The Philadelphia Flyers are fresh off their Eastern Conference Semi-Finals loss to the New Jersey Devils. We can be sure that many Fly-boys sought advice from their moms, or those who play that role in their lives, about what to do this summer in order to prepare for next season. So, let's look at what some of them probably heard from their moms on Mother's Day.
As we do so, let's have all hockey fans keep their serious side in check. Keeping a sense of humor in mind at a time like this is a good way to look at the world. Plus, remember what your mother told you about how you should behave when she's not keeping an eye on you. Behave yourself now boys and girls.
Paul Holmgren
Now 'Homer', you know that Peter needs more defensive-minded forwards to go along with all of those scorers that you brought to town last summer.
Those two youngsters, Sean Couturier and Matt Read, were good boys at both ends of the ice and Max Talbot kept his Pittsburgh Penguins days in mind. But, you need to add two, or three forwards who like spending time along the boards and near their goaltender.
Peter Laviolette
Peter, you won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes and took the Flyers to the Final against the Chicago Blackhawks two years ago.
Despite all of the injuries that you had to deal with this season, you were still able to get your team into the second round of the playoffs. Everyone knows that you did a good job and will probably have a deeper group to work with next year. Plus, that 'interesting' boy who plays goal for you will probably be ready for the 'Philadelphia experience' next time around.
Remember to keep in mind that Ed Snider has spent a lot of money on his team and wants that third Cup very badly. So, if his team comes up too short next year, you and your family can always move back in with me if you need to.
Ilya Bryzgalov
I don't know how many times I told you to not talk so much when you were a boy. You know very well how much time you spent in the principal's office at school because you always said too much while you were trying to impress the girls.
After you finish those nice summer hockey camps that you put on for the kids, go back to Voorhees, New Jersey before training camp opens and work hard. You need to prove to everyone that you are taking your job seriously.
Make sure that you improve your stick handling. Plus, you better spend more time studying those digital recordings before every game, so that you know what the boys on those other teams are doing against other goalies.
One more thing. Cancel that subscription to HBO. You don't need to pay for that after what you let them do to you.
Chris Pronger
Chris, you had a great career. Hockey is a young man's game. I want you to be healthy until you are well past my age. So, please don't ever step on that ice again.
The Flyers are going to pay you for the next five years and don't want you to announce your retirement because of salary cap reasons until then. So, just let them put you on long-term injured reserve indefinitely.
Coaching would be a great way to reconnect with the sport if you can regain your full health someday.
Sean O'Brien is based in the Philadelphia region. He has written professionally for over two decades and is currently a Featured Contributor for Yahoo! You can follow him on Twitter @SeanyOB and also read his daily Sports Blog: Insight.
More from this author and the Yahoo Contributor Network:
The Philadelphia Flyers five greatest warriors
Philadelphia Flyers forward Jaromir Jagr talks hockey: Interview
The Voice of Philadelphia Flyers Great Gene Hart Still Resonates
What These Six Philadelphia Flyers Greats All Have in Common
The mystery behind these 1970s Topps hockey cards is revealed
