Another adjustment that needs to be made. Filppula needs to come out of the slot on PP1.

I'd try these options in order:

Voracek
Lindblom
Couturier
Laughton

Blackberry Smoke - Like An Arrow

Buy it
Listen to it
You're welcome
- Scoob

Love Blackberry Smoke, reminds me a whole lot of Skynyrd at their best!

Another adjustment that needs to be made. Filppula needs to come out of the slot on PP1.

I'd try these options in order:

Voracek
Lindblom
Couturier
Laughton
- Baxter27

If Sanheim is on the roster, I'd slide him into Jakes spot and move Jake to the middle. Having Jake and Simmonds both wreaking havoc down low and in front of the net will be a nightmare to defend against. I don't want to mess with the 2nd unit from last night, so if Sanheim isn't on the roster, I'd give Laughton and/or Lindblom a shot at that slot position. Filppula is too much of a pass first guy to fill that role.

Nolan Patrick's vision is on a higher level than I expected.
- Baxter27

Totally agree, but there are "slow feet" comments on him from non-Flyers hockey people at the games when they are asked about their observations of what they've noticed. I'm hoping that it is the effects of a year of playing through an undiagnosed second hernia followed by a surgery, and there will be an element of explosiveness/separation that emerges within the next few months. Then again, Rod Brind'Amour was no speed demon, but he sure had a fine career. Would gladly take something along those lines. It's great that Patrick is unselfish with the puck because he sure sees the ice well and makes great saucer/touch passes but he has a really good shot, too, and we've hardly gotten to see it.

If Sanheim is on the roster, I'd slide him into Jakes spot and move Jake to the middle. Having Jake and Simmonds both wreaking havoc down low and in front of the net will be a nightmare to defend against. I don't want to mess with the 2nd unit from last night, so if Sanheim isn't on the roster, I'd give Laughton and/or Lindblom a shot at that slot position. Filppula is too much of a pass first guy to fill that role.
- BiggE

I like that idea, and I also don't like the pass-first Filppula stationed in a shooting area of the ice.

I think Lindblom has had a decent -- not great, but far from poor -- camp. However, the fact that he spent two practice days on the "fifth" line and then was scratched in two of the last three games makes me think he's the final forward cut.

However, I also suspect that both he and Leier will get into the lineup on Sunday. Kind of a "state your final case" game before the decision comes down.
- bmeltzer

I think not giving Lindblom more games on the LW with Giroux has been a mistake.

Giroux moving to the LW eventually makes sense. Giroux playing LW while Filppula plays center makes no sense, especially if they plan on matching Filppula against top lines like they did last night.

Totally agree, but there are "slow feet" comments on him from non-Flyers hockey people at the games when they are asked about their observations of what they've noticed. I'm hoping that it is the effects of a year of playing through an undiagnosed second hernia followed by a surgery, and there will be an element of explosiveness/separation that emerges within the next few months. Then again, Rod Brind'Amour was no speed demon, but he sure had a fine career. Would gladly take something along those lines. It's great that Patrick is unselfish with the puck because he sure sees the ice well and makes great saucer/touch passes but he has a really good shot, too, and we've hardly gotten to see it.
- bmeltzer

Getting a stronger feeling that Lindblom and Sanheim will be the AHL. Won't agree with it but I think it fits Hextall's cautious approach.

Still plenty to be excited about regardless of where those 2 are playing.

Nolan Patrick's vision is on a higher level than I expected.

Konecny looks primed to be one of this team's main contributors.

Morin has shown the potential that got him drafted higher then the "Experts" thought he should've been. He looks ready to make an impact in the NHL.

Laughton is reminding me a lot of Mike Richards. Not ready to say he has the same upside but there may be more to him then just a 4th line center.
- Baxter27

Eklund posted that he's hearing that Morin my start in the AHL. I don't see that at all.

Another adjustment that needs to be made. Filppula needs to come out of the slot on PP1.

I'd try these options in order:

Voracek
Lindblom
Couturier
Laughton
- Baxter27

I actually liked how Filppula looked in that spot.

Eklund posted that he's hearing that Morin my start in the AHL. I don't see that at all.
- MJL

Seriously would be upset with that. He has played well. Wouldn't get that at all

Some Observations:

- Top line looked to be clicking. They were buzzing and seem to be finding each other and creating chances each shift.

- 2nd PP was moving. They look like they have a plan out there and the puck movement was nice.

- Couturier sucks. Guy is never involved and doesn't score or create anything.

- Team looks so much faster. With the talent on the back end, this teams just looks like they are moving quicker out of the zone. All the guys on the back end move well, even Morin.

- I start all 6 rookies. The time is now. This team could have the same excitement that Toronto brought their fans. I live with the ups and downs.

- Don't think some of the vets have done enough to keep some rookies from making the roster. Read and MacDonald should go to Lehigh.

- Nice to see a 4th line that can create offensive chances and yet still be defensively responsible. Lehtara is bigger and quicker then i thought. Laughton has found his game. Add Raffl or Leier and that is solid 4th line.
- J35Bacher

Sean Couturier had a great night on a struggling pre season power play. He is not officially the Jon Sim of the PP.

All kidding aside, I've said all summer that Couturier is deserving in consideration of being an assistant Captain due to his value to the team by playing the toughest minutes and being home grown.

