What Has Happened To The Once Proud Philadelphia Flyers?

The Philadelphia Flyers, a once proud organization known for their hard hitting blue collar work ethic have become victims of "the new NHL". Once known as the Broadstreet Bullies, the Flyers are a shadow of their former image. Hosting a team comprised of young prospects, veterans who are well past their prime and a coach not ready for the NHL the Flyers have their work cut out for them this season. John Stevens over the course of the season has proven that he should not be coaching in the NHL. From the idiotic benching of Lasse Kukkonen to the excessive playing of Jim Vandermeer this coach has shown he has no idea what he is doing behind that bench. As a long time Flyers fan I am calling for the resignation of John Stevens. Save face and go back to the AHL before you get fired John. Lasse Kukkonen is a very important key to our defence and will always be a better player then Randy Jones and Jim Vandermeer. The only bright side of Stevens being in the big leagues has been the great strides Mike Richards has made. Richards came out of the gates swinging this season. He made such an impression that the team signed him to a 12 year deal. Clearly this man has potential and I am almost certain he will be the captain sooner then later. But how much of a hand in Mike's progress is due to Stevens? I'm not completely sold on the idea that John Stevens made Mike Richards, and until Mike says that it was John who made his career I never will believe it was Stevens.

The team has other problems then Stevens. They have a major problem on defence with a logjam of talent and a few too many under producing over paid has beens. Hatcher who is a former captain has been having knee problems which is where the problems begin. The team is only as strong as its weakest link and an injured Hatcher certainly isn't something I want on the ice. If he is in pain scratch him from play! Randy Jones is nothing more then a 7th defenceman, play him as such and let him ride the pine. Jason Smith made his name in Edmonton and has brought over a great deal of leadership and grit. However he seems to have left his skill in Edmonton. If the Flyers get any offers on Smith before the deadline I hope to God that they make a move. Ryan Parent needs to stay on this team in order to develop into the stud defenceman we all know he will be. Alex Picard is rotting in the AHL which is nothing shy of retarded due to the fact that we have VERY few offensive defenceman on the pro team. Why keep one of your only offensive dmen in then minors? Come on bring him up already!!

Luckily our offence is amazing this season, Lupul has really turned it around, unfortunately however he seems to be getting hurt a lot this season. Gagne is toast for the rest of the year due to concussions and I wish him the best. Richards has become an absolute stud, a new age Bob Clarke. Steve Downie has arrived and brought the controversy with him indeed. Jeff Carter still has his wicked wrist shot. Danny Briere is the same guy we got to know in Buffalo, hes a very talented guy who absolutely disappears in clutch moments and should not be counted on for the playoffs. Knuble is still making a living smacking home the ever important garbage goals ala John LeClair. The only thing missing up front is a real enforcer, a man that teams will fear. Riley Cote does not instill fear, in fact he tends to get beat up on a nightly basis. It is a shame Derek Boogard could not be had earlier in the season. Hopefully a new enforcer is brought in for next season when the team will make a real effort at going into the playoffs.