Nope it won't happen. And being that it won't it would probably be a good idea to trade Nuevirth so at least you get an asset for him. You would think the Kings could be interested in him with Quick being out long term.
- PLindbergh31

They signed Lindback

Whether you put tons of pressure on the other team or play very passively, the only thing that matters is when the defense breaks down or the goalie doesnt make a save. Buffalo's defense was the one that actually broke down, despite them playing very passively
- YuenglingJagr

I'd bet if you asked the 30 NHL head coaches if they would rather control the puck in OT and have it be like watching paint dry or let teams free wheel and trade odd man rushes they would take option A.

Im interested in how many points Vandevelde has
- YuenglingJagr

Wait, VdV has been playing? Huh go figure.

Control of the puck in 3v3 is a strategic play. You keep the puck until something breaks down on the opposition then you take advantage and attack. Many teams in the NHL use that strategy in OT. It is counter to what you want to think you should do but it actually makes sense when you consider what typically happens if you go full attack mode.

Full attack mode leads to pond hockey OT which people love but really isn't smart since you keep giving odd man rushes.
- dragonoffrost

Agree 100% At 3 on 3, it's all about possession and waiting for an opportunity

I could see some benefits to it. I agree his shot is among the best we have
- YuenglingJagr

Would unclog the lane for Ghost's point shot too... right now w/ Schenn and Simmer stacked vertically, there's like 4-5 players standing between Ghost and the net.

Jake could still play the right wall, just have Schenn and Simmer at either post and move in/kick out depending on which side of the ice the puck is on.

That Hartsy one-time play is just dead.

Control of the puck in 3v3 is a strategic play. You keep the puck until something breaks down on the opposition then you take advantage and attack. Many teams in the NHL use that strategy in OT. It is counter to what you want to think you should do but it actually makes sense when you consider what typically happens if you go full attack mode.

Full attack mode leads to pond hockey OT which people love but really isn't smart since you keep giving odd man rushes.
- dragonoffrost

I understand but to my eyes Buffalo was playing scared in OT and the Flyers didn't give a hoot.

I'd rather not see OT turn into indoor bicycle track racing.

It is CV.

I hear you, but Raffl has worked well with G and Jake in the past. With this lineup you have legit threats to score on 3 lines and it makes them harder to match up against
- BiggE

I dunno, I think most teams have a fairly easy time matching up against us.

Last year the Oilers had more 5v5 goals than we did. Was surprised to see Chicago just above us too.

Finished 22nd in the league at 5v5. It's a huge issue that was exposed during the playoffs last year. 5v5 we struggle to compete vs most teams.

We live and die by the power play, and I hate it.

Garth said something absurd, defended a dirty hit by Buffalo, and gave no credit to Philadelphia?

You, sir, must be joking.
- jmatchett383

Wow, that thread is fun. haha. It looked very similar to the Weise shot. What I'd say is that if Kulikov isn't given a min 2 then it's a farce. Maybe he gets 1 less game because Jake was not hurt.

Im interested in how many points Vandevelde has
- YuenglingJagr

There is nothing surprising about VDV's stat line.

They aren't hand picked stats. It's goals, assists, and +/-. Sorry you couldn't follow along :/

I'd bet if you asked the 30 NHL head coaches if they would rather control the puck in OT and have it be like watching paint dry or let teams free wheel and trade odd man rushes they would take option A.
- dragonoffrost

I agree but those arent the only two options. Flyers controlled play against the Coyotes and very well had the game won until Jakes stick gets stolen

I guess that is possible. Wiese will return tomorrow night. I would assume he will be replacing Lyubimov. Small sample, but I haven't been very impressed with him.
- PLindbergh31

I thought that too but then you look and he is playing with Gordon and Vandevelde. I think if your 4th line was something like this:

Laughton - Bellemare - Lyubinov

You would see more because the other 2 players bring a higher skill set compared to Vandevelde or Gordon. When everyone is back I would go with this:

Schenn - Giroux - Simmonds
Konecny - Couturier - Voracek
Raffl - Cousins - Read
Laughton/Gordon/Lyubinov - Bellemare - Weise.

You still have solid PK players and two way guys but I think you have more skill

Your right about Vandevelde. It isn't an issue until it is. If that makes sense.

I am disappointed in Simmonds. I know he has scored some goals but to me he has been very out of control and just not playing a smart game. He seems to want to carry the puck more and make plays. That's not his game. Get to the net, cause havoc, finish goals.

Again though it is still early. Things will work themselves out.
- J35Bacher

Simmonds to me just seems to be really good when on and really bad when he isn't on. just very extreme

I understand but to my eyes Buffalo was playing scared in OT and the Flyers didn't give a hoot.

I'd rather not see OT turn into indoor bicycle track racing.
- Scoob

3v3 is boring as poop. It's a cheap gimmick in my eyes. Play 4v4 and leave the freaking game alone.

Nope it won't happen. And being that it won't it would probably be a good idea to trade Nuevirth so at least you get an asset for him. You would think the Kings could be interested in him with Quick being out long term.
- PLindbergh31

Budaj has actually done a decent job. they may just try to stay the course for a bit before doing anything.

Vandevelde is a goal waiting to happen with little to no offense. He could have perfect position on every play, it doesn't matter because it doesn't equal anything tangible to the Flyers winning.

