I think the whole "he doesn't deserve the captaincy" thing is dumb. First of all, no matter who is wearing outward signs of being a leader....that doesn't make them someone others will respect and follow. You never hear whispers of players saying anything bad about Giroux.

And actually, judging from online fan reaction from last year, you would scarcely know that Giroux was having a down here. It's like people fixated on things like Chris Vandevelde and didn't notice.

I don't think the whole "strip the captaincy" thing is unique to Philly, though....Todd MacLellan saw no problem stripping it from Patrick Marleau.

Marleau owns just about every record in Sharks history.
- johndewar

They stripped Joe Thornton, too -- maybe the Sharks need to take a harder look at who they elevate to begin with, if they can't find it within themselves to stick with guys when things get rough

I'll take $4.1M for 2 years to be on a crap team for 2 years. The only really bad part would be living in the desolate tundra that is Winnipeg.
- jmatchett383

That is a true good news bad news scenario...

Looks like I missed one heck of a game

The highlights look sick... Really hoping this is just the beginning.

They stripped Joe Thornton, too -- maybe the Sharks need to take a harder look at who they elevate to begin with
- AllInForFlyers

But were Thornton and Marleau both stripped during a season coming off offseason surgery? Or during a time of their career where the team overall lacked depth to be a true playoff-competing team? If I recall correctly, both Marleau and Thorton (in their separate times of course) were stripped coming off of underwhelming playoff performances or even a series blowing a 3-1 lead? I honestly forget, but my point being: our fans turned when a player was dealing with injury / healthy problems whereas there may have been actual leadership issues in SJ

But were Thornton and Marleau both stripped during a season coming off offseason surgery? Or during a time of their career where the team overall lacked depth to be a true playoff-competing team? If I recall correctly, both Marleau and Thorton (in their separate times of course) were stripped coming off of underwhelming playoff performances or even a series blowing a 3-1 lead? I honestly forget, but my point being: our fans turned when a player was dealing with injury / healthy problems whereas there may have been actual leadership issues in SJ
- arichardson22

I think Marleau had done enough for that franchise over the years to be cut some breaks regardless of how he'd done in the playoffs.

hopefully there are only 7 other teams in the east that look like that
- YuenglingJagr

Of the teams I've seen:

Ottawa is better than I give them credit for being -- they have total buy-in on their system and play hard for each other. Saw them absolutely annihilate Calgary and Edmonton without Erik Karlsson

Tampa looks fairly good, but they might have some issues with their defense -- might not have enough depth to go as deep as they'd like

Toronto's the best team from the East that I've seen so far. Seen them four times, and yeah, they're pretty freaking good

Pittsburgh lost some depth, but if they make a move or two -- and they probably will, it's early -- they're gonna be tough. They need to figure out their defense and they really do need one more center, as crazy as it sounds

Buffalo is hot garbage on defense...but it's early, with a new coach. New Jersey's really fast, but their defense is hot garbage, too. Montreal looks really slow on defense and something's not right about their forwards.

I think the Isles are good.

Haven't seen Boston or Columbus or Carolina or Detroit for more than a period or so

Of the teams I've seen:

Ottawa is better than I give them credit for being -- they have total buy-in on their system and play hard for each other. Saw them absolutely annihilate Calgary and Edmonton without Erik Karlsson

Tampa looks fairly good, but they might have some issues with their defense -- might not have enough depth to go as deep as they'd like

Toronto's the best team from the East that I've seen so far. Seen them four times, and yeah, they're pretty freaking good

Pittsburgh lost some depth, but if they make a move or two -- and they probably will, it's early -- they're gonna be tough. They need to figure out their defense and they really do need one more center, as crazy as it sounds

Buffalo is hot garbage on defense...but it's early, with a new coach. New Jersey's really fast, but their defense is hot garbage, too. Montreal looks really slow on defense and something's not right about their forwards.

I think the Isles are good.

Haven't seen Boston or Columbus or Carolina or Detroit for more than a period or so
- AllInForFlyers

I thought losing Bonino might hurt the Pens. He was really good for them.

