With the cap not projected to move much this summer. You can bet there will be more bargains this summer than at any other time possibly. With some careful trades by hextall at the deadline hextall should have options to address the middle 6 with some more skill this summer

Was at the game last night. Few observations:
-Jake needs help- he is at least 1.5 step behind every play, every shot, every pass. I believe, it's between his ears and he needs to clear that
-First goal was a combination of bad change by Read and bad play by Shultz. Mason was not ready for the shot.
-What was noticeable is a change in the team's mood with the goalie change. They skated extra distance to give him a high five after the goal, they fist bumped him after the safes, and he applauded them after shot blocking. I understand it's an inference based on a small sample size, but it feels that Neuvi was better received by the team.
-PEB's line was like energizer bunnies all night and had well deserved outcomes.
-Simmer did kick the puck in, although not intentionally.
-Cant wait for Gudas to be back (that's not saying much about our defense).

With the cap not projected to move much this summer. You can bet there will be more bargains this summer than at any other time possibly. With some careful trades by hextall at the deadline hextall should have options to address the middle 6 with some more skill this summer
- Just5

with that low increase trades become that more difficult as well.

Was at the game last night. Few observations:
-Jake needs help- he is at least 1.5 step behind every play, every shot, every pass. I believe, it's between his ears and he needs to clear that
-First goal was a combination of bad change by Read and bad play by Shultz. Mason was not ready for the shot.
-What was noticeable is a change in the team's mood with the goalie change. They skated extra distance to give him a high five after the goal, they fist bumped him after the safes, and he applauded them after shot blocking. I understand it's an inference based on a small sample size, but it feels that Neuvi was better received by the team.
-PEB's line was like energizer bunnies all night and had well deserved outcomes.
-Simmer did kick the puck in, although not intentionally.
-Cant wait for Gudas to be back (that's not saying much about our defense).
- missingmike

Ref Jake. 1.5 behind VDV and bellemare? Or the guys on the pp?

If VDV won't be demoted to the 4th line then I think VdV-PEB-Simmonds would be a better forechecking/garbage goal line. Voracek is wasted with them.
- Feanor

I think the current line structure is the best they can put on the ice in terms of the system they want to run. All four lines have had solid o-zone time at 5 on 5. The Flyers have two really talented (Giroux, Voracek) forwards, 4 good support/secondary players (Coots, Read, Simmonds, Schenn) and 6 4th liners at this point.

Gonna take some new bodies to change that scenario. They will add new bodies over the next year or two. Just takes time. Especially, with limited cap space.

Just a bump in the road; no more and no less. He had a run of really good starts -- including the regulation shutout against San Jose and the shutout of the Rangers -- up through the win in Ottawa. The last two starts haven't been his best.

Even the Columbus game wasn't awful. Two of the goals were unstoppable and one was a tough -- but needed by the team-- save.

Last night, he was one-on-one with a shooter in the slot and got most of it but not enugh. The second goal was unstoppable. The third one was a somewhat more stoppable variation of the third goal in the Columbus game. My one complaint on the third goals in both games was that he seemed to make himself a little small on both.

Mason can be better than he was the last two games but it's really nothing to get too worked up about. First of all, he's been good in the majority of his starts this season. Secondly, Neuvirth is capable of sharing time for awhile if that's what is needed.
- bmeltzer

I guess I look at Mason and I see a good goalie. But after this season he will be playing in a contract year. He'll probably be looking at a 5.5 - 6 mil cap hit. I know goalies can play at later age but I don't think Mason is worth that.

If the Hartnell trade was done looking to the future then you have to look at Mason too. The Flyers took a chance on Mason hoping he could regain his rookie form. I would do that with Nuevirth. Also you could sign him to a cheaper 2nd deal then what your going to have to pay mason in my opinion.

with that low increase trades become that more difficult as well.
- rinaldo

For sure

with that low increase trades become that more difficult as well.
- rinaldo

Yeah, somebody with term like Streit will be harder to move.

I think the current line structure is the best they can put on the ice in terms of the system they want to run. All four lines have had solid o-zone time at 5 on 5. The Flyers have two really talented (Giroux, Voracek) forwards, 4 good support/secondary players (Coots, Read, Simmonds, Schenn) and 6 4th liners at this point.

Gonna take some new bodies to change that scenario. They will add new bodies over the next year or two. Just takes time. Especially, with limited cap space.
- mickel25

But in regards to Vandevelde that isn't the case. You can waive his salary and send him down and allow someone to fill his roll. McDonald could easily replace him. Also a kid like Goulbourne has a NHL defined roll in the AHL. He could be placed on the 4th line and it really wouldn't interrupt the team at all.

Ref Jake. 1.5 behind VDV and bellemare? Or the guys on the pp?
- Just5

The entire game, including OT. His shots were slightly late, his passes were not as crisp.
He did maintain possession well, but usually skated the back behind the goal line not to toward the crease.
He may have taken himself out of shootout selection by unloading his aggravation on a ref after the OT for entire intermission.

