The context of the conversation is that when they held the ceremony, there weren't many fans in the stands at 6:30 PM. If they had listed the actual game time at 7:45, there would've been even less fans in the stands at 6:30PM.
- MJL

Right, but I think ASF's thinking would've been to have the ceremony start at 7:00 thus giving fans a bit more time to get to the arena.* And then start the game at 8:00 (or whenever is logistically appropriate). Do it that way and the home viewer can tune in to watch it all, or can tune in at (logistically appropriate game time) to watch the game.

Count me in the group of annoyed fans waiting for a 7:00 game to finally start at 7:45 last night.

*I think anyone who really wanted to see the ceremony would've made the effort to be there at 6:30 so I disagree with ASF that it was disrespectful.

Right, but I think ASF's thinking would've been to have the ceremony start at 7:00 thus giving fans a bit more time to get to the arena.* And then start the game at 8:00 (or whenever is logistically appropriate). Do it that way and the home viewer can tune in to watch it all, or can tune in at (logistically appropriate game time) to watch the game.

Count me in the group of annoyed fans waiting for a 7:00 game to finally start at 7:45 last night.

*I think anyone who really wanted to see the ceremony would've made the effort to be there at 6:30 so I disagree with ASF that it was disrespectful.
- Scoob

ASF was riled up because he was thinking it was disrespectful. It wasn't as you said. That's what the conversation was about. Not about fans watching on TV.

Risto, and the defense in general was very noticeable in the Caps game. I didn't notice the hit, but there was a scrum that got the fans up in front of us. The defense allowed Jones to see the shots clearly for the most part. Good rebound control keeps the net front scrambles down too.
- OldBay

Definitely. A noticeable difference this year. Good to see the GM acknowledged that. Obviously they gave up a kings ransom for Risto, but as any real hockey fan knows trades are not won in the months after they are made. Sometimes it takes years. It’s just some fans do not have the patience and need to award a victor from the jump.

Looks like the National Media agrees Risto is playing well…

/

The Flyers beat the Calgary Flames on Tuesday in exactly the type of game that they envisioned in their mission to get “harder to play against” this offseason. Ristolainen finished the night with nine hits, three blocked shots, and an assist. His agile play at the blue line to stop a clearing attempt set up a second-period goal by Kevin Hayes that tied the game. However, his contributions went well beyond that.

Matthew Tkachuk and the Flames took liberties during the first period, especially in goaltender Carter Hart’s crease. Ristolainen led the charge to stifle the pesky agitator and his teammates in the defensive zone for the remainder of the game. He even kept Tkachuk from trying a flashy, lacrosse-style move from behind the Flyers net in the third period. When asked about his defensemen stepping up to protect the crease, Hart praised them.

Ristolainen played a similar role against an intimidating Washington Capitals team on Nov. 6. His reverse hit on feared tough guy Tom Wilson as the second-period horn sounded set a physical tone for a tight-checking third period and a Philadelphia victory. Flyers color commentator Keith Jones pointed out that Ristolainen is “starting to get more comfortable in a Flyers uniform” as a guest on the Jeff Marek Show last week. He emphasized the need for the 6-foot-4 defenseman’s toughness in matching up with bigger, stronger teams when Marek mentioned the “old school” style of the Metropolitan Division.
- Joe Nardone

Of course the national media agrees…Risto is playing very well. The coaching staff agrees. Anyone watching the games can see it. Some that don’t watch closely only seem to want to focus on certain analytical data that only ever tells only part of the story. I agree that in his first 2-3 games he looked a bit behind and rusty after being injured late in camp and missing some time. He has gotten better game by game which bodes well for the Flyers.

Definitely. A noticeable difference this year. Good to see the GM acknowledged that. Obviously they gave up a kings ransom for Risto, but as any real hockey fan knows trades are not won in the months after they are made. Sometimes it takes years. It’s just some fans do not have the patience and need to award a victor from the jump.
- Joe Nardone

So you're saying that it's not fair to judge a players play right away because he was traded? I personally think a lot of fans are falling prey to an optical illusion almost. They look at the goals against average and think that means the Flyers are a good defensive team. In reality they rank 26th in the league in scoring chances against per 60. Rank 30th in the league in high danger chances allowed per 60. Worse on the PK. The Flyers goals against average is where it is because of goaltending. Not a good formula to bleed scoring chances and hope the goalie bails you out for 82 games and the playoffs. Good luck
Many fans are mesmerized by a big hit and the boards rattling. Who doesn't love a big hit. However when your best attribute as a defenseman is your hitting, how good are you really?

