MacDonald did a pretty bad job as the top pairing guy in New York. Ideally he's on your 2nd or 3rd pair.
- Jsaquella

Agreed. But our defense is less than ideal.

MacDonalds Corsi rating is bad mostly because he isnt agressive at the blue line with attacking forwards. They can 9 out of 10 times carry the puck into the zone on his side but that may be his style of play as he is rarely ever beat wide, and he is very good at staying between the shooter and the goalie and is hardly ever out of position. He isnt physical so he uses his strengths to his advantage which are intelligence in reading the play, skating, passing, and a good stick. Thats my impression when I watch him play.
- GOA88

The defenseman on the side of the ice where the puck enters the zone, is not the only player responsible for that. I think some of his numbers haven't look good for a variety of reasons. In large part due that he was overused, and played on bad teams defensively.

Especially with the loss of Timonen, if the Flyers don't shore up their puck support, team defense, and 5 on 5 play as a team. All of the Flyers defenseman numbers are going to suffer.

Happy belated birthday Bill

The defenseman on the side of the ice where the puck enters the zone, is not the only player responsible for that. I think some of his numbers haven't look good for a variety of reasons. In large part due that he was overused, and played on bad teams defensively.

Especially with the loss of Timonen, if the Flyers don't shore up their puck support, team defense, and 5 on 5 play as a team. All of the Flyers defenseman numbers are going to suffer.
- MJL

Well my point is that I dont see his allowing players to walk in easier than most as a real issue. I also take Corsi ratings with a grain of salt.....

Bill, You say a few young defenseman will get a long look. What do you think it would take to bring them into the fold? Would have to out play somebody, or just be ready for NHL (ie. shows potential but needs NHL experience, but not necessarily out play anyone). IF they decide to bring one into the fold... Who's on the bubble that could lose their spot? I assume Coburn, Mac, and Streit are a lock. And, depending on pre-season - Grossmann, Del Zotto, and Schenn are on the bubble (or demoted to 7th and knock Schultz out)?
- leon neon

Hextall said that the rookies would have to steal a job from the veterans. They'd have to outplay a veteran to the point where it's impossible to not have them on the roster. I think Coburn, AMac, Schenn, and Streit are locks for the top-6. Morin, Hagg, Alt, and Ghost would have to outplay Grossmann and MDZ by a wide margin, all-around, to make the opening night lineup.

Agreed. But our defense is less than ideal.
- jmatchett383

Amen sister

Bill (and everyone else),

Do you see Schultz as an emergency 7th defenseman, kind of like Hal Gill was? What I mean is that, say a defender (let's use Grossmann for example) goes down in camp/preseason. Do you see Schultz stepping into a full-time top-6 role, or would they promote from the AHL and keep Schultz around as a quick, short-term fill-in?

Also, whether or not he makes the roster, I'd like them to give Morin the 9-game tryout (cap allowing). I feel like spending 9 games, or even 4-5 games, with the big club, even if he's not playing, would be a valuable experience for him moving forward.

Lastly, I will be attending rookie camp on Saturday for about an hour, as long as my little girl doesn't get too fussy. If any of you would like to say hi, let me know, would love to meet some of you.
- jmatchett383

I feel as though Schultz would move into the top 6.

I don't see Morin getting a 9 game look, because where is he going to play? One of the other 7 defenseman would have to have a really bad camp, or a couple of injuries would have to happen.

Well my point is that I dont see his allowing players to walk in easier than most as a real issue. I also take Corsi ratings with a grain of salt.....
- GOA88

I agree with you.

General CORSI question.

How is QOC computed? I've been trying to figure it out, and it seems like circular logic.

Well first they have to actually make 2nd rd picks to find a gem. Before Robert Hagg was chosen two drafts ago, the Flyers have used their league issued 2nd rd pick once since 1999 (Denis Bodrov in 2006). They have made 5 2nd rd picks total in that time between the 1999 draft thru 20012 with 4 of them acquired thru trades. 3 of those 5 occurred in only one draft in 2006. So in 14 drafts, they used their own 2nd rd pick once and picked in the 2nd rd in only 3 drafts total. No wonder they can't find gems.
- psuhockey

The painful thing is that they had a 2nd round pick in 2007 and chose Kevin Marshall...instead of the best available defenseman...PK Subban.

