I think both VandeVelde and Bellemare should be spare parts at best. I have no idea how Bellemare is still getting as much opportunity as the coaching staff hs given him. I feel Lyubimov has been better than both. I also agree with your line combos.

I'd tweak the D pairs. Manning has had a few rough games, but I don't think MacDonald has played well at all of late. I like MDZ-Ghost as a pair, and I'd put Provorov with Gudas and then have a pair comprised of 2 out of Streit, Schultz, Manning and AMac.
- Jsaquella

I agree with you about Bellemare and Vandevelde being spare parts. However, I don't see VV doing anything to earn himself out of what is keeping him in it in Hakstol's eyes. Bellemare's mistakes are starting to pile up. Probably because he's being counted on in a role he's not equipped for.

I wouldn't change anything for Provorov right now because his play is trending upwards. MDZ needs to get back in and on merit I would say Manning should come out. That's not to say AMac has played well as of late, he's made his fair share of mistakes. He does however play a better bend but not break game which Hakstol insists on playing.

The problem with Schenn isn't the offense, it's that he's not doing much of anything. He's not involved physically. He's losing puck battles. He's not creating anything. There's nights where there' no indication he's in the line up.

Basically, he's the same inconsistent guy he's been for the past 5 years. He gets points, but they're a by-product of his usage, not because he's playing well. To me, his play hasn't been worth his contract.

Couturier has struggled too, but generally over his career, he's always been a good two way player. Even if he's not producing there's a lot of value to what he does. With Schenn, if he's not involved and being a physical factor, he's next to worthless.

If it's just points you want, trade Schenn for picks and prospects and sign Brandon Pirri for 1/5th of the cash. He can score you 20-25 goals and bring nothing else a whole lot cheaper than Schenn.
- Jsaquella

I don't know man, with Giroux struggling and Voracek cooling off, I feel like Simmonds and to a lesser extent has picked up more of the offense. I thought Schenn was pretty decent in Florida.

It really comes down to the first two names I mentioned, G and Jake. If you don't ask what's wrong with them, I don't see why anyone would look to another to complain about. The top PP as awhole is the perfect example. Either they click or they shoot themselves in the foot. All five guys.

I agree with you about Bellemare and Vandevelde being spare parts. However, I don't see VV doing anything to earn himself out of whate is keeping him in it in Hakstol's eyes. Bellemare's mistakes are starting to pile up, probably because he's being counted on in a role he's not equipped for.

I wouldn't change anything for Provorov right now just because his play is trending upwards. MDZ needs to get back in and on merit I would say Manning should come out. That's not to say AMac has played well as of late, he's made his fair share of mistakes. He does however play a better bend but not break game which Hakstol insists on playing.
- Baxter27

The difference for me with Manning and MacDonald, Manning's mistakes are ending up in the net, MacDonald's aren't.

I'd just rather see a more skilled guy than VDV in there. Right now, the numbers don't allow both to be out, so I'm fine with either one being out. But when health is back, I'd rather see both out.

Anyone saying that Mason wasnt the only reason they were in that game last night didnt watch it..

He was by far their best player and has seemed, over the past few games, to be settling in.

To this season neither Coots or Schenn has produced like a second line center. Additionally Coots defensive game+puck protection while Schenn's physical game seems to be missing. None of that is good for the Flyers as they need both players doing what they do well to have a chance at succeeding. It's now a moot point with Coots for 4-6 weeks.

Im most worried about Giroux and to a lesser extent Jake right now..The are essentially no existent and im not sure how it gets better..

AS always Simmonds is Simmonds..You know what you are going to get and I would make the case that he is arguably the heart of this team right now. Effort, production and toughness..

I don't know man, with Giroux struggling and Voracek cooling off, I feel like Simmonds and to a lesser extent has picked up more of the offense. I thought Schenn was pretty decent in Florida.

It really comes down to the first two names I mentioned, G and Jake. If you don't ask what's wrong with them, I don't see why anyone would look to another to complain about. The top PP as awhole is the perfect example. Either they click or they shoot themselves in the foot. All five guys.
- SuperSchennBros

Giroux and Voracek are still in the top 20-25 in scoring. They're playing below standards now, but there's a reasonable expectation they'll rebound.

