Hopefully the coaching staff saw some things last night with the multiple line combinations. Most importantly, they need to split up Atkinson and Farabee. It's just not working. Flyers played a solid game. Still over reliant on goaltending but they had a much better puck drive in the 2nd and 3rd period. The Flyers continue to be a good 3rd period team. I really want to see if some different line combinations can solve some of their issues.

Farabee/Couturier/JVR
Giroux/Hayes/Atkinson
Lindblom/Laughton/Konency
Brassard/Thompson/McEwen
- MJL

I agree cam and Joel need to split, they both are fighting the puck. Cam is invisible and Joel just loses the puck in bad spots. Like your lines but I think I would swap lindblom and farabee. Then, when you can, get someone in there for Thompson and move Brassard to the middle, he deserves some minutes, he has played well enough and earned them. Yandle, at this point can’t wait to see him break the record, if he is not producing on the PP by then, I hope they have in-house options.

Time to bring Frost up and provide him an opportunity to see what he can do. This offense is stale and just not good. Put Frost in a positon to succeed to see what he has to offer. If he cant cut it then you will have time to possibly address the issue before the deadline. Need to find out if he can contribute.

Nothing to do with culture


Why didn't the culture change click in during the first period? Where was the culture change in the Dallas game? Is this just a selective or inconsistent culture change. Ducks in and out?
- MJL

Two big differences between this year's team and last year's team 1. this year's Flyers team are winning 3rd periods and 2. They are bouncing back after a loss and not allowing a longer losing streak. The Flyers actually played a good game against Dallas and had good energy, they just didn't execute on their PPs and chances, especially in the first period. Last night the Flyers got away with it because they played well defensively and Hart once again played great, but overall the Flyers need to fix their PP, otherwise they are going no where!

I didn't like Coleman running around out there. He absolutely missile'd himself into Ristolainen after he had a clean hit on another Flame. You know you're in the wrong when the most gentlest of creatures, James vamReimsdyk is willing to drop the gloves to fight you.

This team is in big trouble.
- MJL

Your hate for Risto betrays you!

Also the NHL should start to clean up these after-the-save/ goalie-melted down whistles in the blue paint where it's basically the wild west. I saw a couple Flyers get absolutely decked, "creamed" as JJ put it on one occasion and no calls.

I find it almost comical about how much quieter it is on here after a win versus a loss! Philly sports fans....you can't beat em!
- Phillywhiteout

I think the denizens on this board thrive on losses. and they are not representative of sports fans (philly or elsewhere) for that matter. most fans are happy supporting their team as it's entertainment.

I read Bill's articles, and much like slowing down at a car accident I may peruse the commentariat.

Nothing to do with culture


Why didn't the culture change click in during the first period? Where was the culture change in the Dallas game? Is this just a selective or inconsistent culture change. Ducks in and out?
- MJL

You can call it whatever you like, but this does look like a different team(at times) from last year. The Flyers were physically challenged by the Flames last night and they stood up to it! I mean, JVR actually dropped his gloves! He didn't do anything after he dropped them, but at least he dropped them. In this type of game last year this team would have collectively folded cause they had no push back and teams would laugh at them. I didn't see the Flames laughing last night.

Flyers like most teams play better when they physically engage, Flames brought that out of them last night and it was great. I thought G was on it all night, wo great goal tending he would of have had a couple points, he also back checked and was physical. Give it to Brassard, he competes and he makes plays in traffic. Joel and cam need to start doing that. COOTS struggled the first half of the game but like a god player he shook it off. JVR was physical, Thompson just can’t keep up. Hart was well all Hart. Win 60% plus of your games the rest of the month, they will be in good shape going into December
- wcorvette

I didn’t get to see the game but half of the forwards didn’t record a single hit. Half of tge defense didn’t record a single hit. It was basically the Risto show (9 hits). Seems soft & easy to play against. But like I said I didn’t see the game. Misleading stats?

You can call it whatever you like, but this does look like a different team(at times) from last year. The Flyers were physically challenged by the Flames last night and they stood up to it! I mean, JVR actually dropped his gloves! He didn't do anything after he dropped them, but at least he dropped them. In this type of game last year this team would have collectively folded cause they had no push back last year and teams would laugh at them. I didn't see the Flames laughing last night.
- Phillywhiteout

Actually threw a straight right

I didn't like Coleman running around out there. He absolutely missile'd himself into Ristolainen after he had a clean hit on another Flame. You know you're in the wrong when the most gentlest of creatures, James vamReimsdyk is willing to drop the gloves to fight you.
- Pixote Andolini

Risto clearly brings element they didnt have last year. It has been very evident over the last couple weeks as his presence was felt last night. Just need him to be consistent .

I agree cam and Joel need to split, they both are fighting the puck. Cam is invisible and Joel just loses the puck in bad spots. Like your lines but I think I would swap lindblom and farabee. Then, when you can, get someone in there for Thompson and move Brassard to the middle, he deserves some minutes, he has played well enough and earned them. Yandle, at this point can’t wait to see him break the record, if he is not producing on the PP by then, I hope they have in-house options.
- wcorvette

I put Farabee up there to get him going. Same can be said about Lindblom but I chose Farabee because he is the higher end offensive player.

I was watching on the fly late last night on the NHL Network and they were discussing Hart making Team Canada, and that it's becoming a real possibility if he keeps playing this way. I don't want him to play with them. Just stay focused on your day job! Although I am also hearing rumors that the NHL is considering backing out of the Olympics if the Covid situation worsens. The Sens have already lost some games and if that continues they just won't have anywhere to put missed games with the condensed schedule. Stay tuned!

