One thing i'll say is that I don't like the idea of putting three struggling players on the same line. I know AV doesn't want to shake up Coot's like but might have to look at putting them on the line just to see if they can snap out.
- Hextall271

At this point you got to start scratching some guys. Jake would be the first person IMO. I honestly have no answers to why this team cant play consistently from October to January.

Is it me or did it seem that AV moved Raffl up in the lineup again last night and moved Jake and JVR down?
Man, I like the energy that Pitlick has been showing lately. I suppose that he is getting healthy. If Laughts gets back and centers Raffl and Pitlick, that would be an energy line with some potential to score. If they can only figure out the 3rd line it would be great.

for all the people saying they should have moved on from Voracek...8,250,000 cap hit for 4 more years after this one. that contract won't be easy to move. he, as well as Hayes and JVR have the capability of playing better as does Giroux altho his point output is more of the issue to me than his actual play.

what is exciting is the average age of Farabee, Frost, Hart, Konecny, Lindblom, Myers, Provorov and Sanheim is 21.5. and add the other kids that have been given a look like Vorobyev, Bunnaman, Twarynski and Rubtsov. such a shame they don't have Patrick right now. Laughton and Couturier are still both 26 and under.

that said, unless they get better play from the veteran forwards this team won't be good enough.
- nastyflyergirl

There's no doubt they're capable of playing better, but Jake has been showing signs of a decline in confidence for a long time now. JVR is still salvageable, but I really think Jake needs a change of scenery if he hopes to revitalize his career. He just may be too comfortable in Philly after 8+ seasons here.

Is it me or did it seem that AV moved Raffl up in the lineup again last night and moved Jake and JVR down?
Man, I like the energy that Pitlick has been showing lately. I suppose that he is getting healthy. If Laughts gets back and centers Raffl and Pitlick, that would be an energy line with some potential to score. If they can only figure out the 3rd line it would be great.
- RustyPipes

Pitlick has had a few strong games in a row now (IMO), I enjoyed his speed and energy last night. He's been showing he has a solid-hard wrister

Is it me or did it seem that AV moved Raffl up in the lineup again last night and moved Jake and JVR down?
Man, I like the energy that Pitlick has been showing lately. I suppose that he is getting healthy. If Laughts gets back and centers Raffl and Pitlick, that would be an energy line with some potential to score. If they can only figure out the 3rd line it would be great.
- RustyPipes

Totally agree on all points. I like Pitlick's energy and willingness to shoot the puck. I can't wait for Laughton to get back. I think he's desperately missed right now.

The concern that nearly everyone had at the start of Hextall’s reign is starting to manifest itself. The timing of the prospects being nhl ready with the ability to contribute and the core of this team still playing up to their contracts.

Right now, the core leadership is failing. I’m not quite ready to say this will last all season but we do have a decent sample of games to definitively say the core veterans are the problem.

Add to that the fact that there have been wholesale changes behind the bench and front office several times with this core, patience is justifiably short.

If it continues it’s over for them. The last line of accountability has to be crossed and that is getting them off the team, one way or another.

The concern that nearly everyone had at the start of Hextall’s reign is starting to manifest itself. The timing of the prospects being nhl ready with the ability to contribute and the core of this team still playing up to their contracts.

Right now, the core leadership is failing. I’m not quite ready to say this will last all season but we do have a decent sample of games to definitively say the core veterans are the problem.

Add to that the fact that there have been wholesale changes behind the bench and front office several times with this core, patience is justifiably short.

If it continues it’s over for them. The last line of accountability has to be crossed and that is getting them off the team, one way or another.
- StepfordSam

👍🏻

Haven't you heard? Giroux has a newborn at home. He's not getting enough shuteye.
- PLindbergh31

New born is different for everyone. Its a big change and not everyone is successful at handling it. No one other than Giroux can know if its affecting him and we all know G is not the type of person to admit something is wrong

Fletcher is the man to do it right? Right????? I mean you have to have all the confidence in the world in him to pull it off.
- PLindbergh31

He did a bang up job in minny just look at them now.

The only team in the NHL with less ROW than the Flyers is the NJ Devils.
That is staggering.

New born is different for everyone. Its a big change and not everyone is successful at handling it. No one other than Giroux can know if its affecting him and we all know G is not the type of person to admit something is wrong
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

I don’t care for the excuse. We have kids most of us know how hard it is. But most of us also couldn’t afford to hire help to do the daily housework that goes along with all the baby stuff. They have all the resources.

Just move him back to the wing on a line he’s comfortable with and he should get to a place where he’s doing more help than hurt

I did a little research, after Gretzky became a Father for the first time he went from 168 points to 142. So there is something to the lack of production if you use this example.
- PLindbergh31

This is genius logic right here. Compare Giroux to the greatest player of all-time in a totally different era of hockey.

ttt

Andreoff
- corduroy

It's a head-scratcher for me that he sees ice time at all.

Besides the high paid guys, Farabee has been crap for a few games now.

They are a young team, they will go through ups and downs,
- wcorvette

yup - they're in a playoff position now - things could be worse - the sky isn't falling over here

At this point you got to start scratching some guys. Jake would be the first person IMO. I honestly have no answers to why this team cant play consistently from October to January.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

That's not going to work and is not the answer. Who is going to take his place?

The only team in the NHL with less ROW than the Flyers is the NJ Devils.
That is staggering.
- PLindbergh31

LOL it's really not staggering at all. There are 10 teams with only one more than the Flyers and some of them have played a few more games. I will agree that it isn't good though.

I did a little research, after Gretzky became a Father for the first time he went from 168 points to 142. So there is something to the lack of production if you use this example.
- PLindbergh31

15% drop is significant

It's a head-scratcher for me that he sees ice time at all.
- Scoob

I have no issues with Andreoff.

Gotta expect ups and downs with the rookies. Farabee and Frost are the future. Need to choose if we wanna give away Voracek and/or JVR for a bag of pucks or just hope they all get hot. Their salaries will limit Flyer options. I see possibilities for this team but how do you get them to perform? They have been losers for so long, who can teach them how to win?

Not only did Frost look like a bona fide NHL player, he was one of their best forwards in the game last night. He did not look overmatched physically, which is what I expected. Not only that but he was better than Giroux, Voracek, Hayes and vanRiemsdyke last night. It's one game but he played very well. Can anyone tell me that any of the 4 veteran players I named are matching the heart and determination that Konecny or Lindblom display game in and game out?
- MJL

I thought Pitlick was better then G, Voracek, Hayes and JvR last night.

Not taking anything away from Frost, he looked great.

I thought Pitlick was better then G, Voracek, Hayes and JvR last night.

Not taking anything away from Frost, he looked great.
- Marc D

Agree Marc. It's sad isn't it?

I thought Pitlick was better then G, Voracek, Hayes and JvR last night.

Not taking anything away from Frost, he looked great.
- Marc D

I don't agree about G, but the others - yes definitely. Pitlick, as far as I can tell, keeps skating and is agressive. If everyone played like that the Flyers would be a tough team to play against.

Giroux's play is not concerning me, chances are there and he's creating chances just not getting the results. JVR/Jake/Hayes, all of their play is concerning (Hayes good on the PK)