When Ellis returns, is anyone opposed to Braun up in the 2nd pair and dropping Ristolainen to 3rd? Given how Braun has been sort of an unsung hero while Ellis has been sidelined.

When Ellis returns, is anyone opposed to Braun up in the 2nd pair and dropping Ristolainen to 3rd? Given how Braun has been sort of an unsung hero while Ellis has been sidelined.
- Pelle31Forever

Its worth a try, Sandheim has not been good, and maybe steady old Braun can help him. He is a dime a dozen Dman, doesnt bring anything special to the table

A quality team needs more than one top pairing. The cost to acquire a player has everything to do with what the expectations are and what you should get out of a player. If he's not going to be or not expected to be a top defenseman, then why in the hell are you giving up what they did on top of not being cost controlled and needing a new contract?

- MJL

the price was paid to improve our defense. it was the cost of business.

out ghost, hagg, myers

in yandle, risto, ellis

market value was paid to fill a hole. the market has nothing to do with the hole we had but was driven by market for the player

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 11/4/21 @ PIT; Phantoms Win
- bmeltzer

Bill any thoughts on how they are handling Samu?

I’d need to watch more of risto I think I’ve watched 2 games so far. To me it’s a stretch that he’s a 20 min a night guy. His stick is awful. Worse than his positioning. I don’t think he has terrible hockey sense but is prone to making the horrid mistake. He is bringing a Physicality that the team needs and he skates well. Yes for how big and physical he is he loses way too many board battles. He’s like the anti-timonen in that sense.

If you were going to get rid of one of either Risto or Sandheim, which would you get rid of, or who do the flyers need more?
- bradster

Risto as he is 100% no doubt the player he is; Sanheim still has some upside. Even if one believes he is what he is at this point.

Risto as he is 100% no doubt the player he is; Sanheim still has some upside. Even if one believes he is what he is at this point.
- hello it's me 2050

turning 26 this year though. when can we say he is what he is? Risto just turned 27.

At his best, he brings a hard to find collection of abilities and has played well overall. First game or two were shaky.

Nearly scored on two different plays last game. Lots of blocked shots and hits in the Edmonton game.

Has played well overall.
- bmeltzer

I’m glad you chimed in with your perspective Bill. I don’t believe he’s been as terrible as one have suggested. He’s definitely made some mistakes but I think he’s been getting better. I’ve been watching closely to see if there’s something I’m missing because of you read the comments here you’d think we’d be better off releasing him. At the end of the day, the team has had a solid start with our 2d and 2c out. Thats the name of the game and has count for something I’d think.

turning 26 this year though. when can we say he is what he is? Risto just turned 27.
- Peter Richards

So you expect him to get better being in the league what 8 years now?

I’m glad you chimed in with your perspective Bill. I don’t believe he’s been as terrible as one have suggested. He’s definitely made some mistakes but I think he’s been getting better. I’ve been watching closely to see if there’s something I’m missing because of you read the comments here you’d think we’d be better off releasing him. At the end of the day, the team has had a solid start with our 2d and 2c out. Thats the name of the game and has count for something I’d think.
- Hextall271

Bill has been pumping up RR tires for many months now. He has his corporate orders.

Risto as he is 100% no doubt the player he is; Sanheim still has some upside. Even if one believes he is what he is at this point.
- hello it's me 2050

I disagree, at least RR brings something that Travis doesn't. Other than that, they are similar

How long are we going to talk about Sandheims upside. lol. He is what he is at this point.

I disagree, at least RR brings something that Travis doesn't. Other than that, they are similar

How long are we going to talk about Sandheims upside. lol. He is what he is at this point.
- bradster

Not disagreeing. That being said he has played 300 less games than RR so the "hope" is there may be more is all.

