I get it. You don't like the guys joking around in a close game. They should be all business.
- PhillySportsGuy

no that isn't it exactly. you're right that a close game or game they lose can be entertaining; it's just a game like the one in my example (which seemed like every game for a couple seasons) are the ones that i would like to see the deferred hilarity. for me a game when the flyers could/should be up 4-1 and are down 1-2 is not entertaining and when the flyers are 1-7 out of the gate (when they're capable of the level of play recently displayed) i don't need to hear them joking around so much. i guess i do have an irrational dislike for jackson, though

Thanks for the write-up, Bill. Nice work on helping separate the chaff from the wheat via recognizing "space makers." The Downie trade haters sure have a lot of crow to eat just in time for Thanksgiving.

Bill what is your assessment on Luke since returning to the line up after being a healthy scratch for a few games? Seems he is playing with a bit more confidence, I still see him hesitate on a few decisions with the puck, but it seems he is a bit more assertive then hesitant. He has been a bit more physical last few games as well. I think for him to be successful he needs to play that fine line of hitting but not going out of his way to make these big hits and be out of position.

I have also been happy with the way Gus has been improving lately as well.

not totally accurate. Ott and Simmonds got in each other's faces and Ott shoved Simmonds up high. that is when Rinaldo came over
- nastyflyergirl

So much for fighting allowing players to police themselves (especially the rats) on the ice... Rinaldo got 10 for just asking for a bout after that late hit.

I totally miss the home whites. I grew up on that. I always liked seeing the other team's colors because you didn't see them all the time like you saw your team's. I wish they would go back to it.

I'm sure Coatsey is a nice guy, but he brings absolutely nothing to the broadcast but irritation to my ears. I cringe every time they go down to him. My favorite games are the ones JJ and Clement do.

Oh and I could also do without "left-handed larceny" and "right-handed robbery" on every glove save. Ugh.

I like JJ and frankly, don't understand why folks don't like his calls.

I don't think the Flyers broadcast team is overly homeriffic, but since they are paid by the team, they are going to slant a certain way.
- johndewar

Agreed.

Do you realize we are all banned for mentioning "he who must not be named"
- youarewrong

that reminds me of reading Hemingway...."i (expletive) in the milk of your mothers"

I totally miss the home whites. I grew up on that. I always liked seeing the other team's colors because you didn't see them all the time like you saw your team's. I wish they would go back to it.

I'm sure Coatsey is a nice guy, but he brings absolutely nothing to the broadcast but irritation to my ears. I cringe every time they go down to him. My favorite games are the ones JJ and Clement do.

Oh and I could also do without "left-handed larceny" and "right-handed robbery" on every glove save. Ugh.
- strummer1977

That's true, I'm sure JJ gets giddy as a schoolgirl thinking about glove saves and his clever phrases!

Jonesy has a very good sense of humor and he knows a lot about the game. I don't see why people wouldn't like him. He's also much more unbiased than Coatesy and JJ and is willing to give credit to the other team. You know, the team playing AGAINST the Flyers!
- PhillySportsGuy

I agree, but to me it seems like he feeds into Coatsy's crap more. It like when Jones interacts in game we get "Versus" Jones... When he interacts with Coats we get "Morning Show" Jones....

Bill what is your assessment on Luke since returning to the line up after being a healthy scratch for a few games? Seems he is playing with a bit more confidence, I still see him hesitate on a few decisions with the puck, but it seems he is a bit more assertive then hesitant. He has been a bit more physical last few games as well. I think for him to be successful he needs to play that fine line of hitting but not going out of his way to make these big hits and be out of position.

I have also been happy with the way Gus has been improving lately as well.
- Buzzo

Not to speak for Bill, but I think Luke has been playing very solidly as of late. He's really one of those players who seems to need a ton of minutes to play well. Almost everyone is playing better ... especially Simmonds, who has been a monster in recent games.

The only one I'm very concerned with is Hartnell, who ... well, he's just not doing anything at all. The only reason he's not scratched is the Flyers keep winning, and Berube probably doesn't want to change a thing.

The thing with LeClair was that he always came off as very grumpy. I guess the Apple Store isn't where he wanted to be. You'd think though that people telling you that you changed their lives and entertained the hell out of you would lift your spirits a bit.

The humility thing is interesting. All of the "big" celebrities I met while I worked there were all gracious and friendly. Almost all of the local Philly "celebrities" were whiny, demanding, self-important Richards. Except Marc Howard.
- ThirdEye

LeClair is a good guy. Just not usually very talkative.

You know the minute he gets back, he's going to respond to each and every post that he didn't agree with during his ban, no matter how long ago they were posted.
- Tomahawk

I'm not sure he comes back at all.

Bill what is your assessment on Luke since returning to the line up after being a healthy scratch for a few games? Seems he is playing with a bit more confidence, I still see him hesitate on a few decisions with the puck, but it seems he is a bit more assertive then hesitant. He has been a bit more physical last few games as well. I think for him to be successful he needs to play that fine line of hitting but not going out of his way to make these big hits and be out of position.

