The boys will win tonight.

Can't wait for the Jake Show
- Giroux_Is_God

Just fantastic how he's played so far. I have Leafs and Habs fans coming to me and saying.. hwo is this Voracek guy and how is he leading the league in scoring? needless to say, they pay no attention to other teams at all.

I wouldnt expect a whole hell of a lot.

I dont know why I'm being so negative this morning...... Must be because its at MSG (the place the Flyers forget to skate) and because Giroux is out.
- GOA88

The Flyers lineup being what it is, you have a pretty good excuse to be negative, or at least very pessimistic, especially after the last 2 games. But since the Rangers aren't lighting the world on fire and we get Talbot in goal, it should be an interesting game.

I don't know what to expect from Laughton, a nice hit or two at least, good two-way play, a breakaway shorty or 2 on the PK...you know, the usual.

I do imagine he's going to do whatever it takes to not get sent back to the Phantoms, hopefully he doesn't get over-excited and try to do too much.

And how good was the PK before that? Marginally better, still near the bottom of the league because on the road, the PK was pitiful.
- aantny88

And what players play the majority on the PK? It's not strictly because of Umberger and Rinaldo. It's because of not winning battles, failed clears, not blocking shots. Allowing easy cross box passes. Not sealing players off around the net.

Not sure where they will slot Laughton tonight. Morning skate is at 11:30. I just plugged him into the projected lineup in the spot (4C) where Blair Jones skated at practice yesterday. If not there, Berube may put him in between Lecavalier and Rinaldo on the third line and slot Bellemare back at 4C. Top six for tonight is confirmed.
- bmeltzer

Yeah, that is my bigger concern. I don't mind the Couturier or "4th" line. I don't like Umberger with Schenn & Voracek, and I'd rather keep Schenn on wing.

I just think the coach could have done more to optimize the talent he can dress. Id rather see the anchors grouped together, rather than spread out.

Did you look at those projected lines???

Only way they win is if Mason is the bionic man tonight.
- GOA88

Unfortunately I have...and trust me it pisses me off that Umberger gets "promoted" to the top line and has done nothing to deserve it. I don't give a damn if he played with Jake in Columbus or not, because his goose and Vinny's, are both cooked!

The boys will lose tonight.

Can't wait for the RJ & Vinny poop show
- Giroux_Is_God

FTFY.

The Flyers lineup being what it is, you have a pretty good excuse to be negative, or at least very pessimistic, especially after the last 2 games. But since the Rangers aren't lighting the world on fire and we get Talbot in goal, it should be an interesting game.

I don't know what to expect from Laughton, a nice hit or two at least, good two-way play, a breakaway shorty or 2 on the PK...you know, the usual.

I do imagine he's going to do whatever it takes to not get sent back to the Phantoms, hopefully he doesn't get over-excited and try to do too much.
- wolfhounds

He seems like a smart player that will channel that energy to something positive. Hopefully Laughton performing well will spell the end of Umberger, VDV and or Vinny.

Berube not slotting Vinny on the top line tonight just tells you what he thinks of him. This is his best chance to prove he still has something in the tank, just needs better linemates.

And what players play the majority on the PK? It's not strictly because of Umberger and Rinaldo. It's because of not winning battles, failed clears, not blocking shots. Allowing easy cross box passes. Not sealing players off around the net.
- MJL

I understand the game of hockey and how a PK works, considering I played college hockey and still play, but thanks for the instruction manual. No it isn't "strictly" due to Rinaldo and Umberger, but they sure as hell aren't doing the job and shouldn't be out there for it. Coburn and Couturier were huge culprits on the PK last game too.

I understand the game of hockey and how a PK works, considering I played college hockey and still play, but thanks for the instruction manual. No it isn't "strictly" due to Rinaldo and Umberger, but they sure as hell aren't doing the job and shouldn't be out there for it. Coburn and Couturier were huge culprits on the PK last game too.
- aantny88

Admit it, you needed to come to this site to really learn about hockey. There's no shame in that.

He seems like a smart player that will channel that energy to something positive. Hopefully Laughton performing well will spell the end of Umberger, VDV and or Vinny.

Berube not slotting Vinny on the top line tonight just tells you what he thinks of him. This is his best chance to prove he still has something in the tank, just needs better linemates.
- GOA88

Yeah, Umberger on the top line is ugly...and that brings us right back to you're 'have you seen the lineup for tonight' comment. Ugh.

Admit it, you needed to come to this site to really learn about hockey. There's no shame in that.
- wolfhounds

I'll definitely sleep better tonight, knowing I've been educated in the finer points of penalty killing

He seems like a smart player that will channel that energy to something positive. Hopefully Laughton performing well will spell the end of Umberger, VDV and or Vinny.

