Was Saturday's contest against the Senators perhaps Berube's last game as the Flyers bench boss? In all fairness "Chief" was never given a fair shake with the talent that was handed to him this season. We are all aware that Paul Holmgren has put a stranglehold on the Flyers for years to come, but that's a whole other rant for another day. We're here to talk about Berube today. Yes Berube was given a mediocre roster to deploy this season and even the best of coaches would've had a tough time trying to make these players look adequate. However with that said, the choices Berube did make often left fans and writers alike scratching their heads. Most notably the handling of Matt Read's severe high ankle sprain for the first two months of the season, the scratching of everyone but our beloved R.J. Umberger who didn't even look like he belonged in an AHL lineup, the scratching of Lecavailer over players like Rinaldo & Umberger, as well as the complete misusing of the 2nd power play unit all season long. Now I could go on for days about the things Chief did that drove me crazy all year but I think you get the idea. The bottom line is it's time for the Flyers and Chief to part ways, to bring in a new voice and have these players get a fresh start with a new coaching staff. If not well have a new season next year to continue scratching our heads at the choices the "Chief" makes. |
1. The emergence of Jake Voracek as an elite player:
This is by far the best thing that has come from this season. Jake is now one of the best hockey players in the world and we have him on our team, fun stuff. Jake has always been loved by Flyers fans since he's arrived here from the Jeff Carter trade but this season he is now the apple in all the fans eyes. Jake very well might have supplanted Giroux as the teams fan favorite. Everything about the guy is amazing; his personality, his passion, and the countless stories of how he's helped sick children have the day of their lives this season, it's really hard not to love this guy. We are lucky to get to watch a person of Jake's talent play hockey in what hopefully will be a very long Flyers career.
2. The emergence of Steve Mason as an elite goalie:
Despite what Mike Milbury says the Flyers have finally answered the dreaded number 1 goalie controversy that has been going on for decades. Mason had a terrific season and had it not been for him the Flyers might've had a legitimate shot to finish as one of the worst teams in the league this year. The only knock on Mason is he seems to be injury prone. Now whether it was him being rushed back to early from injuries and being misused by Berube is another question. However it would be nice to see Mason stay healthy and play a 60 game season in net.
3. The defensive prospects are now another year older:
This might perhaps be the best thing from this season. Ghost, Sanhiem, and Morin are now all one year older and closer to being in Flyers jerseys than they were a year ago. Yes it sucks big time that Ghost had to tear his ACL and lose a whole year of pro experience, but that shouldn't hinder his progress all too much. He's the oldest of the D prospects and at least knows what the pro game is all about. With a good summer (and hopefully some openings from trades, I'm looking at you Schenn & Grossmann) Ghost has a solid shot to make the team out of camp or at least be with the Flyers by mid-season. As for Morin he'll finally be able to turn pro as his junior career wraps up. He was really close to making the team this year and probably would have if the Flyers didn't have as many veteran defensemen under contract in his way. With that said Morin plays with a tenacity and skill to go along with his 6'7 frame. I have a good feeling we're going to love seeing this kid play defense for the next decade. Lastly, the numbers Sanhiem has put up this year after being drafted 17th overall by the Flyers last June have been music to the ears of all Flyers fans. Sanhiem put up 65 points in 67 games this year which is not too shabby. Oh yeah, and the kids 6 foot 3 and sees the ice like Giroux with nifty passes and a patience you don't normally see out of an 18 year old. Out of all the defensive prospects he looks like he has all the tools to be that legit number 1 dman the Flyers desperately need. The only problem is he is still so young and with Hextall preaching patience they might let Sanhiem take his good old time before making it to the NHL. However he is so talented that he might not give the Flyers brass the option of sending him back to juniors next year if he shines at camp this fall.
- Stay up to date with the Flyers this summer with Broad Street Sports! We will be breaking down the team and producing a series of player profiles as evaluate the Flyers roster and suggest changes that might be coming.
- Even thought the Flyers aren't in, I myself can't wait to watch playoff hockey for the next two months, by far the best time of the year. First games start this Wednesday night.