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Forums :: Blog World :: Bill Meltzer: Flyers Drop 12th in a Row, Lose to Stars 3-1
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PLindbergh31
Location: NJ
Joined: 02.01.2008

Jan 25 @ 8:52 AM ET
He’s been here for what barely 3 years? Some seasons of which has been shortened due to Covid.

I get that this season is an absolute mess but if you dump a GM that quickly is anyone competent going to want the job? I think he gets another year for better or worse.

- hereticpride


If he's making trade deadline moves, you basically have to keep him.
THE EVIL WITHIN
Location: NJ
Joined: 11.20.2017

Jan 25 @ 8:52 AM ET
At least they scored a highend skill goal! 🥳
hello it's me 2050
Location: AR
Joined: 05.14.2021

Jan 25 @ 8:53 AM ET
Fletcher has not made many great moves. He has not improved this team. That being said he was tasked to build around the core that was established by the prior GM. It is clear that core is not good enough. So Fletcher miscalculated how good that core was/could be. So Fletcher as failed on several fronts.

1. He failed to make moves on his own to improve.
2. He kept all the prior GM’s players. Overrated them.

Fletcher himself said Saint Ronnie left him in a good spot with prospect, young nhl players, and picks. Well he never took advantage of that perceived good spot and perceived assets. This is his fn team.

The only good trades he made where for Braun and Niskannen. Niskannen deal fell into his lap so not gonna get a ton of credit. Not much of an issue with the Ellis deal once he decided to go that direction. Which was the wrong direction.

He signed Hayes who was not needed. They had Captain Comfortable on the roster and could have easily moved him back to center. Then used that money elsewhere.

Bottom line is he is not a good NHL GM. Nothing out there indicates otherwise.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Jan 25 @ 8:54 AM ET
If you haven't yet, listen to Yeo's post game last night, I think he explains why this is and is spot on and discusses what he believes this team can do to generate more offense.
- jd250


Yeo can say whatever he wants to say. He's not the right coach for this team and hasn't done a good job.
landros 2
Season Ticket Holder
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Centre of universe
Joined: 02.07.2007

Jan 25 @ 8:56 AM ET
If he's making trade deadline moves, you basically have to keep him.
- PLindbergh31


In a perfect world yes…but if he trades players for futures…ie draft picks, young prospects then I could still see him setting the table for someone, hopefully more competent, to replace him.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Jan 25 @ 8:57 AM ET
But we also cant really believe that Fletch is going to come out and say "we will be having a fire sale at the deadline."


Fletch will say nothing of substance because that is exactly what what should happen. If he is doing his job he shouldn't weaken his negotiating position. Teams will already be trying to low ball him on each and every deal. So why throw fuel on that fire?

Im not sure why some people (not you specifically) expect him to come out and say, hey we suck and will be trying to get rid of all our players at the deadline. All our current players like X, Y, and Z will be getting traded and so forth and so on. That just wont happen. Nor should it.

None of us should expect some earth shattering news.

Of course he plans to do a lot of dealing at the deadline and off season. He is not going to lay out his plan in detail during a press conference with half the season left.

- MBFlyerfan


Doesn't the entire league plus the fans already know that the Flyers are going to be sellers at the deadline. I mean will it be a big surprise that is revealed when the deadline hits? Of course he won't give player specifics but everyone knows who the candidates are also. I just don't want to hear anything remotely close to it's just all about injuries and they still believe in the team. They need to radically change direction.
landros 2
Season Ticket Holder
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Centre of universe
Joined: 02.07.2007

Jan 25 @ 8:57 AM ET
Fletcher has not made many great moves. He has not improved this team. That being said he was tasked to build around the core that was established by the prior GM. It is clear that core is not good enough. So Fletcher miscalculated how good that core was/could be. So Fletcher as failed on several fronts.

1. He failed to make moves on his own to improve.
2. He kept all the prior GM’s players. Overrated them.

Fletcher himself said Saint Ronnie left him in a good spot with prospect, young nhl players, and picks. Well he never took advantage of that perceived good spot and perceived assets. This is his fn team.

The only good trades he made where for Braun and Niskannen. Niskannen deal fell into his lap so not gonna get a ton of credit. Not much of an issue with the Ellis deal once he decided to go that direction. Which was the wrong direction.

He signed Hayes who was not needed. They had Captain Comfortable on the roster and could have easily moved him back to center. Then used that money elsewhere.

Bottom line is he is not a good NHL GM. Nothing out there indicates otherwise.

