They gotta sit White. He brings nothing and hasn't all season. I'd sit Manning over Medvedev too. Won't be as easy to hide him on the road.
- PhillySportsGuy

I'd agree on White. I'm no VdV fan, but sadly, he's better than White (why is he on the PP, again). I'll gladly take Medvedev over Manning in a vacuum, but like someone said, there's just a different team dynamic with Manning.

They gotta sit White. He brings nothing and hasn't all season. I'd sit Manning over Medvedev too. Won't be as easy to hide him on the road.
- PhillySportsGuy

I hate White standing at the offensive blue line...WHAT ARE YOU DOING???? MOVE!!!!

Bill Meltzer: Wrapup: Persistence Pays Off in 4-2 Win vs Tampa
- bmeltzer

This win was great, but will not mean a thing if they cannot back it up with another on Friday.

Now is the time to get greedy. Get points anyway you can. Points, points, and points.

So last night was a perfect example of why I want Ghost on that far side. I know it wasn't a popular idea but what do you guys think today? His shot is perfect for over there.

I'm starting to believe. God help me, I'm starting to believe. This team just doesn't quit and Ghost gives them an offensive dimension from the back end that I've seen on a consistent basis since Pronger was on the ice.

Keep it up boys!!

I'd agree on White. I'm no VdV fan, but sadly, he's better than White (why is he on the PP, again). I'll gladly take Medvedev over Manning in a vacuum, but like someone said, there's just a different team dynamic with Manning.
- jmatchett383

The dynamic is more physicality from the backend. Besides Gudas the others are not nearly as physical. Manning is always willing to throw the body and stand up for a teammate. That goes a long way in the locker room.

Same thing with White. While he is not the fastest or most skilled skater, he balances the line-up by adding another facet to the teams over make-up. You need role players and White fills a role.

I'd agree on White. I'm no VdV fan, but sadly, he's better than White (why is he on the PP, again). I'll gladly take Medvedev over Manning in a vacuum, but like someone said, there's just a different team dynamic with Manning.
- jmatchett383

I think the Manning thing is a recency bias. If you evaluate both based on the entirety of the season, it's not even close.

The Flyers just played their two best games of the season, so I think it's dangerous to look at any singular player and say he had a huge effect (except guys like Ghost and Giroux)

They may not make it. If they play well and just get beat by better teams, you just tip your cap.

lol

I think 100% credit goes to him. He's done a fantastic job this season.
- Scoob

Yup. You can quibble with his lineup decisions, but man, this team plays hard and is establishing an identity. I can't wait to see what they look like when they have more talent in the lineup.

Kudos as well to B Schenn, he's really stepped it up since Jake went down. Also, to anyone who questioned Sean Couturier's importance to this lineup, do you get it now?

So last night was a perfect example of why I want Ghost on that far side. I know it wasn't a popular idea but what do you guys think today? His shot is perfect for over there.
- jak521

i thought of you

I think the Manning thing is a recency bias. If you evaluate both based on the entirety of the season, it's not even close.

The Flyers just played their two best games of the season, so I think it's dangerous to look at any singular player and say he had a huge effect (except guys like Ghost and Giroux)
- PhillySportsGuy

They were good on Saturday but Columbus was also flat out horrible.

Yup. You can quibble with his lineup decisions, but man, this team plays hard and is establishing an identity. I can't wait to see what they look like when they have more talent in the lineup.

Kudos as well to B Schenn, he's really stepped it up since Jake went talent. Also, to anyone who questioned Sean Couturier's importance to this lineup, do you get it now?
- BiggE

Really, I can't. Imho, it's just not reasonable to think they'd have a better record than they do now had he done anything differently. I very much look forward to the days when he has better players to work with.

i thought of you
- -davies-

He has an Ovi like shot so why not use him over there. Two goals both on that side. Really was a thing of beauty.

I think the Manning thing is a recency bias. If you evaluate both based on the entirety of the season, it's not even close.

The Flyers just played their two best games of the season, so I think it's dangerous to look at any singular player and say he had a huge effect (except guys like Ghost and Giroux)
- PhillySportsGuy

Didn't Medvedev play the Columbus game?

Also, it's not a recent thing. Yes, Medvedev has been better, overall, than Manning, and it isn't close. It just seems like the team, as a whole, has a different/better feel with Manning despite the numbers.

Yup. You can quibble with his lineup decisions, but man, this team plays hard and is establishing an identity. I can't wait to see what they look like when they have more talent in the lineup.