Hakstol trusts him to a fault. It is a flaw that can be corrected, and if it were it would help the Flyers. The situation has nothing to do with Wayne Simmonds
- YuenglingJagr

He's playing 7 ES minutes a game when the Flyers haven't had a full set of forwards to pick from all season.

Would unclog the lane for Ghost's point shot too... right now w/ Schenn and Simmer stacked vertically, there's like 4-5 players standing between Ghost and the net.

Jake could still play the right wall, just have Schenn and Simmer at either post and move in/kick out depending on which side of the ice the puck is on.

That Hartsy one-time play is just dead.
- Tomahawk

I would like Gostisbehre on the half board in Voraceks spot. I think his one timer would create a lot there. I would be ok putting Provorov at the top of the umbrella and Giroux in the half wall still. Simmonds and Schenn screen. Maybe move Voracek to Schenns spot.

I think it becomes stale sometimes.

I dunno, I think most teams have a fairly easy time matching up against us.

Last year the Oilers had more 5v5 goals than we did. Was surprised to see Chicago just above us too.

Finished 22nd in the league at 5v5. It's a huge issue that was exposed during the playoffs last year. 5v5 we struggle to compete vs most teams.

We live and die by the power play, and I hate it.
- MikesPillBottle

You're absolutely right. I don't like our 5 on 5 game at all. TBH, it's gotten a little better with the emergence of Konecny's line. Man has that kid impressed me. I know he scored last night, but he was also involved in numerous chances. He's creative and pushes the play. That's what we need from each line. The issue to me is we need a bit more size on the wings. We tend to get our smaller guys thrown down by big d in the O zone and then it's an easy clear. Obviously, our D is not perfect right now (slower, smaller breaking in a rookie) and we get hemmed in quite often and teams with big forwards like Anaheim drive us insane.

Add these up, and your 5 on 5 is bound to stink/you live and die on the Pp. We won't go far in the playoffs until this is addressed, but I am sure Hexy knows it's a problem.

Because a useful 4th line provides a chance at actually scoring and not just skating around trying to keep the puck out of the net. If the 4th line scores, other lines don't have to. More goals for the 4th line = more goals for the Flyers. What is difficult to understand here?
- YuenglingJagr

I disagree, just because the 4th line chips in the odd goal here and there, doesn't mean other lines don't have to score. That's hockey 101. A 4th line goal is gravy, and certainly can help you win the odd game, but over the course of an 82 game season, obviously, higher lines are going to be counted on to carry the team offensively. You can win, and win a lot of games with a 4th line holding their own.

Budaj has actually done a decent job. they may just try to stay the course for a bit before doing anything.
- nastyflyergirl

I heard Andersen in Toronto could be available haha.

What a dumpster fire that is. wow. 7 goals on 24 shots last night.

I would like Gostisbehre on the half board in Voraceks spot. I think his one timer would create a lot there. I would be ok putting Provorov at the top of the umbrella and Giroux in the half wall still. Simmonds and Schenn screen. Maybe move Voracek to Schenns spot.

I think it becomes stale sometimes.
- J35Bacher

I could be remembering very wrong because its also what I want to see but it just seems like the few times Ghost was on the wall in Jake's spot he has scored since he has been in the NHL

You're absolutely right. I don't like our 5 on 5 game at all. TBH, it's gotten a little better with the emergence of Konecny's line. Man has that kid impressed me. I know he scored last night, but he was also involved in numerous chances. He's creative and pushes the play. That's what we need from each line. The issue to me is we need a bit more size on the wings. We tend to get our smaller guys thrown down by big d in the O zone and then it's an easy clear. Obviously, our D is not perfect right now (slower, smaller breaking in a rookie) and we get hemmed in quite often and teams with big forwards like Anaheim drive us insane.

Add these up, and your 5 on 5 is bound to stink/you live and die on the Pp. We won't go far in the playoffs until this is addressed, but I am sure Hexy knows it's a problem.
- Hextall271

They could definitely use more size among the forwards. Hexy sees it, just take a look at Weise and Lyubimov, both 6'2 and over 200 lbs. They have to be able to skate but all things being equal, I'd rather have the bigger guy

Weise is back tomorrow, and Raffl could be back by the weekend.

Ignoring the cliche of using the Penguins as a model....

Mike Sullivan comes in and uses young 4th liners from WBS, whom he is familiar with and trusts. Does the 4 line depth of the Penguins happen if a coach isn't in place that trusts them?

Hakstol isn't the only coach to share in this flawed idea. Plenty of coaches trust veterans over younger players even though the younger players are more skilled and bring elements that cannot be offered by the veteran players. The Penguins showed how rewarding adding skill and letting it do its thing can be.

Biggest problem or not, there is no point to playing guys who arent as good as others
- YuenglingJagr

What is the standard for judging who isn't as good as another? Is it talent, or is it a fans preference? It's not at all a flawed idea if it's looked at correctly. I see fans miss this many, many times.

They could definitely use more size among the forwards. Hexy sees it, just take a look at Weise and Lyubimov, both 6'2 and over 200 lbs. They have to be able to skate but all things being equal, I'd rather have the bigger guy
- BiggE

I agree completely. These guys don't grow on trees, but I am hoping that we draft to start filling this requirement.