I am wondering what the predictions and expectations are on the defense by some of the fans. I personally wasn’t expecting Ristolainen to see any PP time this season unless we see injuries on the defense.

As I stated early this summer, I was actually hoping Provorov would play with Ristolainen. Not because I think Provorov and Ellis will be bad together. The exact opposite really because I believe that pair will carry most of the load. I think Sanheim and Ristolainen both have their issues. Ristolainen from what I’ve been told has ES issues and in my opinion, Sanheim is only going to be as good as the partner he’s paired with. So I am interested to see how good these two will be together for 82 games.
- SuperSchennBros

I think Ristolainen will be a pleasant surprise to those who were skeptical of the trade. By no means do I think he'll be a Provorov or Ellis but he'll be fine in the role he's given.

If it pans out that way so be it. Brassard had a solid game Tuesday. Frost needs to play a lot and some time in the a after being off all year might be what’s he needs
- Hextall271

If anything, again this is early, I think Foerster has the best chance to make the Flyers out of camp because of his skill and shot on the PP, now that Allison is probably lost for the season.

I hope not but I was hoping to see some predictions.
- SuperSchennBros

To me Frost has to learn to be consistent, he takes too many shifts off IMO (blends into the background) for a young player, so I am looking for him to play consistently start to finish tonight.

Of all the guys nominated for the Flyers HoF, Lou Nolan deserves it the most.

Makes sense to me. I play goal and for a while as I hit my mid 30s I was getting lower body injuries a lot. Groin strains and the like. Someone showed me some yoga stretches and I do that before each game. It’s really helped as I’ve transitioned to a geriatric haha
- Hextall271

you in the market for some new used gear by chance!! have some brians opitks for sale

I think Ristolainen will be a pleasant surprise to those who were skeptical of the trade. By no means do I think he'll be a Provorov or Ellis but he'll be fine in the role he's given.
- Pelle31Forever

We’ve spoken about this ad nauseum but I think he’s going to be solid. There’s a few factors. A new start with a better team and org, contract year. Something to prove after Buffalo dumped him. Etc. Add to that better assignments on the 2nd pair and I think this will work out well.

I’ve been wrong before but Buffalo is a dumpster fire and has been for a while. Regarding the analytics, There’s no doubt he played terribly but why? Matchups over his head? Tried to do too much for a bad team? The numbers don’t give you that context.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see rr out there on the pp at some point. Either due to injury or maybe the pp goes into a swoon and needs a different look. I wouldn’t look at that as plan a or b. I think Ellis at pp1 and yandle pp2 to start snd see how it goes. If we’re super predictable it won’t matter.
- Hextall271

Giroux has always had a lefty at the top point whether it’s Pronger, Timmons, streit , ghost, Provy. Yandle has the inside track on that top unit for that reason and he’s been a PP producer in this league for a long time.

are you joking?
- jd250

It has been explained here numerous times that Hextall was a horrible GM, especially at drafting healthy players

I do not see the coaching staff having RR play ahead of Ivan on the PP in any way. He should. There is no reason this PP shouldn't be able to produce. Do not trust Therian running it however.

I’ve never thought we were worse off than other teams. Just seems that way because it’s happening to us. I have heard it said that players now train non stop all year whereas in the olden days they’d take time off snd use the training camp to get into shape. The new players are more fit no question but it may take a toll.
- Hextall271

Sports hernias being a prime example. Prior to the mid-90a and especially the 2000s when they became common, that was a very rare injury. The downside to how fit players are today is the proliferation of core muscle tears.

Looking forward to Risto blowing somebody up tonight! Also for the PP, I mentioned this before, he was used in Buffalo as the net front and did not look out of place.

It has been explained here numerous times that Hextall was a horrible GM, especially at drafting healthy players
- corduroy

And drafting top 6 forwards in the first round and acquiring NHL talent to bolster the on ice product and the basic running of the or gan i zation.

HELLO PITTSBURGH!!🤣

Looking forward to Risto blowing somebody up tonight! Also for the PP, I mentioned this before, he was used in Buffalo as the net front and did not look out of place.
- Lawless18

Absolutely. Hope he gets Marchand similar to what Denis G on straka in 08 I believe. Send them flying.

