Howie58

I think the interesting part will be how bryz reacts to this? Is the guy going to be deflated and stink? That might be a disaster. I agree this is another Emery-style project. If it is what it is, then we are in for full rebuilt with Meznaros gone on D, Briere bought out, and room even under a reduced salary cap. We may bear witness to a wholesale retooling of the roster over a year or two. Best, Howie

It was good to see some emotion from the gang. I didn't fall asleep watching. I also think Lauridsen looks like a keeper and the new D man looked better than most of our other 4-5-6 folks. At least he could move the puck. Now I worry about Talbot. Best, Howie

Hello: Am I the only who can't figure out my boredom/disinterest in watching? Are they incompetent? Or are we unused to watching a losing Flyers squad? The '06-07 squad was bad but I was engaged. I am paying as much attention to my laptop and e-mails as I am to the game. It's a hockey seance or something. Peace, Howie

LOL...could average their salaries and still have them owe the team?

Gosh, we are struggling against a team of waiver wire types and a few good draft picks + a reluctant ancient goaltender. Ironic that one of the fluke goals was off Gervais. Perhaps that was a signal...we should not have gotten him? Peace, Howie

Yes. Announced before game. Howie

No great loss these days. Sad. Best, Howie

There is a lot of street wisdom to this post. The real question might be along the lines of the recent Meltzer post that is on another thread: Is this trade consistent with a franchise that has habitually traded its developmental players for "seniors" and paid dearly down the road? Best, Howie

I think he will not waive and would get little if he did. We either buy out or reckon on another year of slop. Where I am more charitable than others is the possibility that age has caught up with him faster than expected. My other concern is that he is getting knocked around in a league of big people. It is sad but true.

The lead thread as we speak...should Jagr come back...yikes. Have some merlot with the canoli!

Canoli: It is painful to watch this team. They are boring. The thread title speaks to the really sad part. Lavy may be 25% of the problem. Homer is the deeper issue. At least they have a farm club that can field six players who can be a coherent threat. Our Phantoms are a spent force. Bryz is just too inconsistent. I think he needs to go. That's another of our Homer gifts. I have to laugh. While watching last night I got a call from my University's president. Normally I would be scared...layoffs, whatever. It was more personal...and I was glad to shut the O and B off. Peace and don't get too upset over this. I am seeing that our commitment may not be matched by management's wisdom. Howie

filly: I think many have felt your "pain" for years. The team's puck movement is awful. They cannot chase the pucks they dump. They gutted out the game with NJ and Bryz stole it. There is a lot of work needed; whether Lavy or Homer or both should lead the charge is another question. Peace, Howie

Dear L: I wouldn't put up with seven years, but two wouldn't be so bad. I am wondering if Homer and the Gang can evaluate anything other than forwards. Howie

Bear: What's interesting along the lines you raise is how common your sentiment is. Even Donnelson and Carchidi of the Inquirer are raising the kind of question you post. This is a system problem, not an individual screw-up problem. And it may be dawning on some, hopefully Lukko, that this @$it can't go on year in and year out. Best, Howie

Andy: I posted a thread on this two weeks ago...compare our trajectory with Chicago's. That's mildly depressing. We have built largely through trade. They have maintained a strong core via draft. So...we are going backwards. They have stayed strong. Best, Howie

I think you are right. The rot is deep. And I think that it shows Holmgren is more "tactician" than "strategist." Individually, some of his deals make sense. Collectively they don't add up. I think one of the commentators noted the Flyers have 17 first rounders on their squad. The problem from my vantage is that we collect them as pieces and don't build a cohesive core from within. And while I don't think Milbury is that sharp, his commentary after the game about coaching makes sense. DeBoer is eating Lavy's breakfast. Apparently Lavy is not making adjustments... Best, Howie

I thought there was something truly strange about the reality of a 39 year old goalie who earns just over a mil looking terrific versus Mr. Universe. Then I looked up Hedberg's history....we drafted the guy....number 218 in 1994...but we didn't bring him over given inexperience. . . . Yes, another youngster we effectively trashed. Peace, Howie

I'd rather we make a low-ball offer on Stephen Weiss of my backyard Panthers. I think that with a good team and skilled forwards this guy could produce and until this year, he's been durable. He might be a good UFA pickup. Iginla will cost too much to get, and too much to keep. Peace, Howie

Aziz: I think your assessment is spot on. The question I'd ask is whether this organization can draft/nurture D and G. This is the blind spot many of us here worry about. Best, Howie

Agreed! And analyst on NHL Network faults the defense and notes how short-term breakdowns are killing performance. The dude is right. Tonight. Should be a critical game. Best, Howie

I was just finished with laundry and about to work out...and I read this thread. My G_d...what the hell is going on? I would rather we give Heeter/Schmeeter or Elmer Fudd the start than Leighton. Are we saying Boosh is washed up entirely? If so, fine, than bring in a kid and see what the hell he does...and if a group of senior players rallies around a kid. Ron...sorry for dumping...the message is the problem, not the messenger. Best, Howie

Aziz: Points well taken...but they are consistent, and operate on a relative shoe-string. And when I watch them play, there is cohesive puck movement. Part of that may be coaching. But part may be a cohort of players that is drafted and grows together...something Homer may be realizing too late. Good to hear from you...

I suspect you are correct...we will see more RFA pursuit with offer sheets. Our only collective hope besides Snider departing is Comcast asserting direct authority if its investment's value deteriorates because of mismanagement or fan disgust. We shall survive...with dignity, hopefully.... Howie

BBEsche: There is wisdom...lots of wisdom, in what you say. The architect cannot see the world is changing. Homer see strength in centers and power forwards. Goal and D are not part of this franchise's worldview. It's pathetic and may not change in our lifetime unless Snider is out of the picture. There is another thread here on who are next GM should be. We need a change and it has to come from the outside. Peace, Howie

I am saddened by the product. But it reflects bad trades, bad coaching, and bad chemistry. In short, I think it is a "system problem." Briere can be signaled. But I am not sure this gang will respond. And I doubt we have call-ups from our depleted farm club who could use the opportunity to build their careers. It is just sad. Best, Howie