I find it hard to believe that Comcast doesn’t “push” topics. Look at the announcers after being caught on a hot mic complaining about Jake last year. They hardly, if ever, criticize players now

A Comcast executive demanded a change last season, partly due to economic reasons. Why wouldn’t they place their thumbs on the scale to push out stories that are favorable? If CSN is writing article, doesn’t that say people are grumbling about Hayes production, and are getting louder?
- corduroy

CSNPhilly employs Jordan to cover the Flyers, period. They care about expense management and website traffic, not specifically whether or not he writes favorable articles. Jordan, by personality, is a perpetually upbeat and optimistic guy, and his coverage style reflects that. Nothing is forced upon him.

As you know, I do contract work directly for the Flyers. Joe Siville and I go over topic ideas several times a week, but I have never been told there's something I have to or even am strongly suggested to write. In a general analysis piece, I have a lot of leeway.

There's an unspoken and unwritten understanding: I strive to be as balanced as possible while still keeping in mind that it's a team-operated website under the purview of marketing and PR departments. So if there's a negative, try to balance it with a positive.

I've never worked for CSN Philly but those I know who do on the TV side say it's a similar work model to the Flyers; be critical if you feel it's merited but keep it balanced and don't go over the top with it.

Basically, that means you can point out an individual mistake, a player's slump or go into some detail on overall team areas that need improvement but you can't throw any particular individual under the bus (which isn't my style, anyway). It also means that sometimes the topic will involve describing things through the lens of how the locker room, the coach or the front office sees something. The rest, which are the majority of things I write, are through my own lens.

For example, a couple years ago, Joe suggested that I write something from the framework of how teammates and coaches viewed Andrew MacDonald and his value to the team-- which was in a positive light (and not just when asked specifically about him, which always elicits praise) contrary to how most fans viewed him. It's the only article I've ever done where I got a couple texts from players thanking me for writing something (although Ghost did come over to thank me last year for my "Road the NHL" series segment on him, which he said his mom loved).

That felt pretty validating, because it meant that I actually did capture how teammates viewed him and why the coaches valued him at that time; which was the idea behind the article in the first place.

My feeling on this, is that they wouldn't have gotten him at all if he had gone UFA. I get a feeling that Philly was not his first choice destination, and maybe Fletch felt Hayes would get as much UFA. As I said in another post, had we completely whiffed on UFA or overpaid in picks or young players to get a 2C, it would be a bigger issue IMO.
- Hextall271

I hear you, but as in all the professional leagues, the players associations puts pressure on the players to take the best deal, and I don't get the sense that another team was going to give Hayes 7yrs/50M/7.14 AAV.

I hear you, but as in all the professional leagues, the players associations puts pressure on the players to take the best deal, and I don't get the sense that another team was going to give Hayes 7yrs/50M/7.14 AAV.
- LittleBallofHate

That's partially true, but only in terms of not wanting its members to take outrageously under-market deals. It doesn't necessarily have to be the "best" deal financially; that's for the agents and players themselves to decie.

CSNPhilly employs Jordan to cover the Flyers, period. They care about expense management and website traffic, not specifically whether or not he writes favorable articles. Jordan, by personality, is a perpetually upbeat and optimistic guy, and his coverage style reflects that. Nothing is forced upon him.

As you know, I do contract work directly for the Flyers. Joe Siville and I go over topic ideas several times a week, but I have never been told there's something I've been told that I have to or even am strongly suggested to write. In a general analysis piece, I have a lot of leeway.

There's an unspoken and unwritten understanding: I strive to be as balanced as possible while still keeping in mind that it's a team-operated website under the purview of marketing and PR departments. So if there's a negative, try to balance it with a positive.

I've never worked for CSN Philly but those I know who do on the TV side say it's a similar work model to the Flyers; be critical if you feel it's merited but keep it balanced and don't go over the top with it.

Basically, that means you can point out an individual mistake, a player's slump or go into some detail on overall team areas that need improvement but you can't throw any particular individual under the bus (which isn't my style, anyway). It also means that sometimes the topic will involve describing things through the lens of how the locker room, the coach or the front office sees something. The rest, which are the majority of things I write, are through my own lens.

