Agree 100%

Hell, when it comes to an all around game and overall talent, these kids are better than any Flyers Dman not named Provorov!
- BiggE

agree 100%

This is what we meant when people were laughing at us for calling Ghost a 3rd pair guy when it all shakes out.

I understand the "it's a big leap to the NHL" argument, but some people act like these guys have never played hockey before. In the end, its the same game they have been playing their entire lives. Faster, and bigger and quicker...yes.....but its still the same game.

I also understand the "it's easier for a rookie forward than it is for a rookie defenseman" argument, but damn, these kids are all better than Manning and Amac RIGHT NOW. You play them. We need to know what we have and this season is the best chance to do it when the expectations to win the cup are low.
- MBFlyerfan

It's the same game, but the speed, pace, competition, timing, intelligence, intensity, are all factors in making the game more difficult at the top level.
I can make a claim though that the jump from the AHL, to the NHL isn't as heavy, as from junior level to the NHL.
You are correct where beating out McD, and Manning shouldn't be considered such a daunting task. Honestly if they were able to have Vegas pluck McD's contract last summer, he would have been gone.
Manning is an ok player with little upside, but his level of upside is nothing compared to what these kids can give the team. It's not as though they have been beaten out by anyone either.

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
- J35Bacher

Yeah, I must be watching games in an alternate universe from those who claim Morin was a wasted pick. The kid looks like a monster to me. Hard shot, physical, remarkably agile for a guy his size. I'd be shocked if he is sent down.

Still can't get over that PP goal.

Coots to Provorov to Weal to Patrick to Coots to Konecny.

The one Bruins defenseman was left staring into space like he was listening to Bryzgalov explain the universe

Please, I don't beg for attention.
- Streit2ThePoint

smart

Definitely one of my biggest gripes about Nolan so far has been his skating, pretty average speed so far and doesn't have the burst he's shown in juniors. I know he was never the fastest skater but I'm guessing its because of the sports hernia surgery that he looks a little slow to me
- Discourse_

To be fair, all the other players have been training and skating for months. Patrick has only had a few weeks.

agree 100%

This is what we meant when people were laughing at us for calling Ghost a 3rd pair guy when it all shakes out.
- MBFlyerfan

but...but...but...lol

His contract also makes him very easily trade-able should the need arise.*

*Calm down, people. I'm not suggesting nor advocating a trade at this time. I'm just pointing out the obvious.

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

He's only been skating for a few weeks playing against guys who have been on the ice all summer. By November he'll get that burst back.

smart
- Scoob

thanks dad

Agreed on the forwards. I get what you're saying about Hagg but he just doesn't "do it for me". He doesn't stand out in any single positive way when I watch him. He's still shaky on O and D. Morin really stands out and Sanheim is more of an eye-catcher on O. I can't say which of the two, Hagg/Sanheim, are better on D in the amount of games I've watched in the preseason.
- Boyer83

This is puzzling. What I see from Hagg is the opposite of shaky. He's steady all over the ice.

Why not move Ghost to the wing? It is obvious he is not good enough defensively to be a top 6 guy—need proof did anyone else notice that in the split squad game when 2 defensemen were in the penalty box and the Isles had some AHL players on the PP that Ghost still was not trusted to play on the PK? It isn’t due to anything but lack of size. He is a good skater and a PP specialist with a lot of offensive talent. Put him on a wing and I can see him being a Sami Kapanen type of player. Then you have room for all 3 kids.