But were Thornton and Marleau both stripped during a season coming off offseason surgery? Or during a time of their career where the team overall lacked depth to be a true playoff-competing team? If I recall correctly, both Marleau and Thorton (in their separate times of course) were stripped coming off of underwhelming playoff performances or even a series blowing a 3-1 lead? I honestly forget, but my point being: our fans turned when a player was dealing with injury / healthy problems whereas there may have been actual leadership issues in SJ
- arichardson22

Your post is accurate, and I can't answer the leadership issues question because it's hard for me to quantify. I have read that Thornton can be wienerly and Marleau is really reserved, but at some point, I mean, damn. Not sure why either of them were stripped when it was never a valid criticism about how hard they played -- Thornton played with a freaking torn ACL last year in the playoffs

I don't think that's fair

It wouldn't be too hard to find that some of us wanted to see L1 well into the season and thought it would work, and the praise for L4 has been universal -- in my mind and world, that's the same as me saying that I agree with the coach, which I actually did on both

As always, I can admit when I am wrong -- Filppula's been much better the last, what, three games, even at ES, according to the eye test. Hakstol deserves credit for making that move, and I have no issues saying that
- AllInForFlyers

I don't like some of Hakstol's decisions, but that doesn't mean I hate all of his decisions either. Putting Simmonds into the PK rotation was well done and moving G to wing has been nice so far.

But no, if you've ever criticized him, it means you don't approve of any decisions he's ever made.

I think Marleau had done enough for that franchise over the years to be cut some breaks regardless of how he'd done in the playoffs.
- johndewar

Agreed. I understand that some felt he was too reserved, but I guess I am one of those people who believes that you don't have to be an arse to be captain

I thought losing Bonino might hurt the Pens. He was really good for them.
- johndewar

He really was. Hindsight's 20/20 and it's early, but I do wonder if that was one of those perfect fits that you go back and wish you found the money for the guy

He really was. Hindsight's 20/20 and it's early, but I do wonder if that was one of those perfect fits that you go back and wish you found the money for the guy
- AllInForFlyers

That guy was key to the team's success. Didn't necessarily put up sexy numbers for them, but was just a very good player who did everything well. They should have tried to move Hagelin to keep him.

I find it funny that Hakstol can't be criticized because certain players are scoring points.

Flyers are 3-0 when Brandon Manning is playing, so obviously that is the right decision? We can all agree to that right?

There are good things happening so far, but the season is 6 games old. Giroux is shooting 36%, Coots has a ridiculous 20% on-ice shooting percentage (25% himself). His PDO is 116. Nolan Patrick has a 40% Corsi, but has yet to be on the ice for a goal against. Filppula is shooting 40%. Provorov and Gudas lead the team in giveaways.

They have the 4th highest team shooting percentage in the league. Last year they finished 24th. I don't suspect they will stay 4th.

They are a different team in the offensive zone. The behind the net plays are very fun to watch and they are getting to the net much easier. The speed at which the team is able to move up the ice has been a breath of fresh air. They are absolutely a better hockey team than last year, and they are seeing that plus some luck (which didn't exist last year).

As some of the unsustainable percentages from guys like Giroux, Coots, and Filppula come back to earth, hopefully it will pick up for the other guys like Jake, Weal, and Sanheim.

The Sharks were perennial underachieving, choking dogs....big difference

He really was. Hindsight's 20/20 and it's early, but I do wonder if that was one of those perfect fits that you go back and wish you found the money for the guy
- AllInForFlyers

hopefully we are not saying this about the Flyers and Wayne Train in 2 years

I think Marleau had done enough for that franchise over the years to be cut some breaks regardless of how he'd done in the playoffs.
- johndewar

Absolutely. How many records has he set / broke for the franchise? Guy was pretty consistent season by season and barely missed time to injury too.

Absolutely. How many records has he set / broke for the franchise? Guy was pretty consistent season by season and barely missed time to injury too.
- arichardson22

In many ways, he was that franchise. He was there from the very beginning.

I find it funny that Hakstol can't be criticized because certain players are scoring points.

