I remember all those years talking about how the Flyers couldn't develop a defenseman to save their lives. All the years of trading for or acquiring vets in free agency and it occasionally working out.

I have to give the Flyers credit for the steps they've taken to remedy that. I know Ghost and Provy are great but they both seemed like they were destined to be great and started showing it pretty quick. The real credit is for Hagg. I remember maybe 2 seasons ago he was being talked about as the one d prospect that might bust or might be available to trade but here he is and I think he's been fantastic this year. Kudos to the Flyers for dropping back and re-evaluating their process and kudos to Hagg for all his hard work, its really paying off for everyone.
- shekkie

It really gives me positive vibes for Big Sam as well.

TK-Filp-Simmonds

Konecny was skating well and creating chances all night. Simmonds seems clearly labored in both his skating and in his puck control, it's hard to believe that he's not playing through some type of injury. Filppula was ok, but seems to not be playing as well as he did earlier in the season.

Weal and the stiffs

Weal played well, but Lehtera, while not awful, is just 2 steps behind most of the time. However, he did do a good job on faceoffs and did nothing in particular to hurt the team. Weise, OTOH, has no business playing in an NHL teams top 9. If Lindblom keeps playing well, I'd like to see them send down Read and bring the kid up and put him in Weise's spot. Patrick can't get back soon enough either.

The 4th line
They played a solid game and generated some good chances down low. They aren't the best finishers, but they are doing all you can expect from a 4th line. Also Laughton and Leier were outstanding on the PK.
- BiggE

Thanks!

In my opinion order to make that push to the next level -- a contending team -- they are going to need one or two more top 6 forwards, and one or two more top 9 players. Two of those players, I hope anyways, are going to be Patrick and Lindblom.


Giroux - Couts - Jake
??? - Patrick - Simmonds
Lindblom - ??? - TK
Leier - Laughton - Raffl

Of course, I'm spitballing for two or so years from now...who knows what will happen.

Thanks!

In my opinion order to make that push to the next level -- a contending team -- they are going to need one or two more top 6 forwards, and one or two more top 9 players. Two of those players, I hope anyways, are going to be Patrick and Lindblom.


Giroux - Couts - Jake
??? - Patrick - Simmonds
Lindblom - ??? - TK
Leier - Laughton - Raffl

Of course, I'm spitballing for two or so years from now...who knows what will happen.
- VladDrag

Martel

It's remarkable that the Flyers are playing well with a top defensive pairing that contains a 20 and 22 year old and even the other four defensemen are fairly young at 21, 24, 27, and 27. They aren't playing like they are that young.

Side note, I'm really impressed with the player Hagg is; I didn't see that coming.
- ManCity

We've kept hearing about the depth of the prospect pool and now we are really seeing the beginning of that depth. Ghost Provy, Hagg, and Sanheim are very impressive for their ages. Manning and Gudas are what they are but if the rest meet expectations they will be GONE!

The whole D, except for a few screw ups by Gudas played really well last night. Hagg and Provorov have been fantastic and I see no reason not to keep them together even when AMac returns. Sanheim had a solid game, but I actually think he could be even better with a steadier partner. When AMac returns, I'd like to see:

Provorov-Hagg
Ghost-Gudas*
Sanheim-AMac

*if Gudas doesn't start playing better, I'd have no problem sitting him for a few games and putting Manning in for him.

While I'd love to see Morin up, I can't see him replacing anyone at this time. That being said, at age 22, I don't think a 3rd season and getting top pair ice time at LHV, is doing him any long term harm.
- BiggE

I agree.

I am liking the Provorov and Hagg combo and think you see the chemistry building. Also they can play against top lines.

Once MacDonald is back I think your right to pair him with Sanheim. Maybe he has the same effect on Sanheim as Provorov. kind of gives Sanheim a little more freedom to be aggressive.


Kind of a thought I had but Montreal wants an experienced top 4 dman. Would you see if Gudas could get you Galchenyuk in some way? The Canadians seem intent on moving him. He could be an instant upgrade to your middle six. Also next year he could slide into a 3rd line center role too if needed.

Martel
- Giroux_Is_God

I know he is scoring like crazy down in the A, but I get the feeling hes a guy who will not put up enough offense in the NHL to stay in the league. Jared Ross comes to mind. I could be completely wrong tho.


Also forgot to add Weal to my list.

I agree.

I am liking the Provorov and Hagg combo and think you see the chemistry building. Also they can play against top lines.

Once MacDonald is back I think your right to pair him with Sanheim. Maybe he has the same effect on Sanheim as Provorov. kind of gives Sanheim a little more freedom to be aggressive.


Kind of a thought I had but Montreal wants an experienced top 4 dman. Would you see if Gudas could get you Galchenyuk in some way? The Canadians seem intent on moving him. He could be an instant upgrade to your middle six. Also next year he could slide into a 3rd line center role too if needed.
- J35Bacher

I'd make that deal

ttt

Watched last night's game with Tangentman. He said he misses and loves you all.






Yeah, right. What he really said was to tell all you morons to go (frank) yourselves.

Great game last night!!
- BiggE

Why he no say himself? Lifetime ban? Or he no like us no more?

