MM has pneumonia, not sure it was shared

You'd be wrong, then. The puck was usually in the Pittsburgh end of the ice when those three were on the ice together. Had five bonafide scoring chances -- three for Tippett -- and were effective both against Eller's line and Malkin's. That's a good game, even though they didn't score.
- bmeltzer

I was able to go to the game and sat in the 200 level. The one thing I noticed about that line is that Frost can carry the puck in and then dish it off, but the puck very rarely, if ever, was returned back to him. Maybe I'm imaging it, as my eyes re getting old, but it sure seemed like he never received a return pass...

I didn't think they were all that great on Monday but I am not going to pick on Frost today. Instead I am going to go after Tippet, between his mismanagement of the puck in his own end, and the myriad of chances he is not finishing, he has got to raise his game. I really don't like that some games, for example Anaheim, he is all over the ice, and other games he is not. I would like to see more consistency in his play, better puck management in his own end, better awareness of the situation and thus the willingness to make the simple play, and most importantly, start finishing his scoring chances.
- jd250

Not finishing is part of hockey and is not worthy of criticism for poor play. Last game Tippett had 5 individual scoring chances to lead the team. He scored a beautiful backhand goal the previous game. He had no charged giveaways and no plays that led to goals against. Tippett is just going through normal growing pains of a young player and is playing fine overall.

Neither is Torts. But his underlying metrics say that his defensive game is sound. Torts just gets tunnel vision about certain players and it occurred long before he came here. It is what it is.
- MBFlyerfan

Frost is certainly not a defensive stalwart or on the level of a player like Couturier. However, Frost's play away from the puck is every bit as good, if not better than players such as Tippett and Farabee. There is no legit reason to subject Frost to the bench in late game situations. In fact, it should be part of his development process.

You'd be wrong, then. The puck was usually in the Pittsburgh end of the ice when those three were on the ice together. Had five bonafide scoring chances -- three for Tippett -- and were effective both against Eller's line and Malkin's. That's a good game, even though they didn't score.
- bmeltzer

jd250 with a poor analysis of a player or a line in game? Nah, say it's not so.

Again, nothing this season has negated that. Tortorella simply isn't a fan of the player, for whatever his reasons. Probably the same reasons why Mats Zuccarello couldn't stay in Torts' lineup in New York. But his reasons are his own.
- bmeltzer

How Tortorella chooses to use players and what I feel are two different things. I don’t think any of my comments are being unfair. I’m glad Frost has positive numbers while defending. All centers should be responsible defensively. It doesn’t mean it should be Frost’s direct role to close out a game when you have more suited players to do so. Maybe later in the season when games are less important or on the line Frost can be used this way.

MM has pneumonia, not sure it was shared
- wcorvette

That's not good. Hopefully that's all it is and he recovers soon. The sooner he gets over here, the better IMO.

I was able to go to the game and sat in the 200 level. The one thing I noticed about that line is that Frost can carry the puck in and then dish it off, but the puck very rarely, if ever, was returned back to him. Maybe I'm imaging it, as my eyes re getting old, but it sure seemed like he never received a return pass...
- mr4tno

That should change with Brink, Tip is more like a soccer player, he gets the ball and goes into his routine to score, and mostly that is what he needs to do, also why when he gets his shot but misses (save) he loses the puck or holds to long, the line looks like they are in and out of the zone. I hope Brink and Frost can build more chemistry, should lead to better scoring chances for Tip or more tap ins.

Frost is certainly not a defensive stalwart or on the level of a player like Couturier. However, Frost's play away from the puck is every bit as good, if not better than players such as Tippett and Farabee. There is no legit reason to subject Frost to the bench in late game situations. In fact, it should be part of his development process.
- MJL

I disagree. Farabee and Tippett are both wingers for starters. I wasn’t trying to upset any soccer parents but in my opinion right now I’d have Frost focus more on his offense. I think I've read a few times he was our leader scorer at even strength. Five points in fifteen games. He's not lighting the world on fire and at the moment I'd like to see him become that player again.

That should change with Brink, Tip is more like a soccer player, he gets the ball and goes into his routine to score, and mostly that is what he needs to do, also why when he gets his shot but misses (save) he loses the puck or holds to long, the line looks like they are in and out of the zone. I hope Brink and Frost can build more chemistry, should lead to better scoring chances for Tip or more tap ins.
- wcorvette

The next step in Frost's game in my opinion is to add more of a shooting posture to his game. He naturally defaults to playmaking due to his ability to create and pass the puck. That's understandable. If Brink and Frost are going to gel together, I think Frost needs to think shoot more.

