Im not sure you can break up that line when Hayes returns if it keeps playing solid hockey. Plus, it would probably be good to ease Hayes in with 3rd line deployment match ups.
- juiced

I agree. That line is playing some good hockey. If they can sustain this level or close to this level it will be hard to break them up. Of course they are getting the match ups they want being the home team.

Morin is a capable 7th defenseman, though Seeler looks good in that role also. But we will need both because of the injuries that always happen. I don't know why you pick up Brown and MacEwen off of waivers if you don't plan on them in the starting lineup.
- jd250

That is your opinion he is capable. He was not good last year in his limited time imo

Well then who do you remove out of the lineup to get them playing time. Hayes will also be back. So who comes out?

Their line and Brassard in particular were outshot and out chanced in the Vancouver game. Brassard was invisible offensively. The line as a whole was not humming in the Vancovuer game. They scored a goal and weren't scored against so if you want to say that's the bottom line, I won't disagree. However the line as a whole in the Vancouver game was out chanced and outshot as well as fared poorly in shot attempts. They were good last night.
- MJL

Maybe you didn’t notice him but to base it on shots on goal has its flaws. They had a goal and rung it off the post at least once. They had some great chances also and Bassard was right in the mix. I’m not looking at some shot placements but from what I recalled many shots were bad angle shots from the outside throughout the game.

Plus one in a tied game tells you something. I guess we saw two different things on game one from that line. But it looked to me to be the best line on the ice for the Flyers in game one. And it looked sharp again last night.

I agree. That line is playing some good hockey. If they can sustain this level or close to this level it will be hard to break them up. Of course they are getting the match ups they want being the home team.
- peesinwind

They didn't play good hockey in the first game. They got caved in against Vancouver.

Against Vancouver at 5 on 5 . Shot attempts were 5-14 in favor of Vancouver. Shots on goal were 2-8 in favor of Vancouver. Scoring chances were 3-8 in favor of Vancouver. When that line was on the ice.

Let's compare the Giroux line.

Shot attempts 20-5 in favor of the Flyers. Shots on goal 10-3 in favor of the Flyers. Scoring chances 6-3 in favor of the Flyers.

Maybe you didn’t notice him but to base it on shots on goal has its flaws. They had a goal and rung it off the post at least once. They had some great chances also and Bassard was right in the mix. I’m not looking at some shot placements but from what I recalled many shots were bad angle shots from the outside throughout the game.

Plus one in a tied game tells you something. I guess we saw two different things on game one from that line. But it looked to me to be the best line on the ice for the Flyers in game one. And it looked sharp again last night.
- peesinwind

What are the flaws? The facts of what happened when that line was on the ice are the simple facts. It's one game but don't tell me that line was good because they simply weren't. Again if you want to look at the bottom line which is goals scored fine, I won't disagree. However 9 times out of 10 with that disparity, you won't often come out well from it.

Far too early to judge the Brassard signing. He was poor against Vancouver. Very good last night. We'll see how he fares against Boston and further into the season.
- MJL

He didn't earn the nickname "Big Game Brass" for nothing. Chances are, his track record and low risk signing by way of salary cap cost will make this a good signing.

Took under Seattle 94.5 total points, Montreal under 89.5, Pens under 96.5.
- hello it's me 2050

Like all 3...Seattle at 94.5 is crazy..that's like stealing

What are the flaws? The facts of what happened when that line was on the ice are the simple facts. It's one game but don't tell me that line was good because they simply weren't. Again if you want to look at the bottom line which is goals scored fine, I won't disagree. However 9 times out of 10 with that disparity, you won't often come out well from it.
- MJL

I’m only pointing out that depending on shots on goals is the same as focusing on goals for and against. It’s just a very small piece of the picture. Piecing things together with zone face offs and lines playing against can paint different pictures.

You add some good matrixes that support you claim and it does paint a worse picture then what my eyes saw. I’ll give you that. Can’t argue against those numbers. I’m not looking up numbers. Don’t have the time. I can only say my impression was two good nights from that line. I’ll keep a closer look at it over the next few games. But he is for sure out Playing his contract.