I guess I look at Mason and I see a good goalie. But after this season he will be playing in a contract year. He'll probably be looking at a 5.5 - 6 mil cap hit. I know goalies can play at later age but I don't think Mason is worth that.

If the Hartnell trade was done looking to the future then you have to look at Mason too. The Flyers took a chance on Mason hoping he could regain his rookie form. I would do that with Nuevirth. Also you could sign him to a cheaper 2nd deal then what your going to have to pay mason in my opinion.
- J35Bacher

Definitely

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/...thought-about-retirement/


Can't knock holmer for bringing in players committed to the cause!!

But in regards to Vandevelde that isn't the case. You can waive his salary and send him down and allow someone to fill his roll. McDonald could easily replace him. Also a kid like Goulbourne has a NHL defined roll in the AHL. He could be placed on the 4th line and it really wouldn't interrupt the team at all.
- J35Bacher

I agree with you for the most part. However, I think the guy has earned the right to stay. He works his butt off night in and night out. He is a solid PK'er and he makes very little.

I am fine if they waive him. I am fine if he stays. Personally, I would waive Umberger before I waive VDV.

http://nhl.nbcsports.com/2015/12/09/lecavalier-i-havent-thought-about-retirement/


Can't knock holmer for bringing in players committed to the cause!!
- Just5

I believe they recycled an old interview (about a week and a half old

I don't know.

Right now I cringe watching raffl and Vandevelde. I would rather see Martel or Cousins or Leier or Goulbourne.

I like when youth is in the lineup. Also those guys can all skate(maybe note cousins as much) and just seem to have better skills then Vandevelde.
- J35Bacher

Raffl is a far better player then you think.He is the only player quick enough on a counter rush + able to play LW,RW and C on all 4 lines

His problem 2015 is the fact that Haks turned him into a offensive player because he scored 21 goals last season .He should play PK again NO PP and only with Jake not Giroux

But in regards to Vandevelde that isn't the case. You can waive his salary and send him down and allow someone to fill his roll. McDonald could easily replace him. Also a kid like Goulbourne has a NHL defined roll in the AHL. He could be placed on the 4th line and it really wouldn't interrupt the team at all.
- J35Bacher

If they bring up McDonald to replace VDV I think that is a lateral move at best. They are the exact same player.

Now if they brought up Straka or Cousins to replace VDV I could get behind that. More offensive upside. Both are younger players.

Simmer's post game: Obviously, that [goalie change] did help a lot," Simmonds said. "[Neuvirth] came in and he made some huge saves. That one on the breakaway that [Casey] Cizikas had [at 3:54 of the third period], that was a monster save. We kept playing well after that. After we switched and [Neuvirth] came in, I thought it was an all-around good game." Source- NHL.com

Raffl is a far better player then you think.He is the only player quick enough on a counter rush + able to play LW,RW and C on all 4 lines

His problem 2015 is the fact that Haks turned him into a offensive player because he scored 21 goals last season .He should play PK again NO PP and only with Jake not Giroux
- goenzoy

I am ok with Raffl in a role. But right now I just don't like him as Crosby would say. I just don't like him.

Raffl as a 3rd liner, pker is more a role I want to see him in. Not a guy I need to count on to play a top line roll with my offensive catalysts like Voracek and Giroux.

Hak doesn't seem done sending his message yet.
- Tomahawk

It's not about sending a message.

But in regards to Vandevelde that isn't the case. You can waive his salary and send him down and allow someone to fill his roll. McDonald could easily replace him. Also a kid like Goulbourne has a NHL defined roll in the AHL. He could be placed on the 4th line and it really wouldn't interrupt the team at all.
- J35Bacher

The mistake is believing that McDonald is an improvement. He is not.

Yeah, somebody with term like Streit will be harder to move.
- Tomahawk

They gone save dat money

The mistake is believing that McDonald is an improvement. He is not.
- MJL

I said he was more effective in his limited time.

Same to the effect that Vandevelde got his spot.

Never said he was an answer. But he could provide more right now then Vandevelde is providing.

I said he was more effective in his limited time.

Same to the effect that Vandevelde got his spot.

Never said he was an answer. But he could provide more right now then Vandevelde is providing.
- J35Bacher

Either player is the 12th forward on this team. I do not see the need to replace the 12th forward with another player who is not obviously better or a younger player with some potential. Especially, when VDV kills penalties effectively and has positive o-zone time 5 on 5.

Yeah, somebody with term like Streit will be harder to move.
- Tomahawk

since he is a sunk cost, I have no issue eating $ to get a deal done. if it is worth while of course.

Konecny one of the leading scorers in the OHL this year despite having the lowest shooting percentage of any forward in the league 👀

Flyers sending 7 players to WJC this year. 2nd most behind the Coyotes who will send 8.