A very early prediction; Brassard wins the 2nd line center, Laughton is 3C and Nate is 4C, Frost starts with the Phantoms on their top line with Ratcliff and Foerster.
- jd250

That's not good. Brassard 2C days are long gone. On a good team he is your 4C or 4th line winger.

It has been explained here numerous times that Hextall was a horrible GM, especially at drafting healthy players
- corduroy

I'm not a fan of Hextall as a GM as anyone who reads my posts knows. However Allison and Laczynski are both good draft picks by Hextall that have had HORRIBLE luck and I don't think its fair to blame Hextall for this.

That's not good. Brassard 2C days are long gone. On a good team he is your 4C or 4th line winger.
- hfc355

He may be the place holder until Kevin Hayes is ready to return. Its good to have veteran depth for this reason.

He may be the place holder until Kevin Hayes is ready to return. Its good to have veteran depth for this reason.
- jd250

doesn't matter if the depth is veteran or "young" I want quality depth.

With Allisn and Tanner out wonder if they look to pick up someone on the waiver wire at some point. Probably be some solid options available.

doesn't matter if the depth is veteran or "young" I want quality depth.

With Allisn and Tanner out wonder if they look to pick up someone on the waiver wire at some point. Probably be some solid options available.
- hello it's me 2050

Brassard is quality depth, as I hope you witnessed in Tuesdays game.

Brassard is quality depth, as I hope you witnessed in Tuesdays game.
- jd250

jesus christ. Wow he looked good against a bunch of players who wont be on the nhl this year. Kudos to him. Anyone putting any stock in that game for a player like Brassard needs their head examined.

Going into that game with that isles lineup do you not expect a vet like Brassard to look good?

I'm bringing this topic forward from the previous post because I think its an important topic to discuss:


Here if why IMO you can't just look at advanced metrics to base decisions around how good player is. You need to balance it with scouting and observation. Clearly Scott Laughton is not anywhere near the level of a Giroux or even a Kevin Hayes. He is a bottom 6 forward and we have seen when he is asked to play in the top 6 he is very ineffective.
- jd250

Actually what is most important is to actually understand the point that is being made. Which IMO you clearly didn't. The point is not to try and state that Laughton is as good as Hayes or Giroux. The point was to show how productive and how solid of a 3rd line player that Laughton is. Also to support the opinion that he puts up point at a high rate as a 3rd liner.

Brassard is quality depth, as I hope you witnessed in Tuesdays game.
- jd250

It's pre season. Every vet player should look good in a low intensity game. Let's see how he does once the season starts.

jesus christ. Wow he looked good against a bunch of players who wont be on the nhl this year. Kudos to him. Anyone putting any stock in that game for a player like Brassard needs their head examined.

Going into that game with that isles lineup do you not expect a vet like Brassard to look good?
- hello it's me 2050

First, please do not use my Lord's name in vain, its frankly offensive and unnecessary! Secondly, Brassard has a track record in this league and frankly its a good track record. I'm not saying over an entire season Brassard will be successful as the number 2 center on this team. What I am saying is Brassard is a quality depth forward that can adequately fill this role for about 10 games until Hayes comes back, at which time Brassard moves into the bottom 6 where I think he will be successful.

It's pre season. Every vet player should look good in a low intensity game. Let's see how he does once the season starts.
- MJL

yes, I agree, however Brassard has a track record in this league, against real NHL players so to me I think he is a quality depth forward for this team.

Looking forward to Risto blowing somebody up tonight! Also for the PP, I mentioned this before, he was used in Buffalo as the net front and did not look out of place.
- Lawless18

Risto saw both time at the point and a net front presence in Buffalo.

First, please do not use my Lord's name in vain, its frankly offensive and unnecessary! Secondly, Brassard has a track record in this league and frankly its a good track record. I'm not saying over an entire season Brassard will be successful as the number 2 center on this team. What I am saying is Brassard is a quality depth forward that can adequately fill this role for about 10 games until Hayes comes back, at which time Brassard moves into the bottom 6 where I think he will be successful.
- jd250

Brassard is not and should be a #2 center at this point in his career on any team looking to contend. Not even short term imo. I do not now if he can fill that role for 10 games or not. His prior couple season suggest he cant. He himself has said he is more of a winger these days.

Is the Lord = to Allah?