Ekblad is a very good and underrated player. Bottom line is take away Barkov and the Panthers aren't a cup team. Take away Tkachuk and they're not a cup team. How was Tkachuk acquired? By trading Huberdeau and Weegar. Both of whom were drafted by Florida.
The idea that this Flyers franchise, under this management is going to build a cup contending team through trades and free agency is not a sound idea. It is extremely unlikely to happen.They have to focus on drafting and developing. The addition of Michkov should mark the start of their rebuild if they're smart. They're not smart and they certainly aren't on the level of Zito.
- MJL

But you don't know this. None of us do yet. The Flyers are drafting and developing. York, Foerster, Michkov and Kolosov on the team now, Luchanko, Bonk & Barkey in the minors, and Tuomaala having a strong start in the AHL. And the Flyers have 6 picks in the first two rounds in this upcoming draft. They have made good trades to pick up young players like Tippet and Grans, and we will see how Drysdale turns out. It takes time to develop players but the Flyers are clearly doing a better job now than they were 5 or 10 years ago. Let's see how this off season plays out before you make a statement comparing Briere to Zito.

Torts grinders running into a good team
- wcorvette

Why do you say this? Torts plays the roster he has. York, Drysdale and Andrae all out on defense. Centers are atrocious, wingers can't finish or in Tippet's case can't even hit the net. The team is what it is. No one expected them to be a playoff team this year. I predicted they would finish 4th or 5th in the Metro this season, which right now looks to be about right.

Couturier is a black hole offensively. He has provided nothing.
- furio16

And is starting to lose key faceoffs, feel bad for Couts, just not the same player.

Is Laughton hurt
- wcorvette

Laughton benched because, well, he sucks. Now will he sit next game? Or is Tortorella a hipocrit?

And is starting to lose key faceoffs, feel bad for Couts, just not the same player.
- jd250

The production at the center position on this team is a travesty. The worst collection of centers in the HISTORY of the NHL. Coots is your #1 center by default and he has a whopping 3 G and 6A in 19 games. Richard is besting everyone right now with 2 G and 4 A in 7 games, and he is a +4. Say what you want about the defense and goaltending, but there is no way that you can compete with this level of center play. Poehling has no hands and Laughts has been brutal, and Frost can't even get into the lineup. Just awful I say!

I think Torts gets a bad rap on here much of the time. I'm not saying that he's even the right coach for this particular team, but his pressers are generally insightful when he isn't blinded by rage. Last night's presser was particularly so. He emphasized puck control in the neutral zone going into last night's game and it was like the gong show out there. Canes went up another gear in the 3rd period and the Flyers had no answer. Starting to get nervous about York. I mean, he's been a game time decision for several games now, and yet, no dice. Something is getting very fishy.

Frost is playing likes he doesn't want to sign an extension here, so Briere has to be shrewd with this one and get him outta here (prolly for another reclamation project).

Why do folks want that defenseman from Columbus? If he can't make that terrible roster why would he be welcomed here? Thanks!
- Phillywhiteout

I find his press conferences manipulative and full of buzzwords and coach speak to put up a facade to try and show that he is what he isn't.

That defenseman is only 20 years old.

Loved Torts' comments after the game, the Flyers forwards are not good enough to skate through people, and the nuetral zone turnovers and lost faceoffs are killing this team. Carolina is a really good team but their weakness is in nets, and the Flyers couldn't even muster 20 shots on goal. The one goal the Flyers did score was a bad one, where Poehling put the puck on net and the goalie just missed it. Still the Flyers had several high danger chances that they once again could not finish. The Flyers need to get 35+ shots on goal to score 3 goals based on their shooting percentage, and there have been too many games this year where they can barely break 20 shots on goal. Its all about puck possession. Again not all faceoffs are created equal, and Couts loses the d-zone draw in the 3rd, loses Stall in front and Carolina takes the game away. Laughton and Poehling with bad nuetral zone turnovers that lead to Carolina goals. The center play on this team is just atrocious and I don't see it getting any better this season. The good news is Briere is fielding calls on Risto, so at some point before the deadline he will be moved for a good return; hopefully more picks in this coming draft. Same with Laughton. Happy Torts benched him for part of the game. The Flyers have got to get lucky at center and defense in this draft. I don't see anyone other way to turn this around.
- jd250

