The best defense is keeping hold of the puck. This is why a guy like Adam Hall was -15 despite getting less 7 minutes of ES ice time a game. Hall is a strong checker and a strong defender, but he ended up defending most of the time he's on the ice because of his limited puck skills, and the even more limited puck skills of his regular 4th line mates - Rinaldo and Rosehill.
- Feanor

Yes that's all true. But a player like Adam Hall can be a solid 4th line player with the right support. He didn't have that. And there's a lot more to the game then just possession. You have to do something with it when you have it.

Amen
- PhillySportsGuy

I have the pride, the privilege, nay, the pleasure of introducing to you to a knight, sired by knights. A knight who can trace his lineage back beyond Charlemagne. I first met him atop a mountain near Jerusalem, praying to God, asking his forgiveness for the Saracen blood spilt by his sword. Next, he amazed me still further in Italy when he saved a fatherless beauty from the would-be ravishing of her dreadful Turkish uncle. In Greece he spent a year in silence just to better understand the sound of a whisper. And so without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give to you, the seeker of serenity, the protector of Italian virginity, the enforcer of our Lord God, the one, the only, Sir Claude Giroux!

This.

Flyers had the puck 12-15% more w/ Akeson on the ice during that series (in close situations)... that's Giroux-esque territory. That's likely 12-15% less time stuck in their own zone.
- Tomahawk

I'd like to know where you're getting that 12-15% from?

Please tell me you're not comparing Akeson to Justin Williams?

If Akeson doesn't ahve to score, and doesn't have to check, what does he have to do? Just look nice out there? That's kind of non sensical. And the question is really what is Jason Akeson at the NHL level? Neither you nor I truly know what he is to know he can just be himself and still be valuable. If a player is not good enough to play in the NHL long term, then just being himself isn't good enough. Anyone who thinks he doesn't have to produce to stay in the lineup is kidding themselves.
- MJL

He needs to score, but 20 ES points would be plenty if he splits time between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines and averages about 13 ES minutes a game. Those points will come if the team is keeping hold of the puck while he's on the ice. And just as importantly, the other team will be less likely to score.

I have the pride, the privilege, nay, the pleasure of introducing to you to a knight, sired by knights. A knight who can trace his lineage back beyond Charlemagne. I first met him atop a mountain near Jerusalem, praying to God, asking his forgiveness for the Saracen blood spilt by his sword. Next, he amazed me still further in Italy when he saved a fatherless beauty from the would-be ravishing of her dreadful Turkish uncle. In Greece he spent a year in silence just to better understand the sound of a whisper. And so without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give to you, the seeker of serenity, the protector of Italian virginity, the enforcer of our Lord God, the one, the only, Sir Claude Giroux!
- jmatchett383

This should be his entrance before every game

Please tell me you're not comparing Akeson to Justin Williams?
- MJL

Too late, second (maybe third?) time in this thread already.

Too late, second (maybe third?) time in this thread already.
- Tomahawk

Wait, are you saying that Akeson is better than J-Wil?

Majority of the team needs to do more at ES, in my opinion.
- MJL

Yup, that would be a nice improvement.

Wait, are you saying that Akeson is better than J-Wil?
- jmatchett383

Nope. More like a poor man's, midget facsimile of JW.

Please tell me you're not comparing Akeson to Justin Williams?

If Akeson doesn't ahve to score, and doesn't have to check, what does he have to do? Just look nice out there? That's kind of non sensical. And the question is really what is Jason Akeson at the NHL level? Neither you nor I truly know what he is to know he can just be himself and still be valuable. If a player is not good enough to play in the NHL long term, then just being himself isn't good enough. Anyone who thinks he doesn't have to produce to stay in the lineup is kidding themselves.
- MJL

I think the point hes trying to make is that Akeson can contribute offensively without piling up the points. He adds a dimension the Flyers sorely need. He gives them someone who is good with the puck on their stick.

I think he can help the team in terms of possession. I'm not even talking about Corsi possession. I'm talking about real possession.

