What I want is a head coach who is capable of adapting his system/style to what he has on hand, has a track record of winning at some level, and a record of instilling discipline. Not necessarily discipline to avoid penalties, but disciplined play within a system.

Poor discipline murders the Flyers. Poor gap control, forcing low percentage plays, overaggressive forechecking and getting caught and having it open up odd man rushes.
- Jsaquella

This may be thinking out of the box a bit, but I'd love to see former Notre Dame head coach and current Toronto assistant GM, Dave Poulin, as the next coach of the Flyers. Poulin is as sharp as they come and I think he wouldn't tolerate lack of effort on the part of the players. He would or at least should, command instant respect from the players as well.

LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!

LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!
- ggunky

I hope the boys are listening to you!

I hope the boys are listening to you!
- BiggE

As do I. I am really disappointed in the play of this team through 2 games. Coach or no coach to llook lifeless is 100% on the players.

the first line is nowhere to be found.

This may be thinking out of the box a bit, but I'd love to see former Notre Dame head coach and current Toronto assistant GM, Dave Poulin, as the next coach of the Flyers. Poulin is as sharp as they come and I think he wouldn't tolerate lack of effort on the part of the players. He would or at least should, command instant respect from the players as well.
- BiggE

Poulin is a guy I wanted them to consider for either the coach or GM job in the past. He's a smart hockey guy with a strong business background.

I'd be open to him coaching or in some capacity.

Poulin is a guy I wanted them to consider for either the coach or GM job in the past. He's a smart hockey guy with a strong business background.

I'd be open to him coaching or in some capacity.
- Jsaquella

Has poulin coached though? I thought he was a front office guy

Has poulin coached though? I thought he was a front office guy
- Hextall271

Was the head coach at Notre Dame for quite a few seasons. Pair him with Terry Murray as his top assistant and I think it would be a winning combo.

Voracek scored 22 (9th) last season
Hartnell was 8th the season before..
Read hit all 4 target during AS game (I know, not relevant) and scores regularly..
They have scoring wingers enough.. They just don't score...
- Ondrej F

The absolutely need another scoring wing, a difference maker, not a power forward. There is absolutely no chemistry with the line combinations. I totally get why Lavi had Voracek on the 3rd line - with him and G on the top line, the 2nd and 3rd lines don't have enough firepower to take pressure off G.

Another issue is that Couturier needs more offensive talent around him if he is ever going to become more than a John Madden type. I think having Matt Read there is fine if there is a more gifted player on the left side. But Vinnie needs a speedier winger with a better shot, and Read fits that bill better. So Jake gives better balance on the 3rd line. But its obviously not working.

The reality is that they need one more real difference maker.

Hartsy - G - Jake
Player X - Vinnie - Simmonds
Schenn - Couturier - Read

I think they should strongly consider trading Laughton for an equivalent winger to a team that really needs a young prospect center. Laughton doesn't have a future on a team that has their 3 centers locked and another center (Schenn) playing out of position and seemingly uncomfortable with it.

Was the head coach at Notre Dame for quite a few seasons. Pair him with Terry Murray as his top assistant and I think it would be a winning combo.
- BiggE

I don't want Murray. Go off the board if you can in the offseason.

The absolutely need another scoring wing, a difference maker, not a power forward. There is absolutely no chemistry with the line combinations. I totally get why Lavi had Voracek on the 3rd line - with him and G on the top line, the 2nd and 3rd lines don't have enough firepower to take pressure off G.

Another issue is that Couturier needs more offensive talent around him if he is ever going to become more than a John Madden type. I think having Matt Read there is fine if there is a more gifted player on the left side. But Vinnie needs a speedier winger with a better shot, and Read fits that bill better. So Jake gives better balance on the 3rd line. But its obviously not working.

The reality is that they need one more real difference maker.

Hartsy - G - Jake
Player X - Vinnie - Simmonds
Schenn - Couturier - Read

I think they should strongly consider trading Laughton for an equivalent winger to a team that really needs a young prospect center. Laughton doesn't have a future on a team that has their 3 centers locked and another center (Schenn) playing out of position and seemingly uncomfortable with it.
- TheGreat28

That ignores past chemistry. Voracek had a great season with Giroux, Couturier's best offensive play has come with Read. Why split those pairs up to try and foster more offense?

I also feel the biggest issue to them being able to generate offense is coming out of their issues in the transition game. They can't get zone entry with any speed, and when they manage to get in the zone at 5 on 5, they gt force and have nothing but bad options.

There's been little or no net presence, and precious few adjustments in how they attack the zone off the transition game. Part of that is the coach, part of that is the players.

