I understand he's done a good job, but that doesn't mean he's a likable guy.

Does Bill Bellichick, or Phil Jackson give you the warm and fuzzies?
- PLindbergh31

I don't love him but I certainly don't hate him. I respect him. And I find his red-faced reactions amusing.

Grossmann, and Briere are paramount. I don't think JVR is that important.
- PLindbergh31

To be honest Grossmann is the biggest factor, I can live with out Briere, I would rather have a big shut down D man that Danny for the 1st round. This is not a knock on danny but Grossmann is the biggest X factor with the Pens offense

Grossmann, and Briere are paramount. I don't think JVR is that important.
- PLindbergh31

Pretty incredible what the Flyers have managed to accomplish without Pronger and JVR (who was expected to shoulder a big chunk of the Richards/Carter debris).

Indeed.

I also like that they were able to reduce the top 4 D minutes. At the same time they are resting weary folks they are getting Lilja back into game shape and Marc Andre is getting more comfortable with the responsibility.
- bodiva88

MAB has played well. If Grossmann can return healthy, an argument can be made for MAB to play in place of Kubina.

Grossmann, and Briere are paramount. I don't think JVR is that important.
- PLindbergh31

The Flyers have played without him most of the season and still won a lot of games (100+ points). You just wonder if JvR will be in O&B for next season. I don't want to see it happen but you never know.

Well, Mook, the Giants beat the guy like a drum when the stakes are the biggest, so Billy B is ok in my book!
- PLindbergh31

He bets against the Pats, its set up.... we all know it

The Flyers have played without him most of the season and still won a lot of games (100+ points). You just wonder if JvR will be in O&B for next season. I don't want to see it happen but you never know.
- stveshdy

nope he'll be traded for rick nash

true, also I think Bryz getting into the pressure cooker early in Philly has really helped him alot. When the playoffs roll around he will have been through the pressure cooker and I think he will be more resillient down the road
- bigmookalookie

I agree this team is just really resillient. I really like the five man shut down unit of Talbot-Coots-Rinaldo (or Voracek) up front with Coburn and Grossmann on the back-end. Guys like Coots and Read have played enough, they should still be able to contribute at a high level in the playoffs.

To be honest Grossmann is the biggest factor, I can live with out Briere, I would rather have a big shut down D man that Danny for the 1st round. This is not a knock on danny but Grossmann is the biggest X factor with the Pens offense
- bigmookalookie

ima go all in with mookie here


we need two-brace grossmann

MAB has played well. If Grossmann can return healthy, an argument can be made for MAB to play in place of Kubina.
- PLindbergh31

If Grossmann can't play I'm concerned against the Pens.

To be honest Grossmann is the biggest factor, I can live with out Briere, I would rather have a big shut down D man that Danny for the 1st round. This is not a knock on danny but Grossmann is the biggest X factor with the Pens offense
- bigmookalookie

I would agree Mook, but Briere was heating up just in time for the playoffs. Flyers need all the guys they can get to score goals in this series. If Briere doesn't play who does? Holmstrom, Shelley? Those aren't very good options imo.

The Flyers have played without him most of the season and still won a lot of games (100+ points). You just wonder if JvR will be in O&B for next season. I don't want to see it happen but you never know.
- stveshdy

I think JVR is here to stay. No one will give up enough to bag him and I dont think Homer wants to give him up.

The Flyers have played without him most of the season and still won a lot of games (100+ points). You just wonder if JvR will be in O&B for next season. I don't want to see it happen but you never know.
- stveshdy

i think holmgler isn't going to discount jvr because of injuries... i think he'll leave that to the fans.

I would agree Mook, but Briere was heating up just in time for the playoffs. Flyers need all the guys they can get to score goals in this series. If Briere doesn't play who does? Holmstrom, Shelley? Those aren't very good options imo.
- PLindbergh31

jvr will return, victorious.

nope he'll be traded for rick nash
- 2Real

or he could be playing on a line with Roo and Hartnell, I'm not totally sure Jagr comes back next season. I think if he plays in the NHL, it will be with the Flyers, I just have a feeling he may just go back to the Czech Republic.

I would agree Mook, but Briere was heating up just in time for the playoffs. Flyers need all the guys they can get to score goals in this series. If Briere doesn't play who does? Holmstrom, Shelley? Those aren't very good options imo.
- PLindbergh31

Dude Shelley is the anchor on that 4th line, he makes them go.

i think holmgler isn't going to discount jvr because of injuries... i think he'll leave that to the fans.
- Don'tForgetTocchet

Cap space could be an issue and they need to sure up the defense in the offseason. JvR is their big chip and they proved they can win without him this year.

Hopefully he will be here.

Pretty incredible what the Flyers have managed to accomplish without Pronger and JVR (who was expected to shoulder a big chunk of the Richards/Carter debris).
- BoomGoesTheCoburn

Yep. Rookies stepped up and filled in very well.

MAB has played well. If Grossmann can return healthy, an argument can be made for MAB to play in place of Kubina.
- PLindbergh31

I would not play MAB over Kubina. I'd play him over Gus, and might consider it over Lilja. This is of course assuming Grossman is available.

Coburn / Grossman
Kimmo / Carle
MAB / Kubina

Dude Shelley is the anchor on that 4th line, he makes them go.
- bigmookalookie

Shelley has played pretty well in these two games, but I'm not sure he would be very effective against the Penguins.

jvr will return, victorious.
- Don'tForgetTocchet

He'll return in Game 5 - and then proceed to score the game-winning OT goal in Game 7 (getting an assist from Talbot who immediately "Shhhhhhhushes" the Penguins crowd).

He'll return in Game 5 - and then proceed to score the game-winning OT goal in Game 7 (getting an assist from Talbot who immediately "Shhhhhhhushes" the Penguins crowd).
- BoomGoesTheCoburn

Flyers in 5. Pens better win one home game or this could be a sweep.

MAB has played well. If Grossmann can return healthy, an argument can be made for MAB to play in place of Kubina.
- PLindbergh31

You're kidding me, right?

He'll return in Game 5 - and then proceed to score the game-winning OT goal in Game 7 (getting an assist from Talbot who immediately "Shhhhhhhushes" the Penguins crowd).
- BoomGoesTheCoburn

you nailed the landing

Shelley has played pretty well in these two games, but I'm not sure he would be very effective against the Penguins.
- PLindbergh31

I foresee a hat trick first game in the playoffs, he will lead the NHL in playoff goals scored, I feel it in my bones