Bill Meltzer: Flyers Preseason Game Day: 9/29/14 @ NYR, Devils-Flyers Wrap and More

They really mailed this one in ...

not surprised this was a nothing game

and so far it seems like berube really likes b jones

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Preseason Game Day: 9/29/14 @ NYR, Devils-Flyers Wrap and More
- bmeltzer

It's hard to take away a lot from pre-season, but there's a few concerns. First, Del Zotto & Schenn have not looked to be a very good pair. Del Zotto looked solid to me in the London game, but hasn't impressed since. Nick Schultz looks like he's finished as anything close to an effective NHLer.

I hope it's just a getting a feel for one another thing, because if it continues, I worry about a hastily considered trade after the season starts.

I'm also not encouraged by Berube's comments that he's considering a bigger role for Rinaldo. I'm not going to argue for banishing him to the press box or Allentown, because that isn't realistic in the least, but I can't see why this organization gives guys like Rinaldo opportunity after opportunity when other young players, such as Erik Gustafsson often found themselves benched after a mistake or bad game.

Some will criticize this as close mindedness, and that's fine, but I've seen very little improvement in Rinaldo from his rookie season until now. I can see having faith in a Schenn or Couturier becuase there has been improvement. it's not always linear, but there has been consistent improvement in their games.

In the case of Rinaldo, the "improvement" was that he drew more penalties than he took for a 48 game season. He wasn't an improved offensive player. He didn't improve as playmaker, defensive player, stickhandler or positionally. And then last season his improvement in drawing more penalties than he took completely evaporated.

Based on what we have seen from Rinaldo, the reason for optimism isn't readily apparent. We all hope it works out, simply because if it does it's a benefit for the Flyers. But there's really no basis to expect the light bulb to suddenly go on. He's talked about getting better for three years. Has not shown in games very much.

It's hard to take away a lot from pre-season, but there's a few concerns. First, Del Zotto & Schenn have not looked to be a very good pair. Del Zotto looked solid to me in the London game, but hasn't impressed since. Nick Schultz looks like he's finished as anything close to an effective NHLer.

I hope it's just a getting a feel for one another thing, because if it continues, I worry about a hastily considered trade after the season starts.

I'm also not encouraged by Berube's comments that he's considering a bigger role for Rinaldo. I'm not going to argue for banishing him to the press box or Allentown, because that isn't realistic in the least, but I can't see why this organization gives guys like Rinaldo opportunity after opportunity when other young players, such as Erik Gustafsson often found themselves benched after a mistake or bad game.

Some will criticize this as close mindedness, and that's fine, but I've seen very little improvement in Rinaldo from his rookie season until now. I can see having faith in a Schenn or Couturier becuase there has been improvement. it's not always linear, but there has been consistent improvement in their games.

In the case of Rinaldo, the "improvement" was that he drew more penalties than he took for a 48 game season. He wasn't an improved offensive player. He didn't improve as playmaker, defensive player, stickhandler or positionally. And then last season his improvement in drawing more penalties than he took completely evaporated.

Based on what we have seen from Rinaldo, the reason for optimism isn't readily apparent. We all hope it works out, simply because if it does it's a benefit for the Flyers. But there's really no basis to expect the light bulb to suddenly go on. He's talked about getting better for three years. Has not shown in games very much.
- Jsaquella

If the Flyers didn't have Rinaldo, they'd be better off. Wouldn't miss him in the least.

If the Flyers didn't have Rinaldo, they'd be better off. Wouldn't miss him in the least.
- wilsonecho91

Overall I agree, but he's going to be here. I just don't get the fascination or expectations they have for him.

I'd love to be wrong and have Rinaldo turn into a latter day Dave Reid mixed with Bob "Hound" Kelly. I get that the kid works hard and seems like he wants to turn it around, but all that talk about it and effort outside the games comes to nothing when he's out there running around, getting called for penalties and being ineffective because he's undsciplined.

