Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Defeat Caps. 5-3; Phantoms Beat Bridgeport, 3-1

TK is a man on a mission this season

I always knew he had the potential but he has really reached that potential this season

Do we give Torts credit for pushing him to work hard every game?

TK is a man on a mission this season

I always knew he had the potential but he has really reached that potential this season

Do we give Torts credit for pushing him to work hard every game?
- Bob Habib

The credit goes mostly to Konecny. He studied a ton of video and analytics on his shot locations last offseason -- seeing that he was shooting too much from outside the dots and needing to get inside more -- and worked out like a madman to report to camp in the best shape of his life. All of this was before Day 1 of camp on the ice with Tortorella. Konecny has kept at it ever since.

One thing I can never get sick of is the Becky Lynch Flyers goal song .. what an upgrade from last year's goal song!

Well, the Flyers are 6-1 in their last 7 games and just beat one of the hottest teams in the league tonight. It wasn't perfect but I give the Flyers credit, they have had the effort all season, but right now they look like a good NHL team out there. Any one know who the consensus 14th pick in the draft is?

They will get in with ease with this 800 percent hockey.

The credit goes mostly to Konecny. He studied a ton of video and analytics on his shot locations last offseason -- seeing that he was shooting too much from outside the dots and needing to get inside more -- and worked out like a madman to report to camp in the best shape of his life. All of this was before Day 1 of camp on the ice with Tortorella. Konecny has kept at it ever since.
- bmeltzer

That's a cool insight Bill, thanks!

Love that TK took it upon himself to step up big time in G's absence.

I thought Allison had one of his best games. Lots of good work along the wall. If he can stay upright he’ll help this team.

An NHL season is full of streaks, I’ll enjoy this one while it lasts

An NHL season is full of streaks, I’ll enjoy this one while it lasts
- wcorvette

I know this goes against the tanking crowd but they are playing really well right now and I don't think it's going to last. Let's not fall back too far and try and avoid another 10 game losing streak.

something said last night surprised me, they mentioned, not bad for a rookie, referring to Cates. I agree he will be better on the wing but he is a plus player and I really forgot he was a rookie, that in itself is impressive.

7 points out of playoffs..CF "we are going to be buyers not sellers". He will be on the phone today trying to trade away that 1st rd pick . Lots of options Kane..Toewes..Tarasenko..Horvat....Hey maybe trade away next years 1st rd pick also and get 2 rentals.

I know this goes against the tanking crowd but they are playing really well right now and I don't think it's going to last. Let's not fall back too far and try and avoid another 10 game losing streak.
- MJL

yeah you have to be a fan first, I want a high pick but I want them to play the right way. I will never like the Oilers or Pens for the tank jobs they pulled.

Truth, the team is healthy relatively speaking, over the years they have had a lot of draft picks, a good number of 1st round picks and they acquired some more, plus they have competent NHL goal tending. The picks are now playing and have some experience, don't get me wrong, the Flyers have a good bunch of middle six players, a few that flash top line like TK, maybe Tippett, they need first line talent but it should not be a surprise if they are not bad enough to finish bottom 10 in the league. That leaves the tank crowd hoping for inquires or just brutal play and I can not rally to that idea.

What is also true, is the value of players have risen since last year, if CF is smart, he will move some pieces that make sense, good luck with that.

7 points out of playoffs..CF "we are going to be buyers not sellers". He will be on the phone today trying to trade away that 1st rd pick . Lots of options Kane..Toewes..Tarasenko..Horvat....Hey maybe trade away next years 1st rd pick also and get 2 rentals.
- hfc355

Please no. Sell sell sell.

So impressed with TK. hope he makes the ASG as he deserves it.

The credit goes mostly to Konecny. He studied a ton of video and analytics on his shot locations last offseason -- seeing that he was shooting too much from outside the dots and needing to get inside more -- and worked out like a madman to report to camp in the best shape of his life. All of this was before Day 1 of camp on the ice with Tortorella. Konecny has kept at it ever since.
- bmeltzer

Interestingly Konecny had his second highest point totals of his career last year based mostly on his second highest assist total of his career. Couple that with a career low shooting % (by A LOT) and his goal totals were down. This explains much about how analytics can be used to a player's advantage. He saw that he needs to get to higher % areas and has made the change.

