He's been dreadful lately.

But with him, I think the answer is to actually play him more. Has played his best hockey in the playoffs when he's playing like 25 minutes.
- OrangeBlack27

He and Meszy had a terrible game yesterday. Meszy was putrid.

I really don't think the d-corps is that much of the problem so much as it is the lack of backchecking from the forwards. It's why i suggested Gaustad.
- JoeRussomanno

I think most here agree that goose or Moore would be a nice additions. on d, I'd favor Allen out of the oft-rumored crew.

I really don't think the d-corps is that much of the problem so much as it is the lack of backchecking from the forwards. It's why i suggested Gaustad.
- JoeRussomanno

Well Sir, I agree with your suggestion. I think it's just a matter of finding out where he fits in. Talbot has been fantastic but I think he might have been given too big a role as the 3th line checking center some nights. I think I like him as a winger much better. That's just my opinion.

Briere
- bradleyc4

I think it depends on the changes, if any, to LTIR rules and over 35 contracts. If they can only get relief on part of Pronger moving ahead, he might be the logical target.

I'd take Gaustad in a heartbeat. But, if he's moved, I'd expect the Sabres to want a premium for him. If he's added, he's definitely a guy you try to re-sign for a fe wyears, too.
- Jsaquella

What premium are we talking? cuz right now the Flyers need a bona fide Pker as much as anything. It would make the d-corps look better etc. Imo anyway.

Be patient pada wan. The force will flow.
- JoeRussomanno

The defense is a mess. There is no way getting around that. They have been inconsistent all year. Hopefully things will change. I've been patient but the same mistakes keep happening. Breakdowns, Turnovers, Coasting, Guys open in front of the net/ in the slot. One big cluster(frank). Needs to change to have a chance.

I'd take Gaustad in a heartbeat. But, if he's moved, I'd expect the Sabres to want a premium for him. If he's added, he's definitely a guy you try to re-sign for a fe wyears, too.
- Jsaquella

Absolutely.

Hindsight is 20/20 obviously, but I sure wish the Flyers would have kept Versteeg instead of signing Jagr.

Versteeg was damaged goods last year when he came to Philly, I'm sure Holmgren and company knew he was injured, so my question is the Flyers paid Toronto a steep price for Versteeg, why would they give up on him after 25-30 games in which he was playing injured.

I think it depends on the changes, if any, to LTIR rules and over 35 contracts. If they can only get relief on part of Pronger moving ahead, he might be the logical target.
- Jsaquella

I don't see why. You can just place him on LTIR for the remainder of his contract.

Briere
- bradleyc4

You think so? I figured it would be Bryz.. thats a seriously terrifying contract.

We are a very spoiled fan base. In all the years I have watched there have been only 2 seasons where they have missed the playoffs (i started watching when I was 6 in 93). We are so used to being a top team, a force. We are used to selling the farm for help now. We are not so used to bumps and bruises along the way. We have 11 guys in the lineup right now that are 25 or under.. and 2 more (both 22) out with injuries. We have to be patient. This team is insanely young. Skids like this are bound to happen. They played 4 very strong periods of hockey.. but needed 6. That is unacceptable, but shouldnt be completely unexpected. The last thing I wanna hear is how this team needs to be blown up. Trade __ because he is a dud (cough cough JvR, Giroux, Schenn, etc. etc.).. trade __ because he wont get any better.. trade __ so we can stock up on draft picks because this team sucks.

RELAX!
- jak521

That's the best part. Trade a young guy, signed to a reasonable contract who has his rough spots, for draft picks, so the new young guy can come in and struggle and get ripped to shreds.

Briere
- bradleyc4

him or bryz, the latter because of term. of course, we are in a better position to move on w/o Danny.

Well Sir, I agree with your suggestion. I think it's just a matter of finding out where he fits in. Talbot has been fantastic but I think he might have been given too big a role as the 3th line checking center some nights. I think I like him as a winger much better. That's just my opinion.
- roenick97

Well I would put Gaustad either at the third or 4th line and on the PK. Then talbot could be opposite him on the Pk or on a wing even with him. I would really like to get coots off that goonsquad and onto more of a scoring line. Then have Gaus center that goon squad.

Fixing the Flyers Woes.

#1 Trade for 2 defenseman that can clear the front of the net.

#2 Make someone Interm-Captain. Someone needs to become a vocal leader on this team.

#3 Ride Bryzgalov. He has been a work horse his entire career. Its time to start him every game except in back to back situations. His last 10 games have not been bad at all. Even counting the Bruins and Rangers game he has like a 1.70 GAA and a .930 SV % in the last 10.

#4 If there is cap space, then maybe add a veteran scorer at the deadline.

I don't see why. You can just place him on LTIR for the remainder of his contract.
- bradleyc4

There has been speculation that LTIR could be changed so the entire cap hit is not given as a cap credit, obviously, if he can be LTIR'd and get full cap relief, there's other areas to look at.

