Sanheim gets the short pass from Konecny and he has a Devil right on him. Couturier is breaking towards the net and has a step on his defender. I don't know if Sanheim was attempting a shot or a pass to Couturier. Couturier is open. A shot could create a rebound for Couturier. Unfortunately, the puck is deflected creating a rush the other way. Those that think Sanheim made a dumb play. What different would you want him to do there?

Sanheim gets the short pass from Konecny and he has a Devil right on him. Couturier is breaking towards the net and has a step on his defender. I don't know if Sanheim was attempting a shot or a pass to Couturier. Couturier is open. A shot could create a rebound for Couturier. Unfortunately, the puck is deflected creating a rush the other way. Those that think Sanheim made a dumb play. What different would you want him to do there?
- MJL

Turn back and settle things down. That was a very low percentage play. A low percentage cross ice pass in a 3 on 3 situation is gonna turn out bad 92% of the time. He forced a play that really wasn't there and got burned. He's now a -7 in the last two games and by far has the worst +/- on the team. Taking way too many chances at inopportune times for my liking. And he sucks as a QB on the PP too. Give Risto or Walker a shot. Too much ice time is starting to really show his warts. Perhaps it wasn't as dumb as it originally looked, but I didn't like the play at all. Foerster looking good! Over 20 minutes of ice time and certainly looks like he belongs. Gonna be ups and downs cause he's young, but looks like a keeper to me.

Turn back and settle things down. That was a very low percentage play. A low percentage cross ice pass in a 3 on 3 situation is gonna turn out bad 92% of the time. He forced a play that really wasn't there and got burned. He's now a -7 in the last two games and by far has the worst +/- on the team. Taking way too many chances at inopportune times for my liking. And he sucks as a QB on the PP too. Give Risto or Walker a shot. Too much ice time is starting to really show his warts.
- Phillywhiteout

He has a man right on him, who is going to ride him to the boards. The play was a pass or shot to the net. That's what he attempted. Couturier was open going to the net. The idea in 3 on 3 OT is to score first. That is not an opportunity that a player should turn back on. I agree with those who state that Sanheim's game has slipped in the last week or so. He made a bad pinch in the first period leading to a rush goal against. The York/Sanheim pairing has been bleeding goals against lately. I agree that it is too much ice time. Neither York nor Sanheim are legit first pair defenseman. Yet that is the de facto first pairing. That's not going to hold up over this season and I knew it wouldn't. However, I don't agree that it was a dumb play. Just an unfortunate one.

Turn back and settle things down. That was a very low percentage play. A low percentage cross ice pass in a 3 on 3 situation is gonna turn out bad 92% of the time. He forced a play that really wasn't there and got burned. He's now a -7 in the last two games and by far has the worst +/- on the team. Taking way too many chances at inopportune times for my liking. And he sucks as a QB on the PP too. Give Risto or Walker a shot. Too much ice time is starting to really show his warts. Perhaps it wasn't as dumb as it originally looked, but I didn't like the play at all. Foerster looking good! Over 20 minutes of ice time and certainly looks like he belongs. Gonna be ups and downs cause he's young, but looks like a keeper to me.
- Phillywhiteout

I agree I didn’t like Sanheim’s play at all in OT. I won’t rag on him to much though, because although he has had some rough games I still see a big improvement over all. I think his usage on the pp is indicative of others not stepping up till this point. I don’t think anyone would argue that Sanheim is a legit pp guy. It’s a work in progress. Both Risto and Walker should and will get more looks.

There is a saying I once heard in carpentry, "caulking hides a multitude of sins". Well last night was a game that the Flyers dominated large portions of, but the elite skill of Jack Hughes and grit of Hishier masked a lot of the Devil issues and got them the two points. But I was really happy with how the Flyers played this game, and was relieved they got at least one point for their effort. If the Flyers play like this and at some point add a Jack hughes, look out!

I agree I didn’t like Sanheim’s play at all in OT. I won’t rag on him to much though, because although he has had some rough games I still see a big improvement over all. I think his usage on the pp is indicative of others not stepping up till this point. I don’t think anyone would argue that Sanheim is a legit pp guy. It’s a work in progress. Both Risto and Walker should and will get more looks.
- landros 2

I thought York looked really good up top on the PP. I was surprised he was not the first out there in OT.

Turn back and settle things down. That was a very low percentage play. A low percentage cross ice pass in a 3 on 3 situation is gonna turn out bad 92% of the time. He forced a play that really wasn't there and got burned. He's now a -7 in the last two games and by far has the worst +/- on the team. Taking way too many chances at inopportune times for my liking. And he sucks as a QB on the PP too. Give Risto or Walker a shot. Too much ice time is starting to really show his warts. Perhaps it wasn't as dumb as it originally looked, but I didn't like the play at all. Foerster looking good! Over 20 minutes of ice time and certainly looks like he belongs. Gonna be ups and downs cause he's young, but looks like a keeper to me.
- Phillywhiteout

I agree with this point, but overall I have been happy with Sanheim. I do believe Torts needs to give the other pairs more minutes, especially Risto and Zamula who I thought overall played well together last night. But in OT, I want York or Walker out there, not Sanheim.