With this said, last night was a pre season game. He's only played 63 and 66 games the past two seasons and his career high in point is 39, which he's reached twice. It is time to do more if you're gonna play on the top line and play in all situations. It's been six seasons as he enters lucky number seven. Time to pot 20.

There is nothing wrong with this sort of expectation from a former high draft pick. It's one thing to have flashes of a nice offensive touch, it's another to have consistently done it.

MacDonald has played two preseason games, the least of any skater left on the roster.
- Feanor

Flyers brass sending a message that he is a lock to make the roster

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
- J35Bacher

Hagg reminds me a lot of a guy Chicago just traded in the off-season, Niklas Hjalmarsson.

He just goes out there and plays 2nd pair minutes and does his job very well. Wont put up a lot of points but is damn good at his role.

I believe Chicago will greatly miss "Hammer" and I think the Flyers will be a much better team with Hagg.

Another adjustment that needs to be made. Filppula needs to come out of the slot on PP1.

I'd try these options in order:

Voracek
Lindblom
Couturier
Laughton
- Baxter27

Filppula has been OK, but all four of these options are way more interesting.

Totally agree, but there are "slow feet" comments on him from non-Flyers hockey people at the games when they are asked about their observations of what they've noticed. I'm hoping that it is the effects of a year of playing through an undiagnosed second hernia followed by a surgery, and there will be an element of explosiveness/separation that emerges within the next few months. Then again, Rod Brind'Amour was no speed demon, but he sure had a fine career. Would gladly take something along those lines. It's great that Patrick is unselfish with the puck because he sure sees the ice well and makes great saucer/touch passes but he has a really good shot, too, and we've hardly gotten to see it.
- bmeltzer

Noticed he needs to work on his acceleration as well and it's got him caught behind the play a few times. I think back to Tavares having the same concerns before he improved his skating which wasn't awful but needed improvement.

Eklund posted that he's hearing that Morin my start in the AHL. I don't see that at all.
- MJL

Nope. Like what all 3 of the rookies have done but he's been the most consistent and impressive.

Eklund posted that he's hearing that Morin my start in the AHL. I don't see that at all.
- MJL

Isn't he the guy who also had us trading for Byfuglien 3258 times over the last 7 or 8 years?

It's just pre season and we'll soon see the difference between the two once the season starts. One factor that I think needs to be given consideration is that youth is infectious to use a cliché. Adding a significant amount of youth, speed and skill to the lineup will not only make the team better but it also can inspire veteran players. It can create an atmosphere where the players are having a lot of fun and really believe in the team and it's future. Good things can happen in that environment. Ultimately you're only as good as you are but emotion can play a role. I've been a MacDonald supporter as I think he's a better player than given credit for but the writing is on the wall. They need to do what is best for the team and the future right now. In my opinion that means keeping Sanheim and Lindblom on the team. MacDonald is absolutely an NHL defenseman but barring a trade, the best move is to waive and demote MacDonald in my opinion. I see no reason to delay the future. If they feel that a player needs some tweaking in the AHL I'll understand it but I won't agree with it.
- MJL

I think you are sooooo SPOT ON with this comment. I agree 1000%.

Seriously would be upset with that. He has played well. Wouldn't get that at all
- nastyflyergirl

TheAthleticPHI's top takeaway from yesterday is "Morin cements his case".

Godspeed lol (and don't listen to People And Things)
- YuenglingJagr

I never listen to people. People are dumb.

Eklund posted that he's hearing that Morin my start in the AHL. I don't see that at all.
- MJL

If anything, Morin should be at the top of the "lock" list when it comes to the rookies.

Love Blackberry Smoke, reminds me a whole lot of Skynyrd at their best!
- BiggE

Never came to my mind at all

They've got a Black Keys vibe imho.

Sean Couturier had a great night on a struggling pre season power play. He is not officially the Jon Sim of the PP.

All kidding aside, I've said all summer that Couturier is deserving in consideration of being an assistant Captain due to his value to the team by playing the toughest minutes and being home grown.

With this said, last night was a pre season game. He's only played 63 and 66 games the past two seasons and his career high in point is 39, which he's reached twice. It is time to do more if you're gonna play on the top line and play in all situations. It's been six seasons as he enters lucky number seven. Time to pot 20.

There is nothing wrong with this sort of expectation from a former high draft pick. It's one thing to have flashes of a nice offensive touch, it's another to have consistently done it.
- SuperSchennBros

He has also played with a lot of mediocre wingers and forced to play a defensive game with less talent on the 2nd PP.

Yes I know it's just the preseason, but look at his mindset since they moved Giroux to wing. he is attacking the offensive zone more and he is creating chances.

If they keep this line together, I see Couturier with 20 goals this season. Especially with what i see from the 2nd PP unit.

Never came to my mind at all

They've got a Black Keys vibe imho.
- Scoob

Yup, they definitely have some of that too.

Isn't he the guy who also had us trading for Byfuglien 3258 times over the last 7 or 8 years?
- BiggE

Morin has been better then I even thought. That shorthanded play was a great play to setup Simmonds.

And i might be archaic but I love having an intimidation factor back there. And with him and Gudas guys will keep their heads up and might not be so willing to go into corners