Bye kase. Bye goulbourne. Bye elliot.
- Tfaehner

what in the world are you basing the goodbye to Kase on? Kid seems to be a solid prospect.

What is this based on? What direct insight do you have on how the Flyers operate internally?

As far as the latter comment, the Flyers have in the past demoted players with high salaries and cap hits such as MacDonald and this season Matt Read. Not sure why they don't have any balls to make those moves or why it has anything to do with fortitude. Neuvirth has not shown that he can remain healthy for a full season and be a true starter.
- MJL

I'm not talking about what the Flyers have done in the past. I'm well aware of the history of the Philadelphia Flyers. I'm talking about making decisions in the now.

We all know Neuvirth has gotten injured and had trouble playing for long stretches. Does this mean he'll never ever be capable of playing consistently for long stretches? I'm down to roll that dice - especially seeing how Halloween has come early with Elliot in net.

I mentioned it last year and everyone was all nah playoff run woo.
- Tfaehner

Provorov wasn't overplayed in the slightest. It's the most bizarre complaint about Hakstol I've ever seen.

Hakstol confirmed that Taylor Leier has been healthy for a few days. The coach used Dale Weise over Leier in Tuesday’s game

I gotta say I don't like the 4th line without Leier's speed and he has been good on the PK. Ok fine against a big Anaheim team if you wanted Weise in, I can live with it but I really want Leier back in.........not that what I want matters

Hextall brought Elliot along because he's used to splitting time with other goalies. They'll both see about the same ice time. I do think Neuvirth may edge out Elliot later on in the season.
- Streit2ThePoint

Cool. Thanks.

Main concern is the core. At the rate this organization is implementing its youth, Giroux and Voracek will be in wheelchairs. The same exact conversation is going to take place with Myers and co. next year. Same with Rubstov, Frost the year after that etc. That is the much bigger concern.
- StepfordSam

My main concern is the depth. The lack of it is the problem we're seeing at the moment. The only player I'd regard as a core guy that is getting close to the end is Filppula . . . . who I would extend, within reason.

what in the world are you basing the goodbye to Kase on? Kid seems to be a solid prospect.
- nastyflyergirl

I don't see him being a nhl player for us. He's meh.

In other news Simmonds is at morning skate and looks like he's playing. They are going with yesterday practice pairings.

The whole Morin debate really gets me aggrevated too when articles online and sports writers are saying Morin was a monster in last night's phantoms win. All over the ice looking like a stud. Meanwhile manning looks.... manning
- Tfaehner

Morin was dominant on many shifts last night but there are still a few things to clean up:

1) Opening seconds of second period: under no pressure, he fumbled the puck off his stick behind the net. Thankfully was able to use his long reach to poke check the puck away as it rolled out in front.

2) Ended up on the wrong side of the puck twice: one time where he got help, the other time he recovered.

3) Took a needless interference penalty.

These are nitpicks in a game where he definitely made a positive impact but not new or isolated things: they're areas he's fine-tuning just a bit while waiting for his callup. Again, FWIW, I think he is NHL ready. But the folks (not you) who seem to be convinced that he'd step right in and be a latter-day Pronger with less offensive capabilities, that's probably not realistic.

That wasn't what I said was it ? I said hasktol priority is to win games and he seems to not care about development it's about how he can win now. I think he overplayed provorov last year in a meaningless playoff chase as one example.
- Tfaehner

My fault, I wasn't trying to imply that you did. My comment was meant in general and to some of the opinions being made. I agree completely with your outlook on that. A coaches main priority is to win games.

Morin was dominant on many shifts last night but there are still a few things to clean up:

1) Opening seconds of second period: under no pressure, he fumbled the puck off his stick behind the net. Thankfully was able to use his long reach to poke check the puck away as it rolled out in front.

2) Ended up on the wrong side of the puck twice: one time where he got help, the other time he recovered.

3) Took a needless interference penalty.

These are nitpicks in a game where he definitely made a positive impact but not new or isolated things: they're areas he's fine-tuning just a bit while waiting for his callup. Again, FWIW, I think he is NHL ready. But the folks (not you) who seem to be convinced that he'd step right in and be a latter-day Pronger with less offensive capabilities, that's probably not realistic.
- bmeltzer

How are the issues you listed above not able to be applied to any other defenseman on any team?

I in no way think he will be Pronger, i simply think he can't be any worse then Manning.

I'm not talking about what the Flyers have done in the past. I'm well aware of the history of the Philadelphia Flyers. I'm talking about making decisions in the now.

We all know Neuvirth has gotten injured and had trouble playing for long stretches. Does this mean he'll never ever be capable of playing consistently for long stretches? I'm down to roll that dice - especially seeing how Halloween has come early with Elliot in net.
- Pixote Andolini

Now or in the past. Same applies. Read was sent to the AHL this season. What direct information do you have on how the Flyers hierarchy operates and their decision making process? The Flyers clearly had a platoon in mind with the goaltending tandem they have. We'll see how it plays out.

