I had no idea what to expect coming into this season, but all in all i consider it a successful one. given the number of new players and the level of those shown the door, there was a tremendous potential for chaos and inconsistency...that only happened in goal.

we have to hope bryz had his mulligan and that he will look more like the guy in March for most of nxt yr.

I said before the season that the team needed a young puck mover for so many reasons, personnel and cap-related and it's more obvious than ever. the discussion about amnesty is real, but that doesn't mean it will be a reality and the flyers will have to ponder their contingencies. it is very difficult to acquire a version of Karlsson or OEL, but it will be necessary for the flyers to move forward if the team to seriously compete for a cup.

from a coaching standpoint, they have to work on their breakouts and other fine details that this team struggled with too often this year. they have to be able to adapt and quick pass their way out of forechecking pressure...a greater measure of precision is needed in general. of course, we need the personnel to make it all come together.
- isaiah520

Holmgren has work to do on the blueline. There isn't anyone on the roster right now that resembles a top pairing guy. Unfortunately Kimmo is breaking down, and Pronger is done. Flyers have some solid guys in Coburn, Mesz, and Grossmann, but they need a stud to anchor the d-core.

A lot depends on Timonen. If he does decide to "retire" to Finland, then they have a lot of freed room, but also a big hole to fill. With Coburn, Grossmann and Meszaros signed, they have half of a really solid top 6 in place. Lilja is fine as the 7th guy, and Gus and MAB should be capable of handling a spot.

The key is getting a guy who can do what Carle does, or managing a guy who is even better.
- Jsaquella

I'm thinking more and more we just bring back Carle. Have no problem paying him the money and years but none of this NMC crap. At least not for the life of the contract.

Also what does anyone think of Wideman from Washington was looking at capgeek the other day, iirc he's gonna be a Free agent.

I want more balance in the defensive group. They have to add a player who can be a threat from the point in the offseason. I'm tired of not having a player who you have to watch at the point. Thats my opinion of course.
- stveshdy

It would be nice to get a guy like that, but they can still ice a solid defense without doing a ton of heavy lifting. I just think they'll go the trade route to do it.

now now
- vejim

K guys ive got a question, id like some opinions please...

We have the 20th overall pick. IF Vaselevski or Subban is still there (Chi, Tampa ahead of us, could both be gone), would you pick one if them instead of a dman?...

I know wr dont have a 2nd round pick. But these 2 goalies are looking like future stars, especially Vaselevski. I personally would choose one of them if they were there.

And ya i know that means we've given up on Bryz. But Bryz might not ven be on our team if theres an amnesty buyout...

Like some opinions, thanks.

I did catch that. I though the "lacrosse coach" comment was clever.
- bodiva88

I couldn't think of an equivalent for hockey so went Lacrosse since it's more scoring involved

It would be nice to get a guy like that, but they can still ice a solid defense without doing a ton of heavy lifting. I just think they'll go the trade route to do it.
- Jsaquella

I totally agree. Homer will have to trade for a defenseman.

I'm thinking more and more we just bring back Carle. Have no problem paying him the money and years but none of this NMC crap. At least not for the life of the contract.

Also what does anyone think of Wideman from Washington was looking at capgeek the other day, iirc he's gonna be a Free agent.
- JoeRussomanno

After Suter, Carle and Wideman, the FA pickings are slim on defense.

My gut feeling is that they make a trade for a good, mid 20's guy who can move the puck, has a good shot and can be a top pair guy.

But anyone watching the last six weeks of the season had to know that the Devils had gelled and were strong.
- bodiva88

The Devils played well to end the season, I think the Flyers beating the Penguins, coupled with the Devils struggling bigtime with the Panthers, has the results of this series shocking people. I'm not shocked the Flyers lost the series, I'm pretty surprised they basically were non competitive. Over confidence played a factor, as did lack of adjustments, and poor execution. Those factors will doom any team.

K guys ive got a question, id like some opinions please...

We have the 20th overall pick. IF Vaselevski or Subban is still there (Chi, Tampa ahead of us, could both be gone), would you pick one if them instead of a dman?...

I know wr dont have a 2nd round pick. But these 2 goalies are looking like future stars, especially Vaselevski. I personally would choose one of them if they were there.

And ya i know that means we've given up on Bryz. But Bryz might not ven be on our team if theres an amnesty buyout...

Like some opinions, thanks.
- Sabreshark

Choosing a goalie doesn't mean you've given up on Bryz. maybe that Bob is available. It will take years for a kid to move to the NHL. But picking a goalie in the first round isn't a high probability move.

I think beating the Penguins really ramped up the expectations of a lot of folks. Penguins were Vegas' choice to win the Cup, (not that it means a hill of beans) I think had the Flyers lost a close series to Pittsburgh there would be less disappointment if that makes any sense. Getting their asses handed to them by a team many perceived to be inferior is tough to swallow.

Overall I think it was a fruitful season for the Flyers, young players gained valuable experience that will pay dividends in the near future. There were some growing pains along the way, but it's to be expected over the course of an 82 game marathon.

Pronger's career ending, and Bryzgalov's uneven play were the two things that upset/disappointed me the most, but Bryzgalov showed in the month of March he can do the job, as well as in the series with NJ which he was very good, it's unfortunate the game winning goal in the series was such a soft/, mindless goal because ignorant fans will think that wiped out how well he played.

