Were the right circumstances matching up against the 4th lines of Belarus, Switzerland, Austria?
- Just5

He played so well he was rewarded with playing 1st line when Crosby sat out a game. Of course the competition was weaker than playing against Tavares and Ovechkin, but it's how he looked that's most important -- and it's not like every game was against Belarus. He had so much confidence and was making passes and plays he didn't seem to make before last half of last season. As a continuation of the offense he started to show in that stretch of the NHL season, it was encouraging. He was used in a shutdown role too so to say he played against 4th liners is about as fair as saying he played against 3rd liners last season. And he played with Toffoli and Eakin -- good young players but not superstars. He looked the best of the bunch.

I'm not sure what the point you're making is. We already know he does good work in both ends in the NHL. His problem is gaining confidence and realizing his true skill set. In WC he did both.

Who scores the first goal of the season for the Flyers? - Matt Read.

First penalty? - Luke Schenn.
- wolfhounds

I wonder what game they'll score their first goal in.

He played so well he was rewarded with playing 1st line when Crosby sat out a game. Of course the competition was weaker than playing against Tavares and Ovechkin, but it's how he looked that's most important -- and it's not like every game was against Belarus. He had so much confidence and was making passes and plays he didn't seem to make before last half of last season. As a continuation of the offense he started to show in that stretch of the NHL season, it was encouraging. He was used in a shutdown role too so to say he played against 4th liners is about as fair as saying he played against 3rd liners last season. And he played with Toffoli and Eakin -- good young players but not superstars. He looked the best of the bunch.

I'm not sure what the point you're making is. We already know he does good work in both ends in the NHL. His problem is gaining confidence and realizing his true skill set. In WC he did both.
- Mononoke

That's fine that he looked great at the WC. I don't take anything from it. I think he's always going to have issues creating space for himself. I don't know what you see him as, but I believe the way Berube used him is probably getting the best out of him for the team. I'm happy to see him get his chance at 2C, I hope it works out and he shows us a new level. I Just believe that he is what he's showb which is a tremendous shutdown 3C. Which is nice to have

I wonder what game they'll score their first goal in.
- mayorofangrytown

First goal is on their very first PP, first period, first game... First ES goal.. early December.

First goal is on their very first PP, first period, first game... First ES goal.. early December.
- Doc_Sarcasm

Were the right circumstances matching up against the 4th lines of Belarus, Switzerland, Austria?
- Just5

I'll have to check but I think he played most every game and not just against those lower lights. Schenn was normally the scratch. I will tell you that having him in a checking role is not the right circumstances to expect a 60 Pt second line centre. If he gets some pp time will help, but I don't think he'll ever be an elite scorer.

He played so well he was rewarded with playing 1st line when Crosby sat out a game. Of course the competition was weaker than playing against Tavares and Ovechkin, but it's how he looked that's most important -- and it's not like every game was against Belarus. He had so much confidence and was making passes and plays he didn't seem to make before last half of last season. As a continuation of the offense he started to show in that stretch of the NHL season, it was encouraging. He was used in a shutdown role too so to say he played against 4th liners is about as fair as saying he played against 3rd liners last season. And he played with Toffoli and Eakin -- good young players but not superstars. He looked the best of the bunch.

I'm not sure what the point you're making is. We already know he does good work in both ends in the NHL. His problem is gaining confidence and realizing his true skill set. In WC he did both.
- Mononoke

I watched the Canada games at the WC and I was very impressed with what I saw. My hope is that it helps his confidence and he learns from the solid players on that roster.

After watching the small sampling of preseason games, I feel tentatively comfortable in saying that Medvedev is our best and most complete defenseman, at least at even strength. I don't doubt that he could eat up top pairing level even strength minutes in addition to his special teams' duties. It's not like anyone else seems equipped for it.
- Mononoke

Agreed, hands down. He was a bit too aggressive at times in the preseason, but he is learning a new league and surface as well as anew team, system and coach.