Morin was dominant on many shifts last night but there are still a few things to clean up:

1) Opening seconds of second period: under no pressure, he fumbled the puck off his stick behind the net. Thankfully was able to use his long reach to poke check the puck away as it rolled out in front.

2) Ended up on the wrong side of the puck twice: one time where he got help, the other time he recovered.

3) Took a needless interference penalty.

These are nitpicks in a game where he definitely made a positive impact but not new or isolated things: they're areas he's fine-tuning just a bit while waiting for his callup. Again, FWIW, I think he is NHL ready. But the folks (not you) who seem to be convinced that he'd step right in and be a latter-day Pronger with less offensive capabilities, that's probably not realistic.
- bmeltzer

It's one of those never too much seasoning debates. And we definitely know the he's the next pronger types. I would be happy with Coburn with an edge to his game.

It's one of those never too much seasoning debates. And we definitely know the he's the next pronger types. I would be happy with Coburn with an edge to his game.
- Tfaehner

Flyers in a lot of cases like to marinate their prospects in a crock pot versus preparing in a microwave. A few they've served raw.

How are the issues you listed above not able to be applied to any other defenseman on any team?

I in no way think he will be Pronger, i simply think he can't be any worse then Manning.
- ggunky

No defenseman is perfect. But fine-tuning a bit of discipline, puck handling and positional stuff -- all vastly improved, mind you, from year one until now -- can't hurt him while he's waiting for the recall.

What's keeping him out of the NHL, frankly, isn't anything he doesn't do well enough yet. Not in my opinion, at least. It's that he's currently blocked by two rookies they like for different reasons and also by Gudas playing a similar role to his (whereas Hägg and Sanheim have different skillsets that filled what they saw as immediate needs).

Even with MacD out, the issue exists that Morin can't play the right side (nor do they want him to) and can't be paired with either fellow LD Provorov or the too-similar Gudas. They also probably still prefer not to have 3 rookies starting. Tonight, though, they are going to at least start out with a two-rookie pairing of Sanheim and Hägg and are going to move Ghost (who loses something defensively on the right side, but can create offensively from that side) from LD to play as a RD with Provorov.

At some point soon -- I still think it will be this season and possibly during MacDonald's absence -- Morin will get an extended look. If it were my call to make, he'd be in the lineup with Hägg, since apparently they didn't mind breaking up the Ghost-Hägg pairing, Sanheim with Gudas and Provorov with Ghost.

But I don't make out the lineups or have a say in roster moves

No defenseman is perfect. But fine-tuning a bit of discipline, puck handling and positional stuff -- all vastly improved, mind you, from year one until now -- can't hurt him while he's waiting for the recall.

What's keeping him out of the NHL, frankly, isn't anything he doesn't do well enough yet. Not in my opinion, at least. It's that he's currently blocked by two rookies they like for different reasons and also by Gudas playing a similar role to his (whereas Hägg and Sanheim have different skillsets that filled what they saw as immediate needs).

Even with MacD out, the issue exists that Morin can't play the right side (nor do they want him to) and can't be paired with either fellow LD Provorov or the too-similar Gudas. They also probably still prefer not to have 3 rookies starting. Tonight, though, they are going to at least start out with a two-rookie pairing of Sanheim and Hägg and are going to move Ghost (who loses something defensively on the right side, but can create offensively from that side) from LD to play as a RD with Provorov.

At some point soon -- I still think it will be this season and possibly during MacDonald's absence -- Morin will get an extended look. If it were my call to make, he'd be in the lineup with Hägg, since apparently they didn't mind breaking up the Ghost-Hägg pairing, Sanheim with Gudas and Provorov with Ghost.

But I don't make out the lineups or have a say in roster moves
- bmeltzer

Tell that to Tanner.

No defenseman is perfect. But fine-tuning a bit of discipline, puck handling and positional stuff -- all vastly improved, mind you, from year one until now -- can't hurt him while he's waiting for the recall.

What's keeping him out of the NHL, frankly, isn't anything he doesn't do well enough yet. Not in my opinion, at least. It's that he's currently blocked by two rookies they like for different reasons and also by Gudas playing a similar role to his (whereas Hägg and Sanheim have different skillsets that filled what they saw as immediate needs).

Even with MacD out, the issue exists that Morin can't play the right side (nor do they want him to) and can't be paired with either fellow LD Provorov or the too-similar Gudas. They also probably still prefer not to have 3 rookies starting. Tonight, though, they are going to at least start out with a two-rookie pairing of Sanheim and Hägg and are going to move Ghost (who loses something defensively on the right side, but can create offensively from that side) from LD to play as a RD with Provorov.

At some point soon -- I still think it will be this season and possibly during MacDonald's absence -- Morin will get an extended look. If it were my call to make, he'd be in the lineup with Hägg, since apparently they didn't mind breaking up the Ghost-Hägg pairing, Sanheim with Gudas and Provorov with Ghost.

