Agreed, though I think the biggest problem with the PK is no Coburn or Timonen. Losing either one is bad enough, not having both was going to impact the PK sooner or later.
- BiggE

Not saying that isn't the biggest issue, because it likely is. But that doesn't mean Rinaldo or VandeVelde have done well at it.

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

Sportsnet Toronto was speculating that he is looking for a GM/Coach position. He wants full control.

While I'd be fine with Babcock, Hitch or Tippet as the Flyers next coach, I'd like to see them try to find a good young coach who is ready to take the next step and bring some fresh ideas into the mix.
- BiggE

I would be ok with someone new too. I just think any coaching option will have to have hextalls philosaphy which is strong puck possesion, defensive oriented and he proabably would like a little more size on the wings.

So you've always got to earn it... unless you're special. Got it.
- Tomahawk

It's comparing a first year professional player who is called up for a couple of games, to a player who has been a pro for a number of years, who actually made the team. The circumstances are completely different. If Gostisbehere was a regular on the team, it would be different.

Hope Coburn can get back soon, they could really use him.
- BiggE

It was rumored this weekend, for get who said it, that Coburn had a chance to return before the 4 weeks was up.

Not saying that isn't the biggest issue, because it likely is. But that doesn't mean Rinaldo or VandeVelde have done well at it.
- Jsaquella

True

Not saying that isn't the biggest issue, because it likely is. But that doesn't mean Rinaldo or VandeVelde have done well at it.
- Jsaquella

So how do you judge whether they have done well at or not. By looking at the overall performance of the PK, with how many players getting a lot more PK ice time. Or by watchng and evaluating their play specifically on the PK?

Sportsnet Toronto was speculating that he is looking for a GM/Coach position. He wants full control.
- PhillaBully

Also a possibility.

I know but the Schultz thing is a head scratcher. Why him on the PP unit and not Akeson? Do the 4 forwards and 1 dman. I don't see how Schultz could be better on the PP than Akeson. Powerplays are different than 5 on 5 so any inefficiencies Akeson might have away from the puck at even strength aren't that relevant while on the man advantage.

At the end of the day, what do they have to lose by trying Akeson on the 2nd PP unit? It's already bottomed out.
- NickTheKid87

I honestly don't get the Schultz thing on the PP either. It must be something they see in practice. They don't have anything to lose. But they're going to make Akeson earn it. And I don't have a problem with that.

It's comparing a first year professional player who is called up for a couple of games, to a player who has been a pro for a number of years, who actually made the team. The circumstances are completely different. If Gostisbehere was a regular on the team, it would be different.
- MJL

My question is what has Akeson even done to earn more minutes? Hell he can't even stay in the lineup. Probably a reason he doesn't see 2nd pp minutes. Why would you practice with him there if he isn't going to be a consistent member of the team. He has to play better in the minutes he sees which would then make him a regualr which could earn him some 2nd pp time.

Agreed, though I think the biggest problem with the PK is no Coburn or Timonen. Losing either one is bad enough, not having both was going to impact the PK sooner or later.
- BiggE

And MacDonald. They miss him big time.

My question is what has Akeson even done to earn more minutes? Hell he can't even stay in the lineup. Probably a reason he doesn't see 2nd pp minutes. Why would you practice with him there if he isn't going to be a consistent member of the team. He has to play better in the minutes he sees which would then make him a regualr which could earn him some 2nd pp time.
- J35Bacher

He hasn't done anything to earn more minutes. That's why he hasn't. But it's a long season. Things can change.

All is lost.

My question is what has Akeson even done to earn more minutes? Hell he can't even stay in the lineup. Probably a reason he doesn't see 2nd pp minutes. Why would you practice with him there if he isn't going to be a consistent member of the team. He has to play better in the minutes he sees which would then make him a regualr which could earn him some 2nd pp time.
- J35Bacher

What's Rinaldo done to earn more minutes?

Look, I don't care if Berube only wants to use Akeson for 4 or 5 minutes at ES, but for gods sake, the kid has skill. SKILL, something that can actually be an asset on the powerplay. Put him on the 2nd unit. I'm ok with players earning their spot, but the coach also needs to make some type of effort to put a player in the best possible situation to succeed. Putting Akeson on the pp, is putting him in a spot where he can succeed.

