Just wanna say matt read and his family are fantastic.. Because of his dad and matt.. I got to meet all the flyers this afternoon... 11 sigs on my roo jersey as well as pics...what a bday present.. All fantastic guys too... wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
- Hextall271

Sweet.

I hear you. But I don't understand something. You've been, and I give you all the credit in the World, a staunch supporter of Illya Bryzgalov in his struggles this year. No matter what anyone said, you believed in the player. And time and again you cited his past success as a player, and steadfastly stood by him, and stated that he will turn it around. Why doesn't Briere deserve the same support. Based on his playoff performances in the past?
- MJL

I'm glad you asked that. Here's why I defended Bryzgalov: His struggles were IMO 40% not his fault. I felt like the team was too loose defensively and today started the first period that same way but tightened up and Bryz finished the game not allowing anything.

In Briere's case, his teammates are in no way shape or form affecting his play. His slump imo is at the very least 90% all him. Can he turn it around? Absolutely! But he's not giving me faith. To make a better comparison I'll use Scott Hartnell.

On this board I didn't get to show my support as much because by the time I started commenting here, Hartnell turned his season around. If you want links to blogs where I did on other sites I'll be happy to pm them to you. However I stoutly defended Hartnell despite a slump two years ago (last year was no slump but rather an average year for him) because 1 I knew he was going through personal stuff with the divorce, and 2 he's not a finesse player. He has to work for his goals by getting down and dirty in front of the net. A player like that is bound for long stretches without a goal and underwhelming seasons scoring wise. On the other hand, Hartnell brings more aspects to the game than Briere. Hartnell hits, fights and as evidenced this year can backcheck when his head is in it. He's a power forward and just hitting his prime. Running him out of town would have been foolish.

Can you apply that support to each and every player? NO, hence we have Scott Gomezes of the league and gosh i pray, not Danny Briere.

Just wanna say matt read and his family are fantastic.. Because of his dad and matt.. I got to meet all the flyers this afternoon... 11 sigs on my roo jersey as well as pics...what a bday present.. All fantastic guys too... wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
- Hextall271

thats legit , must of been something... were you shell shocked lol

I'm glad you asked that. Here's why I defended Bryzgalov: His struggles were IMO 40% not his fault. I felt like the team was too loose defensively and today started the first period that same way but tightened up and Bryz finished the game not allowing anything.

In Briere's case, his teammates are in no way shape or form affecting his play. His slump imo is at the very least 90% all him. Can he turn it around? Absolutely! But he's not giving me faith. To make a better comparison I'll use Scott Hartnell.

On this board I didn't get to show my support as much because by the time I started commenting here, Hartnell turned his season around. If you want links to blogs where I did on other sites I'll be happy to pm them to you. However I stoutly defended Hartnell despite a slump two years ago (last year was no slump but rather an average year for him) because 1 I knew he was going through personal stuff with the divorce, and 2 he's not a finesse player. He has to work for his goals by getting down and dirty in front of the net. A player like that is bound for long stretches without a goal and underwhelming seasons scoring wise. On the other hand, Hartnell brings more aspects to the game than Briere. Hartnell hits, fights and as evidenced this year can backcheck when his head is in it. He's a power forward and just hitting his prime. Running him out of town would have been foolish.

Can you apply that support to each and every player? NO, hence we have Scott Gomezes of the league and gosh i pray, not Danny Briere.
- JoeRussomanno

Comparing Gomez and Briere really isn't fair. It seems as though your willing to give some leeway to other player's but not Briere. A lot of very, very weak goals let in by Bryzgalov had nothing to do with his teammates. He was flat out terrible at points this year. And I would say worse as a Goalie then Briere has been as a forward for periods this year. Briere hasn't had some physical issues this year? And Briere's linemates, which hasn't been a steady group, couldn't help him to get out of his slump? I think Briere has played two decent games in a row.

I think there is a double standard here. Briere deserves the same benefit of doubt given to Bryzgalov and Hartnell. Even more so due to the way he has elevated his game repeatedly in the playoffs. Rather then just making up an arbitrary percentage of who's fault it is for either of the player's poor play at points this Season.

