It was only one game, and time will tell. But Lecavalier can still play if he's used properly.
- MJL

I think last night represented perfect usage... he was back at C, feasting on weak competition (easiest of any Flyer forward based on opponents icetime), and got to milk his bread and butter spot on the 5v3.

Lots of people state that Hall is slow and has skating issues. I don't see it. I think he is fine in his role. If they can get somebody that might be a little better offensively, while still being a good faceoff and pk guy for the same money then fine.
My view on Lecavalier is that if they're not going to play him at Center on a scoring line, then they should look to move him. But he should be centering the 2nd line in my opinion. It was only one game, and time will tell. But Lecavalier can still play if he's used properly.
- MJL

I think he is at the point in his career where he labors a bit in the skating, with some games better than others -- again, doesn't mean he can't play. Just like any older player, it's not going to always be A-plus

I thought he skated better last night than he had in a little bit.

I think last night represented perfect usage... he was back at C, feasting on weak competition (easiest of any Flyer forward based on opponents icetime), and got to milk his bread and butter spot on the 5v3.
- Tomahawk

And: While I thought Vinny had a very strong game, it has to be said that, also, they were playing one of the single worst defensive teams in the league

Now, if he has a strong game against Boston tomorrow...I think we definitely have more things to talk about, if Baby Schenn pulls a no-show

I think last night represented perfect usage... he was back at C, feasting on weak competition (easiest of any Flyer forward based on opponents icetime), and got to milk his bread and butter spot on the 5v3.
- Tomahawk

Playing on the 4th line with 4th line players is not the perfect usage for Lecavalier. Not even close.

And: While I thought Vinny had a very strong game, it has to be said that, also, they were playing one of the single worst defensive teams in the league

Now, if he has a strong game against Boston tomorrow...I think we definitely have more things to talk about, if Baby Schenn pulls a no-show
- AllInForFlyers

Yeah, one thing to excel vs Gardiner, Orr and the like. Boston's bottom six forwards and bottom D pair aren't weak.

Playing on the 4th line with 4th line players is not the perfect usage for Lecavalier. Not even close.
- MJL

You agree that he had one of his best games in recent memory, right?

You agree that he had one of his best games in recent memory, right?
- Tomahawk

I thought he looked a lot more comfortable playing the position he is supposed to play, and that he's been playing his entire career.

Yeah, one thing to excel vs Gardiner, Orr and the like. Boston's bottom six forwards and bottom D pair aren't weak.
- Tomahawk

The only weak sister in the forwards, as far as overall hockey ability, is Shawn Thornton -- and even he has the ability to adhere to a system and he does backcheck

Meszaros had a rough game today, but, again, not every game can be great. Krug looked good today, though, Chara was Chara and they're protecting Hamilton by playing him with Big Z

I thought he looked a lot more comfortable playing the position he is supposed to play, and that he's been playing his entire career.
- MJL

... and he elevated Rinaldo and Hall, too, right?

The only weak sister in the forwards, as far as overall hockey ability, is Shawn Thornton -- and even he has the ability to adhere to a system and he does backcheck

Meszaros had a rough game today, but, again, not every game can be great. Krug looked good today, though, Chara was Chara and they're protecting Hamilton by playing him with Big Z
- AllInForFlyers

Meszaros must be in and out of the lineup. Because he didn't play in Boston's previous game.

... and he elevated Rinaldo and Hall, too, right?
- Tomahawk

No, I wouldn't say that. Hall and Rinaldo are what they are.

Meszaros must be in and out of the lineup. Because he didn't play in Boston's previous game.
- MJL

Yeah, they mentioned it today -- he drew in over Bartkowski. Got to believe that Peter Chiarelli doesn't WANT to give up that 2nd rounder if he doesn't have to

No, I wouldn't say that. Hall and Rinaldo are what they are.
- MJL

IMO, Rinaldo played his best game of the season. With Vinny down there, not only can you play that line more if you wish, but that line becomes a bit more versatile, too. And you have the freedom to spot Vinny on any of the top three lines if the situation warrants... he's not chained to his line mates.

