He got (frank)in' popped!
- SuperSchennBros

Hell yeah he did..

If anyone wants to see it here you go..

http://gfycat.com/UnderstatedLoneHellbender

If we were to lose tomorrow regardless of the effort, how do you think you'll feel towards the team as opposed to right now. The Jackets haven't had a great season themselves. They played the night before in a game that went extra innings during a shootout. They more then likely are traveling ten hours by bus over night. I think it would take a lot for us not to win tomorrow. So how would you feel if we were to lose that would differ from your feelings right now?

If I had told you a Flyer other than G was leading the league in points but we were in 26th place would you believe me?
- hereticpride

YES ?

If we were to lose tomorrow regardless of the effort, how do you think you'll feel towards the team as opposed to right now. The Jackets haven't had a great season themselves. They played the night before in a game that went extra innings during a shootout. They more then likely are traveling ten hours by bus over night. I think it would take a lot for us not to win tomorrow. So how would you feel if we were to lose that would differ from your feelings right now?
- SuperSchennBros

My feelings aren't good now. Sure they played a good game, but still lost. My attitude hasn't changed a whit from the summer. They are a team with talent that is inconsistent and will be a fringe playoff team or finish out of the playoffs.

I don't think they are as good as last year, but my focus isn't on this year. With Hextall, they're looking towards the future. They're trying to tread water and be competitive this year, but the real goal is to be a serious contender in a couple years

My feelings aren't good now. Sure they played a good game, but still lost. My attitude hasn't changed a whit from the summer. They are a team with talent that is inconsistent and will be a fringe playoff team or finish out of the playoffs.

I don't think they are as good as last year, but my focus isn't on this year. With Hextall, they're looking towards the future. They're trying to tread water and be competitive this year, but the real goal is to be a serious contender in a couple years
- Jsaquella

I expected them to be a bubble team at best. I almost feel like I'm wasting my time going to the game on Wednesday. There is a lot of potential here. I would suggest a fire sale to trim the fat but the fat is near impossible to trim.

I expected them to be a bubble team at best. I almost feel like I'm wasting my time going to the game on Wednesday. There is a lot of potential here. I would suggest a fire sale to trim the fat but the fat is near impossible to trim.
- SuperSchennBros

I'll go and watch them because I enjoy hockey and still like watching them play. In my lifetime, Philly teams have won 5 championships over 40+ years. I know that I've watched those teams during seasons where I was happy if they won more games than they lost

I expected them to be a bubble team at best. I almost feel like I'm wasting my time going to the game on Wednesday. There is a lot of potential here. I would suggest a fire sale to trim the fat but the fat is near impossible to trim.
- SuperSchennBros

My thing is this:

What's the point in a fire sale right now? Don't we always do this? Team does nothing in a three window, and we throw it all out and start from scratch.

Why don't we just see how G, Voracek, Schenn, Couturier, etc. do in their own time. Because let me tell you, we're not getting anything back with Grossmann, MacDonald, Umberger, or VLC.

My thing is this:

What's the point in a fire sale right now? Don't we always do this? Team does nothing in a three window, and we throw it all out and start from scratch.

Why don't we just see how G, Voracek, Schenn, Couturier, etc. do in their own time. Because let me tell you, we're not getting anything back with Grossmann, MacDonald, Umberger, or VLC.
- KGBflyers10

I think he means dump the bigger salaried vets who aren't living up to their deals, rather than a full blown, balls to the wall tear down

also gotta love lucic being lit up like that. He deserves it.

I think he means dump the bigger salaried vets who aren't living up to their deals, rather than a full blown, balls to the wall tear down
- Jsaquella

Exactly! I would never part with Giroux, Voracek, Simmonds, Couturier, B. Schenn, Read, Del Zotto, L. Schenn (Yes I know it sounds nuts), Laughton or Mason. It's just a matter of properly filling in around them.

also gotta love lucic being lit up like that. He deserves it.
- KGBflyers10

Wow -- he ate that right hand, didn't he? Woof

I've been a big supporter of Akeson, I was really impressed what I saw in the playoffs last year. When he's been given the chance this year, he hasn't played well. That being said he's mostly been on a line with slugs. My problem is guys like VDV, Umberger, Rinaldo remain in the lineup every game while providing nothing. It's hard to expect Akeson to produce when he has played so sporadically. I would try a line with Akeson, Bellamare, and Laughton. That could be interesting.
- PLindbergh31

I think Akeson would respond well if the coach actually showed some confidence in him. I would bet $50 that if Berube swapped their (Akeson/RJ's) roles for a few games, both players would probably respond well...one thing is for sure, whatever buttons he's pushing now, aren't working.