Who sits when AMAC returns. Manning I assume?

Provorov hagg seem to be building something really special. How do you separate them now ? I think right now when MacDonald comes back the most logical thing is MacDonald for manning with gost. I'm not really for a MacDonald gudas pairing

Who sits when AMAC returns. Manning I assume?
- hockeylover

I gotta give it up to Manning he has been playing pretty well. Probably Sanheim. it will be interesting

I agree.

I am liking the Provorov and Hagg combo and think you see the chemistry building. Also they can play against top lines.

Once MacDonald is back I think your right to pair him with Sanheim. Maybe he has the same effect on Sanheim as Provorov. kind of gives Sanheim a little more freedom to be aggressive.


Kind of a thought I had but Montreal wants an experienced top 4 dman. Would you see if Gudas could get you Galchenyuk in some way? The Canadians seem intent on moving him. He could be an instant upgrade to your middle six. Also next year he could slide into a 3rd line center role too if needed.
- J35Bacher

you think Montreal does that deal 1 for 1

Who sits when AMAC returns. Manning I assume?
- hockeylover

I dunno.....I wouldn't be so sure.

AMac might have to sit for a bit

I dunno.....I wouldn't be so sure.

AMac might have to sit for a bit
- johndewar

If what we have is working, why change anything?

I know he is scoring like crazy down in the A, but I get the feeling hes a guy who will not put up enough offense in the NHL to stay in the league. Jared Ross comes to mind. I could be completely wrong tho.


Also forgot to add Weal to my list.
- VladDrag

Not out of the question, but I hope he gets a shot at some point.

I remember all those years talking about how the Flyers couldn't develop a defenseman to save their lives. All the years of trading for or acquiring vets in free agency and it occasionally working out.

I have to give the Flyers credit for the steps they've taken to remedy that. I know Ghost and Provy are great but they both seemed like they were destined to be great and started showing it pretty quick. The real credit is for Hagg. I remember maybe 2 seasons ago he was being talked about as the one d prospect that might bust or might be available to trade but here he is and I think he's been fantastic this year. Kudos to the Flyers for dropping back and re-evaluating their process and kudos to Hagg for all his hard work, its really paying off for everyone.
- shekkie

nice post

Great win by the Flyers last night. Better first half than second, but they held on and got good goaltending from Elliot. The 1st and 4th lines are really fun to watch.

Weise had a horrible game last night IMO. Felt like he was a turnover machine. Did clang the post, but all around bad game. Thought Lehtera has played better than him of late tbh.

We've kept hearing about the depth of the prospect pool and now we are really seeing the beginning of that depth. Ghost Provy, Hagg, and Sanheim are very impressive for their ages. Manning and Gudas are what they are but if the rest meet expectations they will be GONE!
- dragonoffrost

I don't know. If Manning can continue to play at the level he has been playing, even with the ups and downs, I see no reason not to keep him as a depth defenseman. never know how long before his play drops off. Sometimes players like that have a brief career of being able to play at the NHL level, but right now, no reason to move a player like Manning. As long as he is cost controlled.

Elliott's best game as a Flyer by far. Definitely got some help (the Keith point blank miss), but came up with some huge saves when needed. If we can get performances close to that from him, it will go a long way towards the playoffs.

Who sits when AMAC returns. Manning I assume?
- hockeylover

I'd like to see them keep Hagg and Provorov together but it wouldn't surprise me if MacDonald goes right back with Provorov.

Awesome to see these younger players getting more comfortable out there. Hagg looked solid last night.

Elliot had some great saves but im still not sold on him being able to take this team into the playoffs. Would love to be proved wrong though

I don't know. If Manning can continue to play at the level he has been playing, even with the ups and downs, I see not reason not to keep him as a depth defenseman. never know how long before his play drops off. Sometimes players like that have a brief career of being able to play at the NHL level, but right now, no reason to move a player like Manning. As long as he is cost controlled.
- MJL

What do you do if Morin, Myers and Friedman all become NHL ready in the next 3 years? Carry 8 D for a short time until they prove it then you move someone...It's a great problem to have and one the Flyers probably never have had with developing defensemen.

The Good.....28/14/93. Man they are just so good together. Elliott...really good to see. Hopefully he gets on a hot streak. Only giving up 1 goal to the Hawks including a 2 man disadvantage. yes its not the same Hawks team but they still have skill. I really like Hagg. Laughton/Leier PK tandem.

The negative. they really need to get more scoring from other lines. Yes I know Filppula and Simmonds each have 6 but Simmonds had most of those over a few games. the top line has 23 of their 50 goals.....46%. I really dislike the Weal-Lehtera-Weiss line. I know one of Lehtera/Weiss will be out once Patrick is back but still.

What do you do if Morin, Myers and Friedman all become NHL ready in the next 3 years? Carry 8 D for a short time until they prove it then you move someone...It's a great problem to have and one the Flyers probably never have had with developing defensemen.
- dragonoffrost

Odds are against every Flyers defense prospect panning out and I don't see the Flyers wanting to keep a youngster in a 7th defenseman slot for long. If the former happens, good solid young defenseman make excellent trade chips.