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

And again they are watchable….when some of the kids like Foerster, Brink and Gauthier arrive at least they are coming into a system where by they have a defined role and expectation. I don’t know if Torts will be around when they are actually a legit contending team, but he’ll have been responsible for at least getting them pointed in the right direction.

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.
- jd250

LOL, I did not state or imply in any way that Frost still does not have inconsistency in his play. He is still a developing player in his 2nd full NHL season. He has overcome the issue with moving his feet. Last night there was tons of space and time. Edmonton doesn't offer much resistance defensively. Frost played well but still have to consider the situation. Overall, the Flyers should score more than one goal against that team.

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

So you thought and are on record as to believing that coming into this season, this team, with this roster should be a lot better than they currently are?

And again they are watchable….when some of the kids like Foerster, Brink and Gauthier arrive at least they are coming into a system where by they have a defined role and expectation. I don’t know if Torts will be around when they are actually a legit contending team, but he’ll have been responsible for at least getting them pointed in the right direction.
- landros 2

Plus the Flyers will get a good player in the top 10 of this draft plus 2 first round picks next season. The only thing that could completely screw this up is Fletcher deciding not to sell all he can at the deadline and off-season because he continues to cling to the pipe-dream that this roster with just a few more tweaks is good enough to contend. I would feel so much better if Fletcher were just removed from the equation all together.

And again they are watchable….when some of the kids like Foerster, Brink and Gauthier arrive at least they are coming into a system where by they have a defined role and expectation. I don’t know if Torts will be around when they are actually a legit contending team, but he’ll have been responsible for at least getting them pointed in the right direction.
- landros 2

It's hard in the salary cap era, to be a contending team. Withhout bottoming out for a couple of seasons.

Plus the Flyers will get a good player in the top 10 of this draft plus 2 first round picks next season. The only thing that could completely screw this up is Fletcher deciding not to sell all he can at the deadline and off-season because he continues to cling to the pipe-dream that this roster with just a few more tweaks is good enough to contend. I would feel so much better if Fletcher were just removed from the equation all together.
- jd250

I think some folks are assuming that the drafting and developing has magically corrected itself. I do not trust this team to execute any personnel moves effectively at this point. They definitely need to make a believer out of me. I am a 100% doubter at this point.

oo

LOL, I did not state or imply in any way that Frost still does not have inconsistency in his play. He is still a developing player in his 2nd full NHL season. He has overcome the issue with moving his feet. Last night there was tons of space and time. Edmonton doesn't offer much resistance defensively. Frost played well but still have to consider the situation. Overall, the Flyers should score more than one goal against that team.
- MJL

Yes, this statement I agree with. TK is squeezing his stick, not sure how Cates missed that chance near the end of regulation, and honestly Hayes' goal was kind of lucky since it deflected off the defenseman's stick. The PP is in complete shambles. This is that lack of top-end talent rearing its ugly head again. Until this is addressed the Flyers will be entertaining but will always fall short in the end.

Best game as a Flyer for Morgan Frost in my opinion. Has nothing to do with the shootout goal. He was engaged on every shift! Torts get lots of creds too. The Oil live off of their dynamic PP and they have drawn the most PP's in the league. The fact that the Flyers gave them no PP's is creds to Tort's coaching. This team is engaged almost every night which is a breath of fresh air from the last few seasons. I still want this team to SELL at the deadline though.
- Phillywhiteout

besides McD, Frost was very noticeable, the little plays he makes in tight, in the D zone or O zone are very good, he anticipates the puck well and anticipates the pressure well

So you thought and are on record as to believing that coming into this season, this team, with this roster should be a lot better than they currently are?
- jd250

Trying to sort through this word salad..

It seems to me he is on record as believing this team is a lot worse than its record, and that it is unbelievable they are at hockey .500

the sarcasm in his post is pretty evident to me at least

When does a Dman get annoited as a top pair worthy? Certain amount of games? Multiple seasons? Everything I see from York suggests top pair Dman. I have no clue why he is not on the PK regularly, but his even strength work in the defensive zone suggests he should be fine. I would assume the teams record is over .500 sine York was recalled. Maybe just a coincidence.

