The Flyers are in a draft and development phase. The hope is that more young players can make the jump to the lineup such as Sam Morin. So how are you going to create that open roster space? Get rid of a young player like Haag. So the choices really come down to Manning or Gudas. Who is the easiest player to move on from? Gudas who is still under contract or the UFA Manning? There is a false correlation being made here. There was nothing wrong with wanting Haag and Sanheim in the lineup. I wanted the same thing.
- MJL

Speaking of...did Hexy say anything on Morin? What a lost year it was for him...but hey at least he tried to play through the injury instead of fixing it. Born flyer

Speaking of...did Hexy say anything on Morin? What a lost year it was for him...but hey at least he tried to play through the injury instead of fixing it. Born flyer
- Just5

I bet a Flyers player would try to play even if he had broken ribs and a collapsed lung, because only Flyers players are this stupid.

Speaking of...did Hexy say anything on Morin? What a lost year it was for him...but hey at least he tried to play through the injury instead of fixing it. Born flyer
- Just5

Im not Hexy, but my guess is that if he is healthy he will be given every chance to make the team. I still feel he should have made the team out of camp last season, so you never know.

But if you played Hagg and Sanheim at the same time, then you'd break the magic rookie D quota.

Don't you know that you're only allowed to play a certain amount of rookies and young players on D per game?
- jmatchett383

That is something that is going to have to change moving forward. They're going to have to sit down in their organizational meetings and agree to dealing with and living with the growing pains. I have no doubt that Sanheim will be a regular in the lineup. We'll see what happens with Morin. Hopefully Morin makes the decision easier and outplays other players.

Speaking of...did Hexy say anything on Morin? What a lost year it was for him...but hey at least he tried to play through the injury instead of fixing it. Born flyer
- Just5

he did mention him in his press conference and mentioned his future is bright.....I'm not getting excited though, because we are still in the draft phase of our development....somebody want to tell G and Vorecek we are mailing in another year in the name of development? Oh wait....that's not what the GM said at all....what he did say was the kids are ready and are already very good players and that a 19 year old coming in is much different then a guy like Morin who has three years of pro under his belt. He also alluded to the Flyers now have the ammunition to both move up in the draft and if there's a deal out there that can make them better that's the goal....
Thank god our GM realizes that it's not ONLY about prospect development despite some of the crap being spewed around here.

Im not Hexy, but my guess is that if he is healthy he will be given every chance to make the team. I still feel he should have made the team out of camp last season, so you never know.
- MBFlyerfan

Unless traded, Morin will be on the roster as he is no longer waiver exempt. If the only move regarding the D is to let Manning walk, it's going to be something like:

Lineup locks: Provorov, Ghost, AMac
Fighting for the last 3 spots: Sanheim, Hagg, Morin and Gudas

Hopefully Hak and his staff will be willing to consider having a D group with no RH shot and letting the kids play, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

he did mention him in his press conference and mentioned his future is bright.....I'm not getting excited though, because we are still in the draft phase of our development....somebody want to tell G and Vorecek we are mailing in another year in the name of development? Oh wait....that's not what the GM said at all....what he did say was the kids are ready and are already very good players and that a 19 year old coming in is much different then a guy like Morin who has three years of pro under his belt. He also alluded to the Flyers now have the ammunition to both move up in the draft and if there's a deal out there that can make them better that's the goal....
Thank god our GM realizes that it's not ONLY about prospect development despite some of the crap being spewed around here.
- landros 2

He's a fall back in case Tavares doesn't work out
- Just5

not that it means they are interested in Taveras, he did say, when asked, that a position he would improve if he could....center.

Unless traded, Morin will be on the roster as he is no longer waiver exempt. If the only move regarding the D is to let Manning walk, it's going to be something like:

Lineup locks: Provorov, Ghost, AMac
Fighting for the last 3 spots: Sanheim, Hagg, Morin and Gudas

Hopefully Hak and his staff will be willing to consider having a D group with no RH shot and letting the kids play, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
- BiggE

I really liked what Hextall said and actually what he didn't say yesterday.. I mean he watched certain players struggle and it appears his intent is to replace some of them with some of the younger guys who in his estimation aren't really rookies in the purest sense...he used the term "Mature Rookies".

