Howie58

The consensus I've read and listened to says it was in part Berube, and in part Armstrong. Berube apparently "lost the locker room" by extracting a lot of the players, but that strategy can only last so long. The other component is trying to keep a nucleus going too long, which we're seeing in Pitt and Washington. That falls on Armstrong. I wouldn't shed tiers. He'll be hired somewhere soon.

Greetings: The O and B are mild favorites (-128). The teams have nearly identical records, but the Flyers have been a much better team over the last 10. We have done well versus Detroit at WFC: https://www.oddsshark.com/nhl/detroit-philadelphia-odds-december-16-2023-2017699 Neither team is stellar on faceoffs. The Wings are better offensively; we're better defensively: https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/det-vs-phi/2023/12/16/2023020465 Let's go Flyers.

This game had two acts. The first two periods and the first 10 of the third were semi-snooze with competent goaltending. Then things opened up. If we can win in the OT or SO, it really is a "New Era of Orange." Our youngsters may be gaining confidence. They certainly know how to compete.

The PK is only good for so many chances. Meanwhile, our PP doesn't equalize!

So far, this is a snoozer. We're almost done with the first with 7 total shots. The Flyers are out of synch.

I saw a good piece on YouTube with Pierre LeBrun earlier today about Berube's firing. In essence, Doug Armstrong had to admit that part of the problem was keeping a core together too long. I suspect this may be a problem in Washington as it is in Pittsburgh. Ovie will keep them "decent" for some time. But the window may be closing faster than their fans and GM realize.

Well, that description may apply to the Flyers if they aren't solid defensively or their goalies aren't at the top of their games. The Caps are better than my expectations. I thought Ovechkin + Other would show signs of aging and sink to .500. They're better than "average" but a team past its prime--from my take. Welcome to the thread and forum.

Greetings: The O and B are mild favorites (-132) which has been the exception this season: https://www.lines.com/nhl/predictions/capitals-vs-flyers-money-line-dec-14-2023 We've taken both meetings this season. Statistically, these teams are very similar: https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/phi-vs-wsh/2023/12/14/2023020448 I hope the Flyers put the tough loss against Nashville behind them with a convincing win.

In prior years, the team might have folded after being down 2-0. They showed resolve and got back on their feet. I commented elsewhere that the winning goal had a Leighton-like feel, but that will happen to the Patrick Roys of the world as well. My gut says another 30-goal type will make a difference. If Cam and Owen are in neutral, we don't have another person to fill in. As for the PP...that one looks like slow decision-making that allows defenders to keep their defensive box. That's one dude's take. I'll be curious to see how they rebound against the Caps tomorrow.

Well, we fought back for a point. That was a strange winning score. All in, a good road trip. A PP goal would have helped.

The pace and hitting are intense. It is exhausting to watch. The refs need eye exams. They are talented.

We are game but the Preds are turning the puck over and facing a great goalie. OMG, Luke Schenn has an assist on the 2nd goal.

This is a tight game. Ersson is playing well. I suspect we need some greasy goals. Meanwhile, the fans are loud. I guess they think it's music.

Greetings: The O&B are underdogs (+144), despite a better record and hot streak: https://www.oddsshark.com/nhl/philadelphia-nashville-odds-december-12-2023-2017564 The teams are similar statistically. They are even "hotter" than the Flyers: https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nsh-vs-phi/2023/12/12/2023020435 Historically, this is a very competitive series, home and away: https://www.flyershistory.com/cgi-bin/opponent.cgi?Nashville_Predators This is a good matchup. Best, Howie

On a sober note, it looks like Cam Atkinson can skate, but I wonder about scoring? Coots seems to have shaken off the year away. I'm not sure about Cam. We shall see.

It was fun to watch. This bunch feels it can compete with any team. Good.

A penalty shot and score. Then am amazing play by Sanheim followed by Brink's pass to Farabee. They are taking the war to the Avs. Not what I expected.

We are game. Skating toe-to-toe with a skilled group. 1-! Halfway through is a surprise.

How about if I say: Somewhere near the league average in attendance, break-even in finances by Forbes' assessment, and an occasional playoff birth. My gut says this franchise might not check any of those boxes. BTW, my backyard FL Panthers are doing well on the ice, but their attendance and finances aren't so hot.

Howdy: Here is a piece on "The Process" which supports Mojo's view: https://howtheyplay.com/team-sports/The-Philadelphia-76ers-Trust-the-Process I think it would be interesting to see if the Flyers' problem has been that our first rounders (in particular) have not been as good as expected--or if they have simply not made it to the 100 game benchmark that I've seen for "making it" to the NHL? I don't have a good answer. Or even a not-so-good answer. Stated differently--Maybe Morin wasn't first-pair, but if he was at least a Seeler-type, how would the franchise been hurt or helped? Maybe Patrick or Rubstov would have been Laughtonesque. Fine...better than zilch. Having protected top-10 picks is important. But I suspect it is one of many factors.

Greetings: We are heavy underdogs (+190) and 2-6 in our last eight against them: https://www.oddsshark.com/nhl/philadelphia-colorado-odds-december-9-2023-2017484 Save for offense, these teams are statistical carbon copies: https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/col-vs-phi/2023/12/09/2023020417 So, how well do the "New-and-Improved" Flyers compete against a very skilled squad at high altitude?

Good Morning: I am a bit surprised we haven't heard cries for "We Need Hinkie!" I am sure some fans will start wondering if we are winning too much. I would rather the youngins come of age knowing about winning and competition. Others may say we should stink up the joint for years, collect "generational talent," and worry about winning later. Meanwhile, tomorrow in Colorado.

I watched the first two periods. They looked fast and played good D. I was surprised how well they skated. Good win.

Our PK just gave up a blast to Crouse. Overall, the guys seem game.

Dear Flyerdog, I recall the 2017 news conference in which LV got a franchise, and Quebec didn't. Bettman and Daly acknowledged that Quebec has a wonderful facility. They also felt management would be competent. But: 1. The NHL's contracts are in U.S. Dollars. The Canadian dollar is about 75 cents on the Greenback. That puts a big strain on small Canadian markets without big broadcast turf. 2. Unless another team were to be added west, Bettman and Company made it clear they want balanced conferences. Moving Arizona to Quebec makes that a problem. And remember, they added Seattle, in part, for geographical balance. Another thing some folks mention is that Bettman likes new franchises in areas that are not hockey hubs. He wants to expand interest. On that score, moving a team to Quebec doesn't help. BTW, the governor of Connecticut has offered upwards of a billion in various incentives to put a team in Hartford. But that violates Bettman's belief in new hockey markets. All that said, if Arizona does bomb, there's a lot written about Houston getting a franchise. It would give Dallas an instate rivalry and the market is huge. You could make the case that Quebec might make more sense then as an expansion team. But my gut says Bettman wants Phoenix to last. But they need a venue. I hope this helps. Howie