It was a great win, there was no give up. Carter playing like he wants to make team Canada. RR played like a #1D, he set the tone, and was really good. Hayes rounding back into form. Hopefully this is a game they can build on.

Just need to get the scoring areas, but this was against a sutter team, and that's easier said than done.

forgot to mention Mcewen. Great game from him
- bradster

Zack MacEwen was a nice acquisition. Decent player.I'm glad he's getting a chance to play here.

Two big differences between this year's team and last year's team 1. this year's Flyers team are winning 3rd periods and 2. They are bouncing back after a loss and not allowing a longer losing streak. The Flyers actually played a good game against Dallas and had good energy, they just didn't execute on their PPs and chances, especially in the first period. Last night the Flyers got away with it because they played well defensively and Hart once again played great, but overall the Flyers need to fix their PP, otherwise they are going no where!
- jd250

You can always count on an obvious inaccuracy from you. Like yesterday when you stated that the Flyers PK has been excellent. In the Dallas game, the scoring chances were 31-18. They were outplayed and gave up 5 goals to a team that has been struggling offensively. Last night the Flyers were decent defensively. Again, they are squeaking out wins with goaltending.

When is Ellis coming back? Seems like he has been day by day forever. He played the first period at Dallas and then is out again. Any idea what his name is injury is, there is certainly something worrisome going on?

Your hate for Risto betrays you!
- jd250

You have to do better than this. Look in the game thread last night. I stated that I thought he made a great play on the Hayes goal.

It's always hyperbole with you. Flyers played great. Ristolainen is great. The PK is excellent. Ristolainen has played well now for 4 games. He has played 12 games total. Before this streak of playing well, he played 8 games where he looked terrible. So which is the real player. So on your comment that he is the Flyers best defenseman. He is not as good as Provorov or Ellis. Ristolainen is no where near the list of top defenseman in this league. So if he is the Flyers best defenseman, the team is in trouble.

You can call it whatever you like, but this does look like a different team(at times) from last year. The Flyers were physically challenged by the Flames last night and they stood up to it! I mean, JVR actually dropped his gloves! He didn't do anything after he dropped them, but at least he dropped them. In this type of game last year this team would have collectively folded cause they had no push back and teams would laugh at them. I didn't see the Flames laughing last night.
- Phillywhiteout

The Flyers were epically bad last year. In many ways. Being better than last year is a low bar.

When is Ellis coming back? Seems like he has been day by day forever. He played the first period at Dallas and then is out again. Any idea what his name is injury is, there is certainly something worrisome going on?
- Tommycasino

He is out for a while. Probably at least a month.

Big win. Great effort.

That said, the PP HAS to be better. We aren't going anywhere without a solid PP.

Have we discussed moving Coots off of PP1? I understand he puts up points, but I don't believe he handles the puck well up top and seems to make a poor pass due to pressure. Unless we can keep him down low, I'd like to see someone else in his spot.

6-0-0 coming back after a loss. That bodes well moving forward. Hart was so impressive last night. Had a feeling all it would be hard for Calgary to score.
- Pelle31Forever

6-0-0 is a good stat. However they are only 2-4-1 after a win. Hard to see how they can win consistently with a PP that is a total negative.

Risto clearly brings element they didnt have last year. It has been very evident over the last couple weeks as his presence was felt last night. Just need him to be consistent .
- 3flyerkids

That's the thing, he has been consistent, consistently getting better game by game. Risto has been winning puck battles and playing physical right from game 1 of his season, and as he is getting more comfortable with his partner (BTW Sanheim is the one who is noticeably playing better these last 5 games) and the system, Risto is really showing what a dominant player he can be.

That's the thing, he has been consistent, consistently getting better game by game. Risto has been winning puck battles and playing physical right from game 1 of his season, and as he is getting more comfortable with his partner (BTW Sanheim is the one who is noticeably playing better these last 5 games) and the system, Risto is really showing what a dominant player he can be.
- jd250

Ristolainen has never been a dominant player in his entire career, including currently. If you want to see how a dominant defenseman plays, watch Adam Fox, Roman Josi or Victor Hedman play.

You have to do better than this. Look in the game thread last night. I stated that I thought he made a great play on the Hayes goal.

It's always hyperbole with you. Flyers played great. Ristolainen is great. The PK is excellent. Ristolainen has played well now for 4 games. He has played 12 games total. Before this streak of playing well, he played 8 games where he looked terrible. So which is the real player. So on your comment that he is the Flyers best defenseman. He is not as good as Provorov or Ellis. Ristolainen is no where near the list of top defenseman in this league. So if he is the Flyers best defenseman, the team is in trouble.
- MJL

Oh come on, I thought that was a funny retort, you know, playing on the Vader thing?

Anyway, now who is the one spouting Hyperbole? You have been wrong in your assessment of Risto this entire season and even in the off season. this is why you cannot rely on advanced metrics to draw conclusions. Risto has been physically dominant and winning puck battles this entire season. Now that Sanheim is playing much better, you are starting to see it more in Risto because he doesn't have to cover for his partner also! Heck even AV called Risto a "beast" in his post-game. I was posting this adjective about Risto weeks ago and you and others were blasting me for it ... but as some say .. "How you like me now??"

dbth