Versus the flawed player development of many softer teams by not teaching or requiring talented players to backcheck? I'm not saying he's gotta be a checking center, but Defensive responsible does not have to come at the cost of points.

It's a moot point til he gets here and we see where he is, but it's also worth noting he's not a finished product yet.
- flylerid

I would tell him to score, other 4 guys on ice can play defense. We want him scaring teams like MAC whenever he gets on the ice is what we should aim for. His defensive game can come later but we want him scoring. I think of Ovie in his first few years, he didn't play defense at all but he hit people and scored goals.

Versus the flawed player development of many softer teams by not teaching or requiring talented players to backcheck? I'm not saying he's gotta be a checking center, but Defensive responsible does not have to come at the cost of points.

It's a moot point til he gets here and we see where he is, but it's also worth noting he's not a finished product yet.
- flylerid

You missed the point or maybe I didn't explain it well enough. It's not that other teams don't teach or require talented player to backcheck. It's that they don't take away their strengths or put them in a situation where they can't use their strengths as a player and tell them until you learn how to back check, you won't be put in the best position for you. You have to learn to back check first. The Flyers in their archaic methods, do it backwards. Let the player flourish by using his strengths as a player, keep his confidence and have some success. Along the way, we'll work on his all around game. That's modern day player development. Of course then there is the archaic old school methods of Tortorella that come into play. Making it even worse.

It would be nice to see Michkov come over now. But I think the best thing for him is to develop over there. Michkov getting here early sounds like a lot of hopium.He’d do well to develop his overall game and get stronger. Most likely he won’t be a physical player but he needs to get stronger to survive the rigors of the NHL.

You missed the point or maybe I didn't explain it well enough. It's not that other teams don't teach or require talented player to backcheck. It's that they don't take away their strengths or put them in a situation where they can't use their strengths as a player and tell them until you learn how to back check, you won't be put in the best position for you. You have to learn to back check first. The Flyers in their archaic methods, do it backwards. Let the player flourish by using his strengths as a player, keep his confidence and have some success. Along the way, we'll work on his all around game. That's modern day player development. Of course then there is the archaic old school methods of Tortorella that come into play. Making it even worse.
- MJL

you're right. yzerman was a flashy goal scorer until scotty bowman got him to play a more defensive game. what did that get him? just a few stanley cups...

is there really any need for the unprovoked attack?
- hello it's me 2050

When you lean in for a kiss. Make sure you go all tongue. You’ll both love it.

You missed the point or maybe I didn't explain it well enough. It's not that other teams don't teach or require talented player to backcheck. It's that they don't take away their strengths or put them in a situation where they can't use their strengths as a player and tell them until you learn how to back check, you won't be put in the best position for you. You have to learn to back check first. The Flyers in their archaic methods, do it backwards. Let the player flourish by using his strengths as a player, keep his confidence and have some success. Along the way, we'll work on his all around game. That's modern day player development. Of course then there is the archaic old school methods of Tortorella that come into play. Making it even worse.
- MJL

Mhm. Each player is specialized today. Use a tool for the job it was made.

Would it be nice if he back checked? Sure. I hope he can contribute and break up some plays. As he plays, he’ll learn to do that better with good coaching. Is that his initial focus? No. Don’t be silly.

Sorry old-timers. You’ve got specialized scorers amidst your defenders and 200ft players now, and modern coaches play to those advantages when they can. That’s the way it is. Not everyone is a Swiss Army Knife.

This kids a bomb, not a moat. They’re both useful, but he makes or protects leads by adding more offense. He doesn’t stifle a siege.

At least not at first. He’ll get there. First let him grown an affinity for scoring at the NHL level consistently. Then we can work on the intangibles.

Waddell out as GM in Carolina. Tulsky named interim GM, which is very interesting. Waddell has been rumored to have interviewed with Columbus.
- Trox88

Good, maybe the new GM will get Rod some players that will help win the cup. Some say it was the players fault they keep losing in the playoffs.

When you lean in for a kiss. Make sure you go all tongue. You’ll both love it.
- roenick97

my man lamont, any plans this weekend? any BBQ action?

my man lamont, any plans this weekend? any BBQ action?
- hello it's me 2050

There he is.

