Hence validating my point last night, that for the most part in games 2-5 the team went through the motions. Playing with very little passion. That is the part that is unacceptable.
- PLindbergh31

I don't see it like that. I think they were giving everything they had and it just wasn't working. Sometimes that happens. Even to a team that finished third in the conference in the regular season.

I don't see it like that. I think they were giving everything they had and it just wasn't working. Sometimes that happens. Even to a team that finished third in the conference in the regular season.
- Scoob

I think the problem is people need to give the Devils their due. They were right up there with the Flyers in the standings. This wasn't a team that didnt know how to play hockey. The Devils were very aggressive and continued to put pressure on the Flyers. The Flyers defense was making too many mental mistakes and forcing plays that weren't there. With all the experience on the blueline I thought the decision making would be much better. They didnt handle NJ's pressure well at all.

of course, and that's why i turned off the tv as soon as the clock hit zero, and haven't turned it on since. i don't want to hear a word of it. i haven't read a single article other than bill's piece here, and i won't. i know what i saw. don't need someone else to skew it, pissing me off more than i already am.
- hammarby31

+1

I made the mistake of watching a couple of minutes of Flyers postgame on CSN.

Mike Barkann is clueless when it comes to hockey.

All he does is speak of Bryz. or should I say question everything Bryz does. It could be about what he said in the post game interview or what he didn't say.

I think he creates a story line before the post game show then tries to cram it down everyones throat in the post game show regardless of if his narrative is correct or not.

I wish CSN would replace Barkann on the Post game show.

He has stolen games this year. That's where your theory breaks down.
- Jsaquella

In the playoffs, im referring to, plus if i can recall didnt Bryz have a melt down this year during the season? BOB was starting at one point until Bryz regained his confidence?

I was waiting the whole series for a player to step up and change momentum, and fire up the team. To get them going. Other then Bryzgalov, who kept them in a lot of games. The only player who did something to at least temporarily add fire to the Flyers, was Rinaldo last night. With some big hits and physical play. No one else stepped up to try and change the tide.
- MJL

agree

I don't think they can replace Pronger, and I hope they don't try to.

They do need to bring in at least one and more likely two defenseman this off season.

I wouldn't mind a guy like Suter, but they don't have to go that route. It may prove to be too expensive.

I think having depth at defense with 6-7 consistent guys who are capable at moving the puck out of the zone is better then having a top #1 guy and then a 3rd D pair that is vulnerable to turn overs.

I would like to see Kimmo back next year and finish out his playing time in the NHL with the Flyers, unless he is too injured to play. I know he doesn't justify his cap hit anymore, but he is a valuable guy to have anyway.

As bad as my Isles played this year, an how bad my defense was,
most games won by the Isles were bc Nabby stole the game.
If you stopped JT's line, the Isles couldnt score a goal,

Thats the only point im trying to make about Bryz, he doesnt steal a game, which was needed.

Flyers are young an talented, so be so gung-ho on your goalie, geez
- Ur Not Me

Are you really trying to preach to us about the greatness of Nabokov? I seem to remember the same things being said of him as they are of Bryzgalov so please....

Well, we'll disagree then. Bill, myself, and others have pointed out that Lavy was out-coached in this series. If you don't agree, you're entitled to your opinion. I am not saying that the entire blame for the lost series goes at Lavy's feet, but some of it surely does. IMO, just to write this off as the players failing to execute, or "lacking" is a woefully incomplete analysis of the situation. Lavy has to do a lot better as well if we are ever going to get past the teams that play this style and play it well.
- BringBack25

I think Laviolette deserves blame, along with the players, for the team's inability to respond. I'll agree with MJL, though, that saying he was out-coached is something of an oversimplification. One may call it semantics, though.

I think the problem is people need to give the Devils their due. They were right up there with the Flyers in the standings. This wasn't a team that didnt know how to play hockey. The Devils were very aggressive and continued to put pressure on the Flyers. The Flyers defense was making too many mental mistakes and forcing players that weren't there. With all the experience on the blueline I thought the decision making would be much better. They didnt handle NJ's pressure well at all.
- stveshdy

Everyone says that Pitt has those two huge superstars.
Parise and Kovalchuk are also very much in that same league of world class players.
They both had a great series against the Flyers, and were supported by a team playing a very good defensive system.

After the Rangers, I think the Devils play the best team defense in the NHL, and maybe they are the equal to the Rangers system right now.

Just want to add to the chorus of thank yous to Bill, I just thoroughly enjoy reading your take on things.

It is really a privilege to have you as the Flyers blogger.

Just want to add to the chorus of thank yous to Bill, I just thoroughly enjoy reading your take on things.

It is really a privilege to have you as the Flyers blogger.
- Marc D

+1, no idea what we'd do without Bill

+1

I made the mistake of watching a couple of minutes of Flyers postgame on CSN.

Mike Barkann is clueless when it comes to hockey.

