Avs reportedly scratching Briere and starting Reto Berra in goal
- Jsaquella

And Coburn is in, paired with Luke Schenn.

There was a shift at the end of the 2nd period where Lacavalier's line kept the puck in the Florida end for over a minute. It was their best shift of the game. A few shifts like that every game would be nice.

Funny thing about Chris Vandevedle being taken off the top line is, he looks even worse on Vincent Lecavalier's line. He might look alright with Couturier and Read but that line instantly looks solid with Schenn being added to it. I'm just not understanding why it's so important that he of all players stay in the line up.

Reading an article on Scott Laughton early during the summer while rookie camp was going on, maybe the article was one man's opinion but I agreed with Laughton not making the team with the logjam of centers we have but within the article also mentioned that he would get his chance if there was an injury. I also felt like Laughton played good enough during training camp to make the team if not for so many guaranteed deals were not on the roster. With this said, when Lecavalier was hurt, that was a glowing opportunity to get a look at Laughton. Even with Lecavalier's return and Raffl's injury, I was under the impression Bellemare was a natural winger anyway, so one would assume Laughton could still get a look on the fourth line.

I'm also for giving a young player seasoning but what exactly does Vandevelde do for this team long term?
- SuperSchennBros

VDV is playing better hockey than Vinny or RJ. He does nothing long term for this team, like many current players.

VDV is playing better hockey than Vinny or RJ. He does nothing long term for this team, like many current players.
- Just5

Lecavalier has played 6 games, and Vandevelde is not better then he is. Umberger is not bringing much offensively, but Vandevelde is not better then Umberger is either. Playing in different situations.

Avs reportedly scratching Briere and starting Reto Berra in goal
- Jsaquella

Briere woulda got lit up in goal anyway.

And Coburn is in, paired with Luke Schenn.
- MJL

At the expense of CC, I'm guessing?

At the expense of CC, I'm guessing?
- hereticpride

I believe so.

I believe so.
- MJL

Schultz has played himself into the lineup. Flyers have more depth on defense than many, including myself, thought at the beginning of the year. Mdz has lessened the blow of losing timonen dramatically. Now if they had a true number 1 defenseman with the way everyone else is playing, they'd have a great situation, IMO. Especially with the young guys knocking on the door.

Briere woulda got lit up in goal anyway.
- hereticpride

He got mad skillz

At the expense of CC, I'm guessing?
- hereticpride

Yes.... lineups are in today's blog

Schultz has played himself into the lineup. Flyers have more depth on defense than many, including myself, thought at the beginning of the year. Mdz has lessened the blow of losing timonen dramatically. Now if they had a true number 1 defenseman with the way everyone else is playing, they'd have a great situation, IMO. Especially with the young guys knocking on the door.
- funmaster18

Still don't have a legitimate #1, but the emergence of Del Zotto has done a lot for the Flyers. They get Coburn back tonight, and when MacDonald comes back, I think the Flyers have a solid defense. And with Del Zotto playing the way he is, they can avoid overplaying MacDonald, and keep him closer to that 20 minute mark that he should be at, rather then closer to 22-23 a game.

He got mad skillz
- Jsaquella

Are you sure?

Yes.... lineups are in today's blog
- bmeltzer

Sorry. Cougars distracting me.

At the expense of CC, I'm guessing?
- hereticpride

Its the smart move, CC just can't be counted on to stay healthy. It will really be interesting when AMac returns, Schenn is, by far, the logical guy to come out of the lineup at that point. With the over inflated value of Dmen today, perhaps they look to trade him for a natural left winger?

Are you sure?
- ob18

I hope your (frank)ing cable goes back out

I hope your (frank)ing cable goes back out
- Jsaquella

If it does it's because of you

Its the smart move, CC just can't be counted on to stay healthy. It will really be interesting when AMac returns, Schenn is, by far, the logical guy to come out of the lineup at that point. With the over inflated value of Dmen today, perhaps they look to trade him for a natural left winger?
- BiggE

I'd have liked to see them give Coburn the extra time to heal, but I'm sure he's champing at the bit to get back in there.

I'm thinking that they will carry 8 defensemen. No need to risk losing a guy on waivers, and over the last 5-7 games or so, they have been solid.They can still spot Colaiacovo or whomever else is out back in if injuries or poor play become an issue.

Schultz has played himself into the lineup. Flyers have more depth on defense than many, including myself, thought at the beginning of the year. Mdz has lessened the blow of losing timonen dramatically. Now if they had a true number 1 defenseman with the way everyone else is playing, they'd have a great situation, IMO. Especially with the young guys knocking on the door.
- funmaster18

Lessened the blow? If he keeps it up thank god Kimmo went down or else this gem may have never been unearthed!

I'd have liked to see them give Coburn the extra time to heal, but I'm sure he's champing at the bit to get back in there.

I'm thinking that they will carry 8 defensemen. No need to risk losing a guy on waivers, and over the last 5-7 games or so, they have been solid.They can still spot Colaiacovo or whomever else is out back in if injuries or poor play become an issue.
- Jsaquella

We'll be seeing Luke's Christmas sweater in the pressbox soon enough.

Speaking of which,



Streit looks like he did NOT sign up for this.

We'll be seeing Luke's Christmas sweater in the pressbox soon enough.

Speaking of which,



Streit looks like he did NOT sign up for this.
- hereticpride

Jake's hair looks very nice.

He must have used 2 pork chops.

I hope you're right. Although expecting the 4th line to score consistently, is expecting a lot in my opinion. Just like to see them hold their own, and spend some time in the O zone.
- MJL

If the usage patterns from the last couple of games continues forward, Vinny's line is the de facto 4th.

Schultz has played himself into the lineup. Flyers have more depth on defense than many, including myself, thought at the beginning of the year. Mdz has lessened the blow of losing timonen dramatically. Now if they had a true number 1 defenseman with the way everyone else is playing, they'd have a great situation, IMO. Especially with the young guys knocking on the door.
- funmaster18

This may be blasphemy, but I feel that the level at which MDZ is playing right now eclipses Kimmo level from last season. Who knows if he'll be able to sustain it, though.

Aubé-Kubel just scored to tie the game.

This may be blasphemy, but I feel that the level at which MDZ is playing right now eclipses Kimmo level from last season. Who knows if he'll be able to sustain it, though.
- Tomahawk

MDZ is playing great. This is the best case scenario that we could have hoped for. I was happy they gave him a shot, and he's been a great addition.

Sustainability is the kicker. He keeps this up, he's going to be a big piece moving forward

MDZ is playing great. This is the best case scenario that we could have hoped for. I was happy they gave him a shot, and he's been a great addition.

Sustainability is the kicker. He keeps this up, he's going to be a big piece moving forward
- Jsaquella

Interesting to see his next paycheck.

Luckily for us he's restricted