I don’t care what your intentions were, that got me hungry. Haven’t grabbed lunch yet.

Tell me, has the greater Philadelphia area stepped up their BBQ action, or is it like here in Maryland - a dearth of quality brisket and without a solid slab of ribs to be found on the map.

There he is.

I don’t care what your intentions were, that got me hungry. Haven’t grabbed lunch yet.

Tell me, has the greater Philadelphia area stepped up their BBQ action, or is it like here in Maryland - a dearth of quality brisket and without a solid slab of ribs to be found on the map.
- Hesh_

compared to other areas it lack. That being said it is solid.

big daddys in Ridley is good. Sweet lucys on state road was solid though havent had in a long time. amish at booths corner has good ribs as well.

Sucks when you’re technically passed the Mason Dixon line, but not far enough down that they put any soul in their food.

The BBQ is ho hum. The pizza is a disgrace. They can’t even slap together a good hoagie. This bread, I’m tellin ya.

But the other cultures? They represent.

The best pizza around here offers a butter chicken gravy with chunks of meat as an alternative to tomato sauce.

I know. I know. It speaks as poorly to their pizza scene as much as it is a nod to their south Asian cuisine.

I think I’m gonna order in some biriyani.

And the conditions weren't met.
- MBFlyerfan

granted ... but the point is the Flyers can get a decent package back for TK, but its not going to be as much as some people think because of his pending contract.

compared to other areas it lack. That being said it is solid.

big daddys in Ridley is good. Sweet lucys on state road was solid though havent had in a long time. amish at booths corner has good ribs as well.
- hello it's me 2050

Ty. I’ll take note for when I visit home.

Ooh. That reminds me. Haven’t had anything by the Amish in a hot minute, and I’ve got some people way out in Reading, too. I cross through that area on my way up and down 222 and 83.

Personally I hope not. It was an experiment in preseason by their idiot coach that was for like 3 games, who then (IMO) held his lack of success against him when he didn't produce at an unfamiliar position. (sound familiar?)

Once he was sent to Sochi he was back at wing where he belongs.

The Flyers IMO need to set up the entire franchise to benefit this kid in any way possible. Play him where he is most comfortable, implement a system that most benefits his style of play, and on and on. They need to run the whole thing through him as the tip of the spear.
- MBFlyerfan

Ha ha.

The link you posted a few days ago about MM. Nice article, nice clips (esp the last one, where he does an about turn near the boards at center ice 🤣), but there was a statement there that ... The Flyers have set up their scheme of play especially the transition game to prepare for the arrival of MM.

What a hoot. To believe this franchise would display such long term planning!

you're right. yzerman was a flashy goal scorer until scotty bowman got him to play a more defensive game. what did that get him? just a few stanley cups...

- anti-lame

Yeah, but he let him be a flashy goal scorer and developed his defensive game along the way. Torts would have him on the 4th line playing with Deslauriers and Hathaway from the start.

Mhm. Each player is specialized today. Use a tool for the job it was made.

Would it be nice if he back checked? Sure. I hope he can contribute and break up some plays. As he plays, he’ll learn to do that better with good coaching. Is that his initial focus? No. Don’t be silly.

Sorry old-timers. You’ve got specialized scorers amidst your defenders and 200ft players now, and modern coaches play to those advantages when they can. That’s the way it is. Not everyone is a Swiss Army Knife.

This kids a bomb, not a moat. They’re both useful, but he makes or protects leads by adding more offense. He doesn’t stifle a siege.

At least not at first. He’ll get there. First let him grown an affinity for scoring at the NHL level consistently. Then we can work on the intangibles.
- Hesh_

Yeah, but he let him be a flashy goal scorer and developed his defensive game along the way. Torts would have him on the 4th line playing with Deslauriers and Hathaway from the start.
- MBFlyerfan

He's so clueless that he doesn't realize that the example he offered supported my point. Hysterical.

Yeah, but he let him be a flashy goal scorer and developed his defensive game along the way. Torts would have him on the 4th line playing with Deslauriers and Hathaway from the start.
- MBFlyerfan

A Lidstrom would be nice. Hell, I’ll take a Larry Murphy while we’re at it.

