Actually, when everyone is healthy, I'd be fine if our first 3 shooters were:
Giroux
VLC
Akeson - BiggE
Vinny's at 24% for his career. I'd rather try somebody new and see if we have another 40% guy hidden in the ranks. Matt Read has been stone cold since goalies worked out he only shoots and never makes a move.
I'd use Giroux, Voracek and Bellemare. Vinny is 2 for his last 9 shootout attempts, and didn't even take a shot in his final season in Tampa - Jsaquella
But Voracek hasn't scored in a shootout since the 09-10 season, and just admitted in an interview that he lacks the balls he had when he was younger.
Vinny's at 24% for his career. I'd rather try somebody new and see if we have another 40% guy hidden in the ranks. Matt Read has been stone cold since goalies worked out he only shoots and never makes a move.
But Voracek hasn't scored in a shootout since the 09-10 season, and just admitted in an interview that he lacks the balls he had when he was younger. - Feanor
True, it's a fair point, but I think that if he took more shots, the confidence would return and the balls would drop
Akeson doesn't dump the puck in enough for Berube's taste.
Actually, I understand Berube's thought process here, making a young guy earn more ice time. At the same time, there's such a thing as using a square peg to fill a round hole.
I'd like to see Akeson used in a role that's better suited to his abilities before complaining about his consistency when he's filling a role he's not especially suited for. But that seems to be Berube's MO. Skill guys get less rope than energy guys & small guys get less rope than bigger guys. - Jsaquella
Lots of posters wanted to see Akeson on the 4th line because they liked what they saw in the pre season. If I'm not mistaked you were one of them. Now he's in a role that he's not suited for. Which is why I wasn't a fan of Akeson on the 4th line.
But I'm willing to give it some time before coming to a conclusion. He is playing in an unfamiliar role, and should be given time to acclimate. Not just being an NHL player for the first time, but also in an umfamiliar role.
Did anyone ask Berube if Akseon might get a shot on the second PP unit? It has done nothing so far this year. - Feanor
I wasn't there yesterday (just got back to Texas to take advantage of the Flyers' upcoming road trip through Dallas and then, after covering that game in person, will remain here until the Flyers return home from the trip).
However, Berube was asked that question on Saturday and the answer was no, but things might be looked at going forward.
Lots of posters wanted to see Akeson on the 4th line because they liked what they saw in the pre season. If I'm not mistaked you were one of them. Now he's in a role that he's not suited for. Which is why I wasn't a fan of Akeson on the 4th line.
But I'm willing to give it some time before coming to a conclusion. He is playing in an unfamiliar role, and should be given time to acclimate. Not just being an NHL player for the first time, but also in an umfamiliar role. - MJL
Incorrect. I wanted Akeson on a more offensively inclined line from the get go. Allow me to direct your attention to the numerous posts you made about elevating an untested rookie like Akeson over a proven veteran such as Umberger.
Akeson doesn't dump the puck in enough for Berube's taste.
Actually, I understand Berube's thought process here, making a young guy earn more ice time. At the same time, there's such a thing as using a square peg to fill a round hole.
I'd like to see Akeson used in a role that's better suited to his abilities before complaining about his consistency when he's filling a role he's not especially suited for. But that seems to be Berube's MO. Skill guys get less rope than energy guys & small guys get less rope than bigger guys. - Jsaquella
I wasn't there yesterday (just got back to Texas to take advantage of the Flyers' upcoming road trip through Dallas and then, after covering that game in person, will remain here until the Flyers return home from the trip).
However, Berube was asked that question on Saturday and the answer was no, but things might be looked at going forward. - bmeltzer
Thanks. That's good news to me.
Maybe if MDZ gets benched in favor of Schultz that would open a spot for Akeson on the 2nd PP unit.
Incorrect. I wanted Akeson on a more offensively inclined line from the get go. Allow me to direct your attention to the numerous posts you made about elevating an untested rookie like Akeson over a proven veteran such as Umberger. - Jsaquella
I don't think I'm incorrect. And I haven't made any statements about Akeson playing over Umberger, or vice versa. I see them as two different kinds of players.
