Just a little speculation. Anyone wonder if Torts told Michkov to calm down because he was getting penalties and playing with an edge and now he looks very tentative out there and unsure. Or is it just a rookie walk? Or maybe he’s getting yanked around with different linemates?
- mikeyo27

To me, it's just something that you have to expect. Slumps are going to happen. A good coach would just keep putting him out there. Rather than having him play the least amount of 5 on 5 minutes on the team. Imagine that, behind for pretty much the entire game and you don't play one of your most talented offensive players? That's quality coaching.

The hamsters have been replaced!!

What is going on with the Flyers powerplay? Isn’t their crack team of consultants working around the clock to fix the issue?
- StepfordSam

The PP versus the Kings in the third period was the worst in franchise history. 🤢🤮

Looks like I missed a stinker of a game. Glad to see Hockeybuzz is back though. It was a tough week with the Flyers playing so badly and no place to complain about it.

Flyers are heading in the direction to have the most goals against in the entire league! They just passed the tanking Sharks for second worst. Pens is still the worst because of their loose start.

Flyers are heading in the direction to have the most goals against in the entire league! They just passed the tanking Sharks for second worst. Pens is still the worst because of their loose start.
- THE EVIL WITHIN

Haven't played the same amount of games. When the stats update, I'm pretty sure it's going to show the Flyers have the highest GA/GP in the league. Along with the fewest wins in regulation in the league, tied with the Sharks

In honor of Festivus, it's time to air our grievances. Risto is a 3rd pair mediocre D man at best. Torts is an evil, archaic, manipulative dinosaur, the Flyers are stuck in the 70s, Jonesy is an overrated cheerleader, DB is a Chuckles lackey, Clarkie and the old boys still run the team, Frosty is the next coming of Gretzky if Torts wasn't his coach, the Flyers only rely on grizzled vets like Hathaway, etc. Chris Stewart set us back for decades. Did I miss anything?

To me, it's just something that you have to expect. Slumps are going to happen. A good coach would just keep putting him out there. Rather than having him play the least amount of 5 on 5 minutes on the team. Imagine that, behind for pretty much the entire game and you don't play one of your most talented offensive players? That's quality coaching.
- MJL

I couldn’t agreed with you more. It’s mind boggling how this team is run.

Torts is over managing the team, it is ok to put lines in situational scenarios but he does it way too much, why you have guys like Ryan P getting to much ice time. I think we know Ryan P is a 4th liner, he does not have the hands to be more, but he continues to get more than his shift, when the team is down. Just stop already, I don’t blame Torts for wanting to win, it is his job, but try by playing your talent. I will say MM looks slow right now.

I have seen enough of Drysdale. Kid has absolutely zero hockey IQ. I really don’t think he is going to develop much and is what is. A plus skater that can’t defend and zero hockey sense.

In regards to Michkov he's a 19 year old kid who is in a new country, learning a new language, playing in the best league in the world against fully grown men and possibly still grieving or missing his dad especially this time of year.

just my 2 cents. YMMV.

by the way, I don't in any way see how this site is "better than ever". still the same clunky formatting. Maybe I need to use a different browser.

To me, it's just something that you have to expect. Slumps are going to happen. A good coach would just keep putting him out there. Rather than having him play the least amount of 5 on 5 minutes on the team. Imagine that, behind for pretty much the entire game and you don't play one of your most talented offensive players? That's quality coaching.
- MJL

Torts is gonna Torts. Guy can’t get out of his own way at times.

Torts is over managing the team, it is ok to put lines in situational scenarios but he does it way too much, why you have guys like Ryan P getting to much ice time. I think we know Ryan P is a 4th liner, he does not have the hands to be more, but he continues to get more than his shift, when the team is down. Just stop already, I don’t blame Torts for wanting to win, it is his job, but try by playing your talent. I will say MM looks slow right now.
- wcorvette

I agree, Tortorella is losing this team. Quickly

I have seen enough of Drysdale. Kid has absolutely zero hockey IQ. I really don’t think he is going to develop much and is what is. A plus skater that can’t defend and zero hockey sense.
- Flyfly

I can understand this thinking in the past but not after last nights game. Overall, Drysdale was really good last night. He made one mistake on the Crosby EN goal but he was put in a really bad spot. All 5 other Flyers were in the corner and he no other option but to try and put the puck back in the corner. Great play by Crosby to seal off the wall and a fortunate bounce for them.

In regards to Michkov he's a 19 year old kid who is in a new country, learning a new language, playing in the best league in the world against fully grown men and possibly still grieving or missing his dad especially this time of year.

just my 2 cents. YMMV.

by the way, I don't in any way see how this site is "better than ever". still the same clunky formatting. Maybe I need to use a different browser.
- Briere

Seriously, he has been having a really good season offensively and clearly has been the best rookie in the league. None of those issues are a factor with the exception of playing in the best league in the world.

Seriously, he has been having a really good season offensively and clearly has been the best rookie in the league. None of those issues are a factor with the exception of playing in the best league in the world.
- MJL

I'm just referring to his recent slump. He has been terrific the rest of the season.

I'm just referring to his recent slump. He has been terrific the rest of the season.
- Briere

So just recently the effects of being 19, his Father dying and not speaking the language have kicked in but weren't present previously?

By the way, he is 20 now.

So just recently the effects of being 19, his Father dying and not speaking the language have kicked in but weren't present previously?

By the way, he is 20 now.
- MJL

Have a nice christmas!

Have a nice christmas!
- Briere

You also. Merry Christmas.

Honestly, it's just the expected and normal ups and downs and growing pains of a young developing player. No need to make it into more.

MM with the least amount of minutes of the forward group. Is a healthy scratch up next?
- furio16

Nah, they don't play again until Saturday. He just needs a break, and he will be getting one this week.

You also. Merry Christmas.

Honestly, it's just the expected and normal ups and downs and growing pains of a young developing player. No need to make it into more.
- MJL

agree

Nah, they don't play again until Saturday. He just needs a break, and he will be getting one this week.
- MBFlyerfan

I think the entire team needs a break right now. Their attention to detail, especially defensively is completely absent right now.

The Fan Blog : Eklund on Flyers. Drama with a D. Vs. Penguins Game Thread.
- the_fan_blog

Smoked like a Philly blunt

I can understand this thinking in the past but not after last nights game. Overall, Drysdale was really good last night. He made one mistake on the Crosby EN goal but he was put in a really bad spot. All 5 other Flyers were in the corner and he no other option but to try and put the puck back in the corner. Great play by Crosby to seal off the wall and a fortunate bounce for them.
- MJL

define really good? bold is false

I agree, Tortorella is losing this team. Quickly
- MJL

how is he losing the team? any examples you can share?

https://x.com/jackiespieg...5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

imagine blaming your sad, inept, pathetic PP on MM. what is the excuse the prior years?