I'm faulting both A Mac AND MDZ. They both choked on both those goals. MDZ just got back into the lineup so I'll let him try switching to Schultz as partner and sit A Mac right now.

As was stated why is A Mac passing his guy to Schenn, cause he knew he was toast and in no man's land.
- dragonoffrost

MacDonald did not pass his guy off to anyone. He was directly on Chiasson when he took the shot. There is a possibility that the puck carrier can beat the other defenseman wide, so MacDonald has to be aware of that. He was simply pointing out where the back pressure could go to help coverage. Neither goal was an egregious breakdown or missed coverage. It's very difficult to know where the puck is when it's coming from behind you.

I agree. However, even the Legion of Doom was broken up at times during its heyday. Currently, HBK is broken up due to injuries. They've still meshed well this year, just not as stupidly hot as last year.

But yes, this roster doesn't have the talent necessary to go with the 3/4 scoring line method. And for all of his skate's goal scoring prowess, Mr. CV/CVV/VDV is not ever going to be part of a "scoring line" so I don't see why Schenn is with him, at least long-term.
- jmatchett383

But if 10-13 build chemistry you got more than we have if you stick with 10-28-93 and 11-14-17 when Coots returns. You could go 12-28-93, 11-14-17, 25-10-13...

And of course you get 76-78-22 or 76-78-24 after that

For all the talk of Schenn being in the bottom 6, here are the forwards who had more 5v5 TOI than him last night and by how much:

Raffl (57s)
Read (11s)
PEB (6s)

Factor in the 7 minutes of PP TOI he had, and he actually led the forwards in total TOI last night. So whether or not he's listed as a 4th liner, he played the most minutes, got significant PP time, and managed 4 SOG and a +1 rating. I'll take that.
- jmatchett383

I'm not sure when it's going to be realized that Hakstol doesn't care what number your line is, if the line is going good, he's going to play it. The talk that a message was being sent to Schenn was complete hogwash. The coach is simply trying to find balance and a lineup that works, rather than punishing a player by demoting him to the so called 4th line.

But if 10-13 build chemistry you got more than we have if you stick with 10-28-93 and 11-14-17 when Coots returns. You could go 12-28-93, 11-14-17, 25-10-13...
- dragonoffrost

I agree. But if that's the case, why put them with 76 to start? Also, if you go with those lines, your "4th" line is basically a shots-against factory.

I agree. However, even the Legion of Doom was broken up at times during its heyday. Currently, HBK is broken up due to injuries. They've still meshed well this year, just not as stupidly hot as last year.

But yes, this roster doesn't have the talent necessary to go with the 3/4 scoring line method. And for all of his skate's goal scoring prowess, Mr. CV/CVV/VDV is not ever going to be part of a "scoring line" so I don't see why Schenn is with him, at least long-term.
- jmatchett383

HBK is getting outchanced this year. Their scoring is also down plenty, so I don't see where the "meshed well" part makes any sense. The line could do no wrong last year, so the contrast is stark.

Yes it was, Simmer should go back into the top 3 for shootouts he's had a few beautiful breakaway goals this season.
- dragonoffrost

He surprises me now and again with those hands wow.

I agree. But if that's the case, why put them with 76 to start? Also, if you go with those lines, your "4th" line is basically a shots-against factory.
- jmatchett383

We all know 76 and 78 will be in the lineup. That's not negotiable to Hakstol.

My thing is we all complain about being a two line team. Last night they weren't. Let's give it a chance!

Agreed. It was Schenn's man to pick up despite Schenn being behind him and he did the right thing by continuing to back up and not engage.

Again, these plays happen to every player. When you see them happen by the same player on a constant basis, it becomes infuriating.
- jmatchett383

Stating that MacDonald was not engaging the play is false. First of all, when Chiasson does a loop in the neutral zone, Schenn is literally right next to him. MacDonald is going back to defend the net, in case the player beats Del Zotto wide. When Chiasson one times the rebound, MacDonald's stick is almost touching Chiasson, as he attempted to block the shot. It's a bang-bang play, and just some bad luck.

Stolarz did OK in his debut. I was impressed with his movement, both laterally and reactive. He generally stayed square to the shots and avoided swimming around on the scrambles he did see. He made a handful of nice saves on moderately difficult shots. He seemed to track the puck pretty well. Rebounds were a bit of an issue at times.

