And that, right there, is a bigger and gloomier picture. I would say, however, that Mezsaros and Timonen are good d-men, despite Timonen’s aging in front of our eye. But I know what you are saying… which makes upgrading defense a daunting task. What has been absolutely maddening to me, as I am sure to everybody, is the fact that all of our d-men, individually, are good. But as a unit, they looked like a total drek. People egg on Carle, but how quickly people forget that last season he had 40 points and was +30. Think about that: +30. This is not to be taken lightly. Clearly, when he was on the ice, good things were happening. The year before that, he had 35 points and was +19. And those years, he played some really good, solid hockey. Do you mean to tell me that at 26 he suddenly regressed so badly?? Sorry, not buying it. Coburn – the other player who’s taken plenty of heat – has also showed in the past what he can do. He brings a good combination of size, quickness, excellent shot from the point, and nice passing. You don't find a lot of that in the NHL. I find the very fact that this defense has been so bad absolutely inexplicable. You have to put some blame on coaching. There is just no way that the defense that’s so experienced and so accomplished should look in complete disarray. But as far as upgrading… I am sure it can be done. But who do you trade? The Flyers no longer have that forward depth where Homer could simply plug one guy away from the roster to address the other needs. It would probably have to be done at a very steep price (Schenn or Bob, I am thinking). I would say give it till at least mid-season. I want to see how this core plays with Pronger in the lineup. As bad as this D has looked, it’s still too early to hit the panic button.