If we were to lose tomorrow regardless of the effort, how do you think you'll feel towards the team as opposed to right now. The Jackets haven't had a great season themselves. They played the night before in a game that went extra innings during a shootout. They more then likely are traveling ten hours by bus over night. I think it would take a lot for us not to win tomorrow. So how would you feel if we were to lose that would differ from your feelings right now?
- SuperSchennBros

It was great to see the effort they played with last game, but they still lost. And if they don't back that effort up by coming out and playing with that level of intensity on a regular basis, what good is it? Do they need a tongue lashing from the GM, every other game? If they play with that effort, and straighten out some of the coverage issues. This is team is a pretty good team.

My thing is this:

What's the point in a fire sale right now? Don't we always do this? Team does nothing in a three window, and we throw it all out and start from scratch.

Why don't we just see how G, Voracek, Schenn, Couturier, etc. do in their own time. Because let me tell you, we're not getting anything back with Grossmann, MacDonald, Umberger, or VLC.
- KGBflyers10

MacDonald would have a high value on the trade market.

I think Akeson would respond well if the coach actually showed some confidence in him. I would bet $50 that if Berube swapped their (Akeson/RJ's) roles for a few games, both players would probably respond well...one thing is for sure, whatever buttons he's pushing now, aren't working.
- exlund

I think the coach would show some confidence in Akeson if he would come out and play well. It's taken Laughton two games to bury Akeson deeper on the depth chart.

I think the coach would show some confidence in Akeson if he would come out and play well. It's taken Laughton two games to bury Akeson deeper on the depth chart.
- MJL

It's not as simple as that.
If how one is playing was the sole criteria Berube was using to allocate icetime and deploy players in certain roles, a player like RJ would be on the fourth line or benched by now. Obviously, other factors are coming into play. Akeson hasn't been so bad versus a few of the other guys that he should be singled out to be demoted, criticized in the media and benched.

Also, I don't agree with Berube evaluating Akeson's performance based on how he's played in the role of a fourth line grinder. Everyone knew before he stepped on the ice this season that he wasn't a fourth line player, yet that's where he's been played and held accountable for how he performed in that role. I'll be the first to admit, he hasn't been adding much value to that role...he hasn't really been a negative, but it seems like he's been unable to produce like he's proven capable of doing his whole hockey career while in this limited, checking type role, playing with the least skilled, lowest scoring players on the team. It makes sense. Akeson isn't some super-elite player that can turn Zac Rinaldo or RJ Umberger into scoring machines, or do it all on his own...but he is a player that can execute and put up a decent amount of points when playing with other skilled players and/or while on the pp. Until the Flyers use him in that kind of role, they won't be seeing or getting the value a player if his ilk can add...it seems from the way he's being handled thus far, perhaps they never will.

It's not as simple as that.
If how one is playing was the sole criteria Berube was using to allocate icetime and deploy players in certain roles, a player like RJ would be on the fourth line or benched by now. Obviously, other factors are coming into play. Akeson hasn't been so bad versus a few of the other guys that he should be singled out to be demoted, criticized in the media and benched.

Also, I don't agree with Berube evaluating Akeson's performance based on how he's played in the role of a fourth line grinder. Everyone knew before he stepped on the ice this season that he wasn't a fourth line player, yet that's where he's been played and held accountable for how he performed in that role. I'll be the first to admit, he hasn't been adding much value to that role...he hasn't really been a negative, but it seems like he's been unable to produce like he's proven capable of doing his whole hockey career while in this limited, checking type role, playing with the least skilled, lowest scoring players on the team. It makes sense. Akeson isn't some super-elite player that can turn Zac Rinaldo or RJ Umberger into scoring machines, or do it all on his own...but he is a player that can execute and put up a decent amount of points when playing with other skilled players and/or while on the pp. Until the Flyers use him in that kind of role, they won't be seeing or getting the value a player if his ilk can add...it seems from the way he's being handled thus far, perhaps they never will.
- exlund

We could go round and round and rehash the same things. It's just excuses for Akeson. And it is as simple as Akeson coming out and playing. Just as Laughton has done.

We could go round and round and rehash the same things. It's just excuses for Akeson. And it is as simple as Akeson coming out and playing. Just as Laughton has done.
- MJL

A question.

