I gotta ask, who do you guys think are to blame for this epic collapse?
- Flyers2821

It's an organizational failure. There are too many problems on display to point to one person/thing.

I'd like to hear what Mario has to say, too.

I stopped reading here yesterday when the first "1975" mention reared its head. I'm sure it didn't get any prettier.

Anyhow, should be an interesting coupla days off in these parts.
- tangent_man

I would like him to comment, but during this series is not the right time.

According to our beat writer he was non too pleased in his demeanor outside of the locker room. He and his wife stood outside the room with the same expressions in the same spot from before the reporters went in, until after they left per Dejean Kovacevic

I gotta ask, who do you guys think are to blame for this epic collapse?
- Flyers2821

Top to bottom, no 1 person stands out really. Just a complete failure.

Although, (and I haven't posted because of work, so this may be a topic) WTF is going on with Malkin?? Is it the old. 'hey Sid's playing well, so I'm gonna slide back into the shadows' b.s. again?

It's an organizational failure. There are too many problems on display to point to one person/thing.
- akane13

well common now...its not like you guys are playing against Ottawa/Wash or something....you all knew the Flyers would be a tough team to have to play in the first round! Maybe not (this) tough though!

either way...most people figured it was a coin flip for either team...but one things for sure its been some damn good hockey and I think any fan can appreciate that.

Top to bottom, no 1 person stands out really. Just a complete failure.
- ryman1566

During a series you should look to your team's leadership to keep them focused and working towards the goal. I'm not saying it starts and ends with Crosby but he is your captain and has been the leader in the past, I don't know who else you might consider part of that group, but IMO that's where you lay the blame. The coach has to eat some of that responsibility as well but he can only do so much.

Top to bottom, no 1 person stands out really. Just a complete failure.

Although, (and I haven't posted because of work, so this may be a topic) WTF is going on with Malkin?? Is it the old. 'hey Sid's playing well, so I'm gonna slide back into the shadows' b.s. again?
- ryman1566

Or is it that he came up against a player that is going to be looked at as the best defensive forward in the NHL for years?

Top to bottom, no 1 person stands out really. Just a complete failure.

Although, (and I haven't posted because of work, so this may be a topic) WTF is going on with Malkin?? Is it the old. 'hey Sid's playing well, so I'm gonna slide back into the shadows' b.s. again?
- ryman1566

Think theres a chance you guys consider moving Staal or Malkin if you lose wednesday? I think the Leafs could make a solid bid for Staal, cause I dont think Malkin could be had without giving up the rights to the moon. Thoughts?

Top to bottom, no 1 person stands out really. Just a complete failure.

Although, (and I haven't posted because of work, so this may be a topic) WTF is going on with Malkin?? Is it the old. 'hey Sid's playing well, so I'm gonna slide back into the shadows' b.s. again?
- ryman1566

Give Couturier credit where it's due.


But on the topic of the Pens. It looks like the team is coaching itself. You guys need better veteran presence BADLY. Sid's smug comments post game just go to show you the kid doesn't get it and answers to no one.

well common now...its not like you guys are playing against Ottawa/Wash or something....you all knew the Flyers would be a tough team to have to play in the first round! Maybe not (this) tough though!

either way...most people figured it was a coin flip for either team...but one things for sure its been some damn good hockey and I think any fan can appreciate that.
- noename09

It has been highly entertaining hockey, but far from "good" hockey.

well common now...its not like you guys are playing against Ottawa/Wash or something....you all knew the Flyers would be a tough team to have to play in the first round! Maybe not (this) tough though!

either way...most people figured it was a coin flip for either team...but one things for sure its been some damn good hockey and I think any fan can appreciate that.
- noename09

No doubt about the bolded part. But HOW this team has played/responded compaired to how they have played in the past is what is upsetting. If this were us losing 3-2 and a clean, hard fought game, we could live with it. Personally, I don't recognize the team I am watching unravel before my eyes. That is the part that is disturbing

Give Couturier credit where it's due.


But on the topic of the Pens. It looks like the team is coaching itself. You guys need better veteran presence BADLY. Sid's smug comments post game just go to show you the kid doesn't get it and answers to no one.
- hereticpride

He really came off as a big baby in those comments about Voracek and not liking the Flyers.... "what was I suppose to do pick his glove up for him?" really Crosby?

I was impressed with the media coming at him in that situation though, I'm pretty sure it was Philly media but regardless.

During a series you should look to your team's leadership to keep them focused and working towards the goal. I'm not saying it starts and ends with Crosby but he is your captain and has been the leader in the past, I don't know who else you might consider part of that group, but IMO that's where you lay the blame. The coach has to eat some of that responsibility as well but he can only do so much.
- Rayven

Lets be honest though, Sid hasnt been around for much of the last year and a half. Some of the issues coming to a head have most certainly found their genesis when he was gone. Is Crosby blameless, definitely not, but just like the Titanic, you cant just stop things when you want once the momentum has started.

Give Couturier credit where it's due.


But on the topic of the Pens. It looks like the team is coaching itself. You guys need better veteran presence BADLY. Sid's smug comments post game just go to show you the kid doesn't get it and answers to no one.
- hereticpride

His comments are overblown. Nothing has gone right for him in a year and a half. He has thousands of interviews, he finally gets caught in one when emotions are running high and I'm supposed to believe he "doesn't get it"?