Salisbury House
- dt99999

oh here we go

He hasn't done anything to earn more minutes. That's why he hasn't. But it's a long season. Things can change.
- MJL

It is. I am just saying.........


Playing better at ES in his limited minutes= Playing more often then scratched= possible 2nd pp time or increased role.

All is lost.
- Streit2ThePoint

i swear i just saw it here somewhere

What's Rinaldo done to earn more minutes?

Look, I don't care if Berube only wants to use Akeson for 4 or 5 minutes at ES, but for gods sake, the kid has skill. SKILL, something that can actually be an asset on the powerplay. Put him on the 2nd unit. I'm ok with players earning their spot, but the coach also needs to make some type of effort to put a player in the best possible situation to succeed. Putting Akeson on the pp, is putting him in a spot where he can succeed.
- BiggE

Rinaldo is playing 4th line minutes, and getting some time on the PK. He earned that by maintaining his discipline, playing with heart and energy every shift. Getting in on the forecheck and pressuring the puck.

If Akeson played as well as Rinaldo has, he'd be ahead of Rinaldo on the depth chart. And he would see some PP time.

True
- BiggE

That's the thing, I'm watching the games & looking at the numbers. I don't see this good play from Rinaldo or VandeVelde, either at 5 on 5 or on the PK. I see poor positional play, I see them consistently hemmed in their own end. I don't see especially strong play away from the puck.

The stats bear that out. They have been ineffective.

Now before somebody chimes in and brings up Akeson, I am not saying Akeson has been any better. The difference is, that Rinaldo and VandeVelde have been ineffective in roles that are suited for their skill sets. Akeson has been asked to play a role that is not well suited to his strengths as a player.

It's like taking 2 carpenters and an IT guy and telling them to frame a house. I'm going to expect the carpenters to do a better job than the IT guy. The trouble is, the carpenters in this case haven't done a much better job than the geek. Sure, it's a little bit better, but it's hardly a well done job.

While no fan of Berube, I don't think its completely his call without any influence that Rinaldo should play.

Craig didn't not give him the extension. For better or for worse.

It's like taking 2 carpenters and an IT guy and telling them to frame a house. I'm going to expect the carpenters to do a better job than the IT guy. The trouble is, the carpenters in this case haven't done a much better job than the geek.
- Jsaquella

Sorry, only food/kitchen analogies allowed on today's thread. Revise please.

It is. I am just saying.........


Playing better at ES in his limited minutes= Playing more often then scratched= possible 2nd pp time or increased role.
- J35Bacher

Bellermare, Raffl, and Vandevelde have all earned more time due to their play on the 4th line. But apparently, Akeson is above that.

Sorry, only food/kitchen analogies allowed on today's thread. Revise please.
- Tomahawk

OK,

If I have two short order cooks and a drive in cashier from McDonald's, I expect the fry cooks to be able to make a tastier hamburger than the cashier. The trouble is, while the cashier's burger isn't very good, the fry cooks made a dry, overcooked burger. And gave me American when I ordered Swiss

I honestly don't get the Schultz thing on the PP either. It must be something they see in practice. They don't have anything to lose. But they're going to make Akeson earn it. And I don't have a problem with that.
- MJL

Schultz gets 0:45 seconds a game on the PP yet he has never been an offensive player. To me, that's how it should be earned: whether or not you fit the role. Akeson fits the PP role better than a handful of players on the team including Schultz. "Rewarding" a player with a role that he's not suited for seems odd to me and flawed.

IMO, it's shouldn't be about earning it in terms of special teams if you have a specific skill-set that would apply and to me Akeson does. Akeson should have to earn playing in the top 9 at even strength though unless there's a slew of injuries, etc.

Bellermare, Raffl, and Vandevelde have all earned more time due to their play on the 4th line. But apparently, Akeson is above that.
- MJL

Exactly. I don't see why Akeson deserves anymore then he is getting. Also this notion that Rinaldo and VDV do nothing. They do their job. They get in on the forecheck, provdie solid energy and help take some time of PK for other guys.