Can These Guys Be Saved From Themselves?

In case you missed it (Christ, after a six month sabbatical I am still subliminally starting my hockey posts this way), the Flyers put Coach John Stevens down this past Friday. Much like a family dog, it was better to put him down then let the suffering continue. Sure, he might have pulled through it, but the Flyers acted at the right time.

Quite simply, Coach Stevens needed to go. After three years of watching him coach, I still can't tell you what his strategy he wanted the team implement out on the ice. Overall, he certainly didn't seem like a master technician. Frankly, he seemed to get the head job because the young guys on the team responded to him. However, it was becoming real obvious that the team was starting to tune him out. The young guys were way too streaky and the team usually followed their lead. A stronger voice in the room was needed to motivate Carter, Richards, Hartnell, etc. and I commend Homer for making the right call before it was too late. It was also nice to see someone from outside the or-gan-EYE-za-SHUN brought in to coach instead of some retread Homer/Clarkie/Snider were familiar with.

While the Peter Laviolette era did not get off to the quickest start, I really think he will be the type of voice the young guys need to hear. Which also leads to the question, where do the Flyers go from here? As evidenced by last night's victory, the team is salvageable. They are only three points out of a playoff spot with a couple games in hand. Despite the recent injury to our starting goalie, this team has the talent to be a factor this year. They just need a kick in the ass to properly focus themselves. Hopefully, Laviolette can get the Old City Crew of Richards, Carter, Hartnell, Giroux, etc., more focused on hockey and less focused on where the next party will be held. If he can do that and the Flyers get halfway decent goal tending, I like their chances to be a contender this Spring.