Since "two playoffs ago" isn't really an exact statement, I thought you meant two Flyers-playoffs.
And my point is that they aren't that different, which I previously stated. (13 out of 18 skaters are left, only 3 notable missing, with #9, #40 and #32 replacing them).
This team had success and showed that, at the very least, can be a solid playoff team the way it is put together. Hence all the hate towards Homer is a little stupid.
Sorry, meant the "after the changes after the 2011 playoffs. (Richards and Carter trades)
So your point is?
Because the group from two years ago is basically the same we have right now, but people will still say Homer is the worst GM in history for putting this years team together.
You are right there.
But since this group isn't different regarding players on the roster, what changed?
It is a different group. Jagr, Briere and JVR were all top 6 forwards and Carle was a top 4 defenseman, let alone the character and leadership those guys brought to the team. The top six is completely different now and guys are clearing having issues developing chemistry together. This was a problem even last year. Hartnell, Giroux and Voracek scored a lot of their points in the powerplay; they were nothing special at even strength.
And, let me be clear, I have never been a Holmgren supporter, nor a Holmgren hater. I think he has made some shrewd moves during his tenure and I also have been critical of others. We, as a fan base, have blamed everyone associated with the organization for the current direction of the club. Holmgren and the management group do deserve some of that blame; the team looks good on paper, but that hasn't translated to the on-ice product. The Flyers have spent too much money on defense and some of the young guys (notably Schenn and Simmonds) haven't quite fit into the top 6 yet as originally planned.
It also helps when your leaders are your best players and Hartnell and Timonen have struggled this year... and Talbot and Briere have been moved. As for the new blood, Vinny and Streit are noted leaders from their previous teams, but it will take time for them to fit in with the rest of the team and for the team to accept them as leaders.
Edit: my biggest gripe with Holmgren this year is allowing Lavi a short leash to start the season. Given the clear lack of confidence Holmgren had in Lavi, Lavi should have been fired in the off-season, especially since their was a lot of coaching changes in the summer. I'm willing to be patient with Berube, but his lack of experience does concern me.