Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Flyers-CBJ Wrap,

I dont think the tough love is going to work with Frost. Either put him with skill players and live with the time it takes to get him going (or not) or move on.

This 4th line stuff doesn't seem to be the right way.

He is a late first round pick so it was always going to be a long shot he becomes a top 6 player. But he isn't built to be a 4th line guy, either mentally or skillset wise.

The Flyers should trade Frost. The organization is incapable and the coach is unwilling to develop him properly.

There is no hope here. Do right by the player and move him.

I would like to see the kid given an extended look as the 3C. Unfortunately the bottom 6 is ugly at the moment. Torts loves him some Mac. The development side is frustrating, this is a former first round pick on a one year deal. Let’s see what we got, playing him in that spot is not going to tip the scale losing/winning much.
- ClaudeFather


seems so easy and obvious for all, I think once the losing starts we will see the change. I agree Frost is not being used correctly, but I also get that Torts has something that is winning, and the biggest reason is hard work, blocked shots and just grinding. We all know puck luck and Hart are really the story, so does Tortz but he is using this to start an identity, get to know the team, challenge them and win. Once the winning stops, Frost gets the shot

I would like to see the kid given an extended look as the 3C. Unfortunately the bottom 6 is ugly at the moment. Torts loves him some Mac. The development side is frustrating, this is a former first round pick on a one year deal. Let’s see what we got, playing him in that spot is not going to tip the scale losing/winning much.
- ClaudeFather


seems so easy and obvious for all, I think once the losing starts we will see the change. I agree Frost is not being used correctly, but I also get that Torts has something that is winning, and the biggest reason is hard work, blocked shots and just grinding. We all know puck luck and Hart are really the story, so does Tortz but he is using this to start an identity, get to know the team, challenge them and win. Once the winning stops, Frost gets the shot
- wcorvette

Do you really think he will though, Torts seems pretty stuck in his ways and I have a tough time imagining him moving to a development testing period

Love Torts love the Philly fans love the future of the team and seeing Sedlak back and Atkinson practice.

Putting a beating on us, no Werenski, Gubdranson , and Blankenburg, potentially no Gavrikov.

I would like to see the kid given an extended look as the 3C. Unfortunately the bottom 6 is ugly at the moment. Torts loves him some Mac. The development side is frustrating, this is a former first round pick on a one year deal. Let’s see what we got, playing him in that spot is not going to tip the scale losing/winning much.
- ClaudeFather


seems so easy and obvious for all, I think once the losing starts we will see the change. I agree Frost is not being used correctly, but I also get that Torts has something that is winning, and the biggest reason is hard work, blocked shots and just grinding. We all know puck luck and Hart are really the story, so does Tortz but he is using this to start an identity, get to know the team, challenge them and win. Once the winning stops, Frost gets the shot
- wcorvette

It could be…that he just has to wait his turn. I am not saying that I understand the current approach. But hypothetically, let’s say it has to do with the mix and identity. Let’s say within 10 or so games Atkinson can return and they run new lines. Frost finds himself centering Atkinson and Laughton and the offense shines and it starts raking in the points. Who knows. I will just wait and see.

Do you really think he will though, Torts seems pretty stuck in his ways and I have a tough time imagining him moving to a development testing period
- ClaudeFather

Sincere question- Do you think Frost, as a player, is ready to move up the line up? Or does he need to pick up certain pieces of the game to be ready to move up? Is that the Tort's message to Frost?
If you recall, G started on the 4th line (albeit on a much deeper and skilled team).

On the other note, Columbus still plays under Torts installed structure. So , in essence, Flyers yesterday were beat by a team that looked like future Flyers- organized and disciplined North South game (if Torts continue doing what he is doing).

Sincere question- Do you think Frost, as a player, is ready to move up the line up? Or does he need to pick up certain pieces of the game to be ready to move up? Is that the Tort's message to Frost?
If you recall, G started on the 4th line (albeit on a much deeper and skilled team).