Simmonds has been great, their best skater the last handful of games, hands down.

My worry is more about the future than this season. The Flyers made a huge commitment to Schenn. He needs to be a lot more consistent. Not just in terms of scoring, but in terms of being involved and playing physically.

To put it simply, when Schenn is playing well, he's a very noticeable player in a positive way. He's a demon on the forecheck, he's getting multiple chances. he throws a big hit or three. You hear his name consistently.

The way he's playing now, meh. He gets a goal and it's off a scramble or rebound, not because he's forechecking like a bastard and creating the chance. He's getting beat to loose pucks and losing puck battles. He's not a noticeable presence. It's not that he's been awful, he's been a non factor.

If you're making a commitment like the Flyers did, what you need is a guy who will step up and be a spark when the big guns are struggling, not a guy who will struggle along side. I want to see Schenn do what Simmonds has done, step it up, especially as an all around guy. Simmonds has been a good PK guy, and he's doing a lot more than just hitting guys and scoring.

Schenn excuse of being a young guy is evaporating. 5 seasons in at age 25, he needs to be a driver, not a passenger.

Anyone saying that Mason wasnt the only reason they were in that game last night didnt watch it..

He was by far their best player and has seemed, over the past few games, to be settling in.

To this season neither Coots or Schenn has produced like a second line center. Additionally Coots defensive game+puck protection while Schenn's physical game seems to be missing. None of that is good for the Flyers as they need both players doing what they do well to have a chance at succeeding. It's now a moot point with Coots for 4-6 weeks.

Im most worried about Giroux and to a lesser extent Jake right now..The are essentially no existent and im not sure how it gets better..

AS always Simmonds is Simmonds..You know what you are going to get and I would make the case that he is arguably the heart of this team right now. Effort, production and toughness..
- opeth_pa

Agreed. You are the sober ying to 2 real's anti Mason yang..

Anyone saying that Mason wasnt the only reason they were in that game last night didnt watch it..

He was by far their best player and has seemed, over the past few games, to be settling in.

To this season neither Coots or Schenn has produced like a second line center. Additionally Coots defensive game+puck protection while Schenn's physical game seems to be missing. None of that is good for the Flyers as they need both players doing what they do well to have a chance at succeeding. It's now a moot point with Coots for 4-6 weeks.

Im most worried about Giroux and to a lesser extent Jake right now..The are essentially no existent and im not sure how it gets better..

AS always Simmonds is Simmonds..You know what you are going to get and I would make the case that he is arguably the heart of this team right now. Effort, production and toughness..
- opeth_pa

Absolutely, Simmonds is going to war every night. Along with a couple rookies and Gudas, they're the only players giving fans satisfaction with their play right now.

Giroux and Voracek are still in the top 20-25 in scoring. They're playing below standards now, but there's a reasonable expectation they'll rebound.

Simmonds has been great, their best skater the last handful of games, hands down.

My worry is more about the future than this season. The Flyers made a huge commitment to Schenn. He needs to be a lot more consistent. Not just in terms of scoring, but in terms of being involved and playing physically.

To put it simply, when Schenn is playing well, he's a very noticeable player in a positive way. He's a demon on the forecheck, he's getting multiple chances. he throws a big hit or three. You hear his name consistently.

The way he's playing now, meh. He gets a goal and it's off a scramble or rebound, not because he's forechecking like a bastard and creating the chance. He's getting beat to loose pucks and losing puck battles. He's not a noticeable presence. It's not that he's been awful, he's been a non factor.

If you're making a commitment like the Flyers did, what you need is a guy who will step up and be a spark when the big guns are struggling, not a guy who will struggle along side. I want to see Schenn do what Simmonds has done, step it up, especially as an all around guy. Simmonds has been a good PK guy, and he's doing a lot more than just hitting guys and scoring.

Schenn excuse of being a young guy is evaporating. 5 seasons in at age 25, he needs to be a driver, not a passenger.
- Jsaquella

it's been said before, but he seems to play best when he's making big hits and being physical. I wonder if the suspension has made him leery of playing that game?

