Was at the game last night.
Positives:
- Couturier was the most noticeable player on the ice. Was able to use his size quite a few times, and was much more involved than he seemed to be last year.
- First time I've really watched Morin, and, despite a few small issues, he played pretty well for a kid. Had a great chance to rifle on, but whiffed. But he seemed to have a lot of confidence out there.
- Raffl didn't look out of place either, and the puck seemed to find him quite a bit. Not sure exactly what role he'd be best for, but he seems like a less physical Tye McGinn.

Negatives:
- Hal Gill looked bad. Real bad. He didn't do much at all, and he skates with the grace of a crippled elephant. I'd be shocked if he makes it, barring 2+ injuries.
- Akeson had a pretty forgettable game. Took the kneeing penalty early, and had a few glaring turnovers. He made a nice little play in the 3rd, but otherwise was a non-factor for a guy who's pretty much a 1-dimensional offensive player.
- And finally, Mark Streit. I don't know if he's just not trying or what, but man, he looked bad. Seemed afraid to shoot, and the shots he did take got blocked high in the slot. Did a horrible job of coverage down low on multiple occasions. I have a feeling we're really going to regret signing him.
- jmatchett383

I pretty much agree with every assesment you made except for Streit. I thought he played pretty well last night. Granted I only saw the first two periods, but in that time span. I liked what I saw from Streit.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Fall to 1-2-1 in Preseason
- bmeltzer

RE: Couturier

Funny what putting a player in a position to succeed offensively does for his offensive game.

Some observations from last night

Mason: Thought he played pretty well, especially when you consider that the club's top 3 shutdown dmen (Timonen, Schenn and Grossmann) were not in the lineup. His puck handling skills really jump out and should be a major plus this season.

Morin: For an 18 year old kid, his poise under pressure is simply excellent. He seems to have a little mean in his game too and when he fills out he is going to be a beast out there. I could see him really pushing for a spot on the big club next fall.

Coburn: Played well, kept things simple and didn't try to do too much. This is exactly what he needs to do to be successful.

Gill: Meh, at this point he would be 9th on my depth chart at best.

Manning: Looked ok for the most part, if he continues to work at his game could find a niche as a 6/7 dman

Alt: Looked pretty good, nice all around game. Should hopefully push for a spot on the big club next year.

Streit: His skill level jumps out, his passes are right on the money and he knows when to shoot.

Vinnie: Looked as good as a vet who is basically just going thru the motions is going to look.

Hartnell: same as Vinnie, however he does look noticeably quicker than last season

Simmonds: I'm a little concerned that he continues to make the same defensive mistakes over and over again. I love his grit, but I'm really starting to question his hockey sense.

Akeson: did nothing to change my opinion that he is going to be a career AHL player/call-up.

Couturier: I'll say it now. He is going to have a breakout season. 15-20 goals, 40+ points and he will be the teams top shutdown center and penalty killer

Voracek: As typical vet in preseason, he picked his spots. However when he turned it up, he looked very good out there and I think he is going to have a fantastic season.

Talbot: There is no doubt in my mind, he can be successful on the 3rd line.

Raffl: Looked very solid and strong on his skates. I still think a month or 2 in the AHL wouldn't hurt, but he wouldn't look out of place on the big club

Hall: looked very good on the pk and that and faceoff ability are why he is here.

The guys on the 4th line were, well, guys on the 4th line. None looked particularly good or bad, and none will be playing in the NHL next year.

With a major roster cut-down happening today, I look forward to seeing a much more polished lineup against the Devils next week.

If that is indeed the case, I'd prefer they not give Morin any regular season games this year, and instead give him 9 games either next year or, more likely, 2 years from now, where it can actually be an evaluation tryout as opposed to a "give him a taste" tryout.
- jmatchett383

This is an excellent point, that makes perfect sense. I don't know that the Salary Cap is going to allow them to do that this Season anyway.

Bill, can you please clarify something for me:
If a player (let's just call the player "S. Morin") plays a 9-game tryout, is he not able to have a tryout in the next years (in other words, if he plays 9 games this year, does his ELC kick the first time he plays a game in the following years)? I was under the impression that Laughton's (prorated) tryout last year made him ineligible for a tryout this year, and that his ELC would kick in if he plays 1 game.

