Hyperbole. I can tell when a team is being outplayed by every measure. One defensive breakdown early by the team controlling play doesn't change that. I have no idea what you're getting at. It doesn't seem as though you're dealing with what actually happened in the game, and instead are dealing with what might of or could've happened.
- MJL

Which is what you deal with when you're still actively playing the game. We'll see what they look like tomorrow.

Which is what you deal with when you're still actively playing the game. We'll see what they look like tomorrow.
- fls13

Seriously? It's impossible to know but what do you think Hakstol's thoughts were during the first period and during the first intermission. Hey were getting seriously outplayed and we need to fix some things and get better or was he thinking about the fantasy of what could've happened to that point?

Seriously? It's impossible to know but what do you think Hakstol's thoughts were during the first period and during the first intermission. Hey were getting seriously outplayed and we need to fix some things and get better or was he thinking about the fantasy of what could've happened to that point?
- MJL

They were getting outplayed but the score was tied. It's not like they got blown out of the building in the 1st. That didn't happen until the 2nd. Hahahaha! I'm sure Hakstol wasn't thrilled with the 1st and mentioned it between periods but their play didn't knock them out of the game where it matters most until late in the 2nd.

Let's be clear here. I stated in an earlier post that Morin's size and toughness could be an asset for the Flyers. I have no idea why you would think what you're insinuating here. What I object to in your opinion is that the Flyers have a glaring need for size and toughness and they need Morin in the lineup and for Weise to goon it up because other teams have Reeves and Prout. The Flyers simply need to get better as a team.
- MJL

Gooning it up - those are your words. The Flyers have a fairly small team with several young players with a good amount of speed and skill. And, I think they surprised some teams in the early going. It appears to me that in order to combat the Flyers' speed and skill, teams are beginning to play more aggressive against them taking advantage of their relative lack of size. Therefore, I believe it would be a good idea to have Sam Morin in the line-up because of his defensive skill set but also to deter such behavior or retaliate if need be. I also believe that Dale Weise is an ineffective player whether he is a replacement for Ryan white or not or a grinding top 9 forward who can score some goals as you suggest. I believe that if a team runs one of the Flyers' young players, the Flyers need to stand up for that player and retaliate. You can disagree all you want, but that is what I believe. And, I think that any team that let's their young players get run by other teams will not be a successful team in the long run.

You can but history does not favor that opinion. The Flyers were often accused of modeling past seasons Cup champions and following trends in the league rather than setting them. Many accuse the Flyers of being slow to adopt the draft and develop method in a cap environment in favor of continuing to build through the use of trades and free agency. Hextall has taken the team in a new direction.
- MJL

History does favor my opinion. I have been watching the Flyers since the 1970's. They have always been a maverick team, at times a cutting edge team, other times slow to adapt. What team were they copying when they were continuing to use free agency after the imposition of the salary cap? They were about the only team to do that. If anything, they did not follow other teams. So, I really don't follow you.

Gooning it up - those are your words. The Flyers have a fairly small team with several young players with a good amount of speed and skill. And, I think they surprised some teams in the early going. It appears to me that in order to combat the Flyers' speed and skill, teams are beginning to play more aggressive against them taking advantage of their relative lack of size. Therefore, I believe it would be a good idea to have Sam Morin in the line-up because of his defensive skill set but also to deter such behavior or retaliate if need be. I also believe that Dale Weise is an ineffective player whether he is a replacement for Ryan white or not or a grinding top 9 forward who can score some goals as you suggest. I believe that if a team runs one of the Flyers' young players, the Flyers need to stand up for that player and retaliate. You can disagree all you want, but that is what I believe. And, I think that any team that let's their young players get run by other teams will not be a successful team in the long run.
- Bergey

Hockey is a physical game. Players get hit. You stand up to cheap shots, not for clean hits that are part of the game. It's not that kind of league anymore. Keep your discipline and play smart. Asking Morin to do that as a rookie is not a reason to put him in the lineup. Flyers have plenty of grit in their lineup. To repeat that doesn't mean that Morin's physical tools won't be an asset for the Flyers. Flyers have been at their best this year when they've played a fast game and have been smart on breakouts with crisp passing and used the added skill and quickness they have. They simply didn't play well against the Ducks. They've played well against other heavy teams this season as the Sharks and Kings. One of their best players this season has been Gostisbehere, and he's what 5-10 180?

History does favor my opinion. I have been watching the Flyers since the 1970's. They have always been a maverick team, at times a cutting edge team, other times slow to adapt. What team were they copying when they were continuing to use free agency after the imposition of the salary cap? They were about the only team to do that. If anything, they did not follow other teams. So, I really don't follow you.
- Bergey

Watching since the 70's. Need Weise to fight more. Need to add Morin to stand up for players. Need to seek retribution for when our young players get hit or we won't be a good team. Need more size and toughness. It all makes sense now.

Hockey is a physical game. Players get hit. You stand up to cheap shots, not for clean hits that are part of the game. It's not that kind of league anymore. Keep your discipline and play smart. Asking Morin to do that as a rookie is not a reason to put him in the lineup. Flyers have plenty of grit in their lineup. To repeat that doesn't mean that Morin's physical tools won't be an asset for the Flyers. Flyers have been at their best this year when they've played a fast game and have been smart on breakouts with crisp passing and used the added skill and quickness they have. They simply didn't play well against the Ducks. They've played well against other heavy teams this season as the Sharks and Kings. One of their best players this season has been Gostisbehere, and he's what 5-10 180?
- MJL

I actually agree with a lot of what you say. Let me repeat - Morin should be in the line-up because of his defensive skill set, but also because I believe his size and toughness are necessary in light of the Flyers' lack of size. I believe their small players - at least most of them are an asset. But, I believe you cannot have all or mostly all small players and that you have to have balance. If someone hits one of your young players with a hard check, albeit a clean check, that person needs to get a receipt at some point, regardless of its legality. You will never convince me otherwise.

Watching since the 70's. Need Weise to fight more. Need to add Morin to stand up for players. Need to seek retribution for when our young players get hit or we won't be a good team. Need more size and toughness. It all makes sense now.
- MJL

LOL Would it be possible for Weise to fight any less? Hey, don't knock the 1970's and let me add that Ray Shero and Jimmy Rutherford agree with me along with a bunch of other GMs. Oh now I guess you are going to accuse of being a copy cat.

You will learn young padawan.

I actually agree with a lot of what you say. Let me repeat - Morin should be in the line-up because of his defensive skill set, but also because I believe his size and toughness are necessary in light of the Flyers' lack of size. I believe their small players - at least most of them are an asset. But, I believe you cannot have all or mostly all small players and that you have to have balance. If someone hits one of your young players with a hard check, albeit a clean check, that person needs to get a receipt at some point, regardless of its legality. You will never convince me otherwise.
- Bergey

The Flyers already have that balance in the lineup.

LOL Would it be possible for Weise to fight any less? Hey, don't knock the 1970's and let me add that Ray Shero and Jimmy Rutherford agree with me along with a bunch of other GMs. Oh now I guess you are going to accuse of being a copy cat.
- Bergey

In my opinion, Weise fighting or not fighting is irrelevant to the Flyers success in the past, present, or future. It is a complete non-issue. I don't care if Shero and Rutherford teach Mike Tyson how to skate and sign him to a contract.