Exactly -- you can't control luck, manufacture it, summon it or produce it. There's no Mystical Luck Ritual that a team can perform. Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr weren't more lucky than Stephen Weiss and Nathan Horton.

They were better players, with more speed, strength, hockey IQ, coordination/athletic ability. Teams with better players tend to find themselves in better positions on the ice, with more options available to them, some of the quality options that their increased skill and talent is able to capitalize on.
- AllInForFlyers

Gretzky was the master at this philosophy. His anticipation of the developing play was unrivaled.

This was one thing I noticed about Jagr when he was on the Flyers. Watching him in person you could see he thought the game differently. I would be like, "why is he going there? Nothing is happening there." Then all of the sudden the puck would be on his stick and something good would happen.

..
- bradleyc4

...............

I think Rinaldo has more offensive upside then we have seen, and just needs some time to develop some chemisty with linemates that can get him the puck and can take a pass. I could see him being a 15-20 goal scorer given the icetime.
- youarewrong

I don't think he ever gets near 20. Maybe in a good season, with a lot of ice time, he could rack up 9 or 10.

Granted, their best offensive leaders right now aren't playing up to their historical abilities -- G and Kimmo are stuck in a rut.

They really need that additional winger that can score 20-25 goals, push Talbot down to the 4th-line, and push Rosehill to the AHL.
- Tomahawk

Granted, their best offensive leaders right now aren't playing up to their historical abilities -- G and Kimmo are stuck in a rut.

They really need that additional winger that can score 20-25 goals, push Talbot down to the 4th-line, and push Rosehill to the AHL.
- Tomahawk

His name is Zac Rinaldo, apparently.

Hartnell Down was in full effect last night... there was one shift I recall where he flopped to the ice at least three times on body contact. He really bought that Gudbranson penalty, too. Offensively, it looks like Hartnell-G magic is all used up, especially that pass into the high slot on the PP.

Simmonds, I wouldn't mind see stay w/ Giroux for awhile. He has the legs, balance and puck control to do the job there.


Rosehill....
- Tomahawk

Agreed. Not sure what Hartnell's deal is. His speed has been fine (I've always believed the guy can skate, he just has questionable steering ability) and of course, he falls over a lot, but so far more than usual this year.

Simmonds has been frustrating to watch. He has the speed, skill, tenacity, and talent but his mental game has been trash in the defensive zone and he's been pressing extra hard in the offensive zone. He's had his share of quality scoring chances, just can't seem to convert. Maybe once he pots a goal he'll snap out of it. I'd like to continue to see him with Giroux for another game or two.

Gretzky was the master at this philosophy. His anticipation of the developing play was unrivaled.

This was one thing I noticed about Jagr when he was on the Flyers. Watching him in person you could see he thought the game differently. I would be like, "why is he going there? Nothing is happening there." Then all of the sudden the puck would be on his stick and something good would happen.
- MBFlyerfan

Luck just happens. Sometimes in your favor, sometimes not.
- bradleyc4

No, puck luck doesn't "just happen", at least not very often. The bounces are random, yes, but hustle/positioning and alertness are usually what enables a team to take advantage.

If Brayden Schenn wasn't going to the net, no harm comes to the Panthers from the carom off the end wall (contrast that to the many times in the second and third games in particular where there was no one in front). If Coburn shoots wide from a pretty tough angle for a lefty shot -- regardless of Thomas being down and out -- it's just another play where the crowd groans and play moves on.

Detroit this Saturday could be UGLY.
- johndewar

They have their own issues. Their third line of Andersson and the two geriatrics is -8 for the season.

I don't think he ever gets near 20. Maybe in a good season, with a lot of ice time, he could rack up 9 or 10.
- BulliesPhan87

He's never scored double digit goals in his life... yeah, partly because he's been pigeonholed as a grinder/agitator at every level... but part of that is that he can't cash in his chances. He's able to create some plays with his speed, but the puck more often than not dies on his stick.

