I believe that they can win with Sanheim and Provorov. Add in a legit top pair guy, if Ellis can stay healthy and a better partner for Sanheim and you've got a nice top 4.
- MJL

Who would you look to add to those 3 to round out your top 4?

The penguins are -500 against the Coyotes tonight lol

Period 1: this kicks in after 1987. Before 1987, we were smart, drafted well and made good additions leading to numerous SC appearances. It was like Hoosiers and Slap Shot rolled into an extended period of awesomeness. After that, it was a constant chase of a savior FA who would take us to the promised land coupled with a woeful failure to acknowledge the reality of salary caps with disastrous personnel decisions.

Period 2: should be called Revamp, Interrupted.

Period 3: should be called the empire strikes back except instead of the Emperor and Darth Vader we get Dean Wormer (Scott) and Greg Marmalard (YKW) to lead the charge on a redux intended to prove that plan 1, post-1987 was right all along.
- iamscore2day

Period 1 strategy was pretty good before the Cap. Not so much after. Flyers aren't going to tank.

10000 percent.

i dont think theres a deal to be had there, but there isnt a single team in the NHL he would not immediately make better.
- stayinthefnnet

Flyers ain’t going to win many games once he’s dealt that’s for sure.

Except when Mac was here, we could score.

You know what the real problem is? We have so much trouble scoring that our defense is Inevitably going allow a goal, so we notice the defense’s mistakes more when they happen. Risto isn’t even our worst or second worse defenseman. Mac arguably was at the time. I don’t like watching Yandle or Seeler on any given night because they’re legitimately bad on defense.
- SuperSchennBros

Manufacturing offense begins in the dzone, with blueline defense, puck retrieval, and effective transition back out of the zone. The Flyers are absolute dog poop at all of those things (Risto is dog poop at all of those things), so it's no surprise they haven't been able to sustain any offense all season -- even when they were mostly healthy.

Yeah Yandle and Seeler suck, lets all point and laugh. But keep in mind that they're only playing single-digit minutes at ES. There's four guys that are averaging 20+ minutes per game... of which Risto is one... those are the guys we should be worried about.

Flyers ain’t going to win many games once he’s dealt that’s for sure.
- hereticpride

which only compounds the benefit of dealing him.

100%
- iamscore2day

does anyone actually think that?

Flyers ain’t going to win many games once he’s dealt that’s for sure.
- hereticpride

I'm fine with that if it gets us a secured top 5 pick

First of all, there's a HUGE difference between the Flyers Alumni Association -- the group itself, its programs, its leadership board with Brad Marsh at the top -- and individual alumni.

As an FYI, Bob Clarkie is not particularly active in the Alumni Association and never really has been. However, he does lend his name/presence to certain signature Alumni events, and that's helpful in its own right.

Secondly, the guys who "should have been fired long ago" -- by whom I assume you mean Clarke, Holmgren and Barber -- do not wield ANY decision-making power in the organization at this point.

Clarke spent a number of years where he was rarely around. Still followed the Flyers. But mostly spent time in Florida, golfing. Taking the occasional trip to Canada. It was under Chuck, who is close to Bob, that Clarke got more involved again in an advisory role.

Homer is not really all that involved on the hockey ops side. If asked for an opinion, he gives it. But he's in genuine semi-retirement. Does still go to bat for the Alumni Association and is a board member. He never steps on Marshy's toes. But he's there to help when needed. I'd also say that Holmgren's GM reign had more positives than negatives and that HE more than any other person since Ed Snider died, did more as team president to fight for and preserve the things that people say they miss about Snider.



- bmeltzer

Of course in the context of the discussion about the alumni, it's not referring the community work and the great stuff that Brad Marsh and co. do. It's in reference to those that have influence over the team. It was blatantly clear when they fired Hextall and wanted to go back to the wheeling and dealing of the previous eras that it was Holmgren's influence over Scott. Most likely Clarke and a few others also. This organization does not know how to run a team in the modern NHL. There needs to be new blood across the board. It's never been more evident. A repeat this off season of the last few will only increase the time it takes for this team to develop into a contender unless they get extremely lucky with some draft picks.