Flyers are 3-0 when Brandon Manning is playing, so obviously that is the right decision? We can all agree to that right?

There are good things happening so far, but the season is 6 games old. Giroux is shooting 36%, Coots has a ridiculous 20% on-ice shooting percentage (25% himself). His PDO is 116. Nolan Patrick has a 40% Corsi, but has yet to be on the ice for a goal against. Filppula is shooting 40%. Provorov and Gudas lead the team in giveaways.

They have the 4th highest team shooting percentage in the league. Last year they finished 24th. I don't suspect they will stay 4th.

They are a different team in the offensive zone. The behind the net plays are very fun to watch and they are getting to the net much easier. The speed at which the team is able to move up the ice has been a breath of fresh air. They are absolutely a better hockey team than last year, and they are seeing that plus some luck (which didn't exist last year).

As some of the unsustainable percentages from guys like Giroux, Coots, and Filppula come back to earth, hopefully it will pick up for the other guys like Jake, Weal, and Sanheim.
- YuenglingJagr

All good points....

When Voracek hit that post with the net empty, you knew he was just (frank)ing snake bitten.

I find it funny that Hakstol can't be criticized because certain players are scoring points.

Flyers are 3-0 when Brandon Manning is playing, so obviously that is the right decision? We can all agree to that right?

There are good things happening so far, but the season is 6 games old. Giroux is shooting 36%, Coots has a ridiculous 20% on-ice shooting percentage (25% himself). His PDO is 116. Nolan Patrick has a 40% Corsi, but has yet to be on the ice for a goal against. Filppula is shooting 40%. Provorov and Gudas lead the team in giveaways.

They have the 4th highest team shooting percentage in the league. Last year they finished 24th. I don't suspect they will stay 4th.

They are a different team in the offensive zone. The behind the net plays are very fun to watch and they are getting to the net much easier. The speed at which the team is able to move up the ice has been a breath of fresh air. They are absolutely a better hockey team than last year, and they are seeing that plus some luck (which didn't exist last year).

As some of the unsustainable percentages from guys like Giroux, Coots, and Filppula come back to earth, hopefully it will pick up for the other guys like Jake, Weal, and Sanheim.
- YuenglingJagr

I’m not a stats guy but these are eye opening.

Love the behind the net plays I’m seeing so far. Using on the PP to switch things up a bit has been good to see. The new assistant coach’s influence, you think?

Of the teams I've seen:

Ottawa is better than I give them credit for being -- they have total buy-in on their system and play hard for each other. Saw them absolutely annihilate Calgary and Edmonton without Erik Karlsson

Tampa looks fairly good, but they might have some issues with their defense -- might not have enough depth to go as deep as they'd like

Toronto's the best team from the East that I've seen so far. Seen them four times, and yeah, they're pretty freaking good

Pittsburgh lost some depth, but if they make a move or two -- and they probably will, it's early -- they're gonna be tough. They need to figure out their defense and they really do need one more center, as crazy as it sounds

Buffalo is hot garbage on defense...but it's early, with a new coach. New Jersey's really fast, but their defense is hot garbage, too. Montreal looks really slow on defense and something's not right about their forwards.

I think the Isles are good.

Haven't seen Boston or Columbus or Carolina or Detroit for more than a period or so
- AllInForFlyers

Columbus is still good.

I don't think Detroit should be good. They confuse me right now.

Washington is going to have to deal with the lack of depth from their moves.

Our lucky shooting stats are bettered by NJD's lucky shooting stats.

MTL can't buy a goal, but their offense is weak IMO. I think they had a horrible offseason, and are going to need Price to steal a playoff spot.

I find it funny that Hakstol can't be criticized because certain players are scoring points.

Flyers are 3-0 when Brandon Manning is playing, so obviously that is the right decision? We can all agree to that right?

There are good things happening so far, but the season is 6 games old. Giroux is shooting 36%, Coots has a ridiculous 20% on-ice shooting percentage (25% himself). His PDO is 116. Nolan Patrick has a 40% Corsi, but has yet to be on the ice for a goal against. Filppula is shooting 40%. Provorov and Gudas lead the team in giveaways.

