The Flyers are the Sabres with two elite players. If you take out empty nets and the goals involving Giroux or Voracek , the Flyers have scored 12 goals in 11 games for an average of 1.09. Buffalo has scored 14 goals in 13 games for an average of 1.08. Goals against for the Flyers is 3.27. For the Sabres 3.31. So basically the difference is Giroux and Voracek so pray neither gets hurt.
- psuhockey

I agree the flyers lack depth, but this is so statistically flawed

All possibilities. I also would expect to see another effort to move Lecavalier this summer, after another season has been burned off and after his July 1st bonus clears another couple of million off the total that a new team would have to pay him
- Jsaquella

Yeah. That would help. i think if he can produce and stay healthy until the TDL i think a playoff team could take a chance. Maybe team needing a 2nd line center for the playoff push. Even if this team is on the playoff bubble I thinhk they may make moves to make them for the better for the future instead of pushing to get into the playoffs.

Berube was head coach of the phantoms for a year and was the last coach to get the Phantoms into the playoffs.
- psuhockey

I'd want my NHL candidate to have more than 80 or so games of HC experience.

I would love to know what was in that package to Florida for the number#1. It would give a good indication of how Hextall feels about players not only on the roster but in the prospect pool. I think it would include some players/prospects fans wouldn't necessarily think were available since by some accounts Florida almost pulled the trigger on it.
- psuhockey

The rumors are so varied and there's really very little that's concrete. One reporter said Simmonds was the breaking point. Another said that the Flyers wouldn't include 2015's 1st rounder unless it was "lottery protected". Others had Lecavalier included but only if the Flyers ate money.

I'd expect that it was a significant price and that Hextall was including a contract like Lecavalier's as a salary dump, in addition to offering more tangible assets, like Schenn or Simmonds and high draft picks

It absolutely is like earning increased icetime. PP time is ice time. In my opinion, the Flyers know that Akeson's future in the NHL is not as a 4th line player. They aren't trying to remake him into a 4th line player. But they also know that his offensive ability alone, is not enough for Akeson to have a full time career as an NHL player on a scoring line. So he needs to develop other parts of his game to a satisfactory level, in order to play in a bigger role. There are likely two outcomes to Akeson as a player. Secondary scoring winger in the NHL, or career minor leaguer with an occasional call up.
- MJL

Yeah I'm fine with that on 5v5 but that doesn't have to do with the 2nd PP unit, IMO. To me, special teams isn't the same thing. Why does Ghost get PP time and not Akeson if it's about earning it? Schultz, Rinaldo, PEB, VandeVelde and Luke Schenn average more time per game at 5v4 than Akeson as well.

Why is Akeson the most polarizing player on this team? How bout we talk about how Matt Read has seemed to do nothing so far.

Also i wonder if Bill could gives us and update on guys like Leirer, Laughton, Adlerson, Cousins and if any could see time with team later in the season and how they are doing in the AHL so far.
- J35Bacher

I know Read wasnt happy with how he was being used. He openly asked if he could move to the other side of the ice, where he is better suited.

I also have to point out here, that if others were succeeding in the role, I'd be fine with the handling of Akeson this year, or Gustafsson last season.

But they are not. The 2nd PP unit has been a mess, regardless of juggling. We can talk about who was earned chances or not, but at some point, those chances need to be taken advantage of, by executing and creating on the 2nd PP.

Yes, Berube has made changes. But shuffling the same 6 or 7 guys in and out isn't real change, and it has not worked. That's why he gets criticized
- Jsaquella

Changing lines up is a common coaching strategy when the results are not what they should be. Changing line combinations is real change. The common theme is to simply criticize Berube for whatever. Criticize him for not changing things when things aren't working. Then criticize him for the changes he has made. Now it's evolved to labeling changes he has made, as not "real" changes.

I'd want my NHL candidate to have more than 80 or so games of HC experience.
- Tomahawk

I do wonder if Mark Morris would be a candidate if the Flyers were to fire Berube. He was a highly successful AHL coach with the Monarchs, has a history with Hextall and is fluent with the Lombardi school of thought.

Figured I'd get a little fancy with the gf last night.

Took a stroll down to red lobster. 12 ounce bloody New York with a lobster tail. (frank)ing incredible.
- flyer_nutter

Red Lobster - the definition of fine dining

I know Read wasnt happy with how he was being used. He openly asked if he could move to the other side of the ice, where he is better suited.
- jak521

I think he could be moved to this year. He is a solid two way player but you have to remember he isn't a youngster and I think you could replace him with guys in the system. Maybe he could bring back a younger player and pick

Red Lobster - the definition of fine dining
- aightwebang17

Nothing says I Love You like a cheddar bay biscuit.

I'm betting Berube's grace period will last until the end of the season, at least. Not sure there's much to be gained right now from breaking continuity either w/ the Flyers or Phantoms.

I'm still disturbed at why/how Berube was hired in the first place. Essentially no head coaching experience at any level, and only Homer's endorsement of his hockey mind as rationale. Keep in mind, Homer's also the guy who did the same w/ Pierre McGuire back in the day...
- Tomahawk

Berube wouldn't have been my first choice.

