ttt

Any way you slice it, the Flyers were by far the better team on this night.
- bmeltzer

this

Didn’t watch but Even though they didn’t score I’m happy to hear that PP1 looks different and the players are moving around. PP2 with 2 goals early in the season hopefully AV gets them out there earlier during the PP

The defense pairings seem right
- Just5

This - I really liked what they showed last night.

I was impressed with Sanhiem's play in the D zone. Nothing flashy, no wow plays. Just very solid. His skating was on last night. From what I saw, when he was matched up with the puck carrier he was aggressive and gave them nothing. Almost like he was a step ahead of the guy when it came to changing directions. Seems to be playing with a lot of confidence. Hopefully he keeps it up

Has there been a update on Patrick?
- bird_dog_pa

He rocked a fresh suit.

Wayne Simmonds looked decent last night. Was in on the forecheck, skated, well, better that he did last year. Looked engaged as well. But man, he's just far removed from the 15/16 version of himself, even with the improvement. But it's definitely a step in the right direction.
- jmatchett383

I hate to say this, because I liked the guy in a Flyers Jersey... It's early in the season.
Wait to see him at game 81. My guess is that he'll wear out quickly with his style of play.

Patrick has stepped up his on ice activities and is going on the west coast trip, still at least 2 weeks away.

That better be the last time he takes such a blatant faceoff penalty. The refs will call that every single time.
- Feanor

Yep. That was really dumb on his part.

Yep. That was really dumb on his part.
- Scoob

I've liked what I've seen from Hayes thus far. But, that was dumb. The dumbest part was that, it appeared that he planned that all along... He drop his hand off the stick immediately after the puck dropped.

Are you saying they may have rushed him... Not that he has anything to gain in the minors, but just on a physical level of bulking up? I believe that he clearly has the talent, but I he looked small out there. He got slammed into the boards (by defenseman - Hagg?) and I wasn't sure if his was getting up.
- leon neon

They didnt rush him, he just has to add some more muscle. He isnt a Crosby or McDavid like player. He isnt going to dominate in year 1. It is going to take time for him to develop.

I've liked what I've seen from Hayes thus far. But, that was dumb. The dumbest part was that, it appeared that he planned that all along... He drop his hand off the stick immediately after the puck dropped.
- leon neon

It was a brain fart, i'm not sure why people can't leave it at that. I highly doubt he gets that penalty ever again, give it a rest.

I've liked what I've seen from Hayes thus far. But, that was dumb. The dumbest part was that, it appeared that he planned that all along... He drop his hand off the stick immediately after the puck dropped.
- leon neon

He would have gotten away with it too if it wasnt for those meddling refs and their dog too

Patrick has stepped up his on ice activities and is going on the west coast trip, still at least 2 weeks away.
- wcorvette

What sucks is that even if he makes it back it might be something that lingers and flares up for the rest of his career

They didnt rush him, he just has to add some more muscle. He isnt a Crosby or McDavid like player. He isnt going to dominate in year 1. It is going to take time for him to develop.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Totally agree but I don't think 1 year of college hockey would have been bad for him. I'd assume average college player is over 20 years old, good competition as well.

I hate to say this, because I liked the guy in a Flyers Jersey... It's early in the season.
Wait to see him at game 81. My guess is that he'll wear out quickly with his style of play.
- leon neon

I know. Just stating that he looked decent last night.

i was there last night and Hart's save was right in front of me. one of the most amazing feats I've seen at any sporting event I've attended. (and I'm old)
actually thought the flyers played as well as I've seen them play in quite awhile.

also, Niskanen is way better than Gudas. Small sample size but so far this looks like a good trade

Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Blank Devils, 4-0
- bmeltzer

They should change the name to Globetrotters. Czech Republic to British Columbia in under 10 days with a stop in good ole Phil’s, PA. Crazy, I tell ya.

NHR: Kapler is out. First the shutout last night and then this. It’s been a good 24 hours.

From Cordell's blog:

2. The Devils’ top duo was overmatched

Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier are generally good together. Very good, in fact. They were quite the opposite against Philadelphia. They drew one of the toughest matchups you can find in Sean Couturier’s line – and it certainly showed. In 13:24 together at 5v5, Hall + Hischier posted a 20.69 CF% (6 CF, 23 CA), 5.89 xGF% (yes, you read that correctly), and were out-scored by a pair of goals. Most of their ice came against Couturier but two stars of their caliber playing *that* poorly is inexcusable. With that kind of performance, the Devils weren’t going to have much of a chance regardless of what anyone else on the roster did. They need to be much, much, much better.

Lindy/Coots/TK

From Cordell's blog:



Lindy/Coots/TK
- Tomahawk

lindblom adds another layer of difficulty for the opposing line to play against and make Coots that more effective because he doesnt have to cover for 2 wingers

Once Patrick returns Bunnaman or Twarinski will be sent down.

Then we may see Patrick centering Raffl and Pitlick until he gets fully up to speed.
- MBFlyerfan

Eventually I’m hoping to see:

JVR-Patrick-Farabee
Raffl-Laughton-Pitlick
Spare:Twarynski

NHR: Kapler is out. First the shutout last night and then this. It’s been a good 24 hours.
- Sublime55

👍👍

I’m shocked it took the Phils this long. Kapler is a horrible manager. Honestly, they should can Klentak too.

but he took two dumb penalties!
- Ftown19125

The hand in the faceoff circle was tough. I dunno, maybe he thought they were pushed off from the dot, or perhaps after the first couple of wacks the draw is over, and it's fair game to the puck?

Agreed on all points. He seems slower and deliberate when he's got the puck but man can he protect it well using that big frame.

Braun is a good physical presence, and we need that aspect.
- Hextall271

Yeah exactly how I felt, Hayes wasn't a speedster trying to do too much, just great composure with the puck on his stick... err not on his hand haha.

Eventually I’m hoping to see:

JVR-Patrick-Farabee
Raffl-Laughton-Pitlick
Spare:Twarynski
- BiggE

Yeah. If they want to wait on farabee I’d bump up Pitlick to 3RW and twar down to line 4

👍👍

I’m shocked it took the Phils this long. Kapler is a horrible manager. Honestly, they should can Klentak too.
- BiggE

I know...it shouldn’t take that long to make decision and asking players for input seems childish. It’s not fair to anybody including Kapler to leave this question hanging for a full week. Frankly that entire staff including McPhail and Klentak should go.