You do know Edmonton went to the conference finals last year? And lost to the eventual cup champs? I still think they need to upgrade the D but they aren’t that far away. Their goaltending is a tad sketchy as well, all tough Skinner has been good of late.
- landros 2

Skinner is doing well this season, outplaying Campbell so far, who is starting to play better lately. I don't know what it is, I think Edmonton still lacks scoring depth. I mean their top 4 forwards are awesome and having great seasons, but the drop off in goal scoring after these 4 is dramatic. I think getting Kane back and going will help them a lot. The key when playing Edmonton is staying out of the box, because their PP is on pace to break records. Last night the Flyers did not have penalty which was astonishing, especially since on several shifts the Flyers looked overwhelmed and were badly chasing the puck.

Yeah it would be great for him to produce at a middle six center rate for the rest of the season.
- mickel25

It would be great for the Flyers as well.

Holding McDavid to one point is pretty impressive all around.

Same old Oilers, take away their space and get some key saves when McDavid goes off, and the Oilers are toast. This is a great game for anyone who thinks getting Bedard is somehow going to make the Flyers a real contender. Clearly having two generational talents like McDavid and Draisaitl is not enough for Edmonton. You still need other elements for a team to get to the next level, just ask Toronto fans.

I thought Cates was excellent last night, just completely frustrated McDavid for almost the entire night, winning battles and taking away his space. Frost was great last night also, amazing what he can do when he has space and actually moves his feet. Hart once again made the key stops when he had to. At this point we can't say teams are approaching the Flyers lightly this far into the season.
- jd250

Still hung up on the false narrative that Frost has an issue with moving his feet.

Draisaitl was second to last on the Oilers in XGF% according to naturalstattrick which matches with the eye test, I thought he was brutal last night. Turnover to lead to the Flyers' goal and didn't even record a shot on goal. Disappointing performance from the Oilers stars last night. Flyers deserve credit for limiting them big time.

You don’t find having a rookie Center who’s good defensively archaic?
- landros 2

Ha ha, guess I am archaic too. Last night illustrated what a checking center can do to a superstar. I personally think there is still a need for this in today's game. It's kind of amazing where the Flyers are in the standings without a true #1 or #2 center on their roster. Staying out of the box last night won them that game. McDavid has the best acceleration of any player I have ever seen (and I have seen many). It's like 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. I also agree with those that don't think the Flyers are being taken lightly anymore. The league knows that the Flyers will not give you 2 points like they have in the past. You better work hard against them or they will beat you and we are now at the point in the season where everyone needs the points.

Skinner is doing well this season, outplaying Campbell so far, who is starting to play better lately. I don't know what it is, I think Edmonton still lacks scoring depth. I mean their top 4 forwards are awesome and having great seasons, but the drop off in goal scoring after these 4 is dramatic. I think getting Kane back and going will help them a lot. The key when playing Edmonton is staying out of the box, because their PP is on pace to break records. Last night the Flyers did not have penalty which was astonishing, especially since on several shifts the Flyers looked overwhelmed and were badly chasing the puck.
- jd250

Edmonton's issue has nothing to do with scoring or scoring depth. Thier issue is their all around game and how they play. They lack a sound structure and a neutral zone presence to limit opposition attack. They just want to play river hockey and trade rushes and scoring chances. Based on that game last night, Edmonton is horribly coached.

Skinner is doing well this season, outplaying Campbell so far, who is starting to play better lately. I don't know what it is, I think Edmonton still lacks scoring depth. I mean their top 4 forwards are awesome and having great seasons, but the drop off in goal scoring after these 4 is dramatic. I think getting Kane back and going will help them a lot. The key when playing Edmonton is staying out of the box, because their PP is on pace to break records. Last night the Flyers did not have penalty which was astonishing, especially since on several shifts the Flyers looked overwhelmed and were badly chasing the puck.
- jd250

They need guys like Nugent-Hopkins, Hyman and Yamamoto to add some secondary scoring for sure…but those two young D, seem a little green. I don’t think they win with Campbell….Skinner seems to be playing good. But if the big boys get on a roll, they are a handful for anyone.

Ha ha, guess I am archaic too. Last night illustrated what a checking center can do to a superstar. I personally think there is still a need for this in today's game. It's kind of amazing where the Flyers are in the standings without a true #1 or #2 center on their roster. Staying out of the box last night won them that game. McDavid has the best acceleration of any player I have ever seen (and I have seen many). It's like 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. I also agree with those that don't think the Flyers are being taken lightly anymore. The league knows that the Flyers will not give you 2 points like they have in the past. You better work hard against them or they will beat you and we are now at the point in the season where everyone needs the points.
- Phillywhiteout

Perhaps they're where they are in the standings due to not having that #1 or #2 center. But hey, look what a checking center can do for you! Can't make it up.

Edmonton's issue has nothing to do with scoring or scoring depth. Thier issue is their all around game and how they play. They lack a sound structure and a neutral zone presence to limit opposition attack. They just want to play river hockey and trade rushes and scoring chances. Based on that game last night, Edmonton is horribly coached.
- MJL

Didn't this coach get them to the conference finals last season where they ended up losing to the eventual champs? He must be doing something right. He has a very good record since taking over this team if I'm not mistaken.

Ha ha, guess I am archaic too. Last night illustrated what a checking center can do to a superstar. I personally think there is still a need for this in today's game. It's kind of amazing where the Flyers are in the standings without a true #1 or #2 center on their roster. Staying out of the box last night won them that game. McDavid has the best acceleration of any player I have ever seen (and I have seen many). It's like 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. I also agree with those that don't think the Flyers are being taken lightly anymore. The league knows that the Flyers will not give you 2 points like they have in the past. You better work hard against them or they will beat you and we are now at the point in the season where everyone needs the points.
- Phillywhiteout

I agree the Flyers are definitely a more sound team this year. They have managed to work in some younger guys even if it’s only because 3 of the vet’s have been out the entire year. The one thing Torts always brings is commitment to work ethic and system….or you sit. He gets the most out of a team that lags behind a bit in the skill department. At least this year they are watchable.