He was really impressive overall. I had hoped Gudas could be part of the top six, and maybe he can, but he looked really bad in the games I saw. Blew position several times, not very good with the puck, good hitter.

So the Sharks have moved Hertl out of the top 6 and made him the 3rd line C. Hexy needs to pick up the phone already for this kid. He's going to develop into a real nice LW.

I really wouldn't have much of an issue with a BSchenn for Hertl deal.

I think he has the ability but when your playing with the best Canada has to offer, against average to good competition, it makes things easier
- SuperSchennBros

True, but he played against the stronger teams and as I remember, he seemed to gain confidence. I hope that he has learned from the experience and is better for it.

So the Sharks have moved Hertl out of the top 6 and made him the 3rd line C. Hexy needs to pick up the phone already for this kid. He's going to develop into a real nice LW.

I really wouldn't have much of an issue with a BSchenn for Hertl deal.
- hereticpride

See if they'll take Gagner, too.

So the Sharks have moved Hertl out of the top 6 and made him the 3rd line C. Hexy needs to pick up the phone already for this kid. He's going to develop into a real nice LW.

I really wouldn't have much of an issue with a BSchenn for Hertl deal.
- hereticpride

I would look in to this deal Though it seems that after his knee injury, he hasn't been quite the same dynamic player.

See if they'll take Gagner, too.
- Jsaquella

and Lecavalier and MacDonald... OR NO DEAL!!!!!!!!!one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The ice times of the D are going to be very interesting.
- Feanor

Aren't they always

and Lecavalier and MacDonald... OR NO DEAL!!!!!!!!!one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Doc_Sarcasm

Gagner might actually be tradeable

Gagner might actually be tradeable
- Jsaquella

Actually playing would make it more possible.

Gagner might actually be tradeable
- Jsaquella

Color me skeptical at present.

I think he'll be more tradeable at the deadline, and even then I don't think the return is going to be big.

But thats ok, expiring contract.. cap room.. draft pick, i'm ok with that.

FWIW:
Flyers 1st goal: Giroux on the pp, assists to Raffl and Streit

Flyers 1st penalty: Manning (high sticking)

Flyers 1st win: tomorrow night

Flyers 1st loss: 10/10 vs FLA

Flyers final record 40-32-10: 90 pts, 6th in the metro, 21st in the NHL

Fortunately, for the rest of the Flyers fans, the team, and Couturier himself... no one who actually makes decisions in the Flyers organization gives half a turd what you are or arent ready for.
- Doc_Sarcasm

Go (frank) yourself son.

FWIW:
Flyers 1st goal: Giroux on the pp, assists to Raffl and Streit

- BiggE

You're really going out on a limb there, man

FWIW:
Flyers 1st goal: Giroux on the pp, assists to Raffl and Streit

Flyers 1st penalty: Manning (high sticking)

Flyers 1st win: tomorrow night

Flyers 1st loss: 10/10 vs FLA

Flyers final record 40-32-10: 90 pts, 6th in the metro, 21st in the NHL
- BiggE

Color me skeptical at present.

I think he'll be more tradeable at the deadline, and even then I don't think the return is going to be big.

But thats ok, expiring contract.. cap room.. draft pick, i'm ok with that.
- Doc_Sarcasm

Team like Arizona is dying for offense and is willing to give him away...stats aside, if he looks like did without the puck in preseason, I doubt Hakstol has much faith in him

Team like Arizona is dying for offense and is willing to give him away...stats aside, if he looks like did without the puck in preseason, I doubt Hakstol has much faith in him
- Jsaquella

Found it interesting that hakstol reportedly talked to vinny last week days before gagner about his status as a scratch. This guy isn't sniffing the ice unless there's a huge amount of injury

In Toronto tonight they had the fans sing the National anthem.

Very cool!

Team like Arizona is dying for offense and is willing to give him away...stats aside, if he looks like did without the puck in preseason, I doubt Hakstol has much faith in him
- Jsaquella

glad to see our latest acquisitions gagner and gudas paying off.