Why do you think Akeson hasn't (yet) been able to produce like he has been able to previously in both his stints in the NHL prior to this season as well as in the AHL for the prior few years?

A question.

Why do you think Akeson hasn't (yet) been able to produce like he has been able to previously in both his stints in the NHL prior to this season as well as in the AHL for the prior few years?
- exlund

Because he's more then likely a career AHL player, and isn't able to produce at the same rate at the NHL level. It's been known to happen.

I have a question for you. Did you listen to Berube's post game comments when the beats asked him about Laughton's play after the Wild game?

Because he's more then likely a career AHL player, and isn't able to produce at the same rate at the NHL level. It's been known to happen.

- MJL

If that's true, then why did he play well and produce in the NHL when with Read and Couturier and on the pp against a good team last season vs. this season when he's played with less skilled/capable players?

Could it be possible that he's the type of player that needs to be on a scoring line with linemates that can execute offensively in order to produce?

I have a question for you. Did you listen to Berube's post game comments when the beats asked him about Laughton's play after the Wild game?
- MJL

Yes.

If that's true, then why did he play well and produce in the NHL when with Read and Couturier and on the pp against a good team last season vs. this season when he's played with less skilled/capable players?

Could it be possible that he's the type of player that needs to be on a scoring line with linemates that can execute offensively in order to produce?



Yes.
- exlund

It was a small sample of games. That doesn't define a player. All it shows is that there is some potential there. He didn't back it up. He's not out of the lineup and scratched because he's not producing points.

What did Berube mention about Laughton's game?

We could go round and round and rehash the same things. It's just excuses for Akeson. And it is as simple as Akeson coming out and playing. Just as Laughton has done.
- MJL

It's one game. Laughton didn't look nearly as good the prior game. And though he had jump, it's not like he's lighting it up or anything just yet. I want Laughton to succeed. I have high hopes for him. I also want Akeson to succeed. But they are different types of players, so it's not that simple as "coming out and playing". Laughton can show off his two way game, with speed and physicality, without producing points... vs. Akeson who is more of a one dimesional skilled, playmaking type whose primary value is in producing points with his creativity and hands. He's a youngish player still looking to develop and make his way in the NHL. I don't see them putting him in the best position to succeed. If the Flyers can't put him in a role he's suited for, then maybe they should get rid of him because he's not going to be a good checking-line guy for them longer term and he's not developed enough at the NHL level to be producing all on his own or when put with stone handed and/or deeply struggling players.

P.S. ..my overriding point with Akeson is that I at least want to see the team, at some point, give him a good long look (say, 20 games or so) playing with the middle six of the lineup and some pp2 time before coming to any conclusions about his value and upside. Call it a "showcase" if you will. Many people are already starting to write him off after 91 minutes of icetime, most of them in a miscast, defensive, grinder type role with the teams' least skilled players. That's not the right context in which to evaluate such a player.

It's one game. Laughton didn't look nearly as good the prior game. And though he had jump, it's not like he's lighting it up or anything just yet. I want Laughton to succeed. I have high hopes for him. I also want Akeson to succeed. But they are different types of players, so it's not that simple as "coming out and playing". Laughton can show off his two way game, with speed and physicality, without producing points... vs. Akeson who is more of a one dimesional skilled, playmaking type whose primary value is in producing points with his creativity and hands. He's a youngish player still looking to develop and make his way in the NHL. I don't see them putting him in the best position to succeed. If the Flyers can't put him in a role he's suited for, then maybe they should get rid of him because he's not going to be a good checking-line guy for them longer term and he's not developed enough at the NHL level to be producing all on his own or when put with stone handed and/or deeply struggling players.

P.S. ..my overriding point with Akeson is that I at least want to see the team, at some point, give him a good long look (say, 20 games or so) playing with the middle six of the lineup and some pp2 time before coming to any conclusions about his value and upside. Call it a "showcase" if you will. Many people are already starting to write him off after 91 minutes of icetime, most of them in a miscast, defensive, grinder type role with the teams' least skilled players. That's not the right context in which to evaluate such a player.
- exlund

I agree, with Laughton after the first game, I thought he's not ready yet. But in that 2nd game, against a pretty good team, I thought, dam this kid is going to be a player. And he wasn't exactly playing with the best of players. But Laughton due to his skating, aggressiveness on the puck and a strong stick, actually made that line look good. Akeson hasn't given that same glimpse of play that stood out as screaming the kid is going to be a player, in 21 NHL games as Laughton did in 1 game. Or that Raffl did on the 4th line, or that Bellemare has shown. What I've seen from Akeson overall screams, career AHLer. I'm not closing the book on him yet, but the odds are slim. Still a chance, maybe if he gets moved. But I wouldn't bet on it.

