There’s no need to eulogize this Flyers season. They overachieved, made it into the playoffs, and got completely outclassed by the best team in hockey. The fact that the series went six games, and nearly even seven, is incredible. Credit to Dave Hakstol for finding a way to keep the Capitals’ firepower harnessed mostly to outside shots and clear shooting lanes, allowing the Flyers to stay in every game except for Game 3.

But it was obvious that the Flyers are exactly one offensive scoring line – a second line – and a few defenders away from being a great team. I’ve said it all year, and had to “hear it” from Type OBs when they surged for a month, but the fact is you can’t have guys like Michael Raffl, Sam Gagner and Matt Read counted on as scoring output. The lack of scoring depth makes the first-line talent – Claude Giroux, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek – too easy to stop. The juxtaposition between the Flyers and Capitals was most clear yesterday when, at one end of the ice, Alex Ovechkin let loose a blistering snap shot that nearly handcuffed Michal Neuvirth – the same shot that did handcuff Steve Mason earlier in the series – and, at the other, Read muffed an easy cross-ice one-time opportunity. Sure, it might be unfair to compare Read to maybe the best scorer on the planet, but when he (Read) is one of the guys on whom you’re counting to convert your limited scoring chances – on the power play, along with Ryan White, Nick Cousins, Sam Ganger and Mark Streit – it’s reasonable to acknowledge just how wide the chasm is between the Flyers’ scoring lines and those of a great hockey team. The Capitals’ talent level is the target for which the Flyers need to aim in rebuilding. They’re headed in the right direction– they just have a little way to go yet.

Let’s hit it!

 

But first, a word from our sponsors:

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Surveys. Don’t like them? Now you can subscribe to disable surveys and receive great discounts to local businesses. More details here.

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Bang. Bang shirts are now (mostly) in-stock after our printer screwed up our second run. If you order a medium or large, yours may take about a week as we’re doing yet another run. Get one.

More. Already have all of our shirts? Check out Philly Phaithful.

Franco

Mortgage. That there is Franco D’Angelo, and he is the best mortgage guy around. If you’re even thinking about buying a house, or wondering if you can, give Franco a call and get a free screening and quote. I’ve worked with him on two mortgages now, and he’s guided me through what can be a confusing process, especially if you’re self-employed. His job is to find you a mortgage and a great rate. If you’re even thinking about buying, give him a call to see what you can afford. Good dude– Philly sports fan. Well, three out of four at least.

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Search. I was somewhat surprised when results of our reader survey last year revealed a non-insignifcant number of you made over $150k per year, and some even claimed to earn over $250k per year. That helps to explain this next plug: Corbett Search is an extremely niche, tech-enabled, process-driven, next generation retained search firm that exclusively handles VP of Sales, Chief Revenue Officer, sales-driven CEO, and individual sales exec searches for high growth organizations and the Venture Capital and Private Equity firms who believe in them. So if you’re a decision-maker looking for top talent, it’s worth checking out Corbett Search to fill your need. Good guys, too (with Malvern connections, I might add). CorbettSearch.com.

Amazon. Shop on Amazon? Use our link and support your favorite website.

 

The roundup:

You might be OK here:

 

Here’s an ABSURD Brian Dawkins tattoo to get you ready for draft week:

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My friend Steve ran into this guy in Seattle at a bar watching the Flyers game. Needless to say, the Flyers shirt covering a Dawkins tat in the Pacific Northwest is keeping up the national Philly sports image… for better or worse.

 

Hey, watch Alex Ovechkin knee Shayne Gostisbehere:

 

Peter King on the Eagles trade in his MMQB.

 

Les Bowen tells Sam Bradford to suck it up. I agree. The league wasn’t exactly all up on Sam’s shit this offseason.

 

Steph Curry spraining his knee sucks.

 

Draymond Green blasts reporter asking dumb question about Houston flood:

 

Here’s an NFL.com article – BROUGHT TO YOU BY JAGUAR – about the next generation of NFL coaches who use advanced analytics and endless data. Huh, weird, no mention of Chip Kelly, the guy who pioneered it at this level.

 

NY Post warns Live with Kelly fill-in host Erin Andrews that Michael Strahan, who recently announced he’s leaving the show because white women across America love him, may have once spied on his sister-in-law. I don’t get the Strahan thing– he’s fine on TV, but his ascendence is nearly unheard of and every story that comes out about his personal life just makes him seem like more of a creep. But, he’s not the first person to realize that a disarming smile – LOOK I HAVE A GAP IN MY TEETH, I’M FRIENDLY AND APPROACHABLE THROUGH YOUR TV! – can win over stay-at-home moms and earn you millions.

 

Dario Saric is coming.

 

Johnny Manziel has been indicted.

 

Gannett (USA Today and owner of advertising network we use) offers to buy Tribune Company (LA Times, Chicago Tribune). This will lead to lots of journalist handwringing on Twitter.

 

Politics are dangerous.

 

Talking about politicians ordering cheesesteaks during campaigns got Ed Rendell some print time for some reason.

 

Philly Pretzel Factory is celebrating National Preztel Day by scaring the hunger right out of you:

Factory

 

Podcast:

We have a new episode in the hopper. I just need to edit it and post. Still.

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