Bill Meltzer: Flyers Preseason Gameday: 9/28/16 vs. NJ (PPL Center), Flyers Blank Isles

LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!

I really thought read was non existent most of the game. I'm an early prediction I feel like our top 6 is set with a variation of G jake Schenn simmonds coots raffl. The Laughton cousins weise line of skill and pushing buttons looked like a future permanent one. And than I see Bellemare gordon and probably vandevalde on the bottom line. Would it be safe to say if that happens read weal would be 13 14 man while rest go to ahl? Read would probably take Schenn suspension shifts.

I also would argue as impressive as provorov has been so has Myers. With our log jam of nhl contracts on defense I find it hard for one rookie yet alone 2 to make it. But he has impressed the heck out of me and can't wait to see him get pro action. He might just be our best all around defenseman after provorov after all is said and done.

I really thought read was non existent most of the game. I'm an early prediction I feel like our top 6 is set with a variation of G jake Schenn simmonds coots raffl. The Laughton cousins weise line of skill and pushing buttons looked like a future permanent one. And than I see Bellemare gordon and probably vandevalde on the bottom line. Would it be safe to say if that happens read weal would be 13 14 man while rest go to ahl? Read would probably take Schenn suspension shifts.

I also would argue as impressive as provorov has been so has Myers. With our log jam of nhl contracts on defense I find it hard for one rookie yet alone 2 to make it. But he has impressed the heck out of me and can't wait to see him get pro action. He might just be our best all around defenseman after provorov after all is said and done.
- Tfaehner

Weal is going to the AHL. I don't think that's even in question. And I will be floored if VDV is in the starting lineup. Whatever you say about Read, with him, Leier, Lyubimov, etc. there, VDV shouldn't sniff anything but the popcorn in the pressbox at best. He's ineffective, invisible, low skilled, mediocre defensively. He's the definition of "Just a Guy." Without him, and with Pebbles shifted to wing, the 4th line has a chance to do some actual damage.

Myers is a beaut, that's for sure. I've been on his hype train for a while. Everything he has showcased so far was more than evident in juniors last year. When I started watching Rouyn-Noranda games, I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing out of an undrafted player

simmy in a visor ?

simmy in a visor ?
- -davies-

https://twitter.com/JClar...status/780950203427880960

We need a Flyer who wears a tinted visor.

And preferably not one who is just wearing it post-concussion.

We need a Flyer who wears a tinted visor.

And preferably not one who is just wearing it post-concussion.
- Mononoke

This

We need a Flyer who wears a tinted visor.

And preferably not one who is just wearing it post-concussion.
- Mononoke

we don't have anyone that wears a tinted visor? SAD!

I liked that cousin's line.

Some observations from last night.

The following vets seem to be in mid season form: MDZ, Simmonds, Schenn, Read, Cousins, Weise, AMac and, of course, Mason. Laughton and Schultz looked ok, but nothing special. In Schultz's case, it really doesn't matter, the Flyers know what he brings to the table when the games count. In Laughton's case though, I think the Flyers would like to see a bit more. He didn't play badly, but, going against a very weak Isles lineup, I would have liked to see more from him, especially in the offensive zone.

In regards to the kids, Myers looked great. He's going to be an NHL player, and quite possibly a top 4 Dman in just a couple of years. Provorov looked to be wearing down a bit by the end of the tilt, however after playing 28+ minutes the night before and a ton of PK minutes last night, that is to be expected. However, overall, he had a very strong game, and there is no doubt in my mind that this kid can not only play, but thrive, in the NHL. Sanheim had some ups and downs. His skating is off the charts and his playmaking ability just jumps out at you. On the down side, he still has a tendency to pinch a bit too often and needs to work on his overall defensive play. The tools though are there, and after a year with the Phantoms, he should be ready to push hard for a spot.

Take those 3 kids, add Ghost, and soon Morin and possibly Hagg, and you have just a sick abundance of riches when it comes to young D. As someone who has followed this team since the early 70s, I can safely say that the Flyers have NEVER had this kind of depth and talent among their D prospects, not even close!

Among the younger fowards, Miele had a nice game and Weal was ok. Lyubimov though, had a very strong game. He is an excellent skater and not afraid to mix it up along the wall where he uses his size to his advantage. He's likely never going to be a big goal scorer, but he made some pretty nice plays with the puck and probably would not look too out of place playing with some more talented linemates. VDV needs to be looking over his shoulder, because, and yes I realize it's only preseason, but this kid just looks like a significantly better player.

LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!
- ggunky

I really thought read was non existent most of the game. I'm an early prediction I feel like our top 6 is set with a variation of G jake Schenn simmonds coots raffl. The Laughton cousins weise line of skill and pushing buttons looked like a future permanent one. And than I see Bellemare gordon and probably vandevalde on the bottom line. Would it be safe to say if that happens read weal would be 13 14 man while rest go to ahl? Read would probably take Schenn suspension shifts.

I also would argue as impressive as provorov has been so has Myers. With our log jam of nhl contracts on defense I find it hard for one rookie yet alone 2 to make it. But he has impressed the heck out of me and can't wait to see him get pro action. He might just be our best all around defenseman after provorov after all is said and done.
- Tfaehner

Read seemed to be skating better than last year and was very good on the PK, however, lets see him do it against a legit NHL lineup before drawing any conclusions.

I want highlights

First off, THANK GOD we have some NHL hockey finally!!