Looks like he has a lot of physical tools to work with, but still needs to refine his game. A more opportunistic opponent may have given him troubles. As it is, the Flames have had issues scoring goals and they're missing Gaudreau.

The first goal is just a bad one. Regardless of the play in front leading to it, it was a very stoppable shot. It happens, and to his credit, he rebounded very well and put it behind him. He had no chance on the second goal, any goalie making that stop would have been lucky to get across and get a piece of it.

The third goal, while I would have liked to see MacDonald tie up Chaisson's stick-or Schenn do, well anything-was the direct result of a lack of rebound control. The shot was intended to do exactly what happened, and the goalie has to do a better job of steering the rebound away or preventing one entirely.

That said, it was a good debut. Stolarz showed a lot of potential and I liked how he bounced back from the softie. He's a big dude with a ton of physical gifts. A guy that big that moves as well as well as he does has a shot.

He surprises me now and again with those hands wow.
- Hextall271

He should use boxing gloves in warmups next time they play the Rangers

Stating that MacDonald was not engaging the play is false. First of all, when Chiasson does a loop in the neutral zone, Schenn is literally right next to him. MacDonald is going back to defend the net, in case the player beats Del Zotto wide. When Chiasson one times the rebound, MacDonald's stick is almost touching Chiasson, as he attempted to block the shot. It's a bang-bang play, and just some bad luck.
- MJL

False

Stolarz did OK in his debut. I was impressed with his movement, both laterally and reactive. He generally stayed square to the shots and avoided swimming around on the scrambles he did see. He made a handful of nice saves on moderately difficult shots. He seemed to track the puck pretty well. Rebounds were a bit of an issue at times.

Looks like he has a lot of physical tools to work with, but still needs to refine his game. A more opportunistic opponent may have given him troubles. As it is, the Flames have had issues scoring goals and they're missing Gaudreau.

The first goal is just a bad one. Regardless of the play in front leading to it, it was a very stoppable shot. It happens, and to his credit, he rebounded very well and put it behind him. He had no chance on the second goal, any goalie making that stop would have been lucky to get across and get a piece of it.

The third goal, while I would have liked to see MacDonald tie up Chaisson's stick-or Schenn do, well anything-was the direct result of a lack of rebound control. The shot was intended to do exactly what happened, and the goalie has to do a better job of steering the rebound away or preventing one entirely.

That said, it was a good debut. Stolarz showed a lot of potential and I liked how he bounced back from the softie. He's a big dude with a ton of physical gifts. A guy that big that moves as well as well as he does has a shot.
- Jsaquella

I work with one of those classic negadelphia Flyers fans. He is also a Phantoms STH and it is funny how much bias can be put into the analysis after a game. He is soooo down on Mason, yet praised Stolarz. He literally said to me "it is nice to see a goalie control rebounds for once" OKAY DUDE. smh.

Stolarz did OK in his debut. I was impressed with his movement, both laterally and reactive. He generally stayed square to the shots and avoided swimming around on the scrambles he did see. He made a handful of nice saves on moderately difficult shots. He seemed to track the puck pretty well. Rebounds were a bit of an issue at times.

Looks like he has a lot of physical tools to work with, but still needs to refine his game. A more opportunistic opponent may have given him troubles. As it is, the Flames have had issues scoring goals and they're missing Gaudreau.

The first goal is just a bad one. Regardless of the play in front leading to it, it was a very stoppable shot. It happens, and to his credit, he rebounded very well and put it behind him. He had no chance on the second goal, any goalie making that stop would have been lucky to get across and get a piece of it.

The third goal, while I would have liked to see MacDonald tie up Chaisson's stick, was the direct result of a lack of rebound control. The shot was intended to do exactly what happened, and the goalie has to do a better job of steering the rebound away or preventing one entirely.

That said, it was a good debut. Stolarz showed a lot of potential and I liked how he bounced back from the softie. He's a big dude with a ton of physical gifts. A guy that big that moves as well as well as he does has a shot.
- Jsaquella

Agree with your analysis. The third goal is interesting. The shot was intended to be a pass off the right pad. Those are difficult, but NHL tenders can redirect that straight to the boards instead of out at a 45 degree angle and it makes all the difference obviously. Regardless, Stolarz is a really promising tender IMO.. keep working on refining his game and he could be very good.

