Raffl, while not as tall, isnt a small body. i'm fine with those 3. obviously guys will be in and out of the lineup esp in the bottom 3. i love the competition. will only help the team. personally my last two cuts would be Read and Amac. not out of any dislike but just because i want to see the roster turn over with youth. if they keep Amac over manning so be it.
- nastyflyergirl

Raffl is shorter than Lehtera, but he's much stronger on the puck and in the corners.

I would imagine part of that is because they know what they have in him but Manning is coming off of surgery and needs to play and they need to see the kids
- nastyflyergirl

Maybe.

In 15-16 he played three games then got waived.

I think Lindblom will make it. The organization has a track record of setting obstacles in front of the rookies to see how they react. Didn't see the game, if Provorov/Sanheim was the pairing, the organization is sending a clear message to Sanheim he is well on his way to being in SJ opening night, IMO.

Fun game last night, some players who really stood out to me were:

Provorov
He just seems to completely control the game when he is on the ice. In all my years of following the Flyers, I've only seen 2 other Dmen with this ability: Howe and Pronger.

Laughton
An example of a kid who just needed enought time to "get it". He was a beast on the PK and played a very good game at ES too. He is, IMO, a lock for the 4C spot and will be in the main PK rotation as well

Sanheim
Was just as impressed with his play in the D zone last night as I was with his offensive skills. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind, he is 100% ready to play in the NHL.

Morin
Another good, solid game from the big guy. He will be a huge part of the PK this season and it wouldn't surprise me if we were soon seeing him on the ice with Provorov in the last minute of the game when protecting a lead.

Konecny
Was the best player on the ice last night and throughout the preseason. He's going to have a great year.

Couturier
Get it through your heads, he has skill and he can score. He's the best ES forward on this team.

Patrick
Won points with his teammates for dropping the gloves and he also showed off his soft hands with a number of sweet tape to tape passes. Once he gets his legs and core fully into game shape, he will be fantastic

Weal
Was effective in all 3 zones and makes great decisions with the puck. LA may end up regretting not giving this kid a chance.

Simmonds
Looked like his usual self last night, which is always awesome

Voracek
Seemed to finally have his legs going at 100% for the first time this season which was reassuring to see

Manning
Even if he hadn't scored, it was, by far, his best game of the preseason. AMac needs to be waived.

Lyon
Played a very solid, controlled game. Best I've seen from him against NHL competition.

Guys who didn't show me much:
Lehtera
Other than the faceoff infraction penalty, he was pretty invisible. I don't think he's anywhere near a lock for the opening night lineup.

Read
Was ok on the PK, completely invisible at ES. He may be starting the season in LHV, Leier has consistently outplayed him in all facets of the game.

Everyone not mentioned had solid games. Really like what I've seen from the PK so far in preseason, they seem to be less passive than they have in prior seasons. It was also great to see the 2nd pp unit connect twice, what a welcome addition to the party!

The outrages from some fans when/if Lindblom is/will be sent down will be dramatic and over the top, but they might pale in comparison to the reaction if Sanheim is left off the roster.

Both of them starting in LHV is not the end of the world.
- johndewar

I think Lindblom has a greater chance to be starting the season in LHV than Sanheim does at this point. However, I expect he will be in the Flyers lineup by mid season at the latest.

to me its not Lindblom vs Raffl making the team. for me its Lindblom and Leier making the team over Read. that said he should only be on the team if he will be in the lineup. will they want veterans like Weise and/or Lehtera in over Lindblom. if so I believe he will start in the A
- nastyflyergirl

If that's the case (not saying its not) then I will be disappointed. Disappointed that the Flyers didn't take the best players.

Busy house hunting?
- YuenglingJagr

Either that, or pitching a reality show set in the Lehigh Valley with Matt Read.

Here's a thought....I know everyone has been saying Hagg is a lock, but is he really? If Hextall's plan all along was to only take two rookie D, could he be the odd man out? I know he plays a steady game and you don't really notice him, but could that have hurt him some in the preseason? Morin and Sanheim have been very noticeable for the other things they bring to the table(physical play, offense, skating ability), while Hagg has just kind of been there doing his thing.

This is pure speculation, and of course he could have already made the team in their eyes, but it's just something to think about. The six D last night played well, and I could easily see them opening the season next Wednesday night. Of course, I could also see Hagg and AMac opening as well. Lots of options right now.

