BobbyClarkeFan16

I'm done. In the most important time and most important game of the year, he doesn't show up. Reading on HFBoards tonight and they were throwing Vigneault under a bus, yet they played THE SAME system during the regular season and they looked like champs. Every one of them should be embarrassed and Giroux needs to be held accountable for his playoff failure, yet again. He's the captain and he's the face of the franchise. It's time to face the heat and it's time to plead your case why you should remain in Philadelphia.

**** Claude Giroux. I've been his biggest defender for years, but I'm done. If you can't get your team focused for a Game 7 as captain, you don't deserve to be captain. I hope they shop the hell out of him. I've never been so disappointed as I am right now. To watch this team come out absolutely flat, and to continue to come out flat two series in a row is inexcusable. I got that it's been popular to bash ex gms and coaches (however, the hate for Haktard was well deserved), this doesn't fall on Vigneault. Everyone got a clean sheet with him and Claude completely **** the bed.

If we could move JVR and get someone like Victor Soderstrom instead, I'd be over the moon. As for Voracek, I'd be interested in a package around Olli Juolevi or Kole Lind. I'm a huge Olli fan from his days with London and I think he's just a guy that needs a change of scenery. As for Mike Hoffman, I'm not even sure there's a spot for him in Philadelphia. The left side is already set with Giroux - Lindblom - Farabee - Raffl - Laughton. There's literally no room for Hoffman. Now, Dadonov on the other hand, he'd be a great fit on the right side if the Flyers move Voracek. You could bump Konecny to the top line, Dadonov would be your second, NAK your third and Pitlick the 4th. As you can tell, I'm all for blowing **** up...lol

Why not? Laczynski has been mentioned numerous times by the organization as being ready to make the jump. He's an older prospect, put in three years worth of school, has filled out, has played against men and is considered the most pro ready of the forwards. He'd also be playing on the fourth line, where he'd probably get about 10 to 11 minutes a night, nothing mind blowing. As for Zamula, the guy has practiced numerous times with the big club and is one of the 'black aces' as a player. There were other defensemen that could have been there, but they chose him for a reason. They want to see how close he is to being ready. And once again, he'd be a third pairing guy getting about 16 to 17 minutes a night. The days of the Ron Hextall and Dave Hakstol 'making prospects sit until they're beyond ready to join the big club' are gone. Fletcher and Vigneault are pushing these guys and they're basically saying it's sink or swim. There's zero reason to believe that these guys aren't ready to make the jump. Zero reason.

I love that AV has put the heat on G, JVR and the rest of the veterans tonight. It's time for them to step up and break through the Islanders. This is also the firing shot that if they fail, there's going to be repercussions this offseason. Don't think for one second that he and Chuck don't have a list of players already that they're going to get rid of. As for who to get rid of, I've already posted who I think they should get rid of. They need to let Thompson, Grant, and Braun walk and look at moving Voracek, J van Useless, Hagg and Gostibehere. I also had Laughton, but that would require a very good return. It's not like they're gutting the team either, especially when others are capable of stepping up (I'd put NAK on the right side of Giroux - Couturier, Lindblom on the left side of Hayes - Konecny and then have Laughton on the wing on a line of Frost - Patrick and finally a fourth of Raffl - Laczynski - Pitlick; the defense would be Provorov - Niskanen; Sanheim - Meyers; Zamula/Hogberg - Friedman). The Flyers also free up money and can replenish the pipeline in some of those trades.

