Vinny was on the bench for most of the last game and they looked the same.

This post gives me the idea that you guys must think Vinny is hated in the dressing room as much as he is with fans, which I highly doubt.
- SuperSchennBros

Benched by not getting much ice time and benched by being in street clothes and eating nachos are two very different things. And I would imagine it's more symbolic than anything, similar to pulling a goalie when a team is playing like crap...shake things up a bit.

I have a feeling they'll inexplicably pull out a couple of wins in this CA swing... then poop the bed once the easier competition comes along.
- Tomahawk

The games against the Rangers were so dreadful I can't see them winning a game on this 3 game California trip. Stranger things have happened. Basically with the line shuffling, and the healthy scratch wheel, it's like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

I personally find it hard to blame either coach because the Flyers can't block a shot, prevent a cross ice pass, or clear the puck when they get a chance to. The Flyers have given up 21 PP goals in 23 games I think. So it's obviously a huge issue.
- MJL

When simple fundamentals can't be executed, it's on the players. The PK has been downright brutal. Other teams PKs half kill themselves to get in front of shots or break up passes, let alone get a short handed goal or two.

Benched by not getting much ice time and benched by being in street clothes and eating nachos are two very different things. And I would imagine it's more symbolic than anything, similar to pulling a goalie when a team is playing like crap...shake things up a bit.
- wolfhounds

I have no idea what this has to do with anything. Was Vinny caught eating Nachos in street clothes?

Benched by not getting much ice time and benched by being in street clothes and eating nachos are two very different things. And I would imagine it's more symbolic than anything, similar to pulling a goalie when a team is playing like crap...shake things up a bit.
- wolfhounds

I think it's just part of trying to get the best lineup together. Bellemare's play dropped off since the beginning of the season. So sit him for a game and let him think about it. The Lecavalier scratch was coming. Now they hopefully have a motivated Bellemare, who is going to start on the 4th line, but will likely be moved up at times.
As far as MacDonald is concerned, not worried about him in the least. He's coming off an injury, wasn't playing as well as he can. So give him a game or two to regroup. He's a solid defenseman who will be a good player for this team.
Overall I see the method to the madness here.

I actually think bringing him up was fine. I think the Flyers have done a poor job of surrounding him with better talent and giving him an opportunity to score. He's played with Read and a revolving linemate at LW throughout his career. He's done this while having terrible zone starts, tough competition and little power play time. It's hard to score or focus on scoring when you're asked to do so much defensively at such a young age.
- PhillySportsGuy

I don't think this is the issue...he just doesn't seem to have the finishing ability that people thought he had. His rookie year he did very well and has not shown a ton of improvement, if any, especially on the offensive side of the puck. I've seen plenty of him in odd man breaks and he just makes boneheaded decisions

Bellemare will probably move up at some point you are right

Ideally I would love to see Akeson with Coots and Read and bench Umberger, I guess that's asking too much though
- Just5

Might have to get a new coach before we see Akeson again.

In the beginning of the year before the injuries Akeson and Bellemare looked promising on the 4th line. Then Bellemare was moved up to 2nd C and Akeson's play really dropped off.

Unfortunate as that 4th line looked half decent for a change.

If they still had Hartnell or another top nine LW they could of rolled a 4th line of Raffl/Bellemare/Akeson.
Water under the bridge

"I got off to a great start at the beginning of the year. I came back from injury and my minutes diminished every game after that. When you're down to, like last game, six or seven shifts, it's tough to get anything going. There were a couple games before that as well, playing 9 or 10 minutes.

"I don't want to use [ice time] as an excuse. You've got to look at the fact that I'm not going to be in there [tonight]. I'll be ready for the next time I'm out there."

I am probably the only one but I think Rinaldo on the Couturier line will be fine. That lines always seems to play better when it has someone with a little grit on the wing. Downie and schenn previously. Maybe getting Couturier and Read back to keeping things simple. Chip puck in, get in on forcheck, create chances off digging and board battles.

I am not saying Rinaldo will turn this line into an offensive juggarnaut but maybe getting back to the simple things and just getting littles wins(having dz starts end in the oz, keeping top line hemed in own zone) will start to bring confidence back.

Vinny was on the bench for most of the last game and they looked the same.