I'd like to see the team give him a chance to start this season. It's time to see what they have with him.

Too late, second (maybe third?) time in this thread already.
- Tomahawk

Now you did it...

The best defense is keeping hold of the puck. This is why a guy like Adam Hall was -15 despite getting less 7 minutes of ES ice time a game. Hall is a strong checker and a strong defender, but he ended up defending most of the time he's on the ice because of his limited puck skills, and the even more limited puck skills of his regular 4th line mates - Rinaldo and Rosehill.
- Feanor

But hey keep sending Rinaldo out there to take one undisciplined penalty after another. A big factor in Rinaldo throwing so many hits is when he's on the ice, his team never has possession of the puck. Both Rinaldo and Rosehill are both wastes of cap space and contract slots.

I think the point hes trying to make is that Akeson can contribute offensively without piling up the points. He adds a dimension the Flyers sorely need. He gives them someone who is good with the puck on their stick.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yup, as Dubas would say, he's a good problem solver with the puck.

Not likely to panic and do a spin-o-rama backhand pass in the NZ to nobody, nor default to high and hard off the glass, nor liable to put a linemate in a bad position w/ a pass.

I have the pride, the privilege, nay, the pleasure of introducing to you to a knight, sired by knights. A knight who can trace his lineage back beyond Charlemagne. I first met him atop a mountain near Jerusalem, praying to God, asking his forgiveness for the Saracen blood spilt by his sword. Next, he amazed me still further in Italy when he saved a fatherless beauty from the would-be ravishing of her dreadful Turkish uncle. In Greece he spent a year in silence just to better understand the sound of a whisper. And so without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give to you, the seeker of serenity, the protector of Italian virginity, the enforcer of our Lord God, the one, the only, Sir Claude Giroux!
- jmatchett383

St. Louis Blues ‏@StLouisBlues 5m

The Blues have agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Peter Mueller. #stlblues

St. Louis Blues ‏@StLouisBlues 5m

The Blues have agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Peter Mueller. #stlblues


- wilsonecho91

Don't be sad.

Ville Leino is on the way.

St. Louis Blues ‏@StLouisBlues 5m

The Blues have agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Peter Mueller. #stlblues


- wilsonecho91

Hextall the bridesmaid...

I think the point hes trying to make is that Akeson can contribute offensively without piling up the points. He adds a dimension the Flyers sorely need. He gives them someone who is good with the puck on their stick.

I think he can help the team in terms of possession. I'm not even talking about Corsi possession. I'm talking about real possession.

I'd like to see the team give him a chance to start this season. It's time to see what they have with him.
- PhillySportsGuy

What is the dimension that he adds that the team sorely needs, if it's not offense?
I'd like to see him have a chance and stick with the team if he earns it.

What is the dimension that he adds that the team sorely needs, if it's not offense?
I'd like to see him have a chance and stick with the team if he earns it.
- MJL

the fifth dimension...up up and away

Nope. More like a poor man's, midget facsimile of JW.
- Tomahawk

Until he proves otherwise, Jon Sim might be the better comparison.

St. Louis Blues ‏@StLouisBlues 5m

The Blues have agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Peter Mueller. #stlblues


- wilsonecho91

So... Butler, Gunnarsson, Lehtera, Lindstrom, Mueller, Ott, and Stastny.

They're really going for it.

Brodeur or TT and their summer spree will be complete.

St. Louis Blues ‏@StLouisBlues 5m

The Blues have agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with forward Peter Mueller. #stlblues


- wilsonecho91

he couldnt do squat with the Panthers

Don't be sad.

Ville Leino is on the way.
- johndewar

Rumors are a 1 year 1 mil contract for Ville.

1.5 mil for just for his beard.

What is the dimension that he adds that the team sorely needs, if it's not offense?
I'd like to see him have a chance and stick with the team if he earns it.
- MJL

I would say it's more neutral zone play and transition

Rumors are a 1 year 1 mil contract for Ville.

1.5 mil for just for his beard.
- 77rams

Save our $$ for august 16th. Take a stab at getting Hayes.