Is simmonds going to be a guy that reall consistently leads a play? Or will his goals come from guys like Giroux.

Same goes for Hartnell.

To me they need more star power up front. I think its unfair to expect that from Coots, he seems like a guy who will earn Selke nominations and chip in some offense occasionally.

Guess Im just not really a believe in Brayden Schenn. Or Voracek. Those two would be my main assets when looking at talent for the D.
- flyer_nutter

Couturier has the talent and ability to be a 60-70 point player in this League. And I agree, I would trade B Schenn or Voracek for the right defenseman. Brayden Schenn has yet to play a full NHL Season.

I'm sad to announce the passing of Matt Carle as our former whipping boy. He will be replaced by 21 year old forward, Brayden schenn. May Matt forever smile upon us in the all forgiving and non caring market known as Tampa Bay. His spirit will be with, successor Brayden Schenn who is condemned to wallow in vitriolic criticism and hatred left vacant by Matt. In Clarkie's name Amen.
- JoeRussomanno

Don't our expectations for Schenn need to be higher before he can become a whipping boy?

Are you saying they need a set up guy or people who can score?
- JoeRussomanno

They need a big name up front.

Not a believer in Brayden Schenn or Voracek. As of right now. Thats what this season if for. Evaluating the young kids. We will see.

If the lack of effort persists...

I got a feeling a couple of changes might happen in the next day or two.

Seems to be a bad mix in the forward group.
- FlyerGuy

Im more worried about the turn style known as the flyer blue line. There's a about 4 20 goal scorers up front, they can figure it out. But the blue line can't clear consistently, and gets turned around like a convict submitting to a strip search at the offensive side.

Don't our expectations for Schenn need to be higher before he can become a whipping boy?
- wolfhounds

Higher than Harte trophy?

Im more worried about the turn style known as the flyer blue line. There's a about 4 20 goal scorers up front, they can figure it out. But the blue line can't clear consistently, and gets turned around like a convict submitting to a strip search at the offensive side.
- JoeRussomanno

I'm worried about them as well. But it might be easier to change the makeup of the top 9 than to add a D man who will make a substantial difference.

Im more worried about the turn style known as the flyer blue line. There's a about 4 20 goal scorers up front, they can figure it out. But the blue line can't clear consistently, and gets turned around like a convict submitting to a strip search at the offensive side.
- JoeRussomanno

The blueline and offense are out of synch imo.

No creativity when helping in transition or the offensive zone.

Again, I dont think a guy like Carle is the fix here. They need better.

The blueline and offense are out of synch imo.

No creativity when helping in transition or the offensive zone.

Again, I dont think a guy like Carle is the fix here. They need better.
- flyer_nutter

Carle would certainly help. But they need a more dynamic # 1 defenseman.

I'm worried about them as well. But it might be easier to change the makeup of the top 9 than to add a D man who will make a substantial difference.
- FlyerGuy

I just dont want them making stupid moves for temporary fixes. Dont waste assets.

Make moves in the summer for long term solutions.

They need a big name up front.

Not a believer in Brayden Schenn or Voracek. As of right now. Thats what this season if for. Evaluating the young kids. We will see.

If the lack of effort persists...
- flyer_nutter

Names are nice but teams win games. Look at Washington and Anaheim.

Im more worried about the turn style known as the flyer blue line. There's a about 4 20 goal scorers up front, they can figure it out. But the blue line can't clear consistently, and gets turned around like a convict submitting to a strip search at the offensive side.
- JoeRussomanno

I think for the most part at ES, the Flyers defense has been good. They've given up 5 5 on 5 goals in 7 games.

I'm worried about them as well. But it might be easier to change the makeup of the top 9 than to add a D man who will make a substantial difference.
- FlyerGuy

It will be easier to change the top nine but you're fixing a gunshot wound with a bandaid IMO. I think you address this flat footed defense and the top 9 might get in sync, maybe. But at least you make it a little harder to get of dman rushes on your hot goaltender.

Higher than Harte trophy?
- JoeRussomanno

If you like.

Me, I'd be happy with 15 goals and above average faceoff percentage.

Exactly the reason to not waste my time. There is really a strong Nodl Syndrome of overhyping certain players just because they play for your favourite team.

I'm sure Nodl Syndrome could be explained by dark side.
- flyer_nutter

I think the affinity for Nodl is overstated. Fans of Matt Read are kind of facing the same misunderstanding. These players are exactly what they are, in the case of Nodl you had a cap friendly, defensively responsible forward. In Read you have a cap friendly two way player, with a decent offensive punch. What makes some fans so enamored with them is that their ability to move up and down the line-up for little on the cap gives flexibility.

