I also agree that we have to give it time and see how everyone shakes out.

Except for Farabee. He will record 4 points every game.

seriously...the gnashing of teeth and rending of cloth after one WIN is ridiculous yet typical.

If things haven't improved after game 10, then come back and reevaluate. But the amount of complaining after one game is ridiculous even for this cast of characters.
- MBFlyerfan

yup, the banter is banter. Meanwhile Jake had one of his best total seasons last season, JVR was one of the best scoring 5v5 and Patrick played his first game in 2 years.

I loved that both Sanheim and Meyers were very physical with Malkin, he’s a player that gets frustrated and was on the verge of taking a dumb penalty all night it seemed. Meyers was really using his body tonight. I don’t love Braun on that top pair but it is what it is for now.
- ClaudeFather

He did high stick Sanheim, but went uncalled. There was blood on Sanheim’s jersey

Four giveaways is about two too many and one of them ended up in the net for the third Pittsburgh goal to re-tie the game early in the third period. But Gus is going to have his giveaways and icings because he's a very creative passer and he is daring. Gotta love his point shot, too. He doesn't blast it like Ghost, but he is accurate with it and it's deflectable, too.

It does worry me having Gostisbehere and Gustafsson in the same starting six. Both need a very high percentage of offensive zone starts and you can't really pair the two together except if you're desperate for some offense (trailing in 3rd pd, etc).
- bmeltzer

I was actually concerned with the defense for the first two periods. Gus was jumping into the play a lot and he did create some dangerous scoring chances but as you stated he also gives the puck away. Do I expect him to give the puck up every game, no, but he’s an aggressive offensive defenseman. So already this could be a bad mix. So hopefully he can clean this up.

All of this mixed with Provorov looking for a forward to make an outlet pass to. Provy is hanging on, hanging on and when he thinks he sees something, forces a pass through the middle of the ice, which is really easy to cut off.

My point is, we got out of this game clean but these mistakes by the defense weren’t just one mistake. It was a handful of times.

Braun wasn't the direct cause of the goal. The pass McCann made would have been neutralized by Provorov but it changed direction off Tanev and went right to a wide-open Jankowski. Flyers needed a forward helping with both D-men engaged. That said, yes, McCann twisted away from Braun to open a lane.
- bmeltzer

Jake went to a no men land on that goal. He ended up on a wrong side of the net.

Always good to beat the Pens. The depth shined through in the third. I think we will see that a lot this year.

Myers was a stud last night. Hopefully, he continues to use his size. The Pens are not very good. There D is bad. They will need to outscore teams to win. (I know. Everyone has to do that to win). That will be tough in this division with four teams that are really good at not giving up goals.

Hoping for a repeat on Friday.
- mickel25

For more realistic atmosphere at the WTC they need to add “Crosby sucks “ chant to the artificial fan sound.

For more realistic atmosphere at the WTC they need to add “Crosby sucks “ chant to the artificial fan sound.
- missingmike

can't believe they missed this...

Flyers have York in the pipeline who may be ready to play after the NCAA season. Not to be over optimistic but he could be the next Cale Makar.
- MJL

MJ, I like York and his game, but suggesting that he's another Cale Makar is probably overly optimistic.

PS> I hope like heck you're right.

Can't help but be happy for Simmer last night. It's sticking with me, the way the Habs D pummeled our guys in front in the PO last season. Exactly what happen last night, except Simmer took one to many, turned around, drew the line in the sand and dropped the guy. I believe the Flyers will need that against certain teams.

MJ, I like York and his game, but suggesting that he's another Cale Makar is probably overly optimistic.

PS> I hope like heck you're right.
- Letterkenney

I addressed that in a later post. It is overly optimistic and an exaggeration in attempt to make a point in why the Flyers shouldn't be in on a player like Yandle and his contract.

If York matched Carle in his prime with the Flyers, I would be very pleased.
- MJL

Just clarifying it’s Carle not Carlo 😜

Winning hockey is having the puck more and defending less. While Gostisbehere won't defend better than Braun, the hope is to move the puck better and play in the other end more. That is how Gostisbehere might help the Flyers.
- MJL

I agree with puck possession is good. I disagree with the assumption that the combo of Provy-Braunn versus Provy-Ghost will be a step-change improvement (ie more important than the defending time).

Yandle and Hayes comedy road show would be hilarious.... but that cap hit, that term, that age. Not to mention they already have two Yandles in Ghost and Gus.
- Tomahawk

Oh my! You're 100% right about that. Their dual appearance on Spittin Chiclets was absolutely hilarious.

What makes you think Frost, an unproven player would be better? Move Voracek to the 4th line for Frost? This is as bad as Sandin having a guaranteed spot.
- MJL

Frost. I didn’t say he’d be better. Actually, I think he going to make mistakes. Frost needs experience. Jake and JVR as a combo suck. Someone mentioned “that it’s just one game”. Please we’ve watch seasons of these guys play - it’s not just one game. JVR both sat and played line four. I’d prefer JVR sit - I like our line four combo. Yes, I did like to see what Frost can do. I sit Jake a few games here and there as well - maybe he’ll play better.