I disagree. Farabee and Tippett are both wingers for starters. I wasn’t trying to upset any soccer parents but in my opinion right now I’d have Frost focus more on his offense. I think I've read a few times he was our leader scorer at even strength. Five points in fifteen games. He's not lighting the world on fire and at the moment I'd like to see him become that player again.
- roenick97

SSB, you missed the point. I clearly stated that my post was about late game situations. Such as late in games with a one goal lead. If Tippett, who really isn't that good defensively as well as Farabee, who is normally reliable but certainly not a defensive stalwart, can play in those late game situations. So can Frost. Developing him in those areas and those specific late game situations. Will not prevent him from improving offensively. As a center, the more all around his game is. The more effective of a player Frost can be.

jd250 with a poor analysis of a player or a line in game? Nah, say it's not so.
- MJL

no hockey content. stop trolling cliff. fcs

SSB, you missed the point. I clearly stated that my post was about late game situations. Such as late in games with a one goal lead. If Tippett, who really isn't that good defensively as well as Farabee, who is normally reliable but certainly not a defensive stalwart, can play in those late game situations. So can Frost. Developing him in those areas and those specific late game situations. Will not prevent him from improving offensively. As a center, the more all around his game is. The more effective of a player Frost can be.
- MJL

Wow…

Doesn’t take much to make you cry, does it?

My comments, My posts, have nothing to do with other players. I’d sit Farabee and Tippet late in games too.

It’s unbelievable how protective you guys are over Frost. To the point where this conversation has to turn into the end of a scooby doo episode.

The next step in Frost's game in my opinion is to add more of a shooting posture to his game. He naturally defaults to playmaking due to his ability to create and pass the puck. That's understandable. If Brink and Frost are going to gel together, I think Frost needs to think shoot more.
- MJL

I think that is true, line is just getting going, and I think they get Tip the puck quick and that is where the opportunity comes, Tip shoots. I think on the puck retrieval is where some shots could open up, and I think Tip has to look off the shot and make a few passes. That with Frost shooting more and this line could be good.

I think that is true, line is just getting going, and I think they get Tip the puck quick and that is where the opportunity comes, Tip shoots. I think on the puck retrieval is where some shots could open up, and I think Tip has to look off the shot and make a few passes. That with Frost shooting more and this line could be good.
- wcorvette

I agree, all three have to be threats. I just think with Frost and Brink both being more playmakers. If Tippett is the only shot threat, that is going to make the line easier to defend. If Brink and Frost can work off of each other and be shot threats. That opens up ice for all three on the line. If Brink and Frost are always dangling and holding onto the puck and not getting to high danger areas. That makes it easier to defend Tippett.

You'd be wrong, then. The puck was usually in the Pittsburgh end of the ice when those three were on the ice together. Had five bonafide scoring chances -- three for Tippett -- and were effective both against Eller's line and Malkin's. That's a good game, even though they didn't score.
- bmeltzer

So why did you only clip this sentence? I didn't say they played a bad game, just that they didn't play all that great. The gist of the post was around Tippet's play, and as you rightly pointed out he had three scoring chances and couldn't capitalize on any of them. On top of that, when that line was in their own end their puck management was poor.

The next step in Frost's game in my opinion is to add more of a shooting posture to his game. He naturally defaults to playmaking due to his ability to create and pass the puck. That's understandable. If Brink and Frost are going to gel together, I think Frost needs to think shoot more.
- MJL

Hmmm .. now you have resorted to stealing content that I posted months ago about Frost! Next time be sure to reference my posts when you do this, since I know you keep them all.

Not finishing is part of hockey and is not worthy of criticism for poor play. Last game Tippett had 5 individual scoring chances to lead the team. He scored a beautiful backhand goal the previous game. He had no charged giveaways and no plays that led to goals against. Tippett is just going through normal growing pains of a young player and is playing fine overall.
- MJL

I don't disagree in terms of Tippet's finishing, but I want to see improvement in his overall game. He still misses the net far too many times, and IMO he cost the Flyers a regulation win against Pittsburgh by not making the simple play and flipping the puck down the ice so the Flyers could get a line change.

jd250 with a poor analysis of a player or a line in game? Nah, say it's not so.
- MJL

You'd be wrong then! Bill is stating because the line generated 5 scoring chances they played a good game. I didn't say they didn't play a good game, I just stated I want see Tippet finish more, and whether its recorded in the stats or not, Tippet was a disaster with the puck in his own end and in the neutral zone the entire game. Get your head out of the stat sheets and watch the games!

It’s unbelievable how protective you guys are over Frost. To the point where this conversation has to turn into the end of a scooby doo episode.
- roenick97

I can't wait for the player to be traded to be honest.

Hmmm .. now you have resorted to stealing content that I posted months ago about Frost! Next time be sure to reference my posts when you do this, since I know you keep them all.
- jd250

So why did you only clip this sentence? I didn't say they played a bad game, just that they didn't play all that great. The gist of the post was around Tippet's play, and as you rightly pointed out he had three scoring chances and couldn't capitalize on any of them. On top of that, when that line was in their own end their puck management was poor.
- jd250

When you post that they didn't play all that great. That's not saying that they played a bad game? Bill pointed out that their puck management wasn't poor. If it was, they would've spent most of the time in their own end. Which they didn't.

MM has pneumonia, not sure it was shared
- wcorvette

The pneumonia... or the information? 🤔

I don't disagree in terms of Tippet's finishing, but I want to see improvement in his overall game. He still misses the net far too many times, and IMO he cost the Flyers a regulation win against Pittsburgh by not making the simple play and flipping the puck down the ice so the Flyers could get a line change.
- jd250

This is common complaint about players like Tippett. Most shooters like Tippett miss the net generally around 20-25% of the time. Tippett like any player is not going to be mistake free. I find your criticisms of Tippett generally unfounded.