Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 12/20/14 @ TOR
- bmeltzer

For good measure let's also try to land MacKenzie Blackwood

What confuses me is this team is essentially the same as last years 92 point team, minus of course Hartnell, Downie, and Hall on offense, and Timo on D (a big hurt, but who was nowhere nearly effective as he was in past years, nor who would have been asked to carry close to the load he previously had if he wasn't sidelined).

Now you can point earlier on to the banged up D but there hasn't been much of a drop off in effectiveness when they were replaced with Schultz, Del Zotto, and even Cola for a brief stint.

Mason has been as good or better.

What am I missing? More importantly, what are they missing?
- 77rams

The PK is the biggest single reason they're losing. They're a mediocre to bad team at ES, but last year were the best in the NHL on special teams. This year, the PP is still top 5, but the PK went from top 3 to bottom 3.

Guess where Timonen was still most effective?

The PK is the biggest single reason they're losing. They're a mediocre to bad team at ES, but last year were the best in the NHL on special teams. This year, the PP is still top 5, but the PK went from top 3 to bottom 3.

Guess where Timonen was still most effective?
- Jsaquella

Not too mention we can ONLY score while on PP. Five on five just gets worse and more painful every game

Not too mention we can ONLY score while on PP. Five on five just gets worse and more painful every game
- 3flyerkids

True, last Time I looked ES scoring was around where it was last season, tho.

Not too mention we can ONLY score while on PP. Five on five just gets worse and more painful every game
- 3flyerkids

Any news on timeline for mason?

Not that I really care, I think this might be a good thing.

he's been amazing

we don't even miss Pronger now that Luke is here
- Marc D

Tbh, if they were hell bent on keeping a defensive defenseman, I'd be ok with Luke. He's right handed and isn't a disaster in the offensive end. His possession numbers aren't bad either.

I don't see him as anything more than a 4/5 defenseman, but I think he can be salvaged with an adequate partner. He played at a very high level with Timonen. A solid #3 defenseman with offensive skill would be a nice compliment for him

Tbh, if they were hell bent on keeping a defensive defenseman, I'd be ok with Luke. He's right handed and isn't a disaster in the offensive end. His possession numbers aren't bad either.

I don't see him as anything more than a 4/5 defenseman, but I think he can be salvaged with an adequate partner. He played at a very high level with Timonen. A solid #3 defenseman with offensive skill would be a nice compliment for him
- PhillySportsGuy

have him and del zotto gotten extended looks together? its been so long since i remember watching del zotto actually play with anyone.

have him and del zotto gotten extended looks together? its been so long since i remember watching del zotto actually play with anyone.
- stayinthefnnet

No. Berube is of the belief that when something doesn't work, it's probably the best option so just stick with it.

No. Berube is of the belief that when something doesn't work, it's probably the best option so just stick with it.
- PhillySportsGuy

haha fair enough.

im excited. somethings happening tonight that DB would have never allowed. young guys are going to be almost the entire defensive unit. sucks hoff, martin, and maattaa are out, but right now its looking like despres is getting a shot at the top pairing with letang. harrington is still up and should play. and pouliot has been recalled.

haha fair enough.

im excited. somethings happening tonight that DB would have never allowed. young guys are going to be almost the entire defensive unit. sucks hoff, martin, and maattaa are out, but right now its looking like despres is getting a shot at the top pairing with letang. harrington is still up and should play. and pouliot has been recalled.
- stayinthefnnet

Can't wait for Pouliot to struggle while paired with the savvy veteran Scuderi.

Can't wait for Pouliot to struggle while paired with the savvy veteran Scuderi.
- PhillySportsGuy

mcdavid

mcdavid
- Winning

Crouse

Crouse
- ob18

Eichel

Ek is expecting Kimmo to try and come back, but won't look to be traded.

Ek is expecting Kimmo to try and come back, but won't look to be traded.
- hereticpride

That would be great if Kimmo could come back, but to play at his age while taking blood thinners is just crazy, and not worth it. One hard shot to the head and then he could bleed into his brain.

Tbh, if they were hell bent on keeping a defensive defenseman, I'd be ok with Luke. He's right handed and isn't a disaster in the offensive end. His possession numbers aren't bad either.

I don't see him as anything more than a 4/5 defenseman, but I think he can be salvaged with an adequate partner. He played at a very high level with Timonen. A solid #3 defenseman with offensive skill would be a nice compliment for him
- PhillySportsGuy

Grossmann right now is better (imo, it is fairly close between them and debatable) then Schenn in the shut down role. But given their age and his right hand shot I would stick with Luke over Grossmann if they part with one. Luke would maybe bring back a higher return too, but who really knows.

Eichel
- 3flyerkids

Marner

Crouse
- ob18

I just wish he was a bit more productive. Watching you see the skill, but I'd like to see it translate into more points

I just wish he was a bit more productive. Watching you see the skill, but I'd like to see it translate into more points
- Jsaquella

Crouse and Marner are terrible

I just wish he was a bit more productive. Watching you see the skill, but I'd like to see it translate into more points
- Jsaquella

They are without their top 3 scorers and a lot is on his shoulders due to injuries

Crouse and Marner are terrible
- Crimsoninja

Thank you

Thank you
- ob18

Marner
- ob18

Hanifin