This post gives me the idea that you guys must think Vinny is hated in the dressing room as much as he is with fans, which I highly doubt.
- SuperSchennBros

I have no idea what this has to do with anything. Was Vinny caught eating Nachos in street clothes?
- SuperSchennBros

Yes. Yes he was. And that's why he was benched. I thought this was common knowledge.

#obtuse

I think it's just part of trying to get the best lineup together. Bellemare's play dropped off since the beginning of the season. So sit him for a game and let him think about it. The Lecavalier scratch was coming. Now they hopefully have a motivated Bellemare, who is going to start on the 4th line, but will likely be moved up at times.
As far as MacDonald is concerned, not worried about him in the least. He's coming off an injury, wasn't playing as well as he can. So give him a game or two to regroup. He's a solid defenseman who will be a good player for this team.
Overall I see the method to the madness here.
- MJL

Not only was benching Vinny coming.... It was long overdue. I think it was mostly sent as a message to the team. "If I'm gonna bench a future HOFer, then nobody is safe."

For the draft gurus, how many players project to be NHL ready? If the Flyers pick in the # 5 range, will they have to wait years for an NHL contribution?

I think it's just part of trying to get the best lineup together. Bellemare's play dropped off since the beginning of the season. So sit him for a game and let him think about it. The Lecavalier scratch was coming. Now they hopefully have a motivated Bellemare, who is going to start on the 4th line, but will likely be moved up at times.
As far as MacDonald is concerned, not worried about him in the least. He's coming off an injury, wasn't playing as well as he can. So give him a game or two to regroup. He's a solid defenseman who will be a good player for this team.
Overall I see the method to the madness here.
- MJL

At this point, try anything to get the other 3 lines going.

As far as Lecavalier is concerned, not worried about him in the least. He's coming off an injury, wasn't playing as well as he can. So give him a game or two to regroup. He's a solid complete, power forward, with a proven track-record who will be a good player for this team.
- MJL

Sounds familiar.

I am probably the only one but I think Rinaldo on the Couturier line will be fine. That lines always seems to play better when it has someone with a little grit on the wing. Downie and schenn previously. Maybe getting Couturier and Read back to keeping things simple. Chip puck in, get in on forcheck, create chances off digging and board battles.

I am not saying Rinaldo will turn this line into an offensive juggarnaut but maybe getting back to the simple things and just getting littles wins(having dz starts end in the oz, keeping top line hemed in own zone) will start to bring confidence back.
- J35Bacher

I appreciate the optimism sir...... BUT. That line will probably be -2 with 0 pts tonight.....

For the draft gurus, how many players project to be NHL ready? If the Flyers pick in the # 5 range, will they have to wait years for an NHL contribution?
- PLindbergh31

The top 2 guys should likely step right in, after that ??

For the draft gurus, how many players project to be NHL ready? If the Flyers pick in the # 5 range, will they have to wait years for an NHL contribution?
- PLindbergh31

Without being a "GURU"... I would think at least 3 years.

Sounds familiar.
- Tomahawk

Its the same old story
the same old song and dance
my friend!

For the draft gurus, how many players project to be NHL ready? If the Flyers pick in the # 5 range, will they have to wait years for an NHL contribution?
- PLindbergh31

Probably be akin to 2003, with the # of players who could jump right in. Most guys will still need 1-2 seasons, tho, but will be well worth the wait.

Sounds familiar.
- Tomahawk

I see what you did there... But I thought we talked and agreed you would stop using words!

I wonder how many D-men with cap hits equal to or higher than MacDonald have been healthy scratches this year...

Probably be akin to 2003, with the # of players who could jump right in. Most guys will still need 1-2 seasons, tho, but will be well worth the wait.
- Tomahawk

Ty. I've heard it's a deep draft, and I know the top two are monster.

For the draft gurus, how many players project to be NHL ready? If the Flyers pick in the # 5 range, will they have to wait years for an NHL contribution?
- PLindbergh31

Crouse, Strome and Kylington might be able to step right in, after McDavid & Eichel.

I personally find it hard to blame either coach because the Flyers can't block a shot, prevent a cross ice pass, or clear the puck when they get a chance to. The Flyers have given up 21 PP goals in 23 games I think. So it's obviously a huge issue.
- MJL

The failed clears have been the most maddening aspect of the PK. That is about bearing down and concentrating.

I see what you did there... But I thought we talked and agreed you would stop using words!


- wolfhounds

I'll be speaking purely in GIF from here on out.