Bill, should the Flyers move on will Meszaros be ready for the start of the second round?
- killercam

let's win this series first

I applaud the optimism. But otherwise, why is it the perfect opportunity to rip Briere?
- MJL

because his complete refusal to back check is killing this team in this series. I don't want to get into a big debate about it, because I'm trying to be positive about him. However there's no denying that on at least two goals, particularly by Staal in the last two games, Briere just stood around in the high slot and watched Staal either pounce on a loose puck or take a pass allow him to then take all the time he needed and fire a slapper into our net.

Now I'm sure someone will reply that the goalie has to make that stop, but here's the thing, you give an elite player like staal those opportunities he will make you pay for it. Don't believe me, go back and look at Ottawa's last two game winning goals.


With all that said, I believe in Laviolette's ability to either not get that matchup, which just might make someone else on Pittsburgh look like Jari Kurri, or just double shift someone against staal. I don't know exactly what to do and if I did I'd be working for a team somewhere.

Apparently, the Briere line is -16 in its last 2 games, though I am sure game 4 contributed disproportionately to that stat.

The worst player 5-on-5 has been Simmonds. He has been poor defensively, looks overawed by the tremendous tension, is losing the 1-on-1 battles he normally wins. Schenn is also largely invisible. Briere is easily the best player on that line though not great himself, and I feel a little bad for him that he does not have more experienced linemates in such pressure cooker situations.

Apparently, the Briere line is -16 in its last 2 games, though I am sure game 4 contributed disproportionately to that stat.

The worst player 5-on-5 has been Simmonds. He has been poor defensively, looks overawed by the tremendous tension, is losing the 1-on-1 battles he normally wins. Schenn is also largely invisible. Briere is easily the best player on that line though not great himself, and I feel a little bad for him that he does not have more experienced linemates in such pressure cooker situations.
- PT21

at this point I think this is more of a coaching situation in concern to that line. Just want to win right now. Pointing fingers isn't something I like to do, but that line does need to get going 5 on 5.

at this point I think this is more of a coaching situation in concern to that line. Just want to win right now. Pointing fingers isn't something I like to do, but that line does need to get going 5 on 5.
- JoeRussomanno

If were talking 5 on 5 hockey every single line needs to get going because we're at seven periods without an even strength goal.

because his complete refusal to back check is killing this team in this series. I don't want to get into a big debate about it, because I'm trying to be positive about him. However there's no denying that on at least two goals, particularly by Staal in the last two games, Briere just stood around in the high slot and watched Staal either pounce on a loose puck or take a pass allow him to then take all the time he needed and fire a slapper into our net.

- JoeRussomanno

I think the last Staal goal happened on a stretch pass by Ltang that was tipped by Kennedy to set off a 2-on-1. It happened b/c Coburn was pinching and was clearly a set play because Kennedy tipped the puck without even looking to make sure Staal was there.. I don't see how you could expect any forward to backckeck in that situation. If anyone bears blame, it is Coburn.

Bill
good summary as always.

Quick Bryz note. Having been a goalie (not nearly at the NHL) who played with lower body injuries...the tendency is to play a stiffer game which can lead to loss of rebound control. Even when there is no real physical issue it is very easy to slip back into that habit. To try to correct this...you move slower so as to NOT be too stiff.

On the D....I would rather see Kubina sit than Gussy. He and Lilja give an honest effort but they are both marginal because of injuries and matchups.

hopes for a great game.

If were talking 5 on 5 hockey every single line needs to get going because we're at seven periods without an even strength goal.
- stveshdy

Not getting an even strength goal doesn't concern me so much as those against.

I think the last Staal goal happened on a stretch pass by Ltang that was tipped by Kennedy to set off a 2-on-1. It happened b/c Coburn was pinching and was clearly a set play because Kennedy tipped the puck without even looking to make sure Staal was there.. I don't see how you could expect any forward to backckeck in that situation. If anyone bears blame, it is Coburn.
- PT21

So because one guy screwed up the other one is allowed to stop skating and stand still?

Not getting an even strength goal doesn't concern me so much as those against.
- JoeRussomanno

Well if your giving up goals and not scoring goals even strength its a concern. Not every single goal even strength has been against the Briere line (unless I am wrong).

So because one guy screwed up the other one is allowed to stop skating and stand still?
- JoeRussomanno

The pinch by Coburn caused the 2 on 1. Your expecting Briere to make up ground on that backcheck?

Letang shot the puck from the goaline.

Well if your giving up goals and not scoring goals even strength its a concern. Not every single goal even strength has been against the Briere line (unless I am wrong).
- stveshdy

NO not every goal has been, but when I see a guy just standing still while everyone is running around like their hair is on fire, it pisses me off at the guy that's standing still. Is he the only one doing it? probably not, but when I see others doing it I'll let you know.

Jagr is another one that is getting it done defensively 5 on 5 but I haven't seen him just standing still yet. IF he is forget about an extension,.

The pinch by Coburn caused the 2 on 1. Your expecting Briere to make up ground on that backcheck?

Letang shot the puck from the goaline.
- stveshdy

your not talking about the same goal.

NO not every goal has been, but when I see a guy just standing still while everyone is running around like their hair is on fire, it pisses me off at the guy that's standing still. Is he the only one doing it? probably not, but when I see others doing it I'll let you know.

Jagr is another one that is getting it done defensively 5 on 5 but I haven't seen him just standing still yet. IF he is forget about an extension,.
- JoeRussomanno

I do agree that guys can get caught standing around or chasing the puck and getting out of position. The Flyers need to control the play by forcing the puck deep. When they do this the Pens cant contain them and the scoring chances continue to happen. When the Flyers try to skate in or make tough passes the Pens control the tempo.

Roo is the leader of this team, his disappointment at the end of game 5 was evident. His compete level is unbelievable, he could have half skated back on Cooke in the waning seconds, but he didn't and made sure he didn't score.

I expect Roo to have a great day today and log heavy minutes. The rest of the team has to feed off of his tenacity.

your not talking about the same goal.
- JoeRussomanno

He is...

I don't feel that nervous yet. But you got the butterflies going. Thanks a LOT!

Changing from losing jersey Wednesday (although it won game 3) and moving to Giroux podium hoodie from 2010.
- bodiva88

Well, I am superstitious as well. I missed game 4, game 5 I wore my white Giroux that is signed by all the Flyers but was distracted all night cause friends were over. Not today. Going with the Roo jersey, correct hat, etc etc..

I am taking no chances..

Get ready for some handshakes people

Everybody ready!?

He is...
- PT21

My bad I got my wires crossed I;m talking about the wrong goal, it was the kennedy goal not the staal goal.

Everybody ready!?
- Emperor Filonius

I'm thinking more of this...

Everybody ready!?
- Emperor Filonius

Yup

Everybody ready!?
- Emperor Filonius

get outta heah

I had a dream, last night, that the Flyers started the game with an empty net. Pittsburgh scored in the first few seconds and then they put Bryz in and all was well.

My bad I got my wires crossed I;m talking about the wrong goal, it was the kennedy goal not the staal goal.
- JoeRussomanno

In the Kennedy goal, Briere has the left point covered where Orpik is. Kubina, Schenn and Simmonds all end up on the Staal and Cooke. Schenn leaves Kennedy and goes in to cover Cooke or Staal (I don't remember) and leaves Kennedy wide open. What is Briere suppose to do? Rush in there and leave Orpik open as well?