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Akeson is not out of the lineup, because he hasn't produced any points.
- MJL

That is kinda my point. He has skill. Not Wayne Gretzky but skilled. Right now you have (VDV, Rinaldo, Jones) who are playing ahead of him for no apparent reason other than they have better "effort" level.

This is my problem with the Flyers. How about for once we play the skilled player in a role he should play in? Playing him with Read and Coots would benefit the team as a whole. That line would score more. Instead the Flyers insist on playing the lunk head brothers (Rinaldo, VDV) who have no real talent other than the ability to skate without falling most of the time.

He's in a Catch-22. Akeson isn't going to be effective playing in an energy line role with grinders of limited skill, but he won't be elevated by this coach unless he plays effectively with 4th line grinders of limited skill.

We all get that part of why he's not playing is that he hasn't played well. I want to discuss why that might be, rather than hear the same old pabulum
- Jsaquella

I disagree that Akeson can't be effective playing on the 4th line with players that are beneath him apparently. Players that are playing better then he is. If you want to discuss why Akeson isn't playing well, then looking at Akeson and his responsibility in why he isn't playing well, is a big part of that. But blaming the player himself, is pabulum!

He played well last year.
Akeson is not out of the lineup, because he hasn't produced any points.
- MJL

Akeson should get a shot to play 4th minutes tonight. You would hope his coach would have a meeting with him to inform what is expected. If Akeson can show he works hard, then he deserves a chance to work the top line over VDV. Akeson did perform in playoffs... And it was not on 4th line.

In nine (7 playoffs) NHL games before this season Akeson had 3 goals and 2 assists.

In 8 games this season zero points. Misuse?
- mickel25

Yeah, he got in the line-up, was used with players and in a role that complimented his skill set and he was one of the Flyers most effective skaters in the playoffs.

Now, because he's not doing well in his role with Rinaldo and VandeVelde, he gets buried. Call it an excuse or whatever, but when Akeson was used in a role suited to his abilities, he did very well. Instead of burying him because he isn't effective with VandeVelde, maybe try to slide him into a role that is a better fit.

His play hasn't dictated a promotion, but that hasn't stopped promotions from landing on other players' shoulders.

Akeson can be effective playing with Rinaldo and Bellemare. That was a solid line in preseason and early on this season.

http://video.nhl.com/vide...nsole?id=2014010086-331-h

That's why it's so annoying that Jones is in ahead of him tonight.

That is kinda my point. He has skill. Not Wayne Gretzky but skilled. Right now you have (VDV, Rinaldo, Jones) who are playing ahead of him for no apparent reason other than they have better "effort" level.

This is my problem with the Flyers. How about for once we play the skilled player in a role he should play in? Playing him with Read and Coots would benefit the team as a whole. That line would score more. Instead the Flyers insist on playing the lunk head brothers (Rinaldo, VDV) who have no real talent other than the ability to skate without falling most of the time.
- mickel25

It's far more then just effort. They are playing better period, except for Jones. If Akeson wants to play on a better line then he needs to earn it. And with the way he has been playing, playing him with Couturier and Read would not benefit the team. They would not score more. He has been non competitive on the ice. That is why he's not playing anywhere. Until that changes, he won't earn his way back on the ice. I believe that Akeson is a decent player. He showed that last year. But he didn't continue that to this year. It's all on him. I think he'll get another chance. It's up to him what he does with it.

Akeson can be effective playing with Rinaldo and Bellemare. That was a solid line in preseason and early on this season.

http://video.nhl.com/vide...nsole?id=2014010086-331-h

That's why it's so annoying that Jones is in ahead of him tonight.
- Feanor

Yep. Add another skilled guy who can provide some offense and skill, and Akeson would probably see his performance improve.

Guys like VandeVelde & Rinaldo, without a guy like Bellemare, are bad fits for Akeson's abilities and probably contribute to the decreased performance between now and the playoffs.