I think Lindblom has a greater chance to be starting the season in LHV than Sanheim does at this point. However, I expect he will be in the Flyers lineup by mid season at the latest.
- BiggE

I think I'd rather see Lindblom on the NHL roster, but I'd understand if he were sent down for a month or two and becomes the first injury call-up only to never return to Lehigh Valley.

I think I'd rather see Lindblom on the NHL roster, but I'd understand if he were sent down for a month or two and becomes the first injury call-up only to never return to Lehigh Valley.
- johndewar

I'm also hoping that he's in the lineup opening night. There is nothing wrong with showing your new coach that you are a defensively responsible and smart player, the offense will come. He's a better player than Weise, Read and Lehtera already and he should be in the lineup.

Got tix to the game about an hour before it started, was a good time. Some things I noticed:

- Sanheim has to make the team. He was good in all 3 zones, very solid.

- I'm fully onboard on the Sammy Morin train. Dude kinda mildly bumped Pastrnak (I think, #88) and the dude was in a world of hurt. Showed off some nice wheels and a nice pass on the SH Simmer goal.

- Love Wayne Simmonds. After Weal took the 3rd cross check on his knees, Simmonds just ran the guy not giving a (frank) what happened. Also, challenged Miller late in the game and got declined after a clip.

- Maybe the most noticeable I've ever seen Laughton. Dude was all over the place last night, has had a great preseason.

- Konecny has been the Flyers' best player this preseason. Guy was involved in the play every time he was on the ice.

- Lyon looked solid. The goal that beat him was a perfect shot, there wasn't much room up there to pick. Could move laterally a bit better, but played well.

- Voracek had the legs going and was stronger on the puck than he's been all preseason.

- Nolan Patrick is really, really good. He took a bouncing puck and one-timed a no-look backhand saucer pass to...Konecny? It was subtle, but well done. Dude really shouldn't ever fight again, though, his face looked all (frank)ed up.

If it was up to me, this would be the opening night lineup, lines and D pairings:

Giroux-Couturier-Voracek
Weal-Patrick-Simmonds
Lindblom-Filppula-Konecny
Leier-Laughton-Raffl

Sanheim*-Provorov
*Morin would replace Sanheim on the PK and in shutdown situations
Hagg-Gudas
Morin-Ghost

Starting G: Elliott
Backup G: Neuvirth

In the press box: Lehtera, Weise and Manning

In LHV: Read and AMac

I'm also hoping that he's in the lineup opening night. There is nothing wrong with showing your new coach that you are a defensively responsible and smart player, the offense will come. He's a better player than Weise, Read and Lehtera already and he should be in the lineup.
- BiggE

Lehtera is better than I thought (was thinking Umberger 2.0), and is a decent 4th liner. Not saying much, I know, but he moves fairly well and uses his body well.

If it was up to me, this would be the opening night lineup, lines and D pairings:

Giroux-Couturier-Voracek
Weal-Patrick-Simmonds
Lindblom-Filppula-Konecny
Leier-Laughton-Raffl

Sanheim*-Provorov
*Morin would replace Sanheim on the PK and in shutdown situations
Hagg-Gudas
Morin-Ghost

Starting G: Elliott
Backup G: Neuvirth

In the press box: Lehtera, Weise and Manning

In LHV: Read and AMac
- BiggE

Ding ding ding

Here's a thought....I know everyone has been saying Hagg is a lock, but is he really? If Hextall's plan all along was to only take two rookie D, could he be the odd man out? I know he plays a steady game and you don't really notice him, but could that have hurt him some in the preseason? Morin and Sanheim have been very noticeable for the other things they bring to the table(physical play, offense, skating ability), while Hagg has just kind of been there doing his thing.

This is pure speculation, and of course he could have already made the team in their eyes, but it's just something to think about. The six D last night played well, and I could easily see them opening the season next Wednesday night. Of course, I could also see Hagg and AMac opening as well. Lots of options right now.
- boxcar65

I don't think so. While not as dynamic as Sanheim, Hagg is a guy you can put out in any situation. He could be your top pairing dman with provorov and moatch against top lines. He can play pK.