As far as you're overriding point is concerned. I think it's a big mistake to think that Akeson, or any other forward, regardless of linemates, or what line a player plays on. Isn't going to have to be strong on the puck, or play with a strong stick, or get in and pressure the puck on the forecheck. That is true whether you're a 1st line winger, or a 4th line winger. And if you're not, and you're going to be an offensive specialist, then you better put up points at a pretty significant clip. I don't think Akeson has the size, or the speed to do that at the NHL level. And the Flyers know that. They already have one of those players in the lineup that they can't get rid of in Lecavalier. They don't want another.

Bottom line is that saying that Akeson hasn't been given a legitimate chance, because of how he has been used, is a cop out. Akeson just hasn't gotten it done. Every shift a player is given, is an opportunity to earn another shift. And if Laughton continues to play as well as he did last game, the coffin lid will be shut even tighter on Akeson. Injuries do happen. So it's Akeson job to be ready. And another opportunity to impress a coach, and earn icetime is in practice. Doesn't appear that Akeson has gotten it done in that setting either.

I agree, with Laughton after the first game, I thought he's not ready yet. But in that 2nd game, against a pretty good team, I thought, dam this kid is going to be a player. And he wasn't exactly playing with the best of players. But Laughton due to his skating, aggressiveness on the puck and a strong stick, actually made that line look good. Akeson hasn't given that same glimpse of play that stood out as screaming the kid is going to be a player, in 21 NHL games as Laughton did in 1 game. Or that Raffl did on the 4th line, or that Bellemare has shown. What I've seen from Akeson overall screams, career AHLer. I'm not closing the book on him yet, but the odds are slim. Still a chance, maybe if he gets moved. But I wouldn't bet on it.

As far as you're overriding point is concerned. I think it's a big mistake to think that Akeson, or any other forward, regardless of linemates, or what line a player plays on. Isn't going to have to be strong on the puck, or play with a strong stick, or get in and pressure the puck on the forecheck. That is true whether you're a 1st line winger, or a 4th line winger. And if you're not, and you're going to be an offensive specialist, then you better put up points at a pretty significant clip. I don't think Akeson has the size, or the speed to do that at the NHL level. And the Flyers know that. They already have one of those players in the lineup that they can't get rid of in Lecavalier. They don't want another.

Bottom line is that saying that Akeson hasn't been given a legitimate chance, because of how he has been used, is a cop out. Akeson just hasn't gotten it done. Every shift a player is given, is an opportunity to earn another shift. And if Laughton continues to play as well as he did last game, the coffin lid will be shut even tighter on Akeson. Injuries do happen. So it's Akeson job to be ready. And another opportunity to impress a coach, and earn icetime is in practice. Doesn't appear that Akeson has gotten it done in that setting either.
- MJL

I'm not surprised at your myopic view of things that ignores all the factors except the one that you think best justifies your view.

LOL, I can see it now. Akeson finally gets his shot to play with the middle six and some pp time for a while and he starts producing and gains confidence and starts playing well...when the time comes, you'll say something like "it had nothing to do with the coach finally playing him with this player or that player, or getting pp time, it's because the player finally did what he needed to do, he came out hard and skated and competed and played well away from the puck. Let's hope he can keep it up. I have my doubts."

It was a small sample of games. That doesn't define a player. All it shows is that there is some potential there. He didn't back it up. .
- MJL

So, the even smaller sample size in a miscast role from this season in terms of minutes, outweighs the larger sample size in a more suitable role from last season, most of which has the added pressure and spotlight of the playoffs?

Ok...right.

He's not out of the lineup and scratched because he's not producing points
- MJL

I'm pretty sure that if Akeson had the 8-10 or more points he'd likely have if played in the middle six, he'd be in the lineup.

Look, it might not be in the cards here for Akeson. Berube seems to favor the larger, grittier players that are faster and harder on the puck over skilled, finesse types. The Flyers can't really afford to get softer, I get that...I just think it's a shame because in the right situation, I believe the kid can put up something like 40-60 points at the NHL level and help to provide some nice secondary scoring at what would likely be a very good price I wouldn't want to see the Flyers undervalue that asset and sell low or just discard him...his value probably pretty low these days, so it would be in everyone's best interest to showcase the kid at some point...put him in that role he should be in and really see if he will sink or can swim, before deciding what to do with him longer term.