Photo Courtesy of, John E. Sokolowski/USA TODAY SPORTS
After a Western Road trip where the Flyers finished a disappointing 1-2-1 there’s certainly plenty to address regarding the team’s play the last few games. At this point an identity is lacking within the Flyers game and it’s clearly apparent.
There seemed to be no sense of structure for the team throughout this stretch. What is even more concerning is that such play has occurred against opponents that are not very good. Aspiring playoff teams like the Flyers should be picking up victories against teams the caliber of Seattle, San Jose, L.A. and Anaheim in order to stay competitive in the playoff race. Especially due to their poor play earlier in the season.
Although the covid protocol has much to do with the Flyers uninspiring play as players the likes of Claude Giroux, Ivan Provorov, Scott Laughton, Derick Brassard and Carter Hart missed time during this road trip. Other teams around the league are also dealing with covid outbreaks to significant portions of their roster and still found ways to win and pick up points. While the Flyers were playing teams that they should be able to compete with on a nightly basis but instead have been getting out played in a large portion of the games on this road trip.
This has sparked a discussion around the state of the Philadelphia Flyers as a franchise amongst the fan base and media pundits alike. It is tough to pinpoint exactly what the Flyers need to do next and how they should approach the future of this team, it’s identity, foundation and how to continue building the franchise moving forward.
On the latest episode of the Gettin Gritty Wit It podcast, Yariv Wolok and I welcome a great hockey mind to the show, the Head Scout of the Fredericton Red Wings, Craig Eagles (@Eags37 on twitter).
We dive into the state of the Flyers, their identity as a team and the overarching philosophy behind a winning NHL franchise. Along with this, we analyze the play of some of the top QMJHL prospects with Craig. Not to mention a ton of other engaging topics ranging from the Ryan Ellis trade to Mike Yeo’s potential return as coach next season. This is not an episode you want to miss!
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The entire problem is multilevel mess. The GM is dumpster diving for has beens instead of trading or signing good talented free agents , or just bring up the rookies. The AHL franchise is supposed to get the next stars ready to play work on their weaknesses and improve their strengths. None of that is taking place. They hired a coach with No coaching classes or experience. You need a set staff of experienced coaches in speed skating passing and shooting defensive and offensive specialists. Not some slightly above average former player. At the pro level the coaching staff needs to be looked at more by position coaching like the NFL.
Scouts need to be fired or retrained on what the team needs.
No more slow footed offensively challenged guys. We need heart and guts. Passion players.