Why not move Ghost to the wing? It is obvious he is not good enough defensively to be a top 6 guy—need proof did anyone else notice that in the split squad game when 2 defensemen were in the penalty box and the Isles had some AHL players on the PP that Ghost still was not trusted to play on the PK? It isn’t due to anything but lack of size. He is a good skater and a PP specialist with a lot of offensive talent. Put him on a wing and I can see him being a Sami Kapanen type of player. Then you have room for all 3 kids.
- Flyersfan33

bruh

This is puzzling. What I see from Hagg is the opposite of shaky. He's steady all over the ice.
- MJL

Set him and forget him.

bruh
- Streit2ThePoint

dude

Why not move Ghost to the wing? It is obvious he is not good enough defensively to be a top 6 guy—need proof did anyone else notice that in the split squad game when 2 defensemen were in the penalty box and the Isles had some AHL players on the PP that Ghost still was not trusted to play on the PK? It isn’t due to anything but lack of size. He is a good skater and a PP specialist with a lot of offensive talent. Put him on a wing and I can see him being a Sami Kapanen type of player. Then you have room for all 3 kids.
- Flyersfan33

Your just being a troll aren't you?

Why not move Ghost to the wing? It is obvious he is not good enough defensively to be a top 6 guy—need proof did anyone else notice that in the split squad game when 2 defensemen were in the penalty box and the Isles had some AHL players on the PP that Ghost still was not trusted to play on the PK? It isn’t due to anything but lack of size. He is a good skater and a PP specialist with a lot of offensive talent. Put him on a wing and I can see him being a Sami Kapanen type of player. Then you have room for all 3 kids.
- Flyersfan33

Being a good skater with a lot of offensive talent sounds like a really great skill set for a defenseman to have.

This is puzzling. What I see from Hagg is the opposite of shaky. He's steady all over the ice.
- MJL

Yeah.

He has a top 4 potential and possibly a top pair type of game. He is big enough and is a solid skater to match against top line players and has the skill to move the puck. He is a guy you can just set out there and not worry.

Here's hoping that Hextall stays true to his word and allows any rookies who have outplayed veterans onto the opening day roster.

Let's be completely honest here...There's a LOT of vets who've been outplayed by the rookies. Including MacD, Manning, Weiss, Read and Lehtera. Hell, even Ghost has to a certain extent.

But does Hextall REALLY want to pay a guy 5 mil to send him down to the minors? Let alone a few?

All he has to do is look at the Penguins. Speed kills in this league. And the rookies are the only ones who can provide that.

If this team is to be competitive with the Penguins, Lightning, Caps, Rangers or Toronto...you better have some speed in that lineup.

thanks dad
- Streit2ThePoint

lol

Your just being a troll aren't you?
- J35Bacher

No, I am being serious. Ghost is a good skater, a very good shot and works his tail off, but against most wingers when it is down low he is too small to do anything of use. Sanheim has similar skills but is much bigger and better defensively. Provorov reminds me of a Dennis Potvin/Ray Bourque/Drew Doughty type. Hägg is a solid 2 way guy (I like him paired with Provorov) Morin and Gudas are very physical defensemen who can provide some offense. MacDonald is ok in a certain role. He can’t cover up for a weak partner but with a good defensive partner he is an adequate 6th or 7th defensemen and Manning is a very good 7th defensemen! Ghosts size wouldn’t be a factor as a winger and they could still use his offensive skills and I think while he is not good defensively as a defensemen I see him being very effective defensive forward where he doesn’t need to be in front of the Flyers net or below the goal line.

A defensemen primary job is to play defense and Ghost is the 8th best of the guys still in camp at that. It is like having a pitcher who is a great hitter and great fielder but has one pitch and it is an 80mph fastball with no movement. Watch how many plays Ghost hits someone and doesn’t even slow them down...he never kills penalties and he can’t be out there against any teams first line and most teams 2nd lines...if he is it is basically a power play in the defensive zone for the opposition.

By the way, a troll? A die hard flyers fan since the 1984 season when I was 6 years old. Hardly a Flyers hater!

