MacDonald isn't the difference between wins and 6-2 losses. No one is outside of Gretzky when he first got drafted and Lemieux before Jagr played.
In the beginning of the year our slowest forwards were Coots and Filppula, with both playing well. Coots playing exceptionally. The goaltending was league average. The Hagg-Ghost pair was rolling along with the 1st and 4th lines. The 2nd and 3rd lines appeared dangerous at times but not dominant, which is fine. On that second line, Weal was playing well. On the 3rd, Konecny was using his speed effectively and Patrick was playing a strong 200 foot game and seeing the ice as a playmaker.
Now, after Weal appears not at 100%, Patrick is missing time, and 2 of Lehtera, Read, and Weise are dressed. Manning and Gudas are playing poorly. They're turning the puck over, skating like mud through the neutral zone, and are getting schooled during transitions. ECHL level goaltending has returned.
The difference is astronimal and it goes much farther than MacDonald being hurt. The team isn't this bad. Some have said this is the "real" team showing up. I disagree, I think the real team is quicker, smarter, and the goalies are better than this. This is one horrendous funk. - Giroux_Is_God
Can't argue with any of this. Said before the season that they were a bubble team that, depending on health, could finish anywhere from 85-100 points. Still feel the same. Only real gripe is not putting Morin in the lineup with AMac out for 4-6 weeks. Manning played well for about a month early last season, but other than that he's been mediocre to poor.
Can't argue with any of this. Said before the season that they were a bubble team that, depending on health, could finish anywhere from 85-100 points. Still feel the same. Only real gripe is not putting Morin in the lineup with AMac out for 4-6 weeks. Manning played well for about a month early last season, but other than that he's been mediocre to poor. - BiggE
Location: The East Coast Dump, NJ Joined: 10.12.2015
Oct 26 @ 9:01 PM ET
Can't argue with any of this. Said before the season that they were a bubble team that, depending on health, could finish anywhere from 85-100 points. Still feel the same. Only real gripe is not putting Morin in the lineup with AMac out for 4-6 weeks. Manning played well for about a month early last season, but other than that he's been mediocre to poor. - BiggE
In doubt you'll see Sam in a Flyers uniform before Monday