I personally think that people use the word personally way too much in their posts.

Don't get mad, it's how I personally feel.
- BiggE

litrilly

New Years eve night. Every fan gets free coke
- Just5

hahaha

Purdue Pharma Oxycontin giveaway night to fans 14 and under

I'd personally put Raffl on the left side with Giroux and Voracek, and leave him there. I don't like that 3rd line at all, although I'll add the caveat, that no matter what combo you put together, there will be some issues.
- MJL[/quo


I think this is the year Couturier and Read are apart. I think Read could be a nice compliment to Laughton if he makes the roster. Something like this:

Raffl - Giroux - Voracek
Gagner - Couturier - Schenn
Read - Laughton - Simmonds
White/Vdv - Bellemare - Umberger



The 1st line works well together so no reason to break that up.

Couturier and Schenn showed some chemistry at the end and Gagner could be a little more of a playmaker for them.

3rd line could still be used in a defensive roll but still create offensive.

4th line is strong defensively and adds some grit and some pk players.

But again since the coaching change we really have no clue what hackstoll is thinking or if more trades are made before camp.

[quote=MJL]I'd personally put Raffl on the left side with Giroux and Voracek, and leave him there. I don't like that 3rd line at all, although I'll add the caveat, that no matter what combo you put together, there will be some issues.
- J35Bacher[/quo


I think this is the year Couturier and Read are apart. I think Read could be a nice compliment to Laughton if he makes the roster. Something like this:

Raffl - Giroux - Voracek
Gagner - Couturier - Schenn
Read - Laughton - Simmonds
White/Vdv - Bellemare - Umberger



The 1st line works well together so no reason to break that up.

Couturier and Schenn showed some chemistry at the end and Gagner could be a little more of a playmaker for them.

3rd line could still be used in a defensive roll but still create offensive.

4th line is strong defensively and adds some grit and some pk players.

But again since the coaching change we really have no clue what hackstoll is thinking or if more trades are made before camp.

You could always go with the Mike Keenan method and just change lines from shift to shift.

Laughton better be on the (frank)ing opening night roster

[quote=MJL]I'd personally put Raffl on the left side with Giroux and Voracek, and leave him there. I don't like that 3rd line at all, although I'll add the caveat, that no matter what combo you put together, there will be some issues.
- J35Bacher[/quo


I think this is the year Couturier and Read are apart. I think Read could be a nice compliment to Laughton if he makes the roster. Something like this:

Raffl - Giroux - Voracek
Gagner - Couturier - Schenn
Read - Laughton - Simmonds
White/Vdv - Bellemare - Umberger



The 1st line works well together so no reason to break that up.

Couturier and Schenn showed some chemistry at the end and Gagner could be a little more of a playmaker for them.

3rd line could still be used in a defensive roll but still create offensive.

4th line is strong defensively and adds some grit and some pk players.

But again since the coaching change we really have no clue what hackstoll is thinking or if more trades are made before camp.

Like I said, other than the first line, I think there are issues on the other lines in terms of mix. I think they desperately need a playmaker and offensive catalyst to play with Simmonds. I think if they did, he can be a 60-70 point first line caliber RW. That's how I personally feel anyway.

I personally think that people use the word personally way too much in their posts.

Don't get mad, it's how I personally feel.
- BiggE

Laughton better be on the (frank)ing opening night roster
- PhillySportsGuy

two more years

Another thing about Handzus....he was pretty strong on face offs, with his worst year as a Flyers barely missing 50%. Winning face offs is not the be all and end all of possession, but it can't hurt.

That is an area Couturier can surely get better at.

Laughton better be on the (frank)ing opening night roster
- PhillySportsGuy

I don't think he will be, but I think he'll be a regular by February.

I always forget that coots is my age. I have a feeling we see a semi breakout season from shutdown seanie this year. 45ish points maybe?

two more years
- -davies-

Don't even

Don't even
- PhillySportsGuy

i am a new disciple of the ob method

I don't think he will be, but I think he'll be a regular by February.
- johndewar

Makes no sense to send him to LHV. He's too good for that league and there are top 9 spots available for him and those will likely be his role moving forward.

I can understand sending guys like Morin down because he'll get more opportunities with the Phantoms and the Flyers already have several well paid defenseman on the roster. Sending Laughton down would be pointless. He'll get better playing against better competition.

Makes no sense to send him to LHV. He's too good for that league and there are top 9 spots available for him and those will likely be his role moving forward.

I can understand sending guys like Morin down because he'll get more opportunities with the Phantoms and the Flyers already have several well paid defenseman on the roster. Sending Laughton down would be pointless. He'll get better playing against better competition.
- PhillySportsGuy

I agree and would rather see Laughton in the lineup over Umberger or the guy that used to be Vinny Lecavalier.

Makes no sense to send him to LHV. He's too good for that league and there are top 9 spots available for him and those will likely be his role moving forward.

I can understand sending guys like Morin down because he'll get more opportunities with the Phantoms and the Flyers already have several well paid defenseman on the roster. Sending Laughton down would be pointless. He'll get better playing against better competition.
- PhillySportsGuy

He'll get better quality TOI down there in the beginning.

I suspect he'll be back up because of either injury or they've decided to punt one of either Gagner or BSchenn.

Like I said, other than the first line, I think there are issues on the other lines in terms of mix. I think they desperately need a playmaker and offensive catalyst to play with Simmonds. I think if they did, he can be a 60-70 point first line caliber RW. That's how I personally feel anyway.
- MJL

I agree.

They could use another play maker. I like Simmonds but I am not as high on his even strength skill like you. I do think he is a great PP player. I just have a hard time finding a top 6 roll right now unless he moves into Raffl's spot.

But Raffl seems to be a great compliment to Giroux and Voracek right now.

Like I said, other than the first line, I think there are issues on the other lines in terms of mix. I think they desperately need a playmaker and offensive catalyst to play with Simmonds. I think if they did, he can be a 60-70 point first line caliber RW. That's how I personally feel anyway.
- MJL

It's fun to put line combos on paper but the reality is there is way too much uncertainty with the forwards to even label who the top 9 is at this point.

We know the team is confident in the 4 core forwards they have made long term commitments to (Giroux, Voracek, Couturier, Simmonds).

We know who the role players are going to be: White, Bellemare, Vandevelde.

That leaves 5 roles up for grabs in the top 9 spots amongst a cast of players who could either significantly surpass or fail to meet expectations. (Raffl, Schenn, Read, Gagner, Umberger, Laughton and even Lecavalier to an extent).

I personally think Voracek has the ability to lift anyone on the team. Hes a monster.
- jak521

what makes you think #14 can keep up with him? maybe 14 slows jake down

i am a new disciple of the ob method
- -davies-

This is troubling

I agree and would rather see Laughton in the lineup over Umberger or the guy that used to be Vinny Lecavalier.
- BiggE

He's definitely one of the 12 best forwards and arguably one of the 9 best

REUNITE SIMMONDS AND COUTURIER !!

This is troubling
- PhillySportsGuy

no no it has a sedative effect

what makes you think #14 can keep up with him? maybe 14 slows jake down
- rinaldo

Youre right.. He'll probably turn Jake into a 45 point winger.

I agree and would rather see Laughton in the lineup over Umberger or the guy that used to be Vinny Lecavalier.
- BiggE

depends what role. I don't want to see him put in a strictly defensive role and not see his game progress; especially if he plays with lesser wingers.

no issue with laughton in the ahl to continue to build up his offensive side.