Say what you want about Rinaldo. He is what he is. However, he is not the reason they lost last night. He at least played with energy when he was out there. I thought the high-stick penalty was iffy and the misconduct? and the end of the game at that point didn't matter. Was he a bright spot? No. Was he a dark spot? IMO, not really. At least he brought energy. Something the other 17 guys didn't have after the first goal. This is just my opinion and you're welcome to disagree. As I'm sure most of you will.

- Flyone

Flyers are already playing the crap out of Giroux, and using him on the majority of faceoffs.
- MJL

Yes he does get 21 min a game. It's just an idea to help that 2nd unit which has a combined 4 goals all year. Simply not getting job done. The coach must address it, and he has not

It's a magical time of the year. The Leaffans are all talk until about Christmas. They never learn their lesson.
- 3flyerkids

Dead.in.the.water

Yes he does get 21 min a game. It's just an idea to help that 2nd unit which has a combined 4 goals all year. Simply not getting job done. The coach must address it, and he has not
- 3flyerkids

There's nothing to address. There are only so many players to choose from. I don't see switching Umberger with Laughton changing anything. I wouldn't have a problem if it was done, but I just don't see it making a difference. Everything doesn't come down to the coach. Players have to play.

Zone-exit data through the first 42-games, if anybody's so inclined:

http://pattisonave.com/zone-exits-games-1-42/

Say what you want about Rinaldo. He is what he is. However, he is not the reason they lost last night. He at least played with energy when he was out there. I thought the high-stick penalty was iffy and the misconduct? and the end of the game at that point didn't matter. Was he a bright spot? No. Was he a dark spot? IMO, not really. At least he brought energy. Something the other 17 guys didn't have after the first goal. This is just my opinion and you're welcome to disagree. As I'm sure most of you will.

- Flyone

Everyone knows the Flyers have much bigger issues, that goes without saying. Rinaldo has zero skill, he takes one awful penalty after another. What positive trait does he bring to the table? He runs around and hits people? Yeah great. That's essential. He's a waste of time, and wouldn't see the ice for any other team in the NHL. He does nothing that resembles an NHL caliber player. Zero.

I think the panic is justified. They look cooked. They aren't going to make the playoffs.
- PLindbergh31

Doesn't look like it. I love watching Kessel play... Last night in the game vs SJ, he was on the "forechek" got close to the defenseman with the puck and instead of at least trying to lay the body on him or do something, he slams on the brakes and snow showers his shin pads...the analysts were absolutely ripping him for a total lack of effort, as well they should.

Everyone knows the Flyers have much bigger issues, that goes without saying. Rinaldo has zero skill, he takes one awful penalty after another. What positive trait does he bring to the table? He runs around and hits people? Yeah great. That's essential. He's a waste of time, and wouldn't see the ice for any other team in the NHL. He does nothing that resembles an NHL caliber player. Zero.
- PLindbergh31

that's patently false, and if you don't see it you're hating through orange tinted glasses.

U make no sense at all bro
Teams gotta totally suck for those picks.
The NHL has nothing to do with it.
Question is how bad do want the Flyers to get.
- Nighthawk

McEichel bad

There's nothing to address. There are only so many players to choose from. I don't see switching Umberger with Laughton changing anything. I wouldn't have a problem if it was done, but I just don't see it making a difference. Everything doesn't come down to the coach. Players have to play.
- MJL

Players have to play. Coaches have to coach. If something isn't working. Make adjustments to improve it. I think that is what coaches do. Improving the 2nd Pp isn't going to put this team over the top but at least let's get some kind of threat out there once in awhile. I feel like our PP time is really only 1.10. The last 50 seconds is wasted

Everyone knows the Flyers have much bigger issues, that goes without saying. Rinaldo has zero skill, he takes one awful penalty after another. What positive trait does he bring to the table? He runs around and hits people? Yeah great. That's essential. He's a waste of time, and wouldn't see the ice for any other team in the NHL. He does nothing that resembles an NHL caliber player. Zero.
- PLindbergh31

Like I said, he is what he is. So to expect anything different doesn't make sense. IMO, one of the biggest issues is team toughness. There isn't any. I'm not saying goon it up but please stop letting every other team push you around. This team needs something to bring them together. Obviously rallying around injuries hasn't been it. Do they need another Ottawa brawl game? Maybe. They need something.