IMO, Rinaldo played his best game of the season. With Vinny down there, not only can you play that line more if you wish, but that line becomes a bit more versatile, too. And you have the freedom to spot Vinny on any of the top three lines if the situation warrants... he's not chained to his line mates.
- Tomahawk

Rinaldo did what he is capable of. It's not the first time he has drawn multiple penalties in a game. Or been an effective 4th line player. I don't see Lecavalier having anything to do with that.
Here's what I do know, having the 2nd line playing pretty much ineffective Hockey, and playing less at ES then the players like Hall and Rinaldo. Is not the recipe for long term success. Nor is it the recipe for playoff success, against teams like the Rangers and Bruins. Or any playoff team for that matter. All I heard is how Lecavalier is bringing that line down. Well who brang them down last night? Against a very weak defensive team in the Leafs. They had nothing in that game as a line. Other then a late gift turnover and Simmonds burying a shot.

... and he elevated Rinaldo and Hall, too, right?
- Tomahawk

You know, it was interesting -- Rinaldo, I think, relishes the opportunity to play with a guy like Vinny, even though Vinny in 2014 is not the player he was a half-dozen years ago.

But I do think Rinaldo plays "up" when he's with better players. You put him with Jay Rosehill, he'll play stupid.

But I'm curious to see him and Vinny against Boston tomorrow. Because Rinaldo is...see, I don't want to go so far as to saying he is something he is not.

But Rinaldo can skate. And he can forecheck, and he can hit. Now, while that means absolutely nothing when a guy separates a player from the puck and another guy can't finish, what last night gave an inkling of is what happens when a guy who can actually make a play gets the puck after his linemate goes and gets it, or turns it over.

Rinaldo...he can be really dumb on the ice, at times. But when he plays like he did last night....he can really be useful, and TBH, he might be the one player on the roster who can give Vinny the extra bit of time he needs to get into scoring position because of all the havoc he creates

IMO, Rinaldo played his best game of the season. With Vinny down there, not only can you play that line more if you wish, but that line becomes a bit more versatile, too. And you have the freedom to spot Vinny on any of the top three lines if the situation warrants... he's not chained to his line mates.
- Tomahawk

i agree and it really seems to be kind of like andy mac's impact on the D. both seem to elevate the people around them. i like being able to roll 4 lines all game esp if 1 line isn't having success

Just met Raffl at Carl's Cards in Havertown...seems like a good guy.

Said he loves home games because of how loud and excited the fans get.

Just shook his head when I asked him about his missed breakaway last night...
- wolfhounds

what an bumhole

That's frickin hilarious. Nicely done.

Rinaldo did what he is capable of. It's not the first time he has drawn multiple penalties in a game. Or been an effective 4th line player. I don't see Lecavalier having anything to do with that.
Here's what I do know, having the 2nd line playing pretty much ineffective Hockey, and playing less at ES then the players like Hall and Rinaldo. Is not the recipe for long term success. Nor is it the recipe for playoff success, against teams like the Rangers and Bruins. Or any playoff team for that matter. All I heard is how Lecavalier is bringing that line down. Well who brang them down last night? Against a very weak defensive team in the Leafs. They had nothing in that game as a line. Other then a late gift turnover and Simmonds burying a shot.
- MJL

I thought that line didn't particularly play well, but they did operate at a noticeably higher pace, especially when McGinn was flying out of the gate. They lost momentum, but let's not pretend Vinny is the answer there, whether he's in the middle or not.

Vinny on the 4th line isn't ideal in any sense, but if that's the way the cookie has to crumble, then it is what it is. He's certainly not the first great player to end up in that situation... Briere, Mike Richards, Ryan Malone, Dany Heatley, Ray Whitney have all been there this season. At least he's still in the lineup, unlike Ribiero.