A few tweaks, and this is a 100+ point team again, and then you take your chances in the playoffs. One of these years the Flyers have to get lucky with injuries, law of averages says they will.
- PLindbergh31

nice post, sir

I want more balance in the defensive group. They have to add a player who can be a threat from the point in the offseason. I'm tired of not having a player who you have to watch at the point. Thats my opinion of course.
- stveshdy

When I think of defensive balance, I think of this guy.





Straight up for JVR.

No one here is ok with it. We are just adults who know how to deal effectively with disappointment
- bodiva88

alot of experience

K guys ive got a question, id like some opinions please...

We have the 20th overall pick. IF Vaselevski or Subban is still there (Chi, Tampa ahead of us, could both be gone), would you pick one if them instead of a dman?...

I know wr dont have a 2nd round pick. But these 2 goalies are looking like future stars, especially Vaselevski. I personally would choose one of them if they were there.

And ya i know that means we've given up on Bryz. But Bryz might not ven be on our team if theres an amnesty buyout...

Like some opinions, thanks.
- Sabreshark

A third Russian goaltender? I can't fathom it.

After Suter, Carle and Wideman, the FA pickings are slim on defense.

My gut feeling is that they make a trade for a good, mid 20's guy who can move the puck, has a good shot and can be a top pair guy.
- Jsaquella

Small move here but I think Johnny Oduya would be a nice player to add for your third pairing as an UFA. Then Homer can trade to get that other defenseman.

K guys ive got a question, id like some opinions please...

We have the 20th overall pick. IF Vaselevski or Subban is still there (Chi, Tampa ahead of us, could both be gone), would you pick one if them instead of a dman?...

I know wr dont have a 2nd round pick. But these 2 goalies are looking like future stars, especially Vaselevski. I personally would choose one of them if they were there.

And ya i know that means we've given up on Bryz. But Bryz might not ven be on our team if theres an amnesty buyout...

Like some opinions, thanks.
- Sabreshark

I don't think there will be an amnesty buyout. As far as the draft, I want the best player available, regardless of position. If it's Subban or Vaselevski, there's no need to rush them.

I don't understand this. But that's ok. We disagree, and that's fine. You feel it's all on the players, and I feel the coach deserves at least half the blame for the team's continual struggles against hard forechecking, sound defensive teams. Life goes on. I don't think either of us will change the other's mind.
- BringBack25

You talked about the Flyers not being able to beat teams like Boston and NJ two years in a row. And that Laviolette needs to find a way to do that. Clearly, based on what the GM did, he thought he needed to change the mix of players, not the Coach. Nobody is immune from blame for this Series. But I think it's being taken out of context. And the situation that the team is in, based on how it reconstructed itself, is being forgotten about. Last year's team, and this year's team, are two completely different teams.

Small move here but I think Johnny Oduya would be a nice player to add for your third pairing as an UFA. Then Homer can trade to get that other defenseman.
- stveshdy

The thing is, he might command $4mm or so. Not sure they have the cash to add Oduya, keep Timonen and add another guy.

When I think of defensive balance, I think of this guy.





Straight up for JVR.
- canadianpenfan

You might be on to something....

Paul Martin for JvR with some pieces going both ways could work, although I doubt it.

The thing is, he might command $4mm or so. Not sure they have the cash to add Oduya, keep Timonen and add another guy.
- Jsaquella

I do agree with you there. If hes going to make that much money, Ill have to pass.

A third Russian goaltender? I can't fathom it.
- PLindbergh31

It's either another Russian goaltender or another Emery...

Picking your poison there it seems.

A lot depends on Timonen. If he does decide to "retire" to Finland, then they have a lot of freed room, but also a big hole to fill. With Coburn, Grossmann and Meszaros signed, they have half of a really solid top 6 in place. Lilja is fine as the 7th guy, and Gus and MAB should be capable of handling a spot.

The key is getting a guy who can do what Carle does, or managing a guy who is even better.
- Jsaquella

need to go a notch or 2 better than Matt. time to build around a guy if we really want to be able to break thru the kind of pressure that NJ or NYR can throw at us. with pronger likely out of the picture and kimmo on the wane, I think it's an imperative.

You might be on to something....

Paul Martin for JvR with some pieces going both ways could work, although I doubt it.
- _Zippy_

He's not on to something...HE'S ON SOMETHING!

Martin's good in a system. When he's not in a system, well...

Maybe they wouldn t have won but at least maybe more than one game.....Dont you think? Like i said if Philly s fans are ok with the way he played well good for him no pressure there for sure ahhahahah Even if you score in you own net they still like you hahahah
- caredge

I am sorry but was Edmonton even on the playoffs???????? Oh yeah that's right they weren't even close, don't come on here and start ripping a team that you have no business talking about as far as I am concerned your argument is invalid, everyone is now dumber listening to what you just said.....I award you no points and may god have mercy on your soul.

After Suter, Carle and Wideman, the FA pickings are slim on defense.

My gut feeling is that they make a trade for a good, mid 20's guy who can move the puck, has a good shot and can be a top pair guy.
- Jsaquella

How much do you think Wideman will command and would he be a good fit here?