Frank Seravalli ‏@frank_seravalli 7m7 minutes ago

Only 6 players finished the season w/ more defensive-zone starts (687) than S. Couturier. Average age of those 6 is 31. Couturier is 22.

Doing their best to turn the 8th overall pick in the 2011 draft into Steve Kasper
- Jsaquella

Berube pointed out that there are other players -- Patrice Bergeron being the most notable -- who carry very heavy defensive burdens with lots of head-to-head minutes against top lines and a majority defensive zone starts but still find ways to score or at least end the shift in the offensive zone.

I don't entirely accept that explanation but there is a bit of truth to it in that I believe Couturier is still capable of doing more offensively even with his role as it is.

After Simmonds went dow, the late season lineup switch to put Brayden Schenn (now at RW) back with Couturier and Matt Read (at LW) produced some promising results. Schenn posted eight points (four goals, four assists) over the final six games. Couturier had at least one point in each of the final six games (two goals, five assists, seven points).

If you recall, Schenn's best stretch of the season actually came while playing (at LW) with Couturier and Read (at RW) earlier this season before being moved up to the Giroux line and not producing nearly as consistently as hoped.

Schenn has said that he really has enjoyed RW and feels he sees the ice better from that side. Couturier also said he feels there's a good chemistry with Schenn on the line, especially at RW.

I suspect this topic will come up during the exit interviews. I also think there is a good chance that Schenn on Couturier's line will be penciled in as part of the plan heading into next year.

It almost sounds ridiculous to ask who we should blame but who should we blame?
- SuperSchennBros

Every coach he's had in the NHL, Holmgren and Hextall for not getting Laviolette or Berube a better option.

It is. But look at Couturier's FO%. It's not as if he's stellar and there's no other options.

I think the Flyers simply need to look at the long term for Couturier and not so much at the short term. If you want a great shutdown center, fine. If you want him to be more, to be a guy who can be a two way, second line C, you need to adjust his usage.
- Jsaquella

I personally feel like he is a really good 3 line shut down center and a valuable, though hardly untradeable, part of this team. I personally don't feel like he is a 2 line offensive center. Just because he put up points in the minors doesn't mean it's going to translate to the NHL. To this point neither he nor B Schenn have consistently shown an offensive game that warrants the 2 line center role.

Hopefully next year they stack a line for him , use him in situations that give him the best chance to score. Maybe Jake and Simmonds though I have questions if Couturier could keep up with that line as skating and quickness are not something he has shown yet. It's still on him to finish his chances which is something he , like B Schenn, struggled with when the games mattered this season.

Whatever coach we get will hopefully be smart enough to use him correctly so we can finally start to get a better feel for him.

Very cool of the Zepper, Bill. I'm a little jealous of Ben...he better keep a good eye on that stick.
- wolfhounds

You'd have to fight him for it and he's pretty tough

Bill,

Great story about your day with your son, and kudos to Mr. Zepp. Another example of how hockey players completely get it!

I know what you mean about young kids getting overly frustrated. I started teaching my 6 year old daughter tennis a week ago. She has picked it up quickly and seems to have very good hand-eye coordination. But if she misses three or four balls in a row, she gets this look like her puppy just ran away and someone stole all her dolls. And then the tears rain down (haha, at least you probably don't have to deal with that!)

So I had the same conversation with her yesterday as you had with Benjamin. Hopefully they'll both catch on quickly.
- TheGreat28

Berube pointed out that there are other players -- Patrice Bergeron being the most notable -- who carry very heavy defensive burdens with lots of head-to-head minutes against top lines and a majority defensive zone starts but still find ways to score or at least end the shift in the offensive zone.

I don't entirely accept that explanation but there is a bit of truth to it in that I believe Couturier is still capable of doing more offensively even with his role as it is.

After Simmonds went dow, the late season lineup switch to put Brayden Schenn (now at RW) back with Couturier and Matt Read (at LW) produced some promising results. Schenn posted eight points (four goals, four assists) over the final six games. Couturier had at least one point in each of the final six games (two goals, five assists, seven points).

If you recall, Schenn's best stretch of the season actually came while playing (at LW) with Couturier and Read (at RW) earlier this season before being moved up to the Giroux line and not producing nearly as consistently as hoped.

Schenn has said that he really has enjoyed RW and feels he sees the ice better from that side. Couturier also said he feels there's a good chemistry with Schenn on the line, especially at RW.

I suspect this topic will come up during the exit interviews. I also think there is a good chance that Schenn on Couturier's line will be penciled in as part of the plan heading into next year.
- bmeltzer

There are other players who carry a dual role. Bergeron and Toews are outstanding examples. But they're both older players, not developing 22 year olds.

In addition, Couturier sees more D-zone starts than either. As I just posted, Couturier was the lone NHL forward to play 1000+ ES minutes with below 40% OZ starts. That's an extreme burden for anyone, let alone a developing player.