If that is indeed the case, I'd prefer they not give Morin any regular season games this year, and instead give him 9 games either next year or, more likely, 2 years from now, where it can actually be an evaluation tryout as opposed to a "give him a taste" tryout.
- jmatchett383

I agree with you and I hope the Flyers aren't entertaining that notion. Enjoy Rimouski, Sammy.

Also, the Flyers have veteran defensemen who, quite frankly, need the shifts out there after being injured last (shortened) season.

i was impressed by Morin...nice game by the new kid.

Hybrid icing is big "MEH"...a work in progress.
- phi1671

Agreed re: hybrid icing. Not a huge fan of another judgement call, but I'll still take it over no touch icing.

Bill, can you please clarify something for me:
If a player (let's just call the player "S. Morin") plays a 9-game tryout, is he not able to have a tryout in the next years (in other words, if he plays 9 games this year, does his ELC kick the first time he plays a game in the following years)? I was under the impression that Laughton's (prorated) tryout last year made him ineligible for a tryout this year, and that his ELC would kick in if he plays 1 game.

If that is indeed the case, I'd prefer they not give Morin any regular season games this year, and instead give him 9 games either next year or, more likely, 2 years from now, where it can actually be an evaluation tryout as opposed to a "give him a taste" tryout.
- jmatchett383

That is what Homer said in the STH Town Hall.

Agreed re: hybrid icing. Not a huge fan of another judgement call, but I'll still take it over no touch icing.
- BulliesPhan87

I wanted to point out a specific reason why hybrid is a bad idea.

The Flyers iced the puck, and it was a pretty dead heat between Lecavalier and the defenseman. However, Biron stepped out from his crease to behind the net to play the puck (which should negate an icing) so Lecavalier, seeing this, stopped skating so hard. The linesman was so much more concerned with seeing who established a lead that he didn't notice Biron coming out of the net, and blew the whistle for icing.

Again, hybrid icing does not come into play on the plays where the injuries they want to prevent actually occur. I really don't get the idea.

I pretty much agree with every assesment you made except for Streit. I thought he played pretty well last night. Granted I only saw the first two periods, but in that time span. I liked what I saw from Streit.
- MJL

And played very well Monday. I was pleased at the acquisition.

That is what Homer said in the STH Town Hall.
- bodiva88

That's what I'd heard, but there was some confusion over it yesterday.

I wanted to point out a specific reason why hybrid is a bad idea.

The Flyers iced the puck, and it was a pretty dead heat between Lecavalier and the defenseman. However, Biron stepped out from his crease to behind the net to play the puck (which should negate an icing) so Lecavalier, seeing this, stopped skating so hard. The linesman was so much more concerned with seeing who established a lead that he didn't notice Biron coming out of the net, and blew the whistle for icing.

Again, hybrid icing does not come into play on the plays where the injuries they want to prevent actually occur. I really don't get the idea.
- jmatchett383

And they admitted the mistake, by having the faceoff at Center ice. It's new for the linesman also, so they have to adjust. And it's never going to be mistake proof. I like the rule.

And played very well Monday. I was pleased at the acquisition.
- bodiva88

I guess I missed it, or my expectations are too high. Just seemed very "blah" to me except for his defensive lapses...yes, he will probably be my new whipping boy.

And they admitted the mistake, by having the faceoff at Center ice. It's new for the linesman also, so they have to adjust. And it's never going to be mistake proof. I like the rule.
- MJL

But my argument is that it shouldn't have been blown dead at all. I just don't get what it adds. Like I said, on the plays where the players come crashing into the walls at full speed (the plays where the icing injuries actually occur), it doesn't come into play. I guess I just don't see the benefit.

But my argument is that it shouldn't have been blown dead at all. I just don't get what it adds. Like I said, on the plays where the players come crashing into the walls at full speed (the plays where the icing injuries actually occur), it doesn't come into play. I guess I just don't see the benefit.
- jmatchett383

You're right, the linesman made a mistake in blowing it dead. Which is why the faceoff happened at Center ice, instead of in the Flyers defensive zone. That's admitting the mistake. I think it's a good rule that will prevent injuries. I hope they keep it.

You're right, the linesman made a mistake in blowing it dead. Which is why the faceoff happened at Center ice, instead of in the Flyers defensive zone. That's admitting the mistake. I think it's a good rule that will prevent injuries. I hope they keep it.
- MJL

I just don't see how it will prevent injuries. The only time it's used is when there is no chance of an injury because the defenseman has a clear-cut advantage to the puck.