- hello it's me 2050



The first couple of paragraphs are spot on. Fletcher probably did over estimate what he had when he arrived…that’s now pretty evident.
landros 2
Season Ticket Holder
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Centre of universe
Joined: 02.07.2007

Jan 25 @ 8:59 AM ET
At least they scored a highend skill goal! 🥳
- THE EVIL WITHIN



Like the loan goal they got against Sorokin and the Islanders last week.
hello it's me 2050
Location: AR
Joined: 05.14.2021

Jan 25 @ 9:02 AM ET
In a perfect world yes…but if he trades players for futures…ie draft picks, young prospects then I could still see him setting the table for someone, hopefully more competent, to replace him.
- landros 2

He generally loses his trades. So rather not have him make any
hello it's me 2050
Location: AR
Joined: 05.14.2021

Jan 25 @ 9:02 AM ET
The first couple of paragraphs are spot on. Fletcher probably did over estimate what he had when he arrived…that’s now pretty evident.
- landros 2

the whole post is!!!!!
Bill Meltzer
Editor
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Joined: 07.13.2006

Jan 25 @ 9:03 AM ET
This slug is going to stand up there and spew garbage with a current 13 game losing streak after the latest embarrassment coming up tonight? If the media had any balls they wouldn't allow him to get away with that. But I guarantee it will be one softball question after another to this incompetent clown.
- PLindbergh31


What's a softball question, Pavel?

Asking for more clarity on the injuries to Ellis and Couturier in particular?

Asking about the 2-19-3 record when trailing first in a game?

Asking whether the AV/player relationship was broken after last season?

Asking about Giroux, his NMC and his UFA status after the season?

Asking for an assessment of the coaching staff?

Asking Fletcher to assess the decisions he made last offseason in light of the team's record?

Asking what, BEYOND injuries and Covid outbreak (which were undoubtedly obstacles but not excuses for getting this far off the rails), are the root causes of why the team is not harder to play against than it was a year ago? Cutting the GAA and simultaneously playing faster were the stated main goals heading into this season. It hasn't happened, even when key players were available. So why?

All of those things will absolutely be asked. Not one of them is a "softball question."

So what's a tough question, Pavel? Performative internet tough guy grandstanding, like "Do you intend to resign?" "Does Comcast need to sell the team?"

No, those won't be asked.

BTW, it's a Zoom press conference. So, to ask a question, you have to use the "Raise hand" icon, wait to be called on and unmuted. Then you get ONE question and an optional follow-up question.

The housekeeping part of the press conference -- injury updates, farm system updates (Signing collegiate prospects, for example), etc. -- tend to take up a chunk of the allotted time. Factually driven questions about on-ice performance and roster-move assessments need to be asked and comprise the bulk of the remaining time.


jd250
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 01.12.2018

Jan 25 @ 9:09 AM ET
Yeo can say whatever he wants to say. He's not the right coach for this team and hasn't done a good job.
- MJL

I'm not saying Yeo is the right coach moving forward after this season, however Yeo has also been dealt an unwinnable hand this season. Half the team is out injured, many others were sat because of Covid protocol and he has not had a ton of practices to incorporate a new system. I mean, I don't want to make excuses but these are undisputable facts that must be considered. Still Yeo understands hockey and his pressers for the most part are refreshing and something I look forward to listening to.
ClaudeFather
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: west haven, CT
Joined: 08.14.2015

Jan 25 @ 9:09 AM ET
What's a softball question, Pavel?

Asking for more clarity on the injuries to Ellis and Couturier in particular?

Asking about the 2-19-3 record when trailing first in a game?

Asking whether the AV/player relationship was broken after last season?

Asking about Giroux, his NMC and his UFA status after the season?

Asking for an assessment of the coaching staff?

Asking Fletcher to assess the decisions he made last offseason in light of the team's record?

Asking what, BEYOND injuries and Covid outbreak (which were undoubtedly obstacles but not excuses for getting this far off the rails), are the root causes of why the team is not harder to play against than it was a year ago? Cutting the GAA and simultaneously playing faster were the stated main goals heading into this season. It hasn't happened, even when key players were available. So why?

All of those things will absolutely be asked. Not one of them is a "softball question."

So what's a tough question, Pavel? Performative internet tough guy grandstanding, like "Do you intend to resign?" "Does Comcast need to sell the team?"

No, those won't be asked.

BTW, it's a Zoom press conference. So, to ask a question, you have to use the "Raise hand" icon, wait to be called on and unmuted. Then you get ONE question and an optional follow-up question.