But I don't make out the lineups or have a say in roster moves
- bmeltzer

I'm just not sure that if they're going to continue to use Provorov against top lines that pairing his with Gostisbehere is the best deployment for Gostisbehere. Have to figure that they'll be occupied with defending more. I'd rather keep Gostisbehere away from that situation to give more opportunity to use his elite puck skills.

Good to see Patrick alright

No defenseman is perfect. But fine-tuning a bit of discipline, puck handling and positional stuff -- all vastly improved, mind you, from year one until now -- can't hurt him while he's waiting for the recall.

What's keeping him out of the NHL, frankly, isn't anything he doesn't do well enough yet. Not in my opinion, at least. It's that he's currently blocked by two rookies they like for different reasons and also by Gudas playing a similar role to his (whereas Hägg and Sanheim have different skillsets that filled what they saw as immediate needs).

Even with MacD out, the issue exists that Morin can't play the right side (nor do they want him to) and can't be paired with either fellow LD Provorov or the too-similar Gudas. They also probably still prefer not to have 3 rookies starting. Tonight, though, they are going to at least start out with a two-rookie pairing of Sanheim and Hägg and are going to move Ghost (who loses something defensively on the right side, but can create offensively from that side) from LD to play as a RD with Provorov.

At some point soon -- I still think it will be this season and possibly during MacDonald's absence -- Morin will get an extended look. If it were my call to make, he'd be in the lineup with Hägg, since apparently they didn't mind breaking up the Ghost-Hägg pairing, Sanheim with Gudas and Provorov with Ghost.

But I don't make out the lineups or have a say in roster moves
- bmeltzer

I understand, and i was not aiming that at you, i was saying in general.

Thanks for your reply, Bill.

I'm just not sure that if they're going to continue to use Provorov against top lines that pairing his with Gostisbehere is the best deployment for Gostisbehere. Have to figure that they'll be occupied with defending more. I'd rather keep Gostisbehere away from that situation to give more opportunity to use his elite puck skills.
- MJL

Morin and hagg I think become your shutdown pairing in that situation and it may open up provy gost to more offensive zone starts and maybe some more scoring

Morin was dominant on many shifts last night but there are still a few things to clean up:

1) Opening seconds of second period: under no pressure, he fumbled the puck off his stick behind the net. Thankfully was able to use his long reach to poke check the puck away as it rolled out in front.

2) Ended up on the wrong side of the puck twice: one time where he got help, the other time he recovered.

3) Took a needless interference penalty.

These are nitpicks in a game where he definitely made a positive impact but not new or isolated things: they're areas he's fine-tuning just a bit while waiting for his callup. Again, FWIW, I think he is NHL ready. But the folks (not you) who seem to be convinced that he'd step right in and be a latter-day Pronger with less offensive capabilities, that's probably not realistic.
- bmeltzer

I never liked the Pronger comparison.

People forget that Pronger was a point-per-game guy in Juniors from the blue line. Morin never projected that level of offensive upside at any point.

I half believe the Pronger comparison comes because both players are tall, have blond hair, and Morin seems to have a Pronger like mean streak. Otherwise, that's just about where the comparisons end.

Morin and hagg I think become your shutdown pairing in that situation and it may open up provy gost to more offensive zone starts and maybe some more scoring
- Tfaehner

I was thinking more about the current pairs for tonight rather than what we might see in the future. I think it would be unfair to place Morin and Hagg in that role. Provorov is exceptional and not the norm.

I was thinking more about the current pairs for tonight rather than what we might see in the future. I think it would be unfair to place Morin and Hagg in that role. Provorov is exceptional and not the norm.
- MJL

Provorov really does spoil this fan base with how well he plays at such a young age.

I don't mind tonight's pairs that much. I just hope Ghost is up to the challenge tonight. Maybe he is since he worked well with Hagg and they were seeing some large minutes.

Provorov really does spoil this fan base with how well he plays at such a young age.

I don't mind tonight's pairs that much. I just hope Ghost is up to the challenge tonight. Maybe he is since he worked well with Hagg and they were seeing some large minutes.
- dragonoffrost

It seems to me they should have left the Ghost Hagg pair alone.

Play Gudas with Provorov, Manning with Sanheim.

I guess if we see another defensive poopshow like we did against Anahiem, maybe they go back to that.

I don't like Ghost with Provorov one bit. It forces Provorov to be the "safe" partner.

Good to see Patrick alright
- willschulme

Just needs to protect himself just a little better.

I for one am not too concerned with Gudas. He started slow in both seasons so far as a Flyer. But he eventually became his reliable self. I'm just happy he's not making borderline suspension hits this year....yet.

Manning is Manning. You know what you're going to get day in and day out. And I'm not exactly sure what Hakstol is looking at...he's NOT a 5-6. He's a 6-7 who can platoon.

Only a matter of time before the Flyers play another team the size of the Kings or Ducks and get pushed around again before they decide that Morin MIGHT just be a better option.