20+ minutes for a 37 yr old coming off assorted injuries sounds like a wonderful plan.
- PLindbergh31

As long as his PK minutes are limited, there is no reason whatsoever he can't play 20 minutes a night. This team can do two things. One is simply take less penalties. Second, mix in other players. They will now have Grossmann, for a full Season, which they didn't have last year. And also L. Schenn. Both can play some of those hard PK minutes, and takes some of that load off of Timonen.

I'd probably platoon him with Coburn.
- bradleyc4

neither of them can hit left-handed pitching.

mez was third amongst all dmen last year in even strength points per 60. if he can find a way to harness that shot a little more, he could really put up good numbers--10 goals, 40 points if he has a big power play year.
- OrangeBlack27

I agree. There is no doubt in my mind that he has that ability.

mez was third amongst all dmen last year in even strength points per 60. if he can find a way to harness that shot a little more, he could really put up good numbers--10 goals, 40 points if he has a big power play year.
- OrangeBlack27

Poor man's Weber Yay or Nay?

As long as his PK minutes are limited, there is no reason whatsoever he can't play 20 minutes a night. This team can do two things. One is simply take less penalties. Second, mix in other players. They will now have Grossmann, for a full Season, which they didn't have last year. And also L. Schenn. Both can play some of those hard PK minutes, and takes some of that load off of Timonen.
- MJL

Of course his PK minutes should be limited early in the year, goes without saying. That being said if the Flyers take a boatload of penalties as per usual, and his PK minutes are limited, it's going to be hard for him to play 20+ mins at ES/PP.

I agree. There is no doubt in my mind that he has that ability.
- MJL

minutes-wise, i think it should be coby then mez this year. mez hasn't been given much opportunity the last couple years playing with o'donnell and lilja, against so-so competition. he was awesome the second half of 2011 and i think we could see more of that if he's given the minutes and a decent partner.

Poor man's Weber Yay or Nay?
- JoeRussomanno

lol that's not fair.

I am convinced that next years success (and Bryz) will be directly correlated to the health of the defense...

I think Homer was right - Weber would have put them over the top, but the defense is good.
- leon neon

good job LN

Big thing is, if (and more like) when an injury occurs to a top 4 defenseman (especially Kimmo or Mez) and they start to struggle, will Homer just bite the bullet and ride things out with a patchwork of Lilja, Gusty, Gervais, and MAB getting front line minutes or...

will he trade promising young forwards and/or top picks for some veteran puck moving type D man?

I hope he keeps the core intact, and keeps all the first rounders even if they have to struggle a bit next season.

lol that's not fair.
- OrangeBlack27

I'll take that as a hmmay

neither of them can hit left-handed pitching.
- OrangeBlack27

Poor man's Weber Yay or Nay?
- JoeRussomanno

yay

mez was third amongst all dmen last year in even strength points per 60. if he can find a way to harness that shot a little more, he could really put up good numbers--10 goals, 40 points if he has a big power play year.
- OrangeBlack27

Of course his PK minutes should be limited early in the year, goes without saying. That being said if the Flyers take a boatload of penalties as per usual, and his PK minutes are limited, it's going to be hard for him to play 20+ mins at ES/PP.
- PLindbergh31

Not really, he averaged about 18 minutes a game in combined ES/PP time last year. His ES icetime was easily the lowest among the regular defenseman. remove some of those hard PK minutes and add some ES time more in line with the other defenseman.

Nicely stated. Have to figure the Flyers are in for some good fortune on the injury front, however we have been figuring that for the last 5 years.
- PLindbergh31

We'll struggle through the year OK... But another year, adds more stress to Timmo's back and body. Without a pure #1 guy like Pronger was or Weber would have been... Timmo minutes are high, he's bound to wear down in the playoff (assuming we make it). Not to say his mind and heart won't be pumping 110%, but his body just won't do it.

Hopefully, they will cruise into the playoffs and they can give Timmo some rest prior. I assume Homer will be on the hunt for a #1 guy. Maybe pull in an UFA for 2013 at the trade deadline and hope to sign him long term.

Poor man's Weber Yay or Nay?
- JoeRussomanno

better smile

good job LN

Big thing is, if (and more like) when an injury occurs to a top 4 defenseman (especially Kimmo or Mez) and they start to struggle, will Homer just bite the bullet and ride things out with a patchwork of Lilja, Gusty, Gervais, and MAB getting front line minutes or...

will he trade promising young forwards and/or top picks for some veteran puck moving type D man?

I hope he keeps the core intact, and keeps all the first rounders even if they have to struggle a bit next season.
- Marc D

See my previous post... Yes, I think they will fill the role from within - if it's early in the season. As we approach the trade deadline - and non-playoff team look at their UFA defenseman... That's when a trade will come to play. Hopefully, since it may be "rental", we won't need to trade active players.

yay
- Marc D

More like a homeless man's Weber.

More like a homeless man's Weber.
- PLindbergh31

Poormen are homeless sometimes so that is going in the books as a yay

better smile
- Don'tForgetTocchet

go on...

better smile
- Don'tForgetTocchet

lesser playoff beard

So me 2 pieces of the speculated Ryan trade have been deemed healthy. Hmmm...

More like a homeless man's Weber.
- PLindbergh31

most of the homeless are mentally ill these days

most of the homeless are mentally ill these days

- Marc D

I still have a house

Poormen are homeless sometimes so that is going in the books as a yay
- JoeRussomanno

go on...
- JoeRussomanno

don't get me started