Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 12/21/13 @ Columbus

Let's Go Flyers. The lines are looking good. I know Vinny isn't coming back soon, but when he does I guess VandeVelde sits but who goes to the 4th line Hartnell? At this point the second line is the only one I'd change.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 12/21/13 @ Columbus
- bmeltzer

It's strange, but early in his Flyers tenure, Hartnell would generally end up on one of the Flyers best producing lines. He played well with Carter & Lupul, then had that very good playoff run with Briere & Leino, and finally, with Giroux and Jagr.

Now it seems that the line he ends up on struggles. As soon as he got replaced on the Giroux line, both G & Voracek started finding the net, and Michael Raffl's played well with them...and Brayden Schenn & Wayne Simmonds haven't been producing much since Hartnell joined them on the "second" line.

It's strange, but early in his Flyers tenure, Hartnell would generally end up on one of the Flyers best producing lines. He played well with Carter & Lupul, then had that very good playoff run with Briere & Leino, and finally, with Giroux and Jagr.

Now it seems that the line he ends up on struggles. As soon as he got replaced on the Giroux line, both G & Voracek started finding the net, and Michael Raffl's played well with them...and Brayden Schenn & Wayne Simmonds haven't been producing much since Hartnell joined them on the "second" line.
- Jsaquella

The Leftover Line

I don't like the combination of 19-10-17 anyway. Not enough diversity of abilities on that line.

It's strange, but early in his Flyers tenure, Hartnell would generally end up on one of the Flyers best producing lines. He played well with Carter & Lupul, then had that very good playoff run with Briere & Leino, and finally, with Giroux and Jagr.

Now it seems that the line he ends up on struggles. As soon as he got replaced on the Giroux line, both G & Voracek started finding the net, and Michael Raffl's played well with them...and Brayden Schenn & Wayne Simmonds haven't been producing much since Hartnell joined them on the "second" line.
- Jsaquella

I still think he finds his game as the season progresses... and I'm willing to be patient as long as the flyers are winning. Like you said his lines have traditionally been the most dominant on the team in the past and when hartsy is on he's one of the best at getting under opponents skin. I loved it when hartsy mixed it up with the hogan pens fan. He has character. Whats missing right now is his scrappiness.

All I want for christmas is a top pairing Dman that can actually anchor the defense. I think Phaneuf could be that guy... or at least he's best available. I definitely do not want to see this team try and get another 3-4 dman or a project. Too many of those as is.

Can't wait for December 30th, got my tickets already.

Oh - and I hope the Flyers win but Johansen gets four points. (Pool)

I still think he finds his game as the season progresses... and I'm willing to be patient as long as the flyers are winning. Like you said his lines have traditionally been the most dominant on the team in the past and when hartsy is on he's one of the best at getting under opponents skin. I loved it when hartsy mixed it up with the hogan pens fan. He has character. Whats missing right now is his scrappiness.

All I want for christmas is a top pairing Dman that can actually anchor the defense. I think Phaneuf could be that guy... or at least he's best available. I definitely do not want to see this team try and get another 3-4 dman or a project. Too many of those as is.
- moylander

I don't think Phaneuf is going anywhere ... Leafs are trying to lock him up long term!

Where are all the "Fraud" Giroux name callers now? He put the team on his back in that period last night like an elite player captain should!
Look at his stats ... he is getting close to being a point per game player. I would be willing to bet that he finishes the season above that. Which would be remakable considering how unproductive he was in the first month of the season!
I will never call him Fraud ... I am a real fan and to me he is the real deal!

I still think he finds his game as the season progresses... and I'm willing to be patient as long as the flyers are winning. Like you said his lines have traditionally been the most dominant on the team in the past and when hartsy is on he's one of the best at getting under opponents skin. I loved it when hartsy mixed it up with the hogan pens fan. He has character. Whats missing right now is his scrappiness.

All I want for christmas is a top pairing Dman that can actually anchor the defense. I think Phaneuf could be that guy... or at least he's best available. I definitely do not want to see this team try and get another 3-4 dman or a project. Too many of those as is.
- moylander

My issue with Hartnell is, in the past when he's struggled, he'd still be active. getting under skin, going to the net working along the walls...I'm not noticing that sort of play enough, pretty much since he signed the new deal.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 12/21/13 @ Columbus
- bmeltzer

A few thoughts about tomorrow night's game.

