That's why I'd be open to a "fourth" line of Lecavalier, Raffl and Akeson. Let's Vinny play center with two creative guys who have decent speed and who can read the play and find openings. Raffl has shown he can be a solid two way guy, and in the limited exposure Akeson has received, he doesn't look as bad defensively as advertised.

It's hardly a traditional 4th line, but given what they have, it might be effective.
- Jsaquella

I'd be open for that for sure. It likely means you're giving Laughton the keys to center the third line though.

Schenn G Jake
Read Coots Simmonds
Umberger Laughton Bellemere
Raffl Vinny Akeson

Unless Lecavalier looks really bad in camp and in pre-season, it would be a huge mistake to play him on the 4th line. If he's healthy and skating well, he needs to be playing on a scoring line, or it's a waste of the player
- MJL

Ha! I hear you, MJL. I do think Vinny starts the year at 2C.

Now, can he hold it? Well, it wouldn't hurt if Simmonds was a little more reliable in his own end. But ultimately, I do think Vinny is going to get a shot at it.

I'd be open for that for sure. It likely means you're giving Laughton the keys to center the third line though.

Schenn G Jake
Read Coots Simmonds
Umberger Laughton Bellemere
Raffl Vinny Akeson
- hereticpride

Probably, but I think he can handle it. He's a good player, seems smart in the games I've watched & he's got a nasty side

I'd run that at the start, see what happens. But I think Raffl's going to play a little higher in the lineup.

Man, I hope Bellemare can play, and that Akeson comes in ready to go and doesn't get blown off the puck. Because I'm so ready to not see Rosehill and Rinaldo for more games than a 13th forward should get.
- AllInForFlyers

I'd rather not see them at all. Rinaldo is too undisciplined and unskilled. Rosehill is fine, if you feel you need an enforcer. I just don't see the need for a Rinaldo.

Probably, but I think he can handle it. He's a good player, seems smart in the games I've watched & he's got a nasty side
- Jsaquella

See, I think Laughton is gonna get some time in the AHL, while they see what Vinny does at 2C.

Just a hunch. If Vinny just can't hold it, that's when I think we see some guys start getting moved around the lineup, with Laughton possibly/probably coming up.

Raffl and Bellemere could be key into being able to get Read into a scoring role again. I hope those two guys perform well because Read can tear it up when given to go ahead to be more offensively minded.

Ha! I hear you, MJL. I do think Vinny starts the year at 2C.

Now, can he hold it? Well, it wouldn't hurt if Simmonds was a little more reliable in his own end. But ultimately, I do think Vinny is going to get a shot at it.
- AllInForFlyers

If he shows that he's not healthy and strong, and simply can't play to a high enough level to play on a scoring line, then they may not have a choice. It's either that or scratch him. But to start him out there if he is healthy and strong, doesn't make a lot of sense.

I'd rather not see them at all. Rinaldo is too undisciplined and unskilled. Rosehill is fine, if you feel you need an enforcer. I just don't see the need for a Rinaldo.
- Jsaquella

Agreed -- I don't think the Flyers can spare a single point his lack of discipline can cost them

so the guy who treats his own opinions as gospel complains about confirmation bias in stats.

so the guy who treats his own opinions as gospel complains about confirmation bias in stats.
- ZaphodB

The confirmation bias isn't in the stats themselves. It's in the misuse of the stats.

Agreed -- I don't think the Flyers can spare a single point his lack of discipline can cost them
- AllInForFlyers

It's not just a lack of discipline, it's that combined with the low level of skill. A guy like Dorsett or Carcillo can actually play a bit. Rinaldo really can't. He's a good skater & hitter, but he's not skilled.

If he shows that he's not healthy and strong, and simply can't play to a high enough level to play on a scoring line, then they may not have a choice. It's either that or scratch him. But to start him out there if he is healthy and strong, doesn't make a lot of sense.
- MJL

I said this about MacDonald earlier: it doesn't do us or the Flyers any good if Lecavalier just can't get the job done.

He has to have more in the tank than what we saw last year. Even if for one year. The lineup is fragile enough without someone simply not being able to contribute.

Raffl and Bellemere could be key into being able to get Read into a scoring role again. I hope those two guys perform well because Read can tear it up when given to go ahead to be more offensively minded.
- hereticpride

Agreed, I've clamored for Read to get a bigger role offensively for awhile. I think he could solve the hunt for a top six scoring winger, with the benefit of being an exceptional two way player

It's not just a lack of discipline, it's that combined with the low level of skill. A guy like Dorsett or Carcillo can actually play a bit. Rinaldo really can't. He's a good skater & hitter, but he's not skilled.
- Jsaquella

Agreed -- and I wanted to see him make it. But this team, at this time, it's all hands on deck. If they do wind up playing a highly defensive style and rely on timely scoring, it makes zero sense to have a player who can't score and isn't a difference-maker on defense getting minutes.

The confirmation bias isn't in the stats themselves. It's in the misuse of the stats.
- MJL

if opinions were really like bumholes, your butt would be a colander

Agreed -- and I wanted to see him make it. But this team, at this time, it's all hands on deck. If they do wind up playing a highly defensive style and rely on timely scoring, it makes zero sense to have a player who can't score and isn't a difference-maker on defense getting minutes.
- AllInForFlyers

I'd like my depth guys to be useful. Use them on the PK, slide them up to the third line, guys like Raffl and hopefully Bellemare

if opinions were really like bumholes, your butt would be a colander
- ZaphodB

Well my opinions are here for anyone to comment on. Feel free. I'm available.

The confirmation bias isn't in the stats themselves. It's in the misuse of the stats.
- MJL

You, literally, have no clue what you're talking about

You, literally, have no clue what you're talking about
- PhillySportsGuy

Prove it!

Anything that makes teams think long and hard about pulling a Lemieux is fine by me.

They have to do something -- I swear, these leagues are lucky somebody like me doesn't have a say. You wouldn't get any special consideration. 30 teams, 30 ping pong balls, draw all 30, and that's your draft order.

When you reward losing, you are penalizing winning. And personally, I can't stand that.
- AllInForFlyers

- KINGKENZO

"When you reward losing, you are penalizing winning. And personally, I can't stand that."

I second that, and I missed this post. But the above statement is a great one. I agree with it wholeheartedly.

Clarke & Lindros' parents were the douches. There's plenty of blame on both sides in that one.

A band debate is largely opinion, I dislike Nickelback because they are formulaic, and most of their songs simply sound too much alike. The lyrics are simplistic and unwitty. There's nothing they have done that Def Leppard didn't do & do better years before.

Other bands I simply find more diverse & entertaining, and I listen to all kinds of music, from rock to jazz, from rap to classical
- Jsaquella

Sorry for the late response.........Yes I agree with you

if opinions were really like bumholes, your butt would be a colander
- ZaphodB

so the guy who treats his own opinions as gospel complains about confirmation bias in stats.
- ZaphodB

I also treat his opinions as gospel

joel embiid