I guess my bottom line is, I want him to earn a bigger role. Others have had to earn bigger roles, yet Rinaldo hasn't done much to justify Berube's willingness to elevate him.

It's hard to take away a lot from pre-season, but there's a few concerns. First, Del Zotto & Schenn have not looked to be a very good pair. Del Zotto looked solid to me in the London game, but hasn't impressed since. Nick Schultz looks like he's finished as anything close to an effective NHLer.

I hope it's just a getting a feel for one another thing, because if it continues, I worry about a hastily considered trade after the season starts.

I'm also not encouraged by Berube's comments that he's considering a bigger role for Rinaldo. I'm not going to argue for banishing him to the press box or Allentown, because that isn't realistic in the least, but I can't see why this organization gives guys like Rinaldo opportunity after opportunity when other young players, such as Erik Gustafsson often found themselves benched after a mistake or bad game.

Some will criticize this as close mindedness, and that's fine, but I've seen very little improvement in Rinaldo from his rookie season until now. I can see having faith in a Schenn or Couturier becuase there has been improvement. it's not always linear, but there has been consistent improvement in their games.

In the case of Rinaldo, the "improvement" was that he drew more penalties than he took for a 48 game season. He wasn't an improved offensive player. He didn't improve as playmaker, defensive player, stickhandler or positionally. And then last season his improvement in drawing more penalties than he took completely evaporated.

Based on what we have seen from Rinaldo, the reason for optimism isn't readily apparent. We all hope it works out, simply because if it does it's a benefit for the Flyers. But there's really no basis to expect the light bulb to suddenly go on. He's talked about getting better for three years. Has not shown in games very much.
- Jsaquella

Rinaldo can never be judged solely on his game when half of what he does is provide energy for the rest of the team. He isn't the greatest player, but a fourth liner who always has his wheels going and can get the rest of the team/ fans into games is a luxury.

Rinaldo can never be judged solely on his game when half of what he does is provide energy for the rest of the team. He isn't the greatest player, but a fourth liner who always has his wheels going and can get the rest of the team/ fans into games is a luxury.
- aflyerpower8

I'm judging him on everything. Yes he can deliver a huge hit. Often times, that becomes his sole intent, and he disregards his assignment defensively to lay a big hit. He gets called for undisciplined penalties and will never get the benefit of the doubt. With his track record, it's hard not to blame him for that. He's reckless.

Again, I want to see him earn a bigger role. In my estimation he hasn't. I'd like to see him become a guy capable of playing a regular shift, before handing him a PK job.

Overall I agree, but he's going to be here. I just don't get the fascination or expectations they have for him.

I'd love to be wrong and have Rinaldo turn into a latter day Dave Reid mixed with Bob "Hound" Kelly. I get that the kid works hard and seems like he wants to turn it around, but all that talk about it and effort outside the games comes to nothing when he's out there running around, getting called for penalties and being ineffective because he's undsciplined.

I guess my bottom line is, I want him to earn a bigger role. Others have had to earn bigger roles, yet Rinaldo hasn't done much to justify Berube's willingness to elevate him.
- Jsaquella

Agreed.

Re: Rinaldo

I feel like the staff has convinced themselves they can take a great body checker with good wheels and turn him into an effective PKer. Unfortunately I just really don't think Rinaldo has the hockey smarts to pull it off. The guy's game hinges on his ability to cause havoc and that is just a terrible thing to have in a PKer.

Rinaldo really belongs under a Lavi type coach where anything goes. It amazes me that a system guy like Berube is willing to stick his neck out so far for the guy.

There's the whole other fact too that I haven't seen a single interview with Zach where he hasn't come off as anything other than a goon first type player.

Jamie Mcbain released by the Yotes. Couldn't be any worse of an experienced 7th/8th D man than Schultz...

For those who want to see Sanheim's two goals:

http://www.hitmenhockey.com/video/40230

Dog days of Dennis Rasmussen. (frank)ing Blackhawk

I thought NHL.com made an error when I saw at the end of the 2nd period shots were 35-7

And Del Zotto and Jones had 2 shots a piece.

