Nov 7

Written by: PaulySore
11/7/2008 12:51 PM

Another game down and the Flyers are literally on their backsides.  Having started the seaon on a losing streak, the Flyers came back with a solid winning streak even while play questionable defense.  Well the losing is back considering last nights lackluster performance against Ottawa.  Here is my take on what is wrong with our team on ice:

• Team defense: too many times I see opponents driving deep into our defensive zone with the Flyers forwards lagging behind in a mad dash to catch up.  This out of position play is giving the opposition too many high percentage shots on the overwhelmed goalies.
• Too much offensive passing:  Will this team ever learn to shoot the puck?  In games last year, this team would pepper the opposing goalie with endless shots for different angles and crash the net for the rebound opportunities.  Past Flyers teams have used this approach to great success when they had that one large forward sitting in front of the net ready to pound a rebound past the goalie.  Tim Kerr or John LeClair anyone?  It seems this team had only one player, Mike Knuble, who is willing to stand in front and take the pounding.  This has to change for this year's group to get anywhere.
• Captain: I'll probably take some heat on this one but I'm not quite convinced that Mike Richards is ready to be captain.  How many more games will it take for him to get this group's butt in gear?  I like Mike and certainly feel he's a vital part of the team but I'm not convinced he has full control of the team like other captains in the past have, most notably Keith Primeau.  I sure hope he starts getting in some people's faces soon as this season could easily slip away.
• Face-offs:  In the bottom five in face-offs this season so far and in desperation mode to the point of bringing back our aging hero, Bob Clarke.  I'm also quite curious on how these professional players can get to a point where they have to take coaching from a legend to handle such a simple action as a face-off?  This is quite telling of the existing coaching staff and their approach.  What next?  Putting the sweater on Chief so he can go a few rounds with Cote?  You know, perhaps not a bad idea since Cote seems to get his ass kicked more than kicking ass.

I know the season is early but I already have concerns about this team and am hoping they are addressed soon.

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