With you there, but I think they are committed to starting Laughton in the "A"
- BiggE

I'd rather have Rinaldo as the 13th as well, but I think they have full intentions of playing him regularly on the 4th line. Otherwise, why rush to re-sign him for 2 more seasons.

Actually, that is not true. It depends on game situations. A 4th line of Umberger, Laughton and Raffl may see more ice time in the 3rd period of a tied game or a game in which the Flyers are leading than a line of Bellemare, VLC and Akeson. And, when you consider that over a 1/3 of a typical game is spent either on the pp, pk or 4 on 4, the line designations become even less important.
- BiggE

Laughton should get a long look at the 4th unit. Easing him into the NHL would be smart IMO. That would be a nice 4th line too.

My Maserati does 185...
- Jsaquella

My Uzi weighs a ton

A 4th line is a 4th line. And I know you supposedly don't read my posts, but if you're referring to me, I'm giving my opinion. But I know to some, if there is a difference of opinion offered, then it's starting an argument. My view is the posts such as the above, that are about posters, instead of the subject being discussed, then that's looking for an argument.
- MJL

OK here. FIXED:

Schenn-Giroux-Voracek
Read-Couturier-Simmonds
Umberger-Laughton-Raffl
Bellemare-VLC-Akeson

I'd rather have Rinaldo as the 13th as well, but I think they have full intentions of playing him regularly on the 4th line. Otherwise, why rush to re-sign him for 2 more seasons.
- mryan2815

I think you are right. And if Rinaldo is one of the 4th liners, then I'd rather have Laughton in the minors centering the 1st or 2nd line. Either play him with skilled players for 12 minutes a game, or get him big minutes in the A.

I think you are right. And if Rinaldo is one of the 4th liners, then I'd rather have Laughton in the minors centering the 1st or 2nd line. Either play him with skilled players for 12 minutes a game, or get him big minutes in the A.
- TheGreat28

I have no issue if they send him down, it certainly won't hurt him. But I'd like to see Laughton centering the 4th line. Unless he looks like he is not ready for the NHL, I think centering the 4th line would be the better place for him.

I'd rather have Rinaldo as the 13th as well, but I think they have full intentions of playing him regularly on the 4th line. Otherwise, why rush to re-sign him for 2 more seasons.
- mryan2815

That would be my preference also. But we'll see.

I have no issue if they send him down, it certainly won't hurt him. But I'd like to see Laughton centering the 4th line. Unless he looks like he is not ready for the NHL, I think centering the 4th line would be the better place for him.
- MJL

I think it's better for him and more importantly, for the organization, if he starts on the Phantoms. If he's sent down, he's immediately one of the better Phantoms forwards. He can develop some chemistry with Leier, make the entire lineup more formidable, and help start a winning culture on the Phantoms.

The AHL is still a step up from juniors with better, stronger, faster players. And long time, maybe him and Leier become a tandem. Also, 18 minutes a game in ALL situations to me is better than 8-10 minutes a game with 4th liners and some penalty kill time.

- Jsaquella

Saved

I think it's better for him and more importantly, for the organization, if he starts on the Phantoms. If he's sent down, he's immediately one of the better Phantoms forwards. He can develop some chemistry with Leier, make the entire lineup more formidable, and help start a winning culture on the Phantoms.

The AHL is still a step up from juniors with better, stronger, faster players. And long time, maybe him and Leier become a tandem. Also, 18 minutes a game in ALL situations to me is better than 8-10 minutes a game with 4th liners and some penalty kill time.
- TheGreat28

I'd rather him play in the NHL in a role he can succeed in (4th line, PK, spot duty top-9). Just being with the NHL team and seeing how they go about their daily routines and working with NHL-caliber players would be a boost aside from the ice time he gets.

I think it's better for him and more importantly, for the organization, if he starts on the Phantoms. If he's sent down, he's immediately one of the better Phantoms forwards. He can develop some chemistry with Leier, make the entire lineup more formidable, and help start a winning culture on the Phantoms.

The AHL is still a step up from juniors with better, stronger, faster players. And long time, maybe him and Leier become a tandem. Also, 18 minutes a game in ALL situations to me is better than 8-10 minutes a game with 4th liners and some penalty kill time.
- TheGreat28

I want the player to show what's best for him, and let his play on the ice determine where he should be. I think the competition and the speed of the NHL game will be beneficial to him in the long run. If he's ready for the NHL, let him break in on the 4th line. If there is some doubt, then send him down. Certainly won't hurt him.

I'd rather him play in the NHL in a role he can succeed in (4th line, PK, spot duty top-9). Just being with the NHL team and seeing how they go about their daily routines and working with NHL-caliber players would be a boost aside from the ice time he gets.
- jmatchett383

I agree. If he's ready for it.