I really liked what Hextall said and actually what he didn't say yesterday.. I mean he watched certain players struggle and it appears his intent is to replace some of them with some of the younger guys who in his estimation aren't really rookies in the purest sense...he used the term "Mature Rookies".
- landros 2

Yup, I was very happy with that comment. The only thing I wasn't really keen on was bringing Lappy back as the PK coach, but I guess he wants to see what the PK would look like with better talent before making a change.

not that it means they are interested in Taveras, he did say, when asked, that a position he would improve if he could....center.
- landros 2

Filppula's career-high NHL +/- is +26.
Tavares' career-high NHL +/- is +6.

Filppula > Tavares.

Yup, I was very happy with that comment. The only thing I wasn't really keen on was bringing Lappy back as the PK coach, but I guess he wants to see what the PK would look like with better talent before making a change.
- BiggE

The ONLY thing I can say in Lappy's defense is that he cant clear the puck when its on his stick.

I've never seen a team so bad at making the simple play, bearing down when you have the puck, and getting it the hell out. It was actually shocking.

Now, this is definitely a player problem, but still, the coach in the end has the carrot and the stick.

Maybe (probably) he was constrained by personnel, there is no Timonen or Dejardins on this team quite yet. I would have tried some different guys out there like Ghost, who while not physical, has a great stick and the speed to be a good PKer in my opinion. Travis Konecny is another who comes to mind for the same reasons.

That was probably Hak's call more than Lappy.

Either way, 4 years of being near the bottom with many different players falls on the coach.

If Hextall blows up the PK the way I just blew up a public restroom we'll be in fine shape.

If Hextall blows up the PK the way I just blew up a public restroom we'll be in fine shape.
- hereticpride

Dude, how many restrooms do you blow up on a daily basis?

That is something that is going to have to change moving forward. They're going to have to sit down in their organizational meetings and agree to dealing with and living with the growing pains. I have no doubt that Sanheim will be a regular in the lineup. We'll see what happens with Morin. Hopefully Morin makes the decision easier and outplays other players.
- MJL

Defense needs an identity, they have most parts with Provy, Ghost, Hagg, SanHeim and AMAC. In my opinion the really missed someone like Morin. He is big and mean and will make other teams at least take notice when he is out there. Not to mention with Sanheim and Morin you finally have 2 D with reach. I am looking forward to next season being a healthy one for Morin

Lol just to chime in on the sports radio stuff people were discussing earlier, I had a good laugh last week before the series was over. Somebody called in the midday show complaining about how good Schultz looks on the Penguins, why did we let that guy go?... Neither Decamara or Ritchie corrected the guy either.

[quote=MBFlyerfan]The ONLY thing I can say in Lappy's defense is that he cant clear the puck when its on his stick.

I've never seen a team so bad at making the simple play, bearing down when you have the puck, and getting it the hell out. It was actually shocking.

Now, this is definitely a player problem, but still, the coach in the end has the carrot and the stick.

Maybe (probably) he was constrained by personnel, there is no Timonen or Dejardins on this team quite yet. I would have tried some different guys out there like Ghost, who while not physical, has a great stick and the speed to be a good PKer in my opinion. Travis Konecny is another who comes to mind for the same reasons.



agreed-

another truth, with the personnel they had Read should have been called up much sooner.

Dude, how many restrooms do you blow up on a daily basis?
- jmatchett383

IBS is a hell of thing my friend.

The ONLY thing I can say in Lappy's defense is that he cant clear the puck when its on his stick.

I've never seen a team so bad at making the simple play, bearing down when you have the puck, and getting it the hell out. It was actually shocking.

Now, this is definitely a player problem, but still, the coach in the end has the carrot and the stick.

Maybe (probably) he was constrained by personnel, there is no Timonen or Dejardins on this team quite yet. I would have tried some different guys out there like Ghost, who while not physical, has a great stick and the speed to be a good PKer in my opinion. Travis Konecny is another who comes to mind for the same reasons.