Berube not slotting Vinny on the top line tonight just tells you what he thinks of him. This is his best chance to prove he still has something in the tank, just needs better linemates.
- GOA88

OH, I thought that Vinny was excellent because of all the attempted shots he had the other night, so that would immediately indicate a promotion to 1st line center

Yeah, Umberger on the top line is ugly...and that brings us right back to you're 'have you seen the lineup for tonight' comment. Ugh.
- wolfhounds

Feelin good tonight. They win this one for the Captain. Jake and Schenner are huge, PK doesn't allow a goal. Mase plays well. Laughton is impressive in both zones, but more so the Dzone.

Just fantastic how he's played so far. I have Leafs and Habs fans coming to me and saying.. hwo is this Voracek guy and how is he leading the league in scoring? needless to say, they pay no attention to other teams at all.
- Hextall271

Leafs fans are the worst...and NHL radio on XM might as well be renamed Leafs radio, because that is what they discuss the majority of the time

Drinking is gonna start early at my house. I know Berube's hands are tied, but those lines look awful. I'd rather see Laughton or Bellemare slide up than see Umberger or VandeVelde ..Hell, I'd rather see Rinaldo slide up.

Of course, having said that, watch them win 4-1
- Jsaquella

I would like to see Vinny on first line with Schenn and Jake.

Why in the name of God is Zombie on the first line?
Maybe this is his " last chance" too show something... anything.. Just a pulse!

Yeah, Umberger on the top line is ugly...and that brings us right back to you're 'have you seen the lineup for tonight' comment. Ugh.
- wolfhounds

this lineup is a nightmare so the Flyers should win tonight...crazy season so far

He seems like a smart player that will channel that energy to something positive. Hopefully Laughton performing well will spell the end of Umberger, VDV and or Vinny.

Berube not slotting Vinny on the top line tonight just tells you what he thinks of him. This is his best chance to prove he still has something in the tank, just needs better linemates.
- GOA88

the Flyers need to channel some Forsberg, Lindros and LeClair

I would like to see Vinny on first line with Schenn and Jake.

Why in the name of God is Zombie on the first line?
Maybe this is his " last chance" too show something... anything.. Just a pulse!
- 3flyerkids

With no Giroux, even though I'm not a fan of putting Vinny with Jake, I agree. He'd be a better choice than sliding up Umberger & moving Schenn from wing

this lineup is a nightmare so the Flyers should win tonight...crazy season so far
- vejim

Funny how that seems to work...about as amusing as the Flyers ineptitude against backup goalies

He seems like a smart player that will channel that energy to something positive. Hopefully Laughton performing well will spell the end of Umberger, VDV and or Vinny.

Berube not slotting Vinny on the top line tonight just tells you what he thinks of him. This is his best chance to prove he still has something in the tank, just needs better linemates.
- GOA88

No matter how well Laughton plays, it's not going to spell the end of Lecavalier or Umberger. The coach is trying to find balance throughout the lineup as best as he can with the peices he has. That's the objective, rather then making a statement on what he thnks about a player. He has Umberger on the top line, does that mean that he thinks Umberger s a top line winger?

I understand the game of hockey and how a PK works, considering I played college hockey and still play, but thanks for the instruction manual. No it isn't "strictly" due to Rinaldo and Umberger, but they sure as hell aren't doing the job and shouldn't be out there for it. Coburn and Couturier were huge culprits on the PK last game too.
- aantny88

Nobody has been doing the job lately. Umberger has been a PKer for most of his NHL career. No reason why he shouldn't be out there.

Yeah, Umberger on the top line is ugly...and that brings us right back to you're 'have you seen the lineup for tonight' comment. Ugh.
- wolfhounds

It is ugly, but maybe Voracek is able to get him going a little bit, and Umberger can find some confidence and get out of the doldrums he's been in.

I understand the game of hockey and how a PK works, considering I played college hockey and still play, but thanks for the instruction manual. No it isn't "strictly" due to Rinaldo and Umberger, but they sure as hell aren't doing the job and shouldn't be out there for it. Coburn and Couturier were huge culprits on the PK last game too.
- aantny88

elitist

After a few coffee's this morning the only conclusion I can come to is that
Berube, Hextall, and Umberger are all best friends. Probably college buddies or they own summer homes on the same lake. There has to be something .

Zombie has done NOTHING to deserve a first line promotion. I am sure Jake isn't happy. At least Vinny has some offensive ability... Give him the chance!

Vinny can't play LW and and been horrible when paired with BSchenn. I don't want him anywhere near the first line.

No matter how well Laughton plays, it's not going to spell the end of Lecavalier or Umberger. The coach is trying to find balance throughout the lineup as best as he can with the peices he has. That's the objective, rather then making a statement on what he thnks about a player. He has Umberger on the top line, does that mean that he thinks Umberger s a top line winger?
- MJL

It Laughton plays too well to go back to the AHL, it's possible VdV goes back to the Phantoms when Giroux is fit. Then they would go with 13 forwards, 8 D, and 2 goalies.

But Vinny and Umberger aren't going anywhere this season. People need to accept that fact.