Actually, in point percentage, how the NHL ranks them, they are 7th. They're not great (Stanley Cup contenders), but they're better than half of the league. Since the All-Star break, they have been one of the better teams in the NHL.
You just seem to have an issue giving them credit for anything, which is the status quo for you. You are never happy unless you can find fault with something. You're the kind of fan where the team could win 5 straight Stanley Cups and you'd criticize them for not going 16-0 in the playoffs those 5 years.
Thanks Bill. I think that I heard something behind Emery. It's getting louder, it's getting louder. Wait for it, wait for it. OMG...It's Zepp...He's back, too. I understand why the Flyers went after Emery, but the last time I saw him play, it looked like his body was just not responding. I appreciate his hip problems, but he had lost a lot of his mobility, and was relying on his glove a little, too much. Anyway, I would have chosen the Zeppster, since I was a fan of his. At least he would have been completely healthy, and a decent fill in. If Barby had been available, I would have just gone out back, and hung myself. As mentioned Stolarz is still the best option at this time. He has to be brought up sometime, and he seems to have a little grit to him. His first outing might be a little rough, but once he gets past that, I am sure that he would be just fine. It would be cool, if the night that the Flyers started Stolarz that he come out on the ice with a cape, and a top hat; his nickname would be the "Wizard." Ok, so the last bit might be a little, too much. But, Stolarz has to start a game sometime.
Location: me bitter? F-no i think it's hilarious Joined: 12.14.2011
Mar 30 @ 10:00 AM ET
Actually, in point percentage, how the NHL ranks them, they are 7th. They're not great (Stanley Cup contenders), but they're better than half of the league. Since the All-Star break, they have been one of the better teams in the NHL.
You just seem to have an issue giving them credit for anything, which is the status quo for you. You are never happy unless you can find fault with something. You're the kind of fan where the team could win 5 straight Stanley Cups and you'd criticize them for not going 16-0 in the playoffs those 5 years. - jmatchett383
No, when they were a legitimate contender i was pretty happy.
Still think he gets the start on 4/2 against Ottawa. It's an afternoon game, the next night is vs the Pens; it has trap game written all over it. Playing in front of a rookie making his first start may be just what they need to wake up and avoid the trap. - BiggE
Not a bad idea at all, i honestly think mason getting at least a game breather would do wonders before the last week of the season. i know he's saying the right things by not saying he's tired and all of that, but its a lot of games in a tight window to play, then ramp right back up for the playoffs. id love to make the playoffs, but i dont wanna get swept due to our goalie being overworked.
They are currently the 8th seed, i'd say that makes them average. Not much to get excited about or reason to be upset when ppl level some criticism. - JoeRussomanno
I always factor expectations into things like this. Since I thought, going into the season, that they had no chance whatsoever of being a playoff team, I'd have to say that they've had a very good season so far. Now, if a team like TB was sitting in the 8th spot right now, I'd think most Lightning fans would be pretty unhappy. It's all relative.
Location: me bitter? F-no i think it's hilarious Joined: 12.14.2011
Mar 30 @ 10:08 AM ET
I always factor expectations into things like this. Since I thought, going into the season, that they had no chance whatsoever of being a playoff team, I'd have to say that they've had a very good season so far. Now, if a team like TB was sitting in the 8th spot right now, I'd think most Lightning fans would be pretty unhappy. It's all relative. - BiggE
See that's just it I guess. Maybe I don't gauge my expectations properly. But going back to the CarterRichardsgeddon, this team was supposed to be moving onto big things. Now I get it, pronger got hurt, but he was also what? 35-36 so by now he should have bedn replaced. Furthermore going back to that previous era, that was a team that could line up with just about anyone and compete. We even have better goaltending of flyers teams before. Since then we've added some lofty contracts and I just don't feel the same confidence or enthusiasm.
I always factor expectations into things like this. Since I thought, going into the season, that they had no chance whatsoever of being a playoff team, I'd have to say that they've had a very good season so far. Now, if a team like TB was sitting in the 8th spot right now, I'd think most Lightning fans would be pretty unhappy. It's all relative. - BiggE
As I mentioned yesterday, it has been a tale of two seasons for the Flyers. They were god awful in the beginning of the season...like NHL worst (like we need a reminder) Something clicked (or players joined) and since then they have actually been a very good hockey team. Yes they are fighting to get into the playoffs and are only ranked in the 7th/8th area, but that is 100% a result of how they played at the beginning of the year, not because they aren't a good enough team
Actually, in point percentage, how the NHL ranks them, they are 7th. They're not great (Stanley Cup contenders), but they're better than half of the league. Since the All-Star break, they have been one of the better teams in the NHL.
You just seem to have an issue giving them credit for anything, which is the status quo for you. You are never happy unless you can find fault with something. You're the kind of fan where the team could win 5 straight Stanley Cups and you'd criticize them for not going 16-0 in the playoffs those 5 years. - jmatchett383
See that's just it I guess. Maybe I don't gauge my expectations properly. But going back to the CarterRichardsgeddon, this team was supposed to be moving onto big things. Now I get it, pronger got hurt, but he was also what? 35-36 so by now he should have bedn replaced. Furthermore going back to that previous era, that was a team that could line up with just about anyone and compete. We even have better goaltending of flyers teams before. Since then we've added some lofty contracts and I just don't feel the same confidence or enthusiasm. - JoeRussomanno
That's a tough one, you just can't easily replace a guy like Pronger. I think, with the drafting of Morin, Sanheim and Provorov, they are certainly trying their best. I'm cool with the way they are building through the draft and development. The 2 most successful eras in team history, the Cup years and the Keenan years, featured teams that were mainly built from within. Especially now, when you factor in the salary cap, it is perhaps more critical than ever to draft well and build from within. I'm willing to give Hextall a few years and see what he can build.