Hindsight is 20/20 obviously, but I sure wish the Flyers would have kept Versteeg instead of signing Jagr.

Versteeg was damaged goods last year when he came to Philly, I'm sure Holmgren and company knew he was injured, so my question is the Flyers paid Toronto a steep price for Versteeg, why would they give up on him after 25-30 games in which he was playing injured.
- PLindbergh31

I disagree. Jagr has been good. He might only be good for 60 games, but he's a much better fit with Giroux on the top line.

Plus, you get the flexibility of his one-year contract(s).

I remember a Flyers team dominating a Buffalo Sabres team back in 2001 or 02. Beat them all 4 times during the regular season, shut them out maybe 3 of those 4 times to boot.

They were matched up in the first round of the playoffs. Seemed like an easy sweep, one soft goal later by Cechmanik and the series was over in 5 games with an 8-1 beatdown.

Playoffs are a different beast. I want them to beat the Rags and every team for that matter but this is still a 4th seeded team playing 8 rookies and without their top defenseman.

I think they'll right the ship. As others have pointed out, they need better defensive play with the forwards helpding out. A win here and there can go a long way.

Go Flyers.
- hockeylover

It was in 01 and it was 8-0.

I also remember the Flyers dominating the Pens in 09 (i think) and then losing in the playoffs.

Hindsight is 20/20 obviously, but I sure wish the Flyers would have kept Versteeg instead of signing Jagr.

Versteeg was damaged goods last year when he came to Philly, I'm sure Holmgren and company knew he was injured, so my question is the Flyers paid Toronto a steep price for Versteeg, why would they give up on him after 25-30 games in which he was playing injured.
- PLindbergh31

What can you do. poop happens. They cleared cap space by moving him. I dont think Homer wanted to trade him but he was one of the players that didnt have a NMC/NTC.

We are a very spoiled fan base. In all the years I have watched there have been only 2 seasons where they have missed the playoffs (i started watching when I was 6 in 93). We are so used to being a top team, a force. We are used to selling the farm for help now. We are not so used to bumps and bruises along the way. We have 11 guys in the lineup right now that are 25 or under.. and 2 more (both 22) out with injuries. We have to be patient. This team is insanely young. Skids like this are bound to happen. They played 4 very strong periods of hockey.. but needed 6. That is unacceptable, but shouldnt be completely unexpected. The last thing I wanna hear is how this team needs to be blown up. Trade __ because he is a dud (cough cough JvR, Giroux, Schenn, etc. etc.).. trade __ because he wont get any better.. trade __ so we can stock up on draft picks because this team sucks.

RELAX!
- jak521

i wouldnt mind trading jvr.....who does that wuss think he is? Crosby?

You think so? I figured it would be Bryz.. thats a seriously terrifying contract.
- jak521

You know how I feel about that contract. But I have hope that Bryz can play better. And if he doesn't, it's off to Rock Soup City™.

With the glut of centermen on this roster already, plus the hopeful addition of yet another one to anchor the 4th line and PK, Briere becomes an overpaid luxury. Plus, his NMC makes him impossible to trade or demote.

He'd be the guy I target in this hypothetical situation.

Well I would put Gaustad either at the third or 4th line and on the PK. Then talbot could be opposite him on the Pk or on a wing even with him. I would really like to get coots off that goonsquad and onto more of a scoring line. Then have Gaus center that goon squad.
- JoeRussomanno

There is little doubt the Flyers have to address thier PK. Its just aweful. They used to have the best PK, not so much any more. I'm almost wishing Betts gets better...

Well I would put Gaustad either at the third or 4th line and on the PK. Then talbot could be opposite him on the Pk or on a wing even with him. I would really like to get coots off that goonsquad and onto more of a scoring line. Then have Gaus center that goon squad.
- JoeRussomanno

It might be tough to shift around personnel to accommodate a new roster player at forward. If we are lucky enough to grab a guy like Gaustad, I'm assuming someone would have to sit and who knows, JvR could be better in a week from now. So then you have to fit him somehow.

There has been speculation that LTIR could be changed so the entire cap hit is not given as a cap credit, obviously, if he can be LTIR'd and get full cap relief, there's other areas to look at.
- Jsaquella

If LTIR rules are changed, then yes, he becomes a definite possibility.

Fixing the Flyers Woes.

#1 Trade for 2 defenseman that can clear the front of the net.

#2 Make someone Interm-Captain. Someone needs to become a vocal leader on this team.

#3 Ride Bryzgalov. He has been a work horse his entire career. Its time to start him every game except in back to back situations. His last 10 games have not been bad at all. Even counting the Bruins and Rangers game he has like a 1.70 GAA and a .930 SV % in the last 10.

#4 If there is cap space, then maybe add a veteran scorer at the deadline.
- RooNosHockey

1. disagree.
2. completely disagree.
3. sure, why not?
4. completely disagree.

i wouldnt mind trading jvr.....who does that wuss think he is? Crosby?

- Philly1980

Seriously, I'm sick of all the fakers on this team