it would be a great way to include the history of the game as well as the fans.

Your thoughts?

Cooter's a bit quiet but he's feeling out his first season in the bigs..

Also, I'm sure you noticed, he spoke on behalf of his rookie team and seemed fine when chatting with Duthie. I'm a HUGE Cooter fan. The kid has been leaps and bounds beyong what i expected for a guy we drafted in June.
- Hextall271

I am extremely impressed with him as well. I said about a quarter of the way through the season that he was clearly going to be an elite defensive forward in the game, but at the time I needed to see more from him offensively to get the feeling he is going to be an elite all around player. He has absolutely shown that since and I am extremely excited for this kids future here in Philly.

I love that the NHL has taken advantage of the fantasy sports craze and implemented the fantasy draft for the Allstar Game. I think other sports, especially the NBA, should do this as well. The only thing I am not a fan of is how the players feel an obligation to pick certain players because they are in Ottawa or on their NHL team. When picks like that are made, for some reason it bugs me.

How awesome would it be to have legends of the games act as those captains and create a team? For example, team Gretzky and team Messier. Maybe even paired up with two lucky fan chosen by the organization the legend played the most games with as their assistant captains. Take the bias out of it. Include everyone.

Just a thought, but I think it would be a great way to include the history of the game as well as the fans.

Your thoughts?
- Flyers2821

I agree 100%. I think the draft would be better if it wasnt about being loyal to certain players. But instead of having just former players, you can have Embassadors to the game. Maybe 1 year Ray Bourque vs Gretzky... Next year Bobby Clarke vs some other former GM.. Following year... Eklund vs Melrose (That would be so Funny).

I agree 100%. I think the draft would be better if it wasnt about being loyal to certain players. But instead of having just former players, you can have Embassadors to the game. Maybe 1 year Ray Bourque vs Gretzky... Next year Bobby Clarke vs some other former GM.. Following year... Eklund vs Melrose (That would be so Funny).
- RooNosHockey

Wouldn't it be cool if the NHL took the Stanley Cup champs and challanged the KHL All-stars to a game. That would be awesome.

I agree 100%. I think the draft would be better if it wasnt about being loyal to certain players. But instead of having just former players, you can have Embassadors to the game. Maybe 1 year Ray Bourque vs Gretzky... Next year Bobby Clarke vs some other former GM.. Following year... Eklund vs Melrose (That would be so Funny).
- RooNosHockey

Yea I mean, by eliminating the players from the team picking... it really gives you free reign on an annual basis to be creative an make it unique and interesting each and every year.

I mean hell, there are some celebrities out there who are huge hockey fans. Even teaming up some celebrities to come out and pick the rosters would draw a crowd!

Team Vince Vaughn vs Team Kevin James lol

GOO team Alfie.. Sorry Timo, but the lines are drawn in the sand.. it's clearly the Bruins and Leafs vs the Sens Flyers Canucks..
- Hextall271

Don't forget that Chara also has those dirty birds Malkin and Letang

If I cared I'd definitely be rooting for Team Alfi.

I agree 100%. I think the draft would be better if it wasnt about being loyal to certain players. But instead of having just former players, you can have Embassadors to the game. Maybe 1 year Ray Bourque vs Gretzky... Next year Bobby Clarke vs some other former GM.. Following year... Eklund vs Melrose (That would be so Funny).
- RooNosHockey

Now you are talking.. Team Hextall vs Team Chelios.. or maybe Team Bertuzzi vs Team Steve Moore.. Jerry Springer to referee.. watch the ratings soar..

Don't forget that Chara also has those dirty birds Malkin and Letang

If I cared I'd definitely be rooting for Team Alfi.
- Lexington Flyer

Yep.. I didn't realize that Letang looked so much like a girl. The Pens are like a team of circus freaks.. Fruit bat.. frankenmalkin, Horse teeth..

Now you are talking.. Team Hextall vs Team Chelios.. or maybe Team Bertuzzi vs Team Steve Moore.. Jerry Springer to referee.. watch the ratings soar..
- Hextall271

I think it would be a great way to take the obligation to pick certain players out of it, it would be awesome.

After all, the point of this draft is to attract viewers and introduce the stars of the game to them... why not go overboard with it?

I agree 100%. I think the draft would be better if it wasnt about being loyal to certain players. But instead of having just former players, you can have Embassadors to the game. Maybe 1 year Ray Bourque vs Gretzky... Next year Bobby Clarke vs some other former GM.. Following year... Eklund vs Melrose (That would be so Funny).
- RooNosHockey

I would say there are 3 guys that really need to pick up their games, Briere, JVR, and Bryz.
- RooNosHockey

As long as he can get healthy I am not sweating Briere. His track record shows that he hits the gas down the stretch and especially in the postseason. I don't know how much more I expect from JVR this season, given his injuries. I hope he can step it up, but I'm not holding my breath. Bryz is the key. He needs to be focused and consistent. Having said that, I like what Bob has shown. Kid has really built upon what he showed us last season. He has some playoff experience now too, so he knows what to expect. I sure hope Holmer has scratched him off any "trade bait" list he may have.