I think for the most part at ES, the Flyers defense has been good. They've given up 5 5 on 5 goals in 7 games.
- MJL

They need a true pp qb. They can't keep giving up break always on a power play this is getting comical to watch.

If you like.

Me, I'd be happy with 15 goals and above average faceoff percentage.
- wolfhounds

I'm sure he'll be exceeding that next season. I'd say this year he gets 7 or 8

I think the affinity for Nodl is overstated. Fans of Matt Read are kind of facing the same misunderstanding. These players are exactly what they are, in the case of Nodl you had a cap friendly, defensively responsible forward. In Read you have a cap friendly two way player, with a decent offensive punch. What makes some fans so enamored with them is that their ability to move up and down the line-up for little on the cap gives flexibility.
- BulliesPhan87

One of the biggest problems is the lack of understanding of what potential means. It's not a guarantee. It means that is the upside of a player. They don't always get there obviously. Injuries, and other reasons sometimes get in the way. Players sometimes just fall short of expectations.

I just dont want them making stupid moves for temporary fixes. Dont waste assets.

Make moves in the summer for long term solutions.
- flyer_nutter

Can almost completely agree, ill just add that if a sensible move can be made now why not? Always try to improve under the right circumstances.

They need a true pp qb. They can't keep giving up break always on a power play this is getting comical to watch.
- JoeRussomanno

That was just plain comical. They're just so out of sync. And they struggling to make plays to the point of making brutal mistakes. They're thinking the game instead of just letting it flow. I think this team is much better then this.

One of the biggest problems is the lack of understanding of what potential means. It's not a guarantee. It means that is the upside of a player. They don't always get there obviously. Injuries, and other reasons sometimes get in the way. Players sometimes just fall short of expectations.
- MJL

In the mean time, though, a player like Nodl was totally worth his value on the cap, even if he didn't pan out. He wasn't anything special in the grand scheme of things, but every little bit helps. Somebody has to do the yeoman's work, right?

In the mean time, though, a player like Nodl was totally worth his value on the cap, even if he didn't pan out. He wasn't anything special in the grand scheme of things, but every little bit helps. Somebody has to do the yeoman's work, right?
- BulliesPhan87

No question about it. Two players were mentioned earlier and it was stated that they should be out. Knuble and Fedetenko. Why? They're the foot soldiers and the grunts that every team needs. I know I'd rather have them out there blocking shots on the PK then Giroux.

That was just plain comical. They're just so out of sync. And they struggling to make plays to the point of making brutal mistakes. They're thinking the game instead of just letting it flow. I think this team is much better then this.
- MJL

I agree that they're not playing to ability but, I think it's a mistake to put voracek on the point. Need a legit qb there. Doing so might catalyze this group. Not having meszaros, losing Carle and an aging Timmonen has caught up with them. Teams go through slumps too, think we all remember 09-10. That was a team with a healthy Pronger. I had to follow by radio early in that season but I Rember a bad slump then too. Samething fire the coach, execute this guy, sacrifice that guy. Yea a coaching change happened but it didn't turn them around right away. This is a younger team too. If I'm homer make a move for someone to qb that pp maybe another pk specialist but don't go crazy.

No question about it. Two players were mentioned earlier and it was stated that they should be out. Knuble and Fedetenko. Why? They're the foot soldiers and the grunts that every team needs. I know I'd rather have them out there blocking shots on the PK then Giroux.
- MJL

Definitely. Looked at another way, I'd rather sign those players for short term deals than trade for a player of equal or only slightly better value.

No question about it. Two players were mentioned earlier and it was stated that they should be out. Knuble and Fedetenko. Why? They're the foot soldiers and the grunts that every team needs. I know I'd rather have them out there blocking shots on the PK then Giroux.
- MJL

For one reason.

Because there are players out there, on a lot of teams that are better. Certain players are better than others.

Thats the Nodl syndrome. Sure he may be decent. Yet in the grand scheme of the whole league, there are far too many that are better.

I agree that they're not playing to ability but, I think it's a mistake to put voracek on the point. Need a legit qb there. Doing so might catalyze this group. Not having meszaros, losing Carle and an aging Timmonen has caught up with them. Teams go through slumps too, think we all remember 09-10. That was a team with a healthy Pronger. I had to follow by radio early in that season but I Rember a bad slump then too. Samething fire the coach, execute this guy, sacrifice that guy. Yea a coaching change happened but it didn't turn them around right away. This is a younger team too. If I'm homer make a move for someone to qb that pp maybe another pk specialist but don't go crazy.
- JoeRussomanno

There are no Betts-Lappy on this team right now any way you slice it.