Couturier definitely has to do a better job in converting the chances he does get. We've all seen him miss empty nets, or fire a breakaway into the goalie's pads or force a bad pass when he had an open option, and he does need to get better there.

He could also work on his skating and get stronger, because those two areas being improved could be huge factors in improving his all around game.

The better production towards the end of the year, was a good thing to see, but it also came with more OZ opportunities and getting to play with better (or at least healthier) players. I have no doubt that playing so often with a one legged Read and beaten up Umberger hurt Couturier's production to some extent.

Berube pointed out that there are other players -- Patrice Bergeron being the most notable -- who carry very heavy defensive burdens with lots of head-to-head minutes against top lines and a majority defensive zone starts but still find ways to score or at least end the shift in the offensive zone.

I don't entirely accept that explanation but there is a bit of truth to it in that I believe Couturier is still capable of doing more offensively even with his role as it is.

After Simmonds went dow, the late season lineup switch to put Brayden Schenn (now at RW) back with Couturier and Matt Read (at LW) produced some promising results. Schenn posted eight points (four goals, four assists) over the final six games. Couturier had at least one point in each of the final six games (two goals, five assists, seven points).

If you recall, Schenn's best stretch of the season actually came while playing (at LW) with Couturier and Read (at RW) earlier this season before being moved up to the Giroux line and not producing nearly as consistently as hoped.

Schenn has said that he really has enjoyed RW and feels he sees the ice better from that side. Couturier also said he feels there's a good chemistry with Schenn on the line, especially at RW.

I suspect this topic will come up during the exit interviews. I also think there is a good chance that Schenn on Couturier's line will be penciled in as part of the plan heading into next year.
- bmeltzer

I think Read getting healthy was a big factor for that line's late season success. He was completely missing the burst of speed getting to pucks the first 2/3rds (at least) of the season. By the end he seemed like he was skating much better. I hope for a big bounce back year from him and think that line has promise. Would like to see them keep BSchenn at the same spot for a solid year. He looked solid on the RW.

Bill, I loved the story about your son. Thanks for sharing.

Berube pointed out that there are other players -- Patrice Bergeron being the most notable -- who carry very heavy defensive burdens with lots of head-to-head minutes against top lines and a majority defensive zone starts but still find ways to score or at least end the shift in the offensive zone.

I don't entirely accept that explanation but there is a bit of truth to it in that I believe Couturier is still capable of doing more offensively even with his role as it is.

After Simmonds went dow, the late season lineup switch to put Brayden Schenn (now at RW) back with Couturier and Matt Read (at LW) produced some promising results. Schenn posted eight points (four goals, four assists) over the final six games. Couturier had at least one point in each of the final six games (two goals, five assists, seven points).

If you recall, Schenn's best stretch of the season actually came while playing (at LW) with Couturier and Read (at RW) earlier this season before being moved up to the Giroux line and not producing nearly as consistently as hoped.

Schenn has said that he really has enjoyed RW and feels he sees the ice better from that side. Couturier also said he feels there's a good chemistry with Schenn on the line, especially at RW.

I suspect this topic will come up during the exit interviews. I also think there is a good chance that Schenn on Couturier's line will be penciled in as part of the plan heading into next year.
- bmeltzer

I really don't think it matters what side Schenn plays on, just as long as he's not a pedestrian on a line with his teammates. Schenn was just that with Giroux and Voracek. Schenn is pretty good withthe puck and needs to be on a line where he can handle the puck a llittle more. I felt like I was seeing a whole new player once Schenn was placed with Couturier and Read once again.

Very much looking forward to the draft this year. And not just with hockey, but in all team sports, championship teams are built through the draft. There is at least a good foundation here coupled with some young talented defensive prospects who hopefully can pan out at the NHL level. Maybe one or two can be top guys.

As for Berube, I expect Hextall to be patient with the process just like he is with everything else. I know most want him gone, and in more likely hood will be. I don't think he's going to fire him without having someone whom he feels can come in and make this club better. Are there better options i.e. Babcock? Absolutely. Are they easy to bring in? Not so much.

Nice piece about your son, Bill. Seeing my 10 year old compete is truly one of my greatest joys. Good luck to Ben no matter what sport or sports he chooses to play.

I personally feel like he is a really good 3 line shut down center and a valuable, though hardly untradeable, part of this team. I personally don't feel like he is a 2 line offensive center. Just because he put up points in the minors doesn't mean it's going to translate to the NHL. To this point neither he nor B Schenn have consistently shown an offensive game that warrants the 2 line center role.

Hopefully next year they stack a line for him , use him in situations that give him the best chance to score. Maybe Jake and Simmonds though I have questions if Couturier could keep up with that line as skating and quickness are not something he has shown yet. It's still on him to finish his chances which is something he , like B Schenn, struggled with when the games mattered this season.