Comparing Gomez and Briere really isn't fair. It seems as though your willing to give some leeway to other player's but not Briere. A lot of very, very weak goals let in by Bryzgalov had nothing to do with his teammates. He was flat out terrible at points this year. And I would say worse as a Goalie then Briere has been as a forward for periods this year. Briere hasn't had some physical issues this year? And Briere's linemates, which hasn't been a steady group, couldn't help him to get out of his slump? I think Briere has played two decent games in a row.

I think there is a double standard here. Briere deserves the same benefit of doubt given to Bryzgalov and Hartnell. Even more so due to the way he has elevated his game repeatedly in the playoffs. Rather then just making up an arbitrary percentage of who's fault it is for either of the player's poor play at points this Season.
- MJL

It's really hard to make comparisons between goalies and forwards I'd rather not do it.

If you wanna call these past two games for Briere strong that's great. To me they are no different than what he's been doing for the past two months. I don't know exactly what physical problems are bothering him now but at this time in the year, everyone is bothered by physical problems. He just doesn't create anything out there anymore and quite frankly isn't a threat to score everytime he gets on the ice. If you can't see the difference from him now and in the past I'm sorry. Perhaps his struggles this year are all injury related. If so I blame the Flyers CIA injury report. The only purpose that serves is garner animosity from the fanbase not protect the players. Otherwise we're talking about a player who has no problem whatsoever running his mouth to the media. He ran it after Richards and Carter left, most recently ran it about a struggling team mate when he himself needs to worry about how he will get off this schneid.

EDIT: I don't know how comparing Gomez and Briere is unfair either.

Nice job by Bryzgalov to get the Flyers a point today. Flyers were not playing well today but found a way to dig down and get something. Have to move forward and get ready for the showdown with Pittsburgh.

This has probably been discussed to death today but I am just baffled that this team could consistently come out flat during afternoon games. Especially now when so much is riding on these games.

If they do it tomorrow the game will be over after the first period. I don't understand it, I don't like it, and at this point of the season it is simply unacceptable.

On another note, Briere needs to get his ass in gear. He is just simply not paying the price. Not going to the places, and doing the things, he needs to do to produce. Briere makes his living in the hard areas of the ice, basically within ten feet of the net, in front and behind. He is just not going there with any regularity.

I hope that changes soon.

This has probably been discussed to death today but I am just baffled that this team could consistently come out flat during afternoon games. Especially now when so much is riding on these games.

If they do it tomorrow the game will be over after the first period. I don't understand it, I don't like it, and at this point of the season it is simply unacceptable.

On another note, Briere needs to get his ass in gear. He is just simply not paying the price. Not going to the places, and doing the things, he needs to do to produce. Briere makes his living in the hard areas of the ice, basically within ten feet of the net, in front and behind. He is just not going there with any regularity.

I hope that changes soon.
- MBFlyerfan

Stop stealing my thoughts and writing them, it's giving me a headache

Briere does need to play better, but at the same time, I'm not going to rake him over coals.

I stood behind Bryzgalov, and I'll do the same for Briere. I'm convinced he's not 100%. I'm also of the opinion that he hasn't had consistent linemates all year that really help him be at his best. Sure, he needs to play better. That's not the debate.

But it wasn't really the debate with Bryzgalov, either. Even his most ardent defender readily admitted he needed to play better. It's the same thing with Briere.

Stop stealing my thoughts and writing them, it's giving me a headache

- JoeRussomanno

Briere does need to play better, but at the same time, I'm not going to rake him over coals.

I stood behind Bryzgalov, and I'll do the same for Briere. I'm convinced he's not 100%. I'm also of the opinion that he hasn't had consistent linemates all year that really help him be at his best. Sure, he needs to play better. That's not the debate.

But it wasn't really the debate with Bryzgalov, either. Even his most ardent defender readily admitted he needed to play better. It's the same thing with Briere.
- Jsaquella

I'm rooting with everything I have for Briere. I watch him every time he is on the ice, because I want to see him do well. I also think something is physically wrong with him. We need him to crank it up when the playoffs start if the team hopes to have any chance to go far, that is the bottom line.

