|
Stevens, Holmgren Presser |
|
|
|
|
|
Today at the SkateZone in Voorhees, Coach John Stevens and GM Paul Holmgren met with we the media at noon to reflect upon the year that was and the moves needed for the season ahead.
Stevens opened the his comments saying the loss to Pittsburgh "is still stinging," and that he realizes "there is a lot of work to be done to close the gap with the teams ahead of us." He implied that though teams like NJ and Ottawa and the Rangers did not make it as far as Philly did in the post season, these teams will definitely be looking to improve their squads just as the Flyers will.
The past couple days Flyers Management and the coaches have been having "discussions" not so much "meetings." When asked what the focus of these discussions was, Stevens replied, "we're focusing on who we can sign. We realize we are deep up front, but need to get better on the back end."
When asked of Downie and Parent's role for next season John said "it's up to them. They are character people. Their preparation over this summer is going to be critical as they try to earn a spot on this team."
Of the veterans: "A lot of these guys needed time to become Philadelphia Flyers. Hartnell, Timonen, Upshall, all had success in the Predators organization. Danny had playoff success as a Buffalo Sabre. Now this group has had success for the first time as Philadelphia Flyers, and this is important in our development going forward as a team."
When asked if Richards is slated to be the Captain next season, JS was close to the vest and deflected the issue by saying, "Richie's play this season obviously means he deserves strong consideration to be part of our leadership next season."
On Biron: "Marty got to a level of play [in the playoffs] that he had yet to achieve in his career. And he performed well in back to back situations as well."
GM Paul Holmgren. Before he took any questions, he sat down and sincerely thanked the media gathered in the room for all their hard work and dedication throughout the season. Then Tim Panaccio attempts his first question "Paul, this season"--"Except you"--Holmgren interrupts. Very funny.
Paul's top 3 priorities this off season:
1) Sign the RFAs
2) Look at the UFAs
3) "Improve the mobility and speed on the back end, which may come from within, I'm not sure."
"I'd like to sit here and say I'd like to bring everyone back and just add some pieces. But that is not the reality."
He went on to say that he feels Timonen, Hartnell and Briere will all be better players for the Flyers this coming season than they were this year, as they have gone through the adjustment period of coming to a new organization.
On Carter: "No doubt in my mind we'll get him signed"
On Umberger: "We'll do what we can. I refuse to live in fear [of an RFA offer sheet from another club]
On Gagne: "I feel he'll be a good and healthy player for us next year."
One thing about Homer when he speaks you listen. And his testimony as to the respect he has for Jason Smith and Derian Hatcher was riveting. This wasn't just "yeah my guys were tough" rhetoric. Paul said what they physically went through to get through these playoffs was unlike anything he has ever witnessed. And this guy's been in and around NHL hockey for over 30 years.
"The injections, fluid drained daily...They are the ultimate pros."
On who surprised him the most this season: "I thought Braydon Coburn improved quicker than I thought."
On Giroux: "It's going to be hard to keep this guy off our team come training camp"
On James VanR: "He's stated he'll go one more year in college."
Player post season physicals and interviews with coaches and management begin this afternoon and continue tomorrow.
Join the Discussion:
»