So I have a good question for you all; I'm sold onto the Ryan Pulock train mostly because of Bills certainty that this is the guy. I was wondering, what makes Pulock better than Zadorov or Ristolainen in you opinions? They're both bigger, meaner, and still have a monster offensive upside, but both still maintain a great two-way game like Pulock. Why Pulock I guess is the question.

They've been an issue not just due to the lack of committment to the team defensive game. Which has definitely been an issue. At times the team defense displayed by the forwards is severely lacking. But a large part of it is the personell, and the systems issues. The Flyers simply didn't have the defenseman to execute Laviolette's breakout schemes. And he didn't adjust. As they lost Pronger, lost Carle, and lost Meszaros. They sorely lack the puck moving ability that a high pressure attack system demands. Majority of defenseman can make a simple pass to a forward, or skate the puck up ice and dump it in. But good puck moving defenseman such as Pronger, Carle, and Timonen move the puck a lot quicker, and lot more efficiently then Grossmann, Schenn, and Coburn can. In today's speed game that is the difference between a forward getting a stride on a defenseman for a good scoring chance, or catching a team out of position, and getting an odd man rush. And having a team move up ice as a 5 man unit, with defenseman coming late for good chances. And also being able to get in on the forecheck and pressure teams. If the Forwards are late getting on the forecheck due to slow puck movement. It's an easy out for the opposition. And we saw it all Season.

There is no doubt that a system change of forwards coming back deep for shorter passes, also putting them into better defensive position, would've made this team more competitive. And gave them a much better chance to make the playoffs.
- MJL

There's really not much material difference in how fast players like Schenn, Grossmann and Coburn make the short pass form the defensive zone versus how Matt Carle did it. I don't recall seeing any significantly faster movement in Carle's passes that is missing from the others...in fact, Carle hesitated deep in his own zone, at times, seemingly unsure of what to do next. For their part, Schenn and Grossmann tend to make decisive first passes that serve their purpose just fine. Now, if you want to talk Timonen and Pronger on the other hand, they add another dimension to the transition game as they are adept at actually skating the puck out of the zone, leading the rush and pushing back the D (opening passing lanes etc) before confidently delivering it to a forward in stride or otherwise getting it into the offensive zone (on sides)...no doubt the Flyers could use more of that element, but even with that in place, the forwards still need to do their part for things to work...if the forwards are pressing too far ahead with opposing players filling the gap in between (blocking their passing lanes) , the speed at which the puck tries to move to them is kind of moot.

So I have a good question for you all; I'm sold onto the Ryan Pulock train mostly because of Bills certainty that this is the guy. I was wondering, what makes Pulock better than Zadorov or Ristolainen in you opinions? They're both bigger, meaner, and still have a monster offensive upside, but both still maintain a great two-way game like Pulock. Why Pulock I guess is the question.
- JAKEw1234

I think it's primarily the more developed offensive game and proven production people see in comparison that makes some put Pulock ahead of those two. Personally, I think Zadorov's offensive potential is largely untapped, but with his tools (excellent mobility, good hands, hard/heavy slapper, accurate wrister etc.) I think you'll see him make significant strides in that department next year and beyond. Not sure what to make of Ristolainen's offensive potential.

I wouldn't touch Emery, and it's not because I don't like him. The hip injury robbed him of his former lateral movement and quick recovery ability that he used to have. He's had to re-learn the position and change his style to be more of a positional, let-the-puck-hit-me kind of goalie. That works very well in Chicago. It wouldn't work so well with the way the Flyers play, IMO.
- bmeltzer

People who don't like Bryz don't wanna hear this.

So I have a good question for you all; I'm sold onto the Ryan Pulock train mostly because of Bills certainty that this is the guy. I was wondering, what makes Pulock better than Zadorov or Ristolainen in you opinions? They're both bigger, meaner, and still have a monster offensive upside, but both still maintain a great two-way game like Pulock. Why Pulock I guess is the question.
- JAKEw1234

Pulock's two biggest attributes are his smarts and his rocket shot. But he's also a very solid all around player, without a glaring weakness in his game.

Ristolainen's biggest "weakness" is that he lacks polish as a defenseman. Which is understandable, since he's only been playing the position for a relatively short time.

Zadorov's biggest issue is that he's never shown enough consistency, especially in his offensive game.

Any hints from the Flyers having interest or planing to make a run at Mathias Niederberger?
- ob18

Despite signing Chubak (to AHL contract), the organization is generally not enamored of smaller goalies, so I'd say no.

So I have a good question for you all; I'm sold onto the Ryan Pulock train mostly because of Bills certainty that this is the guy. I was wondering, what makes Pulock better than Zadorov or Ristolainen in you opinions? They're both bigger, meaner, and still have a monster offensive upside, but both still maintain a great two-way game like Pulock. Why Pulock I guess is the question.
- JAKEw1234

Ristolainen is a player who, thus far, has not been exceptional in any area but has potential to be above-average in several areas. Even when he was a forward, he didn't dominate offensively at the various junior levels, so I wouldn't say he has a monster offensive upside. Defensively, he's good but not a shutdown guy. That's probably why THN has his rated lower than most of the other projections.

With Zadorov, in limited viewings, I see more of a future Anton Volchenkov (only bigger) than Zdeno Chara. We'll see.

Pulock is the one who has actually demonstrated that offensive upside at his level in more than projected terms.