Didn't this coach get them to the conference finals last season where they ended up losing to the eventual champs? He must be doing something right. He has a very good record since taking over this team if I'm not mistaken.
- Phillywhiteout

Yes same coach.

Still hung up on the false narrative that Frost has an issue with moving his feet.
- MJL

Did you watch Frost's post-game interview with Jackson and Jones? He said it himself, specifically he was unhappy with his play against the Islanders and wanted to come out in this game and really show he is still improving. I really don't understand why this is hard for you, Frost does not play consistently game in and game out. If he did you would see him playing like he did last night, but clearly there are games were he is behind the play and not really getting into tough areas of the ice. The same is true for Tippet, though Torts has said his dips are becoming shorter.

Didn't this coach get them to the conference finals last season where they ended up losing to the eventual champs? He must be doing something right. He has a very good record since taking over this team if I'm not mistaken.
- Phillywhiteout

They have 4 star level offensive players. If they play well offensively, they can carry the team in a run. Realistically though, if they want to truly break through, they have to adjust the way that they play. The way they played last night was very entertaining but not winning hockey.

Edmonton's issue has nothing to do with scoring or scoring depth. Thier issue is their all around game and how they play. They lack a sound structure and a neutral zone presence to limit opposition attack. They just want to play river hockey and trade rushes and scoring chances. Based on that game last night, Edmonton is horribly coached.
- MJL

They need Torts!

Did you watch Frost's post-game interview with Jackson and Jones? He said it himself, specifically he was unhappy with his play against the Islanders and wanted to come out in this game and really show he is still improving. I really don't understand why this is hard for you, Frost does not play consistently game in and game out. If he did you would see him playing like he did last night, but clearly there are games were he is behind the play and not really getting into tough areas of the ice. The same is true for Tippet, though Torts has said his dips are becoming shorter.
- jd250

Somehow a player saying he wants to play better and was not happy with a game he played is the same thing as the tired false narrative about Frost moving his feet. You heard that from Yeo last season so now it will be permanently attached to Frost. This is the same level of reasoning that was applied to the Flyers having a STH promotion, so therefore they're trading DeAngelo, Hayes, JVR and possibly Provorov at the trade deadline.

They need Torts!
- jd250

No they don't. They need a coach like Brind'Amour, Montgomery, Cooper, Bedard, etc. A modern day NHL coach.

Holding McDavid to one point is pretty impressive all around.
- PLindbergh31

I think your account got hacked.

Two additional observations from last night.

The $20 milkshake looks glorious but I refuse to pay that much for a milkshake.

Oh Canada is the superior anthem compared to the Star Spangled Banner.

Ha ha, guess I am archaic too. Last night illustrated what a checking center can do to a superstar. I personally think there is still a need for this in today's game. It's kind of amazing where the Flyers are in the standings without a true #1 or #2 center on their roster. Staying out of the box last night won them that game. McDavid has the best acceleration of any player I have ever seen (and I have seen many). It's like 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. I also agree with those that don't think the Flyers are being taken lightly anymore. The league knows that the Flyers will not give you 2 points like they have in the past. You better work hard against them or they will beat you and we are now at the point in the season where everyone needs the points.
- Phillywhiteout

McDavid's acceleration and his ability to play hockey at or close to his top speed is something that no one has seen before. But in the end, Hockey is still a team sport and if your team is structured well you will beat players like McDavid more often than not.

I will go further and state its amazing the Flyers are winning this much without a legitimate top line and top pairing defenseman. This is all on Torts, his staff and the buy-in from the players he has to work with.

No they don't. They need a coach like Brind'Amour, Montgomery, Cooper, Bedard, etc. A modern day NHL coach.
- MJL

Sure, a modern day NHL coach like Torts!

Two additional observations from last night.

The $20 milkshake looks glorious but I refuse to pay that much for a milkshake.

Oh Canada is the superior anthem compared to the Star Spangled Banner.
- mickel25

And I actually like the star spangled Banner…go figure.

Somehow a player saying he wants to play better and was not happy with a game he played is the same thing as the tired false narrative about Frost moving his feet. You heard that from Yeo last season so now it will be permanently attached to Frost. This is the same level of reasoning that was applied to the Flyers having a STH promotion, so therefore they're trading DeAngelo, Hayes, JVR and possibly Provorov at the trade deadline.
- MJL

I heard the same thing from Lappy, Yeo, Torts and the player himself. Not sure why you just can't admit that Frost still has dips in his game that he needs to figure out. Last night he was great and I sincerely hope he plays that way every game; he just hasn't so far.

Two additional observations from last night.

The $20 milkshake looks glorious but I refuse to pay that much for a milkshake.

Oh Canada is the superior anthem compared to the Star Spangled Banner.
- mickel25

You have a right to your opinion though it makes me sick! Our National Anthem is an awesome song about a great historical event observed from a unique vantage point.

McDavid's acceleration and his ability to play hockey at or close to his top speed is something that no one has seen before. But in the end, Hockey is still a team sport and if your team is structured well you will beat players like McDavid more often than not.

I will go further and state its amazing the Flyers are winning this much without a legitimate top line and top pairing defenseman. This is all on Torts, his staff and the buy-in from the players he has to work with.
- jd250

It's absolutely amazing that the Flyers are a .500 team and in the bottom 3rd of the league in the standings. Absolutely amazing.