That ignores past chemistry. Voracek had a great season with Giroux, Couturier's best offensive play has come with Read. Why split those pairs up to try and foster more offense?

I also feel the biggest issue to them being able to generate offense is coming out of their issues in the transition game. They can't get zone entry with any speed, and when they manage to get in the zone at 5 on 5, they gt force and have nothing but bad options.

There's been little or no net presence, and precious few adjustments in how they attack the zone off the transition game. Part of that is the coach, part of that is the players.
- Jsaquella

Good points. Too often the Flyers dump the puck in, which is fine, but they don't chase after it with any effort, which is not so fine. The gaps are still often way too big between the forwards and D and the forwards, especially Schenn and Simmonds, are making way too many bad decisions at the opposing blue line.

Blame can and should fall on both the players and the coach, but at the end of the day, if the players continue to under perform, it will be the coach who will be held responsible.

What frustrates me about Laviolette is that for the most part, the players aren't held accountable for their actions. If guys like Simmonds and Schenn are going to keep making the same mental mistakes over and over, stick em on the 4th line and cut their ice time. If Coburn is going to keep taking lazy penalties, bench him and get Gustafsson into the lineup for a game. Heck Lavy, its your job on the line, kick a little a$$!!

I'm not sure what the solution for this team is...coaching change? Scoring 3rd line winger? No idea.

I'm not sure if it was mentioned last night but on Hockey Night in Canada they were talking about the #1 struggle for the Flyers is the way they chase the puck in their own zone. It's like they never really have control of it.

This leads me to believe they need a more balanced style of play which leads to a coaching philosophy change or if Lavi can't it's a new coach.

That ignores past chemistry. Voracek had a great season with Giroux, Couturier's best offensive play has come with Read. Why split those pairs up to try and foster more offense?

I also feel the biggest issue to them being able to generate offense is coming out of their issues in the transition game. They can't get zone entry with any speed, and when they manage to get in the zone at 5 on 5, they gt force and have nothing but bad options.

There's been little or no net presence, and precious few adjustments in how they attack the zone off the transition game. Part of that is the coach, part of that is the players.
- Jsaquella

I agree on G/Jake, Read/Couts combinations - that's why I had the way last group of lines the way I did. The problem is that Schenn/Vinnie/Simmonds, in my opinion, and apparently Lavi's too, is not a good fit. Schenn and Simmonds are not complementary players and don't fit Vinnie's needs. Read is a much better fit, but the ripple effect is that all of the lines are now out of whack.

Right after Cleary dissed them, I suggested the Flyers sign Brunner for the 2nd line. I think they will really regret that. He's already equaled the whole team in scoring. And if not him, a player like that.

They should be very well rested for tonight's game considering that the team took the day off yesterday.

There's nothing wrong with this team that better coaching and another $20 mill on defense won't fix. Who the heck has nearly $8 mill/yr invested in their 3rd pairing on defense? Only the highest paid defense in the league.

I really thought Timonen struggled on a couple of plays last night and is starting to look like the 38 year old battle scarred vet he is. If he needs to play 25 minutes a night like he did against montreal he's not going to be effective.

Same crap, new year. Lavy's system needs a rework if he wants to stick around.

Forecheck is pathetic, backcheck is pathetic, and out breakouts are pathetic. Like last year, this team will not make the playoffs (if all players and coaches are kept). We have the wrong mix of players and a coach who doesn't have the players he needs to run the system he wants. Can only jam a square peg into a round hole for so long before it gets wedged in there and stuck. The Flyers are stuck.

I agree on G/Jake, Read/Couts combinations - that's why I had the way last group of lines the way I did. The problem is that Schenn/Vinnie/Simmonds, in my opinion, and apparently Lavi's too, is not a good fit. Schenn and Simmonds are not complementary players and don't fit Vinnie's needs. Read is a much better fit, but the ripple effect is that all of the lines are now out of whack.

Right after Cleary dissed them, I suggested the Flyers sign Brunner for the 2nd line. I think they will really regret that. He's already equaled the whole team in scoring. And if not him, a player like that.
- TheGreat28

I'd like to see them recall Raffl or McGinn for the third line, play Talbot on the 4th line and then you have 4 lines that can play a regular shift.

Now with Rosehill dressing every night, you have a 4th line that is a liability and can't be used extensively.

Also, to be honest, in the preseason games I saw, Vinny looked good with Simmonds, and both goals the team has scored have come from the Schenn/Vinny combo.

Good points. Too often the Flyers dump the puck in, which is fine, but they don't chase after it with any effort, which is not so fine. The gaps are still often way too big between the forwards and D and the forwards, especially Schenn and Simmonds, are making way too many bad decisions at the opposing blue line.