I think Rinaldo has more offensive upside then we have seen, and just needs some time to develop some chemisty with linemates that can get him the puck and can take a pass. I could see him being a 15-20 goal scorer given the icetime.
- youarewrong

I definitely think 20 goals is probably pushing it, but he might be capable of potting 10 goals. I don't think that's unreasonable. He'd have to change his style a bit though and like you said he would need the right linemates to do it

The Maata/Laughton debate should be interesting for the next 15 years or so.

I think Rinaldo has more offensive upside then we have seen, and just needs some time to develop some chemisty with linemates that can get him the puck and can take a pass. I could see him being a 15-20 goal scorer given the icetime.
- youarewrong

15-20? Thats generous. I was gonna say 8-12 (and I was being generous).

I dont think he is in Steve Ott territory.. But I do think he could be a bit more offensive.

I could see him scoring 8-12 adding 10-15 assists with a decent group of linemates.

The Maata/Laughton debate should be interesting for the next 15 years or so.
- PLindbergh31

what debate is that?

Detroit this Saturday could be UGLY.
- johndewar

Phoenix plays a very structured system that has given the Flyers fits. We will see if any improvement has been made.

I'd be more concerned with that game than Detroit.

Granted, their best offensive leaders right now aren't playing up to their historical abilities -- G and Kimmo are stuck in a rut.

They really need that additional winger that can score 20-25 goals, push Talbot down to the 4th-line, and push Rosehill to the AHL.
- Tomahawk

Damien Brunner is looking like a steal right now. Unfortunately having to get under the cap including Pronger to start the season meant they weren't really in a position to sign a $2.5+ million forward.

Phoenix plays a very structured system that has given the Flyers fits. We will see if any improvement has been made.

I'd be more concerned with that game than Detroit.
- PhillySportsGuy

The Yotes gave the Fishsticks holy hell last night.

Agreed. Not sure what Hartnell's deal is. His speed has been fine (I've always believed the guy can skate, he just has questionable steering ability) and of course, he falls over a lot, but so far more than usual this year.

Simmonds has been frustrating to watch. He has the speed, skill, tenacity, and talent but his mental game has been trash in the defensive zone and he's been pressing extra hard in the offensive zone. He's had his share of quality scoring chances, just can't seem to convert. Maybe once he pots a goal he'll snap out of it. I'd like to continue to see him with Giroux for another game or two.
- mcefalu

Im not sure what is going on with Simmonds. He has never had the best hands, but it seems his hands have gotten worse if that is even possible. I never want to see him carrying the puck up ice anymore. And when he is on the PP I cringe when I see him anywhere but in front of the net where he belongs. He just seems to be a turnover waiting to be committed.

what debate is that?
- jak521

Umm... The debate of which player the Flyers should have taken.

The Maata/Laughton debate should be interesting for the next 15 years or so.
- PLindbergh31

Along with the Pulock Morin debate.

The coach actually praised Couterier! That blew me away.

no playoffs this season.
- watsonnostaw

fu btw

Damien Brunner is looking like a steal right now. Unfortunately having to get under the cap including Pronger to start the season meant they weren't really in a position to sign a $2.5+ million forward.
- Feanor

Brunner has a reputation for shooting too much and being lazy. He'll wear out his welcome in due time.

I definitely think 20 goals is probably pushing it, but he might be capable of potting 10 goals. I don't think that's unreasonable. He'd have to change his style a bit though and like you said he would need the right linemates to do it
- mcefalu

Rinaldo definitely is a good skater. He does have some hockey skill and has really shown he can be a productive energy guy for this team. He definitely earns his ice time the hard way.

Gretzky was the master at this philosophy. His anticipation of the developing play was unrivaled.

This was one thing I noticed about Jagr when he was on the Flyers. Watching him in person you could see he thought the game differently. I would be like, "why is he going there? Nothing is happening there." Then all of the sudden the puck would be on his stick and something good would happen.
- MBFlyerfan

jagr made a little 5 ft pass to zubrus last night that didn't end up in the net but illustrated perfectly what you're saying. he knew what he was going to do with that puck before it got there. it also helps to have the player there to accept the pass and generate a shot