Why not move Ghost to the wing? It is obvious he is not good enough defensively to be a top 6 guy—need proof did anyone else notice that in the split squad game when 2 defensemen were in the penalty box and the Isles had some AHL players on the PP that Ghost still was not trusted to play on the PK? It isn’t due to anything but lack of size. He is a good skater and a PP specialist with a lot of offensive talent. Put him on a wing and I can see him being a Sami Kapanen type of player. Then you have room for all 3 kids.
- Flyersfan33

hi

Make Ghost the 1C and put Couturier on the bottom defense pair where that slug belongs

but...but...but...lol

His contract also makes him very easily trade-able should the need arise.*

*Calm down, people. I'm not suggesting nor advocating a trade at this time. I'm just pointing out the obvious.
- Scoob

He's worth keeping around just for PP and overtime

No, I am being serious. Ghost is a good skater, a very good shot and works his tail off, but against most wingers when it is down low he is too small to do anything of use. Sanheim has similar skills but is much bigger and better defensively. Provorov reminds me of a Dennis Potvin/Ray Bourque/Drew Doughty type. Hägg is a solid 2 way guy (I like him paired with Provorov) Morin and Gudas are very physical defensemen who can provide some offense. MacDonald is ok in a certain role. He can’t cover up for a weak partner but with a good defensive partner he is an adequate 6th or 7th defensemen and Manning is a very good 7th defensemen! Ghosts size wouldn’t be a factor as a winger and they could still use his offensive skills and I think while he is not good defensively as a defensemen I see him being very effective defensive forward where he doesn’t need to be in front of the Flyers net or below the goal line.

A defensemen primary job is to play defense and Ghost is the 8th best of the guys still in camp at that. It is like having a pitcher who is a great hitter and great fielder but has one pitch and it is an 80mph fastball with no movement. Watch how many plays Ghost hits someone and doesn’t even slow them down...he never kills penalties and he can’t be out there against any teams first line and most teams 2nd lines...if he is it is basically a power play in the defensive zone for the opposition.

By the way, a troll? A die hard flyers fan since the 1984 season when I was 6 years old. Hardly a Flyers hater!
- Flyersfan33

Why do you just assume he can make that transition? Especially to be good enough at the NHL level.

Here is the thing. Gostisbehere is effective because he is dynamic on the back end. He is a solid skater but not a speed demon, think more quick twitch, on the back end but he isn't someone I see flourishing on the wing. He has a good shot and good puck skills for a defensman but he isn't going to be some creator off the wing.

You might think i am crazy but if Gostisbehere was to switch to wing, it wouldn't be long until people realize he can't do it.

He's an offensive defensman. HIs skills are great for an offensive DEFENSMAN. But I don't think they are good enough to be an impact winger.

No, I am being serious. Ghost is a good skater, a very good shot and works his tail off, but against most wingers when it is down low he is too small to do anything of use. Sanheim has similar skills but is much bigger and better defensively. Provorov reminds me of a Dennis Potvin/Ray Bourque/Drew Doughty type. Hägg is a solid 2 way guy (I like him paired with Provorov) Morin and Gudas are very physical defensemen who can provide some offense. MacDonald is ok in a certain role. He can’t cover up for a weak partner but with a good defensive partner he is an adequate 6th or 7th defensemen and Manning is a very good 7th defensemen! Ghosts size wouldn’t be a factor as a winger and they could still use his offensive skills and I think while he is not good defensively as a defensemen I see him being very effective defensive forward where he doesn’t need to be in front of the Flyers net or below the goal line.

A defensemen primary job is to play defense and Ghost is the 8th best of the guys still in camp at that. It is like having a pitcher who is a great hitter and great fielder but has one pitch and it is an 80mph fastball with no movement. Watch how many plays Ghost hits someone and doesn’t even slow them down...he never kills penalties and he can’t be out there against any teams first line and most teams 2nd lines...if he is it is basically a power play in the defensive zone for the opposition.

By the way, a troll? A die hard flyers fan since the 1984 season when I was 6 years old. Hardly a Flyers hater!
- Flyersfan33

I guess back then Thomas Eriksson would have been moved to forward as well