IDK about having Simmonds-Giroux-Voracek together long term. Unless Schenn-Couts-Read start producing consistantly you have to place Simmonds on a different line. Vinny and Simmonds are fine.... its the LW spot thats the issue and thats the issue with every line just about. This team has a real weak spot there.
- GOA88

I didn't think Simmonds looked very comfortable playing the left side. But that could change in time. The problem when Simmonds and Lecavalier are together is that they need a playmaker. Lecavalier is not a playmaking center. He's a shooting center.

In every game that's he's spent on a line w Bellemare, he's been gangbusters. Same w Rinaldo.

Put VDV between them and you lose them both.
- Tomahawk

Rinaldo has been a consistent player regardless of who was the center. Akeson had a good game last night because he played with energy, and was up on his skates, and was involved. Not because he played with Bellemare. Bellemare can't make Akeson show up and play. Only Akeson himself can. In the history of the NHL, there's never been a player that needed the right player next to him more , to be able to jump out on the ice and actually play. Players like Rinaldo, Raffl, Bellemare, and Vandevelde, all bring the same jump and intensity, no matter where they play, or with whom. But not Akeson. He needs a certain player next to him, to be competitive on the ice.

Hopefully, he goes with:
Simmonds-G-Jake
Schenn-Coots-Read
Umberger-VLC-Akeson
VDV-Bellemare-Rinaldo

If Vinnie is going to have any success, he needs someone with some puck skills and creativity to work with him and Akeson fits that bill.
- BiggE

Those might be the best option, although I hate to saddle Bellemare with Rinaldo and VDV. He can do more with better skilled players around him.

Bellamare really has been quite the find. I think his role is going to increase as the season progresses. Very solid all around game. Been very impressed by him.

Bellamare really has been quite the find. I think his role is going to increase as the season progresses. Very solid all around game. Been very impressed by him.
- PLindbergh31

- Tomahawk

Thank God he played in Sweden

I didn't think Simmonds looked very comfortable playing the left side. But that could change in time. The problem when Simmonds and Lecavalier are together is that they need a playmaker. Lecavalier is not a playmaking center. He's a shooting center.
- MJL

I am curious if a guy like Straka or Cousins cold fit on that line. Send Vandevelde down and bring one of them up. Both have more offense to their game. Cousins is more or a playmaker that might fit with Vinny.

So if Berube was thinking of trying Simmonds on the first line, why not get him some practice time there on Wednesday and Thursday?

From what I saw last night (which was nothing) Vandevelde looked very good on the top line.

Thank God he played in Sweden
- Jsaquella

Lol, a wire cheese cutter on there and it would be perfect.

Lol, a wire cheese cutter on there and it would be perfect.
- Tomahawk

Yeah that would make it perfect

I am curious if a guy like Straka or Cousins cold fit on that line. Send Vandevelde down and bring one of them up. Both have more offense to their game. Cousins is more or a playmaker that might fit with Vinny.
- J35Bacher

I don't see either of them being able to be the playmaker they need for that line. If the Flyers are going to put a prospect or AHL player on that line, to be a playmaker. They already have that player in Akeson on the roster. Not that I think that's a definite, but that's what I would try before Straka or Cousins.

Bill,

Just curious but is there any chance an offensive player like Straka or even cousins could be brought up to play with Vinny's line. Seems to me that if your going to play Simmonds on the top line then Vandevelde could be sat for a more offenmsive player. Seems like that would be a better fit for that line

Simmonds - Giroux - Voracek
Read - Couturier - Schenn
Cousins/Straka - Vinny - Umberger
Rinaldo - Bellemare - Akeson
- J35Bacher

Both Straka and Cousins are still works in progress at the AHL level. Putting up some offensive numbers now and making strides in other areas.

Bill,

Just curious but is there any chance an offensive player like Straka or even cousins could be brought up to play with Vinny's line. Seems to me that if your going to play Simmonds on the top line then Vandevelde could be sat for a more offenmsive player. Seems like that would be a better fit for that line

Simmonds - Giroux - Voracek
Read - Couturier - Schenn
Cousins/Straka - Vinny - Umberger
Rinaldo - Bellemare - Akeson
- J35Bacher

Something needs to be done with Umberger.... Whatever line you put him on he holds back. When we get healthy the lines should be this.

Raffl-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Vinny-Simmonds
Schenn-Couts-Akeson
Rinaldo-Bellemare-Umberger

Yeah that would make it perfect
- Jsaquella

If they loaned Vinny to the SHL, maybe he'd come back as Mats Sundin.

I don't see either of them being able to be the playmaker they need for that line. If the Flyers are going to put a prospect or AHL player on that line, to be a playmaker. They already have that player in Akeson on the roster. Not that I think that's a definite, but that's what I would try before Straka or Cousins.
- MJL

I get that. I just think those other two are better. But I also understand the patience thing to let them keep playing in the AHL.


One thing i am liking is Schenn and Couturier. If they can keep creating offense that could be a solid 2nd line.

Something needs to be done with Umberger.... Whatever line you put him on he holds back. When we get healthy the lines should be this.

Raffl-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Vinny-Simmonds
Schenn-Couts-Akeson
Rinaldo-Bellemare-Umberger
- GOA88

Why would you break up BSchenn, Couturier and Read, and move Read away from his preferred side?

Berube deserves a lot of credit for the way some of these players have elevated their game. That's what you call getting the most out of your players and Berube deserves most of the credit for it.
- TonyBazz

BLASPHEMER!!!!
Embrace the hate of all things Berube and the Organization.

Other than that I agree and well said.

I get that. I just think those other two are better. But I also understand the patience thing to let them keep playing in the AHL.


One thing i am liking is Schenn and Couturier. If they can keep creating offense that could be a solid 2nd line.
- J35Bacher

They may be better in the future, but I doubt that they are now. Straka may never be an NHL player.

BLASPHEMER!!!!
Embrace the hate of all things Berube and the Organization.

Other than that I agree and well said.
- opeth_pa

They won a couple of games in a row, so the all out criticism of Berube for anything and everything, is temporarily put on hold.

Thank God he played in Sweden


- Jsaquella

Those might be the best option, although I hate to saddle Bellemare with Rinaldo and VDV. He can do more with better skilled players around him.
- Jsaquella

True, but I just don't see any other way to get the best out of Vinnie. I would swap VLC and Bellemare though, when leading in the 3rd, and only spot shift the 4th line.

Why would you break up BSchenn, Couturier and Read, and move Read away from his preferred side?
- Feanor

Why not? They played one game together.Maybe I would change my mind if they continue to play well... Im just trying to find balance on every line.....

Bellamare really has been quite the find. I think his role is going to increase as the season progresses. Very solid all around game. Been very impressed by him.
- PLindbergh31

for whom the Bell amare tolls

Thank God he played in Sweden


- Jsaquella