See that's just it I guess. Maybe I don't gauge my expectations properly. But going back to the CarterRichardsgeddon, this team was supposed to be moving onto big things. Now I get it, pronger got hurt, but he was also what? 35-36 so by now he should have bedn replaced. Furthermore going back to that previous era, that was a team that could line up with just about anyone and compete. We even have better goaltending of flyers teams before. Since then we've added some lofty contracts and I just don't feel the same confidence or enthusiasm. - JoeRussomanno
Not meant to be offensive, but I think you need to open your eyes, man. The shape of the franchise now is better than it has been at any point since Pronger was injured and I think there is even an argument to be made that it is better than before that. They had a great core, but it was unsustainable.
As I mentioned yesterday, it has been a tale of two seasons for the Flyers. They were god awful in the beginning of the season...like NHL worst (like we need a reminder) Something clicked (or players joined) and since then they have actually been a very good hockey team. Yes they are fighting to get into the playoffs and are only ranked in the 7th/8th area, but that is 100% a result of how they played at the beginning of the year, not because they aren't a good enough team - YuenglingJagr
I think a lot of the early season struggles were due to the team trying to adapt to a new coach and system. Say whatever you want to about Hak, but this team competes hard, has each other's back and, especially down the stretch, are playing with discipline.
Were they as bad as they looked in October/November? No. Are they really as good as they've looked recently? No. However, while still hampered by a lack of overall depth and a glaring lack of top pair D, they are well on their way to earning a playoff spot. In my book, that's pretty damned impressive.
See that's just it I guess. Maybe I don't gauge my expectations properly. But going back to the CarterRichardsgeddon, this team was supposed to be moving onto big things. Now I get it, pronger got hurt, but he was also what? 35-36 so by now he should have bedn replaced. Furthermore going back to that previous era, that was a team that could line up with just about anyone and compete. We even have better goaltending of flyers teams before. Since then we've added some lofty contracts and I just don't feel the same confidence or enthusiasm. - JoeRussomanno
Good times are ahead Joe. Hextall has the patience and vision going forward to build a strong team. Provorov is on the way, Konecny will be a contributor in short order in all probability. The goaltending is pretty strong. I think the Flyers need to add a sniper. A legit 30 goal scorer. If they can find that player, they are going to be a strong team. There are some holes now, and a good amount of dead money, but it can be overcome.
I think a lot of the early season struggles were due to the team trying to adapt to a new coach and system. Say whatever you want to about Hak, but this team competes hard, has each other's back and, especially down the stretch, are playing with discipline.
Were they as bad as they looked in October/November? No. Are they really as good as they've looked recently? No. However, while still hampered by a lack of overall depth and a glaring lack of top pair D, they are well on their way to earning a playoff spot. In my book, that's pretty damned impressive. - BiggE
At this point these should be the themes for any and all Hakstol comments:
He was the right choice
He's done a great job
He knows what he's doing
He adapted quickly to the NHL game
I think a lot of the early season struggles were due to the team trying to adapt to a new coach and system. Say whatever you want to about Hak, but this team competes hard, has each other's back and, especially down the stretch, are playing with discipline.
Were they as bad as they looked in October/November? No. Are they really as good as they've looked recently? No. However, while still hampered by a lack of overall depth and a glaring lack of top pair D, they are well on their way to earning a playoff spot. In my book, that's pretty damned impressive. - BiggE
Anyone who thought this team would be a playoff team coming into the season had lofty expectations. Not a single major pundit thought they had a playoff caliber team.
Yet, here we are, on the cusp of the playoffs. This team has gotten better each and every month. They are fun to watch every single night. They compete, and are never really out of a game. How anyone can be disappointed is beyond me.
Also, on January 1 our GF/GA differential was a -20. Today we are a +3. That is a substantial climb. The Flyers look great right now, and the future looks even better.
Location: me bitter? F-no i think it's hilarious Joined: 12.14.2011
Mar 30 @ 10:21 AM ET
Not meant to be offensive, but I think you need to open your eyes, man. The shape of the franchise now is better than it has been at any point since Pronger was injured and I think there is even an argument to be made that it is better than before that. They had a great core, but it was unsustainable. - YuenglingJagr
I'm a glass half full guy. Going forward I feel better than i did when Hextall first took over. But this is really about my assessment of the current team and my original point was, I don't feel like Couturier is a legitimate #2 center. I'm not saying he sucks either, but I'd prefer that position to have more goal output. Less than 20 on the season doesn't cut it for me.
So how high are our expectation to win tonight? Ww needed those Wings and Bruins lossesbut tall task tonight. - SuperSchennBros
Caps are a very good team, but perhaps they come in with a little less motivation. They've clinched the Presidents trophy, and home ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Maybe they don't bring their A game tonight. Flyers have been very competitive against the Caps this year.