On the other note, Columbus still plays under Torts installed structure. So , in essence, Flyers yesterday were beat by a team that looked like future Flyers (if Torts continue doing what he is doing).
- missingmike

I think, like most skilled guys, touches always help. I dont think anyone on the third line is so deserving of their place either. I’d like to see him play with more urgency. G is just a total different animal. Line with freaking Asham in the playoffs of 2010 that looked like a first line. Asham did produce lol maybe his best 20 game period of his career

I think, like most skilled guys, touches always help. I dont think anyone on the third line is so deserving of their place either. I’d like to see him play with more urgency. G is just a total different animal. Line with freaking Asham in the playoffs of 2010 that looked like a first line. Asham did produce lol maybe his best 20 game period of his career
- ClaudeFather

It was truly unreal. G elevated Asham to the unreachable highs. Perhaps Torts is looking if Frost has an ability to elevate his line mates. I agree Frost needs to play with more urgency and purpose.
The flip side, though, Frost may lose all the confidence in himself playing with Nick and Wade. Although, he and Wade should have a connection.

It was truly unreal. G elevated Asham to the unreachable highs. Perhaps Torts is looking if Frost has an ability to elevate his line mates. I agree Frost needs to play with more urgency and purpose.
The flip side, though, Frost may lose all the confidence in himself playing with Nick and Wade. Although, he and Wade should have a connection.
- missingmike

Frost has been with Deslauriers and Laczynski lately. I thought he and Allison did have some connection when they were together in earlier games. They just weren’t able to capitalize. These are really short samples too.

[quote=wcorvette]I would like to see the kid given an extended look as the 3C.

I think that’s a good approach. Sedlak at center and Laughton at wing on the 2nd line. I would like to see Frost with Farabee on the 3rd. Mac, Allison or someone who can create space with them.

The Flyers seem to be satisfied with Frost’s growth on the D side of the puck. Frost and Farabee getting time against 3rd pair D men and lesser defenders seems to be setting Frost up in an environment for success.

Sincere question- Do you think Frost, as a player, is ready to move up the line up? Or does he need to pick up certain pieces of the game to be ready to move up? Is that the Tort's message to Frost?
If you recall, G started on the 4th line (albeit on a much deeper and skilled team).

On the other note, Columbus still plays under Torts installed structure. So , in essence, Flyers yesterday were beat by a team that looked like future Flyers- organized and disciplined North South game (if Torts continue doing what he is doing).
- missingmike

This is how I will answer that. Last season, once Yeo took over. Frost was told he had to work on other areas of his game. Improve his play away from the puck in his positioning and puck battles. Yeo praised him and frequently stated how much he had improved. Yeo told him to improve in that way and not worry about points. The points will come. Late in the season, he formed an effective line with Cates and Tippet. Now new coach and Frost is right back in the doghouse. Limited minutes with unskilled linemates and periods of gaps between shifts. This is the equivalent of jerking a player around. For an organization lacking talent, player development should be the priority.

Werenski out for the year.

Werenski out for the year.
- backfire

Now they can out tank the Flyers.

This is how I will answer that. Last season, once Yeo took over. Frost was told he had to work on other areas of his game. Improve his play away from the puck in his positioning and puck battles. Yeo praised him and frequently stated how much he had improved. Yeo told him to improve in that way and not worry about points. The points will come. Late in the season, he formed an effective line with Cates and Tippet. Now new coach and Frost is right back in the doghouse. Limited minutes with unskilled linemates and periods of gaps between shifts. This is the equivalent of jerking a player around. For an organization lacking talent, player development should be the priority.
- MJL

Everyone including and especially Torts wants him higher in the lineup. Torts desperately needs another top 9 forward who can create. I’d like to see that line back together two, however Tippet is just in another class right now. I know that line got destroyed plus minus last night, but does Tippet deserve to be demoted?

Wouldn’t we then be jerking Tippet around?