That's false. The Canes goaltending is very solid. The Flyers had very little in terms of scoring chances in the game. They got demolished at 5 on 5. They had 5 high danger chances at 5 on 5 for the game, which is pathetic. Compared to 18 for the Canes.
Please provide factual information that Briere is getting calls for Ristolainen. Ristolainen remains the same mediocre player that is best suited for the 3rd pair. It is extremely unlikely that any team, at this point in the season is interested in an overpaid 3rd pair defenseman with term left and a 5.1 AAV.

Loved Torts' comments after the game, the Flyers forwards are not good enough to skate through people, and the nuetral zone turnovers and lost faceoffs are killing this team. Carolina is a really good team but their weakness is in nets, and the Flyers couldn't even muster 20 shots on goal. The one goal the Flyers did score was a bad one, where Poehling put the puck on net and the goalie just missed it. Still the Flyers had several high danger chances that they once again could not finish. The Flyers need to get 35+ shots on goal to score 3 goals based on their shooting percentage, and there have been too many games this year where they can barely break 20 shots on goal. Its all about puck possession. Again not all faceoffs are created equal, and Couts loses the d-zone draw in the 3rd, loses Stall in front and Carolina takes the game away. Laughton and Poehling with bad nuetral zone turnovers that lead to Carolina goals. The center play on this team is just atrocious and I don't see it getting any better this season. The good news is Briere is fielding calls on Risto, so at some point before the deadline he will be moved for a good return; hopefully more picks in this coming draft. Same with Laughton. Happy Torts benched him for part of the game. The Flyers have got to get lucky at center and defense in this draft. I don't see anyone other way to turn this around.
- jd250

They just are not a good team. most know this currently.

When they end up not moving Risto, can't wait to hear your spin as to why.

Briere has had 2 offseason and really hasn't help improve the team at all. He has taken the path of least resistance. made some easy trades and questionable signings.

getting lucky is a great strategy.

Well said. Frost is all fluff and no stuff. He's Sam Gagner, who will make a nice offensive play from time to time but will top out at 45 points. He's a player with a fragile mindset, and I don't see him being any more than he is right now.

Torts was spot on again last night in his presser. The media kept asking why the Flyers didn't try in the 3rd, when effort is not the problem with this team, they lack good centers and finishing skill. Another good game by Fedotov last night and the defense is holding on given the injuries back there. This loss is on the forwards.
- jd250

who is to blame for that?

Well said. Frost is all fluff and no stuff. He's Sam Gagner, who will make a nice offensive play from time to time but will top out at 45 points. He's a player with a fragile mindset, and I don't see him being any more than he is right now.

Torts was spot on again last night in his presser. The media kept asking why the Flyers didn't try in the 3rd, when effort is not the problem with this team, they lack good centers and finishing skill. Another good game by Fedotov last night and the defense is holding on given the injuries back there. This loss is on the forwards.
- jd250

Frost has had a horrendous season to this point but it has nothing to do with a fragile mindset. The coach as usual, is also not doing him any favors.
Fedotov did play well but the entire team got their ass kicked last night. That was a team loss and is not on any individual or groups of players.

But you don't know this. None of us do yet. The Flyers are drafting and developing. York, Foerster, Michkov and Kolosov on the team now, Luchanko, Bonk & Barkey in the minors, and Tuomaala having a strong start in the AHL. And the Flyers have 6 picks in the first two rounds in this upcoming draft. They have made good trades to pick up young players like Tippet and Grans, and we will see how Drysdale turns out. It takes time to develop players but the Flyers are clearly doing a better job now than they were 5 or 10 years ago. Let's see how this off season plays out before you make a statement comparing Briere to Zito.
- jd250

other teams are pooping their pants when they see that potential dynasty. I mean can any other team match or eclipse that?

guess grans is the player du jour.