- BiggE

Maybe the gap is partially created by forwards who are obviously pressing and trying to cheat to get that extra step or two, like the way the Eagles D kept jumping offsides last week.

I agree about the lack of sustained pressure - they're not tenacious enough to work a cycling game but not skilled enough to consistently score off the rush (with exception of a H/G/V first line.

Good points. Too often the Flyers dump the puck in, which is fine, but they don't chase after it with any effort, which is not so fine. The gaps are still often way too big between the forwards and D and the forwards, especially Schenn and Simmonds, are making way too many bad decisions at the opposing blue line.

Blame can and should fall on both the players and the coach, but at the end of the day, if the players continue to under perform, it will be the coach who will be held responsible.

What frustrates me about Laviolette is that for the most part, the players aren't held accountable for their actions. If guys like Simmonds and Schenn are going to keep making the same mental mistakes over and over, stick em on the 4th line and cut their ice time. If Coburn is going to keep taking lazy penalties, bench him and get Gustafsson into the lineup for a game. Heck Lavy, its your job on the line, kick a little a$$!!
- BiggE

Right now, I feel the roster is being mishandled by the coach. In that regard it's hard for me to really get a feel for what player moves I'd be trying to make.

Take a guy like Coburn. His play has been poor, no question. But is it because the coach demands he go out and do things he's not capable of? Or is it because he's not a good player and needs to be dumped?

That's the conundrum I face in evaluating this team. I'm not saying that the players or GM should be safe. I'm saying that making big changes on the roster without first seeing the effects of a coaching change/current coach making adjustments is foolish and that I want to see them get that new coach, or see the current coach make changes, then evaluate.

I'd like to see them recall Raffl or McGinn for the third line, play Talbot on the 4th line and then you have 4 lines that can play a regular shift.

Now with Rosehill dressing every night, you have a 4th line that is a liability and can't be used extensively.

Also, to be honest, in the preseason games I saw, Vinny looked good with Simmonds, and both goals the team has scored have come from the Schenn/Vinny combo.
- Jsaquella

Considering what they have in the system, I completely agree with you on Raffl,. and I'd consider Akeson. I don't think they need another big body, especially a guy who has seemingly lost his game after that fight. They need someone who can put the biscuit in the basket.

My point with Schenn and Simmonds is they both work better down low, in the offensive zone. Yes, Schenn did score with Vinnie, but on the power play. That kinda makes my point. And Simmonds I think is a good fit with Vinnie, assuming they have the right winger on the other side.

Completely agree on Rosehill, and enforcers in general. Waste of a space.

When theres a coaching change I hope they find someone who can coach the players we have, not have to tailor our roster around a style/system/philosophy.
- twotoekenn

yeah, can you spell "old boy network" B E R U B E

Would a loss today lead to the of lavy? I want him gone.

I'd like to see them recall Raffl or McGinn for the third line, play Talbot on the 4th line and then you have 4 lines that can play a regular shift.

Now with Rosehill dressing every night, you have a 4th line that is a liability and can't be used extensively.

Also, to be honest, in the preseason games I saw, Vinny looked good with Simmonds, and both goals the team has scored have come from the Schenn/Vinny combo.
- Jsaquella

Works for me

Maybe the gap is partially created by forwards who are obviously pressing and trying to cheat to get that extra step or two, like the way the Eagles D kept jumping offsides last week.

I agree about the lack of sustained pressure - they're not tenacious enough to work a cycling game but not skilled enough to consistently score off the rush (with exception of a H/G/V first line.
- TheGreat28

To me it's more a lack o discipline than a lack of tenacity. They run around, all over the ice. In the offensive zone, in the defensive zone, in the neutral zone. There's no cohesion, no discipline in their game.

That's why teams like the Devils and Rangers destroy them. They stay disciplined within their systems and grind the Flyers out.

Would a loss today lead to the of lavy? I want him gone.
- MrPerfect316

No, but if on October 18th, they are sitting at 2-5-1 or so, they will make a coaching change.

Considering what they have in the system, I completely agree with you on Raffl,. and I'd consider Akeson. I don't think they need another big body, especially a guy who has seemingly lost his game after that fight. They need someone who can put the biscuit in the basket.

My point with Schenn and Simmonds is they both work better down low, in the offensive zone. Yes, Schenn did score with Vinnie, but on the power play. That kinda makes my point. And Simmonds I think is a good fit with Vinnie, assuming they have the right winger on the other side.

Completely agree on Rosehill, and enforcers in general. Waste of a space.
- TheGreat28

I meant to say Raffl or Akeson...I have no idea why I typed McGinn