While I would agree that Washington hasn't had to shift into high gear -- yes, I still think they have another one to hit if they needed it -- I can't say I remember the Chicago game.

Because I was 2 years old, Old Man


- AllInForFlyers

you are no spring chicken

I wondered earlier what it'd be like if, instead of this debacle, the Flyers missed the playoffs. We would've picked 14th, griped a bit, but would've gone out feeling like substantial progress had been made this year. There would've been a sense of optimism and future. Instead we are left with...whatever this is. But, hard as it is to see at the present time, this season has been a great success. I don't need to go into the details -- you all real fans know them. And who knows, maybe they will squeak a game out yet.

But maybe there is good to come from this series. Lappy (he of zero adjustments) and maybe another assistant (Mullen?) might have forced management's hand in letting them go. This series has been a microcosm of their season at special teams, turned up to 11. Mistakes are one thing; repeating mistakes ad infinitum is another. Hakstol, management, the players will hopefully all learn from it; they'll better assess where we are and what we still have left to do (like answer the severe lack of skill, specifically at the center ice position imo). If they actually learn from this, then this series can have meaning. Good meaning.
- Mononoke

What I'll take away from this season is that the Flyers have vastly improved their 5v5 play without making any significant additions to the roster other than Ghost. All they need to do is improve their special teams and carry this level of even strength play into next season and they should be a solid playoff team.

The Flyers had long stretches of missed games from Couturier, Voracek and Del Zotto this season. All of those guys were completely healthy last season and they finished with the 7th worst record. Even if they're swept, I don't see how anyone doesn't call this season a success.

I'm calm dude, perfectly calm
- JoeRussomanno

TAKE IT EASY THERE JOE

I wouldn't have minded if a deal had been made if there was one there, but at some point, you have to trust the GM to do what's right

That's not forever; I lost faith in Sam Hinkie. But not until he showed that he clearly didn't quite grasp what to do after tearing it all down

Hextall has worked wonders in restocking the system and getting rid of bad contracts through creative means.

The hardest part comes next: Finding ways to improve in a capped system. But he hasn't failed nearly enough for me to lose faith in what he's doing
- AllInForFlyers

They should make a notable free agent signing or two this summer. This upcoming draft will be the first year that his prospects will be playing on the phabtoms. We are still very early into this. But the team should be looking to make signings so we don't have bank on these kids contributing next year. Streit/schultz replacements need to be found. Read needs to go. A 3rd line center needs to be signed. Work to be done

you are no spring chicken
- vejim

Ha! That's why this stuff doesn't faze me -- this isn't even the worst loss I've seen them take in the playoffs in the last five years

The PK and PP have failed them, but that's special teams stuff

The Boston series in 2011 was utter annihilation at ES and was easily the most I have seen the Flyers be physically dominated in my life -- made Holmgren blow up the freaking team, and rightfully so

TAKE IT EASY THERE JOE
- Streit2ThePoint

racist

What I'll take away from this season is that the Flyers have vastly improved their 5v5 play without making any significant additions to the roster other than Ghost. All they need to do is improve their special teams and carry this level of even strength play into next season and they should be a solid playoff team.

The Flyers had long stretches of missed games from Couturier, Voracek and Del Zotto this season. All of those guys were completely healthy last season and they finished with the 7th worst record. Even if they're swept, I don't see how anyone doesn't call this season a success.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yes. I think the system is sound and it allows for players like ghost to accentuate their strengths. Players know exactly what to do.

Very happy about that

They should make a notable free agent signing or two this summer. This upcoming draft will be the first year that his prospects will be playing on the phabtoms. We are still very early into this. But the team should be looking to make signings so we don't have bank on these kids contributing next year. Streit/schultz replacements need to be found. Read needs to go. A 3rd line center needs to be signed. Work to be done
- Just5

I very much agree with pretty much every word of this. This series and the Blues-Blackhawks series have reminded me of how much work they have to do

It's not a crime to get your asses kicked. The crime is if they don't learn from it and make changes, and we have to wait and see what they do

What I'll take away from this season is that the Flyers have vastly improved their 5v5 play without making any significant additions to the roster other than Ghost. All they need to do is improve their special teams and carry this level of even strength play into next season and they should be a solid playoff team.