Bill (and everyone else),

Do you see Schultz as an emergency 7th defenseman, kind of like Hal Gill was? What I mean is that, say a defender (let's use Grossmann for example) goes down in camp/preseason. Do you see Schultz stepping into a full-time top-6 role, or would they promote from the AHL and keep Schultz around as a quick, short-term fill-in?

Also, whether or not he makes the roster, I'd like them to give Morin the 9-game tryout (cap allowing). I feel like spending 9 games, or even 4-5 games, with the big club, even if he's not playing, would be a valuable experience for him moving forward.
- jmatchett383

I don't think they will have the cap space to carry 8 active defensemen to start the season.

Happy Belated Birthday Bill.

Any updates on Kimmo or if MAB has a chance of coming back?
- JW98FlyerFan

No official word on Kimmo yet but as long as he's on blood thinners, he can't be cleared to play hockey. Depending on the exact diagnosis of his conditon, he may need to be on them the rest of his life.

MAB said earlier this year that he is still working toward a comeback after his latest concussion setback. As of mid-May, he still wasn't symptom free.

I feel as though Schultz would move into the top 6.

I don't see Morin getting a 9 game look, because where is he going to play? One of the other 7 defenseman would have to have a really bad camp, or a couple of injuries would have to happen.
- MJL

Like I said, I'd want him with the team even if he doesn't make the lineup. he would be traveling with the team, attending practices, video training sessions, etc. Just being with the team would be as valuable, possibly more so, than playing some early-season QMJHL games in his 3rd season.

No official word on Kimmo yet but as long as he's on blood thinners, he can't be cleared to play hockey. Depending on the exact diagnosis of his conditon, he may need to be on them the rest of his life.

MAB said earlier this year that he is still working toward a comeback after his latest concussion setback. As of mid-May, he still wasn't symptom free.
- bmeltzer

Thats a shame...

No official word on Kimmo yet but as long as he's on blood thinners, he can't be cleared to play hockey. Depending on the exact diagnosis of his conditon, he may need to be on them the rest of his life.

MAB said earlier this year that he is still working toward a comeback after his latest concussion setback. As of mid-May, he still wasn't symptom free.
- bmeltzer

Would love to see MAB come back; however, at this point, if he does indeed come back and gets another one...probably game over.

MacDonald did a pretty bad job as the top pairing guy in New York. Ideally he's on your 2nd or 3rd pair.
- Jsaquella

A trade is possible at the deadline (depending on the standings) centered around BSchenn that could see on of the Flyers centers not named Giroux dealt for a top pairing defenseman (or something close to one, at least closer to what they have). This also depends on the play of Laughton and if BSchenn struggles as a winger.

What would they be trying to correct specifically? Is there some serious flaw in his game?
- MJL

http://www.broadstreethoc...enseman-neutral-zone-play

is it hockey yet?

No official word on Kimmo yet but as long as he's on blood thinners, he can't be cleared to play hockey. Depending on the exact diagnosis of his conditon, he may need to be on them the rest of his life.

MAB said earlier this year that he is still working toward a comeback after his latest concussion setback. As of mid-May, he still wasn't symptom free.
- bmeltzer

Thanks Bill, sad news for Kimmo, still pulling for MAB, but I know the way most Dmen get hit these days down low, MAB is probably out of the equation too...

http://www.broadstreethoc...enseman-neutral-zone-play
- johndewar

Please don't feed the pedants:

Oh yeah. When Just 5 posted it I was in love
- Jsaquella

simmonds and couturier showed awesome chemistry two years ago, been wanting it back since then

simmonds and couturier showed awesome chemistry two years ago, been wanting it back since then
- -davies-

I'm not opposed to it if that is the de facto "second" line.

Also, if anyone has a pair of Phils' tix for tonight (preferably int he 300 level), please let me know. Thank you.

I dont understand the hate for MacDonald. He is probably the best option we have to play with Coby. He is solid defensively and can skate and move the puck. Streit cant handle defending top lines and neither can MDZ. Grossmann and Coby would be too slow and cant get the puck up to the forwards fast enough.
- GOA88

It's not hate. He's being used in a spot that he isn't suited for. Coburn is solid, but he's more likely a complimentary player on a top pairing. Coburn being the # 1, with MacDonald the # 2 is very worrisome. But it is what it is. The lack of that complete # 1 stud, has a trickle down effect on the rest of the defense core.

Also, if anyone has a pair of Phils' tix for tonight (preferably int he 300 level), please let me know. Thank you.
- jmatchett383

I was at last night's game. It was so boring, we left after the 7th.

I would suggest to start drinking early!