I think he needs to go get the puck and do it himself. Or at least start trying to do this. Its not like he is out there against the other teams best defenders.
- MBFlyerfan

Problem is, when he is the only legitimate threat to score on that line, most of the defense's attention turns to him. Doesn't matter if it's the top pairing or not, if you neutralize Voracek you're more than likely neutralizing that line.

Bottom line is Jake has to start producing no matter who he is playing with. This goes back to a good part of the final 30 games of last season when he WAS playing with Giroux.

An 8 million dollar player (yes, I know, next season) should have the skill level to produce against lesser competition on his own. He needs to start imposing himself more. He looks tentative and has no confidence.
- MBFlyerfan

I agree. Right now b schenn is a better option on that top line at RW

I think he needs to go get the puck and do it himself. Or at least start trying to do this. Its not like he is out there against the other teams best defenders.
- MBFlyerfan

That's true. He is playing against some 3rd and 4th lines, as well as some third defense pairings, but Voracek's mindset is to pass the puck first, he's not a sniper. I'd put him back with Giroux and leave him there the rest of the season. He will start producing.

I think he needs to go get the puck and do it himself. Or at least start trying to do this. Its not like he is out there against the other teams best defenders.
- MBFlyerfan

Also he needs to be that do it himself player for that line imo. Last season VV got a lot of his goals from posting in front of the net with a deflection. Jake needs to be the main puck holder while VV parks up and just rip shots to get his confidence going

I agree. Right now b schenn is a better option on that top line at RW
- Just5

I wouldn't even mind slotting voracek at the LW a few shifts just to see how he does. Feel that could also throw off the opposing defense since no one is used to Jake on the left. At this point I try anything like this to get him going. Can you imagine how much better we'd be if he was producing same way as last season?

Bottom line is Jake has to start producing no matter who he is playing with. This goes back to a good part of the final 30 games of last season when he WAS playing with Giroux.

An 8 million dollar player (yes, I know, next season) should have the skill level to produce against lesser competition on his own. He needs to start imposing himself more. He looks tentative and has no confidence.
- MBFlyerfan

he is playing with grinders, esp VDV, who have very limited finish who play dump and chase. Sorry but I don't care if that line is playing against the 3rd or 4th line of the opposition, Jake is one person playing with players that don't fit his skill set. He isn't going to skate through the whole opposition.

Crosby's numbers are down quite a lot and the excuses have been made that they can't find the right players to play with him. the so called proclaimed "best" player in the world. Finding the right fit helps a bit and I'm sorry but playing Jake with VDV (who is a 4th liner at best) and PEB playing less ES mins than most on the team is not it.

Bottom line is Jake has to start producing no matter who he is playing with. This goes back to a good part of the final 30 games of last season when he WAS playing with Giroux.

An 8 million dollar player (yes, I know, next season) should have the skill level to produce against lesser competition on his own. He needs to start imposing himself more. He looks tentative and has no confidence.
- MBFlyerfan

I don't know if I've ever seen a deeper goal scoring slump from a player considered a top offensive player before. It's reached an epic level. He has not scored a single goal at 5 on 5 or on the PP. Amazing.

I think he needs to go get the puck and do it himself. Or at least start trying to do this. Its not like he is out there against the other teams best defenders.
- MBFlyerfan

hey Jake go out and play with grinders who don't come close to matching your skill set and do it all by yourself....thats gonna help you get your game back on track.

how about putting him with players who will help get him going?

That's true. He is playing against some 3rd and 4th lines, as well as some third defense pairings, but Voracek's mindset is to pass the puck first, he's not a sniper. I'd put him back with Giroux and leave him there the rest of the season. He will start producing.
- PLindbergh31

his best shift last night was during the 4 on 4 when he was put out with G. He was flying. hmmm

Problem is, when he is the only legitimate threat to score on that line, most of the defense's attention turns to him. Doesn't matter if it's the top pairing or not, if you neutralize Voracek you're more than likely neutralizing that line.
- TobyFlenderson

Teams are content with keeping Voracek to the perimeter, and containing him. They have no fear of Vandevelde or Bellemare jumping into holes for passes and finishing. Vandevelde and Bellemare can't carry the puck and create to set up Voracek. They are getting chances, and controlling the puck, but it's a tough situation. Voracek has also contributed because he really has zero confidence right now. You can see it in his game. That's why I put him back with Giroux. If anyone can get him out of it, Giroux can.

I don't know if I've ever seen a deeper goal scoring slump from a player considered a top offensive player before. It's reached an epic level. He has not scored a single goal at 5 on 5 or on the PP. Amazing.
- MJL

It goes way deeper than a line or chemistry issue. His game has been predictable

I don't know if I've ever seen a deeper goal scoring slump from a player considered a top offensive player before. It's reached an epic level. He has not scored a single goal at 5 on 5 or on the PP. Amazing.
- MJL

it is crazy and its important to get him going and I just don't see playing him where they are is going go help.