They have the 4th highest team shooting percentage in the league. Last year they finished 24th. I don't suspect they will stay 4th.

They are a different team in the offensive zone. The behind the net plays are very fun to watch and they are getting to the net much easier. The speed at which the team is able to move up the ice has been a breath of fresh air. They are absolutely a better hockey team than last year, and they are seeing that plus some luck (which didn't exist last year).

As some of the unsustainable percentages from guys like Giroux, Coots, and Filppula come back to earth, hopefully it will pick up for the other guys like Jake, Weal, and Sanheim.
- YuenglingJagr

Obviously they won't sustain that shooting percentage but puck luck tends to come when team's consistently go to the net and generate those chances. We were a perimeter team last year. If we continue to play this brand of hockey I suspect we finish well above 24th

what happened to simmonds
- -davies-

No one has really answered this. But the fact is, it's hard to know.

The postgame show replayed the shift before he went off a little gimpy a number of times. You didn't see him getting tangled up or taking an odd step or anything that would lead you to expect him to be injured. A lot of changes of position with a guy he was trying to gain position on, but not even physical play. And although he looked like he'd tweaked something, he was able to bear weight on both legs.

Just hoping he woke up this morning feeling marvelous.

Looks like I missed one heck of a game

The highlights look sick... Really hoping this is just the beginning.
- WhirlingDervish

Florida was dominant at times. The opening 5-6 minutes was all Florida. Their top line is very very good. Dadanov is a legit player. Hadn’t seen him play much before.

What baffled me about the Giroux criticism isn't that a player can never be faulted, but just how quickly people can turn on a player who was drafted by you and excelled for you

It wasn't his best season last year. Nobody disputes that or makes excuses for that, and when you miss the playoffs, everybody is going to take some heat

I just don't quite get how even a down year from a guy who still put up 58 points means you need to get stripped of the 'C' -- I mean, man. That's excessive, even for Philadelphia
- AllInForFlyers

When they execute, they have the ability to flat out dominate w/ their puck pressure and puck moving. We complain about Weise and AMac, but if they're your weakest players, that means at least you always have a chance to win.

I find it funny that Hakstol can't be criticized because certain players are scoring points.

Flyers are 3-0 when Brandon Manning is playing, so obviously that is the right decision? We can all agree to that right?

There are good things happening so far, but the season is 6 games old. Giroux is shooting 36%, Coots has a ridiculous 20% on-ice shooting percentage (25% himself). His PDO is 116. Nolan Patrick has a 40% Corsi, but has yet to be on the ice for a goal against. Filppula is shooting 40%. Provorov and Gudas lead the team in giveaways.

They have the 4th highest team shooting percentage in the league. Last year they finished 24th. I don't suspect they will stay 4th.

They are a different team in the offensive zone. The behind the net plays are very fun to watch and they are getting to the net much easier. The speed at which the team is able to move up the ice has been a breath of fresh air. They are absolutely a better hockey team than last year, and they are seeing that plus some luck (which didn't exist last year).

As some of the unsustainable percentages from guys like Giroux, Coots, and Filppula come back to earth, hopefully it will pick up for the other guys like Jake, Weal, and Sanheim.
- YuenglingJagr

That's the thing about the numbers, though -- yeah, we'll see some normalization. Like I said, it's almost impossible for Neuvirth to be as bad as he was last year, and he probably wasn't as good as he was that one year, so I get what you're saying.

And by now, most of us know that the season gets harder in 10-game increments.

But at the same time, what I am talking about as far as the good things are not necessarily going to show up in the stats but are obvious.

Yeah, Couts is shooting a high percentage. But for the first time in his life, he has honest-to-God true NHL offensive talent on both of his wings and is expected to score.

Are his percentages gonna last? No. I understand statistics and math.

Do I think he's gonna pot 25 goals? Yup. By virtue of who he's playing with and the role he's slotted in.

I believe in the method, but sometimes the method can't supersede when guys are playing in different roles