I would tell him to score, other 4 guys on ice can play defense. We want him scaring teams like MAC whenever he gets on the ice is what we should aim for. His defensive game can come later but we want him scoring. I think of Ovie in his first few years, he didn't play defense at all but he hit people and scored goals.
- Flyerloon

If you are expecting MM to be MAC or OVIE you are going to be greatly disappointed. Those guys are big physical skilled players..MM is more a finesse style player who should be a very very good player but not of the elite dominant level.

Yeah, but he let him be a flashy goal scorer and developed his defensive game along the way. Torts would have him on the 4th line playing with Deslauriers and Hathaway from the start.
- MBFlyerfan

Tort’s isn’t that dumb that he will ruin MM. nothing hockey related, but just what he will have to go through to get here. He will let him play.

Bowman wasn’t even with Detroit during those “flashy” early years- he was winning cups with Pittsburgh - so bowman didn’t “let” Yzerman do anything of the sort. Yzerman was playing for 10 years before bowman even got there. He saw the player he was when he got there and pushed him to add to his game. Results speak for themselves.

Sucks when you’re technically passed the Mason Dixon line, but not far enough down that they put any soul in their food.

The BBQ is ho hum. The pizza is a disgrace. They can’t even slap together a good hoagie. This bread, I’m tellin ya.

But the other cultures? They represent.

The best pizza around here offers a butter chicken gravy with chunks of meat as an alternative to tomato sauce.

I know. I know. It speaks as poorly to their pizza scene as much as it is a nod to their south Asian cuisine.

I think I’m gonna order in some biriyani.
- Hesh_

For a Reading area guy, you sure have ethnic tastes.

Speaking of Reading, that Greek jamboree they have, it is not that good. The spanakopita is dry, the gelatoporeko is not as custardy as it should be.

The best non-high end food in northern cities now is South American or Asian. Zillions of options in Philly - food the best its ever been.

About the biryani. Get yourself an instant pot. Indian food bought locally here in the USA (outside of Queens and Edison) sucks. I ams sure your Tamil ex and her family will concur.

In India, they seal the pot shut with a flour paste around the rims in the local versions. Instant pot takes the hassle out of it.

I make biryani all the time. The important thing is to marinate the chicken and get extra long grain rice.

Here is the basic recipe for a 6 quater IP. Never mind all the cashews and raisins and all that crap you find online. Never mind the fried onion garnish.

1. Marinate 2 lbs chicken (doesn't really matter which cut but preferably boneless, cut into 1 inch chunks) in yogurt (full fat), salt, turmeric, pinch kashmiri red chilli (make sure it is kashmiri; Gochugaru will do as well, not the the red chili you find in Indian stores), 1/2 tsp of garam masala, 2 tsp ginger and garlic paste, and keep it overnight.

2. Grind 1/4 stick of cinnamon, 2 cloves, 4 cardamom pods in a coffee grinder.

3. Get some good quaklity saffron. Take a teaspeon and let sit in 1/4 cup of lukewarm water while the rest of the dish is being made.

4. Wash 2-3 cups extra long grain rice. Soak it in water while you do the next few steps.

5. Turn IP to saute. Put on some fat that has a high smoke point: Ghee/Avocado, sunflower oil.

6. Fry RED onions for a few mins till softened.

4. Add a teaspoon oil on one side of pot. Add the spices on it and let them fry/bloom for NO MORE than 20 seconds. Mix with onion.

7. Add marinated chicken, avoiding the drip liquids from the marinade. If needed, saute in batches, about 2 mins each side.

8. Switch off saute, Spread rice evenly on top of chicken. DO NOT STIR.

7. Put IP in high pressure for 7 mins. Quick release.

9. Take off lid. Mix rice and meat pieces, while stirring in saffrom milk.

10. Thank me here in a post-orgasmic glow.

EDIT: I see I messed up the numbers. NVM. But what is important is that the red onions should be sliced thn. NOT CHOPPED!!

He's so clueless that he doesn't realize that the example he offered supported my point. Hysterical.

- MJL

Wrong again, basement-dweller 😆

Do you even know when bowman got to Detroit? Yzerman played for 10 years before bowman even got there. but yeah, he "let" him develop his offensive game Hysterical.

