There are many traditions that come and go this time of year as the turkey leads us to the mistletoe and then to the new year.
One such tradition I really hoped we could avoid this season is the inevitable Flyers swoon that eventually leads to a second round playoff exit. However, not this year
At least there is some consistency with this team.
The losses are upon us as the Flyers capped November with a 1-0 defeat in Atlanta, giving them a 4-7-1 record in the month. They have lost five of their last six games and have been outscored 20-12 in that span, falling from sixth in the conference to ninth.
Normally I would wait this one out because as I mentioned above, it happens every year. However, the 1-0 loss to the Thrashers, a team the Flyers use to stop losing streaks not start them, has set off the alarm bells.
“We’re playing well enough to keep it close, but we’re not getting it to the finish line,” Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger said. “We need everyone on the same page for 60 minutes for us to win. Right now, that is costing us games. I’m sure down the road, these points are going to be important.”
Hell yes they are going to be important. Wasted points cost this team home ice advantage year after year and not winning games they are absolutely supposed to win because of what has become an inept offense, can crush the will of any goalie.
The Flyers failed to score against Atlanta on a three-minute power play in the third period and their 14-game winning streak against the Thrashers came to an end. It was the longest active streak in the NHL, dating to Nov. 18, 2005.
In their 13 wins, the Flyers’ power play produced a score in 18 of 50 chances. In their 11 losses, they have seven goals in 53 opportunities.
“We have to get our power play back on track,” Captain Mike Richards said. “Earlier in the season, that’s what was winning us games.”
Right on, Mr. Captain. Or else it’s another disappointing season to compliment the Memorial Day parade.
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What do you expect? Frat boys always take the holidays off. When your Head Coach is the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, Pronger is the only man among boys there.
The Flyers need a hard-ass, Mike Keenan-type to come in and crack the whip. It’s not a matter of talent, it’s a matter of effort.
I totally agree. But it’s as if Stevens is on the hot seat every season and Snider just gave him the thumbs-up.
Another wasted season?
It could be a wasted season if they stick with Stevens. But the Flyers don’t have to look any futher than Pittsburgh to see what a mid-season coaching change can do for a team. The Pens were floating around (like the Flyers are now) when they ditched Michel Therrien for Dan Bylsma. They went on to win the Cup. This Flyers squad is not as talented as that team. But they have more depth, especially at forward. They need a coach that can instill some discipline, and use the Flyers’ depth to grind other teams down, especially in a 7-game playoff series.
And any new coach needs to come from outside the organization. If anything, the Flyers rely too much on organization “lifers”. They need a guy with a perspective developed elsewhere. Management is stale right now.
Well, what do you know?
http://www.csnphilly.com/pages/landing_09?FIRED-Flyers-Fire-Stevens-as-Head-Coach=1&blockID=99097&feedID=704
What is the deal with Richards?