This is the year boys! I can FEEL it!
- Aaron_85

The year for what?

Why do you say this? Torts plays the roster he has. York, Drysdale and Andrae all out on defense. Centers are atrocious, wingers can't finish or in Tippet's case can't even hit the net. The team is what it is. No one expected them to be a show in playoff team this year. I predicted they would finish 4th or 5th in the Metro this season, which right now looks to be about right.
- jd250

Do you think Torts is getting the most out of these players?

And is starting to lose key faceoffs, feel bad for Couts, just not the same player.
- jd250

do not feel bad in any way. this was the bed he made.

I find his press conferences manipulative and full of buzzwords and coach speak to put up a facade to try and show that he is what he isn't.

That defenseman is only 20 years old.
- MJL

Of course you do. You have a vendetta against Torts and there is absolutely nothing that he can say to change your mind about him. Some of us have open minds. Imagine that.

But you don't know this. None of us do yet. The Flyers are drafting and developing. York, Foerster, Michkov and Kolosov on the team now, Luchanko, Bonk & Barkey in the minors, and Tuomaala having a strong start in the AHL. And the Flyers have 6 picks in the first two rounds in this upcoming draft. They have made good trades to pick up young players like Tippet and Grans, and we will see how Drysdale turns out. It takes time to develop players but the Flyers are clearly doing a better job now than they were 5 or 10 years ago. Let's see how this off season plays out before you make a statement comparing Briere to Zito.
- jd250

You told me I didn't know about Fletcher also. About a lot of things. Of course I know. I've seen their actions to this point. Their decision making. The Flyers are going to do the same thing they always do once the cap clears up. Book it. As sure as the sun will rise. They continue to be one of the worst run organizations in the NHL starting with the head coach.

I think Torts gets a bad rap on here much of the time. I'm not saying that he's even the right coach for this particular team, but his pressers are generally insightful when he isn't blinded by rage. Last night's presser was particularly so. He emphasized puck control in the neutral zone going into last night's game and it was like the gong show out there. Canes went up another gear in the 3rd period and the Flyers had no answer. Starting to get nervous about York. I mean, he's been a game time decision for several games now, and yet, no dice. Something is getting very fishy.

Frost is playing likes he doesn't want to sign an extension here, so Briere has to be shrewd with this one and get him outta here (prolly for another reclamation project).

Why do folks want that defenseman from Columbus? If he can't make that terrible roster why would he be welcomed here? Thanks!
- Phillywhiteout

would you? only players who just want to collect a check want to sign here.

This is the year boys! I can FEEL it!
- Aaron_85

I find this absolutely hilarious coming from a guy that has been saying this since 1967!! Still have great memories of that night back in May of 2004 when JR put your team to sleep in game 6 of overtime in front of the most obnoxious fanbase in the NHL. The funniest thing is that your clowns have won ONE playoff series since that night! Eh what? I won't even get into your moderator skills on here (guess you never managed in the real world).

would you? only players who just want to collect a check want to sign here.
- login

Actually, if I was him I would still show up and play hard every night! This is a contract year for him and he is costing himself lots of money regardless of where he signs his next contract.

Why do you say this? Torts plays the roster he has. York, Drysdale and Andrae all out on defense. Centers are atrocious, wingers can't finish or in Tippet's case can't even hit the net. The team is what it is. No one expected them to be a show in playoff team this year. I predicted they would finish 4th or 5th in the Metro this season, which right now looks to be about right.
- jd250

The Flyers sit 6th in the division. Points percentage is the more accurate indicator

Year 2 of a 5 year rebuild.
Remember CF extended Risto and traded for TDA after he traded Giroux?

