OT, but this josh harris 6ers-devils thing really bothers me. not that i give a (frank) about the 6ers (although i used to love them)...this is a massive violation.
- hammarby31

I think the phrase I head about Harris from someone in the press was that Harris might be business smart, but he's sports dumb with this move.

I'm interested to see what he's playing at here. I don't think simply owning the Devils is the end game. I would love to know if the sale of the Devils franchise includes the building they play in too.

I disagree that Giroux is one of the best 2-way players in the game. He is one of the most offensively gifted players, and he isnt terrible defensively, but calling him one of the best two way players because he puts up a lot of points just isnt accurate.
- jak521

Its not cause he puts up a lot of points, maybe you didnt realize like most of everyone else in the league that Giroux is one of the best back checkers and best penalty killers this game has got.

In fact his two-way game is what he's known for league wide, thus earning himself the title of one of the top 3-5 players in the league.

Streit should help the transition game, thats what we got him for.
- GOA88

In regards to the defense.. I look at it like this: From last year to this year we have added Striet and Meszy (who according to multiple sources say he is in the best shape and health in years). That right there, added with the continuing emergence of Gusty should do wonders for our transition.

OT, but this josh harris 6ers-devils thing really bothers me. not that i give a (frank) about the 6ers (although i used to love them)...this is a massive violation.
- hammarby31

I agree, I wont use the "violation" term since I hate that monkey Anthony Gargano. But I do not like that any Philly sports money can be used to prop up the Devils in any way.

Its not cause he puts up a lot of points, maybe you didnt realize like most of everyone else in the league that Giroux is one of the best back checkers and best penalty killers this game has got.
- GOA88

OOOOHHH... you are talking about that guy in Detroit who spells his name Giroux but pronounces it Datsyuk. Gottya... mah bad dog.

OT, but this josh harris 6ers-devils thing really bothers me. not that i give a (frank) about the 6ers (although i used to love them)...this is a massive violation.
- hammarby31

If Josh Harris were an actual fan, I'd agree. But, he's not. He's cold and calculating, a hard eyed pragmatist who is going where a perceived buck is to be found. That said, I despise him in a perfectly non-emotional and reflexive manner. He and his purchase of the hated Devils are not worth getting upset about.


the tl:dr version: Dear Josh, Dude.. whatever. Beat it.

I disagree that Giroux is one of the best 2-way players in the game. He is one of the most offensively gifted players, and he isnt terrible defensively, but calling him one of the best two way players because he puts up a lot of points just isnt accurate.
- jak521

Agreed. Giroux is solid on the PK. But in terms of 5 on 5 play. Defensively, he is average to below average. One of the areas where he can definitely improve.

He would fit in just fine and that team would finally have a line to produce points, Backes isnt anywhere near the caliber of Giroux
- GOA88

No not saying he is, what player scores 90 points playing a tight trapping defensive game? Not saying he wouldn't "fit in" MOST players not all have number dips playing more defensively

Its not cause he puts up a lot of points, maybe you didnt realize like most of everyone else in the league that Giroux is one of the best back checkers and best penalty killers this game has got.
- GOA88

Giroux is not even close to any of that. He's a good PKer, but no where near the best. And he is average at best defensively on the backcheck.

In fact his two-way game is what he's known for league wide, thus earning himself the title of one of the top 3-5 players in the league.
- GOA88

Giroux is a fierce competitor.. dont let that get confused with being one of the best back-checking two-way playing and defending top 3-5 players in the league.

Giroux is not even close to any of that. He's a good PKer, but no where near the best. And he is average at best defensively on the backcheck.
- MJL

The Flyers have about, idk, 4-5 guys on the team that are better defensively. Thats just on our team alone.

