Are the Flyers Better Without Peter Laviolette?
For starters I know this picture is of Wayne and not Peter, but it was just so badass I couldn't pass it up haha.
This was a tough call for Philly. Peter Laviolette is no joke and the Philadelphia Organization knows this and must of been clawing their eyes out when trying to make this decision and here's why:
The Philadelphia Organization is an old one with a great history of winning teams and whether you love them or hate them you have to agree that they are a staple. The Flyers have an understanding that there is a very real obligation to the people of Philadelphia and financial owners to win. If you aren't winning, you're not going to be a coach much longer in Philly. Very simple fact. Minus One Laviolette.
Starting the seasons not winning every year is not a good way to build confidence. The last two seasons have started with multiple losses; can't have that. Minus One Laviolette.
The Flyers draft picks this year are just okay. Being somebody who played at a high level of hockey and whose father is a hockey coach, I realize there is a gradual climb to the NHL for new draft players. It is extremely difficult to jump off the draft page to the ice, I get that. But, NOT one of the draft choices this year will be influential NOW. This is both the Flyers and Laviolette's fault. PUSH.
Peter Laviolette is a good fucking coach. Lets get some STATS going boys huh? In 11 seasons as a coach (Asst. or Head), Laviolette has had 10 winning season and the one season he didn't was when he took over the job in Carolina. He has finished the season 5 times at 3rd place in the division, 3 times at 2nd in the division and 2 times at 1st in the division. He has been to the playoffs 6 times, twice to the Stanly Cup and won the cup Once (Fucking Blackhawks, I'm a Boston Fan so I can't really talk haha.) Plus One Laviolette.
The players love Laviolette. I have a friend who played for Carolina when they won the cup and he told me that Laviolette is really a players coach. I can totally see that considering Peter played many years mostly in the AHL and a little in the NHL. I mean did anybody watch the Flyers/Rangers HBO 24/7 Series, the guy's a complete badass. The pump up speech he gives is so good YouTube Cutters are using it for their Hockey Inspirational Videos. Plus One Laviolette.
So as you can see the decision that Philly had to make wasn't an easy one. Our final score card is a dead Zero.
BUUUUUUT, hockey is not a game for the weak hearted and only one thing REALLY matters: THE WIN.
Nice knowing ya Pete; see ya buddy!
-Socks
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