Briere had no illusions, which is why they added no one in the summer.

Grans played well again, Zamula - Grans might be worth a longer look even when York and Andrae return. Richard played well in limited action, he could skate with the Canes, but when he had to go to the boards to get the puck, well . . .

They seemed to run out of gas in the 3rd period, almost as if trying to keep up with the best forechecking team in the NHL wore them down.

Carolina doesn't play defense by keeping the puck in the offensive zone, they check just as hard in the D-zone, which is why they keep getting the puck back and into the offensive zone. And they don't have a fancy offense, run the cycle, win board battles, shoot from everywhere, hope for the eventual lucky bounce and pounce on it. Nothing fancy, just nonstop aggression

Year 2 of a 5 year rebuild.
Remember CF extended Risto and traded for TDA after he traded Giroux?

Briere had no illusions, which is why they added no one in the summer.

Grans played well again, Zamula - Grans might be worth a longer look even when York and Andrae return. Richard played well in limited action, he could skate with the Canes, but when he had to go to the boards to get the puck, well . . .

They seemed to run out of gas in the 3rd period, almost as if trying to keep up with the best forechecking team in the NHL wore them down.

Carolina doesn't play defense by keeping the puck in the offensive zone, they check just as hard in the D-zone, which is why they keep getting the puck back and into the offensive zone. And they don't have a fancy offense, run the cycle, win board battles, shoot from everywhere, hope for the eventual lucky bounce and pounce on it. Nothing fancy, just nonstop aggression
- Striiker

This brings up an interesting point. I wonder if this style that Brindy has them playing wears them out. I mean, they are relentless all over the ice as witnessed last night, but I wonder if they wear down by the time the playoffs roll around cause they never seem to have success come springtime.

I find this absolutely hilarious coming from a guy that has been saying this since 1967!! Still have great memories of that night back in May of 2004 when JR put your team to sleep in game 6 of overtime in front of the most obnoxious fanbase in the NHL. The funniest thing is that your clowns have won ONE playoff series since that night! Eh what? I won't even get into your moderator skills on here (guess you never managed in the real world).
- Phillywhiteout

Yes. Absolutely. That goal was a dagger into the heart of an arrogant franchise. They went on to miss the playoffs the next 10 years and were the only team in the nhl not to make the playoffs for an entire cba period. They haven’t done much of consequence since. 👍

Year 2 of a 5 year rebuild.
Remember CF extended Risto and traded for TDA after he traded Giroux?

Briere had no illusions, which is why they added no one in the summer.

Grans played well again, Zamula - Grans might be worth a longer look even when York and Andrae return. Richard played well in limited action, he could skate with the Canes, but when he had to go to the boards to get the puck, well . . .

They seemed to run out of gas in the 3rd period, almost as if trying to keep up with the best forechecking team in the NHL wore them down.

Carolina doesn't play defense by keeping the puck in the offensive zone, they check just as hard in the D-zone, which is why they keep getting the puck back and into the offensive zone. And they don't have a fancy offense, run the cycle, win board battles, shoot from everywhere, hope for the eventual lucky bounce and pounce on it. Nothing fancy, just nonstop aggression
- Striiker

I wonder how many more games that frost will be scratched for?

Ekblad is a very good and underrated player. Bottom line is take away Barkov and the Panthers aren't a cup team. Take away Tkachuk and they're not a cup team. How was Tkachuk acquired? By trading Huberdeau and Weegar. Both of whom were drafted by Florida.
The idea that this Flyers franchise, under this management is going to build a cup contending team through trades and free agency is not a sound idea. It is extremely unlikely to happen.They have to focus on drafting and developing. The addition of Michkov should mark the start of their rebuild if they're smart. They're not smart and they certainly aren't on the level of Zito.
- MJL

MJL, you're back? Many here think you may be Bill's alt account.

Either that or you got a sussy for a bit and found your way to HB jail.