The Flyers had long stretches of missed games from Couturier, Voracek and Del Zotto this season. All of those guys were completely healthy last season and they finished with the 7th worst record. Even if they're swept, I don't see how anyone doesn't call this season a success.
- PhillySportsGuy

It was a success the moment they went into the final two weeks of the regular season in a playoff position with a defense corps of Ghost, MacDonald, Manning, Gudas, Streit and Schultz

I would watch the games and be like "how in the hell are they even doing this"

Roo, Simmer and Mason willed this team into playoffs. They were playing PO stile of hockey for more than a month.

They must be simply drained both physically and emotionally.

I would love for this team to win, but even if they don't I will applaud them at the end of the season for what they have done. Remember, they were not supposed to be at the dance.

Giroux and Mason deserve full support of this fan base rather than annihilating them while they are down.
- missingmike

Giroux has looked like this his last three playoff series. When teams play a tough physical defensive game he goes invisible. I've said this for years and I'm confronted with an ocean of excuses and attacks on my own character. 8 mill a year to play in the NHL, a 9 month season if you get to the finals. They got what? 5 days after the regular season to recuperate. They don't work a real job for a living on their feet doing heavy lifting, 8 -12 hours a day 5-6 days a week, they play ice hockey. Just stop with the excuses. When you get paid 8 mil a year at least come out and look competitive.

Giroux has looked like this his last three playoff series. When teams play a tough physical defensive game he goes invisible. I've said this for years and I'm confronted with an ocean of excuses and attacks on my own character. 8 mill a year to play in the NHL, a 9 month season if you get to the finals. They got what? 5 days after the regular season to recuperate. They don't work a real job for a living on their feet doing heavy lifting, 8 -12 hours a day 5-6 days a week, they play ice hockey. Just stop with the excuses. When you get paid 8 mil a year at least come out and look competitive.
- JoeRussomanno

Not sure what you're looking for -- some of us don't agree with you that however many playoff series you want to quote for your metrics of what he's worth trumps the production and value he brings on the ice

If you expect everybody to fall in line with the "$8 million is too much because I work hard" theory, well, I don't know what to tell you other than some folks disagree with you

racist
- eichiefs9

hey pal

Was at the travesty of a game tonight. Few things.

1.) The ceremony for Snider was great. Got the message across without running too long; fans seemed real appreciative. The moment of silence had a few idiots yelling during it. I'll never understand. Do you really think that your "F this team" or "Win it for Ed" is what peaople want to hear? I think everyone would appreciate it much more if you adhered to the moment of silence; you're not bigger than the moment.

2.) The bracelet light show was pretty cool. I'm sure kids are much more appreciative of it, but it definitely added some entertainment value. But a few people on here are stating that the bracelets were in remembrance of Snider. I may have missed a press release or something, but those didn't seem to be related to Snider. They weren't used during his ceremony. They were used during pre-game show (before the ceremony), right before the 3rd period started, and random times when music would play (and they also flashed blue during the Peco Powerplay!). It doesn't justify fan's throwing them on the ice, but just stating that these weren't related to the Snider remembrance. Which leads me to #3

3.) People throwing the bracelets on the ice were embarrassing. Pitiful. There were at least 100-200 bracelets thrown on the ice. Lou Nolan addressed the crowd, trying to urge the word Class a few times. To no avail, they kept coming down and Nolan definitely said something to the effect of "Nice Job. The Caps are now going on a 2-minute powerplay". For some reason, the fans ate that up and patted themselves on the back. Which leds me to #4.

4.) It seems like the majority (or vocal minority) of those at the game are 21-25 year old bros who can't hold their liquor. I'm only 29, so I'm not harkening back to the 80's or 70's, as I have no frame of reference. But everyone just wants to start the next chant with a curse word mixed in. Every penalty called against the Flyers is just unimaginably wrong. I remember going to a bunch of games in the 2010 run and I loved the atmosphere. Not so much this time around.

