It's a line that has had success. If they have to keep playing VinnyBurger, hopefully Laughton can continue to pump life into those two corpses, and then you have a "fourth" line that can bring not just energy, but also create chances and opportunities.

I would like to see Laughton and Bellemare assume Umberger's role on special teams. I don't really give a crap about Umberger playing "third" line, but they need to get him off special teams, and they have the guys to allow them to do so.
- Jsaquella

I gotta be honest. Umberger positionally is exceptional in his own zone. I don't think he's a liability. I would rather see Rinaldo removed as a pker over him.

I gotta be honest. Umberger positionally is exceptional in his own zone. I don't think he's a liability. I would rather see Rinaldo removed as a pker over him.
- Just5

I wouldn't say he's a liability defensively, but he's far from exceptional. He's had his share of blown coverages and lazy play. I'd say his defensive zone play has been at or somewhat above replacement player level.

I get that they have to play him. They're not going to sit Rinaldo. Akeson is looking like a poor man's Vinny where he's not really with guys like Bellemare. Much like Lecavalier, he's pretty much ineffective if he's not on a line with some skilled guys.

I'd just rather not see Umberger getting the extra ice time. I feel Bellemare has definitely done more to earn it and Laughton is starting to.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 11/24/14 @ NYI
- bmeltzer

bill any thoughts on Tyrell Goulbourne and if the flyers will sign him?

It's a line that has had success. If they have to keep playing VinnyBurger, hopefully Laughton can continue to pump life into those two corpses, and then you have a "fourth" line that can bring not just energy, but also create chances and opportunities.

I would like to see Laughton and Bellemare assume Umberger's role on special teams. I don't really give a crap about Umberger playing "third" line, but they need to get him off special teams, and they have the guys to allow them to do so.
- Jsaquella

Sad thing is, Laughton is pulling the full weight of that line right now. Vinny has looked a little better with him, but Umberger.. still a corpse. Just simple things, like where they should be in regards to where the puck is... a few times Laughton drove down the left side and Vinny was right behind him, while Umberger was lagging coming down left-center... nobody even remotely close to being able to help him, and everybody bunched up on top of each other like the little mites during intermission. Puck pops out towards the net.. nobody home. I would LOVE to see a guy like Bellemare on that line with Laughton... someone who can actually skate and put in some solid work.

Sad thing is, Laughton is pulling the full weight of that line right now. Vinny has looked a little better with him, but Umberger.. still a corpse. Just simple things, like where they should be in regards to where the puck is... a few times Laughton drove down the left side and Vinny was behind him, while Umberger was lagging coming down center... nobody even remotely close to being able to help him. I would LOVE to see a guy like Bellemare on that line with Laughton... someone who can actually skate and put in some solid work.
- WarriorHockey21

Ideally, I'd like to see Bellemare and Akeson with Laughton, and an anchor line of VinnyBurger & Rinaldo.

That said, the way Berube is using them and the way Laughton is playing, gives them 4 lines that can generate chances. I'd just like to see Bellemare's line, if it is with Akeson, get more ice time.

EDIT: The downside is a line of Vinny, Rinaldo and Umberger isn't likely to be effective at anything.

bill any thoughts on Tyrell Goulbourne and if the flyers will sign him?
- rinaldo

Not Bill, but he's playing solidly this season as an overager. Still doesn't project to much more than a 4th liner with speed & grit. He's not known to be as reckless as Rinaldo, but he's more than willing to hit and fight when needed.

No idea on the Flyers attitude to signing him. They offered him an AHL only deal over the summer and he said no, and decided to try to earn a NHL/AHL deal in camp, but was hurt and didn't play much.

I gotta be honest. Umberger positionally is exceptional in his own zone. I don't think he's a liability. I would rather see Rinaldo removed as a pker over him.
- Just5

I have not seen anything in Hamburglar. He just looks too slow and maybe his body is in the correct position his reaction times are just slow and it looks lazy.
I don't like Rinaldo on PK either but at least it looks like he is hustling and moving his feet

Laughton has been a breath of fresh air. Seems to have speed entering the zone, finishes checks and has been winning battles. Not sure if it is true or just a mirage but he seems to have given some energy to Vinny and Umberger.

So with the D getting healthy in was thinking about two trades. Which would you prefer?

Coburn, Read, 3rd rounder to EDM for Eberle and Petry

Or

L.Schenn to EDM for Perron

Laughton has been a breath of fresh air. Seems to have speed entering the zone, finishes checks and has been winning battles. Not sure if it is true or just a mirage but he seems to have given some energy to Vinny and Umberger.