The PP looked better last night, and I was happy with the players Torts put out, especially Frost on the half wall and York up top. However, we have to take into account that the Devils have a really bad PK right now. Let's see if the Flyers can keep improving their PP against better teams. What I liked the most was the quicker passing, getting more pucks on net and looking for one timers.

Amazing how PPs off a bad penalty end up in your net. That's a bad penalty by Frost and the kind that rightfully pisses Torts off.
- Phillywhiteout

This is absolutely correct. However, the problem arises after....a good coach finds a teachable moment. Afterall, that is what good coaches do - teach. With Tortorella it is a 10 game benching....

So sick of Tortorella

Torts trying to push some ridiculous agenda. Talks about owing it to the players to win then benches one of your best ES scorers to prove some ridiculous point.

(frank) that guy, I try to like him, I really do. But he is just a Richard.
- MBFlyerfan

This! 100% this!
I used to kinda like the guy but he is really just a bully with no explanation of why he does what he does.
He does it because he can

I thought York looked really good up top on the PP. I was surprised he was not the first out there in OT.
- jd250

Are you changing your opinion on York? Just a few weeks ago, you posted that you had doubts if York was an NHL defenseman.

The PP looked better last night, and I was happy with the players Torts put out, especially Frost on the half wall and York up top. However, we have to take into account that the Devils have a really bad PK right now. Let's see if the Flyers can keep improving their PP against better teams. What I liked the most was the quicker passing, getting more pucks on net and looking for one timers.
- jd250

Their PP seemed to improve when they started just shooting and getting pucks to the net. I think it was their first PP of the night that was brutal. No one was facing the net in shooting position. They all had their backs to the net and I'm like WTF? I noticed that in preseason games. Is this the coach or the players? Looked better as the night went on. Gotta give the PK credit for killing off that 5 minute GHOST penalty.

This is absolutely correct. However, the problem arises after....a good coach finds a teachable moment. Afterall, that is what good coaches do - teach. With Tortorella it is a 10 game benching....
- mr4tno

Frost needs to play and if he benches him again DB needs to grow a pair. He is the GM after all. At least Torts scratched Staal last night and the defense looked better immediately. Staal needs to go away. I also like that Torts is getting more aggressive as far as letting defenders step up on the play. It freaked me out when I heard that he is teaching the players to be more aggressive , so that they know how to play when the supposed elite talent gets here. Where did that come from?

Their PP seemed to improve when they started just shooting and getting pucks to the net. I think it was their first PP of the night that was brutal. No one was facing the net in shooting position. They all had their backs to the net and I'm like WTF? I noticed that in preseason games. Is this the coach or the players? Looked better as the night went on. Gotta give the PK credit for killing off that 5 minute GHOST penalty.
- Phillywhiteout

That's the only time that their PP looks good. The Flyers don't have the skill to do what a team like NJ does on the PP. With Jack Hughes roaming around the ice, making plays. With high level PP defenseman like Luke Hughes and Hamilton working the points. They have to have a shooting PP with traffic at the net. Getting pucks at the net. Their first PP was exactly how you described it. Not one player in the first minute threatened the net. Put it this way, why is Foerster, with his shot, working the half wall in the "Giroux" spot. Rather than set up in a shooting spot or off puck getting set up for one timers with his shot? I know he hasn't scored much but PP set up is not his game. He is a shooter.

Frost needs to play and if he benches him again DB needs to grow a pair. He is the GM after all. At least Torts scratched Staal last night and the defense looked better immediately. Staal needs to go away. I also like that Torts is getting more aggressive as far as letting defenders step up on the play. It freaked me out when I heard that he is teaching the players to be more aggressive , so that they know how to play when the supposed elite talent gets here. Where did that come from?
- Phillywhiteout

He benched Farabee, who has been really good all season after just two shifts for a play that was not that all egregious. Tortorella is an bumhole. He is not happy unless he is getting on somebody. Just a cranky old coach.

Their PP seemed to improve when they started just shooting and getting pucks to the net. I think it was their first PP of the night that was brutal. No one was facing the net in shooting position. They all had their backs to the net and I'm like WTF? I noticed that in preseason games. Is this the coach or the players? Looked better as the night went on. Gotta give the PK credit for killing off that 5 minute GHOST penalty.
- Phillywhiteout

They actually moved their feet and seemed to have a purpose. They tried for looks at mismatches down low and at least got the puck to the net. It’s a start I guess. Oh and they actually won some face offs to get it started. It really on the PPs where you see the Flyers need for that high end skill that they lack…other teams have.
The PK was great…and ya Torts had a reason to be pissed on the Hathaway penalty…maybe a two minute minute penalty at the most in the new and improved pansy NHL.

