You are right some of the previous top teams may not be as dominate however the teams that were not as strong last year are playing better hockey ( Devils,Isles) and Canes are improved. Flyers can't afford to fall far behind. Too many good teams in Metro, and this brand of hockey won't cut it
- 3flyerkids

I think some of those teams will level out. The Devils defense isn't that good.

My observations:

- Top line again produced

- Simmonds looked a lot better. I actually didn't mind that line combo.

- Again Elliott played well. Deserved a win.

- Aafter Voracek deflected the puck out of rink in the third, I think Hackstol should have used a timeout. With the Jets having such a big lineup I would have rested the Couturier line and got him back out again for the 6 on 5.

- Gudas.....I understand it probably wasn't intentional but how many times are we going to have to go through this? This is the 2nd game this year he left the defense short.

- I know you don't want to panic but either the Flyers need to make a move or something needs to change....I understand this isn't a cup contender but this team can make the playoffs. Especially with some of the previous division top teams not being as dominate as before.
- J35Bacher

100 %

I think some of those teams will level out. The Devils defense isn't that good.
- J35Bacher

The Flyers are 6 pts behind the Devils. If they can get more scoring that's not an insurmountable lead

Who would the Phantoms young forward that would be a significant immediate difference maker offensively-- not talking later this season or next but right now. Vecchione over Filppula or Patrick or moved to a wing ? Martel added to what is already the 3rd smallest team in the NHL or in lieu of Weal or Konecny? Lindblom assigned to the Weise role or in lieu of Weal or Konecny?
- bmeltzer

I think it sends a message about accountability. Any change, beyond holding back a rookie or Brandon Manning. The problem is the secondary scoring that the GM has brought in....we now why Weise, Filpula and Lehtera were cast offs from other teams. All three have produced offensively in the past, but unfortunately we aren't playing in the past.

I have zero confidence in Filppula as a 2nd line center.

Who would the Phantoms young forward that would be a significant immediate difference maker offensively-- not talking later this season or next but right now. Vecchione over Filppula or Patrick or moved to a wing ? Martel added to what is already the 3rd smallest team in the NHL or in lieu of Weal or Konecny? Lindblom assigned to the Weise role or in lieu of Weal or Konecny?
- bmeltzer

With the teams struggles I see no reason not to try Lindblom in the Weise spot.

The Flyers are 6 pts behind the Devils. If they can get more scoring that's not an insurmountable lead
- Streit2ThePoint

And here's another thing...The Flyers are actually in most of the games they are playing.

And here's another thing...The Flyers are actually in most of the games they are playing.
- J35Bacher

here's even one more thing...they've only played 1 game against the metro

8 losses in 11 games now. I know the season isn't at the quarter pole yet, but things are really trending in a bad direction.

The lack of secondary scoring is the biggest issue. I think Hextall has to do something to shake things up. At least try calling up Lindblom, Martel, or Vecchione. Maybe they give the team a boost, maybe they don't.

Very reckless play by Gudas last night. I would think he probably gets 5 games minimum. I guess one positive is the goaltending has been pretty good lately. Disappointing to not put points in the bank when this is the case.

here's even one more thing...they've only played 1 game against the metro
- YuenglingJagr

here's even another one more thing... they just got Patrick back which should hopefully spark some offense.

Other than maybe moving a few players around or inserting Read into the lineup, the Flyers just need to keep playing and improve with what they already have. Simmonds is showing signs of coming out of it. Patrick needs a few games to get into game shape. Don't overreact.

8 losses in 11 games now. I know the season isn't at the quarter pole yet, but things are really trending in a bad direction.

The lack of secondary scoring is the biggest issue. I think Hextall has to do something to shake things up. At least try calling up Lindblom, Martel, or Vecchione. Maybe they give the team a boost, maybe they don't.

Very reckless play by Gudas last night. I would think he probably gets 5 games minimum. I guess one positive is the goaltending has been pretty good lately. Disappointing to not put points in the bank when this is the case.
- PLindbergh31

It is the biggest issue. I haven't looked at any of the stats but a vast majority of the goals over the past handful of games are from the top line. That's a good thing that your top line is scoring, but they won't every night and that's where it's hurting. Defense has been pretty good. Goaltending of late has been great.

With the teams struggles I see no reason not to try Lindblom in the Weise spot.
- XthepumperX

What is best for Lindholm is going to be the determining factor.

Before the company men come in to tell us there isn’t a forward in the AHL since it is for the Dale Weise role, here is a mind-blowing thought.

What if I told you the Flyers organization, coach included, should re-evaluate what roles are needed on the ice to be successful in the first place?