I'm judging him on everything. Yes he can deliver a huge hit. Often times, that becomes his sole intent, and he disregards his assignment defensively to lay a big hit. He gets called for undisciplined penalties and will never get the benefit of the doubt. With his track record, it's hard not to blame him for that. He's reckless.

Again, I want to see him earn a bigger role. In my estimation he hasn't. I'd like to see him become a guy capable of playing a regular shift, before handing him a PK job.
- Jsaquella

Agree 100%

Overall I agree, but he's going to be here. I just don't get the fascination or expectations they have for him.

I'd love to be wrong and have Rinaldo turn into a latter day Dave Reid mixed with Bob "Hound" Kelly. I get that the kid works hard and seems like he wants to turn it around, but all that talk about it and effort outside the games comes to nothing when he's out there running around, getting called for penalties and being ineffective because he's undsciplined.

I guess my bottom line is, I want him to earn a bigger role. Others have had to earn bigger roles, yet Rinaldo hasn't done much to justify Berube's willingness to elevate him.
- Jsaquella

What makes you think that Rinaldo is not going to have to earn a bigger role. I think Berube's comments are taken out of context. In the blog today, it says that Berube is going to continue to evaluate Rinaldo in the PK rotation in future games. That's all he's said. It remains to be seen what happens when the games count. I think Berube showed last season that he's not going to stick with something that isn't working. So what's all the hub bub about? Just another in a long line of pre season overreactions.

What makes you think that Rinaldo is not going to have to earn a bigger role. I think Berube's comments are taken out of context. In the blog today, it says that Berube is going to continue to evaluate Rinaldo in the PK rotation in future games. That's all he's said. It remains to be seen what happens when the games count. I think Berube showed last season that he's not going to stick with something that isn't working. So what's all the hub bub about? Just another in a long line of pre season overreactions.
- MJL

Laperriere has been in Rinaldo's corner all along, and wants him to get another chance at a PK-ing role. Berube, who said injury was the main reason the brief experiment with Rinaldo on the PK ended last year, said he thinks the player deserves an opportunity to earn more time and will keep looking at him in that role heading into the season.

The rest is up to Rinaldo to sink or swim once and for all as a PKer. After Saturday's scrimmage in Allentown, Rinaldo said all the right things about paying more attention to detail and cutting down on his own penalties. Yes, he's said that before. However:

1) Whether people like it or not, the coaching staff and organization clearly likes Rinaldo and he's going to be part of the NHL roster. As such, they might as well see if he is capable of further development into more than a single-purpose player.

2) The preseason and September practices are the best time to experiment and see if maybe it can carry over into the season. He won't be a primary PKer, but if he can successfully work his way into spelling some of the main guys, that benefits the team.

Word on the street is Nick Schultz is awesome.

For those who want to see Sanheim's two goals:

http://www.hitmenhockey.com/video/40230
- aflyerpower8

Sanheims 3 Lethbridge 2

Laperriere has been in Rinaldo's corner all along, and wants him to get another chance at a PK-ing role. Berube, who said injury was the main reason the brief experiment with Rinaldo on the PK ended last year, said he thinks the player deserves an opportunity to earn more time and will keep looking at him in that role heading into the season.

The rest is up to Rinaldo to sink or swim once and for all as a PKer. After Saturday's scrimmage in Allentown, Rinaldo said all the right things about paying more attention to detail and cutting down on his own penalties. Yes, he's said that before. However:

1) Whether people like it or not, the coaching staff and organization clearly likes Rinaldo and he's going to be part of the NHL roster. As such, they might as well see if he is capable of further development into more than a single-purpose player.

2) The preseason and September practices are the best time to experiment and see if maybe it can carry over into the season. He won't be a primary PKer, but if he can successfully work his way into spelling some of the main guys, that benefits the team.
- bmeltzer

I agree on most of this, but it remains that Rinaldo has shown little reason to think he can handle a bigger role over 3 NHL seasons. I understand the staff and team like him, I just wish the opportunities provided Rinaldo extended to other young players.