What's considered blowing up though? IF we're talking about moving Voracek and van Riemsdyk, there are numerous players who can fill their roles. For instance, if JVR is moved, there's still Giroux on the top left side, Lindblom can move along side Hayes and then Farabee fits in on the third line. That leaves the fourth line open, where Raffl remains. As for the right side, if Voracek is moved, Konecny slides into the top role, NAK moves into the 2nd line spot with Hayes, and then third line, you can use either Patrick there when he's healthy (more on that) or you can use a Laczynski or Allison there. Fourth line remains in tact with Pitlick skating there. As for Braun, his minutes are easily replaced by a more mobile and better puck handling defenseman in Friedman (who everyone in the organization says is ready for a bigger role). Grant and Thompson are no big losses either. So, in the grand scheme of things, are the Flyers really blowing things up or are they moving expensive spare parts to make way for younger, cheaper players that are ready to step up? The way I look at it, that's how you move forward. The Flyers are still loaded with depth and letting some of the guys walk or moving them means you can continually replenish the system. We're in a cap world and a flat cap world for the next three years. It's going to be critical to continually have pieces in place in the pipeline to ensure continuity. Being stuck with bloated contracts for underperforming players is going to be the death knell for plenty of organizations out there. Just watch what will happen to the Pittsburghs and the Tampa Bays of the world when everything comes crashing down cap wise. They're going to be dead in the water. Same with Boston. We're seeing it in San Jose right now and Los Angeles is mired in a deep rut. Now is exactly the time to start carving away the broken pieces that don't fit the system. It's not as if the Flyers are sending Giroux, Couturier, Hayes, Provorov, Sanheim, Meyers, etc....packing. So yeah, I say when the season is over, start making the roster changes necessary to compete, get younger and cheaper.

After watching this team in the playoffs, not only do I believe that JVR, Braun, Gostisbehere, Thompson and Grant are gone, but I think you can add Voracek and possibly Laughton to the list. I was hesitant on Fletcher doing a full house cleaning, but I think this core has shown they can't get the job done when it matters most. Too many mistakes and there's no sense of urgency from this group until it's too late. There's a sense of complacency in the room in that some guys have long term deals, so they won't get moved. That's going to go right out the window. And don't think Vigneault isn't keeping a list of guys that need to go. You know he's wanting some players out of there.

I don't know if Fletcher's going to blow it up, but you can bet that someone or a few are going to be made examples of. I expect that Voracek and van Riemsdyk are going to be shopped hard and that they'll take pennies on the dollar to prove a point that no one is safe. The issue that I see with the Flyers is that there seems to be a lack of leadership amongst the players and that the guy you expect to hold everyone accountable aka the captain, is not that kind of verbal guy. It's been said on numerous occasions that Giroux is the silent leader and leads by example. This team needs a heart and soul kind of guy who isn't afraid to call the team out when they aren't performing. And that's exactly what we're witnessing - this team is under performing and everyone in that locker room should be embarrassed. It happened under Laviolette, Berube, Hakstol and now Vigneault. While Hak was trash, we're seeing a pattern emerge. When your big guns go silent and turn in putrid performances, someone needs to be called out and the captain has to do it. Now, I like Giroux. I really do and I'm not blaming this entirely on him. But as captain, part of your job is to hold everyone accountable. As much as I hated the guy, this team needs a Primeau type of leader who will hold his accountable and get everyone on the same page. And I don't see anyone like that. That should be Fletcher's mission this offseason - leadership and bringing in someone who will hold this club accountable.

I really like NAK on the first line. His speed and physicality alone would be enough to free up lanes for Giroux and Couturier. He's also defensively responsible and he's got good hands to chip in offensively. He's the guy they need to pester Barzal enough to throw him off his game. Frost fitting between Pitlick and Raffl is good idea as well. It gets Frost acclimated to playoff hockey and he's in a no pressure situation. This could be a surprisingly good fourth line that can forecheck and score some timely goals. I also think that Pitlick and Raffl are good veteran examples that Frost can learn from in terms of preparation and not trying to do too much. We need to get the PP going though. There's no reason why the club is as bad as they are. That's how they're going to have to beat the Islanders. The Isles PK is not very good and the Flyers need to exploit that. They aren't going to score many goals 5 on 5 against them, so the PP becomes of greater importance this series.

Where's Voracek? You know they aren't going to sit Jake in a series like this. Honestly, I'd move van Useless to the press box, move Farabee to the left side of Grant and have Jake on the right.

This is thing to be a tough series, especially when the top guns are now firing blanks. This might be the ideal time for Vigneault to shake up the lines. Hell, maybe a series against the Isles might be enough to get them to use Frost at some point or another. I'd also like to see the defense generate a little more offense and really give the Isles pause for concern. The good news though is that the Canadiens helped them become a little more battle tested, so I expect someone like Provorov really step up his game to the next level. If Konecny snaps out of his fink and starts scoring again, this becomes a difference series.