Whatever coach we get will hopefully be smart enough to use him correctly so we can finally start to get a better feel for him.
- opeth_pa

I'm looking at the production he has put up in conjunction with the usage he's had to deal with. I don't know that he can be a legitimate, 50-60 point 2C at the NHL level. But I do know that the Flyers really haven't given him a real opportunity to become that.

I'm not saying they have to turn his usage into Vinny Lecavalier like usage, where hes getting 65% or better OZ starts and facing the weakest competition. But I would like to see 45-50% OZ starts, and more offensively capable linemates. A healthy Matt Read helps there. Maybe a full season with Brayden Schenn on his wing helps both Couturier and Schenn.

I just really dislike how Couturier's been handled thus far in his career. I get it to an extent, but throwing this kid in a defensive hole of the depth he's been, isn't going to help his offensive game.

Very much looking forward to the draft this year. And not just with hockey, but in all team sports, championship teams are built through the draft. There is at least a good foundation here coupled with some young talented defensive prospects who hopefully can pan out at the NHL level. Maybe one or two can be top guys.

As for Berube, I expect Hextall to be patient with the process just like he is with everything else. I know most want him gone, and in more likely hood will be. I don't think he's going to fire him without having someone whom he feels can come in and make this club better. Are there better options i.e. Babcock? Absolutely. Are they easy to bring in? Not so much.

Nice piece about your son, Bill. Seeing my 10 year old compete is truly one of my greatest joys. Good luck to Ben no matter what sport or sports he chooses to play.
- MatveiDmitrii

Money talks and the Flyers can afford any Coach they want. The Flyers have a reputation of being agressive and doing whatever it takes to make their team better. I think it will be easier for the Flyers to get another coach then you think.

Here's what I see as the Flyers most pressing needs and the most pressing impediments to getting there:

NEED: 2 legit top pair dmen
No one fitting this description is available in free agency, nor can they be acquired via trade without massive overpayment. Most likely, this need will have to be filled via the draft or in a trade for a young dman who has not yet reached his potential. No matter what, this need will likely not be filled by next season.

NEED: And 2/3 center to compliment Giroux and Couturier
Whether you think Sean Couturier is best used as the 2nd or 3rd line center, you still need another pivot to fill out the top 3 lines. Brayden Schenn looks best on RW and Scott Laughton may, or may not, be a legit 3rd line center. This need will likely be filled through the draft and it may take a year or 2 before they have the mix they want. Of course, winning the draft lottery would instantly fill this need.

NEED: Unloading the contracts of VLC and Umberger.
Ugh, this ain't gonna be easy. In regards to Vinny, best case is you find someone willing to trade anything for him while the Flyers retain some salary. Worst Case, he spends most of next season as a healthy scratch and then is bought out. For Umberger, the best case is they are able to move Vinny, they keep Umberger for one more year and buy him out after next season. The worst case is that they are unable to move Vinny and they are forced to buy Umberger out after this season. With the cap possibly staying flat or even going down a bit, this becomes a real dicey situation.

NEED: Moving at least one if not 2 of L. Schenn, Grossmann and AMac.
The Flyers need to make room for some skill and youth on D and could stand to move some players who simply aren't worth the cap $$. At least one of Schenn/Grossmann must go. AMac isn't a terrible player by any means, but he is not worth another 5 years at 5 million per season. If they can move him without retaining money, it needs to be done

NEED: A quality scoring LW to play on one of the top 2 lines.
This spot may be filled next year either via the draft or by keeping a hopefully healthy Matt Read on the left side. Of all the Flyers needs this is likely the easiest to fill in the short term.

NEED: A decision on the head coach
I am not a huge fan of Berube, I think he is an ok coach, but I also think they can do better. However, since he is heading into the last year of his contract, if they are going to keep him, they need to at least sign him to a 1 year extension. Going into the season with a lame duck coach, unless he has the pedigree of a Mike Babcock, is not a wise idea.

Money talks and the Flyers can afford any Coach they want. The Flyers have a reputation of being agressive and doing whatever it takes to make their team better. I think it will be easier for the Flyers to get another coach then you think.
- SuperSchennBros

I hear that, but you have to look at it from the coach's point of view too. There could be better options other than Philadelphia.

Seems like a faceoff problem. After G and Couts comes Bellemare in faceoffs taken. And after that? Laughton. Maybe White can step in and take some of the defensive draw load off Couts next season.
- wolfhounds

I'd rather let a guy like VDV go and sign a guy like Manny Malhotra, I belive he is only on a 1 year in Montreal. That would solve their faceoff problems and help on the PK as well.