The problem is JVR and Atkinson are hurt. As much as Selke going down should create a tremendous opp for Frost having those wingers go down really hurts him.

Just what skill players do you want him to play with other than Tippet? They just don’t really have any in the bottom 6. Get him w Allison and go from there.

His d is very good. Looks better on draws. We are fine there. Again why penalize Tippet right now?

Call me a pessimist, but I think the Flyers being 29th in goals per game and 30th in SAT% indicates they will be a bottom 10 if not a bottom 5 team before too long.

Everyone including and especially Torts wants him higher in the lineup. Torts desperately needs another top 9 forward who can create. I’d like to see that line back together two, however Tippet is just in another class right now. I know that line got destroyed plus minus last night, but does Tippet deserve to be demoted?

Wouldn’t we then be jerking Tippet around?

The problem is JVR and Atkinson are hurt. As much as Selke going down should create a tremendous opp for Frost having those wingers go down really hurts him.

Just what skill players do you want him to play with other than Tippet? They just don’t really have any in the bottom 6. Get him w Allison and go from there.

His d is very good. Looks better on draws. We are fine there. Again why penalize Tippet right now?
- Joe Nardone

First of all, I didn't say anything about putting him with Tippet in that post. Since you mentioned it though. I'd like to see him centering Tippett and Allison on a scoring line that gets minutes. I don't see it as penalizing Tippet.


Joel Farabee- Kevin Hayes - Travis Konecny
Owen Tippet - Morgan Frost - Wade Allison
Noah Cates- Scott Laughton - Tanner Lacynzski
Nicolas Deslauriers - Lucas Sedlak- Zac McEwen

Werenski out for the year.
- backfire

we need to tank harder

Now they can out tank the Flyers.
- Minnyhock

Get them to take Risto?

Get them to take Risto?
- mickel25

Lol. Nice. Fletcher will probably give up a 1st and a 3rd to take him.

Do you really think he will though, Torts seems pretty stuck in his ways and I have a tough time imagining him moving to a development testing period
- ClaudeFather

I hope, it seems Torts likes being in control and likes to motivate, tough approach but it has worked so far. Whether he does it because it is right or because the O dries up and he has no choice it will happen. Unless frost is traded

It could be…that he just has to wait his turn. I am not saying that I understand the current approach. But hypothetically, let’s say it has to do with the mix and identity. Let’s say within 10 or so games Atkinson can return and they run new lines. Frost finds himself centering Atkinson and Laughton and the offense shines and it starts raking in the points. Who knows. I will just wait and see.
- NC Flyers Fan

Yeah I agree, hard to be patient but plenty of time to go. I really think Torts wants to make frost lift a line, not that he will but that he has to push so hard to even try, thinking once he gets the opportunity to play up he will attack it, the long game. If torts isn’t playing the long game, then it is just bad coaching

The Flyers should trade Frost. The organization is incapable and the coach is unwilling to develop him properly.

There is no hope here. Do right by the player and move him.
- StepfordSam

I agree. This is pretty much where I am at with the whole Frost thing.

In Frost's case, I don't think it's tough love from Torts like with Allison and others, I think this is Torts showing Frost isn't his type of player and isn't going to use him in any purposeful role.

Hope I'm wrong.

I agree. This is pretty much where I am at with the whole Frost thing.

In Frost's case, I don't think it's tough love from Torts like with Allison and others, I think this is Torts showing Frost isn't his type of player and isn't going to use him in any purposeful role.

Hope I'm wrong.
- rayc16

I hope that's wrong also, but I feel the same way. I'm not sure what all the praise for Tortorella is about. His style of team play is archaic. His overuse of bad players is puzzling. He certainly is full of crap about his non-negotiables and holding players accountable regardless of who they are. All coaches are selective and play favorites. Just don't blow smoke up my you know what with BS talk and state otherwise. It's unlikely that Hart can hold up playing like a superstar. GAA will rise and with the issue in scoring, The Flyers might start losing on a regular basis and the fans will be questioning effort again.