I think Washington is better and more solid, as well. So if we count Montreal, that's 5 teams better than them, meaning there are 3 open spots (1 in the metro, 2 wild card). I think that the Islanders are at least AS GOOD as them, the Rangers will live and die by Hank. I think it comes down to NYR/Flyers/Bruins fighting for wild card spots.
- jmatchett383

True: Forgot Washington.

Surely.

As you can clearly see, there are 4 sets of data, each representing a thing. As they progress along the x-axis, their y-axis value changes as well. The amplitude of each data set sometimes increases, decreases, but never remains constant.

Clearly, this graph is a graph.
- jmatchett383

Question...I agree completely that it is a graph, but is trust plotted as a linear, exponential, or logarithmic function?

The coach to this point has felt that the defense he provides, and consistency he provides within the team structure, is worthy of having him in the lineup. Right or wrong. I think most fans aren't looking at it correctly. The Flyers are a playoff bubble team, which means there is a fine line between winning a losing. In that case, that means that you have players who might not do much to help you win, but they help you not to lose. If Hakstol and or Hextall felt like Taylor Leier or any other player would help them win more, I think they'd be in the lineup. Hopefully at some point in the near future, that happens. Until then, the coaches job is put the lineup on the ice, that he feels is best for the team.
- MJL

Again, once Del Zotto returns, I think Mac is the next guy in the press box. Streit's letter on his chest and that game tying goal is what keeps Streit dressed. For me, it's not hard to determine who stays and why. The only example I have is Vandevelde stays in over Cousins is, VDV kills penalties and a past working relationship, which like it or not is favoritism.

Question...I agree completely that it is a graph, but is trust plotted as a linear, exponential, or logarithmic function?
- YuenglingJagr

It is clearly not a function. Therefore, we can only anticipate a trend.

I believe this plot shows one of 2 possible things:

1. Provorov will slightly better than Bobby Orr by month's end
2. Provorov is a bust.

Again, once Del Zotto returns, I think Mac is the next guy in the press box. Streit's letter on his chest and that game tying goal is what keeps Streit dressed. For me, it's not hard to determine who stays and why. The only example I have is Vandevelde stays in over Cousins is, VDV kills penalties and a past working relationship, which like it or not is favoritism.
- SuperSchennBros

Yeah, I think AMac is destined for the press box when MDZ comes back. Best case would be to trade him or Streit.

Edit: I'd hold onto Schultz until Manning has filled his quota, as we may have to sign and expose him.

Again, once Del Zotto returns, I think Mac is the next guy in the press box. Streit's letter on his chest and that game tying goal is what keeps Streit dressed. For me, it's not hard to determine who stays and why. The only example I have is Vandevelde stays in over Cousins is, VDV kills penalties and a past working relationship, which like it or not is favoritism.
- SuperSchennBros

I agree, MacDonald is the next likely to sit. Whatever is best for the team, I'm all for.

I know Jake was off the ice for this, but B Schenn should be standing here on the PP always, not stranded in the high slot like a doofus:



He scored so many goals in Brandon like that... his shot > Jake's shot.
- Tomahawk

They could switch Ghost and Jake as well. Ghost would create more gravity and it could open a little more room in the middle for Schenn.

I don't even think they need to change the formation. They can just move guys around. Give the PK more to think about instead of using the same formation with the same players in the same spots.

It is clearly not a function. Therefore, we can only anticipate a trend.

I believe this plot shows one of 2 possible things:

1. Provorov will slightly better than Bobby Orr by month's end
2. Provorov is a bust.
- jmatchett383

1.5 Busty Orr.

1.5 Busty Orr.
- Feanor

Well, it clearly shows that AMac is, if anything, slightly overpaid.

Can't believe all those loser GMs didn't take him for free last year when he was put on waivers. Hard to find a solid top-4 defenseman like him without having to give us players/picks.

Bishop got his front teeth knocked out

http://www.foxsports.com/...g-shot-to-the-mask-102616

"Have goaltending". HAHAHA Philly never has goaltending ask Jeremy Roenick.
- mickel25

Those chemicals he used for the highlights in his hair in the 2000's must have seeped into his frontal lobe.

Taking injuries out of the equation, I think it is very difficult to forecast the ceiling. I don't believe Konency and Provorov will be the same players in the spring. Also, factor in MDZ and Gudas who were top 4 dmen have been out.

Barring key guys gone for a long period of time, I like their chances to make the playoffs.

I don't think Streit is playing bad, I actually think he has picked up a step from last season. ALL D make bad plays and get burned, way the NHL is these days. I do believe they will trade him and Schultz at the deadline.

The Flyers are the second lightest team in the NHL. With that I'm believe you have to have scoring from your bottom 6.