The housekeeping part of the press conference -- injury updates, farm system updates (Signing collegiate prospects, for example), etc. -- tend to take up a chunk of the allotted time. Factually driven questions about on-ice performance and roster-move assessments need to be asked and comprise the bulk of the remaining time.

- bmeltzer

Boom, roasted
countreeman28
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: NJ
Joined: 01.10.2007

Jan 25 @ 9:15 AM ET
What's a softball question, Pavel?

Asking for more clarity on the injuries to Ellis and Couturier in particular?

Asking about the 2-19-3 record when trailing first in a game?

Asking whether the AV/player relationship was broken after last season?

Asking about Giroux, his NMC and his UFA status after the season?

Asking for an assessment of the coaching staff?

Asking Fletcher to assess the decisions he made last offseason in light of the team's record?

Asking what, BEYOND injuries and Covid outbreak (which were undoubtedly obstacles but not excuses for getting this far off the rails), are the root causes of why the team is not harder to play against than it was a year ago? Cutting the GAA and simultaneously playing faster were the stated main goals heading into this season. It hasn't happened, even when key players were available. So why?

All of those things will absolutely be asked. Not one of them is a "softball question."

So what's a tough question, Pavel? Performative internet tough guy grandstanding, like "Do you intend to resign?" "Does Comcast need to sell the team?"

No, those won't be asked.

BTW, it's a Zoom press conference. So, to ask a question, you have to use the "Raise hand" icon, wait to be called on and unmuted. Then you get ONE question and an optional follow-up question.

The housekeeping part of the press conference -- injury updates, farm system updates (Signing collegiate prospects, for example), etc. -- tend to take up a chunk of the allotted time. Factually driven questions about on-ice performance and roster-move assessments need to be asked and comprise the bulk of the remaining time.

- bmeltzer





hello it's me 2050
Location: AR
Joined: 05.14.2021

Jan 25 @ 9:22 AM ET
https://twitter.com/jhall.../1485767536067100673?s=10

the place is packed...
PLindbergh31
Location: NJ
Joined: 02.01.2008

Jan 25 @ 9:25 AM ET
What's a softball question, Pavel?

Asking for more clarity on the injuries to Ellis and Couturier in particular?

Asking about the 2-19-3 record when trailing first in a game?

Asking whether the AV/player relationship was broken after last season?

Asking about Giroux, his NMC and his UFA status after the season?

Asking for an assessment of the coaching staff?

Asking Fletcher to assess the decisions he made last offseason in light of the team's record?

Asking what, BEYOND injuries and Covid outbreak (which were undoubtedly obstacles but not excuses for getting this far off the rails), are the root causes of why the team is not harder to play against than it was a year ago? Cutting the GAA and simultaneously playing faster were the stated main goals heading into this season. It hasn't happened, even when key players were available. So why?

All of those things will absolutely be asked. Not one of them is a "softball question."

So what's a tough question, Pavel? Performative internet tough guy grandstanding, like "Do you intend to resign?" "Does Comcast need to sell the team?"

No, those won't be asked.

BTW, it's a Zoom press conference. So, to ask a question, you have to use the "Raise hand" icon, wait to be called on and unmuted. Then you get ONE question and an optional follow-up question.

The housekeeping part of the press conference -- injury updates, farm system updates (Signing collegiate prospects, for example), etc. -- tend to take up a chunk of the allotted time. Factually driven questions about on-ice performance and roster-move assessments need to be asked and comprise the bulk of the remaining time.

- bmeltzer


Pavel? Lol. Are they bottom feeders yet?
MBFlyerfan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Be nice from now on, NJ
Joined: 03.17.2006

Jan 25 @ 9:25 AM ET
What's a softball question, Pavel?

Asking for more clarity on the injuries to Ellis and Couturier in particular?

Asking about the 2-19-3 record when trailing first in a game?

Asking whether the AV/player relationship was broken after last season?

Asking about Giroux, his NMC and his UFA status after the season?

Asking for an assessment of the coaching staff?

Asking Fletcher to assess the decisions he made last offseason in light of the team's record?

Asking what, BEYOND injuries and Covid outbreak (which were undoubtedly obstacles but not excuses for getting this far off the rails), are the root causes of why the team is not harder to play against than it was a year ago? Cutting the GAA and simultaneously playing faster were the stated main goals heading into this season. It hasn't happened, even when key players were available. So why?

All of those things will absolutely be asked. Not one of them is a "softball question."

So what's a tough question, Pavel? Performative internet tough guy grandstanding, like "Do you intend to resign?" "Does Comcast need to sell the team?"