That's the only time that their PP looks good. The Flyers don't have the skill to do what a team like NJ does on the PP. With Jack Hughes roaming around the ice, making plays. With high level PP defenseman like Luke Hughes and Hamilton working the points. They have to have a shooting PP with traffic at the net. Getting pucks at the net. Their first PP was exactly how you described it. Not one player in the first minute threatened the net. Put it this way, why is Foerster, with his shot, working the half wall in the "Giroux" spot. Rather than set up in a shooting spot or off puck getting set up for one timers with his shot? I know he hasn't scored much but PP set up is not his game. He is a shooter.
- MJL

Yeah, more and more I'm starting to think it's the coach. Seems like a simple thing to execute in getting pucks and bodies to the net. That is where Sanheim seems to struggle (getting pucks through from the point). I'd give York, Walker and yes even Risto chances to see what they can do.

He benched Farabee, who has been really good all season after just two shifts for a play that was not that all egregious. Tortorella is an bumhole. He is not happy unless he is getting on somebody. Just a cranky old coach.
- MJL

I just don't get that at all. The kid probably came back from injury too quick last season and he's been playing well all this season. You can't bench him after one blunder especially after Hathaway was thrown out of the game. Not a good way to manage.

They actually moved their feet and seemed to have a purpose. They tried for looks at mismatches down low and at least got the puck to the net. It’s a start I guess. Oh and they actually won some face offs to get it started. It really on the PPs where you see the Flyers need for that high end skill that they lack…other teams have.
The PK was great…and ya Torts had a reason to be pissed on the Hathaway penalty…maybe a two minute minute penalty at the most in the new and improved pansy NHL.
- landros 2

Ha ha, I thought Torts was gonna jump on the ice and roundhouse that ref!! Would have probably made lots of folks on here happy cause he would have been promptly dismissed from his duties as coach.

Yeah, more and more I'm starting to think it's the coach. Seems like a simple thing to execute in getting pucks and bodies to the net. That is where Sanheim seems to struggle (getting pucks through from the point). I'd give York, Walker and yes even Risto chances to see what they can do.
- Phillywhiteout

Perception is not always reality


GF/60 on the PP

Sanheim 5.82
York 1.33
Walker 1.96

There is a saying I once heard in carpentry, "caulking hides a multitude of sins". Well last night was a game that the Flyers dominated large portions of, but the elite skill of Jack Hughes and grit of Hishier masked a lot of the Devil issues and got them the two points. But I was really happy with how the Flyers played this game, and was relieved they got at least one point for their effort. If the Flyers play like this and at some point add a Jack hughes, look out!
- jd250

Jack Hughes is an exceptional, young, gifted player and top 5 player in this league after only a couple of seasons. they don't grow on trees. How do you just add a Jack Hughes? Unless you are meaning Michkov, but we don't really know what we have with him, and won't for a couple of years...more likely 5 years until we see Michkov becoming a star.

You can't just add a Jack Hughes like that (snap).

Perception is not always reality


GF/60 on the PP

Sanheim 5.82
York 1.33
Walker 1.96
- MJL

I guess? Cause the games that I have seen it looks like he either misses the net or he shoots it right into somebody. Doesn't seem to change the angle of his shot to get it through.

I guess? Cause the games that I have seen it looks like he either misses the net or he shoots it right into somebody. Doesn't seem to change the angle of his shot to get it through.
- Phillywhiteout

The Flyers PP had a good night last game but overall, it is not good. That means that changes are warranted. I just don't understand why so many want the defenseman who has been the best at it for the Flyers, is the guy they want to remove. In favor of players who haven't been as good at it. It's just the narrative of how some players are viewed.

I don't know why Farabee was benched all game tbh but I just want Torts to stop (frank)ing with them like that. Put 4 lines together and let them cook for some games and develop some chemistry. Torts is flying by the seat of his pants every night trying to seem like he's smarter than he is by mixing everything up so much but these guys just need to learn where each other are going to be so that third guy can stay open while 2 dig the puck out. You notice every team has a support guy perpendicular to the puck so at any time it can be kicked out to a guy at a right angle we dont have that kind of thinking in our battles we just try to out number. Torts is an amazing X’s and O’s systems coach but his lineup choices and head games border on both inept and unprofessional tbh.

Off of Reddit, but I agree with this.

Torts is going to be out of here sooner than later. He keeps playing head games, and that is not what either Jones or DB want. Jones is talking accountability and making the Flyers a destination for players to want to come again...creating an atmosphere and team environment... the class of the league. Playing head games and developing trust issues with your starting lineup doesn't seem to fall in line with that. Anyone who has seen Torts' act before knows he is already starting to wear on the players and it is only a matter of time before GMDB and POHO get tired of defending Torts and his vision.

Would any coach of a true contender..the Avs, Vegas, etc....bench 2nd line players for whole games? Would they scratch a top 6 forward for grinders? No, they wouldn't. It may not be this season, but I don't see Torts making it through his contract.