I thought Akeson worked well in the couple games I saw with that 4th line.
I like Akeson more than Raffl. Akeson has shown flashes that he can finish.
- 3flyerkids

Akeson's offense is better, no doubt. But Raffl has a better all-around game. It would depend on what role they want filled in that slot.

Yeah, would be sad to have finally found something that works on the 4th-line only to abandon it right away.

I'm personally not worried about the 4th much... the Vinny/Umberger tandem on the other hand? I'm keeping a closer eye on that one.
- Tomahawk

I am also very worried about that line. Umberger didn't show me anymore than Jones, or anyone else on that 4th line

I want to apologize to everyone for my gross ignorance on Brett Hextall's career. An AHL career player whom is only of interest due to his last name. As a result of my assclownery I have paid a preacher to forgive my sins, thrown salt over my shoulder, knocked on wood, punched myself in the crotch and wept until I fell asleep in a pile of my own vomit. I vow to never post about BH again here at HB to save myself from showing my gross ignorance. Better to keep quite then let everyone know I'm an idiot. In short I am sorry.

Yeah, would be sad to have finally found something that works on the 4th-line only to abandon it right away.

I'm personally not worried about the 4th much... the Vinny/Umberger tandem on the other hand? I'm keeping a closer eye on that one.
- Tomahawk

I think those guys are lucky to be playing with Raffl. Based on last season he's a guy who can a good line better, and and an average line good.

I want to apologize to everyone for my gross ignorance on Brett Hextall's career. An AHL career player whom is only of interest due to his last name. As a result of my assclownery I have paid a preacher to forgive my sins, thrown salt over my shoulder, knocked on wood, punched myself in the crotch and wept until I fell asleep in a pile of my own vomit. I vow to never post about BH again here at HB to save myself from showing my gross ignorance. Better to keep quite then let everyone know I'm an idiot. In short I am sorry.
- coffee junkie

i dunno...bodiva braun might see this and shoot you before adolph and the dog...

B Hextall on the Phantoms instead of in the E? Thoughts?


Stortini, Hextall, Rosehill? That team needs less pentalty machines and more scoring IMHO.
- coffee junkie

Need to protect the blue chip defensemen.

He's injured. Bill mentioned him a couple of days ago.



Rinaldo-Bellemare-Akeson was the 4th line for the last three preseason games.
- Feanor

Hence the reason I used the term "if"...and there have been several reports that state Simmonds has practiced with the team and is a possibility for the game tomorrow.

It was the fourth line, while certain "starters" were not playing for whatever reason. It can change in an instant, and will probably depend on matchups.

Yeah, would be sad to have finally found something that works on the 4th-line only to abandon it right away.

I'm personally not worried about the 4th much... the Vinny/Umberger tandem on the other hand? I'm keeping a closer eye on that one.
- Tomahawk

Pre season is pre season. Just because it worked then, doesn't mean it will during the season. But I think they should start with that line.

I want to apologize to everyone for my gross ignorance on Brett Hextall's career. An AHL career player whom is only of interest due to his last name. As a result of my assclownery I have paid a preacher to forgive my sins, thrown salt over my shoulder, knocked on wood, punched myself in the crotch and wept until I fell asleep in a pile of my own vomit. I vow to never post about BH again here at HB to save myself from showing my gross ignorance. Better to keep quite then let everyone know I'm an idiot. In short I am sorry.
- coffee junkie

QUIET

Just thought I would pile on before we move on to advanced stats and locker room respect.

I am also very worried about that line. Umberger didn't show me anymore than Jones, or anyone else on that 4th line
- 3flyerkids

I think Umberger looked awful in preseason...I realize it's only preseason but even what I saw of him in games last season for Columbus, he looks like he's shot. Not much left in the tank and looking like a poor trade

I think Umberger looked awful in preseason...I realize it's only preseason but even what I saw of him in games last season for Columbus, he looks like he's shot. Not much left in the tank and looking like a poor trade
- aantny88

Ill let you know what I think after 10 games. Right now I am just chalking it up to a veteran in preseason getting used to a new team and new system.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Wayne Watch, Fourth Line, Phantoms Roster, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

I have more confidence in the 4th line than the 3rd line, at even strength.

I think Umberger looked awful in preseason...I realize it's only preseason but even what I saw of him in games last season for Columbus, he looks like he's shot. Not much left in the tank and looking like a poor trade
- aantny88

Just slightly premature.

I think Umberger looked awful in preseason...I realize it's only preseason but even what I saw of him in games last season for Columbus, he looks like he's shot. Not much left in the tank and looking like a poor trade
- aantny88

I didn't think he looked awful or good, to be honest. That entire line was fairly invisible at 5-on-5.

I think Umberger looked awful in preseason...I realize it's only preseason but even what I saw of him in games last season for Columbus, he looks like he's shot. Not much left in the tank and looking like a poor trade
- aantny88

Umberger's been around the block a time or two. I'd give him some regular season games before declaring him a corpse.

Akeson's offense is better, no doubt. But Raffl has a better all-around game. It would depend on what role they want filled in that slot.
- jmatchett383

They need that Art Ross touch on PP2, in the G-spot.

I'm defiantly going to keeping an eye the Phantoms closer than ever this season. With prospects like Laughton, Leier, Gostisbehere, Hagg, Lauridsen, Stolarz and others, this is a true glimpse of future Flyers hopefuls and some almost a lock to be on the team in the future. Hopefully they broadcast a decent bit of games this season and I'll surely be attending a few games this year.
- TonyBazz

Why? Is someone telling you to not watch the Phantoms this year?

I think those guys are lucky to be playing with Raffl. Based on last season he's a guy who can a good line better, and and an average line good.
- Feanor

It'll be interesting to see how Raffl paths this season... is he an Eric Condra, who drives play but can't translate that into GF, or will he be able to take a step forward on the scoresheet?

(or does he go backwards and follow in the footsteps of Pyorala/Thoreson?)

Why? Is someone telling you to not watch the Phantoms this year?
- Giroux_Is_God

Umberger's been around the block a time or two. I'd give him some regular season games before declaring him a corpse.
- johndewar

Definitely room for concern.

Why? Is someone telling you to not watch the Phantoms this year?
- Giroux_Is_God

Okay...now you're an bumhole.

Why? Is someone telling you to not watch the Phantoms this year?
- Giroux_Is_God

This is a frivolity but is it assistant captain or alternate captain? I've seen both used so I'm assuming there's no right or wrong here. I say alternate.

I'm sorry guys I just couldn't deal with that

This is a frivolity but is it assistant captain or alternate captain? I've seen both used so I'm assuming there's no right or wrong here. I say alternate.
- NickTheKid87

I say alternate as well.
Nice SAT word btw