I’ve only played deck hockey in high school gym class though. So take my opinion with that in mind.

It is the biggest issue. I haven't looked at any of the stats but a vast majority of the goals over the past handful of games are from the top line. That's a good thing that your top line is scoring, but they won't every night and that's where it's hurting. Defense has been pretty good. Goaltending of late has been great.
- Streit2ThePoint

The last goal scored by anyone not named Giroux, Voracek, or Couturier was scored by Dale Wiese in the third period against the AV's. That is 5 games ago.

Other than maybe moving a few players around or inserting Read into the lineup, the Flyers just need to keep playing and improve with what they already have. Simmonds is showing signs of coming out of it. Patrick needs a few games to get into game shape. Don't overreact.
- MJL

Don't think people are overreacting. People are just pointing out what is obvious.

And right now the Flyers have some dead weight in guys like Lehtera(who was ok while Patrick was out), Weise who isn't really bringing much, Fulpulla who isn't playing bad but just not producing right now.

I have more faith that guys like Weal and Konecny will start producing because each game they seem to get chances just not finishing.

It's the vets that you should be able to rely on that I think are hurting this team.

That's just what i see.

I thought the slash was clean

Don't think people are overreacting. People are just pointing out what is obvious.

And right now the Flyers have some dead weight in guys like Lehtera(who was ok while Patrick was out), Weise who isn't really bringing much, Fulpulla who isn't playing bad but just not producing right now.

I have more faith that guys like Weal and Konecny will start producing because each game they seem to get chances just not finishing.

It's the vets that you should be able to rely on that I think are hurting this team.

That's just what i see.
- J35Bacher

The issues with the team currently is obvious. However the development strategy and process of developing young players should not be changed because of that. If they feel any of the young players are ready to make the jump then by all means make the change. If not, don't make one reactionary to the current state of the team.

here's even another one more thing... they just got Patrick back which should hopefully spark some offense.
- Streit2ThePoint

it is your lucky day, because here is even one more thing...actually...I think we are all out

The issues with the team currently is obvious. However the development strategy and process of developing young players should not be changed because of that. If they feel any of the young players are ready to make the jump then by all means make the change. If not, don't make one reactionary to the current state of the team.
- MJL

But here is something. You do have some Phantoms who are what they are. Guys that might not develop a lot more because of roles and just skills.

Greg Carey...He's 27 now but was ale to produce 26 and 28 goals in back to back years. has an NHL shot. Not great defensively. Could you find a way to shelter him a little defensively to get his scoring in the lineup?

Cole Bardreau - his skill and role always has seems to be for a 4th line. Couldn't he come up and play with Laughton and Leier to allow maybe Raffl to move into the top nine?


Right there are two guys that wouldn't need a huge change to the lineup but could provide a different look to the Flyers that might help with secondary scoring.

But here is something. You do have some Phantoms who are what they are. Guys that might not develop a lot more because of roles and just skills.

Greg Carey...He's 27 now but was ale to produce 26 and 28 goals in back to back years. has an NHL shot. Not great defensively. Could you find a way to shelter him a little defensively to get his scoring in the lineup?

Cole Bardreau - his skill and role always has seems to be for a 4th line. Couldn't he come up and play with Laughton and Leier to allow maybe Raffl to move into the top nine?


Right there are two guys that wouldn't need a huge change to the lineup but could provide a different look to the Flyers that might help with secondary scoring.
- J35Bacher

Do you honestly believe that Greg Carey or Cole Bardreau would change anything? Let's be serious here.

Other than maybe moving a few players around or inserting Read into the lineup, the Flyers just need to keep playing and improve with what they already have. Simmonds is showing signs of coming out of it. Patrick needs a few games to get into game shape. Don't overreact.
- MJL

I disagree. There are potential better options at LHV such as Lindblom instead of Weise. This team needs better personnel.

Do you honestly believe that Greg Carey or Cole Bardreau would change anything? Let's be serious here.
- MJL

That's right. Status quo is fine.

What I do know is both have handled their roles at the AHL level. Both guys would n't need me to really make big changes to the lineup for the Flyers.

Unless it's time to break up your best line to try and provide more depth through the lineup, I am OK trying a small change to see if that can spark the offense.

Lack of secondary scoring? Do all those folks that argued trading Schenn was not a step backwards (this year) want to amend their statements?

Lack of secondary scoring? Do all those folks that argued trading Schenn was not a step backwards (this year) want to amend their statements?
- coffee junkie

I think pretty much everyone realizes that trading Schenn was a step backwards in the short run.