But my argument is that it shouldn't have been blown dead at all. I just don't get what it adds. Like I said, on the plays where the players come crashing into the walls at full speed (the plays where the icing injuries actually occur), it doesn't come into play. I guess I just don't see the benefit.
- jmatchett383

Yeah, you'd think it's the high speed, close calls where they'd utilize hybrid icing, not the clear cut, lazy skating occurrences. Still, if it's something they can tweak or become more familiar with, I'm fine with it, at least as an alternative to no touch.

I just don't see how it will prevent injuries. The only time it's used is when there is no chance of an injury because the defenseman has a clear-cut advantage to the puck.
- jmatchett383

A defenseman can have a clear cut advantage at the faceoff dot, and the opposition player on the race, can close the gap, and there still could be physical contact on the play. Such as seeing the trailing player reach out with his stick from behind in an attempt to touch the puck first, and accidentally trip the defenseman. They tend to keep skating hard until the boards. In my opinion, it will absloutely eliminate some of those dangerous plays. I hope the NHLPA keeps it.

I get the feeling that Streit is going to be this seasons whipping boy.

Early favorite to replace Matt Carle in the hearts and minds of fans.
- Marc D

That will mostly be because of Streit's contract, which, pays him about as much as Carle is getting this year.

Imagine how good Carle would be if he could fire the puck like Mark Streit.

Yeah, you'd think it's the high speed, close calls where they'd utilize hybrid icing, not the clear cut, lazy skating occurrences. Still, if it's something they can tweak or become more familiar with, I'm fine with it, at least as an alternative to no touch.
- BulliesPhan87

Really the only thing that has changed is instead of a race for the puck, it's a race to the faceoff dot.

A defenseman can have a clear cut advantage at the faceoff dot, and the opposition player on the race, can close the gap, and there still could be physical contact on the play. Such as seeing the trailing player reach out with his stick from behind in an attempt to touch the puck first, and accidentally trip the defenseman. They tend to keep skating hard until the boards. In my opinion, it will absloutely eliminate some of those dangerous plays. I hope the NHLPA keeps it.
- MJL

I have rarely (if ever) seen that happen, where a player with no chance reach out at trip the defenseman (because that means he has no chance to get to the puck if he's touching the skates). The rationale I heard was that it will cut down on the plays like the Kurtis Foster injury, and it wouldn't be called on that play.

That will mostly be because of Streit's contract, which, pays him about as much as Carle is getting this year.

Imagine how good Carle would be if he could fire the puck like Mark Streit.
- johndewar

Give and take. Imagine how good Streit would be, if he was as good defensively as Carle is? But I fully expect Streit to be a whipping boy this year.

I have rarely (if ever) seen that happen, where a player with no chance reach out at trip the defenseman (because that means he has no chance to get to the puck if he's touching the skates). The rationale I heard was that it will cut down on the plays like the Kurtis Foster injury, and it wouldn't be called on that play.
- jmatchett383

I've seen it happen a lot. He's trying to reach past the defenseman, and he does have a chance to get the stick in there, that's why it's being done. It's a race to the faceoff dot. If the defenseman beats the forward to the dot, it's blown dead.

- Hal Gill looked bad. Real bad. He didn't do much at all, and he skates with the grace of a crippled elephant. I'd be shocked if he makes it, barring 2+ injuries.
- jmatchett383

Aren't you forgetting the primary assist on the Talbot goal? It was a hell of a pass.

I've seen it happen a lot. He's trying to reach past the defenseman, and he does have a chance to get the stick in there, that's why it's being done. It's a race to the faceoff dot. If the defenseman beats the forward to the dot, it's blown dead.
- MJL

Well, I'm just never going to like it, much like the shootout and the instigator rule, and I'm just not going to be sold. We're just gonna have to disagree.

Really the only thing that has changed is instead of a race for the puck, it's a race to the faceoff dot.
- MJL

Iunno, I haven't gotten to watch it super carefully, but I just don't share the enthusiasm now from what I've seen of it in effect. In theory, you're correct. But between how I've seen it utilized, and my general confidence level in NHL referees, I'm not wild about hybrid icing right now.