How much rope do you think Chief has? - JW98FlyerFan
Unless they completely fail to turn things around in the next 10-20 games-and I basically mean turn into Edmonton or something-I think he's safe for the entire season.
The only way I think Berube gets fired in season is if they have some kind of epic run of horrid play-like go 0-13-2 or something to start the season. I think Hextall knew this could be a down year and despite my criticism and not really being a fan of Berube, I can't see another coach coming in and doing much better.
3flyerkids Season Ticket Holder Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Toronto, ON Joined: 02.27.2013
Oct 16 @ 9:00 AM ET
Incorrect. I wanted Akeson on a more offensively inclined line from the get go. Allow me to direct your attention to the numerous posts you made about elevating an untested rookie like Akeson over a proven veteran such as Umberger. - Jsaquella
Can we beg someone to take Umberger off our hands. 0 points and a -5.
I don't think I'm incorrect. And I haven't made any statements about Akeson playing over Umberger, or vice versa. I see them as two different kinds of players. - MJL
Well, you are. When I've suggested line combinations, I've routinely suggested a line of Akeson, Lecavalier and Raffl, whether as a 3rd or 4th line, to give him more of a chance to utilize his skill set as an offensively inclined player.
I doubt I've ever stated that my ideal was for him to be on a line with Bellemare and Rinaldo.
Can we beg someone to take Umberger off our hands. 0 points and a -5. - 3flyerkids
Hartnell didn't score a point till his 10th game last year, and he was playing on the top line. It's a little early to panic about Umberger. At the very worst he's a cheap buyout next summer or the one after.
Location: any donut with a hole in the middle can get (frank)ed right in its hole, NJ Joined: 04.08.2012
Oct 16 @ 9:07 AM ET
Can we beg someone to take Umberger off our hands. 0 points and a -5. - 3flyerkids
But guys, we really need to wait and see him play more. The entire media and fan base in Columbus was wrong.
Plus, we got rid of that Hartnell guy. He falls the (frank) down too much and was just carried by G and Jake and Leino and Briere and Carter and Lupul and Jagr.
Unless they completely fail to turn things around in the next 10-20 games-and I basically mean turn into Edmonton or something-I think he's safe for the entire season.
The only way I think Berube gets fired in season is if they have some kind of epic run of horrid play-like go 0-13-2 or something to start the season. I think Hextall knew this could be a down year and despite my criticism and not really being a fan of Berube, I can't see another coach coming in and doing much better. - Jsaquella
I was thinking about Edmonton last night while watching the game on centerice. Man are they a good trade partner. They need d and we need wingers. There has to be a deal where we can send a package to EDM and get a winger back.
3flyerkids Season Ticket Holder Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Toronto, ON Joined: 02.27.2013
Oct 16 @ 9:09 AM ET
Hartnell didn't score a point till his 10th game last year, and he was playing on the top line. It's a little early to panic about Umberger. At the very worst he's a cheap buyout next summer or the one after. - Feanor
True, but at least he brought a physical element.
I want RJ to work out but I can see why he was a healthy scratch in Columbus
Unless they completely fail to turn things around in the next 10-20 games-and I basically mean turn into Edmonton or something-I think he's safe for the entire season.
The only way I think Berube gets fired in season is if they have some kind of epic run of horrid play-like go 0-13-2 or something to start the season. I think Hextall knew this could be a down year and despite my criticism and not really being a fan of Berube, I can't see another coach coming in and doing much better. - Jsaquella
Agree, but I think they are shopping for a coach at the end of the season...I don't think Hexy will stick with the Chief experiment long term.
I was thinking about Edmonton last night while watching the game on centerice. Man are they a good trade partner. They need d and we need wingers. There has to be a deal where we can send a package to EDM and get a winger back. - J35Bacher
Trouble There is, the Flyers could use some defense help too