Despite his penchant for putting the team down a man, and inability to be an effective player, he dressed for 67 games. Even though he ended up playing a smaller role, he still dressed most of the time.

That's really my issue, giving the same opportunity to other young players Rinaldo has gotten. I don't think they Flyers have done that

One more thing about Rinaldo: I know from talking with Flyers' people why they like him (more than most fans seem to). It's because he brings energy and passion to the rink every day.

Saturday's scrimmage in Allentown was a good example. Let's be honest: None of the Flyers who were taken to Allentown really wanted to be there amid such a prolonged stretch of practices and NHL exhibition games. They knew it was something they had to do, so they did it. The main goal was to avoid injury.

Meanwhile, Rinaldo approached it differently than the other guys. He saw it as a no-pressure opportunity have fun out on the ice. He knew there wasn't going to be any hitting or intensity so he used it as a chance to do a bunch of stickhandling and to actively look to score goals. He knew it was a show for the fans and he was the most entertaining player out there along with rookie D-man Shayne Gostisbehere.

That's really my issue, giving the same opportunity to other young players Rinaldo has gotten. I don't think they Flyers have done that
- Jsaquella

That's a valid criticism. I agree with that. Akeson, who is finally getting his shot, is a good case in point. He was closer than he may realize to being permanently buried in the minor leagues no matter how many points he produced. I think the ECHL demotion during the NHL lockout was a wakeup call to him after leading the Phantoms in scoring as a rookie that the organization thought he was way too one-dimensional.

Now Akeson will get his NHL shot. He's going to be part of the opening night roster. How long the leash will be when he inevitably hits his first slump remains to be seen.

Word on the street is Nick Schultz is awesome.
- PLindbergh31

I am trying to keep in perspective that Schultz is a veteran and it's still preseason -- I wouldn't be at all concerned right now if Schultz had decent seasons in either of the last two years -- but I must admit that he has really struggled in his appearances thus far.

I'm not sure exactly what has happened to him. In the past, I always regarded Schultz as a reliable defensive defenseman with good wheels but he has looked indecisive at best.

I am trying to keep in perspective that Schultz is a veteran and it's still preseason -- I wouldn't be at all concerned right now if Schultz had decent seasons in either of the last two years -- but I must admit that he has really struggled in his appearances thus far.

I'm not sure exactly what has happened to him. In the past, I always regarded Schultz as a reliable defensive defenseman with good wheels but he has looked indecisive at best.
- bmeltzer

Do you think there is a legit shot that Manning beats him out for the 7th spot? I believe that if they waive Schultz and he clears and is demoted, they would only be on the hook for 350K of his cap hit, which when combined with Manning, is still less than Schultz's full 1.250 million.

That's a valid criticism. I agree with that. Akeson, who is finally getting his shot, is a good case in point. He was closer than he may realize to being permanently buried in the minor leagues no matter how many points he produced. I think the ECHL demotion during the NHL lockout was a wakeup call to him after leading the Phantoms in scoring as a rookie that the organization thought he was way too one-dimensional.

Now Akeson will get his NHL shot. He's going to be part of the opening night roster. How long the leash will be when he inevitably hits his first slump remains to be seen.
- bmeltzer

That's really my issue. I'm long winded about, but oh well.

They expect more out of Rinaldo because he has energy and passion, but a skill guy like Akeson or Gustafsson needs to toil in the AHL or deal with a week in the press box after a bad game or mistake, yet Rinaldo's undisciplined play is written off as "passion"

Case in point, after jumping Dallas' Antoine Roussel and putting the Flyers short handed for 7 minutes, Rinaldo not only played the next game, he played over 10 minutes, and played 12+ in the next.

Meanwhile Gustafsson has a bad game and he's exiled. I find that stuff infuriating.