The only thing anyone should be angry about is that the Flyers lost an asset. Now, can't blame Fletcher and Flahr for trying to sign him, but at the same time, the writing was on the wall that Kalynuk wasn't going to sign here. At the very least, a 4th or a 5th could have been had for him. With that being said, an overaged 7th round pick that was 20 when he was drafted isn't a big loss. The pipeline of defensemen is superb in Philadelphia. Not everyone will make it, but at the same time, having all this depth and talent is a blessing in disguise. Defensemen have such high trade value that if Fletcher plays his cards right, he can get some seriously good pieces in return to continue replenishing the pipeline or making a huge acquisition. The one thing I trust Fletcher with is defensemen. He and Flahr know defensemen and they have a track record there. When you consider that the Flyers scouting staff knows about forwards, this is a great mix going forward for the club.

I've had the chronic migraine symptoms that Patrick has and it's a problem that will be conquered. The good news is that the migraines aren't a result of post concussion syndrome or concussion issues. It's a legitimate medical problem. The fact he's been skating, working out and has been travelling with the team is very encouraging. Once the proper medical, diet and prescription treatment is reached, there's no reason why he can't come back. The issue is time and its going to take time. I think he plays on the 2020-2021 season and fourth line duty and special teams will be the best place for him to put it together. The other thing that could also be considered is a position change. Maybe he goes to the wing instead and takes less abuse there. It could also mean using him in various spots throughout the lineup. I get that in the eternal optimist but I believe this is something he will conquer.

I haven't been paying as much attention to the draft this year, but as it stands, there are five players that I hope the Flyers are looking at with regards to their 1st round pick. I'm hoping for one of the following: Perrault Reichel Foerster Bordeleau Khusnutdinov I think we're good for defensemen in the first round this year. From watching video and reading scouting reports, Foerster is who I'm hoping they select. It's like reading the scouting report all over again for Lindblom - great iq, great hands, skating leaves a little to be desired because his stride is a bit awkward and that's only due to leg strength, which can be easily corrected. I love the fact that when Barrie moved Suzuki, Foerster stepped up his game and really took over. Clearly motivation isn't an issue for him and he's very coachable. I also really like watching Bordeleau, but what worries me is that he's a more perimeter player and is easily knocked off the puck. He'll need to learn how to survive in high checking areas. The skill is there, but the body is going to be a work in process. The prospect that's the most interesting of the group is Khusnutdinov though. He could end up being a Russian Johnny Gaudreau, especially with his speed. It's unreal how fast he is. He also knows his way around all three zones and is very adept defensively. However, his speed is going to be his calling card. It's ridiculous how fast this kid is and his hands are there. He isn't like Rico Fata at all. If he grows 1 inch and hits the 5'10 mark and adds about 15 pounds, he'll top out at 5'10, 180 and could be a real gem. If the Flyers are looking for a grand slam, he might be the one.

I think Fletcher might do a retool this upcoming offseason. Laughton will stay this offseason, but I can't be sure if he'll be around after that. I fully expect that Van Useless, Gostisbehere and Braun will be gone. Grant and Thompson are probably walking as well, maybe even Elliott and a player like Lyon. So, we know we're probably looking at: Giroux - Couturier - Voracek Laughton - Hayes - Konecny Lindblom - Frost - Farabee Raffl - Patrick - NAK In terms of defense: Provorov - Niskanen Sanheim - Myers Zamula - Friedman As for the goaltending: Hart UFA or Trade Acquisition What should be crazy is to see what we're looking at for the end of 2021. Not only do I think Laughton is going to go, but it won't surprise me if they try shedding Voracek as well, especially if Allison, Laczynski and Brink are ready to compete for spots.

Someone will pick up Marner if he's on the market. Say what you want about the cap hit, but he's a 90 point forward. He's got Giroux-like qualities to him. Move him from the wing to center and Marner will be better off for it. If there's anyone in Toronto that should be moved, it's that dog Austin Matthews.