That was probably Hak's call more than Lappy.

Either way, 4 years of being near the bottom with many different players falls on the coach.
- MBFlyerfan

I agree completely about the failed clears. Biggest problem they had on the PK by far. Straightening that out would go a long way. I can't agree however with using Gostisbhere and Konency on the PK. Gostisbehere just lacks the physical ability and while his anticipation and stick would be an asset, he would be at a deficit in the corners and around the net. Konecny just does not possess the anticipation and defensive coverage skills. His history of poor puck management makes him a poor candidate for the PK in my opinion.

not that it means they are interested in Taveras, he did say, when asked, that a position he would improve if he could....center.
- landros 2

They have to address in some way outside the organization if they're intent on keeping Giroux on the wing

Lol just to chime in on the sports radio stuff people were discussing earlier, I had a good laugh last week before the series was over. Somebody called in the midday show complaining about how good Schultz looks on the Penguins, why did we let that guy go?... Neither Decamara or Ritchie corrected the guy either.
- pinkfloydfreak

And remember when we had Hull? He was a superstar everywhere he went except here.

Lol just to chime in on the sports radio stuff people were discussing earlier, I had a good laugh last week before the series was over. Somebody called in the midday show complaining about how good Schultz looks on the Penguins, why did we let that guy go?... Neither Decamara or Ritchie corrected the guy either.
- pinkfloydfreak

How is Decamera still on the air? I figured he would've had a stroke when the Sixers made the playoffs.

he did mention him in his press conference and mentioned his future is bright.....I'm not getting excited though, because we are still in the draft phase of our development....somebody want to tell G and Vorecek we are mailing in another year in the name of development? Oh wait....that's not what the GM said at all....what he did say was the kids are ready and are already very good players and that a 19 year old coming in is much different then a guy like Morin who has three years of pro under his belt. He also alluded to the Flyers now have the ammunition to both move up in the draft and if there's a deal out there that can make them better that's the goal....
Thank god our GM realizes that it's not ONLY about prospect development despite some of the crap being spewed around here.
- landros 2

cracks me up when fans try to predict what Hex wants to do or not do. Bottom line, if it is a good hockey trade, he will do it. If it is a good contract he will offer and sign it.

The ONLY thing I can say in Lappy's defense is that he cant clear the puck when its on his stick.

I've never seen a team so bad at making the simple play, bearing down when you have the puck, and getting it the hell out. It was actually shocking.

Now, this is definitely a player problem, but still, the coach in the end has the carrot and the stick.

Maybe (probably) he was constrained by personnel, there is no Timonen or Dejardins on this team quite yet. I would have tried some different guys out there like Ghost, who while not physical, has a great stick and the speed to be a good PKer in my opinion. Travis Konecny is another who comes to mind for the same reasons.

That was probably Hak's call more than Lappy.

Either way, 4 years of being near the bottom with many different players falls on the coach.
- MBFlyerfan

Yeah, I'm not sure who would have final say on PK personnel, but you'd think if push comes to shove it would be Hak. I'm with you, I think, even with the personnel weaknesses, when your PK has been mediocre to flat out bad for 4 consecutive seasons under the same coach, it's time for a change.

I'm not even calling for Lappy's head. If he's the guy that is the bridge from HC to the players and also good at working with young players, especially the forwards, keep him on the staff. I just don't want him overseeing the PK.

One thing that I don't understand is why can't the guy overseeing the powerplay (Knoblauch) also oversee the PK? In football, usually it's one coach that oversees all of special teams play, why can't the same be done in hockey? You would think that a coach who has a good mind for setting up a powerplay and you are trusting to run that powerplay, would also have an understanding of how to defend a powerplay as well. I'd give Knoblauch a shot at the PK, at least it would be a new voice.

All that being said, adding a guy with the reach and strength of Morin to the D, some more experienced PK forwards with good speed and a better #1 goalie would also help the PK quite a bit too.

Dude, how many restrooms do you blow up on a daily basis?
- jmatchett383

Better question is: What are you eating and should you be considering a change?