Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: The Schenns, Five-on-Five Play

During his abbreviated stint on the top line, Schenn did not look fast or creative enough to keep up with Giroux.

Good call, Bill.

Was kinda surprised how over matched Schenn looked on that line. Still think Brayden is going to be a really good hockey player. He might be one of those guys that absolutely has to play center to be effective.

Don't panic.... yet.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: The Schenns, Five-on-Five Play
- bmeltzer

greetings, what D men do you see Homer trading for? if the flyers could play every game like they did against the Panthers. Bryz, L Schenn and Simmonds have been the best flyers so far

greetings, what D men do you see Homer trading for?
- vejim

Yandle.

Another good write-up, Bill! People were so quick to jump on Luke after the first couple games, but he just needed time to settle in, and get the "Toronto mentality" out of his head... especially with a short pre-season and camp. But I love the way he is progressing.

And what you said about the D regarding 5 on 5 play is the exact thing I've been saying to people I talk to. They really aren't looking that bad defensively, especially with the way Bryz is playing. But the lack of offensive support is what is killing them. People keep talking about trading/signing a top D-man... which, sure, would be nice. But that isn't the major issue right now (surprisingly). The issue is the lack of offense.

Yandle.
- Rocktane

That would be amazingly nice.. but I don't see it happening. I don't know if Phoenix would trade him for the "right price"... even if that price involved Couturier and picks as the center piece. It would be nice to pry him at a steal though!

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: The Schenns, Five-on-Five Play
- bmeltzer

I have been more concerned about Voracek than Schenn. Schenn has the excuse of being young and inexperienced. Voracek is young, but he's been in the league for a few years and seems to be deep in his funk.

I do find myself questioning a lot of Laviolette's decisions, in terms of line juggling, but understand there's been a lot of guys not playing well enough to justify a 1st line forward role. That said, there's been little stability that isn't being forced by injury or level of play.

On the Schenns: Luke's at the point of his career where he'll either start to blossom or bust and, so far, he looks like he is starting to blossom. Brayden is less further along developmentally, so we'll still see his growing pains more often than we'd like.

On the defense: I agree with Bill and I've said this before, this D corps is better at clearing the front of the net then they were last year. I think this is directly related to Bryzgalov's stellar play and calm demeanor (along with some other factors). The offense will come. Patience.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: The Schenns, Five-on-Five Play
- bmeltzer

Danny is about to pop off some goals. Hopefully that will spark others.

That would be amazingly nice.. but I don't see it happening. I don't know if Phoenix would trade him for the "right price"... even if that price involved Couturier and picks as the center piece. It would be nice to pry him at a steal though!
- WarriorHockey21

If Phoenix keeps up their poor play, Yandle will be a definite option. But I agree with you, I think they'll be asking for more than the Flyers would be willing to offer. I would consider a package based around B. Schenn though before the deadline or in the offseason.

Is it just me or does anyone else like Read on the top line? It increases his value tremendously and yeah he's prone to disappear at times but I've found him more dominant in that spot than Brayden was. I hope they continue to reward him for his hard work and leave him there. Although I do hope that his so-so effort in the last Rangers game gets turned around...

they need to bring Clarke in to teach the centers how to win a faceoff

Danny is about to pop off some goals. Hopefully that will spark others.
- bradleyc4

Hell friggin YEAH!

Is it just me or does anyone else like Read on the top line? It increases his value tremendously and yeah he's prone to disappear at times but I've found him more dominant in that spot than Brayden was. I hope they continue to reward him for his hard work and leave him there. Although I do hope that his so-so effort in the last Rangers game gets turned around...
- FlyersGrace

Read's a great option if Giroux plays like Giroux. Read needs guys around him to perform at his highest level and Giroux fits that bill.

I have been more concerned about Voracek than Schenn. Schenn has the excuse of being young and inexperienced. Voracek is young, but he's been in the league for a few years and seems to be deep in his funk.

I do find myself questioning a lot of Laviolette's decisions, in terms of line juggling, but understand there's been a lot of guys not playing well enough to justify a 1st line forward role. That said, there's been little stability that isn't being forced by injury or level of play.
- Jsaquella

I'd like to see Voracek play on a line with Briere consistently. Danny's a good finisher and Jake needs a player like him to play with.

Danny is about to pop off some goals. Hopefully that will spark others.
- bradleyc4

Did he think it was a playoff game?

they need to bring Clarke in to teach the centers how to win a faceoff
- vejim

If only it was that easy. Part of the problem is our wingers not supporting the center.

Great read Bill. You always provide spot on, honest insight.

I think Luke Schenn has been awesome since he got here. Very pleased with him. If he can keep it up and be that type of player in the long-haul, then the JVR trade was absolutely worth it.

they need to bring Clarke in to teach the centers how to win a faceoff
- vejim

1995 agrees with this sentiment.

Good write up bill.

I wonder what our 5v5 goals against would look like if bryz wasnt playing out of his mind..

Lets hope they get it together before bryz cools off!

Also, when Hartnell comes back, I'd love to see a Hartnell- Giroux - Briere top line. Hartnell and G are great together. G and Briere have shown they play well together in the past. And Briere and Hartnell have had success on lines in the past as well. Seems like a natural fit. And come playoff time, Danny's goal scoring is money and I would love to see him on that top line with G.

As you say, not one player would turn all this around, but with the PP such a disaster, a guy like Carle would definitely help that out. Not a fan of a forward (Jake) on the point, but I get that as the roster is currently constructed, their options are limited.

I'd like to see Luke get a shot back there, but I guess that'd leave the team maybe more vulnerable to shorthanded breaks the other way. Although considering how many of those other teams have had up to this point anyways, I doubt it could be much worse.

Bill,

tim has speculated that G has a lwr body injury because he's not skating the way we're accustomed to seeing. thoughts?

Bill,

tim has speculated that G has a lwr body injury because he's not skating the way we're accustomed to seeing. thoughts?
- isaiah520

It's probably the weight of the C straining his back and legs.