Bellemare back to 4th line, cousins back to 3rd and give the 3rd line some pop. I get Bellemare could be on the 3rd to help Courtier, but that can happen if Bellemare is on the 4th line. Plus Vorachec and Kocnecky will make Courtier play offence

They are going to make the playoffs. They are one of the eight most talented teams, have enough depth, have the goaltending, and their key players are the right age

No clue why some want to act like they will be stunned if they make it. None of the teams outside of Tampa and Pittsburgh, maybe Montreal, have any fewer issues than the Flyers have. Florida is pretty good, too
- AllInForFlyers

I think the Flyers will have a tough time getting a playoff spot considering there is only 2 spots up for grabs.

Rangers
Pens
Lightning
Panthers
Canadians
Capitals

The 6 that I feel will pretty much be in.

That leaves the Flyers battling for a wild card spot against the Senators, Red Wings, Bruins, Devils, and Islanders.

I don't see where your confidence is with regards to us being a playoff team comes from. Montreal has a healthy Price, at least for now - The devils have added some much needed fire power - and the islanders hit the 100 point mark last season.

Realistically I can see the Islanders taking 1 of the wild card spots again and leaving only 1 spot for the rest of us.

Those chemicals he used for the highlights in his hair in the 2000's must have seeped into his frontal lobe.
- johndewar

I don't think Streit is playing bad, I actually think he has picked up a step from last season. ALL D make bad plays and get burned, way the NHL is these days. I do believe they will trade him and Schultz at the deadline.

The Flyers are the second lightest team in the NHL. With that I'm believe you have to have scoring from your bottom 6.

Bellemare back to 4th line, cousins back to 3rd and give the 3rd line some pop. I get Bellemare could be on the 3rd to help Courtier, but that can happen if Bellemare is on the 4th line. Plus Vorachec and Kocnecky will make Courtier play offence
- wcorvette

the Kocnecky-Courtier-Vorachec line has been amazing so far.

the Kocnecky-Courtier-Vorachec line has been amazing so far.
- jmatchett383

Our best line. Exciting to watch those guys.

Can't say the same about the rest of the team

Our best line. Exciting to watch those guys.

Can't say the same about the rest of the team
- MikesPillBottle

Shane Courtier is a legit second line NHL center. Jason Vorachec is back to playing like the guy who was offered that big contract.

the Kocnecky-Courtier-Vorachec line has been amazing so far.
- jmatchett383

Shane Courtier is a legit second line NHL center. Jason Vorachec is back to playing like the guy who was offered that big contract.
- jmatchett383

I love, and hate, you.

I love, and hate, you.
- MikesPillBottle

I lovehate you too.

I think the Flyers will have a tough time getting a playoff spot considering there is only 2 spots up for grabs.

Rangers
Pens
Lightning
Panthers
Canadians
Capitals

The 6 that I feel will pretty much be in.

That leaves the Flyers battling for a wild card spot against the Senators, Red Wings, Bruins, Devils, and Islanders.

I don't see where your confidence is with regards to us being a playoff team comes from. Montreal has a healthy Price, at least for now - The devils have added some much needed fire power - and the islanders hit the 100 point mark last season.

Realistically I can see the Islanders taking 1 of the wild card spots again and leaving only 1 spot for the rest of us.
- MikesPillBottle

I don't see how you have the Rangers as a lock? To me it is TB, FLA, Pitt and WAS as the locks. The Flyers, Isles, Rangers, MON, DET, BOS and maybe OTT will be in the equation for a while.

I would not be surprised if the Flyers finished third in the division. I would also not be surprised if they finished 5th and secured the 2nd wildcard. The 7 teams I listed all have flaws. The Flyers are as talented or more talented than any of those teams.

winning is good

at lot can change between now and the end of the season but lets suppose the team stays as is and the players continue to play at the level they are (as in Read looks more like the Matt Read of his first 3 seasons than the last 2)...the Flyers can protect 7 forwards leaving 3 exposed. the no brainers are of course Giroux, Voracek, Simmonds, Schenn, Coots. that leaves 2 more spots between Raffl (2 seasons left afte this season), Weise (3 seasons left), Cousins, Laughton and Read (1 season left). who do you protect?

defense is easy - protect Ghost, Manning and Gudas exposing AMAC.

I don't see how you have the Rangers as a lock? To me it is TB, FLA, Pitt and WAS as the locks. The Flyers, Isles, Rangers, MON, DET, BOS and maybe OTT will be in the equation for a while.

I would not be surprised if the Flyers finished third in the division. I would also not be surprised if they finished 5th and secured the 2nd wildcard. The 7 teams I listed all have flaws. The Flyers are as talented or more talented than any of those teams.
- mickel25

A key injury or 2 for any prolonged period could derail any team save the 4 you listed. I think the Islanders are better than the Flyers, I think the Rangers will do whatever Lundqvist can do. I think the Flyers are better than everyone else save maybe Boston.