All in all I thought (aside from some rink rust) that they looked pretty good. Simmer and Schenn picked up right where they left offf. The Cousins line looked like it should be a ton of fun. They all have a bit of fiestiness to their game to go with speed and skill. They also all played a pretty solid defensive game. If Lybuimov doesnt make the team out of camp/preseason over VDV I think I might start watching the Sharks with 2real. Seriously though. Weal should be a star this year (in the AHL). Schultz looked really freaking slow. MDZ looked really freaking good. The trio of young guys looked awesome. It is really easy to be excited about what they bring to the table.

Prov had some minor hiccups, but most seemed to be communication type things. His game really is polished. He skates exceptionally well. How quickly he transitions is a thing of beauty. His first always seems to be the right pass as well. Thats a special thing to find. Wasnt super offensive last night, but had a few good forays in the attacking zone. Big hit on Anders Lee was nice to see. Played a very sound game.

Myers. Whoa. That kid has gone from (over a 2 year stretch) a camp invitee, to a legit top end d- prospect. He had a whale of a game last night. Big hits, confidence with the puck, good wheels, strong positional play (for the most part) and had a cannon of a shot that just missed far top corner. He looked every bit of what Craig Button was talking about a few months ago.

Sanheim had a slower start, but looked pretty damn good himself by the mid-point, and used his skillset to his advantage. He is- and always will be- a roamer through and through, but with his skating ability he finds away to recover. A lot to be excited with.

Mason looked like he was in mid-season form. Controlled, great positioning, couple of ten bell saves.

Amac looked strong as well, especially in the third period during the extended 5v3.

I thought Schultz looked even slower than before, but that could also just be exaggerated by the speed of the rest of the guys around him. Was his typical ho-hum no glitz no glamour, low risk smart play d-man. Nice to have a guy like that around, but I think he would be better off as a 7th d-man.

PK looked worlds better (even though they were up against the "B" squad".

Cant wait for tonight!

Read seemed to be skating better than last year and was very good on the PK, however, lets see him do it against a legit NHL lineup before drawing any conclusions.
- BiggE

I thought Saturday that Read looked faster at camp. Last night made it clear he's a step or two in the right direction. Does it mean he's safe? I'm not sure.

Lyubimov impressed me big time last night. He's a legit NHL fourth liner.

I could see us breaking camp with a roster looking like (after Schenn's suspension)

Schenn - Giroux - Simmonds
Raffl - Couturier - Voracek
Cousins - Laughton - Weise
Bellmare - Gordon - Lyubimov
Read in the Cote Suite

DelZotto - Gudas
Gostisbehere - MacDonald
Striet - Provorov
Schultz (Cote Suite)

Mason
Neuvirth

Of course a trade of AMac, Streit, or Schultz brings Manning back into the picture.

Mason looked like he was in mid-season form. Controlled, great positioning, couple of ten bell saves.

- jak521

That one glove save

Another thing I am wondering after last night, does Weise hear from the league about his flying cross body into the pile between the benches in the last 2 minutes?

< was me in my seat as that scrum happened.

Another thing I am wondering after last night, does Weise hear from the league about his flying cross body into the pile between the benches in the last 2 minutes?

< was me in my seat as that scrum happened.
- dragonoffrost

Only if the Islander hears from them for cross-checking a player in the face,

So, no.

Not gonna add much to what's been said, but man Myers looked good last night. Very noticeable on almost every shift.

Looked like Provorov tried to go end-to-end last night with about a minute left. Not quite as easy to do at this level. Overall though, he played a very good game, but not a "force Hextall's hand" type of game.

I thought Saturday that Read looked faster at camp. Last night made it clear he's a step or two in the right direction. Does it mean he's safe? I'm not sure.

Lyubimov impressed me big time last night. He's a legit NHL fourth liner.

I could see us breaking camp with a roster looking like (after Schenn's suspension)

Schenn - Giroux - Simmonds
Raffl - Couturier - Voracek
Cousins - Laughton - Weise
Bellmare - Gordon - Lyubimov
Read in the Cote Suite

DelZotto - Gudas
Gostisbehere - MacDonald
Striet - Provorov
Schultz (Cote Suite)

Mason
Neuvirth

Of course a trade of AMac, Streit, or Schultz brings Manning back into the picture.
- dragonoffrost

Works for me, though I could see Read pushing Laughton for that 3rd line spot. Laughton didn't look as good as Weise or Cousins, IMO.

edit: I'd also have no problem waiving Manning. So what if you lose him, you have a solid top 7 above him, Morin and Hagg waiting in the wings and Brennan gives you a vet that you can call up as well.

Works for me, though I could see Read pushing Laughton for that 3rd line spot. Laughton didn't look as good as Weise or Cousins, IMO.

edit: I'd also have no problem waiving Manning. So what if you lose him, you have a solid top 7 above him, Morin and Hagg waiting in the wings and Brennan gives you a vet that you can call up as well.
- BiggE

I know he's a "good soldier" type, but I'd waive Schultz and see if he passes. I know he's good at getting hit with pucks, but he looks slower than last year (although, preseason, so...yeah).

Manning is better than Schultz and AMac, so he had better not be the one who gets waived.

Manning is better than Schultz and AMac, so he had better not be the one who gets waived.
- boxcar65

AMac has actually played well so far this preseason. I think last year may have been a wakeup call. Manning is a serviceable 6/7 defenseman, but nothing special.

I know he's a "good soldier" type, but I'd waive Schultz and see if he passes. I know he's good at getting hit with pucks, but he looks slower than last year (although, preseason, so...yeah).
- jmatchett383

I'm fine with Schultz leaving the roster somehow and Manning being #7. To me the key is the 6 I listed playing well (looking mainly at AMac) and staying healthy all year.