In a lot of ways he is like Provorov. Just not as elite as him

Here's a thought....I know everyone has been saying Hagg is a lock, but is he really? If Hextall's plan all along was to only take two rookie D, could he be the odd man out? I know he plays a steady game and you don't really notice him, but could that have hurt him some in the preseason? Morin and Sanheim have been very noticeable for the other things they bring to the table(physical play, offense, skating ability), while Hagg has just kind of been there doing his thing.

This is pure speculation, and of course he could have already made the team in their eyes, but it's just something to think about. The six D last night played well, and I could easily see them opening the season next Wednesday night. Of course, I could also see Hagg and AMac opening as well. Lots of options right now.
- boxcar65

I understand the 3 are rookies for the NHL, but all have professional experience. I think in Hexy s judgment it would have to take an extraordinary effort to make the jump from junior to the NHL. I think all 3 have earned the right considering their success already at the professional level at the AHL along with the performance this preseason. So excited for the season opener.

If it was up to me, this would be the opening night lineup, lines and D pairings:

Giroux-Couturier-Voracek
Weal-Patrick-Simmonds
Lindblom-Filppula-Konecny
Leier-Laughton-Raffl

Sanheim*-Provorov
*Morin would replace Sanheim on the PK and in shutdown situations
Hagg-Gudas
Morin-Ghost

Starting G: Elliott
Backup G: Neuvirth

In the press box: Lehtera, Weise and Manning

In LHV: Read and AMac
- BiggE

wow...100% what I'm hoping for...pairings maybe a tad different. I guess we'll see.

If it was up to me, this would be the opening night lineup, lines and D pairings:

Giroux-Couturier-Voracek
Weal-Patrick-Simmonds
Lindblom-Filppula-Konecny
Leier-Laughton-Raffl

Sanheim*-Provorov
*Morin would replace Sanheim on the PK and in shutdown situations
Hagg-Gudas
Morin-Ghost

Starting G: Elliott
Backup G: Neuvirth

In the press box: Lehtera, Weise and Manning

In LHV: Read and AMac
- BiggE

Like it.

Only change I would do is Hagg with Provorov.

Provorov - Hagg
Sanheim - Gudas
Morin - Gostisbehere

7th Manning

MacDonald Waived.

Just think it would give a little offensive freedom to Sanheim if he was with a guy like Gudas.

Lehtera is better than I thought (was thinking Umberger 2.0), and is a decent 4th liner. Not saying much, I know, but he moves fairly well and uses his body well.
- jmatchett383

He's not bad.

Could also fill in on the 3rd line if Filppula went down. He has skill with the puck. He's quicker then I thought. I think he could be a solid player this year for them.

If it was up to me, this would be the opening night lineup, lines and D pairings:

Giroux-Couturier-Voracek
Weal-Patrick-Simmonds
Lindblom-Filppula-Konecny
Leier-Laughton-Raffl

Sanheim*-Provorov
*Morin would replace Sanheim on the PK and in shutdown situations
Hagg-Gudas
Morin-Ghost

Starting G: Elliott
Backup G: Neuvirth

In the press box: Lehtera, Weise and Manning

In LHV: Read and AMac
- BiggE

I think you nailed it.. though it may be tough for management to have two guys making big coin not in the starting lineup ( Lehtera/AMac)

I think you nailed it.. though it may be tough for management to have two guys making big coin not in the starting lineup ( Lehtera/AMac)
- 3flyerkids

True, but they've sent AMac down before, and Read only has one more year left. Plus, although they don't need it ATM, those 2 would give them the biggest cap savings (I think just about 1M max. can be saved per player). But Read just hasn't played very well.

Edit: Said Manning, meant AMac

I just watched the replay on the Patrick fight. From the stands, it looked like Krejci was goading him and Patrick didn't want the fight (probably wise, but...). But when I just watched the replay, you could clearly see Patrick asking him if we wanted to go, and Krejci didn't drop them until Patrick cross checked him.

I don't want him fighting often, but I'm glad to see that he was willing to drop them against a vet.

ttt

The outrages from some fans when/if Lindblom is/will be sent down will be dramatic and over the top, but they might pale in comparison to the reaction if Sanheim is left off the roster.

Both of them starting in LHV is not the end of the world.
- johndewar

It will be ridiculous

True, but they've sent Manning down, and Read only has one more year left. Plus, although they don't need it ATM, those 2 would give them the biggest cap savings (I think just about 1M max. can be saved per player). But Read just hasn't played very well.
- jmatchett383

$1,025,000 can be saved on a buried contract