I agree with you about Bellemare and Vandevelde being spare parts. However, I don't see VV doing anything to earn himself out of what is keeping him in it in Hakstol's eyes. Bellemare's mistakes are starting to pile up. Probably because he's being counted on in a role he's not equipped for.

I wouldn't change anything for Provorov right now because his play is trending upwards. MDZ needs to get back in and on merit I would say Manning should come out. That's not to say AMac has played well as of late, he's made his fair share of mistakes. He does however play a better bend but not break game which Hakstol insists on playing.
- Baxter27

Thats the thing with Macdonald. He doesnt do much to help you win, but he helps you not to lose. Team is bleeding goals and Macdonald is a -2. He plays a normally consistent and reliable game and blocks shots. He certainly has his faults.

it's been said before, but he seems to play best when he's making big hits and being physical. I wonder if the suspension has made him leery of playing that game?
- Hextall271

It's possible. But we've seen that physical game come and go prior to the suspension. It's not like he was a consistent guy in that regard for 5 years and now it's missing.

My worry is more about the future than this season. The Flyers made a huge commitment to Schenn. He needs to be a lot more consistent. Not just in terms of scoring, but in terms of being involved and playing physically.

Schenn excuse of being a young guy is evaporating. 5 seasons in at age 25, he needs to be a driver, not a passenger.
- Jsaquella

I agree with everything you say here but you also need include Coots in that list..Prior to this season you knew what you had with him but this season he was not giving you defensive reliability either..

The Flyers need both Schenn and Coots doing what they do or else they are doomed.

Anyone saying that Mason wasnt the only reason they were in that game last night didnt watch it..

He was by far their best player and has seemed, over the past few games, to be settling in.

To this season neither Coots or Schenn has produced like a second line center. Additionally Coots defensive game+puck protection while Schenn's physical game seems to be missing. None of that is good for the Flyers as they need both players doing what they do well to have a chance at succeeding. It's now a moot point with Coots for 4-6 weeks.

Im most worried about Giroux and to a lesser extent Jake right now..The are essentially no existent and im not sure how it gets better..

AS always Simmonds is Simmonds..You know what you are going to get and I would make the case that he is arguably the heart of this team right now. Effort, production and toughness..
- opeth_pa

Even though Voracek has cooled off scoring wise, he is still aggressively involved in the play and around the puck. Giroux however is not. Im far more concerned about Giroux than Voracek.

I agree with everything you say here but you also need include Coots in that list..Prior to this season you knew what you had with him but this season he was not giving you defensive reliability either..

The Flyers need both Schenn and Coots doing what they do or else they are doomed.
- opeth_pa

I agree, they do, but neither Schenn nor Couturier are play drivers. The offensive play drivers on the team are Voracek, Giroux, and to a lesser extent Konecny and Simmonds.

It's possible. But we've seen that physical game come and go prior to the suspension. It's not like he was a consistent guy in that regard for 5 years and now it's missing.
- Jsaquella

True. baffling to me why he can't bring that more consistently. I am sure someone has mentioned it to him.

Crosby gets shadowed every game.

Great players play through it. Giroux gets shut the (frank) down by every team in the league.

This is on him not coots.
- MikesPillBottle

Malkin

Malkin
- KINGKENZO

For real..I am amazed someone is saying Giroux just needs to battle through it because Crosby does..

It's debatable if Coots or Schenn are 2 line centers.
It's debatable if Malkin is the best player in the world.

Not quite the same...

AND, your 2 for 2
- puckhead17

You're wrong move on.

I agree, they do, but neither Schenn nor Couturier are play drivers. The offensive play drivers on the team are Voracek, Giroux, and to a lesser extent Konecny and Simmonds.
- MJL

Agreed but if Coots and Schenn are doing anything then that opens coverage for everyone else above..

Agreed but if Coots and Schenn are doing anything then that opens coverage for everyone else above..
- opeth_pa

I personally think Schenn has been better that most think, but that's just an opinion. Even with that said, he still could be producing more, and there's a number of players who need to pick up their game. Bottom line is that Giroux is, or at least should be the main catalyst of the team, which to this point, he is struggling. That's a serious issue for the Flyers.

For real..I am amazed someone is saying Giroux just needs to battle through it because Crosby does..