Manufacturing offense begins in the dzone, with blueline defense, puck retrieval, and effective transition back out of the zone. The Flyers are absolute dog poop at all of those things (Risto is dog poop at all of those things), so it's no surprise they haven't been able to sustain any offense all season -- even when they were mostly healthy.

Yeah Yandle and Seeler suck, lets all point and laugh. But keep in mind that they're only playing single-digit minutes at ES. There's four guys that are averaging 20+ minutes per game... of which Risto is one... those are the guys we should be worried about.
- Tomahawk

I agree there are issues with the defense in that regard but the Flyers have got to be one of the worst coached teams in the league in regards to breakouts and nutral zone regroups. Watch other teams and how they structure their breakouts. How they use set plays in the neutral zone to gain speed for zone entries. It seems as though the Flyers are using high school hockey systems. I'm sure some of it execution related but the Flyers out of all the teams I watch, are the worst coached team I've seen. Yeo hasn't done anything to change any of that.

I agree there are issues with the defense in that regard but the Flyers have got to be one of the worst coached teams in the league in regards to breakouts and nutral zone regroups. Watch other teams and how they structure their breakouts. How they use set plays in the neutral zone to gain speed for zone entries. It seems as though the Flyers are using high school hockey systems. I'm sure some of it execution related but the Flyers out of all the teams I watch, are the worst coached team I've seen. Yeo hasn't done anything to change any of that.
- MJL

It's really absurd how many things are wrong with this team.

I think we all can see now why Fletcher only extended Sanheim for two years, because clearly he is not showing he is a legit top 4 defenseman. Wouldn't be surprised if he was traded at the deadline but most likely traded on draft day

Of course in the context of the discussion about the alumni, it's not referring the community work and the great stuff that Brad Marsh and co. do. It's in reference to those that have influence over the team. It was blatantly clear when they fired Hextall and wanted to go back to the wheeling and dealing of the previous eras that it was Holmgren's influence over Scott. Most likely Clarke and a few others also. This organization does not know how to run a team in the modern NHL. There needs to be new blood across the board. It's never been more evident. A repeat this off season of the last few will only increase the time it takes for this team to develop into a contender unless they get extremely lucky with some draft picks.
- MJL

so there ya go, you are setting it up so that if Fletcher picks good players it's all luck and nothing to do with his ability to rebuild this team. So typical!

Ristolainen is as advertised. Completely mediocre. You can get a 3rd pair D man to hit people. His hits as Tomahawk has repeatedly pointed out are often ineffective. In the game last night on one play, He skated hard to make a hit along the boards after the puck was gone, and then casually drifted back and a scoring chance against was created due to his lack of positioning. No reason to resign him. Sanheim is the better player. Unless blown away, I wouldn't trade Provorov.
- MJL

Sanheim is a better player than Risto?????

Now I know you are completely delusional! Give it up already, you will do anything to defend a Hextall pick. Let me break it to you as plainly as I possibly can, Sanheim Sucks and will never be a true top 4 Dman in the NHL! Now start dealing with reality and stop straining your eyes on all those numbers.

I think we all can see now why Fletcher only extended Sanheim for two years, because clearly he is not showing he is a legit top 4 defenseman. Wouldn't be surprised if he was traded at the deadline but most likely traded on draft day
- jd250

I no longer find it amazing that we have to go over the same things again and again. Do we seriously have to go over how contracts work and what the real reason why Sanheim was only signed for two years is?

so there ya go, you are setting it up so that if Fletcher picks good players it's all luck and nothing to do with his ability to rebuild this team. So typical!
- jd250

It is typical. Of your memory. I have told you previously, multiple times that I don't have an issue with Fletcher's drafting so far and that over his career he has done a solid job drafting.

Let's review the context, if the Flyers didn't have so many injuries they'd likely have a better record this year. Which would mean a lower draft pick. If the Flyers attempt to build a winner again this off season and use their cap space in FA, that might lead to a lower draft pick. The Flyers need more elite talent in the lineup. In order to get that picking lower in the 1st round, you need some luck in drafting. Rather than getting players of the talent level of Konecny, Farabee, Frost etc. That's true regardless of who the GM is.

Why do I have to explain everything to you?

Sanheim is a better player than Risto?????