I'm rooting with everything I have for Briere. I watch him every time he is on the ice, because I want to see him do well. I also think something is physically wrong with him. We need him to crank it up when the playoffs start if the team hopes to have any chance to go far, that is the bottom line.
- MBFlyerfan

I'll have you know that this is the bottom line: form. Please click above for legal restrictions and terms of use applicable to this site. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service.

I'm rooting with everything I have for Briere. I watch him every time he is on the ice, because I want to see him do well. I also think something is physically wrong with him. We need him to crank it up when the playoffs start if the team hopes to have any chance to go far, that is the bottom line.
- MBFlyerfan

It is. They will need a second scoring line to contribute in the playoff on a consistent basis, regardless of how well the defense and goaltending plays

I'll have you know that this is the bottom line: form. Please click above for legal restrictions and terms of use applicable to this site. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service.
- JoeRussomanno

On A

Briere does need to play better, but at the same time, I'm not going to rake him over coals.

I stood behind Bryzgalov, and I'll do the same for Briere. I'm convinced he's not 100%. I'm also of the opinion that he hasn't had consistent linemates all year that really help him be at his best. Sure, he needs to play better. That's not the debate.

But it wasn't really the debate with Bryzgalov, either. Even his most ardent defender readily admitted he needed to play better. It's the same thing with Briere.
- Jsaquella

Briere is struggling right now. I'm with you 100% to continue to back him up. He has always been a good playoff player for the Flyers. Whether he is injured or hasnt had consistent linemates he will have to step up at some point and help give this team another scorer.

On A


- MBFlyerfan

all ya all make me feel like this guy today

It's really hard to make comparisons between goalies and forwards I'd rather not do it.

If you wanna call these past two games for Briere strong that's great. To me they are no different than what he's been doing for the past two months. I don't know exactly what physical problems are bothering him now but at this time in the year, everyone is bothered by physical problems. He just doesn't create anything out there anymore and quite frankly isn't a threat to score everytime he gets on the ice. If you can't see the difference from him now and in the past I'm sorry. Perhaps his struggles this year are all injury related. If so I blame the Flyers CIA injury report. The only purpose that serves is garner animosity from the fanbase not protect the players. Otherwise we're talking about a player who has no problem whatsoever running his mouth to the media. He ran it after Richards and Carter left, most recently ran it about a struggling team mate when he himself needs to worry about how he will get off this schneid.

EDIT: I don't know how comparing Gomez and Briere is unfair either.
- JoeRussomanno

I don't believe that I at any point denied that Briere is struggling this Season. Nor did I state that Briere's last two games have been strong games. No one was comparing forwards and Goalies. The only thing that was being compared between the two players is the leeway you gave Bryzgalov that you won't give Briere. Against the Islanders Briere won a puck battle and set up a goal for Voracek.

Has Gomez been one of the top playoff scorers since the lockout as Briere has been? That's how it's not fair.

I don't believe that I at any point denied that Briere is struggling this Season. Nor did I state that Briere's last two games have been strong games. No one was comparing forwards and Goalies. The only thing that was being compared between the two players is the leeway you gave Bryzgalov that you won't give Briere.

Has Gomez been one of the top playoff scorers since the lockout as Briere has been? That's how it's not fair.
- MJL

In 63 playoff games since the lockout Gomez has racked up 57 points.

All I'm saying about Briere is his struggles are different from those of other players imo and signify a career decline. He can absolutely recover and play up to his past performance but right now he's giving me very little incentive to believe in him. All this talk about different linemates just adds fuel to the fire too. Great players find chemsitry with good players. He hasn't exactly been asked to play with bad players all year. Great players make the players around them better, see Jagr and Giroux, by contrast Briere doesn't really do this.

blue skirts just lost in regulation. opportunity lost today. it's too bad the flyers have virtually no ability to play a good game during the afternoon. they're all aware of how poor they've been in these situations, i'm sure they've talked ad nauseum about coming out strong, and yet they don't, as a group. took them 9:35 minutes to get their first shot on goal, and a low percentage shot at that. already down 1-0 at that point.

they didn't deserve even 1 point today. bryz is the main they did.

what are the odds that the pens are flat tomorrow, at least to start the game? i'm willing to be 0.0. i wish the same were true for the flyers. and if talbot can't go that's a loss, and same for lilja. bryz will need to be at his best.