I’d need to watch more of risto I think I’ve watched 2 games so far. To me it’s a stretch that he’s a 20 min a night guy. His stick is awful. Worse than his positioning. I don’t think he has terrible hockey sense but is prone to making the horrid mistake. He is bringing a Physicality that the team needs and he skates well. Yes for how big and physical he is he loses way too many board battles. He’s like the anti-timonen in that sense.
- Just5

The hockey sense thing to me is tough to decide what to think, he makes some really good reads, think of that slap pass to maybe it was Lindblom right in front that went wide, but then makes some real bonehead mistakes.

Pretty telling what folks think of the Flyers when Pitt is still -120 with all these injuries. Would think we should be the favorite , not a big favorite but damn

I just want Chuck to sign RR to an extension so we can talk about him everyday for the next 4 years lol

I just want Chuck to sign RR to an extension so we can talk about him everyday for the next 4 years lol
- bradster

As do I 5 years 6.25 per.

Pretty telling what folks think of the Flyers when Pitt is still -120 with all these injuries. Would think we should be the favorite , not a big favorite but damn
- ClaudeFather

I was going to mention this before. I know Pittsburgh is without Crosby & Malkin. Rust, Ruhwedel, Doumilin, and Pettersson also out. Scranton WB is a -125 favorite now.

As do I 5 years 6.25 per.
- hello it's me 2050

Just dust off the old A-Mac contract.

I don't agree at all Bill. He bleeds shot attempts and scoring chances. He's poor in board battles, poor in positioning and coverage. While he can make the simple routine pass, he is not efficient in transition. He's the same player he was in Buffalo. Makes no positive impact on winning. The 2nd pairing has been a disaster and the Flyers are never going to be a contending team with that level of play on the 2nd pair.

In the Edmonton game, his pathetic work along the boards was in part responsible for the Hyman goal. Shot attempts when he was on the ice were 12 for and 21 against. Team was also out chanced. He was able to get those blocks and hits because the other team had the puck so much when he was on the ice. It's losing hockey.

If that's playing well, I'd hate to see what playing poorly looks like.
- MJL

I felt and still feel that was more on Sanheim panicking and throwing the puck to an already covered Risto.......

I was going to mention this before. I know Pittsburgh is without Crosby & Malkin. Rust, Ruhwedel, Doumilin, and Pettersson also out. Pittsburgh is a -125 favorite now.
- PLindbergh31

To their credit, they have played well without their guys. Maybe not as well lately but they are a sound structured team at home. Still insulting haha

To their credit, they have played well without their guys. Maybe not as well lately but they are a sound structured team at home. Still insulting haha
- ClaudeFather

Crosby's first game back they lost at home to the Devils.

When Ellis returns, is anyone opposed to Braun up in the 2nd pair and dropping Ristolainen to 3rd? Given how Braun has been sort of an unsung hero while Ellis has been sidelined.
- Pelle31Forever

Absolutely in favor of it. It's exactly what they should do.

the price was paid to improve our defense. it was the cost of business.

out ghost, hagg, myers

in yandle, risto, ellis

market value was paid to fill a hole. the market has nothing to do with the hole we had but was driven by market for the player
- Peter Richards

The hole hasn't been filled. Just because you bring someone in and pay what the price was for that player, doesn't make it a good move. They overpaid and put themselves in a hole because the guy needs to be re-signed. Hopefully they have the sense to walk away.

turning 26 this year though. when can we say he is what he is? Risto just turned 27.
- Peter Richards

Sanheim has been disappointing so far to me. He needs to be more aggressive and play to his strengths. The 2nd pair is a black hole for this team right now.

I felt and still feel that was more on Sanheim panicking and throwing the puck to an already covered Risto.......
- Lawless18

Sanheim was loose on the coverage on Hyman but at least he was positioned on the shooter between him and the net. Ristolainen lost multiple puck battles on that sequence including a lazy and pathetic attempt at a hip check and then casually skated off the boards and was late getting to the passer. Then he takes himself out of the play by going for a push on the passer to where if there had been a save and a rebound, he was completely in no mans land. Just a brutal sequence and reminiscent of most of his play.