The Blue Jackets virtually lost Thursday night's game in the same fashion the Flyers did on Sunday against the Capitals. The Flyers were up by a rather large margin just to watch their lead slowly slip away and ultimately disappear. I expect a very chippy division game and a better effort from the Jackets. You may even see some cheap shots from Brandon Dubinsky. I said it early Thursday and I'll say it again. I expect a win in Columbus. I expect now that the Flyers have finally reached eighth place, we are now going to turn on the after burners and never look back. The Leafs and Wings are having huge struggles in their collective wild card positions. The Capitals, Islanders and Ducks did us huge favours tonight. We've been handed a huge gift just in time for the Holidays. Now it's up to the Flyers not to blow it!

Orange Jesus

Early or Late?

Here's to hoping the Flyers can keep building. This is a game they need and should win. NJ got 1 point in a shootout loss, and the Isles helped us out by beating the Rangers. A Flyers win helps push them that much more firmly into the playoff picture.

Can't wait for December 30th, got my tickets already.
- LeftCoaster

Third live game of the season for me tomorrow. The table has been set for a good one tomorrow.

I know the first line been clickin but I think u have to put hartnell back on first line. No way I touch the shutdown line (refuse to call it 3rd) and the 2nd line was productive for the most part with schenn-vinny-simmer.

If anything they should focus on makin a better more talented 4th line. I for one am startin to move on from rinaldo as he doesn't bring that spark plus feeling anymore. I wanna see Raffl-Hall-McGinn. And when the game gets closer start rotating guys and double shiftin guys like Lavi did at times

I know the first line been clickin but I think u have to put hartnell back on first line. No way I touch the shutdown line (refuse to call it 3rd) and the 2nd line was productive for the most part with schenn-vinny-simmer.

If anything they should focus on makin a better more talented 4th line. I for one am startin to move on from rinaldo as he doesn't bring that spark plus feeling anymore. I wanna see Raffl-Hall-McGinn. And when the game gets closer start rotating guys and double shiftin guys like Lavi did at times
- AGL_91

Hartnell to the 4th line until he learns how to be an effective hockey player. Even if he doesn't score points, he can be effective, and he hasn't been. Raffl is effective plus he's been scoring points. No brainer. Hartsy will still get time on the 1st PP unit.

Lets Go Flyers!

Will be taking my 4 year old to his first Flyers game on Sat. They better come through with a solid effort and hopefully a W.

Lets Go Flyers!

Will be taking my 4 year old to his first Flyers game on Sat. They better come through with a solid effort and hopefully a W.
- Lexington Flyer

Awesome! Have fun.

I know the first line been clickin but I think u have to put hartnell back on first line. No way I touch the shutdown line (refuse to call it 3rd) and the 2nd line was productive for the most part with schenn-vinny-simmer.

If anything they should focus on makin a better more talented 4th line. I for one am startin to move on from rinaldo as he doesn't bring that spark plus feeling anymore. I wanna see Raffl-Hall-McGinn. And when the game gets closer start rotating guys and double shiftin guys like Lavi did at times
- AGL_91

I would not touch that first line. Dont move Raffl now that G and Voracek are starting to show some chemistry

Lets Go Flyers!

Will be taking my 4 year old to his first Flyers game on Sat. They better come through with a solid effort and hopefully a W.
- Lexington Flyer

See you there!

I know the first line been clickin but I think u have to put hartnell back on first line. No way I touch the shutdown line (refuse to call it 3rd) and the 2nd line was productive for the most part with schenn-vinny-simmer.

If anything they should focus on makin a better more talented 4th line. I for one am startin to move on from rinaldo as he doesn't bring that spark plus feeling anymore. I wanna see Raffl-Hall-McGinn. And when the game gets closer start rotating guys and double shiftin guys like Lavi did at times
- AGL_91

my god please do this

my god please do this
- stayinthefnnet

Only if the Pens play Engelland as top pair dman/PP specialist

I'll even throw in we have to bench Raffl and play Rosehill for his routine 4 minutes.

Only if the Pens play Engelland as top pair dman/PP specialist

I'll even throw in we have to bench Raffl and play Rosehill for his routine 4 minutes.
- GirouxForTheShow

nah, engo will dutifully be inserted in despres' spot. cant wait

my god please do this
- stayinthefnnet

Case and point.