So with the D getting healthy in was thinking about two trades. Which would you prefer?

Coburn, Read, 3rd rounder to EDM for Eberle and Petry

Or

L.Schenn to EDM for Perron
- J35Bacher

Doubt that Schenn gets you Perron.

Not a fan of Eberle's $6mm cap hit or that Petry's a UFA in July.

I wonder if they can somehow finagle the Oilers to trade Perron for Coburn and take Umberger's contract

Coburn, Read, 3rd rounder to EDM for Eberle and Petry

Or

L.Schenn to EDM for Perron
- J35Bacher

I'd honestly consider both... Although I'd drop Petry and Read from the equation in the first one... And Schenn alone won't get you Perron.. And like Jsaquella said.. not a fan of Eberle's cap hit...

Laughton has been a breath of fresh air. Seems to have speed entering the zone, finishes checks and has been winning battles. Not sure if it is true or just a mirage but he seems to have given some energy to Vinny and Umberger.

So with the D getting healthy in was thinking about two trades. Which would you prefer?

Coburn, Read, 3rd rounder to EDM for Eberle and Petry

Or

L.Schenn to EDM for Perron
- J35Bacher

Apparently you haven't heard. MacT expects to get a TOP LINE CENTER for Perron!

Edit: In his defense, he did play his entire career without a helmet

Apparently you haven't heard. MacT expects to get a TOP LINE CENTER for Perron!
- BiggE

L.Schenn + VandeVelde for Perron

Apparently you haven't heard. MacT expects to get a TOP LINE CENTER for Perron!
- BiggE

Sooo... VLC??

L.Schenn + VandeVelde for Perron
- Streit2ThePoint

Sooo... VLC??
- WarriorHockey21

We can but dream...

We can but dream...
- BiggE

Hey, just put VLC's stat sheet from '06/'07 in front of MacT and see if it works.

Doubt that Schenn gets you Perron.

Not a fan of Eberle's $6mm cap hit or that Petry's a UFA in July.

I wonder if they can somehow finagle the Oilers to trade Perron for Coburn and take Umberger's contract
- Jsaquella

Just out of curiosity.....


Would you do Coburn, Simmonds and 1st rounder for Taylor Hall?

Just out of curiosity.....


Would you do Coburn, Simmonds and 1st rounder for Taylor Hall?
- J35Bacher

I'd like to drop the 1st rounder, but I'd consider something built on those lines. I think Hall would be putting up staggering goal totals with Giroux.

I'd like to drop the 1st rounder, but I'd consider something built on those lines. I think Hall would be putting up staggering goal totals with Giroux.
- Jsaquella

That would be nice.

Hall - Giroux - Voracek
Schenn - Couturier - Read

Just out of curiosity.....


Would you do Coburn, Simmonds and 1st rounder for Taylor Hall?
- J35Bacher

Me personally - No. Pick is too high for me...

Apparently you haven't heard. MacT expects to get a TOP LINE CENTER for Perron!

Edit: In his defense, he did play his entire career without a helmet
- BiggE

It sounds as if a call to Edmonton would simply be for comic relief on a rough day.

Laughton has been a breath of fresh air. Seems to have speed entering the zone, finishes checks and has been winning battles. Not sure if it is true or just a mirage but he seems to have given some energy to Vinny and Umberger.

So with the D getting healthy in was thinking about two trades. Which would you prefer?

Coburn, Read, 3rd rounder to EDM for Eberle and Petry

Or

L.Schenn to EDM for Perron
- J35Bacher

I would not do the first trade. I'd think about doing the second trade. But what happens if an injury occurs to a player like Grossmann? Then they're putting in Colaiacovo, and that defense is too small and too soft.

Just out of curiosity.....


Would you do Coburn, Simmonds and 1st rounder for Taylor Hall?
- J35Bacher

I'd rather do Coburn and Couts/Laughton for Hall + a pick and keep Simmonds. Simmonds and Jake are the anchors on the right, and Hall and Schenn would be the anchors on the left. Also gives MacT his center.

I'd like to drop the 1st rounder, but I'd consider something built on those lines. I think Hall would be putting up staggering goal totals with Giroux.
- Jsaquella

God yeah, I think a line of Hall-Giroux-Voracek could be unstoppable!

Hey do you guys think the Oilers would trade us hall, Nurse and their 1st for Luke Schenn?