Brother, I understand this but we could potentially have a better line up if Hakstol saw that Vandevelde isn't a very good player. He doesn't.
- SuperSchennBros

I think the Vandevelde complaints are way overboard. I also find it interesting that some fans think that Hakstol can't see that Vandevelde isn't a very good player, and keeps him in the lineup due to some undeserved loyalty. That's not it at all, and quite frankly, I've tried to explain why Vandevelde is in the lineup, and so has Bill Meltzer. It makes sense to me why. That's not to say that they don't need to upgrade that spot at some point when they can. I know what the answers will be, but as an example, I'll say right now, if they felt a player like Leier could be called up and improve the team in that spot and role, they'd have already done it.

So, what shall we be pissed about today?

So, what shall we be pissed about today?
- BiggE

I am sure there will be a number of things come 3:30-4:00pm later on this afternoon.

I am sure there will be a number of things come 3:30-4:00pm later on this afternoon.
- 3flyerkids

For sure

So, what shall we be pissed about today?
- BiggE

(frank)ing sun rose...AGAIN!

(frank)ing sun rose...AGAIN!
- jmatchett383

The nerve of that silly star.

Re Vandevelde

Since the start of 15-16:
GP: 97
G: 4
A: 13
PTS: 17
+/-: -12

Sorry, I get the fact that Hak is comfortable with the way VdV skates up and down the wing and he appreciates his average at best PK abililty, but I find it hard to believe, that right now, in November of 2016, that they can't get as good or better production from Lyubimov, Leier or Laughton.

Re Vandevelde

Since the start of 15-16:
GP: 97
G: 4
A: 13
PTS: 17
+/-: -12

Sorry, I get the fact that Hak is comfortable with the way VdV skates up and down the wing and he appreciates his average at best PK abililty, but I find it hard to believe, that right now, in November of 2016, that they can't get as good or better production from Lyubimov, Leier or Laughton.
- BiggE

In terms of offensive production, I'm sure they could, but what about the other end of the rink? Secondly, it's not easy to produce offensively, playing 8:30 of ice time at ES. Lybimov has played 12 games, and he has 1 goal and zero assists.

In terms of offensive production, I'm sure they could, but what about the other end of the rink? Secondly, it's not easy to produce offensively, playing 8:30 of ice time at ES. Lybimov has played 12 games, and he has 1 goal and zero assists.
- MJL

I get the fact that he is solid defensively, but he's just not that good defensively or on the PK to justify his overall lack of production and skill. It really doesn't bother me that much to see him in the lineup in November. Now, come March if he is still playing every game while everyone else is healthy, I won't be happy.

I get the fact that he is solid defensively, but he's just not that good defensively or on the PK to justify his overall lack of production and skill. It really doesn't bother me that much to see him in the lineup in November. Now, come March if he is still playing every game while everyone else is healthy, I won't be happy.
- BiggE

I think the real question is, would the perceived offensive production gained by placing a player like Laughton or Leier in that spot, offset the possible loss defensively? What would be the net gain? I think long term, the Flyers have some areas where there is an upgrade needed, and getting the bottom 6 stronger is one of them, including Vandevelde's spot. Short term, Vandevelde remains in the lineup, and one word in my opinion, sums up why. Consistency. The coach knows what he is going to get game in and game out, and he can trust him to play the right way, despite his shortcomings in the skill department. I don't think it's a guarantee that another player such as Laughton or Leier come in, in that role, and ice time, and automatically improves offensive production.

I think the real question is, would the perceived gained offensive production gained by placing a player like Laughton or Leier in that spot, offset the possible loss defensively? What would be the net gain? I think long term, the Flyers have some areas where there is an upgrade needed, and getting the bottom 6 stronger is one of them, including Vandevelde's spot. Short term, Vandevelde remains in the lineup, and one word in my opinion, sums up why. Consistency. The coach knows what he is going to get game in and game out, and he can trust him to play the right way, despite his shortcomings in the skill department. I don't think it's a guarantee that another player such as Laughton or Leier come in, in that role, and ice time, and automatically improves offensive production.
- MJL

What consistency are we getting from Chris Vandevelde?

What consistency are we getting from Chris Vandevelde?
- SuperSchennBros

Consistent mediocrity.

Driving to the game tomorrow. Anyone know how much it is to park?
- YuenglingJagr

The lot next to citizens bank park on the corner of pattison and darien street is open sometimes and you can just park there for free. Enter from Darien Street. It was open Tuesday for the Ottawa game.

What consistency are we getting from Chris Vandevelde?
- SuperSchennBros

He brings the same level of play, pretty much every game. He can be relied on to play within the system, play sound position wise, and skate well. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes. When you have a team that has be plagued by inconsistent play, individual mistakes, and breakdowns in system play, a coach finds value in that.

Consistent mediocrity.
- BiggE

Coach's son syndrome.

If the dude came from Tunisia instead of UND he wouldn't sniff the ice.

Coach's son syndrome.

If the dude came from Tunisia instead of UND he wouldn't sniff the ice.
- flyer_nutter

False narrative. The fact that Vandevelde played at UND has little to do with why Vandevelde plays. Hakstol is an NHL coach who is in the business of winning games, not giving blind loyalty to a player like Vandevelde.

Heat check:

Everything is still literally terrible

False narrative. The fact that Vandevelde played at UND has little to do with why Vandevelde plays. Hakstol is an NHL coach who is in the business of winning games, not giving blind loyalty to a player like Vandevelde.
- MJL

Disagree.

Disagree.
- flyer_nutter

Disagree all you want, but it's simply not true.

Here is what Bill Meltzer wrote on 11/10

"When people ask why Chris VandeVelde is a fixture in the lineup, it has nothing to do with the University of North Dakota ties between the player and Hakstol. During the 2014-15 season, Hakstol predecessor Craig Berube also came to place similar trust in the player. The reason that VandeVelde has been a fixture for the last two-plus seasons is that his coaches cite that he's a big guy who is a decent skater, backchecks, battles on the walls and makes safe plays most of the time when he does get a puck touch. Like it or dislike it (and cite all the puck possession stats in the world), but that is the rationale.

Are there better versions of those assets out there -- guys with some more offense/ puck skill to their games? Yes, and part of the Flyers continuing to climb to the next level will be to develop depth lines on par with the top contenders. But VandeVelde really isn't different from a lot of teams' fourth line forwards and, like it or not, they often tend to be at a bit of an advantage in staying in the lineup over smallish, primarily offensive players. "