No, those won't be asked.

BTW, it's a Zoom press conference. So, to ask a question, you have to use the "Raise hand" icon, wait to be called on and unmuted. Then you get ONE question and an optional follow-up question.

The housekeeping part of the press conference -- injury updates, farm system updates (Signing collegiate prospects, for example), etc. -- tend to take up a chunk of the allotted time. Factually driven questions about on-ice performance and roster-move assessments need to be asked and comprise the bulk of the remaining time.

- bmeltzer




bradster
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 12.18.2009

Jan 25 @ 9:25 AM ET
He’s been here for what barely 3 years? Some seasons of which has been shortened due to Covid.

I get that this season is an absolute mess but if you dump a GM that quickly is anyone competent going to want the job? I think he gets another year for better or worse.

- hereticpride


I think the players are getting a pass with all this fletcher talk. There is no way they should be this bad. Again, there is enough blame to go around to everyone. But its not all on Chuck.
jd250
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 01.12.2018

Jan 25 @ 9:26 AM ET
Yes you are in the minority. Results matter. This is professional sports. No trophies for participation. The simple questions are 1) has Fletcher made this team better ? No. 2) Has he now had enough time to put his stamp on this team? I would say yes.
How long does he get ? How many more gaffes and poor signings are the Flyers supposed to be subjected too?

- landros 2

I understand results matter, that is why I have called for a new GM from outside the organization, and also called for a new head coach from outside the organization. I recognize the results are not there and given how badly this team has slumped that it will be very difficult for Fletcher to retain his role on the team, but I do like him and support most of the moves he has made (the only move I did not like was signing Hayes to his current deal). I think Ellis will be back and make a positive impact on this team. I like the Cam Atkinson trade, it HAS worked for the Flyers this season. I think Risto was a good gamble but at this stage of the team I would prefer they try to recoup some of the assets the spent to obtain him. I think Brassard was a good signing, unfortunately he got hurt. Its clear York was a great draft pick. So not all the moves he has made have been bad, no GM is going to have every single move he makes turn out right!
jd250
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 01.12.2018

Jan 25 @ 9:27 AM ET
I think the players are getting a pass with all this fletcher talk. There is no way they should be this bad. Again, there is enough blame to go around to everyone. But its not all on Chuck.
- bradster

Finally!
PLindbergh31
Location: NJ
Joined: 02.01.2008

Jan 25 @ 9:28 AM ET
Boom, roasted
- ClaudeFather


13 game losing streak, Roasted. Laughing stock franchise, roasted. Half a century cup drought, roasted. Incompetent medical staff, roasted. Clown show management, roasted.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Jan 25 @ 9:28 AM ET
I'm not saying Yeo is the right coach moving forward after this season, however Yeo has also been dealt an unwinnable hand this season. Half the team is out injured, many others were sat because of Covid protocol and he has not had a ton of practices to incorporate a new system. I mean, I don't want to make excuses but these are undisputable facts that must be considered. Still Yeo understands hockey and his pressers for the most part are refreshing and something I look forward to listening to.
- jd250


Not asking for him to coach the team to the playoffs. I'm asking him to improve the details in the teams game. Take the winning goal last night. It was basically 3 Stars against 5 Flyers collapsed around the net. There were layers of failure and it was easy for the Stars to create the scoring chance and the puck went in. There has been no improvement.
Hey, isn't a refreshing presser from the coach after the 12th loss in a row something every fan looks forward to?
jd250
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 01.12.2018

Jan 25 @ 9:29 AM ET
https://twitter.com/jhallnbcs/status/1485767536067100673?s=10

the place is packed...

- hello it's me 2050

I mentioned last night when Provey scored that lucky goal, I could hardly hear anyone cheering and the goal song seemed louder than usual. This confirms why.
ClaudeFather
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: west haven, CT
Joined: 08.14.2015

Jan 25 @ 9:30 AM ET
13 game losing streak, Roasted. Laughing stock franchise, roasted. Half a century cup drought, roasted. Incompetent medical staff, roasted. Clown show management, roasted.
- PLindbergh31

You still commenting here after all of that, roasted
iamscore2day
Pittsburgh Penguins
Location: Alexandria, VA
Joined: 03.23.2021

Jan 25 @ 9:32 AM ET
13 game losing streak, Roasted. Laughing stock franchise, roasted. Half a century cup drought, roasted. Incompetent medical staff, roasted. Clown show management, roasted.
- PLindbergh31

Great summary. You forgot the "boom."
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