He has already tied his career high in goals which is remarkable.

something said last night surprised me, they mentioned, not bad for a rookie, referring to Cates. I agree he will be better on the wing but he is a plus player and I really forgot he was a rookie, that in itself is impressive.
- wcorvette

He is such a smart player. No wonder Torts loves him, he’s a coach’s dream. I can see why Torts wants to push the C issue. It may be that he one day ends up on the wing, but I could also see him developing into a really good 200 ft. centre as well. I keep hearing they want to find guys in this group that are here for the long haul….Cates is a keeper.

yeah you have to be a fan first, I want a high pick but I want them to play the right way. I will never like the Oilers or Pens for the tank jobs they pulled.

Truth, the team is healthy relatively speaking, over the years they have had a lot of draft picks, a good number of 1st round picks and they acquired some more, plus they have competent NHL goal tending. The picks are now playing and have some experience, don't get me wrong, the Flyers have a good bunch of middle six players, a few that flash top line like TK, maybe Tippett, they need first line talent but it should not be a surprise if they are not bad enough to finish bottom 10 in the league. That leaves the tank crowd hoping for inquires or just brutal play and I can not rally to that idea.

What is also true, is the value of players have risen since last year, if CF is smart, he will move some pieces that make sense, good luck with that.
- wcorvette

You feel that way now but come draft day when Flyers are picking 11th and all the top tier guys are coming off the board you will wish they didnt win those extra 4 or 5 games. I want to see them be competitive...see youth improve but lose as many close games as possible. Come next season no one will care who put up 80 pts vs 60 all that will matter is who were you able to draft.

He is such a smart player. No wonder Torts loves him, he’s a coach’s dream. I can see why Torts wants to push the C issue. It may be that he one day ends up on the wing, but I could also see him developing into a really good 200 ft. centre as well. I keep hearing they want to find guys in this group that are here for the long haul….Cates is a keeper.
- landros 2

Cates should become a 3rd line mainstay once they get some more offensive skill. Responsible defensive player with a bit of offensive skill

Tortorella has this roster overachieving. He's doing a good job.

I love this team.

Cates should become a 3rd line mainstay once they get some more offensive skill. Responsible defensive player with a bit of offensive skill
- hfc355

Exactly. He is a center. He’ll be a solid 3rd line center for years.

You feel that way now but come draft day when Flyers are picking 11th and all the top tier guys are coming off the board you will wish they didnt win those extra 4 or 5 games. I want to see them be competitive...see youth improve but lose as many close games as possible. Come next season no one will care who put up 80 pts vs 60 all that will matter is who were you able to draft.
- hfc355

The tank was never possible with torts. He’s too good of a coach.

Interestingly Konecny had his second highest point totals of his career last year based mostly on his second highest assist total of his career. Couple that with a career low shooting % (by A LOT) and his goal totals were down. This explains much about how analytics can be used to a player's advantage. He saw that he needs to get to higher % areas and has made the change.

He has already tied his career high in goals which is remarkable.
- MBFlyerfan

When Jim Montgomery was hired by the Bruins. He saw a team that was a top defensive team but a middle of the pack offensive team overall. He knew that to get the team to a higher level, they needed to increase their offensive efficiency. He left the defensive system in place but changed their breakout strategy. He also coached them to change from a saturation shot team to a strategic shooting team. Not taking low percentage shots and holding on the puck until the right shot can be taken. No unscreened point shots. Shots with traffic in front and from high percentage areas.

Cates should become a 3rd line mainstay once they get some more offensive skill. Responsible defensive player with a bit of offensive skill
- hfc355

That appears to be his current trajectory. If he could add some more offence then maybe a top 6 role, but top nine is totally fine as well.

Tippett has really improved using the Dman as a screen. After listening to rhe Torts presser, he implies there can be even more to Tippett's game.