Fletcher has done a good job. Remember, he was under the gun in Minnesota by the new owner. Fletcher was basically forced to signing Suter and Parise to those ridiculously bloated contacts and the Martin Hanzal deal was basically an owner directive to Fletcher to make a trade or else. Owner incompetence messed things up in Minnesota. I don't think Fletcher will get the gun pointed at his head in Philadelphia and it's in part to who's surrounding him. I don't think the Dave Scott is going to try to bully Clarke and Holmgren into forcing Fletcher into bad deals. As well, Fletcher has an incredible scouting department at his finger tips, so there's less cause to make drastic deals. I think there's going to be obvious tweaks going forward (Braun is probably gone after this year and the next player to be worked into a spot will be Friedman and you can bet he'll try to get out from underneath the JvU -> James van Useless contract), but he doesn't need to make wholesale changes.

I've always like NAK, right back to his junior days. He's a good solid player. He's also a great case of what can happen when bad coaches sink their claws into you. Once Vigneault got him though, he got him fixed up. Honestly, NAK could end up being an Alex Burrows type player under Vigneault and there's nothing wrong with a potential 25 to 30 goal a season guy who can play throughout the lineup and will get special teams time in the future. That's going to be his bread and butter. He'll get peanuts for regular strength time, but he'll get boatloads of PK and PP time. He's a forechecking demon that also has that uncanny ability to always be around the puck. Honestly, he and Farabee are going to be real fun to watch as they mature.

Derek Grant is a point per game player with the Flyers. Let that sink in for a moment. I posted on another board and someone said he's this year's Ville Leino. I have to admit, he's outperformed what I thought he would do. Watch him go on to remain on that pace for the rest of the year.....lol

Don't forget that one of the other things Fletcher had working against him in Minnesota was the scouting staff. Let's be honest about this - the Flyers have one of, if not, the best scouting staff in the NHL. I get that Hextall gets a lot of credit for rebuilding the farm system, but let's not forget that he had a lot of help from the scouting staff. Fletcher is a lot of things, but being a fool isn't one of them. Same with Nature Boy Brent Flahr. Having a great scouting staff makes their job incredibly easy. I don't see why that would change.

Just stop making an ass out of yourself when it comes to Giroux. The man has been the ultimate Flyer. Giroux has done nothing but carry this club on his back when Holmgren emptied everything and Hextall didn't bother trying to fill it with pieces to help Claude. That's the reality. As for being an 'average' player, that truly shows how much of an idiot you really are if you believe that. Yeah, he's started a bit slow this year, but with Couturier, Lindblom and Konecny picking up the offensive slack, it's allowed Giroux time to adjust to yet ANOTHER new system. As for Vigneault calling him out, Vigneault knows that Giroux can deliver more and this isn't about a sign of disrespect, it's a sign of Vigneault knowing that and lighting a fire under Giroux, which is working. Now that Claude is up to 9 points in 13 games, you can see that he's beginning to get on a roll and when he does, that's when he starts scoring points in bunches, which means the Flyers will then have two legitimate scoring lines. Don't forget either that Vigneault has played Giroux on the wing and at center and has bounced him with multiple linemates while trying to find a legitimate third center to balance the club. I'm sorry, but all this talk of Giroux and moving him pisses me off. People here are so quick to turn on a guy that has given his everything to this club and it pisses me off even more when people make up such ridiculous **** about the guy. Tom Wilson couldn't sniff the sweat off of Giroux's jockstrap. I'm willing to bet that if the Flyers move Giroux, it sets them back four or five years, guaranteed. Move Giroux and Giroux being average. Stupidest bunch of crap I've ever read.

It's not even game 20. That's usually when they come to life. Right now, it's all about changing the mindset in Philadelphia. The play is actually there, but these are guys who are still afraid to make mistakes. The direction is there and you can catch it in glimpses when things are firing on all cylinders. Of note, look at Vigneault's history with the other teams he's coached and the play has been the exact same in the first year. The first 20 games are usually the time it takes for the system to come together and then everything takes off in the final 60. As long as they are closer to 500 I'm content.

I don't think Patrick even gets a three year. He might get a year or two. Fact is, he's got some competition now with Frost and Rubtsov waiting in the wings. If he doesn't take off when he returns to the lineup, he might be used as trade bait.

How much do you want to bet that the team is going to go out and hire the best neurologists there are. That would be a game changer on so many levels.

Wow. Not fun at all. I have migraine disorder and trying to find a perfect medication balance is difficult. Neurological disorders suck.....