Akeson should get a shot to play 4th minutes tonight. You would hope his coach would have a meeting with him to inform what is expected. If Akeson can show he works hard, then he deserves a chance to work the top line over VDV. Akeson did perform in playoffs... And it was not on 4th line.
- 3flyerkids

I agree, I would play Akeson over Jones. If he's not in the lineup, there is a reason why. But I don't think it's because Jones is a better player. I think there's something he's doing or not doing that the coach doesn't like. And I'm sure he's been made aware of it. If not there there is a problem. Needs to be communication.

He's in a Catch-22. Akeson isn't going to be effective playing in an energy line role with grinders of limited skill, but he won't be elevated by this coach unless he plays effectively with 4th line grinders of limited skill.

We all get that part of why he's not playing is that he hasn't played well. I want to discuss why that might be, rather than hear the same old pabulum
- Jsaquella

Sir,

I remember when the Flyers traded for Jake and my concern was what the whispers were about Jake, he loafs, he take games off, he isnt dedicated...

I am soooo glad he has proven all of that to be hogwash!

I love his game. I don't know this to be true, but I think Jagr was a great mentor for Jake. One of the best moves Homer made was bringing in Jagr for a year to teach some of the kids how to take the off ice aspects seriously. The training and working out and eating rite.

I love me some Scoracek!

This is a " Sacred Sports Evening" in my house tonight. My 3 teams are all at the same time

Flyers

Bengals


Clemson Tigers


Hoping for a 3-0 sweep!!
- 3flyerkids

You must love the color orange

It's far more then just effort. They are playing better period. If Akeson wants to play on a better line then he needs to earn it. And with the way he has been playing, playing him with Couturier and Read would not benefit the team. They would not score more. He has been non competitive on the ice. That is why he's not playing anywhere. Until that changes, he won't earn his way back on the ice. I believe that Akeson is a decent player. He showed that last year. But he didn't continue that to this year. It's all on him. I think he'll get another chance. It's up to him what he does with it.
- MJL

Outside of perceived "effort" what does Rinaldo have over Akeson? Honestly?

Yep. Add another skilled guy who can provide some offense and skill, and Akeson would probably see his performance improve.

Guys like VandeVelde & Rinaldo, without a guy like Bellemare, are bad fits for Akeson's abilities and probably contribute to the decreased performance between now and the playoffs.
- Jsaquella

Akeson was labeled a driver of possession last year. Akeson would see his performance improve if he would start to compete.

Outside of perceived "effort" what does Rinaldo have over Akeson? Honestly?
- mickel25

He can play on the PK, brings a physical game, and is better along the wall and defensively.

Sir,

I remember when the Flyers traded for Jake and my concern was what the whispers were about Jake, he loafs, he take games off, he isnt dedicated...

I am soooo glad he has proven all of that to be hogwash!

I love his game. I don't know this to be true, but I think Jagr was a great mentor for Jake. One of the best moves Homer made was bringing in Jagr for a year to teach some of the kids how to take the off ice aspects seriously. The training and working out and eating rite.

I love me some Scoracek!


- ggunky

He's a great talent. Getting to be around Jagr was huge for him. Jagr gave all those young guys a lesson on what it takes to be a good NHLer.

But credit to Voracek. This off season he trained hard, adjusted his diet and the results are on the ice.

You must love the color orange
- PhillySportsGuy

It was just a coincidence! But I have to admit the colour has grown on me!

It was just a coincidence! But I have to admit the colour has grown on me!
- 3flyerkids

Did you go to Clemson?

He can play on the PK, brings a physical game, and is better along the wall and defensively.
- MJL

Ok Akeson should be used on the 2nd PP and has actual skill.

Rinaldo is not a great defensive player. See the Oilers goal from the last game.

Which would you rather have? A skilled player or a lunk head that you force feed minutes on the PK for some unknown reason. And oh yeah he is an energy guy.

I completely disagree. Some players aren't good at everything. Sure if you put Giroux on the 4th line he would be great. Akeson is an offensive player. Forcing him to be a grinder is a waste of a talented asset. Also, he did not prove himself worthy of playing above the 4th line in the playoffs last year? He was one of a few forwards who was effective in that series.
- mickel25

What kind of rhythm can you get in playing 4-5 minutes each night? Thats about 1-2 shifts per period. He basically hit the ice cold every time.