For example, a couple years ago, Joe suggested that I write something from the framework of how teammates and coaches viewed Andrew MacDonald and his value to the team-- which was in a positive light (and not just when asked specifically about him, which always elicits praise) contrary to how most fans viewed him. It's the only article I've ever done where I got a couple texts from players thanking me for writing something (although Ghost did come over to thank me last year for my "Road the NHL" series segment on him, which he said his mom loved).

That felt pretty validating, because it meant that I actually did capture how teammates viewed him and why the coaches valued him at that time; which was the idea behind the article in the first place.
- bmeltzer

Thank you for providing your insight Bill.

That's partially true, but only in terms of not wanting its members to take outrageously under-market deals. It doesn't necessarily have to be the "best" deal financially; that's for the agents and players themselves to decie.
- bmeltzer

Very true re:not taking under-market deals, but normally the guys taking "under-market" deals are those impending ufa's resigning with their home town team - -Stammer and Kuch in 2016 come to mind.

Very true re:not taking under-market deals, but normally the guys taking "under-market" deals are those impending ufa's resigning with their home town team - -Stammer and Kuch in 2016 come to mind.
- LittleBallofHate

I feel like Crosby, love him or hate him, has been underpaid on his most recent contract.

I feel like Crosby, love him or hate him, has been underpaid on his most recent contract.
- jmatchett383

8.7 per seems pretty good All jokes aside, and like you said - love or hate - his contract is a little light even at 8.7. But that is another example of a home town discount, he definitely left money on the table not going FA route.

ttt

This will be a huge test for the team. They've been playing well against quality opponents lately, but this is by far the toughest. Would love to see the team, and Hart specifically, take this one.
- jmatchett383

yup

OV should reach and surpass the 700 goal mark for his career this season. He's 34. Does he ever reach #99's 894 goals?


I used to think he would, but he's running out of road here and still would need some 50 goal seasons I think to do it.
- hockeylover

I used to think he wouldn't, but for a few years now Buccigross has been posting up what he would need to do to be able to get there and it really is plausible to think he can do it.

My feeling on this, is that they wouldn't have gotten him at all if he had gone UFA. I get a feeling that Philly was not his first choice destination, and maybe Fletch felt Hayes would get as much UFA. As I said in another post, had we completely whiffed on UFA or overpaid in picks or young players to get a 2C, it would be a bigger issue IMO.
- Hextall271

I agree with this. He will never score enough points too match the contract. However, he filled a giant void for the Flyers. I am fine with the signing. Hopefully they will do a lot of winning while he is here.

The Hayes signing reminds me a little of Harper. Both really good players that got contracts that they cannot possibly live up to in terms of production.

I feel like Crosby, love him or hate him, has been underpaid on his most recent contract.
- jmatchett383

maybe...but just like Michael Jordan. the endorsements is where he will make the bulk of his money. and at 8.7 (seems to be his number) not too far off.

bill, you spoke before about pitlick needing time after the surgery. and i know he has been playing and improving, but do you know or have any insight on how long the surgeries may impact his hands or will he not have the same touch anymore? just curious. I thought he and raffl started to work well together and had good pace.

My feeling on this, is that they wouldn't have gotten him at all if he had gone UFA. I get a feeling that Philly was not his first choice destination, and maybe Fletch felt Hayes would get as much UFA. As I said in another post, had we completely whiffed on UFA or overpaid in picks or young players to get a 2C, it would be a bigger issue IMO.
- Hextall271

Agree 100%. Also you have to think, when we hired AV him and feltcher most likely discussed roster "needs" and a 2/3C was a big hole. AV gave his 2 cents on Hayes and they identified him as the right "fit" (rather than Duchene which Fletcher made a mention in his interview with Lebrun). Mix in the Patrick migraine issue and AV and Fletcher likely realized we need to get in his ear and in front of his face before any other team creeps in. The aggression paid off IMO

Bill mentioned "rolling all four lines" and this is important in stretches like we have now, 3 games in 4 days. I would like to see the 4th line earn 10 minutes in the first 2 games to help the top lines avoid burnout. In fact, I believe its a far better strategy in general to put effort into acquiring a competent 4th line so that they can remove wear and tear off of the top 9. I think Raffl, Laughton and Pitlick would qualify. This is after Frost slots in at 3lw and Raffl moves down to 4th lw. I like Twarn but he doesnt have the same finishing skill as Frost, even tho he may have outplayed him in camp.