It's debatable if Coots or Schenn are 2 line centers.
It's debatable if Malkin is the best player in the world.

Not quite the same...
- opeth_pa

Right now, if you put Crosby in place of Giroux, Crosby would be carrying this team offensively, and would still be one of the top players in the league. No doubt. I'm not expecting Giroux to be Crosby, but he has to be much better than he has been lately.

Right now, if you put Crosby in place of Giroux, Crosby would be carrying this team offensively, and would still be one of the top players in the league. No doubt. I'm not expecting Giroux to be Crosby, but he has to be much better than he has been lately.
- MJL

I don't necessarily disagree but I will say that the last three years has taken its toll on G and you're seeing it in his 5v5 production. This team needs another dynamic, offensive center to allieviate the night in, night out pressure on G.

I tried to write an in depth post on Coots and this page keeps crashing on safari, so in brief, I love Coots, he's my boy but on my ideal roster, I have 2 more offensively threatening players at center. That does not make him the 3C because game situations dictate ice time and he will be/ is one of the top ice time accumulating forwards. But as this team moves towards contended hip, it needs more offensive talent

Of course a player like Callahan scores against the Flyers. It always astounds me that garbage players and struggling players always seem to score against the Flyers. Geez even a team like Arizona that has a total of 6 wins has 2 victories over the flyers. We are 1/3 of their total wins!

I don't necessarily disagree but I will say that the last three years has taken its toll on G and you're seeing it in his 5v5 production. This team needs another dynamic, offensive center to allieviate the night in, night out pressure on G.

- KINGKENZO

I agree which why all last season and in the off season I was posting how important it is to get a player in to take away a lot of tough minutes off of Giroux. He has definitely worn down, and we might be seeing that it's too late. Giroux doesn't have the size and bulk that a lot of other centers have that see a lot of tough two way minutes. In the later years of his career, even though Datsyuk was still touted as a Selke forward, Detroit was smart enough to take away a lot of the heavy lifting off of him, which certainly helps. Right now, Giroux seems like a shadow of his former self. Hopefully it's more of a slump than a decline.

Giroux and Voracek are still in the top 20-25 in scoring. They're playing below standards now, but there's a reasonable expectation they'll rebound.

Simmonds has been great, their best skater the last handful of games, hands down.

My worry is more about the future than this season. The Flyers made a huge commitment to Schenn. He needs to be a lot more consistent. Not just in terms of scoring, but in terms of being involved and playing physically.

To put it simply, when Schenn is playing well, he's a very noticeable player in a positive way. He's a demon on the forecheck, he's getting multiple chances. he throws a big hit or three. You hear his name consistently.

The way he's playing now, meh. He gets a goal and it's off a scramble or rebound, not because he's forechecking like a bastard and creating the chance. He's getting beat to loose pucks and losing puck battles. He's not a noticeable presence. It's not that he's been awful, he's been a non factor.

If you're making a commitment like the Flyers did, what you need is a guy who will step up and be a spark when the big guns are struggling, not a guy who will struggle along side. I want to see Schenn do what Simmonds has done, step it up, especially as an all around guy. Simmonds has been a good PK guy, and he's doing a lot more than just hitting guys and scoring.

Schenn excuse of being a young guy is evaporating. 5 seasons in at age 25, he needs to be a driver, not a passenger.
- Jsaquella

I'm sorry, I think Sean Couturier has been 10 times worse. I'm not concerned about the overall history of each player. If I worried about this kind of thing, G would top three in points right now. My argument is, Couturier wanted to be placed in a position to be an offensive threat, he's not bringing the offense nightly, he's looks slower than his line mates and even worse he's not playing with defensively, which is his bread and butter.

In the case of Brayden Schenn, he's our fourth most dangerous offensive threat who gets moved around constantly in the line up and he's not hitting. To me there is a massive difference between the two players' struggles.

Of course a player like Callahan scores against the Flyers. It always astounds me that garbage players and struggling players always seem to score against the Flyers. Geez even a team like Arizona that has a total of 6 wins has 2 victories over the flyers. We are 1/3 of their total wins!
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Ryan White managed to pop a puck over Mason's shoulder while Mason had most of the net covered. Than Crosby scored the exact same goal two days later. You can't write this poop.