Ok Akeson should be used on the 2nd PP and has actual skill.

Rinaldo is not a great defensive player. See the Oilers goal from the last game.

Which would you rather have? A skilled player or a lunk head that you force feed minutes on the PK for some unknown reason. And oh yeah he is an energy guy.
- mickel25

I'd have no problem playing Akeson on the 2nd PP unit. I didn't say that Rinaldo was a great defensive player. Only that he's better defensively then Akeson is. And I have no problem with Rinaldo's effort on that backcheck. He was in the right position backing up a pinching defenseman on the center lock forecheck. He stumbled for a second, and RNH blinding speed got past him. I credit RNH's speed and talent for that goal. 9 times out of 10, the way Rinaldo played that, a goal doesn't happen.

I'll take what Rinaldo is giving any day over a non competitive semi skilled player. Rinaldo is getting PK time because he has earned it. Akeson would get PP time if he would earn it.

He can play on the PK, brings a physical game, and is better along the wall and defensively.
- MJL

I agree with your assessment of Rinaldo. He can bring energy to a game ( if he plays smart)
But what gets me is why it seems Akeson is in the back of the dog house. We don't see what happens at practice but he deserves another chance before Chief gives up on him. Not 7 minutes a game on 4th line. You can only hope Chief is reminding him that this is his chance ( get some first line minutes). I hate to bash Umberger but he really has not been as advertised and yet he gets 16-17 minutes. Akeson got 6-7 on 4th line. Give him a chance Chief.

What kind of rhythm can you get in playing 4-5 minutes each night? Thats about 1-2 shifts per period. He basically hit the ice cold every time.
- PhillySportsGuy

Play better and earn more shifts. Akeson has averaged 7:17 TOI per game. Rinaldo and Vandevelde only slightly higher.

Ironically, when somebody suggests putting Lecavalier or Umberger on the 4th line, he'll say it's a waste of their talents and point out that they are proven vets.

Apparently a proven vet, who is ineffective and has been for an extended period, gets to use the "He's not suited for the role" rationale, and when it's applied to Akeson it's dismissed as an invalid excuse.

He's played poorly. Absolutely. But he's in a role that's not suited to his skillset.
- Jsaquella

He's trying so hard to bait you to talk to him, I find this more entertaining than the Flyers themselves.

The problem with Akeson is he doesn't do anything where you say I need him in the lineup. Yes he has some skill but not enough to over take the weaknesses he has. As much as Rinaldo might lack puck skills he is still better defensvily, better skater, tougher on board battles then Akeson. Same can be said about Vandavelde over Akeson. Yes i think he should have gotten in over Jones nut maybe he isn't doing what they need him to do at practice. The problem Akeson will have here or with any team will be his skills don't offset limitations.

Guys like Breire, Marchand, Gerbe, Gibbons, Grimaldi all have other skills that can help overcome any weaknesses such as size or defensive play.

I get what MJL is saying. When Akeson was playing hewasn't competitive on the puck and was making bad plays with the puck. You can play on the fourt line and still make smart plays with lesser skilled linemates. Unfortunately Akeson's skillset to help overcome mistakes he made where even though he made mistakes you ed him in the lineup. He just doesn't have that skill set.

Did you go to Clemson?
- PhillySportsGuy

No. I have just been a fan of their football team since I was a kid

I'd have no problem playing Akeson on the 2nd PP unit. I didn't say that Rinaldo was a great defensive player. Only that he's better defensively then Akeson is. And I have no problem with Rinaldo's effort on that backcheck. He was in the right position backing up a pinching defenseman on the center lock forecheck. He stumbled for a 2nd, and RNH blinding speed got past him. I credit RNH's speed and talent for that goal. 9 times out of 10, the way Rinaldo played that, a goal doesn't happen.
I'll take what Rinaldo is giving any day over a non competitive semi skilled player. Rinaldo is getting PK time because he has earned it. Akeson would get PP time if he would earn it.
- MJL

I don't even think Akeson has the speed to even stay with Nugent-hopkins like Rinaldo did.