I'd rather him play in the NHL in a role he can succeed in (4th line, PK, spot duty top-9). Just being with the NHL team and seeing how they go about their daily routines and working with NHL-caliber players would be a boost aside from the ice time he gets.
- jmatchett383

I think some of these guys end up getting pigeonholed into a role. Look at someone like Couturier. He was placed into a defensive role, embraced it and succeeded. But over time he kind of neglected his offensive skills, and if you listen to him, lost a little confidence.

The team too contributed to this but shifting his linemates around and primarily playing him with less skilled players, with the exception of Read. He didn't get much power play time, and primarily drew defensive responsibilities.

I think this year goes a long way towards determining Couturier's future path. If he doesn't get some early success and build a little confidence, I can see him shifting back into that more defensive role.

I want Laughton to get some confidence in the offensive side of the ice so he doesn't get pigeonholed into a 3rd/4th line role. Eventually that might actually be his role, but I want it to be because he "failed" to win a top 6 role, not because he was never given the chance.

mid-season form

I'd rather have Rinaldo as the 13th as well, but I think they have full intentions of playing him regularly on the 4th line. Otherwise, why rush to re-sign him for 2 more seasons.
- mryan2815

They probably do. Some just disagree with icing an undisciplined guy with very limited ability, who can't play 10-12 minutes on a regular basis.

That was kind of the point I made earlier. Instead of dressing what would be, for all intents and purposes, two third lines who could each lessen the burden on the Giroux & Couturier lines, Berube seems content playing Rinaldo.

Me? I'd rather have 4 good lines, who don't have to be protected and bring more than "energy"

All the talk about the 4th line - if we have the depth to put guys like VL or umberger on the 4th line, then great we should have a stacke team. I'm just not sure the depth is there yet with unknowns like Akeson and bellemare, etc.

mid-season form
- BulliesPhan87

I want hockey now!

They probably do. Some just disagree with icing an undisciplined guy with very limited ability, who can't play 10-12 minutes on a regular basis.

That was kind of the point I made earlier. Instead of dressing what would be, for all intents and purposes, two third lines who could each lessen the burden on the Giroux & Couturier lines, Berube seems content playing Rinaldo.

Me? I'd rather have 4 good lines, who don't have to be protected and bring more than "energy"
- Jsaquella

From your lips to Berube's ears!

I'd like to take some pressure off of G too. The Flyers don't really have a second line that will scare teams, that they have to game plan around. So instead why not have 4 lines that can all score, keep the 1st line fresh and get some good matchups against your 3rd and 4th line.

I think some of these guys end up getting pigeonholed into a role. Look at someone like Couturier. He was placed into a defensive role, embraced it and succeeded. But over time he kind of neglected his offensive skills, and if you listen to him, lost a little confidence.

The team too contributed to this but shifting his linemates around and primarily playing him with less skilled players, with the exception of Read. He didn't get much power play time, and primarily drew defensive responsibilities.

I think this year goes a long way towards determining Couturier's future path. If he doesn't get some early success and build a little confidence, I can see him shifting back into that more defensive role.

I want Laughton to get some confidence in the offensive side of the ice so he doesn't get pigeonholed into a 3rd/4th line role. Eventually that might actually be his role, but I want it to be because he "failed" to win a top 6 role, not because he was never given the chance.
- TheGreat28

Couturier is, what, 21 years old? I think that's a bit early to say he's "pigeonholed." Also, he played behind Giroux and Schenn who both projected as top-6 centers, so the 3rd line (call it what you will) was the perfect spot for him, given his abilities.

I don't think Laughton projects past a 3C with the team's current makeup. He'd have to pass 2 of Giroux, Couturier, and Schenn, not to mention VLC for the rest of his time here. Playing on the 4th line won't kill his confidence anymore than failing to stay with the NHL 3 straight seasons might. Also, starting a player in the bottom-6 is a fine place to start. It didn't hinder Mike Richards much. Let him get acclimated to the NHL game in a role where he can focus on his 2-way game and climb his way up the ladder.

Or, we can keep him in the AHL all year and have this same exact discussion next offseason, unless there's a major move in the center department.

I agree. If he's ready for it.
- MJL

If we are talking about Laughton, then I like how they are keeping him with the prospects at camp. Let him getting plenty of quality minutes in camp and make him prove he should be with the big club. Even if he starts in the AHL, I'm sure he will be up at some point. I have no issues with how they are handling him this far.

I want hockey now!
- funmaster18

Soon...

If we are talking about Laughton, then I like how they are keeping him with the prospects at camp. Let him getting plenty of quality minutes in camp and make him prove he should be with the big club. Even if he starts in the AHL, I'm sure he will be up at some point. I have no issues with how they are handling him this far.
- funmaster18

Everyone keeps assuming he'll get called up at some point. Aside from injuries, unless he flat-out dominates the AHL, he'd still be called up to the 4C role. Why not give him a shot to win it with the big club instead of skating with guys bound for juniors and the AHL?

I want hockey now!
- funmaster18

Buffalo preseason on NHL Network tonight.

Soon...


- tangent_man

Buffalo preseason on NHL Network tonight.
- jmatchett383

I said hockey