Mason quits after Z1 cross checks too many players into him?
- jmatchett383

Correct.

That's where I disagree. I would rate them as (6) 2nd pair defenders. maybe 3rd pair for Schenn and Del Zotto on a stacked team like St.Louis
- GOA88

I disagree. Coburn is a # 2 on a top pair, if that top pair has a legit stud # 1.
The rest of the defenseman are all third pairing guys.

Del Zotto is basically an unknown at this point. In a League where every team is looking for blueline help, he was jobless in August. And if Timonen didn't get injured who knows where he would be right now. Grossmann is injury prone, and has the mobility of a sloth. Schenn is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get. Great one night, awful the next. Streit is a good PP guy, and can move the puck, but I wouldn't trust him in the d zone as far as I could throw him. And don't even get me going on MacDonald.

I think MDZ is a 3rd pair player, maybe even a #7 on a stacked team. Schenn's a 5/6 guy. But, when you bring up St. Louis, they have 3 defenders that would be a huge upgrade to anyone on this team.
- jmatchett383

Yea I agree with that. Flyers defense is not that bad. They are all quality defenders. We just lack that great #1 defenseman.

Quote from Berube on Akeson. Just thought it was very candid and not a huge ringing endorement.

"He's showed me things at times. At other times, he's looked slow," Berube said candidly after the Flyers' 6-3 loss to the Rangers. "He really has to move his feet. He has to be competitive. He's not a big guy, not the fastest guy. Sometimes, he looks OK and makes some plays when he has a little bit of time. But when he doesn't, he looks slow sometimes. He's got to be real competitive all the time."


Also think if Leirer continues to play well in the AHL it won't be long until he is up with the big club. His skating and play away from puck are noticebly and always seems to be around the net.

It's always time for revenge against the Rags. Always.
- jmatchett383

Mason quits after Z1 cross checks too many players into him?
- jmatchett383

DO NOT GET ME STARTED!

Let's just see what happens on the 8th in Boston.... Before we start to panic.

So I thought Zac Rinaldo played a nice game, didn't take any penalties and also made a nice cross ice pass on Akeson goal.

Yea I agree with that. Flyers defense is not that bad. They are all quality defenders. We just lack that great #1 defenseman.
- GOA88

The problem is they lack both a #1 and #2 defenseman. Coburn is a fair #3 defender who could ride with an elite guy a la Carle with Pronger. When Coburn's on his game (playing fast, physical, and giving 100%) he's a legit top pairing player. But that only comes out about 25 times a year.

So I thought Zac Rinaldo played a nice game, didn't take any penalties and also made a nice cross ice pass on Akeson goal.
- J35Bacher

And buried a player from behind right into out stud goalie.

Let's just see what happens on the 8th in Boston.... Before we start to panic.
- GOA88

15-1 Bruins. Berube fired after 10 min mark of second period. Hextall takes over and scores only goal.

The problem is they lack both a #1 and #2 defenseman. Coburn is a fair #3 defender who could ride with an elite guy a la Carle with Pronger. When Coburn's on his game (playing fast, physical, and giving 100%) he's a legit top pairing player. But that only comes out about 25 times a year.
- jmatchett383

Thank you for making my point more clear.

15-1 Bruins. Berube fired after 10 min mark of second period. Hextall takes over and scores only goal.
- hockeylover

Jesus

Jesus
- GOA88

it could happen......

Jesus
- GOA88

I agree, he does deserve most of the blame for the Flyers failures since 1976. When will he absolve them of their sins? Freakin slacker!

Spot on. Young offensive defenseman like him are very rare and normally command a King's ransom. If he can get his d game rounded, I think he's going to be a good one and a regular on D here.
- Hextall271

Plus, it's a lot easier to teach a guy who can create how to destroy, than vice versa.

Jesus
- GOA88

Do not blame the Jesus for your hockey team!

And buried a player from behind right into out stud goalie.
- jmatchett383

G'damn it now I have to clean coffee off my keyboard.

Plus, it's a lot easier to teach a guy who can create how to destroy, than vice versa.
- Tomahawk

He will destroy

And buried a player from behind right into out stud goalie.
- jmatchett383

At least someone moved a guy from the front of our net.

He will destroy
- PhillySportsGuy

- jmatchett383

He doesn't need more time to add muscle. He looks nhl ready

Wow, that reverse angle...

He doesn't need more time to add muscle. He looks nhl ready
- PhillySportsGuy

He needs to work on his play away from the broad sword.

I think everyone's getting a little carried away with these last couple preseason games. It doesn't hold much weight right now, either in a positive or negative light on these players. Let's pump the brakes, wait for the real show and stay the planned course with our prospects
- Just5

For me, its about the effort our vets on d put in... We all know our d is average AT BEST and well below average at worst in its current state, but it does not make me feel good to see our top pairing get burned like that.

Also as far as the preseason schedule goes, its my belief that the teams make these schedules which means hexy or hommer made these schedules...