That to me is certainly a relevant and important issue. And I certainly agree that the Coaching staff failed miserably last Season. But I see it as a separate issue. Even if they had adjusted, they'd likely be a playoff team, but not a contender. Although you never know what can happen in the playoffs. They need a high minute puck moving defenseman. And also hope that Gustafsson or Meszaros also add that element to the lineup, depending on who is still here. The defense as it was last year, was just too lacking in that area.
- MJL

It certainly did lack, but I have little doubt it will be addressed or that at least attempts will be made to do so. The staff remains.

It certainly did lack, but I have little doubt it will be addressed or that at least attempts will be made to do so. The staff remains.
- Jsaquella

I see that point, and it's a concern.

It certainly did lack, but I have little doubt it will be addressed or that at least attempts will be made to do so. The staff remains.
- Jsaquella

The word 'attempts' stings a bit. I'm still apprehensive about free agency (edit: or rather the offseason in general) after last summer's strike out.

The word 'attempts' stings a bit. I'm still apprehensive about free agency (edit: or rather the offseason in general) after last summer's strike out.
- BulliesPhan87

Is sticking with the status quo and hoping Meszaros bounces back and Gustafsson continues with his progression an even bigger gamble?

Remember when people were saying we should've signed Brad Richards?

Well he's a healthy scratch tonight. If Bruins finish off the Rangers he's done as a Ranger

Remember when people were saying we should've signed Brad Richards?

Well he's a healthy scratch tonight. If Bruins finish off the Rangers he's done as a Ranger
- FLYERSROCK!

Never saw what was so great about him, good 20 goal scorer but thats it nothing special. Father time is catching up to him as well so that could be part of it.

Remember when people were saying we should've signed Brad Richards?

Well he's a healthy scratch tonight. If Bruins finish off the Rangers he's done as a Ranger
- FLYERSROCK!

Good bounce back candidate for next season.

Rangers PP is horrid. If they can fix that, he could see a big uptick in points. Also, not playing with horrible linemates 5-on-5.

Remember when people were saying we should've signed Brad Richards?

Well he's a healthy scratch tonight. If Bruins finish off the Rangers he's done as a Ranger
- FLYERSROCK!

Somewhere, Tom Sestito is laughing his ass off about this.

Good bounce back candidate for next season.

Rangers PP is horrid. If they can fix that, he could see a big uptick in points. Also, not playing with horrible linemates 5-on-5.
- bradleyc4

Crazy, though, that Tortorella has chosen to scratch him. I thought Richards was Torts' guy.

I think you are going to see somthing similar in free agency this offseason like what happened recently in the NFL. There will be some good players released and picked up at pretty bargain prices or at least not what they were used to being paid. Of course there is the over seas dynamic for professional hockey that doest exist in the NFL so players could bolt.

I think you are going to see somthing similar in free agency this offseason like what happened recently in the NFL. There will be some good players released and picked up at pretty bargain prices or at least not what they were used to being paid. Of course there is the over seas dynamic for professional hockey that doest exist in the NFL so players could bolt.
- flyerfan28

All the focus we have had on "who are the Flyers gonna buy out?" could just as easily be "who can the Flyers pick up on the cheap?".

Remember when people were saying we should've signed Brad Richards?

Well he's a healthy scratch tonight. If Bruins finish off the Rangers he's done as a Ranger
- FLYERSROCK!

If he's bought out, I wouldnt be mad if we took a swing at him

I think you are going to see somthing similar in free agency this offseason like what happened recently in the NFL. There will be some good players released and picked up at pretty bargain prices or at least not what they were used to being paid. Of course there is the over seas dynamic for professional hockey that doest exist in the NFL so players could bolt.
- flyerfan28

By released, do you meant bought out? Because players can't be released in the NHL.

Is sticking with the status quo and hoping Meszaros bounces back and Gustafsson continues with his progression an even bigger gamble?
- bradleyc4

It certainly is a gamble.

Is sticking with the status quo and hoping Meszaros bounces back and Gustafsson continues with his progression an even bigger gamble?
- bradleyc4

I would prefer greatly to add to the blueline than to stay status quo. Meszaros is definitely a gamble. As for Gustafsson, my expectations are still for him to be the sixth defenseman this season.

Remember when people were saying we should've signed Brad Richards?

Well he's a healthy scratch tonight. If Bruins finish off the Rangers he's done as a Ranger
- FLYERSROCK!

Maybe it will be Tortorella who will be done as a Ranger instead.

Never saw what was so great about him, good 20 goal scorer but thats it nothing special. Father time is catching up to him as well so that could be part of it.
- flyerfan28

He's been far more then a 20 goal scorer in his career. He has been an excellent playmaker and scorer throughout his career. Including in the playoffs. Hasn't been producing this year. But needing to win tonight, and somehow get the PP going. Scratching one of your top skilled offensive players is a big risk.

Maybe it will be Tortorella who will be done as a Ranger instead.
- MJL

I'm thinking this is equally likely, perhaps more.

Maybe it will be Tortorella who will be done as a Ranger instead.
- MJL

You would think both Sather and Tortorella would be on the hot seat.

Some of Sather's finer contracts:

Brad Richards
Scott Gomez
Wade Redden
Bobby Holik
Chris Drury

gonna be weird when vigneault is coaching both edler and luongo from behind the flyers bench next year
- FlyerMike18

Good lord no!

You would think both Sather and Tortorella would be on the hot seat.

Some of Sather's finer contracts:

Brad Richards
Scott Gomez
Wade Redden
Bobby Holik
Chris Drury
- bradleyc4

Like any GM, he's also had his share of good moves. Trading Gomez and getting McDonaugh as part of the return. The Gaborik deal was as good one. As was the Nash deal.

It's always been offense that has been their issue. Nash and Richards need to produce far more then they have in the playoffs.
And despite his arrogant personality, Tortorella is a good Coach. But I think they need a new approach there. And a new voice.

Is sticking with the status quo and hoping Meszaros bounces back and Gustafsson continues with his progression an even bigger gamble?
- bradleyc4

Not really. When Healthy Mez has always been good and once he's had actual surgury on an injury he has always responded well. This isn't wishful thinking, if you go back and look at his stats, the basis for this reasoning is right there. As far as Gus, He is an inexpensive option for the 6th spot. It's a role he should be able easily fill, even if he has some struggles.

Not really. When Healthy Mez has always been good and once he's had actual surgury on an injury he has always responded well. This isn't wishful thinking, if you go back and look at his stats, the basis for this reasoning is right there. As far as Gus, He is an inexpensive option for the 6th spot. It's a role he should be able easily fill, even if he has some struggles.
- flyler

Meszaros is coming off of 3 major injuries. The Achillies tear. And back and shoulder surgery. The shoulder issue is a recurring injury. To say not really when counting on Meszaros, is a stretch. There is real concern there. I think he's a good player and he can bounce back. But no guarantees.

By released, do you meant bought out? Because players can't be released in the NHL.
- MJL

Yes thats exactly what I meant, think some guys will get bought out that no one will expect.

He's been far more then a 20 goal scorer in his career. He has been an excellent playmaker and scorer throughout his career. Including in the playoffs. Hasn't been producing this year. But needing to win tonight, and somehow get the PP going. Scratching one of your top skilled offensive players is a big risk.
- MJL

He may be but he is not worth that contract imo....And being scratched tonight says a lot about his play.