Agreed. The defense isn't bad, just not crazy about the mix...it leans big and defense first.
- Jsaquella

A good mix is all a defense really needs. NJ is a perfect example. Having #1 dman is great but usually your 5th and 6th dmen are worst because of it (i.e. the #1 dman makes up for the lesser play of the 5th/6th dman).

Makes me wonder what the Pronger, Timonen, Carle, Coburn, Meszaros, *insert 6th dman here* corps could have been had injury not taken its toll.

dramatically improves at age 25? unlikely.
- bradleyc4

He could have a Meszy like resurgence and be the 35-40 point d-man who has a big right handed shot and can play a two way game, again.

A good mix is all a defense really needs. NJ is a perfect example. Having #1 dman is great but usually your 5th and 6th dmen are worst because of it (i.e. the #1 dman makes up for the lesser play of the 5th/6th dman).

Makes me wonder what the Pronger, Timonen, Carle, Coburn, Meszaros, *insert 6th dman here* corps could have been had injury not taken its toll.
- NickTheKid87

Our defense (when healthy) has the potential to be pretty potent..

Timonen-Schenn
Cobhorn-Gros² man²
Meszy-Gusty

Our defense (when healthy) has the potential to be pretty potent..

Timonen-Schenn
Cobhorn-Gros² man²
Meszy-Gusty
- jak521

I think it all depends on how effective Gustaffson can be as a puck mover. If he can be a legit NHL caliber player, then the mix is a lot better.

I think it all depends on how effective Gustaffson can be as a puck mover. If he can be a legit NHL caliber player, then the mix is a lot better.
- NickTheKid87

I believe he can. I think he is a certain improvement in all facets over Gervias. Doesnt have the booming shot that Foster possesses, but has the ability to get the puck on net, which as demonstrated yesterday, results in good things.

O'Reilly shot 6.5 percent because he has pretty bad hands from a shooting standpoint. He can't elevate pucks and get them on the net and he struggles to finish in close. In fact, he's NEVER been a good finisher at any level and I don't see him turning into one. He is, however, a pretty good passer so he can be a 50-point guy on the strength of his assist totals.
- bmeltzer

The 6.5% is actually Colorado's shooting percentage when O'Reilly was on the ice. The average is usually around 8.5%. So O'Reilly was probably a little bit unlucky to not have a few more assists on the year. O'Reilly himself shot 9.5%, so he can't be blamed for that number. If his linemates got a couple more bounces over the course of 82 games, it could have given O'Reilly another 5-10 points.

I believe he can. I think he is a certain improvement in all facets over Gervias. Doesnt have the booming shot that Foster possesses, but has the ability to get the puck on net, which as demonstrated yesterday, results in good things.
- jak521

Unlike Foster, Gustafsson has knees.

I'm one of those who feel that they don't absolutely need a number one defenseman, just a good, top four puck mover. When Meszaros gets back, you add a good solid puck mover, you have a good defense.
- Jsaquella

agreed. look at jersey, vancouver, washington, san jose, pittsburgh, among others who have had a great deal of success the last handful of years without this iconic god of a two-way, #1 dman everyone feels we need.

Didn't realize that the Flyers now have the 11th best PP in the league (19.1%) and the 13th best PK (83.1%;they've killed 38/40 in February).

Agreed. G's getting at least $7 million per regardless and Schenn looks like he might be in line for something around $5 million as well. Read could fetch $4 million the way he's been playing.
- NickTheKid87

If the Flyers get Giroux for 7M a year. I'd bring in the Vatican to see if we can get that declared a miracle.

Didn't realize that the Flyers now have the 11th best PP in the league (19.1%) and the 13th best PK (83.1%;they've killed 38/40 in February).
- NickTheKid87

Every day, in every way, things are slowly getting better

If the Flyers get Giroux for 7M a year. I'd bring in the Vatican to see if we can get that declared a miracle.
- MJL

I'm thinking 8 years, $8.5 million per.

Every day, in every way, things are slowly getting better
- Jsaquella

They could end up with one of the better PK units before all is said and done. It's been really impressive lately.

They could end up with one of the better PK units before all is said and done. It's been really impressive lately.
- NickTheKid87

21 straight killed off, IIRC. That's pretty damned good.

21 straight killed off, IIRC. That's pretty damned good.
- Jsaquella

That includes a few 5-on-3s as well I believe.

I'm thinking 8 years, $8.5 million per.
- NickTheKid87

Yuck. Enough with the 8-year deals.

I only want to move couturier for a franchise defenseman. PERIOD

A good mix is all a defense really needs. NJ is a perfect example. Having #1 dman is great but usually your 5th and 6th dmen are worst because of it (i.e. the #1 dman makes up for the lesser play of the 5th/6th dman).

Makes me wonder what the Pronger, Timonen, Carle, Coburn, Meszaros, *insert 6th dman here* corps could have been had injury not taken its toll.
- NickTheKid87

You can be a very good team with a good mix of defenseman. But would a dynamic #1 two way force on the backend make NJ a better team? Absolutely. it would also have given them a better chance of beating LA last year also. And if you're going to just go with that good mix of defense. You better play a stronger team game then the Flyers do.

Yuck. Enough with the 8-year deals.
- bradleyc4

We're talking Claude here though, not a scrub.

Yuck. Enough with the 8-year deals.
- bradleyc4

Oh allright we'll just go 6 with a full Nmc.

That includes a few 5-on-3s as well I believe.
- NickTheKid87

3 or 4, 2 in the last 4 games

I only want to move couturier for a franchise defenseman. PERIOD
- JoeRussomanno

Agreed Joe!

You can be a very good team with a good mix of defenseman. But would a dynamic #1 two way force on the backend make NJ a better team? Absolutely. it would also have given them a better chance of beating LA last year also. And if you're going to just go with that good mix of defense. You better play a stronger team game then the Flyers do.
- MJL

Yup, good points. The mix for NJ works because everyone, including forwards, have bought into that system. By no means do I think the Flyers should try to model their play after other teams, for one simple reason: teams don't have the same players. Need to work with what you have.

3 or 4, 2 in the last 4 games
- Jsaquella

Was there a 5:00 major in there somewhere? I can't remember. I'm leaning towards no.

Agreed Joe!
- MJL

Flyers are up to their gills in forwards while needing a defenseman and the rumors abound are: trade best prospect for another forward.... Just baffling