Players have to play. Coaches have to coach. If something isn't working. Make adjustments to improve it. I think that is what coaches do. Improving the 2nd Pp isn't going to put this team over the top but at least let's get some kind of threat out there once in awhile. I feel like our PP time is really only 1.10. The last 50 seconds is wasted
- 3flyerkids

I think where we differ is thinking that the players who currently aren't playing on the PP, are going to be more of a threat then those players that are currently on the 2nd PP unit.

that's patently false, and if you don't see it you're hating through orange tinted glasses.
- BulliesPhan87

It is? What type of trade value do you think Rinaldo has? What can the Flyers get back for him?

Now we're going to have people defend a player who has 1 point in 33 games played, an undisciplined penalty machine who constantly puts a team with the worst PK in the last two (frank)ing decades shorthanded.

Thanks Bill. After the 4th goal, I changed the channel. I think that the forwards like playing in their own end. By the time the puck actually gets to the other end of the ice, they go for a line change. I really think that many of the players don't like playing hockey in Philly, and are waiting out their contract so that they can bolt. There was 0 effort by the forwards to get the puck out of the D zone, their passing skills were nonexistent, and they can hit the guy in front of them with the puck, but they can't get many shots actually on goal; hence it looks like the other team is a shot blocking monster. How can Chief steer the ship, when nobody wants to row? I can't wait to see what they do in the off season. Maybe G can dress like a woman, and get arrested for something he shouldn't be doing..lol.
Sorry, to pick on G. He is a good player. However, being a leader, he is not. Also, why play Rinaldo? I would put him on waivers, and bring somebody up. Then, I would sit Read, and some of the other lazy forwards, and let them watch for a change. I really hope that #5 is gone soon. I wouldn't trade him for anyone on the Oil, but I would hope that some picks would be available.

Apparently Marchand slew footed a guy last night, and of course, apparently those epic homers Brickley and Edwards defended him. It really is embarrassing to hockey to have he and Brickley call games.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...hould-lead-to-suspension/
- Hextall271

He's a PoS. I'd love for somebody to blast away on his face for poop like that.

I think where we differ is thinking that the players who currently aren't playing on the PP, are going to be more of a threat then those players that are currently on the 2nd PP unit.
- MJL

Yes that sounds right. But the players who are not out there have not been given a chance. All I am saying is give them a chance. It can't be any worse, 4 goals in 44 games just doesn't cut it for me

Like I said, he is what he is. So to expect anything different doesn't make sense. IMO, one of the biggest issues is team toughness. There isn't any. I'm not saying goon it up but please stop letting every other team push you around. This team needs something to bring them together. Obviously rallying around injuries hasn't been it. Do they need another Ottawa brawl game? Maybe. They need something.
- Flyone

He is what he is, is exactly right. He's nothing that resembles an NHL player.
What was the purpose of signing him? 175 pound Zac Rinaldo is going to prevent other teams from pushing the Flyers around?

TRADE THE ALL OF EVERYONE FOR OTHER ONES!
- jmatchett383

It is? What type of trade value do you think Rinaldo has? What can the Flyers get back for him?

Now were going to have people defend a player who has 1 point in 33 games played, an undisciplined penalty machine who constantly puts a team with the worst PK in the last two (frank)ing decades shorthanded.
- PLindbergh31

you seriously think other teams don't value "stupid" intangibles like energy and effort? You think teams don't overvalue physical presence, toughness, truckulence, etc.?

Nice hissy fit, tho. gj

He's a PoS. I'd love for somebody to blast away on his face for poop like that.
- wolfhounds

Well, IMO Phaneuf as captain should, but he's too busy hanging out in his walk in closet, looking at his watch collection and primping his hair.

you seriously think other teams don't value "stupid" intangibles like energy and effort? You think teams don't overvalue physical presence, toughness, truckulence, etc.?

Nice hissy fit, tho. gj
- BulliesPhan87

This.

But no, THIS is the turning point Mr. Lind. "Now" we're going to defend that player. Y'know, because this exact same player hasn't been been debated into dust on this very same thread like a thousand times this season alone. No, "now" we're going to defend him.

Oh wait, no, your dumb.

Actually, Del Zotto didn't stay with it. Bonino got away from him to get the shot on net. It should've been a routine stick block, but Del Zotto was a good stride off of Bonino when he shot it. Still a save that should be made.
- MJL

MDZ did stay with Bonino.

you seriously think other teams don't value "stupid" intangibles like energy and effort? You think teams don't overvalue physical presence, toughness, truckulence, etc.?

Nice hissy fit, tho. gj
- BulliesPhan87

And you didn't answer the question I asked. What trade value do you think Rinaldo has?

Zone-exit data through the first 42-games, if anybody's so inclined:

http://pattisonave.com/zone-exits-games-1-42/
- Tomahawk

What's the difference between "successful" and "with possession"?