Giroux is a fierce competitor.. dont let that get confused with being one of the best back-checking two-way playing and defending top 3-5 players in the league.
- jak521

Yeah, if he were to be that. He'd produce like Bergeron in Boston, not there's anything wrong with it, but for his $ he has to produce

The players you mention are never or rarely in the top echelon of production
Datsyuk could produce more than he does as well as Zetterberg, its the defensive system that has them producing less.
Elias's game took a big hit production wise in earlier years because of the defensive system, (yes they won cups i know)
do you see David Backes scoring more and more?
Etc
- puckhead17

Toews and Datsyuk are both point a game players, while playing defensively at a Selke level. Proof positive that you can produce points at a high level while also playing well defensively.
Give Backes a #1 Center to play with, and see what happens.

Agreed. Giroux is solid on the PK. But in terms of 5 on 5 play. Defensively, he is average to below average. One of the areas where he can definitely improve.
- MJL

Tell me how that makes any sense, how can you be worse 5-5 than on the PK defensively?

Toews and Datsyuk are both point a game players, while playing defensively at a Selke level. Proof positive that you can produce points at a high level while also playing well defensively.
Give Backes a #1 Center to play with, and see what happens.
- MJL

Backes is the #1 center................

Giroux is a fierce competitor.. dont let that get confused with being one of the best back-checking two-way playing and defending top 3-5 players in the league.
- jak521

The effort is definitely not the issue there.

I was impressed with Voracek from day 1 when he came to Philly for two reasons. He's got a ton of skill and he's not scared to battle in the corners, drive the net and get in the dirty areas. As he gains more experience and remains along side G, don't be surprised to see him near the top of the point standings in the coming years.

Backes is the #1 center................
- GOA88

He's played Wing in the past if I'm not mistaken.

Toews and Datsyuk are both point a game players, while playing defensively at a Selke level. Proof positive that you can produce points at a high level while also playing well defensively.
Give Backes a #1 Center to play with, and see what happens.
- MJL

I think you better look at the numbers again mainly Datsyk argument man, he could score 100 points a year & why doesn't he????

Yeah, if he were to be that. He'd produce like Bergeron in Boston, not there's anything wrong with it, but for his $ he has to produce
- puckhead17

What about Datsyuk and Towes? Both of those guys are far superior to G (its not even close) and are still PPG players...

damn you mjl... late

Tell me how that makes any sense, how can you be worse 5-5 than on the PK defensively?
- GOA88

5 on 5 defensive play is completely different then on the PK.

Do any of you even watch Giroux play? I cant believe I have to defend him on a flyers blog. I guess everyone outside of Philly believes him to be one of the top 3-5 players in the league, for obvious reasons, but you guys dont.

I think you better look at the numbers again mainly Datsyk argument man, he could score 100 points a year & why doesn't he????
- puckhead17

He has put up 97 points twice, 87 points twice, and has been above a ppg player 6 times... G? One season of above ppg pace.

The players you mention are never or rarely in the top echelon of production
Datsyuk could produce more than he does as well as Zetterberg, its the defensive system that has them producing less.
Elias's game took a big hit production wise in earlier years because of the defensive system, (yes they won cups i know)
do you see David Backes scoring more and more?
Etc
- puckhead17

Does it matter that they dont score in the top 5ish every year? If a team has more sources of offense than just that player, it shouldnt matter. Id rather have a guy that produces at a point per game pace AND plays at a Selke level defensivly, than one who scores 90+ points every year but has a weak defensive game. In the big picture, for a competitive team, those 10 to 15 points lost a year due to responsible defensive play shouldn't have a strong effect on a teams total offense.

I was impressed with Voracek from day 1 when he came to Philly for two reasons. He's got a ton of skill and he's not scared to battle in the corners, drive the net and get in the dirty areas. As he gains more experience and remains along side G, don't be surprised to see him near the top of the point standings in the coming years.
- Mittin

Think he's learned to strip off his helmet before a fight? Or dodge dumpster trucks? Or avoided his mom's home cooking during the offseason?
I am looking forward to Vorachek play I just hope that the slow ramp up isn't there like last season. His numbers are even more impressive when you realize he lost his start on the top line due to conditioning last season.
If he can keep his drive from the end of last season I will be a very happy fan!