Any chance Seeler gets a call from the league for his little ref toss ?

Thought Sanheim was poor in game one but had a great game last night. Ellis actually had a rough first period last night, some missed passes and couple poor decisions but he steadied the ship rather quickly. Provy starting to look like himself again, funny what a quality partner can do for you.
- ClaudeFather

The thing I like about Ellis is he recovers nicely from his mistakes, he doesn't quit on any play.

I would be in favor of that at first and I think an argument could be made to spread the depth around but long term if the Flyers want to be a contender. I believe that Hayes needs to be the 2nd line center. I don't see the Flyers doing anything with Brassard as the 2C.
- MJL

I agree long term, Hayes has to be in the top 6. He is getting paid like that and when he is on his game, he is a very effective 2C.

I'm not sure as to how to 'cure' NAK of his propensity of acting like an AH.
If we send him packing, these 'gratuitous' penalties will pay for the ticket.
I think a shock collar could be useful.

I’m only pointing out that depending on shots on goals is the same as focusing on goals for and against. It’s just a very small piece of the picture. Piecing things together with zone face offs and lines playing against can paint different pictures.

You add some good matrixes that support you claim and it does paint a worse picture then what my eyes saw. I’ll give you that. Can’t argue against those numbers. I’m not looking up numbers. Don’t have the time. I can only say my impression was two good nights from that line. I’ll keep a closer look at it over the next few games. But he is for sure out Playing his contract.
- peesinwind

There is no flaw. The Brassard line was clearly outplayed in game 1. Brassard wasn't good in game 1 and didn't play at a level you need from a 2C. He did in game 2. His game away from the puck is okay but need more from a 2C. Which I don't entirely blame on him. He's been placed in a spot he really shouldn't be used in due to injury.

seems only JVR is generating and getting towards the net. Oscar is strong on the boards and while Laughton has been in good position he is just not generating possession and opportunities.
- wcorvette

Everyone on this board takes their shot in terms of what they think this team should do or what should happen next. I thought Tyson Foerster had a good shot of making the team when the injuries began to pile up during camp. I believed Patrick should have a stronger season with Vegas after getting one season under his belt. Both guesses are not aging well.

In terms of strong stances. The Hayes contract and how his production will never live up. Frost being taking way too long as we give him every opportunity healthy or not. I have to stand by these.

The argument of Scott Laughton being solid as a third line center or being better than Brassard. This is another strong stance of mine. I feel like JvR needs to be apart of that top 6 mix of forwards and since the 2020 playoffs, JvR has been weighed down when placed with Laughton. For me it’s either third line winger for Laughton or fourth line center. Brassard is more talented than Laughton in my opinion.

I thought Sanheim was okay in the first game and good last night. Less on the extremes for me.
- MJL

I'm don't mean to sound down on Sanheim, like any player he has his strengths and weaknesses. During these two games, I have noticed him struggle in slot coverage and winning battles down low. He is not a strong guy and he gets bullied off the puck. His strength is obviously his skating, his ability to make that first pass and most importantly join the rush as he did last night. Having a partner that can win puck battles and provide good slot coverage will help Sanheim do his job better. If Risto is not that guy, Fletcher made a huge mistake in obtaining him.

I'm don't mean to sound down on Sanheim, like any player he has his strengths and weaknesses. During these two games, I have noticed him struggle in slot coverage and winning battles down low. He is not a strong guy and he gets bullied off the puck. His strength is obviously his skating, his ability to make that first pass and most importantly join the rush as he did last night. Having a partner that can win puck battles and provide good slot coverage will help Sanheim do his job better. If Risto is not that guy, Fletcher made a huge mistake in obtaining him.
- jd250

Again, a defense pairing can't play like one guy covers the slot. Though I disagree with your assessment of Sanheim, the more important point is that every defenseman regardless of his partner will have to play down low and around the net. If one partner is suspect in that area, it is difficult for another to make up for that in the one on one battles that defenseman face. A partner can play more conservative in terms of positioning to help a pairing gel in terms of aggressiveness offensively and up ice but one can't cover for another in their own zone around the net.