To play Devil's Advocate, Homer DID hire John Stevens (now regarded as a viable head coaching candidate again) and Peter Laviolette (back in the league now).

I can't offer an excuse for hiring Pierre McGuire. That's pretty inexcusable.

Red Lobster - the definition of fine dining
- aightwebang17

In Winnipeg its as fine as you get.

It is incredible to me that Berube has kept Akeson off the 4th line and the 2nd PP unit despite the fairly miserable performances of those units without him, so this blog gets two thumbs up from me.

Having both Rinaldo and VdV on the 4th line ahead of him is crazy. They are offensive black holes.

Moving Read Or Couturier back to the left point on PP2 and putting Akeson in the Giroux-spot is such an obvious move that you have to think Berube's letting pride or politics get in the way of making the best hockey decision.

Figured I'd get a little fancy with the gf last night.

Took a stroll down to red lobster. 12 ounce bloody New York with a lobster tail. (frank)ing incredible.
- flyer_nutter

I do wonder if Mark Morris would be a candidate if the Flyers were to fire Berube. He was a highly successful AHL coach with the Monarchs, has a history with Hextall and is fluent with the Lombardi school of thought.
- Jsaquella

I could see that. I think yuo would have to look at any coach who has the same philosaphy. Strong defensive system, puck possesion team. That is why I think John Stevens could be an option. Mark Morris, Babcock. guys like that. But i think they wait till end of season to make a coaching move.

Yeah I'm fine with that on 5v5 but that doesn't have to do with the 2nd PP unit, IMO. To me, special teams isn't the same thing. Why does Ghost get PP time and not Akeson if it's about earning it? Schultz, Rinaldo, PEB, VandeVelde and Luke Schenn average more time per game at 5v4 than Akeson as well.
- NickTheKid87

You just can't make that poop up, lol.

I could see that. I think yuo would have to look at any coach who has the same philosaphy. Strong defensive system, puck possesion team. That is why I think John Stevens could be an option. Mark Morris, Babcock. guys like that. But i think they wait till end of season to make a coaching move.
- J35Bacher

Stevens is staying in LA. He's Sutter's heir apparent.

I think Babcock only leaves Detroit for one of two things: A ready built contender or the bright lights of Toronto.

It is incredible to me that Berube has kept Akeson off the 4th line and the 2nd PP unit despite the fairly miserable performances of those units without him, so this blog gets two thumbs up from me.

Having both Rinaldo and VdV on the 4th line ahead of him is crazy. They are offensive black holes.

Moving Read Or Couturier back to the left point on PP2 and putting Akeson in the Giroux-spot is such an obvious move that you have to think Berube's letting pride or politics get in the way of making the best hockey decision.
- Feanor

To there credit they play hard, they have been making plays, they are engaged in the game, Rinaldo has done what everyone has asked and taken less penalties and actually has been doing well on PK when he is out there. VDV has been noticable too during games. Something that I can't say of Akeson.

You just can't make that poop up, lol.
- Tomahawk

They have earned it.

Yeah I'm fine with that on 5v5 but that doesn't have to do with the 2nd PP unit, IMO. To me, special teams isn't the same thing. Why does Ghost get PP time and not Akeson if it's about earning it? Schultz, Rinaldo, PEB, VandeVelde and Luke Schenn average more time per game at 5v4 than Akeson as well.
- NickTheKid87

It wasn't about earning it for Gostisbehere. They knew he would only be up for a few games. And it's likely that Gostisbehere's play in the AHL, earned him the call up. And Gostisbehere's future is as an NHL offensive PP defenseman. He has elite offensive talent, and an elite shot.

The PP icetime that those players, except for Schultz, which honestly I don't get, is when they come on late at the end of a PP. They aren't really putting Luke Schenn out on the PP.

To there credit they play hard, they have been making plays, they are engaged in the game
- J35Bacher

Rinaldo was not on the ice for a single shot attempt in the Florida trip.

The team never scores when he's on the ice, but regularly concedes goals. A GF% of zero can't be good.

http://stats.hockeyanalys...ue&season=2014-15&sit=5v5

Stevens is staying in LA. He's Sutter's heir apparent.

I think Babcock only leaves Detroit for one of two things: A ready built contender or the bright lights of Toronto.
- Jsaquella

BUt how long would he want to wait? If the offer is there for him would he really wait? You never know what other hot commodity comes along.

Babcock might like Toronto but are they that much better then Philadelphia? Also if it comes down to money which some of it seems to be about you don't think if Hextall wants Babcock, Snider wouldn't right that check.

You just can't make that poop up, lol.
- Tomahawk

Akeson will be an NHL player someday... just not with the Flyers.

Chief is set in his ways, and the roster will be changed according to him. We saw it with Hartnell, with the way he has handled (first) Gusty, and now Akeson.

Umberger has been a HUGE improvement thus far over Hartnell.

Stevens is staying in LA. He's Sutter's heir apparent.

I think Babcock only leaves Detroit for one of two things: A ready built contender or the bright lights of Toronto.
- Jsaquella

If Tippett gets fired... I'd be all over that.