I have also been happy with the way Gus has been improving lately as well.
- Buzzo

Both guys are getting there and rounding into form. I'd still like to see Schenn elevate his game to the level he showed in the first period of the Winnipeg game -- which was how he played last season -- and to see Gustafsson get back to the level of the final 10 games of last season and the World Championships.

Neither are there quite yet but, as a third pairing, they've been OK.

So much for fighting allowing players to police themselves (especially the rats) on the ice... Rinaldo got 10 for just asking for a bout after that late hit.
- Tomahawk

I get why the call got made and I'm not in love with it, but at least, it didn't cost them, in terms of manpower.

If the officials put the Flyers shorthanded because of that call, that would have been a total joke.

That's true, I'm sure JJ gets giddy as a schoolgirl thinking about glove saves and his clever phrases!
- wolfhounds

eh... every PBP guy has thier key phrases. They are like Trade marks... Not sure why this would bother anyone more then... Outta Heeeereeee!

RIP Harry. I dont think I've watched a Phillies game since he passed.

So much for fighting allowing players to police themselves (especially the rats) on the ice... Rinaldo got 10 for just asking for a bout after that late hit.
- Tomahawk

Agreed. There was a fight from the 91/92 season vs. Quebec. John Kordic was out there in his first NHL game against younger brother Dan and they were having words the whole way to the dot. Dave Brown came over and pushed him, then proceeded to beat the snot out of him (he put Kordic in a half nelson facing him at one point).

In today's game, all 3 players would receive 10 minute misconducts.

Both guys are getting there and rounding into form. I'd still like to see Schenn elevate his game to the level he showed in the first period of the Winnipeg game -- which was how he played last season -- and to see Gustafsson get back to the level of the final 10 games of last season and the World Championships.

Neither are there quite yet but, as a third pairing, they've been OK.
- bmeltzer

we may tend to think of players as machines but i'm sure there is an adjustment to a new coach/system for some of them more than others. i think it would be like getting a new boss at work and not being sure if you can work with that person the way you did with the old boss. pretty tough transition i would think, even for these guys (who are still kids in many ways)

LeClair is a good guy. Just not usually very talkative.
- bmeltzer

I agree. My cousin used to play hockey against his son. I've never "bothered" him about who he was. While he wasn't outgoing to people that did, he was polite. But after a few times seeing him, he talked to me just like any other guy. I think he appreciated the fact I didn't treat him any different then any other person.

Bill,

Downie is a UFA at the end of the year, and I'm not sure the Flyers keep him. Do you think that 3rd line gritty winger is a role that Cousins will get a shot at?

I'm not sure he comes back at all.
- Pixote Andolini

I just can't see him doing anything that earns him a perma-ban.

we may tend to think of players as machines but i'm sure there is an adjustment to a new coach/system for some of them more than others. i think it would be like getting a new boss at work and not being sure if you can work with that person the way you did with the old boss. pretty tough transition i would think, even for these guys (who are still kids in many ways)
- hogweed

I get the distinct impression Luke Schenn's new boss doesn't like him very much.

I agree. My cousin used to play hockey against his son. I've never "bothered" him about who he was. While he wasn't outgoing to people that did, he was polite. But after a few times seeing him, he talked to me just like any other guy. I think he appreciated the fact I didn't treat him any different then any other person.
- youarewrong

neal peart had a good way of explaining his seeming indifference to fans, who often thought him arrogant for it. he was explaining it in terms of his own love for 'The who' but how he would never consider going to the hotel to bug keith moon. i think it is easy to look at their life style and fame say "that must be great" which it obviously is in some ways; but imagine not being able to go out in public without 50 people coming and asking for n autograph or to take a picture with them. that very well may get old after a while, i think

I get the distinct impression Luke Schenn's new boss doesn't like him very much.
- johndewar

another underrated aspect of coaching: motivating without inhibiting. different stuff works with different guys. i think berube may get that more than laviolette did

I get the distinct impression Luke Schenn's new boss doesn't like him very much.
- johndewar

I think he doesnt like Voracek or Schenn for some reason. I'm suprised it doesn't trickle down to his brother. But I wouldn't be surpirsed if they are dealt in a 1 for 1 deal. Like Schenn for Bogo... or Voracek for Semin. Not saying they are perfect deals.... I just couldnt think of another example.

I think he doesnt like Voracek or Schenn for some reason. I'm suprised it doesn't trickle down to his brother. But I wouldn't be surpirsed if they are dealt in a 1 for 1 deal. Like Schenn for Bogo... or Voracek for Semin. Not saying they are perfect deals.... I just couldnt think of another example.
- youarewrong

I don't think Winnipeg's GM is that stupid.
Any why trade Jake for Semin when Edmonton is actively shopping Yakupov, begging for someone to make a deal for him?