The Flyers, Nothing Has Changed

Back in October I laid out what I thought was the main problem with the Philadelphia Flyers (The Real Problem with the Flyers Family). Essentially the problem is that Ed Snider, the team's founder and President, values loyalty over hockey expertise. This has not changed since General Manager Bobby Clarke resigned and Head Coach Ken Hitchcock was fired in October.

The Flyers are last in the Eastern Conference but that has not stopped the team from giving new head coach John Stevens a two year contract. I mean after-all he is doing such a good job, isn't he? (Yes, that's sarcasm.)

As I predicted, the interim has been dropped from Paul Holmgren's general manager title. Holmgren was assistant general manager under Bobby Clarke.

It was just announced this week that Bobby Clarke is now the Senior Vice President of the Flyers (a newly created position). His duties will be to help evaluate and scout young talent. I also predicted that the team would find a position for Clarke.

Ken Hitchcock scouted for the Flyers for a short time before accepting the head coach position with the Columbus Blue Jackets. I also speculated that Hitch would win a Stanley Cup elsewhere before the Flyers do. This prediction will require more time to see if I am correct.

It is getting cold here in Philadelphia, so Ed Snider quickly wrapped up business. In a few short days he announced that the Sixers are no longer for sale, Paul Holmgren is the Flyers general manager (no interim about it), John Stevens has a two year contract, and Bobby Clarke is now Senior Vice President. Mister Snider will now winter in southern California. I hear Christmas in Cali is nice. Mister Snider really puts a lot of time, thought and effort into the hockey team, doesn't he? (That's right, more sarcasm.)

A fish rots from the head down, the Flyers are still rotting . . .

Update

Checking Up On Hitchcock and Stevens (Dec. 22, 2006)