The Official Thread of the Philadelphia Flyers (Established 2005)

[Sully]

Quote: Originally Posted by Skerik

I'm not Sully, but I do go to a lot of games. The main problem is that we've turned into an old-style NHL team playing in the new NHL. We're a big, slow team that relies on dumping the puck and cycling, and which can't generate scoring chances off the rush at all. And we have two reliable finishers on the team - Gagne and Pitkanen. Our defensemen are too slow on defense, and they're terribly inept at getting shots on goal. Their shots are either blocked due to their slow release, or sail way wide of the net. We also absolutely suck on faceoffs. So it's kind of frustrating to watch other teams win a draw, feed the point, and throw the puck on the net for a rebound goal because we can't currently do any of those things. The main problem is scoring off the rush and finishing. We give another team one turnover and the puck's in the back of our net off a guy's stick who has maybe five goals all year. But we have too many Savage/Stevenson/Brashear types who are just unable to finish. Lots of times, we can't even get a crisp outlet pass out of our own zone to start a rush, much less complete one with a goal. It's pretty ugly right now and I'm not sure what the solution is. But the new NHL is all about generating offense off the rush and we're probably the worst Flyers team I've ever seen at doing that. That, our slow defense, our lack of a true #1 goalie (again) and our inability to win faceoffs aren't exactly a recipe for playoff success. And none of those are changing anytime soon....

I'm still not convinced that Clarke isn't shopping for Luongo, Joseph, or Theodore. Theodore intrigues me. He's had a terrible season, but I think he just needs a change of scenery. It seems like he has given up on the Habs. Unfortunately, he has a huge contract. As for Luongo, he's a FA after the season, and will be looking for a big payday. I'm starting to warm to the idea of possibly acquiring him. He's young, and is considered one of the best goalies in the game. It's been a long time since we've had any stability between the pipes. Esche and Niitty aren't capable of stealing a game for us come playoff time.

I think a major shake-up is on the horizon. This team, as it is, is not a Stanley Cup contender. The Lightning killed us with their speed two years ago. Imagine what Ottawa, Carolina, Buffalo, Tampa, and the Rangers could do to us in a 7 game series this year.


An elite team doesn't rely on one player (Forsberg). The Primeau situation has to be solved ASAP so we can decide whether or not it's time to move on. I'd love to have him back. He's the heart and soul of the team, a leader, something we desperately need right now. Brashear, Savage, Stevenson, Therien...worthless. I guess I can understand having two of them in the lineup, but all 4 should never suit up for the same game. They're terrible puck handlers, tremendously slow, and other than Stevenson, their defense leaves a lot to be desired.

Team needs:
-scoring winger
-reliable goalie
-puck carrying defenseman

[Flyermania]

Quote: Originally Posted by Skerik

The main problem is that we've turned into an old-style NHL team playing in the new NHL. We're a big, slow team that relies on dumping the puck and cycling, and which can't generate scoring chances off the rush at all.

Couldn't agree more.

Our defense is too slow and doesn't handle the puck well at all, and these are horrible traits to have in the new NHL. I think the poor defense makes it too tough to judge our goaltending at this point, although I do feel Niitty should be the guy getting more of the starts.

Why this team continues to have Brashear, Stevenson, and Therien on the roster is beyond me. We need to place these clowns on waivers and hope that someone bites on them. If not, let them go down to the Phantoms. I would rather see Eager in the lineup, as he is at least willing to protect his teammates.

Primeau, even if he comes back, is too much of a risk with his health. Put him on the IR and use his salary to get a puck-moving defenseman.

I cringe at Theodore, but I would go after Luongo in a heartbeat -- assuming we could sign him to a long term deal first. If we signed him, I would support trading Niitty and/or Esche ---- Niitty wouldn't have a future here with Luongo in net.

Defensively, getting Rico back (I've read maybe Wednesday vs the Isles) will help, as will a healthy KJ. Rico, KJ, Pitkanen, Hatcher, Rathje, Jones, and Meyer as the 7th. Personally, I would package Rathje if it meant a speedier puck-moving d-man.

I think it's safe to say Clarke will make some moves. Let's just hope it's the right ones. If not, speedy teams like Carolina, Ottawa, or NY will eat us up in the postseason.

[Sully]

I think we have 4 second rounders in this year's draft. The only young guy I could see Clarke parting with is Umberger, although I do love the kid. Meyer and Jones could also move, but only if we get a veteran, puck handling defenseman in return.

It'll be interesting to see what Clarke comes up with.

[Sully]

Well...
The Philadephia Inquirer is reporting that Forsberg will return for Wednesday's game against the Islanders, and he is expected to play in the Olympics for Sweden.

[Skerik]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sully

Well... The Philadephia Inquirer is reporting that Forsberg will return for Wednesday's game against the Islanders, and he is expected to play in the Olympics for Sweden.

****. I'm not surprised, but really....what a terrible decision.

Btw, I really like what I've seen of Meyer this year. I agree that Umberger is the most likely of the youngsters to be dealt, but if we deal Meyer we'd better get a skating defenseman in return. He's one of the only guys who has demonstrated an ability to get up and down the ice and actually find the net from the point and I really hope he remains in the rotation when guys return from injury. Also, unlike Jones, he hasn't had many defensive lapses.

[daflyboys]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sully

I think we have 4 second rounders in this year's draft. The only young guy I could see Clarke parting with is Umberger, although I do love the kid. Meyer and Jones could also move, but only if we get a veteran, puck handling defenseman in return. It'll be interesting to see what Clarke comes up with.

Now that you mention it, it's suprising that Sim was unloaded before Umberger. Loved watching Sim play.....muck and grind and grit out every possible opportunity when he was on the ice.

[Skerik]

Primeau update:

http://www.philadelphiaflyers.com/pr...chive/2438.asp

Translation: See you next season, Flyers fans.

[BunnyHardaway]

I think I am going to have to take a week or two off from watching these guys lose...it's getting beyond ridiculous now.