It's hard in the salary cap era, to be a contending team. Withhout bottoming out for a couple of seasons.
- THE EVIL WITHIN

I just don’t see it happening…last year, to me, was as bad as they could ever be with that lineup. Fletcher has continued to double down and sign guys that he saw as long term solutions. That’s not the moves of a team heading for a tank.

I just don’t see it happening…last year, to me, was as bad as they could ever be with that lineup. Fletcher has continued to double down and sign guys that he saw as long term solutions. That’s not the moves of a team heading for a tank.
- landros 2

I think it is hard for a team to tank with a top 10 goalie or better. I remember a Sabres team lacking in talent, but Hasek in goal. Not suggesting Hart is Hasek, but the goalie can cover up a teams shortcomings over a season. If Sandstrom was the #1 goalie this year, notba stretch to assume the team has 12-15 points less right now.

I think your account got hacked.
- rayc16

I was thinking the same thing. That's literally the first positive post that he's ever made on here. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, but it never happened.

besides McD, Frost was very noticeable, the little plays he makes in tight, in the D zone or O zone are very good, he anticipates the puck well and anticipates the pressure well
- wcorvette

imagine if he learned to move his feet

Yes, this statement I agree with. TK is squeezing his stick, not sure how Cates missed that chance near the end of regulation, and honestly Hayes' goal was kind of lucky since it deflected off the defenseman's stick. The PP is in complete shambles. This is that lack of top-end talent rearing its ugly head again. Until this is addressed the Flyers will be entertaining but will always fall short in the end.
- jd250

They should just start declining penalties. Yes, it's that embarrassing right now. They simply don't have anyone that can carry the puck into the zone and maintain possession to set things up on the PP. I was hoping this issue with TK was gone, but he still has these bouts where he seems to totally lose his confidence.

I think some folks are assuming that the drafting and developing has magically corrected itself. I do not trust this team to execute any personnel moves effectively at this point. They definitely need to make a believer out of me. I am a 100% doubter at this point.
- mickel25

The thing is, I like Brent Flahr and think he is a good drafter. I mean he has drafted a lot of players that have a chance to come in here and make an impact. We'll see how they ultimately develop but clearly the Flyers have some good potential coming up through their system. I wish he would keep Flahr and just dump Fletcher.

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

Is it though? When you look at the team as whole, my first instinct is to say the same. However, when you breakdown the contributing factors like this board has with names like Cates, Tippett, Seeler and yes, even Ristolainen. It looks like we actually have players. Nothing was expected of the players I named.

So you thought and are on record as to believing that coming into this season, this team, with this roster should be a lot better than they currently are?
- jd250

Neither.

Plus the Flyers will get a good player in the top 10 of this draft plus 2 first round picks next season. The only thing that could completely screw this up is Fletcher deciding not to sell all he can at the deadline and off-season because he continues to cling to the pipe-dream that this roster with just a few more tweaks is good enough to contend. I would feel so much better if Fletcher were just removed from the equation all together.
- jd250

You've gone on and on at how the Flyers need to have a top 5 pick. Consideration has to be given that when making trades, the other team has to agree to the trade.

besides McD, Frost was very noticeable, the little plays he makes in tight, in the D zone or O zone are very good, he anticipates the puck well and anticipates the pressure well
- wcorvette

He's really playing with confidence right now and it's a pleasure to watch. He really does have some sneaky slick moves when he's playing this way.

besides McD, Frost was very noticeable, the little plays he makes in tight, in the D zone or O zone are very good, he anticipates the puck well and anticipates the pressure well
- wcorvette

Frost has been doing that all season.

We as outsiders talk like Torts has no idea. He’s winging it and deserves no credit. It’s undeniable that he’s a successful coach in this league. If you listen to his press conferences, he always talks as if he’s working on something or working with someone to improve something. He’s a boss and as the boss, the players have to do what he says. So what credit do some of you think he deserves because the players that we had no expectations of are responding well.

Frost has been doing that all season.
- MJL

.

correct, it is a thing most don't notice. It appears the kid is an NHL player, I look forward to seeing him in his prime.

He's really playing with confidence right now and it's a pleasure to watch. He really does have some sneaky slick moves when he's playing this way.
- Phillywhiteout

yes