So I have a good question for you all; I'm sold onto the Ryan Pulock train mostly because of Bills certainty that this is the guy. I was wondering, what makes Pulock better than Zadorov or Ristolainen in you opinions? They're both bigger, meaner, and still have a monster offensive upside, but both still maintain a great two-way game like Pulock. Why Pulock I guess is the question.
- JAKEw1234

Bigger and meaner mean jack poop. Give me better smarts and two way play. Also, the added threat of an effective booming shot at the point will make us a lot less predictable in the other teams zone.

Despite signing Chubak (to AHL contract), the organization is generally not enamored of smaller goalies, so I'd say no.
- bmeltzer

That's a shame.

That's a shame.
- ob18

Just my own take -- nothing with a source behind it. He's had an unbelievable season. There's an NHL-wide trend toward bigger and bigger goalies, though, so the sub-six-foot guys really have to work hard to even get a look nowadays.

Just my own take -- nothing with a source behind it. He's had an unbelievable season. There's an NHL-wide trend toward bigger and bigger goalies, though, so the sub-six-foot guys really have to work hard to even get a look nowadays.
- bmeltzer

How's Andrew Bynum's knee feeling?

Just my own take -- nothing with a source behind it. He's had an unbelievable season. There's an NHL-wide trend toward bigger and bigger goalies, though, so the sub-six-foot guys really have to work hard to even get a look nowadays.
- bmeltzer

I'd consider a Tristan Jarry (Edmonton) in round 2 or possible a Spencer Martin (Mississauga) in the later rounds but would also consider Charlie Graham (Belleville) & Eric Comrie (Tri-City) as well.

Of course if they want to draft one.

I'd consider a Tristan Jarry (Edmonton) in round 2 or possible a Spencer Martin (Mississauga) in the later rounds but would also consider Charlie Graham (Belleville) & Eric Comrie (Tri-City) as well.

Of course if they want to draft one.
- ob18

I can tell over the last few months how much time you've spent looking at the draft. I bet you can't wait for it. Let me know of the Flyers make a good pick! Because I won't know.

I can tell over the last few months how much time you've spent looking at the draft. I bet you can't wait for it. Let me know of the Flyers make a good pick! Because I won't know.

- MJL

Spent a fair amount of time watching, reading, asking scouts/writers. Tonight is game 3 of London/Barrie in the OHL finals.

All 3 of London's top prospects are fun to watch (Domi, Horvat, & Zadorov)

Spent a fair amount of time watching, reading, asking scouts/writers. Tonight is game 3 of London/Barrie in the OHL finals.

All 3 of London's top prospects are fun to watch (Domi, Horvat, & Zadorov)
- ob18

Zadorov is such an intriguing prospect. I read what Bill wrote about him possibly being more Volcenkov then Chara, but with that size I think the risk may be worth it to see if he can develop into the higher upside. He just turned 18 and is already over 220 on a 6'5 ft frame.

Zadorov is such an intriguing prospect. I read what Bill wrote about him possibly being more Volcenkov then Chara, but with that size I think the risk may be worth it to see if he can develop into the higher upside. He just turned 18 and is already over 220 on a 6'5 ft frame.
- ravishingone

I've personally been impressed with him as these playoffs have gone on. I've watched all 16 of London's games which is still a small sample size but I can say I'd have no problems if he was the Flyers selection.

That being said I really also like Bo Horvat of London. Hard worker in all 3 zones and pretty effective in all 3 as well with a relentless motor that doesn't stop.

I've personally been impressed with him as these playoffs have gone on. I've watched all 16 of London's games which is still a small sample size but I can say I'd have no problems if he was the Flyers selection.

That being said I really also like Bo Horvat of London. Hard worker in all 3 zones and pretty effective in all 3 as well with a relentless motor that doesn't stop.
- ob18

What round is Horvat projected to go? I really hope London can beat Barrie and make it to the Memorial Cup which will be televised on the NHL Network.

Spent a fair amount of time watching, reading, asking scouts/writers. Tonight is game 3 of London/Barrie in the OHL finals.

All 3 of London's top prospects are fun to watch (Domi, Horvat, & Zadorov)
- ob18

(Stolarz)

What round is Horvat projected to go? I really hope London can beat Barrie and make it to the Memorial Cup which will be televised on the NHL Network.
- ravishingone

Round 1 and rapidly moving up. Probably right now 10 to 20

(Stolarz)
- JAKEw1234

He is a a given, I also watch for draft eligible players.

Round 1 and rapidly moving up. Probably right now 10 to 20
- ob18

Wow, really, does he have a chance to pass Monahan? Is Horvat considered a high end skater as far as speed?

Steve Nash is my favorite hockey player.
- JAKEw1234

Good old Canadian boy

Wow, really, does he have a chance to pass Monahan? Is Horvat considered a high end skater as far as speed?
- ravishingone

No he does not have a chance just he's done very well to improve his stock.

No he does not have a chance just he's done very well to improve his stock.
- ob18

Out of all the top 10 prospects, is Nichushkin the most likely prospect to have a drop similiar to Coots a few years back?

Out of all the top 10 prospects, is Nichushkin the most likely prospect to have a drop similiar to Coots a few years back?
- ravishingone

Well it wouldn't be similar in the sense he is Russian and is set to make $5 million next year. If he slides it's because some question if/when he'll come over.