He really came off as a big baby in those comments about Voracek and not liking the Flyers.... "what was I suppose to do pick his glove up for him?" really Crosby?

I was impressed with the media coming at him in that situation though, I'm pretty sure it was Philly media but regardless.
- Flyers2821

I really wanted someone to ask him about his game keeping in mind he's arguably the biggest supposed role model in the sport.

He really came off as a big baby in those comments about Voracek and not liking the Flyers.... "what was I suppose to do pick his glove up for him?" really Crosby?

I was impressed with the media coming at him in that situation though, I'm pretty sure it was Philly media but regardless.
- Flyers2821

The glove thing was funny, just like Hartnell making fun of our "Hogan" was funny. If people don't find things like that funny, I feel bad for them.

His comments are overblown. Nothing has gone right for him in a year and a half. He has thousands of interviews, he finally gets caught in one when emotions are running high and I'm supposed to believe he "doesn't get it".
- Gunner Staal

It's not what he said. It's what he didn't say. He's the Captain. He's gotta be accountable.

Lets be honest though, Sid hasnt been around for much of the last year and a half. Some of the issues coming to a head have most certainly found their genesis when he was gone. Is Crosby blameless, definitely not, but just like the Titanic, you cant just stop things when you want once the momentum has started.
- Gunner Staal

Sidney Crosby has been playing right into the Flyers style of play this entire series. As a leader, you can't do that. Pitt does not win by playing after the whistles and all of that stuff and Crosby has been the catalyst of pretty much all of that. That is the Flyers style of game and the style they thrive in. As the captain, Crosby has sent his team in the wrong direction with the way he has handled himself on the ice.

Crosby is absolutely to blame for a big part of this collapse. Whether he was there all year or not.

Give Couturier credit where it's due.

But on the topic of the Pens. It looks like the team is coaching itself. You guys need better veteran presence BADLY. Sid's smug comments post game just go to show you the kid doesn't get it and answers to no one.
- hereticpride

The whole Flyers team gets credit IMO, they have stayed calm and just taken it to the Pens. But Malkin is a world class talent as well. Conn Smythe winner, league MVP, blah, blah, blah. He disappears more in big games than he should.

I don't think Toe Blake himself could have coached that team with any amount of success yesterday. Sid gets it, but the frustration of the series is getting the best of all of them.

No doubt about the bolded part. But HOW this team has played/responded compaired to how they have played in the past is what is upsetting. If this were us losing 3-2 and a clean, hard fought game, we could live with it. Personally, I don't recognize the team I am watching unravel before my eyes. That is the part that is disturbing
- ryman1566

I suppose....getting almost swept in the first round with a roster like yours must suck...I wouldnt know anything about playoff hockey, but I have some memories...stored somewhere...

Luckily I chose not to start a playoff pool this year...cause I would have likely picked Pens/Nucks players...boy that would have sucked!

Its not quite over though, perhaps if they can get a BIG win on wednesday they might get a momentum shift...Flyers are known to choke, need to crash the net and get the fans booing Bryz....might shift in your favor. Although, down 3-0 against the Flyers will be ONE TOUGH challenge to overcome!

well common now...its not like you guys are playing against Ottawa/Wash or something....you all knew the Flyers would be a tough team to have to play in the first round! Maybe not (this) tough though!

either way...most people figured it was a coin flip for either team...but one things for sure its been some damn good hockey and I think any fan can appreciate that.
- noename09

You confuse entertaining hockey for "good hockey." Neither team has played consistent, good hockey during this series.

Sidney Crosby has been playing right into the Flyers style of play this entire series. As a leader, you can't do that. Pitt does not win by playing after the whistles and all of that stuff and Crosby has been the catalyst of pretty much all of that. That is the Flyers style of game and the style they thrive in. As the captain, Crosby has sent his team in the wrong direction with the way he has handled himself on the ice.

Crosby is absolutely to blame for a big part of this collapse. Whether he was there all year or not.
- Flyers2821

Dole out the blame however you wish, they are all to blame.

The glove thing was funny, just like Hartnell making fun of our "Hogan" was funny. If people don't find things like that funny, I feel bad for them.
- Gunner Staal

Yea I mean the glove push was funny but it's just a childish move. Playing right into the reputation Crosby has had his entire career. On top of that, his post game comments did the same thing.

The glove thing was funny, just like Hartnell making fun of our "Hogan" was funny. If people don't find things like that funny, I feel bad for them.
- Gunner Staal

The glove thing falls into acceptable gamesmanship, I'd say. Of course, I think Sid's interview reaction to it was (I'm sure you're tired of hearing this one by now) whiny.

Think theres a chance you guys consider moving Staal or Malkin if you lose wednesday? I think the Leafs could make a solid bid for Staal, cause I dont think Malkin could be had without giving up the rights to the moon. Thoughts?
- noename09

Anyone want to touch upon the above mentioned? Not necessarily if you lose wednesday...but dont make it past first round.

Yea I mean the glove push was funny but it's just a childish move. Playing right into the reputation Crosby has had his entire career. On top of that, his post game comments did the same thing.
- Flyers2821

You would undoubtedly be laughing your ass off and cheering if Hartnell did it. It would be passe off as "gamesmanship" and an attempt to agitate.