He's been shaky so far. Less effective on the PP that in the preseason as well. Hoping for more from him.
- Tomahawk

I think he has been very effective on the PP so far. He keeps pucks in the zone, settles things down, and keeps control of the puck which is critical for any PP. I also think our zone entries on the PP have been much better in the two games so far. If we can continue to do these things consistently, the goals will come.

Again, a defense pairing can't play like one guy covers the slot. Though I disagree with your assessment of Sanheim, the more important point is that every defenseman regardless of his partner will have to play down low and around the net. If one partner is suspect in that area, it is difficult for another to make up for that in the one on one battles that defenseman face. A partner can play more conservative in terms of positioning to help a pairing gel in terms of aggressiveness offensively and up ice but one can't cover for another in their own zone around the net.
- MJL

Yes this is exactly what I was getting at. Risto I hope will compliment Sanhiem to win battles, and get he puck up the ice, allowing Sanheim to join the rush and generate offense.

Yes this is exactly what I was getting at. Risto I hope will compliment Sanhiem to win battles, and get he puck up the ice.
- jd250

The strengths of Ristolainen have historically been playing on special teams and in bringing a physical element.

His flaws have historically been poor in D zone coverage and poor in transition.

Yes this is exactly what I was getting at. Risto I hope will compliment Sanhiem to win battles, and get he puck up the ice.
- jd250

In final, I put I'll put it this way. Sanheim or any defenseman for that matter, has to play well defensively down low and around the net. If he doesn't, it won't matter who his partner is.

Everyone on this board takes their shot in terms of what they think this team should do or what should happen next. I thought Tyson Foerster had a good shot of making the team when the injuries began to pile up during camp. I believed Patrick should have a stronger season with Vegas after getting one season under his belt. Both guesses are not aging well.

In terms of strong stances. The Hayes contract and how his production will never live up. Frost being taking way too long as we give him every opportunity healthy or not. I have to stand by these.

The argument of Scott Laughton being solid as a third line center or being better than Brassard. This is another strong stance of mine. I feel like JvR needs to be apart of that top 6 mix of forwards and since the 2020 playoffs, JvR has been weighed down when placed with Laughton. For me it’s either third line winger for Laughton or fourth line center. Brassard is more talented than Laughton in my opinion.
- SuperSchennBros

I like Foersters shot a lot. Watching him preseason showed me he still needs to work on his ability to get open against NHL players. He was having trouble doing that even against preseason lineups. I think as his skating improves that problem will fix itself. He isn't too far away, but he isn't there yet.

In final, I put I'll put it this way. Sanheim or any defenseman for that matter, has to play well defensively down low and around the net. If he doesn't, it won't matter who his partner is.
- MJL

Sure, of course I agree. As an example, in game 1 RR is not playing, Provey gets a penalty making it a 5 on 3 disadvantage. Ellis is between shifts so Sanheim is out there on a 5 on 3. He is not the guy you want to see down low covering the slot because as I stated, he is just not strong enough to clear opposing forwards out. This is where I hope RR can help when he finally gets back into the lineup.

That is your opinion he is capable. He was not good last year in his limited time imo

Well then who do you remove out of the lineup to get them playing time. Hayes will also be back. So who comes out?
- hello it's me 2050

When Hayes comes back into the lineup, Laughts moves to the 4th line. I think NAK and Willman get sent down, and you then you have Brown/Laughts/MacEwen/Thompson on your 4th line depending on matchups.

I like Foersters shot a lot. Watching him preseason showed me he still needs to work on his ability to get open against NHL players. He was having trouble doing that even against preseason lineups. I think as his skating improves that problem will fix itself. He isn't too far away, but he isn't there yet.
- MBFlyerfan

I think, and hope, Foerster will be a very good player for the Flyers, and provide another sniper on the PP they really need. However the pre-season games showed me he was farther away than I had hoped he would be. I think he needs to have a solid year with the Phantoms to develop his game, learn how to anticipate better where the puck is going versus where it is, and how to find open ice to unleash that potent shot he has.

From my sofa...
- Robert's Plant

My point exactly