I used to think he wouldn't, but for a few years now Buccigross has been posting up what he would need to do to be able to get there and it really is plausible to think he can do it.
- Scoob

Remember, he's a lock to score at least 40 goals every season, except for the seasons that doesn't.

I agree with this. He will never score enough points too match the contract. However, he filled a giant void for the Flyers. I am fine with the signing. Hopefully they will do a lot of winning while he is here.

The Hayes signing reminds me a little of Harper. Both really good players that got contracts that they cannot possibly live up to in terms of production.
- mickel25

I did like the signing and will stand behind it weather it works out or not.Hayes reminds me of Primeau. I remember in 03/04 Primeau was awful in the regular season. When the playoffs came he basically dragged the flyers within a game of the finals.Had it not been for the injuries the flyers would have won that year i have no doubt about it.Btw I think Primeau was 32 /33 yrs old that year.I have faith that Hayes will be a factor for this team.Maybe not put up 90 pts a season but 55-60 is realistic. He has the potential to be a difference maker in the playoffs. Might not be this yr, it might be in yr 2 or 3.You cant make judgment on a 7yr contract 60 days in.Thats ridiculous. Imo.

Regarding Hayes, never gonna be a huge point guy but keep in mind his line has been shuffled for the most part and given the spare part (Twaryinski/Raffl/whoever). Once they figure out a better fit I think more points will come, I liked him with Laughton but they may use him on the fourth upon returning.

I think Hayes will be fine. Like most players playing on a new team it takes time to adjust and get comfortable. If he is still struggling after the all star break then be concerned. As long as he isnt a liability out there im willing to be patient. Its not is fault the flyers overpaid him.
- flyeredup85

I'm not saying he won't be fine. When you accept a contract, expectations come with it.

Regarding Hayes, never gonna be a huge point guy but keep in mind his line has been shuffled for the most part and given the spare part (Twaryinski/Raffl/whoever). Once they figure out a better fit I think more points will come, I liked him with Laughton but they may use him on the fourth upon returning.
- ClaudeFather

Agree completely. I thought last game he played pretty well and set up players for a few dangerous chances for that the Flyers couldn't convert on. A few of the games before that he wasn't really noticeable though, and if you did notice him it was because he was making dumb passes.

That's partially true, but only in terms of not wanting its members to take outrageously under-market deals. It doesn't necessarily have to be the "best" deal financially; that's for the agents and players themselves to decie.
- bmeltzer

can't imagine we will ever see a Paul Kariya type deal again when he took WAY under market to play with Selanne.

Agree completely. I thought last game he played pretty well and set up players for a few dangerous chances for that the Flyers couldn't convert on. A few of the games before that he wasn't really noticeable though, and if you did notice him it was because he was making dumb passes.
- Ftown19125

He's for sure had some chances, set up a few almost tap ins that guys didn't bury. He needs to start converting breakaways, he's like 1-6.

Agree 100%. Also you have to think, when we hired AV him and feltcher most likely discussed roster "needs" and a 2/3C was a big hole. AV gave his 2 cents on Hayes and they identified him as the right "fit" (rather than Duchene which Fletcher made a mention in his interview with Lebrun). Mix in the Patrick migraine issue and AV and Fletcher likely realized we need to get in his ear and in front of his face before any other team creeps in. The aggression paid off IMO
- arichardson22

Good points. Our issue was giving up too many goals not scoring. Fix the 5 v 5 and PK and we're golden..

Patrick hasn't played since April and hasn't even taken contact in practice, Laughton is out injured for a month, and people are complaining about the Hayes signing? Depth at center is crucial to any team that wants to win playoff rounds.

Patrick hasn't played since April and hasn't even taken contact in practice, Laughton is out injured for a month, and people are complaining about the Hayes signing? Depth at center is crucial to any team that wants to win playoff rounds.
- Feanor

Pretty idiotic, He's been a stable player, great on the PK, points will come he just needs to find a line to stick with. Jake too for that matter, tough time finding him a home.