5.) What to say that hasn't been said. This team can't compete with the Caps. Mason was pretty frustrating; I'm completely up for starting Neuvirth just to get something going. Scoring two goals in three games is hilarious. Going 0-infinity on the powerplay is also hilarious.

Anyway, here's to hoping they can pull out a win in game 4 and show the young guys what effort looks like in a playoff series.
- steelydan

Steely


This sums up my feelings from being there last night also. As I am a little older, in my mid 40's, I can say I've rode through some good and bad times with this team. Last night probably is one of the worst.

I want to add a few more things though:

1) You don't chant bumhole as a guy is laying on the ice not getting up. I don't care what he's done in the past. Save that chant for when he takes a penalty and goes to the box.

2) I loved Lou's tone during the bracelet fiasco. He had the right amount of disdain for the crowd doing it to show that Mr Snider would not have been happy with that display.

3) I loved the effect the bracelets had all throughout the game when they were being used as intended. The blue flash during the power play announcement. The tie in to the lead ins to each period which actually they used the pump videos from the regular season as lead in to the second and third periods was cool.

4) I was praying Schultz would just go to the bench and say I'm sorry coach I just can't go anymore after blocking so many Ovi shots on the power play. That guy was a warrior last night.

But overall just a black eye given to our team.

They should make a notable free agent signing or two this summer. This upcoming draft will be the first year that his prospects will be playing on the phabtoms. We are still very early into this. But the team should be looking to make signings so we don't have bank on these kids contributing next year. Streit/schultz replacements need to be found. Read needs to go. A 3rd line center needs to be signed. Work to be done
- Just5

Agree...3rd line center and a top 4 defenseman are necessary. Add a top 9 forward and top 4 d to the list of would be nice to have. They are on the way...might have to wait more than 1 year but we will see. I dont see anyone on the market that would help them significantly

Schultz has played fantastic this series. Manning has played well too. Great depth to have but we shouldnt be forced to play them all season long

Giroux has looked like this his last three playoff series. When teams play a tough physical defensive game he goes invisible. I've said this for years and I'm confronted with an ocean of excuses and attacks on my own character. 8 mill a year to play in the NHL, a 9 month season if you get to the finals. They got what? 5 days after the regular season to recuperate. They don't work a real job for a living on their feet doing heavy lifting, 8 -12 hours a day 5-6 days a week, they play ice hockey. Just stop with the excuses. When you get paid 8 mil a year at least come out and look competitive.
- JoeRussomanno

When the team is able to add more depth to help him out then we'll see what he can do. Who does wash have to worry about? G simmonds Jake and now Schenn? Add ghost now. Look at the caps depth. It's easy for them to key on our maybe 4 good players.

This team is essentially the guys I've mentioned am surrounded by 3rd or 4th line and 3 to 6 dmen. It is a miracle that we made the playoffs

Biggest take away for me is how small our top players have performed. Playoffs are when your stars play like stars. Holtby having 1 point equal to the point total to G and Jake is abysmal.

I didn't expect to advance but I sure as heck didn't expect this.

Not sure what you're looking for -- some of us don't agree with you that however many playoff series you want to quote for your metrics of what he's worth trumps the production and value he brings on the ice

If you expect everybody to fall in line with the "$8 million is too much because I work hard" theory, well, I don't know what to tell you other than some folks disagree with you
- AllInForFlyers

I didn't say 8 million is too much cause i work hard, it's this preposterous excuse that him and others get a pass for fatigue. As for what he brings to the ice, i'm having trouble seeing that in this series and the two playoff series before that as well as long stretches in the regular season.

It was a success the moment they went into the final two weeks of the regular season in a playoff position with a defense corps of Ghost, MacDonald, Manning, Gudas, Streit and Schultz

I would watch the games and be like "how in the hell are they even doing this"
- AllInForFlyers

It really is amazing they made the playoffs with that group of defenseman

I pointed this out last night to a Leafs fan. I am a jays fan and last year in the Divisional round of the playoffs, game 5 after a call that went against them, Jays fans littered the field and threw beer cans from the 500 level. One full can almost hit a baby.

Not a peep in the media about how Toronto fans are classless and always do this. It's a convenient narrative for the media to say they throw snowballs at Santa claus and Philly is the worst or only city that does this.
- Hextall271

well first, Why the F was a woman sitting there with an infant in a stadium in that situation. That is absolutely ridiculous.