Agree the loss of Voracek and Ghost hasn’t helped PP but there is certainly enough talent to have at least an average PP. Therrien should go but I doubt he will because of his relationship with AV and also who would be available now to coach the PP? Bring Joe Mullen out of retirement? It’s a real dilemma.
- Djapana

But how much does a coach really impact the PP? I was watching Lindros and LeClair's interview for the alumni game and they were talking about how once you get comfortable with your line mates you start working on plays together, whether plays off a faceoff or plays that create a better forecheck. Its very conceivable that pro players work out a lot of their PP plays on their own. Consider the Flyers have Yandle, G, Coots and Cam on their 1st PP unit, all very experienced NHL players. Now are they really going to look for AV or Therrien to draw up plays they can use on the PP? Probably not. IMO, its on the players!

So you're saying that it's not fair to judge a players play right away because he was traded? ...Who doesn't love a big hit. However when your best attribute as a defenseman is your hitting, how good are you really?
- MJL

you must be fun at parties. lighten up, Francis

So you're saying that it's not fair to judge a players play right away because he was traded? I personally think a lot of fans are falling prey to an optical illusion almost. They look at the goals against average and think that means the Flyers are a good defensive team. In reality they rank 26th in the league in scoring chances against per 60. Rank 30th in the league in high danger chances allowed per 60. Worse on the PK. The Flyers goals against average is where it is because of goaltending. Not a good formula to bleed scoring chances and hope the goalie bails you out for 82 games and the playoffs. Good luck
Many fans are mesmerized by a big hit and the boards rattling. Who doesn't love a big hit. However when your best attribute as a defenseman is your hitting, how good are you really?
- MJL

But that is only part of it when it comes to Risto. He is one of the best I have seen at separating a player, sometimes 2 players, from the puck and winning a battle. That is where hockey games are won and lost, along the boards and in the corners. Risto not only does a great job with this, but he absolutely intimates opposing players from even going into the corner to fight for the puck when he is on the ice. Once Risto gets into the offense more, then you are really going to see something amazing. He is a really good player and you need to swallow crow, put down the metrics, and just admit it! Also, we keep harping over what the Flyers gave up for Risto, but right now they gave up nothing. Buffalo got back a bottom pairing defenseman, a 2nd round pick next year and an 18 year old kid that may or not may not even make the NHL in a few years. Meanwhile the Flyers have one of the best defenseman in the league. I will make that trade any day, any time!

But how much does a coach really impact the PP? I was watching Lindros and LeClair's interview for the alumni game and they were talking about how once you get comfortable with your line mates you start working on plays together, whether plays off a faceoff or plays that create a better forecheck. Its very conceivable that pro players work out a lot of their PP plays on their own. Consider the Flyers have Yandle, G, Coots and Cam on their 1st PP unit, all very experienced NHL players. Now are they really going to look for AV or Therrien to draw up plays they can use on the PP? Probably not. IMO, its on the players!
- jd250

Other than set design plays off of faceoffs, coaches don't draw up plays on the PP. This is not football. So not sure why you're saying that. What coaches do is set up personnel and formations on the PP. Players have to execute and perform. Where a coaches influence should come is when they see a PP stagnate. When there isn't quick and functional puck movement. When they're trying to force plays and make low percentage plays. That's when a PP coach needs to step in.

Remember when the Flyers had Radko Gudas? He was also a player that always came up as someone the Flyers opponent needs to watch out for.
- MJL

Oh my gosh ... now you are comparing Risto to Radko Gudas ... will this never end!?!

But how much does a coach really impact the PP? I was watching Lindros and LeClair's interview for the alumni game and they were talking about how once you get comfortable with your line mates you start working on plays together, whether plays off a faceoff or plays that create a better forecheck. Its very conceivable that pro players work out a lot of their PP plays on their own. Consider the Flyers have Yandle, G, Coots and Cam on their 1st PP unit, all very experienced NHL players. Now are they really going to look for AV or Therrien to draw up plays they can use on the PP? Probably not. IMO, its on the players!
- jd250

Teams used to just put their best players on the ice and wing it. A lot of teams wouldn't even practice the PP.

poop's different now. Everything is designed, systematized and drilled. If the puck goes here, then everybody goes there. If the PK pressures here, then the play should go there. Breakouts and entries are all choreographed.

