I have nothing wrong with the Flyers using their prospects in that role, I actually encourage it, but if the rest of the team consistently comes out flat, not on the same page and just don't produce you get the same results in the win column...which is what matters the most to me.
- Glak18

Again, it's not about what matter the most. It's that it simply matters, so why not fix it?

What does that fix? This team isnt a bottom dweller because our 4th line isnt up to snuff. Fixing the 4th line is something a contender works on. No one is debating that the 4th line doest need to be be better but when you score the the 2nd least amount of goals and allow the 6th most goals against. Fixing the 4th line is not whats going to improve those numbers drastically. That is like ignoring a failing engine to fix up the interior of your car.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Maybe a new 4th line will motivate the others to not play like crap? Others will be so confident knowing who will be out there every 8th shift they will work their butts off.

What does that fix? This team isnt a bottom dweller because our 4th line isnt up to snuff. Fixing the 4th line is something a contender works on. No one is debating that the 4th line doest need to be be better but when you score the the 2nd least amount of goals and allow the 6th most goals against. Fixing the 4th line is not whats going to improve those numbers drastically. That is like ignoring a failing engine to fix up the interior of your car.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

One can improve the engine, while also understanding there are other issues.

The Flyers are not prevented in some way from icing a quality fourth line because "it doesn't matter". Every player is important on a team so bereft of top talent. Plenty of NHL teams have found a way to ice a quality 4th line, but the talent analysis of the Flyers continues to ice players in the VDV, Thompson, and MacEwen realm. I'm sure Chris Stewart really helped that unit in his time with the team as well.

You're right, the fourth line is lower on the list of priorities when it comes to building a contender. The Flyers don't care about building a contender though, this team cares more about keeping its front office team happy, and eating at the trough.

Gostisbehere may not be young, but he belongs on this list. AV certainly screwed with his game. His 2 years under AV were the worst he has had. Now he is back to looking like the guy we drafted. Thanks for nothing Chuck.
- iamscore2day

Yes, that certainly speaks to the issue with development at the NHL level and an example of trade value loss. In the end result, I admittedly, prefer Sanheim.

Again, it's not about what matter the most. It's that it simply matters, so why not fix it?
- MJL

Ok, why not fix it all then. Also why do posters only have the solutions to easy problems?

If I am having issues in life and one of the minor issues is a dog pooped near my yard and no one picked it up...I'm surely not moaning about THAT every damn day.

Let's talk about Frosty's upcoming season.
Will he score 10 goals and 25 points?
Will he continue to have some good shifts then disappear?
I know next year we can say he missed a year
2 years ago, so that will still be a reasonable excuse, right?
- konalover711

All legitimate concerns. Next season the kid needs to take a substantial leap forward. I don't mean we need to see 25 goals and 60 points. But I would like to see 10-15 goals and 25-30 assists.

Put him on a line between Tippett or Allison (another one we need to see significant progress, mainly health-wise) and maybe Cates or another kid.

He needs to start being a difference maker. Not floating around looking like he doesn't know what to do. The franchise also needs to start doing its job in this aspect. Frost at his best is a creative playmaker who should be driving play in the offensive zone. They need to start cultivating THAT aspect of his game instead of harping on how he plays below the goal line in his own zone. If he is playing like we think he can he shouldn't be in his own zone that often. We need his offense way more than his defense.

Myrtetus really is something else.

Openly suggesting Torts as the new coaching hire.

How out of touch can you be with a fanbase? Talk about tone deaf. That guy has been nothing but a boot licker for a long time.

Very willing to call out players but won’t say a damn word about someone like Fletcher.
- FlyerFan3260

Myrtetus should’ve been taken off the air for good with his Dwayne from Swedesboro crap. Dudes a bum.

Again, it's not about what matter the most. It's that it simply matters, so why not fix it?
- MJL

This Cliff is what peeps are not grasping.

7 years into a "rebuild" nd still cant field a competent 4th line. Or try to.

What does that fix? This team isnt a bottom dweller because our 4th line isnt up to snuff. Fixing the 4th line is something a contender works on. No one is debating that the 4th line doest need to be be better but when you score the the 2nd least amount of goals and allow the 6th most goals against. Fixing the 4th line is not whats going to improve those numbers drastically. That is like ignoring a failing engine to fix up the interior of your car.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Again, this is a ridiculous point of view. That only a contender fixes their 4th line. Do you know what happens in a hockey game when a 4th line is out there shift after shift, or during crucial shifts such as after you score a goal, and gets caved in or scored upon? Do you have any idea whatsoever?

Only by some twisted logic does someone think that it's being said that they should ignore the failing engine in favor of fixing up the interior. If your roof leaks at home but the light is out in the bathroom, do you not put in a new light bulb because the roof is leaking?

Ok, why not fix it all then. Also why do posters only have the solutions to easy problems?

If I am having issues in life and one of the minor issues is a dog pooped near my yard and no one picked it up...I'm surely not moaning about THAT every damn day.
- Glak18

Can you tell me who is saying to not fix it all?

This Cliff is what peeps are not grasping.

