It's good to know that, despite numerous coverage mistakes and continued troubles moving the puck out of their own end, that playing a guy 20+ minutes prior to making him a healthy scratch in 8 of the last 11 games isn't a matter of bias, when the only other defenseman to go through a period of being scratched that was similar was the guy signed as an emergency replacement.

Basically poor play is far more acceptable if you're either making a big salary, perceived as a "good defensive" defenseman, or "work hard"

Nope, not a bias. Just some unquantifiable "practice" comment.
- Jsaquella

The comments I made stated that Berube does not have a bias against Del Zotto, and biases were not the reason why Del Zotto has not played. I stated that clearly, and provided statisitical evidence to support that the coach does not have a bias against Del Zotto.
I also stated that Berube is not going to scratch Coburn, Grossmann, or Streit, for good reason.
As an example, before the last two weekend games, Streit was struggling for a few games, made some mistakes, and struggled with the puck. Berube is going to let Streit play through that, because he knows that Streit is a veteran player, who knows how to play the game, and has been a good player for the Flyers since he's been here. Streit, along with Grossmann and Coburn, have earned that trust from the coach.
Del Zotto however, is a player that has been on a downward path the last few years, and has struggled for long periods, including early in this season, and the last couple of weeks before being taken out of the lineup. He has not earned that level of trust with Berube yet, which is understandable.
I've also stated that I'd like to see Del Zotto reinserted into the lineup. The comment that label as unquantifiable, is basically saying that Del Zotto is going to have to do something in practice to earn another chance, or the coach has to feel that one of the other players deserve to come out of the lineup.
You label this as "biases", which I disagree with. I feel that it's pretty normal stuff when there is competition for icetime among players.

http://www.nicholsonhocke...blues-flyers-blue-jackets

Hextall says term is difficult to move, because teams fear taking on a big deal with economic uncertainty of the cap moving forward

or brian noonan and mike keenan. weird.
- hammarby31

Or Sidney Crosby to Mike Johnson.

need to add some grit cant have a beast like byfuglien manhandling giroux all night

need to add some grit cant have a beast like byfuglien manhandling giroux all night
- JoeRussomanno

Call up Rosehill...facebook says he will stop all hits on Giroux through sheer presence

Nor am I. The defense is still making individual mistakes and not playing especially good. They still struggle at times moving the puck up ice and it's not just the Luke Schenns that are having issues. But Berube and his Scratch Immunity List say that some guy don't sit.

I agreed with his handling of Vinny, including how he handled the return-put him on a 4th line and force him to earn bigger minutes with the sweat of his brow. But MDZ wasn't being lazy or not working hard. He's benched because he's not a big lumbering, allegedly good defensively, defenseman.

Meanwhile we see poor play in supposed areas of strength by everyone else dressing, and Del Zotto doesn't get a sniff.

I understand it, and it's because Berube's playing to his biases.
- Jsaquella

Correct

need to add some grit cant have a beast like byfuglien manhandling giroux all night
- JoeRussomanno

If Rinaldo would have been in the lineup he would have twisted Byfuglien into bookends.

I liked some of his stuff. Not a huge fan, always loved this clip where Belushi came out and (frank)ed with him, though
- Jsaquella

That was a classic!

RIP Joe

If Rinaldo would have been in the lineup he would have twisted Byfuglien into bookends.
- PLindbergh31

Yep. And they would have lost 3-2

Stop the press!!!! Umberger and Vinny scored this weekend.
- GOA88

who would have though players could have slumps

Yep. And they would have lost 3-2
- Jsaquella

Exactly. No doubt in my mind had Rinaldo been in the lineup he would have gone berserk and given the Jets a long PP.

If Rinaldo would have been in the lineup he would have twisted Byfuglien into bookends.
- PLindbergh31

Or Buff may have just scarfed him down as a quick mid 2nd period snack.

Either way, it's a win/win situation

I liked some of his stuff. Not a huge fan, always loved this clip where Belushi came out and (frank)ed with him, though
- Jsaquella

His cover of 'My Love is Alive' was great. Even Gary Wright said that was the way the song should have been played.

Or Buff may have just scarfed him down as a quick mid 2nd period snack.

Either way, it's a win/win situation
- BiggE

lol

lol
- PLindbergh31

I was waiting for the " Buff just knocked down Waffles like it was nothing!"

I'd like Evander Kane and Byfuglien. Kane is a talented kid, who has size and can play physical, but who also can turn on the jets and fly and score goals. He's immature, but he's got a great package of skills.

Byfuglien is what he is. He's going to have his issues in coverage and make mistakes in his own end. But he's also a big, dynamic guy who can drive play and keep the puck away from opposing teams. Sure he had defensive breakdowns last night, but so did Nick Schultz, Andrew MacDonald and Luke Schenn.
- Jsaquella

I want no parts of Buff on defense but would I love to see him on wing? yep. that said, there is just something about him that screams total tool to me.

I want no parts of Buff on defense but would I love to see him on wing? yep. that said, there is just something about him that screams total tool to me.
- nastyflyergirl

i (frank)ing hate him.

I was waiting for the " Buff just knocked down Waffles like it was nothing!"
- FlyersGrace

I was waiting for the " Buff just knocked down Waffles like it was nothing!"
- FlyersGrace

Byfuglien isn't a very likable guy, there is no denying his offensive ability though. He's not great defensively by any means, but I don't think he's a huge liability either. (no pun intended). Byfuglien is one of those players that you hate, but if he's on your team you like him. Kinda of like he's an bumhole, but he's our bumhole.

Byfuglien isn't a very likable guy, there is no denying his offensive ability though. He's not great defensively by any means, but I don't think he's a huge liability either. (no pun intended). Byfuglien is one of those players that you hate, but if he's on your team you like him. Kinda of like he's an bumhole, but he's our bumhole.
- PLindbergh31

the problem is that when a guy is an bumhole on another team first, it's often very hard to like him if he ends up on your team. you just can't. you want to punch his (frank)ing face out and check him through the glass.

the problem is that when a guy is an bumhole on another team first, it's often very hard to like him if he ends up on your team. you just can't. you want to punch his (frank)ing face out and check him through the glass.
- hammarby31

*cough* Carcillo *cough*

the problem is that when a guy is an bumhole on another team first, it's often very hard to like him if he ends up on your team. you just can't. you want to punch his (frank)ing face out and check him through the glass.
- hammarby31

I'm not a huge fan of his. I think some of his antics are a disgrace, that said he would probably be the best dman on the Flyers.

*cough* Carcillo *cough*
- WarriorHockey21

The difference between Carcillo and Byfuglien is, Carcillo sucks, and Byfuglien doesn't.

The comments I made stated that Berube does not have a bias against Del Zotto, and biases were not the reason why Del Zotto has not played. I stated that clearly, and provided statisitical evidence to support that the coach does not have a bias against Del Zotto.
- MJL

Clearly Berube has something against MDZ.

The difference between Carcillo and Byfuglien is, Carcillo sucks, and Byfuglien doesn't.
- PLindbergh31

Haha true true... I was speaking solely to bumhole level though..