I work with one of those classic negadelphia Flyers fans. He is also a Phantoms STH and it is funny how much bias can be put into the analysis after a game. He is soooo down on Mason, yet praised Stolarz. He literally said to me "it is nice to see a goalie control rebounds for once" OKAY DUDE. smh.
- YuenglingJagr

If Mason turned in that game, even with the win, he would be getting murdered on the web and at the water cooler today

False
- jmatchett383

The replay is clear.

The replay is clear.
- MJL

I agree with this.

The replay is clear.
- MJL

Depends what glasses you're wearing

Agree with your analysis. The third goal is interesting. The shot was intended to be a pass off the right pad. Those are difficult, but NHL tenders can redirect that straight to the boards instead of out at a 45 degree angle and it makes all the difference obviously. Regardless, Stolarz is a really promising tender IMO.. keep working on refining his game and he could be very good.
- Hextall271

The physical are impressive. I have seen him play at AHL level and was always really taken with his ability to move. He's definitely not a Niko Hoivenen. He made himself big and was able to move well in the crease.

Needs polishing, but the raw material is certainly there to be a good goalie.

I work with one of those classic negadelphia Flyers fans. He is also a Phantoms STH and it is funny how much bias can be put into the analysis after a game. He is soooo down on Mason, yet praised Stolarz. He literally said to me "it is nice to see a goalie control rebounds for once" OKAY DUDE. smh.
- YuenglingJagr

Dear God. He must not be watching the game or just seeing what he wants. Mason controls his rebounds much better than stolarz which is to be expected. Mason wasn't great in the first part of the season, and I was getting frustrated with our tending, but for the last 7 or so games, he's been fine. You HAVE to appreciate the type of shots that are coming at Mase. There are epic breakdowns that he has to scramble to attempt an emergency save on. You just can't fault a tender for not making all those saves.

The physical are impressive. I have seen him play at AHL level and was always really taken with his ability to move. He's definitely not a Niko Hoivenen. He made himself big and was able to move well in the crease.

Needs polishing, but the raw material is certainly there to be a good goalie.
- Jsaquella

We should have kept Joacim Eriksson.

The physical are impressive. I have seen him play at AHL level and was always really taken with his ability to move. He's definitely not a Niko Hoivenen. He made himself big and was able to move well in the crease.

Needs polishing, but the raw material is certainly there to be a good goalie.
- Jsaquella

It is fun but also scary to watch sometimes. Several plays he is back so far and you are just used to seeing a smaller guy in net. You're first thought is why is he back so far, then you see he is still covering the net. He will continue to be more fun to watch as he refines his ability to use his size and athleticism

Dear God. He must not be watching the game or just seeing what he wants. Mason controls his rebounds much better than stolarz which is to be expected. Mason wasn't great in the first part of the season, and I was getting frustrated with our tending, but for the last 7 or so games, he's been fine. You HAVE to appreciate the type of shots that are coming at Mase. There are epic breakdowns that he has to scramble to attempt an emergency save on. You just can't fault a tender for not making all those saves.
- Hextall271

You can't fault him because logic becomes you and you understand context and have a general grasp of the game of hockey. Now think of the general Philadelphia sports population (i.e. your general E-A-G-L-E-S WIP listener).

Dear God. He must not be watching the game or just seeing what he wants. Mason controls his rebounds much better than stolarz which is to be expected. Mason wasn't great in the first part of the season, and I was getting frustrated with our tending, but for the last 7 or so games, he's been fine. You HAVE to appreciate the type of shots that are coming at Mase. There are epic breakdowns that he has to scramble to attempt an emergency save on. You just can't fault a tender for not making all those saves.
- Hextall271

typical philly fan says challenge accepted

If Mason turned in that game, even with the win, he would be getting murdered on the web and at the water cooler today
- Jsaquella

The hate for Flyers tenders not named Bernie, ron or Pelle just amazes me. People lose all sense of logic and go full Milbury.

It is fun but also scary to watch sometimes. Several plays he is back so far and you are just used to seeing a smaller guy in net. You're first thought is why is he back so far, then you see he is still covering the net. He will continue to be more fun to watch as he refines his ability to use his size and athleticism
- YuenglingJagr

Until he gets unseated by Sandstrom in 2 years and is taken in the 2019 expansion draft by Seattle.