7 years into a "rebuild" nd still cant field a competent 4th line. Or try to.
- hello it's me 2050

Once the 4th line is fixed then all that is needed is another 10 years to fix the inconsistencies of the top players on the team.

Again, this is a ridiculous point of view. That only a contender fixes their 4th line. Do you know what happens in a hockey game when a 4th line is out there shift after shift, or during crucial shifts such as after you score a goal, and gets caved in or scored upon? Do you have any idea whatsoever?

Only by some twisted logic does someone think that it's being said that they should ignore the failing engine in favor of fixing up the interior. If your roof leaks at home but the light is out in the bathroom, do you not put in a new light bulb because the roof is leaking?
- MJL

depends where the leak is, could be an electrical hazard....

Once the 4th line is fixed then all that is needed is another 10 years to fix the inconsistencies of the top players on the team.
- Glak18

top players on this team doesn't equate to top players overall. if only the flyers would have a complete fire sale.

Myrtetus should’ve been taken off the air for good with his Dwayne from Swedesboro crap. Dudes a bum.
- hereticpride

Just another guy all too happy to eat at the trough, and not upset the status quo.

Can you tell me who is saying to not fix it all?
- MJL

?-?-?
Farabee-Couturier-Konecny
Laughton-Hayes-Atkinson
Cates-Frost-Tippett

?-?
Provorov-York
Sanheim-Ristolainen
Ellis (LTIR)

Hart
?

Ok 4th line is fixed, now let's focus on the real issues.

?-?-?
Farabee-Couturier-Konecny
Laughton-Hayes-Atkinson
Cates-Frost-Tippett

?-?
Provorov-York
Sanheim-Ristolainen
Ellis (LTIR)

Hart
?

Ok 4th line is fixed, now let's focus on the real issues.
- Glak18

That doesn't answer the question. Not to mention that the 4th line won't be Cates Frost and Tippet.

Which is why I get such a laugh at wanting to trade Provorov. Better yet, the media infatuation that is sure to come with painting him as a malcontent because of his comments the other day.

Certain Flyer reporters will be all too happy to deflect attention away from the real issues at hand yet again, and no this is not a shot at Bill.

I would adore seeing Ivan get moved to a competent organization, and the Flyers wondering yet again why a player finds a way to stabilize elsewhere. Might be a theme by now, some would say.
- FlyerFan3260

Yeah, for certain. It’s a real mystery why Fletcher and friends are not the main source of angst when everyone needs to look in the mirror. The more influence you have, the longer you need to stare until you see how to fix it.

There was a bit of a Voracek tone to Provy’s answer as to how he would evaluate his season. In essence, he did NOT say he was happy with it so don’t assume, and you could tell by his answer to many other questions that he is extremely frustrated with the results. Even though there are better ways to say what he said without reacting based solely on what he feels, I think he is correct that he will not be able to change other peoples opinions about him based on his opinion of what went wrong. Obviously, he should not have said it the way he did. I think it’s important to listen to the entire interview, remember that he is 25, and that English is not his first language (he is quite fluent but not as easy when upset), when evaluating.

Despite his mistakes, Provy did play well at times and did contribute to create the rare wins the team had this season. He needs to be more consistent throughout the long season and limit those stretches of games where his awareness of the play or pace of it seem to be leading to errors. I’m sure it’s tough playing against top lines night after night. I personally think he puts the bad luck plays behind him, but the whole team needs to be there with him so he can work on ways to lead that way. He could have still been himself in the interview and owned the things he plans to improve or work towards over the offseason. (Post 1 of 2)

In my opinion, some media and fans do scapegoat him. He should know this though…he isn’t alone in that, it happened epically for YEARS to Giroux, many goalies including Hart, and at times to a lesser extent the skilled players like Voracek and Ghost. You mostly just have to ignore them and leave them to the rest of us fans and more fair-minded media to deal with. He cannot control his usage, choose his partner or improve the team’s roster or system—and so, so many of us DO realize this. BTW, Jordan Hall is one of the most positive, fair-minded reporters. He certainly wasn’t on the attack. Now others who just ran away with the single quote and called for a trade certainty were, but next time, don’t give them so much to run with.

Hopefully, Provy makes it up to Jordan though. Here is his article. It’s professional and quite fair, and I liked it. https://www.nbcsports.com...ows-just-flyers-offseason

(Post 2 of 2)

That doesn't answer the question. Not to mention that the 4th line won't be Cates Frost and Tippet.
- MJL

Well you, not generalizing everyone, I mean YOU dwelling on the 4th liners and bottom defensive pairs year after year is not constructive criticism for the team with this many issues. Complaining about one 4th liner day after day minimizes the importance of more important issues with this team.

Why is it not as important? Because it can easily be corrected with one simple transaction. Even if the Flyers build a so-called "best 4th line in hockey" it is not changing the dynamic of this losing team that much, no matter how much you want to believe it. Why? Because even if it does get changed they will still look terrible and have bad analytics when the rest of the team is the same.

Yeah, for certain. It’s a real mystery why Fletcher and friends are not the main source of angst when everyone needs to look in the mirror. The more influence you have, the longer you need to stare until you see how to fix it.