In 63 playoff games since the lockout Gomez has racked up 57 points.

All I'm saying about Briere is his struggles are different from those of other players imo and signify a career decline. He can absolutely recover and play up to his past performance but right now he's giving me very little incentive to believe in him. All this talk about different linemates just adds fuel to the fire too. Great players find chemsitry with good players. He hasn't exactly been asked to play with bad players all year. Great players make the players around them better, see Jagr and Giroux, by contrast Briere doesn't really do this.
- JoeRussomanno

What incentive was Bryzgalov giving you to believe in him, earlier this year? He was absolutely horrendous at times. Is he a good goaltender or not? The same arguments you used to back Bryzgalov can be used to back Briere. The same was said about Briere previously. It's way, way premature to call it a career decline.

Briere has 96 playoff points since the lockout.

blue skirts just lost in regulation. opportunity lost today. it's too bad the flyers have virtually no ability to play a good game during the afternoon. they're all aware of how poor they've been in these situations, i'm sure they've talked ad nauseum about coming out strong, and yet they don't, as a group. took them 9:35 minutes to get their first shot on goal, and a low percentage shot at that. already down 1-0 at that point.

they didn't deserve even 1 point today. bryz is the main they did.

what are the odds that the pens are flat tomorrow, at least to start the game? i'm willing to be 0.0. i wish the same were true for the flyers. and if talbot can't go that's a loss, and same for lilja. bryz will need to be at his best.
- hammarby31

I think they definitely deserved a point today for the way they battled back in the game. They played a decent game, just a lousy first period. Puck management was an issue today.

In 63 playoff games since the lockout Gomez has racked up 57 points.

All I'm saying about Briere is his struggles are different from those of other players imo and signify a career decline. He can absolutely recover and play up to his past performance but right now he's giving me very little incentive to believe in him. All this talk about different linemates just adds fuel to the fire too. Great players find chemsitry with good players. He hasn't exactly been asked to play with bad players all year. Great players make the players around them better, see Jagr and Giroux, by contrast Briere doesn't really do this.
- JoeRussomanno

i'm leaning your way in that i think briere will likely not elevate his play and be a difference maker in the playoffs, as he's done in the past. however, i didn't think bryz would do that either, and he quickly has gathered himself with an outstanding stretch of play in the last few weeks. it's leaving to think there's at least a chance for briere to do the same.

blue skirts just lost in regulation. opportunity lost today. it's too bad the flyers have virtually no ability to play a good game during the afternoon. they're all aware of how poor they've been in these situations, i'm sure they've talked ad nauseum about coming out strong, and yet they don't, as a group. took them 9:35 minutes to get their first shot on goal, and a low percentage shot at that. already down 1-0 at that point.

they didn't deserve even 1 point today. bryz is the main they did.

what are the odds that the pens are flat tomorrow, at least to start the game? i'm willing to be 0.0. i wish the same were true for the flyers. and if talbot can't go that's a loss, and same for lilja. bryz will need to be at his best.
- hammarby31

In the midst of Briere bashing I have myself have lost sight of this. (I guess the holiday uh festivities do that). FOr the life of me I can't understand how a group of professional athletes comes out flat time after time in these situations. That is the biggest problem with this team—flat starts.

I think they definitely deserved a point today for the way they battled back in the game. They played a decent game, just a lousy first period. Puck management was an issue today.
- MJL

i don't think they played well at all. they were outworked all over the ice, and were extremely sloppy in their own end. 2 very fortunate deflections allowed them to get that point. and bryz's solid play.

they did manage to stay out of the box and that's a good thing. a few more pp's and they likely end up with nothing.

What incentive was Bryzgalov giving you to believe in him, earlier this year? He was absolutely horrendous at times. Is he a good goaltender or not? The same arguments you used to back Bryzgalov can be used to back Briere. The same was said about Briere previously. It's way, way premature to call it a career decline.

Briere has 96 playoff points since the lockout.
- MJL

briere's been excellent in the playoffs, and i think we're all hanging our hats on that past track record. if i had to pick a guy who steps up in crunch time over mr. october-march, i'll pick the former. it's just getting harder and harder to believe as the games tick down to 0 that briere will come alive.