So yeah, if poop ain't working, it's got a LOT to do with who the coaches are deploying and how they're told to attack. This ain't the 90's.

But that is only part of it when it comes to Risto. He is one of the best I have seen at separating a player, sometimes 2 players, from the puck and winning a battle. That is where hockey games are won and lost, along the boards and in the corners. Risto not only does a great job with this, but he absolutely intimates opposing players from even going into the corner to fight for the puck when he is on the ice. Once Risto gets into the offense more, then you are really going to see something amazing. He is a really good player and you need to swallow crow, put down the metrics, and just admit it! Also, we keep harping over what the Flyers gave up for Risto, but right now they gave up nothing. Buffalo got back a bottom pairing defenseman, a 2nd round pick next year and an 18 year old kid that may or not may not even make the NHL in a few years. Meanwhile the Flyers have one of the best defenseman in the league. I will make that trade any day, any time!
- jd250

Ristolainen over his career and even in his short Flyers career to this point has not been a player who wins board battles at a high level. I've provided video evidence of this to you. For the first 8 games of his Flyers career, he was mediocre and was consistently outworked on the puck. He has turned that around the last 4 games or so and has been solid. 4 games don't make a player a really good player. Again, we have a history of this player. He has never been a really good player. He has been mediocre his entire career. It takes more than 4 games to prove anything to me.

Now you're labeling Ristolainen one of the best defenseman in the league?


Boy, you've really lost it. He's not even close to being the best defenseman on his team.

Teams used to just put their best players on the ice and wing it. A lot of teams wouldn't even practice the PP.

poop's different now. Everything is designed, systematized and drilled. If the puck goes here, then everybody goes there. If the PK pressures here, then the play should go there. Breakouts and entries are all choreographed.

So yeah, if poop ain't working, it's got a LOT to do with who the coaches are deploying and how they're told to attack. This ain't the 90's.
- Tomahawk

I don't agree with you here. I think breakouts are schemed for sure. PP personnel and formation are controlled by the coaches. Advanced scouting can identify a weakness of a PK and an area to attack but once the puck is established in the zone and set up. It's all individual play and creativity of the players.

1 is Hurts
2 is Wentz
- 2Real

Wertz instrumental in a SB championship

Hurts - Wore a Kobe jacket

But that is only part of it when it comes to Risto. He is one of the best I have seen at separating a player, sometimes 2 players, from the puck and winning a battle. That is where hockey games are won and lost, along the boards and in the corners. Risto not only does a great job with this, but he absolutely intimates opposing players from even going into the corner to fight for the puck when he is on the ice. Once Risto gets into the offense more, then you are really going to see something amazing. He is a really good player and you need to swallow crow, put down the metrics, and just admit it! Also, we keep harping over what the Flyers gave up for Risto, but right now they gave up nothing. Buffalo got back a bottom pairing defenseman, a 2nd round pick next year and an 18 year old kid that may or not may not even make the NHL in a few years. Meanwhile the Flyers have one of the best defenseman in the league. I will make that trade any day, any time!
- jd250

Is it safe to say then you have no issue paying him as one of the best dman in the league?

Why is Ristolainen taking such a daily beating on this board? The guy had a slow start coming off injury and you know what? He’s been good the passed two weeks. Great? No, but he’s played well.

Ristolainen is not taking any heat. He's been credited with playing well the last 4 games by pretty much everyone including myself. The heat is being given to those who are over selling the player including one poster who just called him one of the best defenseman in the NHL.

Even the road announcers were commenting on Risto’s overall effectiveness along the wall, in front of the net and physical intimidation factor in general. His compete level. Especially in front of the net and supporting goalies.

Other point made was his skating and how effective he is when healthy and skating well.

Another commented, an ex Sabre player, said any d who had 4 consecutive 40 pt years can can bring the total package for a defenceman. Sure he got some pp time, but then again who did he play with..

Reading the same / similar from National hockey writers. They also commented on him being guilty of trying to do too much and over compensating for others Not all 100% positive, but you can kinda understand what Fletcher was thinking and we are seeing just that the past few games. Hopefully it continues.

I for one thought we gave up a ton and was skeptical about the move, but anyone who has seen the game a ton (especially in person) and maybe played the game a bit understands what this guy can bring.

If you are kinda a pacifist and think hockey is played with a scientific calculator than I would say Risto is probably not for you…

Naturally, his type of player (Weber, Jovo, Pronger) guys who can play incredibly physical just do not impress certain folks out there. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Not saying he is in their league, but he sure as heck was last night. 40 pt guy - that physically effective in his own end. He can play for my team any day.