Now I know you are completely delusional! Give it up already, you will do anything to defend a Hextall pick. Let me break it to you as plainly as I possibly can, Sanheim Sucks and will never be a true top 4 Dman in the NHL! Now start dealing with reality and stop straining your eyes on all those numbers.
- jd250

This post is embarrassing. What's a true top 4 Dman in the NHL?

It depends on the lineup, sure. But I do think he is suited to playoff style hockey.
- NC Flyers Fan

Agreed. Much more physical.

Here’s my question, FWIW:

Why should we have the slightest bit of confidence that Fletcher and his front office team can turn this mess around, let alone build a championship team?
- BiggE

We don't. Most of us, myself included, feel the same way you do. No reset. No retooling. They need a complete makeover top to bottom.

Sanheim is a better player than Risto?????

Now I know you are completely delusional! Give it up already, you will do anything to defend a Hextall pick. Let me break it to you as plainly as I possibly can, Sanheim Sucks and will never be a true top 4 Dman in the NHL! Now start dealing with reality and stop straining your eyes on all those numbers.
- jd250

youve proven you can watch the sun rise and think its night....Im not listening to anything you say

You say something. Many people disagree with you. You argue about it making nonsensical points. Then at a later time, you miraculously switch gears and act like you just changed your opinion. You write write so much bullpoop, you cant keep track of your flipfloppyness

youve proven you can watch the sun rise and think its night....Im not listening to anything you say

You say something. Many people disagree with you. You argue about it making nonsensical points. Then at a later time, you miraculously switch gears and act like you just changed your opinion. You write write so much bullpoop, you cant keep track of your flipfloppyness

- THE BLACK HAND

That about sums it up. As well as predicting the sun will rise, which happens every day

Nice to see Sandin finally getting that guaranteed roster spot he expected when he first came over.

Great play by Sorokin.

Nice to see Sandin finally getting that guaranteed roster spot he expected when he first came over.
- MBFlyerfan

Just seeing the goal. Holy god what’s. Terrible goal.

Jeez. That’s goaltender interference? Where could macewen go there?

Sometimes when someone crashes you give them another turn.

My mom told me after my dad passed away that when I went off to college, they both thought I would not make it. They were floored a few months later when they received a Dean’s list letter a few months later. She also told me that the summer before my senior year, the hospital I was working at called my Dad and asked if he knew what I was doing. They meant working nights for them, a day job downtown, and two part time jobs. Very little was budgeted for sleep. 7 days a week, 3 months, one summer. Apparently my dad told them that if my kid said they would do the job, they will. She said they were so proud of me.

- NC Flyers Fan

Good for you, but I don't understand how this story bears out your first point. You did not crash. People thought you couldn't do something, and you showed them. Good for you.

I have a similar story with a different punch line. I got into a well known 4 year college, but couldn't afford the tuition even after financial aid. I went to a different state university and did 2 jobs ( not 3 like you). During evenings, I would manage the salad bar at a local Arby's. In the weekends, I would be part of a janitorial cleaning crew that would clean short term residential housing the university cleaned for visiting faculty and their family.

I could not afford to pay real rent. So I lived with a very old lady, in her attic. Rent in the late 80s was $100 a month, all inclusive (electricity/phone/tv/gas/use of her kitchen etc). This landlady had her tv on so loud that I could not study. The attic became an echo chamber. So, I asked permission if I could use her walk-in closet in her bedroom while she watched tv, and she was very nice, and she let me use it, and I squeezed my very large body in there and studied with the closet light.

I transferred to my first choice of college after sophomore year. I took 16 classes that junior year (6 each in the 2 semesters, and 4 in summer) and graduated in 3 years total. I then came to grad school in Philly which offered me a generous stipend and was so worn down I did very poorly that first year.

I also had the loan for paying for that 1 year in my new college. It grew and grew over my gradate school years reaching 6 figures, which curtailed many choices I could have had, choices foregone that changed my life for the worse. For the 1st 10 years of my marriage, we lived in a 600 sq foot apartment. My wife came from a humble family too and she too had to pay her loans. Our honeymoon was a Philly hotel. That's all we could afford.

Moral of story: there is nothing romantic about hardship and strife. It should not be romanticized or made into a vainglorious story. Rather than looking for Flyers to play the role of the underdog, I would like them to have the luxury of talent and not having to do all those grandiose things that usually lead to poor outcomes.