You'd have to fight him for it and he's pretty tough
- bmeltzer

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Drop Season Finale, Phantoms, Prospects, A Special Thanks, Alumni
- bmeltzer

Thanks for the informative, and insightful blogs all season Bill. It truly is the best source for Flyers news anywhere.

Great story about Benji, and a very thoughtful thing for Rob Zepp to do, thanks for sharing.

wow....everyone is writing short stories this morning...good reading

Here's what I see as the Flyers most pressing needs and the most pressing impediments to getting there:

NEED: 2 legit top pair dmen
No one fitting this description is available in free agency, nor can they be acquired via trade without massive overpayment. Most likely, this need will have to be filled via the draft or in a trade for a young dman who has not yet reached his potential. No matter what, this need will likely not be filled by next season.

NEED: And 2/3 center to compliment Giroux and Couturier
Whether you think Sean Couturier is best used as the 2nd or 3rd line center, you still need another pivot to fill out the top 3 lines. Brayden Schenn looks best on RW and Scott Laughton may, or may not, be a legit 3rd line center. This need will likely be filled through the draft and it may take a year or 2 before they have the mix they want. Of course, winning the draft lottery would instantly fill this need.

NEED: Unloading the contracts of VLC and Umberger.
Ugh, this ain't gonna be easy. In regards to Vinny, best case is you find someone willing to trade anything for him while the Flyers retain some salary. Worst Case, he spends most of next season as a healthy scratch and then is bought out. For Umberger, the best case is they are able to move Vinny, they keep Umberger for one more year and buy him out after next season. The worst case is that they are unable to move Vinny and they are forced to buy Umberger out after this season. With the cap possibly staying flat or even going down a bit, this becomes a real dicey situation.

NEED: Moving at least one if not 2 of L. Schenn, Grossmann and AMac.
The Flyers need to make room for some skill and youth on D and could stand to move some players who simply aren't worth the cap $$. At least one of Schenn/Grossmann must go. AMac isn't a terrible player by any means, but he is not worth another 5 years at 5 million per season. If they can move him without retaining money, it needs to be done

NEED: A quality scoring LW to play on one of the top 2 lines.
This spot may be filled next year either via the draft or by keeping a hopefully healthy Matt Read on the left side. Of all the Flyers needs this is likely the easiest to fill in the short term.

NEED: A decision on the head coach
I am not a huge fan of Berube, I think he is an ok coach, but I also think they can do better. However, since he is heading into the last year of his contract, if they are going to keep him, they need to at least sign him to a 1 year extension. Going into the season with a lame duck coach, unless he has the pedigree of a Mike Babcock, is not a wise idea.
- BiggE

Very nice!

One thing though. I only think 1 if those three Defensmen you listed will be gone. And if it were me, it would be Luke

I hear that, but you have to look at it from the coach's point of view too. There could be better options other than Philadelphia.
- MatveiDmitrii

Better teams probably aren't looking for a Coach. I don't think Claude Julien or Ken Hitchcock will be fired or at least neither should be.

I'd rather let a guy like VDV go and sign a guy like Manny Malhotra, I belive he is only on a 1 year in Montreal. That would solve their faceoff problems and help on the PK as well.
- BiggE

Very good faceoff man and PK especialist. I'd look into a guy like him. How old is he now?

Better teams probably aren't looking for a Coach. I don't think Claude Julien or Ken Hitchcock will be fired or at least neither should be.
- SuperSchennBros

Maybe not better in terms of record, but better in the fact maybe they have have a promising future with good young players. And all it takes is a coach to guide them in the right direction.

Maybe not better in terms of record, but better in the fact maybe they have have a promising future with good young players. And all it takes is a coach to guide them in the right direction.
- MatveiDmitrii

Promising futures can be transitory. How many years was Edmonton finally going to turn a corner with all their young talent?

In the Flyers a coach knows he's going to have an organization that is committed to winning and willing to spend the money in trying to win without a second thought.

Very nice!

One thing though. I only think 1 if those three Defensmen you listed will be gone. And if it were me, it would be Luke
- MatveiDmitrii

Honestly, if at all possible, I'd move AMac first. It's the five more years at 5 milliion per that do it for me. At least with Schenn, you are out from under the contract after next season.

Very good faceoff man and PK especialist. I'd look into a guy like him. How old is he now?
- SuperSchennBros

He's 35, but still skates well and is more than capable of filling a 4th line/PK role. I'd have no problem signing him to a 1 year deal.

From the very first, he's been used in a primarily defensive role, and it's obviously given him a mindset that he has to be the shutdown guy.

He has to work on his skating and getting stronger, and must do a better job at converting the chances he does get, but he's got to be used in a manner that really gives him an opportunity to become more than Steve Kasper or Guy Carbonneau
- Jsaquella

Hopefully he is healthy this off season and can put in the work. I believe the last two off seasons he has had some sort of surgery or injury that ate in to his preparation time.