All he does is speak of Bryz. or should I say question everything Bryz does. It could be about what he said in the post game interview or what he didn't say.

I think he creates a story line before the post game show then tries to cram it down everyones throat in the post game show regardless of if his narrative is correct or not.

I wish CSN would replace Barkann on the Post game show.


- ggunky

He had to start again last night with Bryz. Yea let's rip the best guy on the team through that series what a great idea Barkass

Yea he got 51 million so our team wouldn't lost 8-2 everygame how bout that Genius!?

Even Clement tried to shut him up with that it's so disgusting the agenda they have to lynch this guy. Why because he has a personality? I don't get it. People can say what they want, but Bryzgalov was the least of reasons why we lost that damn series and was more than convincingly an upgrade over what we had the last two years.

+1, no idea what we'd do without Bill
- BulliesPhan87

Seriously. Bill what do we have to do to get you on the post and pregame shows for Comcast?

of course, and that's why i turned off the tv as soon as the clock hit zero, and haven't turned it on since. i don't want to hear a word of it. i haven't read a single article other than bill's piece here, and i won't. i know what i saw. don't need someone else to skew it, pissing me off more than i already am.
- hammarby31

I listened to Home Ice on the way to work this morning. Wow, were they bashing Philly and Bryz. I thought it was overkill, but whatever. The fans of 29 other teams eat it up so they do it. I don't give it much weight.

He had to start again last night with Bryz. Yea let's rip the best guy on the team through that series what a great idea Barkass

Yea he got 51 million so our team wouldn't lost 8-2 everygame how bout that Genius!?

Even Clement tried to shut him up with that it's so disgusting the agenda they have to lynch this guy. Why because he has a personality? I don't get it. People can say what they want, but Bryzgalov was the least of reasons why we lost that damn series and was more than convincingly an upgrade over what we had the last two years.
- JoeRussomanno

It stinks.

I wanted to watch some postgame and enjoy the last little bit of the season.

I watch the post game up till after the Bryz interview. Barkass starts his Bryz bit and BANG! off goes the TV.

It sucks. No, I don't want Flyers apologists on the post game show but I also don't want a clueless clown with an agenda on the show either.

Seriously. Bill what do we have to do to get you on the post and pregame shows for Comcast?
- JoeRussomanno

I would love for this to come to fruition.

I listened to Home Ice on the way to work this morning. Wow, were they bashing Philly and Bryz. I thought it was overkill, but whatever. The fans of 29 other teams eat it up so they do it. I don't give it much weight.
- Scoob

i can't watch or listen at this time. i'm wallowing enough. i don't need morons to get me angry.

Great season boys!! As a Leaf fan, the Flyers have been my fallback team in the post season, well, for what seems like an eternity now hahaha but nonetheless, I think with the changes that were made last off season, you guys exceeded expectations, and are going to be a force to reckon with for years to come.

Gotta say though, from this point, be pretty nice to see Marty Broduer bag one last cup and end his career on a high note.

See ya's in the fall!!

Cheers!

Just want to add to the chorus of thank yous to Bill, I just thoroughly enjoy reading your take on things.

It is really a privilege to have you as the Flyers blogger.
- Marc D

Agreed!

i can't watch or listen at this time. i'm wallowing enough. i don't need morons to get me angry.
- hammarby31

I feel your pain. Only one team can win a year. I want to win so bad just to experience that as a fan. I never seen the Flyers skate around with the cup. I've been patient and I'll continue to wait. All I can ask for is this organization to try an put the best team out their possible to win the cup and I think they do that ever single year.

I would love for this to come to fruition.
- ggunky

he will need a better three piece suit (t-shirt/press credential/jeans)

It stinks.

I wanted to watch some postgame and enjoy the last little bit of the season.

I watch the post game up till after the Bryz interview. Barkass starts his Bryz bit and BANG! off goes the TV.

It sucks. No, I don't want Flyers apologists on the post game show but I also don't want a clueless clown with an agenda on the show either.
- ggunky

Morganti is another one that likes to pile on and gloss over the good things. Yes Bryzgalov's stats are ugly. To just ignore after two former players one of which was a coach saying he didn't get the help he needed either, is complete ignorance. I'm sorry but the very best a better goaltender could have done is maybe extend this thing by a game. After game 4 they gave him the bluecross player of the game, then turn right around and start in on his body language. Such a clear case of an agenda there.

+1, no idea what we'd do without Bill
- BulliesPhan87

Mad props to BP87...

I feel your pain. Only one team can win a year. I want to win so bad just to experience that as a fan. I never seen the Flyers skate around with the cup. I've been patient and I'll continue to wait. All I can ask for is this organization to try an put the best team out their possible to win the cup and I think they do that ever single year.
- stveshdy

i've been waiting 33 years. what's at least one more?

Question, Hextall gets a Stanley Cup Championship ring when the Kings win the cup right?