As for Sandin. You missed my response a previous thread. Nothing is guaranteed. But yes at the time I thought he had a strong chance of getting on the taxi and to a lesser extent the 13th winger. My statement was a while ago, prior to knowing both Lindblom and Nolan were ok. And before Morin move to wing. I did expect him to beat out AA - I still can’t believe we’re keeping him. From his write up when he first joined the team, sounded like a strong candidate. The only real negative was his smaller rink experience. What I didn’t focus on at the time was his age. I thought he was an older prospect, 26+, didn’t notice that he was only 24.

I saw that. Wow. Doesn’t sound good . Hope he’s ok.
- Hextall271

Who's ASF?

The reason York reminds me of kimmo is how he takes his angles and even how he plays close to the body before going for the poke. And is very efficient at it even with larger forwards. Rolling off their attempts and making the heads up play. Hockey iq and anticipation.
- Peter Richards

Yeah, that's what I see too, hence why I made that comparison.

I addressed that in a later post. It is overly optimistic and an exaggeration in attempt to make a point in why the Flyers shouldn't be in on a player like Yandle and his contract.
- MJL

I saw that after I replied to you.

NHL XM, mentioning the game very little, other lead stories. Why do I think if the score was reversed the headline would be PITT beats good Philly team, Pitt is a contender
- wcorvette

Yeah because Philadelphia is a very strong hockey market. They're not a team that's 2-3 tanking seasons from being moved out like Pittsburgh was before Lemieux and Crosby saved their bacon.

Yeah because Philadelphia isa very strong hockey market. They're not a team that's 2-3 tanking seasons from being moved out like Pittsburgh was before Lemieux and Crosby saved their bacon.
- Pixote Andolini

Currently (before Covid)....

I agree with puck possession is good. I disagree with the assumption that the combo of Provy-Braunn versus Provy-Ghost will be a step-change improvement (ie more important than the defending time).
- leon neon

So you think Provorov playing in the defensive zone is better than him playing in the offensive zone? Braun doesn't belong playing with Provorov. Gostisbehere has shown in the past that he can and it would help with keeping Sanheim/Myers together.

Who's ASF?
- Letterkenney

A Philly sports writer, Anthony SanFilippo. He does the Snow the Goalie podcast about the Flyers which I listen to sometimes.

Frost. I didn’t say he’d be better. Actually, I think he going to make mistakes. Frost needs experience. Jake and JVR as a combo suck. Someone mentioned “that it’s just one game”. Please we’ve watch seasons of these guys play - it’s not just one game. JVR both sat and played line four. I’d prefer JVR sit - I like our line four combo. Yes, I did like to see what Frost can do. I sit Jake a few games here and there as well - maybe he’ll play better.


- leon neon

Are you aware that JVR outscored Claude Giroux at 5 on 5 play last year? If you're going to do that to Voracek, might as well trade him. He should not sit.

As for Sandin. You missed my response a previous thread. Nothing is guaranteed. But yes at the time I thought he had a strong chance of getting on the taxi and to a lesser extent the 13th winger. My statement was a while ago, prior to knowing both Lindblom and Nolan were ok. And before Morin move to wing. I did expect him to beat out AA - I still can’t believe we’re keeping him. From his write up when he first joined the team, sounded like a strong candidate. The only real negative was his smaller rink experience. What I didn’t focus on at the time was his age. I thought he was an older prospect, 26+, didn’t notice that he was only 24.
- leon neon

Those players being available have zero to do with your ridiculous statement that Sandin was guaranteed a spot. You're also being disengenous about what you said about Sandin. You said nothing about the taxi squad. You said he was guaranteed a roster spot. It was ridiculously premature as is your statements on JVR and Voracek after one game. He was a long shot to win a spot out of camp on the roster. Everyone knew that but you.

AA is on the taxi squad.

Tonight 6 Flyers division opponents take to the ice for their first game of the season. All 3 games begin at 7 pm. Who are you looking to size up? Most interesting match up? Any predictions?
- NC Flyers Fan

Sheesh! Not that anyone cares but...

I’m going to watch the Rangers vs Islanders game.

I’d like to get a look at the Rangers.

For the night, I’m guessing that Buffalo, Boston and the Islanders come away with 2pts a piece.

Sheesh! Not that anyone cares but...

I’m going to watch the Rangers vs Islanders game.

I’d like to get a look at the Rangers.

For the night, I’m guessing that Buffalo, Boston and the Islanders come away with 2pts a piece.
- NC Flyers Fan

Excellent choice.

For more realistic atmosphere at the WTC they need to add “Crosby sucks “ chant to the artificial fan sound.
- missingmike

I was actually thinking that while watching. I was laughing and hoping they would play at least some boos when he touched the puck. Even just one time. I bet even Crosby would have lost it.