I think it can be effective once or twice a game, but every time?
- Just5

If it's executed properly, it can be as effective as any other breakout pattern. There was no timing to it, so that all are entering the zone with momentum, rather then giving Giroux little option. Other then throwing a low percentage shot on net, that he did several times on the PP.

Anyone else think b schenn looked awful despite his ppg? If voracek was on the top in the first period this could have had a very different outcome. Bad coaching decision.
- FlyersSteve118

This is b schenn. He's not getting much better. He's not a legit top 6 option. Him and Simmonds were falling all over the ice last night.

There was one time where Simmonds fell in the slot. Skated over to the corner to try and keep a puck and fell again. Wtf?

Anyone else think b schenn looked awful despite his ppg? If voracek was on the top in the first period this could have had a very different outcome. Bad coaching decision.
- FlyersSteve118

B Schenn was one of the best forwards in the game for the Flyers in my opinion.
It might be due to still being banged up, but Voracek was not very good last night.

First two periods - good
still need to come out with at least 2 goals

Last period - horrible


Desperation?
I just don’t want the same start from last year.

Still no answer to the trap. If the oppsoing team clogs the middle the Flyers DO NOT have an answer.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Solid Start But a Fade at Finish for Flyers
- bmeltzer

This new format is outstanding Bill. Great analysis, very detailed summary. Tremendous read as always!
If you do this for every game, we won't have to watch.

That drop the puck to Giroux and stand at the blue line while he skates into the midst of four defenders really got aggravating.
- Jsaquella

I couldn't stand this, they just about did it on every powerplay. It's only a matter of time that other teams figure this out. I hope they have a better strategy for the upcoming games so they can have a successful powerplay like they did seasons before.

Vincent Lecavalier: "After [Toronto went ahead], it wasn’t like the first period; we had trouble getting in there and keeping possession. They also played back a little bit more when they went up 2-1. So, they played a good road game and like I said, when they went up 2-1, they were on their heels a little bit and stayed back."

It annoys me to no end to hear this over and over again after every loss. The other team adjusted their style of play and the Flyers fail to counter with their own adjustments.

It is like a broken record.

You could see the Flyers trying the same thing over and over again and failing once Toronto adjusted. It was so frustrating to watch.

They struggled against the Leafs when they went into shut down mode, for sure.

EDIT: It just seems they're confounded when a opposing team clogs the neutral zone.
- Jsaquella

Agreed. Last year and now, If we get down a goal in the third period, I feel like I should turn the game off. Very frustrating to watch.

Small positives last night though, Striet is not nearly as bad as the Isles fans made him out to be. Solid game. Vinny is the size we need down low and played great IMO. The loss was not on Mason. I thought he played well.

Another positive from last night was they showed some discipline.

Timonen made a physical error, that led to him having to take a penalty, and the penalty on Rosehill I though was a bad call.

Only one game no reason to get too high, or low. Hopefully they can have a productive weekend.

I appreciate all the information in the be format. However I dont come here for an in depth synopsis since I watch most of the games. I kind of like the old format and more of your respected opinion Bill!
- Just5

I agree with this. I like to hear Bill's opinion. I just skimmed past the lineup section and stopped reading after the first period key moments.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Solid Start But a Fade at Finish for Flyers
- bmeltzer

First off, the new format is awesome. Thank you very much for all the hard work you do!!!

Random thoughts on last nights game:

While I thought Bernier played very well last night, I did notice that he left a lot of fat rebounds that the Flyers never seemed to get to. Flyer forwards overall need to do a better job of crashing the net following a shot.

Thought Mason played well, however just once it would be nice if the Flyer goalie was the best goalie in a game.

Lacavalier with Read is a keeper, you can see the chemistry building shift by shift.

Getting outworked in the 3rd period on home ice by a team playing the 2nd of back to back games is simply inexcusable.

Giroux was obviously pressing last night, especially in the 3rd. He needs to take a deep breath and stay within his game.

The powerplay moved the puck very well, however they need to do a better job of both gaining the zone with control and getting pucks on net.

The Flyers need to go into this weekends games with a chip on their shoulder and come away with at least 3 points.

The Flyers werent the only ones who faded at the finish. I fell asleep during the second intermission and woke up after the game was over, which may or may not have been a blessing in disguise.