Stick to Star Wars

If you are expecting MM to be MAC or OVIE you are going to be greatly disappointed. Those guys are big physical skilled players..MM is more a finesse style player who should be a very very good player but not of the elite dominant level.
- hfc355

Not *expecting* that at all. I never expect that. I grow a little more hopeful if he’s touted to the extremes of Lindros, Crosby, or McDavid, but he’s not that.

I’d be pretty thrilled having someone who can put the puck in the net or steer an offense, though. I don’t see one of those here.

We’re hoping for an all-star one day and maybe we’ll get more. That’s fine.

There have been some impressive finesse guys, too. Tell me you wouldn’t love a shiny new Kucherov.

Is it probable? Nah. But it’s possible.

You might even get super lucky with a Datsyuk, but I’m certainly not holding my breath. No way.

He’s got moves like him, though. Eyesight and handles, too. I can’t pretend I don’t see that in the limited tape available.

But yeah. No. Not holding my breath. Just hopeful for some godforsaken change.

If I'm Farabee or Frost I would have immediately called my agent after that Capitals game to pursue a path to get moved to a new team.

On another note, the Flyers unfortunately for being a team bereft of top tier skill and star power are absolutely set up horribly from a cap perspective. They're most likely stuck with the contracts of both Couturier and Ristolainen. Moving either one of those two players would definitely bring back unwanted assets and cap hits to make them workable for other teams. So like it or not they'll be Flyers for the foreseeable future.

Farabee's contract is actually one of the better ones especially considering the term. Remember he's only 24 so the Flyers essentially have him locked in at a reasonable hit as he goes plays through his best years.

For a Reading area guy, you sure have ethnic tastes.

Speaking of Reading, that Greek jamboree they have, it is not that good. The spanakopita is dry, the gelatoporeko is not as custardy as it should be.

The best non-high end food in northern cities now is South American or Asian. Zillions of options in Philly - food the best its ever been.

About the biryani. Get yourself an instant pot. Indian food bought locally here in the USA (outside of Queens and Edison) sucks. I ams sure your Tamil ex and her family will concur.

In India, they seal the pot shut with a flour paste around the rims in the local versions. Instant pot takes the hassle out of it.

I make biryani all the time. The important thing is to marinate the chicken and get extra long grain rice.

Here is the basic recipe for a 6 quater IP. Never mind all the cashews and raisins and all that crap you find online. Never mind the fried onion garnish.

1. Marinate 2 lbs chicken (doesn't really matter which cut but preferably boneless, cut into 1 inch chunks) in yogurt (full fat), salt, turmeric, pinch kashmiri red chilli (make sure it is kashmiri; Gochugaru will do as well, not the the red chili you find in Indian stores), 1/2 tsp of garam masala, 2 tsp ginger and garlic paste, and keep it overnight.

2. Grind 1/4 stick of cinnamon, 2 cloves, 4 cardamom pods in a coffee grinder.

3. Get some good quaklity saffron. Take a teaspeon and let sit in 1/4 cup of lukewarm water while the rest of the dish is being made.

4. Wash 2-3 cups extra long grain rice. Soak it in water while you do the next few steps.

5. Turn IP to saute. Put on some fat that has a high smoke point: Ghee/Avocado, sunflower oil.

6. Fry RED onions for a few mins till softened.

4. Add a teaspoon oil on one side of pot. Add the spices on it and let them fry/bloom for NO MORE than 20 seconds. Mix with onion.

7. Add marinated chicken, avoiding the drip liquids from the marinade. If needed, saute in batches, about 2 mins each side.

8. Switch off saute, Spread rice evenly on top of chicken. DO NOT STIR.

7. Put IP in high pressure for 7 mins. Quick release.

9. Take off lid. Mix rice and meat pieces, while stirring in saffrom milk.

10. Thank me here in a post-orgasmic glow.

EDIT: I see I messed up the numbers. NVM. But what is important is that the red onions should be sliced thn. NOT CHOPPED!!
- PT21

Sounds good. You’re making me hungry. I don’t think I’ve ever had Indian food that I didn’t like. Maybe I just don’t know what really good Indian tastes like?