I'm willing to trade Voracek. His brain dead passes to nowhere and stupid stupid penalties make me want to tear my thinning hair out.
- bodiva88

Im all for this. He plays the dumbest game on the planet. $100 skills, $.05 head.

Its maddening.

They aren't even worth the price of parking. And they're sure as poop not worth going out in the the cold for either.
- hereticpride

I took my daughter to the game (tix were bought about 2 months ago) versus Calgary, in the rain. We had a good time. But that's probably because she's 5 and was just excited to go to a game with daddy.

Also, when I told her that Wayne Simmonds may have to play for another team, she almost cried. So I just told her we can still cheer for him as long as we don't trade him to the Rangers.

Im all for this. He plays the dumbest game on the planet. $100 skills, $.05 head.

Its maddening.
- MBFlyerfan

If you could, would you trade Voracek for Trayden Schenn straight up? Because I used to say the same thing about Schenn.

I took my daughter to the game (tix were bought about 2 months ago) versus Calgary, in the rain. We had a good time. But that's probably because she's 5 and was just excited to go to a game with daddy.

- jmatchett383

I was really hoping they'd win for you two.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 1/7/19 vs. STL; Flyers at Midpoint: Inside the Numbers
- bmeltzer

Bobby Clarke always said that you want your special teams play to be as close to a combined 100% as possible (20% PP and 80% PK example). We aren't close. Goals against have been an issue. Not just the overall number but the timing. Routine saves that need to be made. Breakdowns here and there.

It's crazy to think that a few more saves, a few more buried chances (on PP) and we would be right in the mix for a final playoff spot.

I hate to say it be I welcome the opportunity to rid ourselves of some of the core group that causes me such nausea. I go nuts every time Jake gets to his own blueline, with a clear chance to get out of the zone, only to go backwards or make a pass back into the zone. Simmer can't carry the puck, so as soon as he gets it he dumps it. AMac is a serviceable dman but we relied too heavily on him to be a top 4 guy. Wouldn't mind partying with Lehtera though...

There aren't any false conclusions to be made. They aren't as bad as their record indicates and it is because of horrendous special teams (excluded from the advanced stats) and league worst goaltending.
- YuenglingJagr

Those issues are definitely part of it but can't ignore coverage and puck management issues

I was really hoping they'd win for you two.
- Scoob

Well, last game we went to was the Devils game (again, free tix) in the snow. They got shutout. She was happy that we got to see 2 goals, so at least it was better. And thanks for the wishes.

Also, I get Gritty and all, but dude needs to stop (frank)ing with the Mites on Ice.

They aren't even worth the price of parking. And they're sure as poop not worth going out in the the cold for either.
- hereticpride

My thoughts exactly. Not worth the gas, beer and parking cost.

congrats in advance for his first NHL shutout win
- Scoob

Im all for this. He plays the dumbest game on the planet. $100 skills, $.05 head.

Its maddening.
- MBFlyerfan

Count me in. Hopefully Fletcher can get good return for him at the draft.

Also, I get Gritty and all, but dude needs to stop (frank)ing with the Mites on Ice.
- jmatchett383

Agreed. They need to reel him in a bit.

The real test for Fletcher will be when this team starts playing semi-decent again as the trade deadline approaches, will he still have the guts to make the big moves necessary (moving a core piece or two) or will he sell the car crash to buy the cancer that is this core?

Count me in. Hopefully Fletcher can get good return for him at the draft.
- BiggE

I agree, but I want young players/NHL-ready prospects as the primary return.

My ideal return would be Fiala, but I don't think that's realistic. I just want another Konecny-type. A guy who's young and has shown glimpses but isn't quite there yet.

FWIW
Here is who I think the Flyers should be shopping between now and the deadline and also what I think they can reasonably expect to get for them:

Simmonds
At best if you add in one of their two 3rds, I think they can get a late first from a contender along with a conditional 3rd in 2020 if the acquiring team re-signs him and/or goes to the finals.

- BiggE

Seems light for him. I think they need a viable NHL player also.

Count me in. Hopefully Fletcher can get good return for him at the draft.
- BiggE

Problem with trading Voracek is that he's 2nd in points on the team.

Per Bill - Jakub Voracek (10 goals, 22 assists, 32 points, -17)

Of course that -17 is scary, we all realize his defensive flaws. That said I wouldn't be adverse to trading him - just be aware that we'd need something in return to help replace those lost points.

The real test for Fletcher will be when this team starts playing semi-decent again as the trade deadline approaches, will he still have the guts to make the big moves necessary (moving a core piece or two) or will he sell the car crash to buy the cancer that is this core?
- StepfordSam

It's gonna be awesome when the power play gets some life in the next few weeks and people start talking themselves into a Wayne Simmonds extension.

Seems light for him. I think they need a viable NHL player also.
- Scoob

Between the injuries he played through last year, the offseason surgery, how he's looked this year, and that he's likely a rental for a contender, I think his value has dropped quite a bit. The time to move him was at the 2017 draft, that's when they would have got max value for him.

Problem with trading Voracek is that he's 2nd in points on the team.

Per Bill - Jakub Voracek (10 goals, 22 assists, 32 points, -17)

Of course that -17 is scary, we all realize his defensive flaws. That said I wouldn't be adverse to trading him - just be aware that we'd need something in return to help replace those lost points.
- FlyersGrace

Meh, second on points with all of 10 goals and 32 points is like being the tallest dwarf. It's nice, but you still can't reach the top shelf. I don't want him moved for picks/prospects, but if you can get a good player back for him, it's time to move on.

edit: he's currently 80th in the league in points. Not exactly elite production.

If you could, would you trade Voracek for Trayden Schenn straight up? Because I used to say the same thing about Schenn.
- jmatchett383

Yes, a younger center would be welcomed over Checky.

Jordan Schmaltz (STL) on waivers today. He's 25 and a right handed shot. I'd probably waive Folin and pick him up.

Jordan Schmaltz (STL) on waivers today. He's 25 and a right handed shot. I'd probably waive Folin and pick him up.
- Doctor DOOM

I saw that.

I would have interest. Low risk.

Jordan Schmaltz (STL) on waivers today. He's 25 and a right handed shot. I'd probably waive Folin and pick him up.
- Doctor DOOM

Guy has never torn up the AHL or put up points in the NHL, why would he be better than our options already with the phantoms?

Guy has never torn up the AHL or put up points in the NHL, why would he be better than our options already with the phantoms?
- ClaudeFather

Tankity tank tank

He fills the role with the Flyers so Kids can stay in Lehigh. PLAYOFF time is key.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 1/7/19 vs. STL; Flyers at Midpoint: Inside the Numbers
- bmeltzer

Bill, thanks for the fabulous job you do providing readable Flyers content to the fans. It shines bright even in dark spots during a season like this one. Thank you.