Reality Check Flyer Fans

It’s not really that great of a day for Philadelphia Flyer fans coming off of a really close game with the Pittsburgh Penguins last night. Starting off the first period both teams came out fast and furious, buzzing around the ice and finished the period with 0-0 on the score board, a scoreless game.  But as the periods wore on, the players wore out and we could see the lag in their game come second period.  Flyers team captain Claude Giroux had the first goal of the game, coming in the second period and the Pittsburgh Penguins did not answer that goal until the third period. Team Captain for the Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby tucked one into the back of the net during a 5-on-3 power play late in regulation.  In over time Kennedy wristed a shot past goal tender Ilya Bryzgalov and made the final score during OT sealing the win for the Pittsburgh Penguin. Unfortunately for this Flyer fan, the Penguins continue on their 11- game winning streak.  

Although the Flyers have been very inconsistent, winning this game was one of their last chances to possibly redeem the season, as they were only 5 points away from being in the playoffs. But, as the division grows wider with each loss, it seems as if those dreams are now out of reach for this team, who fumbles opportunity in crucial moments of their game.  

As it stands, the Philadelphia Flyers have fallen to 13^th place, with the Tampa Bay Lightning on their heels in 14^th place, only separated by 1 point. The Tampa Bay Lightning, a team the Flyers just lost to a week ago. It does not seem promising for the Flyers in their next match up on Tuesday against the New York Rangers, who are ranked 8^th in the Eastern Conference. The last time these two teams faced off in Madison Square gardens just two weeks ago, the Flyers were hitting their all time low point at 5 straight loses with that game being their 6^th. They demonstrated bad line changes and poor defense transitions which ultimately cost them the game. 

The question remains, how can this team redeem the season or at least finish the season with dignity? Maybe the Flyers GM should take a note from the Tampa Bay Lightning GM who fired their coach yesterday after General Manager Steve Yzerman commented that he was not satisfied with the direction they were heading. That direction was not toward the playoffs for a second straight year. Last Monday prior to their 6 day break, the Fans were calling for a new coach. Peter Laviolette was able to bring the Flyers back from a 3-0 series deficit in the 2009-2010 season after replacing Coach John Stevens December 4, 2009. And, on May 24, 2010 he led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup finals against the Chicago Blackhawks, where after six games the Blackhawks took home the Stanley Cup. But has Laviolette lost his touch with the Flyers since then? Laviolette has been a fan favorite with his fiery temper and preference for intense play on the ice but the fans also like to win… now that he is on the hot seat with fans, could he also be on the hot seat with the GM? 

Coach Laviolette, you need to start coaching with some jam. – Philadelphia Flyer Fans