There was a bit of a Voracek tone to Provy’s answer as to how he would evaluate his season. In essence, he did NOT say he was happy with it so don’t assume, and you could tell by his answer to many other questions that he is extremely frustrated with the results. Even though there are better ways to say what he said without reacting based solely on what he feels, I think he is correct that he will not be able to change other peoples opinions about him based on his opinion of what went wrong. Obviously, he should not have said it the way he did. I think it’s important to listen to the entire interview, remember that he is 25, and that English is not his first language (he is quite fluent but not as easy when upset), when evaluating.

Despite his mistakes, Provy did play well at times and did contribute to create the rare wins the team had this season. He needs to be more consistent throughout the long season and limit those stretches of games where his awareness of the play or pace of it seem to be leading to errors. I’m sure it’s tough playing against top lines night after night. I personally think he puts the bad luck plays behind him, but the whole team needs to be there with him so he can work on ways to lead that way. He could have still been himself in the interview and owned the things he plans to improve or work towards over the offseason. (Post 1 of 2)
- NC Flyers Fan

Friedman speaks a little bit about his comments recently. More or less how his understanding is that Ivan is a player who feels he has done everything he can to improve the team the past few years. That he feels he is getting an unwarranted amount of blame.

Ivan could have played much better. Is he a quality first pairing defenseman at this stage? I am not sure I would call him that after the last couple seasons.

Would I be annoyed with such questions to myself, and my teammates then see the front office get a complete pass every time? It was clear as day Vigneault, and Therrien needed to go but there were not a shred of accountability demanded from those covering the team. It's just wildly frustrating as a fan, especially when other markets show a willingness to demand accountability from more than just the players on the ice.

O'Connor has shown to really be the only one to approach being willing to take them to task. Will see tomorrow.

Myrtetus should’ve been taken off the air for good with his Dwayne from Swedesboro crap. Dudes a bum.
- hereticpride

Torts would not come here IMO because our FO lacks any real commitment to winning and is more focused on the Flyer way, which does not work. Our FO would not want him because he can't be controlled and would likely say exactly what is on his mind when asked to skate an AHL lineup. If he were to come, I think he would be good for the players and extremely entertaining for the fan base. He knows hockey and does not put up with sh**. Having said that, he is from Boston and I expect that the Bs will hire him soon.

There’s no chance the issues in the top 6 and top D are fixed this summer. That being said, if they resigned Macewen for a year I will not bat an eye. He’s not talented, he’s not good, but he plays hard. It’s going to have zero impact on next year. The team is going to stink again. I would feel differently if they were a playoff team.

In my opinion, some media and fans do scapegoat him. He should know this though…he isn’t alone in that, it happened epically for YEARS to Giroux, many goalies including Hart, and at times to a lesser extent the skilled players like Voracek and Ghost. You mostly just have to ignore them and leave them to the rest of us fans and more fair-minded media to deal with. He cannot control his usage, choose his partner or improve the team’s roster or system—and so, so many of us DO realize this. BTW, Jordan Hall is one of the most positive, fair-minded reporters. He certainly wasn’t on the attack. Now others who just ran away with the single quote and called for a trade certainty were, but next time, don’t give them so much to run with.

Hopefully, Provy makes it up to Jordan though. Here is his article. It’s professional and quite fair, and I liked it. https://www.nbcsports.com...ows-just-flyers-offseason

(Post 2 of 2)
- NC Flyers Fan

Ha. Russians hate "small talk" and that is likely how he saw these questions. You have your "expert" opinions and I have mine. Very funny.

Torts would not come here IMO because our FO lacks any real commitment to winning and is more focused on the Flyer way, which does not work. Our FO would not want him because he can't be controlled and would likely say exactly what is on his mind when asked to skate an AHL lineup. If he were to come, I think he would be good for the players and extremely entertaining for the fan base. He knows hockey and does not put up with sh**. Having said that, he is from Boston and I expect that the Bs will hire him soon.
- iamscore2day

He would be the perfect fit for a lot of the old guard influencing the team. Fixations about grit, and the Bullies that many of us grew up cheering for are still rampant.

It's really a terrifying concept for a team that struggles to ice an entertaining product, or milk every ounce of creative talent from its young players. Tortorella just cannot happen. I don't have any personal distate for the man, but he should not coach for the Flyers. Not when the team is going to be forced into a rebuild either way soon enough.

Fletcher can speak of aggressive retools but reality is a different story.

Torts would not come here IMO because our FO lacks any real commitment to winning and is more focused on the Flyer way, which does not work. Our FO would not want him because he can't be controlled and would likely say exactly what is on his mind when asked to skate an AHL lineup. If he were to come, I think he would be good for the players and extremely entertaining for the fan base. He knows hockey and does not put up with sh**. Having said that, he is from Boston and I expect that the Bs will hire him soon.
- iamscore2day

I don't, at least not the pre Chuck players. These guys wouldn't handle being pushed like he likely would push them. Many are weak minded imo. Same crap year after year. Until they are flushed out not much will change on the ice.