Couturier had one of the worst games last I've seen from him. Great timing.

He's a 3C though. Not even a special one. Just a 3C
- Just5

Perhaps Couturier could have benefitted from some actual time in the A. His junior scoring was decent before his mono affliction.

One goalie won and one goalie lost....
- landros 2

The team scored 6 goals in one game, 2 goals in the other.

Perhaps Couturier could have benefitted from some actual time in the A. His junior scoring was decent before his mono affliction.
- Pixote Andolini

Are we doing the thing where we pretend last season didn't happen?

Or the thing where we pretend Couturier hasn't scored as well as Giroux and Simmonds at 5 on 5 over the past four seasons?

Perhaps Couturier could have benefitted from some actual time in the A. His junior scoring was decent before his mono affliction.
- Pixote Andolini

Meh, during the lockout he got significant time. I think he is just a late bloomer offensively like Knuble. At least I hope so.

Couturier had one of the worst games last I've seen from him. Great timing.

He's a 3C though. Not even a special one. Just a 3C
- Just5

wasn't a great game for him for sure....Didn't think the 4th line looked great either, besides a couple of Konecny plays. Fast teams seem to give Couturier some problems.

Wayne Simmonds disagrees.
- Scoob

Wayne Simmonds is a gamer no doubt. I wouldn't exactly call him top-end talent. He's probably one of the best in front of the net PP players in the league. I'd rather have Nylander or Marner than Simmonds though.

Can someone explain to me why Wayne seems to get a pass when all of the other top forwards don't? Is it because he makes a lot less money and less is expected of him?
- PhillySportsGuy

Gets a pass? He doesn't need a pass.

The Flyers are missing out on top level talent. They don't have it in goal (although last season it's the reason they made the playoffs). The Flyers are also filled with way too many role players even though their salaries dictate otherwise. Bottom line a lot of players haven't developed the way the Flyers hoped and others have just been overrated and subsequently, overpaid.

After Voracek the top-end talent on this team drops off. Voracek isn't having an amazing season either. He looked a bit off last night, perhaps still concussed from that head-shiver to the face he took in Buffalo (no call refs, waahhhh!). Giroux should be top-end talent like his contract dictates but it appears he's just been run down with too much mileage on his slight frame.

I really don't like that Hextall nepotism'd this coach and overall I feel like the Flyers are still chasing the major NHL trends instead of setting them.

Looking forward to seeing some new faces at camp next fall.
- Pixote Andolini

If Voracek had a concussion he wouldn't be playing.

Gets a pass? He doesn't need a pass.
- Scoob

There's very little difference between Simmonds and Schenn's 5 on 5 and PP performance this season. But Schenn gets far more criticism.

Gets a pass? He doesn't need a pass.
- Scoob

He's been bad at even strength too

IMO, Read/Couturier/Cousins should be our 4th line in a perfect world, maybe not even a perfect world. That is all they are capable of in this league. Having them playing on the top 2 and 3 lines shows the pure lack of depth this team has.
- Buzzo

I knew it was only a matter of time until Couturier would be a 4th line center. I thought it wouldn't happen until next year though. Well done!

There's very little difference between Simmonds and Schenn's 5 on 5 and PP performance this season. But Schenn gets far more criticism.
- Feanor

Exactly

Looking forward to new 4th line and depth players? Hextall has yet to make any big splash in Free Agency and nothing shows he will this year again. He has not made any big trades to bring in a high profile player and I wouldnt count on it this summer either.
- Buzzo

Filppula is a pretty darn good player.

If Voracek had a concussion he wouldn't be playing.
- MJL

You're right.

I knew it was only a matter of time until Couturier would be a 4th line center. I thought it wouldn't happen until next year though. Well done!
- MJL

pretty expensive 4th line center!!!

Exactly
- PhillySportsGuy

For me it's because Simmonds seems to play with a bit more energy even if he isn't scoring.

Schenn too often just breathes.

Filppula is a pretty darn good player.
- MJL

I think he's played great so far.....hope he keeps it up.

For me it's because Simmonds seems to play with a bit more energy even if he isn't scoring.

Schenn too often just breathes.
- flyer_nutter

You mean taking some dumb penalties.

I like Simmonds game but Schenn has provided just as much energy as Simmonds.

Simmonds does seem to get more a benefit of the doubt compared to some other players

You mean taking some dumb penalties.

I like Simmonds game but Schenn has provided just as much energy as Simmonds.

Simmonds does seem to get more a benefit of the doubt compared to some other players
- J35Bacher

I just don't really like Schenn.

Maybe it's the last name reminds me of Luke. Nutter logic.

I just don't really like Schenn.

Maybe it's the last name reminds me of Luke. Nutter logic.
- flyer_nutter

There's very little difference between Simmonds and Schenn's 5 on 5 and PP performance this season. But Schenn gets far more criticism.
- Feanor

He should. Imho he's far more inconsistent in terms of effort and production. Also, fair or unfair, as a very high draft pick expectations are higher.

I just don't really like Schenn.

Maybe it's the last name reminds me of Luke. Nutter logic.
- flyer_nutter

That's fine.

I wasn't a fan but he has grown on me. I mean he does what he is supposed to do. Score goals.

I think the biggest issue that will need to be addressed is Giroux. Will he rebound? Is this the start of a bigger decline? That's something that has to be looked at and addressed.

He should. Imho he's far more inconsistent in terms of effort and production. Also, fair or unfair, as a very high draft pick expectations are higher.
- Scoob

I find that as well....when he play's physical he's a different player. If he could bring that more often, he could really find the next level. Some nights when he's not scoring he just looks lackadaisical. He need's to do other things when he's not scoring.

For me it's because Simmonds seems to play with a bit more energy even if he isn't scoring.

Schenn too often just breathes.
- flyer_nutter

It's just a bias because people love Simmonds. He's always been a guy that collects most of his points on the PP. He's very good in front of the net and that's a valuable asset. He's just not a game changer at even strength. He never really has been. He's probably better than Schenn at even strength, but not by a lot.

Over the past 3 years

ESP/60
Schenn 1.45
Simmonds 1.52

Simmonds has the slight edge in possession too.

Can someone explain to me why Wayne seems to get a pass when all of the other top forwards don't? Is it because he makes a lot less money and less is expected of him?
- PhillySportsGuy

I was just wondering about this myself...he's 3rd in scoring on the team, but makes less than half of what Jake and G do, he fights and plays with an edge. Trust me, I love what Simmer brings to the team. It just seems like if you make a lot of money and aren't scoring enough, that some fans think you "owe" them something. G and Jake are paid 8 million + per season because they were both top point producers in the league for a few years. Especially G...no one had more points in the league than he did over the last 5 years until this season. Everyone seems to forget that because he's having a down year for whatever reason and his point totals have dropped.

G has ramped up his game lately and has been very noticeable for the last few weeks. His career best is only 28 goals, so I'm unsure what people are expecting. He's a pass first player...always has been always will be. Problem is, so is Voracek, only he's not as good at it. The whole damn team is having down years when it comes to scoring, especially 5 on 5...maybe there is something to be said for that.