Rinaldo did what he is capable of. It's not the first time he has drawn multiple penalties in a game. Or been an effective 4th line player. I don't see Lecavalier having anything to do with that.
Here's what I do know, having the 2nd line playing pretty much ineffective Hockey, and playing less at ES then the players like Hall and Rinaldo. Is not the recipe for long term success. Nor is it the recipe for playoff success, against teams like the Rangers and Bruins. Or any playoff team for that matter. All I heard is how Lecavalier is bringing that line down. Well who brang them down last night? Against a very weak defensive team in the Leafs. They had nothing in that game as a line. Other then a late gift turnover and Simmonds burying a shot.
- MJL

Gonna have to give it more than 1 game before any conclusions can be reached.

Is brang a word?

Just met Raffl at Carl's Cards in Havertown...seems like a good guy.

Said he loves home games because of how loud and excited the fans get.

Just shook his head when I asked him about his missed breakaway last night...
- wolfhounds

Plucked out of a second tier pro league in Sweden and given a fat contract his rookie year?

Yeah, I'd say he's living the dream a little bit.

Rinaldo did what he is capable of. It's not the first time he has drawn multiple penalties in a game. Or been an effective 4th line player. I don't see Lecavalier having anything to do with that.
Here's what I do know, having the 2nd line playing pretty much ineffective Hockey, and playing less at ES then the players like Hall and Rinaldo. Is not the recipe for long term success. Nor is it the recipe for playoff success, against teams like the Rangers and Bruins. Or any playoff team for that matter. All I heard is how Lecavalier is bringing that line down. Well who brang them down last night? Against a very weak defensive team in the Leafs. They had nothing in that game as a line. Other then a late gift turnover and Simmonds burying a shot.
- MJL

See, that's what makes it funky -- it was one game, and we all know that.

But I don't know how anybody would describe Schenn's performance as anything but "disappointing," but the question would be...why?

How in the hell are you that far below the bar against the Leafs? Again, players have off-nights, but they were just...I mean...let's just say it: Schenn basically stole money last night.

So, that is a fair question: What the hell was up with that line last night? And how does anybody know that won't happen again, against better competition?

Because if you're that bad against the Leafs...what, exactly, is your ceiling?

i agree and it really seems to be kind of like andy mac's impact on the D. both seem to elevate the people around them. i like being able to roll 4 lines all game esp if 1 line isn't having success
- hogweed

Yeah, AMac isn't chained to Luke Schenn... he moves up and down the pairings as needed. Nobody's having conniptions over his being designated "third pair", right?

I thought that line didn't particularly play well, but they did operate at a noticeably higher pace, especially when McGinn was flying out of the gate. They lost momentum, but let's not pretend Vinny is the answer there, whether he's in the middle or not.

Vinny on the 4th line isn't ideal in any sense, but if that's the way the cookie has to crumble, than it is what it is. He's certainly not the first great player to end up in that situation... Briere, Mike Richards, Ryan Malone, Dany Heatley, Ray Whitney have all been there this season. At least he's still in the lineup, unlike Ribiero.
- Tomahawk

I don't think they played at a higher pace at all. They weren't strong on the forecheck or anywhere on the ice. Which is why they played the least of any line.
I'd like to see if Lecvalier moved back to the middle would improve that line. My money would be on yes. You could see it in his play last night as a Center. His play dipped because of the injury, and playing out of position on the left side. He's stronger now and skating better. Time to put him back at center on the 2nd line where he belongs. And see what happens.

Gonna have to give it more than 1 game before any conclusions can be reached.

Is brang a word?
- wolfhounds

It is not, and it physically pains me to see it twice in a span of six posts

See, that's what makes it funky -- it was one game, and we all know that.

But I don't know how anybody would describe Schenn's performance as anything but "disappointing," but the question would be...why?

How in the hell are you that far below the bar against the Leafs? Again, players have off-nights, but they were just...I mean...let's just say it: Schenn basically stole money last night.

So, that is a fair question: What the hell was up with that line last night? And how does anybody know that won't happen again, against better competition?

Because if you're that bad against the Leafs...what, exactly, is your ceiling?
- AllInForFlyers

I agree, and it is one game. And I don't expect to see the 4th line even with Lcavalier to be as effective against the Bruins as they were against the Leafs. That team played terribly defensively.