Also, the Toronto media was all over the Jays fans for that.

It was also pretty much a one-off and it was a very unusual set of circumstances. An umpire calls a play dead. THEN, they decide the play should not have been called dead, and allow a run to count, late in the game, that looked like it might end the Jays season. (That half hour of that game was one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen in sports )

Pretty sure that if the equivalent thing happened in Philadelphia, late in an elimination game, where a play was called dead, then reversed, and the other team awarded points post facto... you would have seen a similar reaction

"Seems" is the operative word because of the level of attention that gets paid to it. However, the group of idiots here are downright proud to be such and are oblivious to the fact that everyone else -- the team and its current and former players included, if they were speaking off-the-record -- finds them to be embarrassments.

Bernie Parent's family in attendance last night got up and left last night witnessing the display that was going on. Ed Snider's family was there. Think about that one for a moment. Who does the idiot contingent "think" is in their corner, other than a few fellow idiots?
- bmeltzer

There is something wrong when people take pride in behaving that way.

Let's face it, we have all done stuff we are less than proud of, usually when impaired, but I doubt many of us are proud of it

So I will take Morin, Leir, Bardreau in the line up in the next game. Even Weal.
It can't be worse and at least they would get real game experience.

Chris Porter has more everything than G right now.

There is something wrong when people take pride in behaving that way.

Let's face it, we have all done stuff we are less than proud of, usually when impaired, but I doubt many of us are proud of it
- Aetherial

Didn't vancouver get burnt down when they lost the cup? This isn't a "philly" thing it's morons are everywhere thing.

When the team is able to add more depth to help him out then we'll see what he can do. Who does wash have to worry about? G simmonds Jake and now Schenn? Add ghost now. Look at the caps depth. It's easy for them to key on our maybe 4 good players.

This team is essentially the guys I've mentioned am surrounded by 3rd or 4th line and 3 to 6 dmen. It is a miracle that we made the playoffs
- Hextall271

They played hard to make the playoffs.

The caps didn't look as dominant in the last month and I think people started to sleep on them a little bit. It is possible that they just sort of mailed it in towards the end and we are starting to see the real Capitals team again.

I know it isn't fun for the Philly fans, but Washington is a damn good team. They may be the best team in the league.

Steely


This sums up my feelings from being there last night also. As I am a little older, in my mid 40's, I can say I've rode through some good and bad times with this team. Last night probably is one of the worst.

I want to add a few more things though:

1) You don't chant bumhole as a guy is laying on the ice not getting up. I don't care what he's done in the past. Save that chant for when he takes a penalty and goes to the box.

2) I loved Lou's tone during the bracelet fiasco. He had the right amount of disdain for the crowd doing it to show that Mr Snider would not have been happy with that display.

3) I loved the effect the bracelets had all throughout the game when they were being used as intended. The blue flash during the power play announcement. The tie in to the lead ins to each period which actually they used the pump videos from the regular season as lead in to the second and third periods was cool.

4) I was praying Schultz would just go to the bench and say I'm sorry coach I just can't go anymore after blocking so many Ovi shots on the power play. That guy was a warrior last night.

But overall just a black eye given to our team.
- dragonoffrost

Not saying it's right. But if those bracelets flashed when the flyers were going on the pp. I Am not surprised I'm the least bit that they ended up on the ice. Is that such a big travesty? What is it? 0 for 13?

well first, Why the F was a woman sitting there with an infant in a stadium in that situation. That is absolutely ridiculous.

Also, the Toronto media was all over the Jays fans for that.

It was also pretty much a one-off and it was a very unusual set of circumstances. An umpire calls a play dead. THEN, they decide the play should not have been called dead, and allow a run to count, late in the game, that looked like it might end the Jays season. (That half hour of that game was one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen in sports )

Pretty sure that if the equivalent thing happened in Philadelphia, late in an elimination game, where a play was called dead, then reversed, and the other team awarded points post facto... you would have seen a similar reaction
- Aetherial

I am trying to figure out what facination leaf fans have in this room?