And they have three defensively competent (if not better) centers on the roster (for the top three lines).
- bradleyc4

Can't say i see that happening

They can add whomever they want on defense, but if the whole team doesn't play better on D, it won't matter.

It's never been as simple as go out and sign Suter or trade for Weber or whatever. If the team as a whole doesn't step up their execution on defense, it won't matter.

They have to do a better job of not running around, making sure they don;t overpursue, eliminate the backdoor plays and make sure that the forwards help out more. Little stuff like failed clears killed them against NJ. They'd fail to clear, spend 20-30 extra seconds in their own end, and be stuck with tired guys or force a bad line change, like the OT loss in game three.
- Jsaquella

I agree but I dont see the Flyers making those adjustments. They had all year to fix that problem and even when they did play well they went right back to making those mistakes. The players have to take responsibility in their own end and if they dont Lavi has to start punishing these players imo.

EXECUTE HIM!!
- Jsaquella

Wish it were legal.

Can't say i see that happening
- ob18

They can adjust on the ice as needed. Briere can take face-offs in the offensive zone, but relinquish the defensive aspects of centerman to one of his wingers.

Claude Giroux said he refuses to watch his former teammates in the Stanley Cup? I missed what he said.

The Kings are making history. The Devils have no answer for Quick.
- stveshdy

I may be way Leight in responding to this....just catching up, but Claude said he hasn't watched any of the playoffs since the Flyers were eliminated but may watch the next 2 games (was said prior to game 3).

I agree but I dont see the Flyers making those adjustments. They had all year to fix that problem and even when they did play well they went right back to making those mistakes. The players have to take responsibility in their own end and if they dont Lavi has to start punishing these players imo.
- stveshdy

That's fine. So if they're not making the adjustments, why throw good money at Suter or Weber, if it won't fix the issue?

The key is the age of the Flyers roster. It is young enough to learn and become a good defensive team. You might not be able to fix Briere or Jagr, but you sure as Hell can get Giroux to be more consistent on defense, and get guys like Voracek, Simmonds and Schenn to play better defense.

They can adjust on the ice as needed. Briere can take face-offs in the offensive zone, but relinquish the defensive aspects of centerman to one of his wingers.
- bradleyc4

I agree, just not sure it will happen

Cant believe I forgot to add that...

Just to fix it.. He had 4 pp points.. so he was on the ice for 15 goals against.
- jak521

Doesn't help that Briere and JvR are on the same line and neither is very good defensively.

Wish it were legal.
- bradleyc4

Accidents happen

I may be way Leight in responding to this....just catching up, but Claude said he hasn't watched any of the playoffs since the Flyers were eliminated but may watch the next 2 games (was said prior to game 3).
- nastyflyergirl

No different from past players. Keith Primeau emphatically stated that as soon as he was eliminated, he actively avoided the rest of the playoffs.

Or move him to the wing, in general.
- bradleyc4

Thats the move.

That's fine. So if they're not making the adjustments, why throw good money at Suter or Weber, if it won't fix the issue?

The key is the age of the Flyers roster. It is young enough to learn and become a good defensive team. You might not be able to fix Briere or Jagr, but you sure as Hell can get Giroux to be more consistent on defense, and get guys like Voracek, Simmonds and Schenn to play better defense.
- Jsaquella

I'm not pushing for Suter. I think Weber is a fantasy as well. However, adding a very good defenseman with leadership/experience can only help not hurt imo.

Doesn't help that Briere and JvR are on the same line and neither is very good defensively.
- stveshdy

Doesnt make it any easier.. however, he was just as bad without JvR in the Pitt series.

That group was just flat out terrible in the NJ series... aside from JvR in game 1.

-5 in 4 games.

No different from past players. Keith Primeau emphatically stated that as soon as he was eliminated, he actively avoided the rest of the playoffs.
- Jsaquella

I always think they should have to watch another team lift the cup.

I'm not pushing for Suter. I think Weber is a fantasy as well. However, adding a very good defenseman with leadership/experience can only help not hurt imo.
- stveshdy

Depends on the cost, and at the same time, the rest of the roster has to buy in to being better defensively.

No different from past players. Keith Primeau emphatically stated that as soon as he was eliminated, he actively avoided the rest of the playoffs.
- Jsaquella

Can't blame them at all. Shows just how much they want to win. I personally love the team and just want to see a few tweeks. i want Carle back and wouldn't mind seeing them sign Wideman. Keep the draft picks and young players and just be patient. this organization doesn't have much patience. I guess a long drought will do that but I really would like to see them give this core a chance.

I always think they should have to watch another team lift the cup.
- jak521

Lock them in a room at camp then show it.

Lock them in a room at camp then show it.
- ob18

well some of them got a glimpse first hand in 2010

well some of them got a glimpse first hand in 2010
- nastyflyergirl

Do it anyway.

I'm not pushing for Suter. I think Weber is a fantasy as well. However, adding a very good defenseman with leadership/experience can only help not hurt imo.
- stveshdy

Don't be silly. The real answer is to bring back the exact same defense core (average age 31), half of which are coming off injuries, sprinkle pixie dust on them, and get back after it.

Don't be silly. The real answer is to bring back the exact same defense core (average age 31), half of which are coming off injuries, sprinkle pixie dust on them, and get back after it.
- PLindbergh31

Yep, kinda like the Kings did.

Don't be silly. The real answer is to bring back the exact same defense core (average age 31), half of which are coming off injuries, sprinkle pixie dust on them, and get back after it.
- PLindbergh31

I know right? Sucks that weber and Suter are the only defensive options out there. Guess we are stuck with a bunch of minor leaguers.

Depends on the cost, and at the same time, the rest of the roster has to buy in to being better defensively.
- Jsaquella

I think its obvious they need to buy into better team defense after losing this year to the Devils. If they dont fix that they have no chance of winning the Stanley Cup.

I know right? Sucks that weber and Suter are the only defensive options out there. Guess we are stuck with a bunch of minor leaguers.
- funmaster18

Not at all. I expect a solid d-man to be acquired via trade on draft day.

Don't be silly. The real answer is to bring back the exact same defense core (average age 31), half of which are coming off injuries, sprinkle pixie dust on them, and get back after it.
- PLindbergh31

well Timonen and Lilja really skew the average age. Coburn, Carle (if he re-signs), Meszaros and Grossmann are all 27 and under