Bill Meltzer: Wrapup: Flyers Edge Rangers 3-2 in 87-Shot Thriller

Good thing they have good shoot out specialists or Philly would never win!

Good thing they have good shoot out specialists or Philly would never win!
- Flamin_Irishmin

We are the worst shootout team in league history

There's a night and day difference contrast between the team last year and this season. I give Hakstol a lot of credit, it seems like the players (who have always said it's a tight locker room, and I believe it) are finally buying into a system that works.

Moving beyond the strategic X's and O's. I think what Hakstol demands most is hard work. You don't show that, enjoy the bench.

the nhl network crew, including scott stevens were praising the flyers and hakstol.

Only managed to catch the first few minutes and then the OT/SO. Sounds like this is one worth going back to watch in its entirety.

It's not just that they are winning its the fact that they are working their butts off to do so. They are not the most skilled team but in most games have outworked their opponent. Early but great season thus far!

Just a great game. Fantastic effort.
Was very happy to be there in person.
One question though:

Bill, what is "firewagon hockey"?

Ok, two questions.
If firewagon hockey has us beating the Rags, can we do more of it?

ok, who did it, which one of you paid off the officiating last night?

had to be somebody from hockeybuzz

ok, who did it, which one of you paid off the officiating last night?

had to be somebody from hockeybuzz
- jimbro83

Well poop, you figured it out. Great game, hope waffle is ok. In case no one posted on the other thread, here's the highlights of the phantoms game with Goulbourne's KO.
http://youtu.be/z33fPCyJtbc

Flyers looks like they played with their pants on fire last night. They were aggressive as hell.

The non goal call was weak but those are the breaks. The Flyers played well enough to win last night and it took a great effort by Hank just to get it to overtime.

Those shootout goals, especially from Giroux, nobody is stopping that.

(frank) Scott Stevens

Raf really seems like a fun teammate. Glad he's OK, to say the very least

It was an awesome game to watch. Great goaltending in both nets, loads of chances and excitement, it's what hockey can be at its best.

Gotta give credit to Ryan White. He made a mistake trying to deflect the second NY goal, but played a strong game afterward. I pick on him, because I think he's been their worst forward after a strong season last year, but he was really good in the third & OT.

Sam Gagner didn't impress me in preseason, but he's been fantastic in the games that matter. Plug him in anywhere and he's been one of their best chance generators.

ok, who did it, which one of you paid off the officiating last night?

had to be somebody from hockeybuzz
- jimbro83

It was me. My name is actually Bob Pochmara, Brian's my twin brother

Solid game. This team might not have a lot more skill than last year's squad (although there have been some small upgrades), and this warm-fuzzy feeling might not last, but they are definitely playing a stronger team game, getting hard work and fighting for the puck up and down the lineup, and it's good to see.

Short of that blowout down in Florida, they've been in every game this season. And the 4th line (I think now officially the 3rd line) are getting it done. Could be the extra minutes or the coaches confidence or whatever, but they seem to spend a lot of time in the o-zone working hard and getting some nice chances.

Sam Gagner didn't impress me in preseason, but he's been fantastic in the games that matter. Plug him in anywhere and he's been one of their best chance generators.
- Jsaquella

That SO goal... fiilllllttthhhhyyyy

Buffalo, Devils, Buffalo this week. If ever there was a time for a let down...

Let's see if you can keep the team on track, Hak!

And let's see if we can get our Goal Differential into the plus side.

That SO goal... fiilllllttthhhhyyyy
- Tomahawk

Which one? Both Gagner and Giroux made Hank look bad.

It seems Hakstol understands that if he expects that type of forechecking effort, every forward has to play at least 10 minutes a night. It gives every guy on the bench an opportunity to contribute.

The team is better because guys have elevated their games from last year. In particular, as Laughton gains a little more experience I think Hakstol will give him more ice time. His speed is so noticeable on the forecheck. Umberger and Gagner are giving contributions to this team that no one could have foreshadowed.

Where's randerdanger94? Still crying in his cornflakes?

That SO goal... fiilllllttthhhhyyyy
- Tomahawk

It was. Gagner almost pulled off a beaut in OT, but lost the handle. Still gets outmuscled along the walls at times, but he's been very effective

It seems Hakstol understands that if he expects that type of forechecking effort, every forward has to play at least 10 minutes a night. It gives every guy on the bench an opportunity to contribute.

The team is better because guys have elevated their games from last year. In particular, as Laughton gains a little more experience I think Hakstol will give him more ice time. His speed is so noticeable on the forecheck. Umberger and Gagner are giving contributions to this team that no one could have foreshadowed.
- ravishingone

The 4th line has given the Flyers what I have been hoping for for years. They can be used in most situations, don't have to be sheltered and you can use them on the PK without hesitation. They've been really effective

Stoll needs a career ending injury. I wish him nothing but the worst.
His intentions are very clear, no mystery .
Whatever happened to his Coke bust?
Why is he even "playing".

Where's randerdanger94? Still crying in his cornflakes?
- Feanor

Probably crying about the Gudas hit on Stahlberg. A lot of whining about that in Rangers circles.

Good clean hockey hit in my book. He was a fraction of a second on the late side but he couldn't alter course in that fraction. Elbows were down and no penalty - it was cleaner than Rinaldo on Coots so I'm calling bullpoop if Gudas gets disciplined as the Rags toadies are calling for.