I'm getting old.

First off, the new format is awesome. Thank you very much for all the hard work you do!!!

Random thoughts on last nights game:

While I thought Bernier played very well last night, I did notice that he left a lot of fat rebounds that the Flyers never seemed to get to. Flyer forwards overall need to do a better job of crashing the net following a shot.

Thought Mason played well, however just once it would be nice if the Flyer goalie was the best goalie in a game.

Lacavalier with Read is a keeper, you can see the chemistry building shift by shift.

Getting outworked in the 3rd period on home ice by a team playing the 2nd of back to back games is simply inexcusable.

Giroux was obviously pressing last night, especially in the 3rd. He needs to take a deep breath and stay within his game.

The powerplay moved the puck very well, however they need to do a better job of both gaining the zone with control and getting pucks on net.

The Flyers need to go into this weekends games with a chip on their shoulder and come away with at least 3 points.
- BiggE

Yup. Flyers routinely get outplayed between the pipes. Mason was fine last night, didn't have much of a chance on any of the 3 goals, but Bernier was better.

appreciate the new format Bill

the flyers D wasn't the problem last night, but the contrast between them and other teams around the league w/ younger, more mobile units is stark.

i'd love for the flyers to be able to protect leads w/ the lockdown we saw from TOR last nite.

i'm glad read got the assignment w/ vinny. the speed and D awareness is valuable on that line.

i think if the flyers struggle to score, we will see vinny w/ G and a healthy Jake and couts/schenn centering read and harts.

Thank you all for the feedback on the new post-gameday format. Going forward, what I think I will do is add a "final thoughts" section to the blog and add more of the miscellaneous commentary and individual player observations that don't fit in the other sections.

I didnt feel that Giroux played with any fire last night, and Schenn doesnt belong on G's line. No chemsitry, Vinny looked great.

Thank you all for the feedback on the new post-gameday format. Going forward, what I think I will do is add a "final thoughts" section to the blog and add more of the miscellaneous commentary and individual player observations that don't fit in the other sections.
- bmeltzer

Good stuff, Bill!

Thank you all for the feedback on the new post-gameday format. Going forward, what I think I will do is add a "final thoughts" section to the blog and add more of the miscellaneous commentary and individual player observations that don't fit in the other sections.
- bmeltzer

Yup. Flyers routinely get outplayed between the pipes. Mason was fine last night, didn't have much of a chance on any of the 3 goals, but Bernier was better.
- PLindbergh31

the Flyers have a way to make opposing goalies look like superstars

Yup. Flyers routinely get outplayed between the pipes. Mason was fine last night, didn't have much of a chance on any of the 3 goals, but Bernier was better.
- PLindbergh31

I don't by this outplayed between the pipes. Two players are completely independent of one another, and face different shots and attempts then the other. I's not as if they're head to head. Bernier was great, but that doesn't have any effect on how Mason played.

I don't by this outplayed between the pipes. Two players are completely independent of one another, and face different shots and attempts then the other. I's not as if they're head to head. Bernier was great, but that doesn't have any effect on how Mason played.
- MJL

Bernier was better than Mason. FACT
Lets argue semantics in a circle jerk for 4 hours.

I didnt feel that Giroux played with any fire last night, and Schenn doesnt belong on G's line. No chemsitry, Vinny looked great.
- GOA88

You have to build chemistry sometimes. It's not always automatic.

And if the Flyers are going to make any noise this year, they're going to need big years from B. Schenn and Couturier. So, I have no problem with Schenn on G's line.

And it's probably just temporary anyway until Voracek is 100%.

Bill do you think we REALLY need Hartnell and Simmonds on the top PP unit together? They are both the same type of player, but when the power play is moving the puck around they both have a problem keeping possession of the puck and lack the passing/creativity that is needed. I just think that they are both suited as 1 on each pp, not together. Seen so many turnovers from them last night on the PP together.

Bernier was better than Mason. FACT
Lets argue semantics in a circle jerk for 4 hours.
- PLindbergh31

Bernier was the best player in the game. That is not a negative on Mason, as it is being used that way. Mason's play stands on it's own individual merits.

the Flyers have too many centers on their roster, too many slow Dman and a run and gun coach...sort of a disconnect