Absolutely.

Is it just me or does Hartnell look like he has become more of a perimeter guy since playing with Jagr and G a few years ago. I know he has a lot of success setting up high slot on those one timers but I want the guy playing more like McGinn.
- nastyflyergirl

What Hartnell is supposed to excel at is physical play, getting under the opponents skin, strong on the boards and providing a net presence.

He hasn't been doing that poop consistently for quite a long time now, if at all. Needs to get back to "his game", because when he is not, the negatives are even further exposed. Low hockey IQ, poor skating and bad penalties. I could care less if they trade him at the deadline.

good point. but that said, Hartnell has to crash the net and be a pain in the ass in front of the net.
- nastyflyergirl

yeah.

I agree but is that what's best for the player? Getting 10 mpg with unskilled players who are simply looking to energize the team and not allow a goal. Maybe a little 2nd unit PP time mixed in.

Hindsight is 20/20, but I wish the Flyers would have just waited a year to give Hartnell an extension. They would have then gotten a discount or could have gone with McGinn and saved money.
- PhillySportsGuy

Honestly I don't see a guy like McGinn being a top 6 forward game in and out over an 82 game schedule so I am ok with him playing on the 3rd or 4th line and taking spot roles on the 1st and 2nd line when necessary. if he becomes more, awesome.

I thought he was getting away from that game last year too.
- nastyflyergirl

I'm more worried that he's having trouble keeping up w/the speed of the game.

good point. but that said, Hartnell has to crash the net and be a pain in the ass in front of the net.
- nastyflyergirl

That's an excellent way to get involved. If he wants to shoot from the circles there's no better place to rotate from to get to those areas than in front of the net.

Honestly I don't see a guy like McGinn being a top 6 forward game in and out over an 82 game schedule so I am ok with him playing on the 3rd or 4th line and taking spot roles on the 1st and 2nd line when necessary. if he becomes more, awesome.
- nastyflyergirl

He's played very well on the top line whenever he's gotten the chance. He's also the type of player who knows his role. You don't have to worry about him trying to stickhandle around defenseman. He also knows how to find the front of the net and is always willing to be there.

Hartnell and Simmonds always seem to go thru stints where they think they're Claude Giroux. I wish they would simplify their games in the offensive zone to strictly puck retrieval and net front presence. The other stuff will come if they do those two things well for an extended period of time.

He's played very well on the top line whenever he's gotten the chance. He's also the type of player who knows his role. You don't have to worry about him trying to stickhandle around defenseman. He also knows how to find the front of the net and is always willing to be there.

Hartnell and Simmonds always seem to go thru stints where they think they're Claude Giroux. I wish they would simplify their games in the offensive zone to strictly puck retrieval and net front presence. The other stuff will come if they do those two things well for an extended period of time.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yeah I agree and it makes me nuts. Hartnell in particular lately.

I made a funny on twitter to Bill and he replied.

Suck it, losers!

Honestly I don't see a guy like McGinn being a top 6 forward game in and out over an 82 game schedule so I am ok with him playing on the 3rd or 4th line and taking spot roles on the 1st and 2nd line when necessary. if he becomes more, awesome.
- nastyflyergirl

I tend to agree. I like McGinn, but see him more as a third line guy than a legit top line winger (at least at this point in his development). Would like to see him keep improving on his defensive game so he could be a regular on the third line with Couts and Read. They need a guy like him who will bang bodies and go to the net for the greasy goals (and still play good defense). For whatever reason, Talbot doesn't really seem to be gelling with Couts and Read this year.

Yeah I agree and it makes me nuts. Hartnell in particular lately.
- nastyflyergirl

I was at the game against the Pens watching from behind the net. It was even more pronounced in person how every player on this team was avoiding the tough areas like the plague, except for McGinn. It was most noticeable for Giroux and Voracek.

They were a perimeter team, and it was aggravating.

I made a funny on twitter to Bill and he replied.

Suck it, losers!
- KGBflyers10

Nobody usually responds to my twitter funnies.



Except Flyskippy, but he doesn't count.

The new line combos are fine.

I don't think it will have a huge effect long term.

The big problem is still unchanged (the D mix), but I like most would be encouraged to see more skill on the team with Raffl and McGinn staying and Newberry back down with Rosehilll as #13.

Will they have an opportunity to pick up a defender with puck skills this season, or wait things out with the players they already have is the big question.

I'm intrigued hearing Kulikov's name thrown into trade rumors.
I sure hope if true Homer makes a strong inquiry there.
- Marc D

I mentioned him to Buts this morning. I've never really noticed him out there...maybe an efficient, vlasic-type puck mover??

I made a funny on twitter to Bill and he replied.

Suck it, losers!
- KGBflyers10

Pecooo?

Pecooo?
- Scoob

Looks like it.

I tend to agree. I like McGinn, but see him more as a third line guy than a legit top line winger (at least at this point in his development). Would like to see him keep improving on his defensive game so he could be a regular on the third line with Couts and Read. They need a guy like him who will bang bodies and go to the net for the greasy goals (and still play good defense). For whatever reason, Talbot doesn't really seem to be gelling with Couts and Read this year.
- BringBack25

Hartnell and Mcginn could swamp between first and third line left wing depending on which of them is playing the best. Hartnell hasn't been worth a guaranteed first line spot since 11-12.

Rags are without Nash, Callahan, and Hagelin.

Just saw Lundqvist is out as well.

What Hartnell is supposed to excel at is physical play, getting under the opponents skin, strong on the boards and providing a net presence.

He hasn't been doing that poop consistently for quite a long time now, if at all. Needs to get back to "his game", because when he is not, the negatives are even further exposed. Low hockey IQ, poor skating and bad penalties. I could care less if they trade him at the deadline.
- flyer_nutter

Hartnell since scoring a season high few years back with Roo and Jagr has now tried becoming a finesse player...and its complete crap.

Rags are without Nash, Callahan, and Hagelin.

Just saw Lundqvist is out as well.
- PLindbergh31

Flyers will still find a way to lose, remember how many injured against Montreal when we played them or the Panthers.

Rags are without Nash, Callahan, and Hagelin.

Just saw Lundqvist is out as well.
- PLindbergh31

Here's to hoping this meatball doesn't end up on our lap.

They're obvious upgrades over guys like Newbury and Rosehill and belong in the NHL. Whereas, the latter two do not.
- bradleyc4

Demote the Ambiguously Goon Duo

Flyers will still find a way to lose, remember how many injured against Montreal when we played them or the Panthers.
- Buzzo

If they lose tomorrow night the excuses will be delicious.

Here's to hoping this meatball doesn't end up on our lap.
- BulliesPhan87

Nobody plays down to the level of their competition like a team from Philly.

No Henrik, No Nash, No Callahan. Flyers better show up on Thursday.

I mentioned him to Buts this morning. I've never really noticed him out there...maybe an efficient, vlasic-type puck mover??
- isaiah520

He has a great shot too.
He is a former high first rounder iirc and would likely cost quite a bit in a trade unless he really is in disfavor in Florida. I'd love to see him on the Flyers.

Here's to hoping this meatball doesn't end up on our lap.
- BulliesPhan87

The Jody Shelly sandwich?