Bill Meltzer: Wrapup: Flyers Skewer Sabres, 5-1; Alumni, Snider Hockey, Boosh & Bundy

I wasnt able to catch the game, but the box score had Simmonds listed at only 11:51 in TOI any reasoning for that?

I wasnt able to catch the game, but the box score had Simmonds listed at only 11:51 in TOI any reasoning for that?
- PVL29

Blow out. Crap ton of time on the PK. Hakstol was using the G line as the 4th line through most of the third it felt like.

I wasnt able to catch the game, but the box score had Simmonds listed at only 11:51 in TOI any reasoning for that?
- PVL29

I couldn't either but im guessing Hakstol decided to spread the ice time around pretty evenly.

I wasnt able to catch the game, but the box score had Simmonds listed at only 11:51 in TOI any reasoning for that?
- PVL29

Simple. Two reasons:

1) Flyers put themselves shorthanded six times (including three times in a row in close succession in the first period and a three-min kill late in the game). Simmonds doesn't kill penalties, so that cuts down his shift opportunities.

2) Flyers had a 4-0 lead going into the third period, were rolling four lines with the big lead and often getting pinned deep in their own end, prolonging shifts.

For those who watched the game how did Cousins look (besides the goal)... His biggest knock as a prospect was always his skating.

If he keeps playing like this he could potentially earn a spot on next years team 3rd line C maybe? Although i was hoping that Laughton would have had that locked down by this year it seems the flyers prefer him (when they don't scratch him) on the wing.

geez do the sabres blow. watching the replay now. Bylsma hockey at its finest.

nice gagner showcase

For those who watched the game how did Cousins look (besides the goal)... His biggest knock as a prospect was always his skating.

If he keeps playing like this he could potentially earn a spot on next years team 3rd line C maybe? Although i was hoping that Laughton would have had that locked down by this year it seems the flyers prefer him (when they don't scratch him) on the wing.
- Yosimar89

He was solid. Very chippy and feisty, good vision and hands. His skating is still hard to watch for a player of his size. I wince. But he has skills and pretty good IQ, so he's a player who can maybe surmount that.

As for 3C....I'm not so sure. I understand how not all skill players can play on the 4th, but he has that pest/energy role part to his game where I think he could be part of a productive, more skilled 4th line. I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable with him as a long term top 9 center, but anything could happen.

As for the team preferring Laughts on the wing, he's been used almost exclusively at center. A lot of us HERE, would prefer him on the wing, but the team seems committed right now to him at center.

geez do the sabres blow. watching the replay now. Bylsma hockey at its finest.

nice gagner showcase
- Just5

Gagner has been quite good in most of the games since his call up. Maybe his AHL time actually did something to his game. I remember Charlie at BSH mentioning Gagner's neutral zone play statistically has been improved.

For those who watched the game how did Cousins look (besides the goal)... His biggest knock as a prospect was always his skating.

If he keeps playing like this he could potentially earn a spot on next years team 3rd line C maybe? Although i was hoping that Laughton would have had that locked down by this year it seems the flyers prefer him (when they don't scratch him) on the wing.
- Yosimar89

His skating is pretty average...don't know if there's gonna be much more to that aspect of his game. He just looks like a pretty basic skater out there.

But he does have vision and hands. I don't know. I think he's competitive enough. But the question is gonna be if he's going to get "there" often enough to compete, you know? I think you can mitigate it some, by who he plays with and if you want to, but as always, the question will come down to what wingers find their way into this lineup.

He looks like a guy who is gonna need a burner on one of his wings to do some of the backchecking that his skating isn't gonna allow him to do

Gudas seems to be getting more and more reckless. I didn't like that last hit at all. You're not proving anything there. Totally predatory. I didn't think this guy was a guy to label as a predatory hitter for most of this year but these last few weeks have changed my mind. Most of his hits are garbage and I wouldn't care if he got tuned up.

McDavid w/ a 5-point night... somebody hasn't given up on the Calder, lol.

McDavid w/ a 5-point night... somebody hasn't given up on the Calder, lol.
- Tomahawk

jesus. they need to give it to him

jesus. they need to give it to him
- Just5

no ghost

Bill how did you feel about Cousins overall? You think he can be a regular at some point?

Sharks

Bill how did you feel about Cousins overall? You think he can be a regular at some point?
- 2Real

He has improved a lot the last two years years. Will never be a speedster but he is shifty. Defensive game has gone from a liability to a non-concern. But being on smaller side and not more than average skater is tough in long haul. Some guys have done it and had long NHL careers but majority find it tough to stick long haul.

Sharks
- wilsonecho91

hey they were down by 4 and still got a point

He has improved a lot the last two years years. Will never be a speedster but he is shifty. Defensive game has gone from a liability to a non-concern. But being on smaller side and not more than average skater is tough in long haul. Some guys have done it and had long NHL careers but majority find it tough to stick long haul.
- bmeltzer

Does that mean he's still not a legitimate prospect and may just be a tweener?

Good to see some secondary scoring!

Does that mean he's still not a legitimate prospect and may just be a tweener?
- 2Real

Maybe. He deserves a chance to show.

Gudas seems to be getting more and more reckless. I didn't like that last hit at all. You're not proving anything there. Totally predatory. I didn't think this guy was a guy to label as a predatory hitter for most of this year but these last few weeks have changed my mind. Most of his hits are garbage and I wouldn't care if he got tuned up.
- Just5

Love gudas as your 6th dman

Maybe. He deserves a chance to show.
- bmeltzer

I'd give him the chance, he's earned it.......I'm sure they have somebody they can not resign in order to make this happen.

I wonder how many games that goal Umberger scored buys him. Probably at least 5.

What a game!RJ's reaction was priceless! I thought Raffl had a strong game aside from his scoresheet. I thought Cousins and Weal also looked good. I hope Gagner continue his play like this so we can move him. So happy for Ghost