Kudos as well to B Schenn, he's really stepped it up since Jake went down. Also, to anyone who questioned Sean Couturier's importance to this lineup, do you get it now?
- BiggE

The identity part is huge.

I may not be the biggest fan of his but have to give credit where it is due. Just hard to get over burrying Voracek with the bums for so many games at the start of the year and the love affair he has with the 'no names'. (frank)ing around with Laughton, and refusal to call timeouts.

So I guess it isn't that hard to bash him haha. In all honesty though, good for him and the group. He seems to have pulled them together, and as a whole I am glad with what he has done.

Rock on Varsity.

Didn't Medvedev play the Columbus game?
- jmatchett383

I don't think so. I remember him being victimized by McDavid then sat the next game, which was Columbus

I don't think so. I remember him being victimized by McDavid then sat the next game, which was Columbus
- PhillySportsGuy

Okay. He did get beat bad, but then again, Manning wouldn't have done much better, nor would anyone else we have.

just want to mention, again, the effort by gudas (who had a terrific game) on the sequence that led directly to the delay of game penalty which yielded gost's go-ahead goal in the 3rd.

without a stick he made that great kick play by attacking the puck somewhat deep in the zone to keep it alive. the flyers continued to forecheck with giroux pressuring the dman in the corner who lobbed it over the glass under pressure.

that is the stuff that helps win games and the kind of effort they need every night to get into the playoffs at this stage. schenn did it on the backcheck , giroux did on the one handed pk clear near the line.. it all adds up.

but yeah, (frank)ing gudas.

The identity part is huge.

I may not be the biggest fan of his but have to give credit where it is due. Just hard to get over burrying Voracek with the bums for so many games at the start of the year and the love affair he has with the 'no names'. (frank)ing around with Laughton, and refusal to call timeouts.

So I guess it isn't that hard to bash him haha. In all honesty though, good for him and the group. He seems to have pulled them together, and as a whole I am glad with what he has done.

Rock on Varsity.
- flyer_nutter

I have to wonder if some of it was Hak doing what he felt he needed to do to get them to buy into his system and play the game the way he wants it to be played. All I know is that if he can get this roster into the playoffs, he deserves consideration for the Adams trophy.

Didn't Medvedev play the Columbus game?


- jmatchett383

Nope

I have to wonder if some of it was Hak doing what he felt he needed to do to get them to buy into his system and play the game the way he wants it to be played. All I know is that if he can get this roster into the playoffs, he deserves consideration for the Adams trophy.
- BiggE

I just hate to see kids bounced in and out of the lineup when the best alternative you have is Umberger or VDV/White. On a rebuilding team, with more youth on the way being able to develop players is key. Hell its why I like he has given Manning a shot so many times.

Cousins and Laughton should play out the remainder of the year.

He has an Ovi like shot so why not use him over there. Two goals both on that side. Really was a thing of beauty.
- jak521

nice to be able to mix it up so the pk isn't sure what they'll see

I'd agree on White. I'm no VdV fan, but sadly, he's better than White (why is he on the PP, again). I'll gladly take Medvedev over Manning in a vacuum, but like someone said, there's just a different team dynamic with Manning.
- jmatchett383

I can't explain it but they have a different look. I think Manning knows the system well and doesn't try to do things he can't.


Yes. Medvedev is more dynamic. But also more erratic in his defensive zone and also is prone to just getting out of position in the neutral zone.

And how about Gostisbehere slipping over to the side boards like we said yesterday.

just want to mention, again, the effort by gudas (who had a terrific game) on the sequence that led directly to the delay of game penalty which yielded gost's go-ahead goal in the 3rd.

without a stick he made that great kick play by attacking the puck somewhat deep in the zone to keep it alive. the flyers continued to forecheck with giroux pressuring the dman in the corner who lobbed it over the glass under pressure.

that is the stuff that helps win games and the kind of effort they need every night to get into the playoffs at this stage. schenn did it on the backcheck , giroux did on the one handed pk clear near the line.. it all adds up.

but yeah, (frank)ing gudas.
- hammarby31

He has shown the ability to pull himself back, when he gets too carried away. Something guys like Gauthier, Carcillo or Rinaldo could never do.

He is one of the few that brings a consistent physical element that is truly punishing. Seems like a good team guy, you could tell how the guys reacted in the Columbus game. A good skater.

Cheap contract and the ability to play more minutes if need be. If injuries dont arise, I want him long term.