Teams are content with keeping Voracek to the perimeter, and containing him. They have no fear of Vandevelde or Bellemare jumping into holes for passes and finishing. Vandevelde and Bellemare can't carry the puck and create to set up Voracek. They are getting chances, and controlling the puck, but it's a tough situation. Voracek has also contributed because he really has zero confidence right now. You can see it in his game. That's why I put him back with Giroux. If anyone can get him out of it, Giroux can.
- MJL

exactly

it is crazy and its important to get him going and I just don't see playing him where they are is going go help.
- nastyflyergirl

I don't see what's so crazy. Ever since the switch the flyers have been a better team. If Hak starts worrying about players personal success over the team's best interest, he won't last long in this league

Teams are content with keeping Voracek to the perimeter, and containing him. They have no fear of Vandevelde or Bellemare jumping into holes for passes and finishing. Vandevelde and Bellemare can't carry the puck and create to set up Voracek. They are getting chances, and controlling the puck, but it's a tough situation. Voracek has also contributed because he really has zero confidence right now. You can see it in his game. That's why I put him back with Giroux. If anyone can get him out of it, Giroux can.
- MJL

Can't argue with any of that. I remember a few occasions last night where the Blues held him out to the perimeter and he ended up coughing up the puck because he had no options. I hope he goes back up with Giroux soon.

his best shift last night was during the 4 on 4 when he was put out with G. He was flying. hmmm
- nastyflyergirl

As long as they are winning games, things will probably remain status quo. I'm glad to see them playing competitive hockey and winning games, but they would be playing even better if Voracek was producing.

I don't see what's so crazy. Ever since the switch the flyers have been a better team. If Hak starts worrying about players personal success over the team's best interest, he won't last long in this league
- Just5

I agree that the Flyers are playing strong hockey right now, but ultimately, you need more from a player like Voracek. You have to be concerned about an individual like Voracek, who is signed to a long term, high cap hit deal in the future, because something like this can snowball into more than an extended slump. Flyers need Voracek scoring, if they're going to be a good team.

Bottom line is Jake has to start producing no matter who he is playing with. This goes back to a good part of the final 30 games of last season when he WAS playing with Giroux.

An 8 million dollar player (yes, I know, next season) should have the skill level to produce against lesser competition on his own. He needs to start imposing himself more. He looks tentative and has no confidence.
- MBFlyerfan

Let him play with Raffl and Schenn in Center position I am sure he would be better off

I wouldn't be surprised if the Flyers played well tonight. They've played well the last 10 games with the exception of that debacle against the Jackets. That game was a disgrace. Hartnell with 3 points, Bob locking them down, and the Fonz with that smug look on his face. Has anything ever been more predictable then the outcome of that game?
- PLindbergh31

nothing has ever been more predictable in the history of the earth. i agree - i think they can play well tonight.

Problem is, when he is the only legitimate threat to score on that line, most of the defense's attention turns to him. Doesn't matter if it's the top pairing or not, if you neutralize Voracek you're more than likely neutralizing that line.
- TobyFlenderson

So what? He is soon to be an 8 million dollar player. He shouldn't be neutralized by 3rd and 4th liners.

He needs to get aggressive, start taking the puck through people if need be to get to the net. He is not doing anything, for the last 50 games this has been the case. What was his excuse when he was playing with Giroux for the last 30-40 games of last season? What was his excuse for the first 10-15 games this season?

Bottom line is he needs to start producing like an 8 million dollar player.

Edit: holy crap! Quoting from the first page worked!!!
- Scoob

it's a miracle.

it's a miracle.
- hammarby31

A Christmas Miracle!

nothing has ever been more predictable in the history of the earth. i agree - i think they can play well tonight.
- hammarby31

Holy crap I didn't realize the Stars were 21-5-2. That is bananas.
Some turn around. They missed the playoffs last year didn't they?

Edit: holy crap! Quoting from the first page worked!!!
- Scoob

You know, I have never ever had this issue. I can use Firefox or IE and have never had a quoting issue (unless someone breaks the page). You guys are all full of it.

So what? He is soon to be an 8 million dollar player. He shouldn't be neutralized by 3rd and 4th liners.

He needs to get aggressive, start taking the puck through people if need be to get to the net. He is not doing anything, for the last 50 games this has been the case. What was his excuse when he was playing with Giroux for the last 30-40 games of last season? What was his excuse for the first 10-15 games this season?

Bottom line is he needs to start producing like an 8 million dollar player.
- MBFlyerfan

Definitely not arguing that. Most of this is on Voracek the individual. I just don't feel he's in the best position to succeed right now and he doesn't necessarily have to be put back with Giroux to do that.