Who was the last d we had that could fly as a dman and punish players the way he does? Also put up a 40 spot? How may of those guys are actually in the league?

Oh my gosh ... now you are comparing Risto to Radko Gudas ... will this never end!?!
- jd250

No such thing going on there. Although I'd give Ristolainen an edge because of his point production in the past. Otherwise, not much difference.

It was more of a comment on the quality of other teams having to look out for a player. That obviously went over your head.

Even the road announcers were commenting on Risto’s overall effectiveness along the wall, in front of the net and physical intimidation factor in general. His compete level. Especially in front of the net and supporting goalies.

Other point made was his skating and how effective he is when healthy and skating well.

Another commented, an ex Sabre player, said any d who had 4 consecutive 40 pt years can can bring the total package for a defenceman. Sure he got some pp time, but then again who did he play with..

Reading the same / similar from National hockey writers. They also commented on him being guilty of trying to do too much and over compensating for others Not all 100% positive, but you can kinda understand what Fletcher was thinking and we are seeing just that the past few games. Hopefully it continues.

I for one thought we gave up a ton and was skeptical about the move, but anyone who has seen the game a ton (especially in person) and maybe played the game a bit understands what this guy can bring.

If you are kinda a pacifist and think hockey is played with a scientific calculator than I would say Risto is probably not for you…

Naturally, his type of player (Weber, Jovo, Pronger) guys who can play incredibly physical just do not impress certain folks out there. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Not saying he is in their league, but he sure as heck was last night. 40 pt guy - that physically effective in his own end. He can play for my team any day.

Who was the last d we had that could fly as a dman and punish players the way he does? Also put up a 40 spot? How may of those guys are actually in the league?
- Joe Nardone

Have you by any chance looked at or read any of the articles and media reports on Ristolainen as a player in his career? I wouldn't even say the majority of it, it's more like all of it was not favorable towards the player over his entire career. The data available also supported that. Is he a different player now? I have my doubts but we'll see.

Weber is a potential hall of fame player who was perennial Norris trophy finalist. Pronger is going to be in the Hall of Fame and is a Norris and Hart trophy winner. Ristolainen is not the same type of player as they are. Jovanovski in his prime was much better than Ristolainen has ever been

Ristolainen is not taking any heat. He's been credited with playing well the last 4 games by pretty much everyone including myself. The heat is being given to those who are over selling the player including one poster who just called him one of the best defenseman in the NHL.
- MJL

id say hes played well prob at least 6 games now, but i know you like to minimize his good

Hayes goal and celebration and the puck for his nephew made scoring one goal in regulation good. It was special. For Jimmy RIP. And the team still won. Hart It was such a relief to see Hayes back on the bench in the 3rd. Wish Brown a speedy recovery. I hope the Flyers start scoring more soon and the PP picks it up.

I looked for a stream of the alumni game but couldn’t find it. Sounds like it was a fun night. I didn’t see the Flyers Hall of Fame ceremony and looked for it this morning. It is on YouTube now. Here is the link if anyone needs it. Both Homer and Tocchet gave fine speeches. Holmgren’s love for the Flyers has always been apparent, and it is tremendous how he received this honor.

https://youtu.be/PoObSYkzhjk

i sense a theme, pretty sure you will be minimizing RR until the media or fancy stats factually acknowledge he is good. lol Could be a few more weeks. Gonna be some exciting reading here until them, im kidding, its getting old your minimizing RR.

Watching this D play just emphasizes how awful meyers was last year. Its nice to see some structure. That was addition by subtraction there.

We should just be thankful we arent watching jake pass to no one in particular anymore.

Rasmus Ristolainen''s current metrics are not awful. They aren't great but they aren't bad either.

Have you by any chance looked at or read any of the articles and media reports on Ristolainen as a player in his career? I wouldn't even say the majority of it, it's more like all of it was not favorable towards the player over his entire career. The data available also supported that. Is he a different player now? I have my doubts but we'll see.

Weber is a potential hall of fame player who was perennial Norris trophy finalist. Pronger is going to be in the Hall of Fame and is a Norris and Hart trophy winner. Ristolainen is not the same type of player as they are. Jovanovski in his prime was much better than Ristolainen has ever been
- MJL

\
this is what you responded to "Not saying he is in their league, but he sure as heck was last night." but then you want to argue otherwise....lol, give it a rest man