Bill Meltzer: Flyers Preseason Gameday: 9/28 vs. BOS; Briere & Timonen in Alumni Game

I have to agree with you Bill on the decision the Flyers' brass will probably make with Sanheim. I remember being at a preseason game when Ghost would've been a rookie and he scored a couple of goals and looked dynamite and was still sent to the Phantoms. I feel the same happens with Sanheim, though I believe he brings a lot more to the table than Amac or Manning. Even still, the future looks very bright for the Flyers d-core moving forward

I think Manning should be the cut on D but I'm preparing for Sanhiem to get sent back because it just seems more likely right now.

Read/Leier is a toss up. Neither guy is going to make or break the team. I probably send Read down however because he can be a real leader in the room for that Phantoms club.

Thanks Bill for your in depth opinions on how the rookie d-man situation is going to take place.

However, I was wondering, if you were in that position, what would you do (not what do you think is going to happen)?

Hi Bill,

Would it make any sense to using a rotation with the three rookies? In this scenario they would waive Manning, and then rotate in the lineup 3 out of the 4 of AMac, Morin, Sanheim and Hagg. This way the rooks don’t get over-taxed, and if they know the schedule up front it will be clear that it is not a punishment or reward for their play, so their confidence should be ok.

I personally think they need a veteran presence. Dressing three rookies on defense is a tough pill to swallow. This could mitigate that a bit but allow all of them to make the lineup out of the gate.

In my opinion if Sanheim is sent back to the AHL it's a decision that was made before camp and pre-season. Any young player ready for the NHL should be in the NHL.

Trade Read to the Blues.

In my opinion if Sanheim is sent back to the AHL it's a decision that was made before camp and pre-season. Any young player ready for the NHL should be in the NHL

What is the point of big number of rookies?
If the Flyers are not fixing PP they will be out of Playoff picture before mid December
Do let Patrick start the season with 19 and off-season surgery is just madness

Bill's probably right based on the Hex/Hak track record, but I don't like it. All 3 young Dmen, IMO, have earned their spots.

Thanks Bill for your in depth opinions on how the rookie d-man situation is going to take place.

However, I was wondering, if you were in that position, what would you do (not what do you think is going to happen)?
- VladDrag

If it were up to me, all three would be on the opening night roster, with Manning (whom I actually think is a serviceable 6 or 7 in the NHL) waived and reassigned to the Phantoms. My opening night pairs would be:

Provorov -Gudas
Hägg - Gostisbehere
Morin - Sanheim

Seventh D: MacDonald


My hunch at actual pairings:

Provorov - MacDonald
Hägg - Gudas
Morin - Gostisbehere

Seventh D: Manning

I think Manning should be the cut on D but I'm preparing for Sanhiem to get sent back because it just seems more likely right now.

Read/Leier is a toss up. Neither guy is going to make or break the team. I probably send Read down however because he can be a real leader in the room for that Phantoms club.
- hereticpride

Agreed re the forwards, plus Leier has performed better than Read and deserves the spot.

In my opinion if Sanheim is sent back to the AHL it's a decision that was made before camp and pre-season. Any young player ready for the NHL should be in the NHL

What is the point of big number of rookies?
If the Flyers are not fixing PP they will be out of Playoff picture before mid December
Do let Patrick start the season with 19 and off-season surgery is just madness
- goenzoy

The power play, once they get personnel situated and adapt to the coaching change from Mullen to Knoblauch, will be at it's usual 19 to 20+ percent type of range. Five on five improvement and fewer PK cold spells are bigger concerns to me, in that order. Not really worried about the power play at this point.

If it were up to me, all three would be on the opening night roster, with Manning (whom I actually think is a serviceable 6 or 7 in the NHL) waived and reassigned to the Phantoms. My opening night pairs would be:

Provorov -Gudas
Hägg - Gostisbehere
Morin - Sanheim


Seventh D: MacDonald


My hunch at actual pairings:

Provorov - MacDonald
Hägg - Gudas
Morin - Gostisbehere

Seventh D: Manning
- bmeltzer

I can live with AMac in the lineup but having him on top pair is just wrong. Let him play with Hagg and put Gudas with Provorov as you suggested.

If it were up to me, all three would be on the opening night roster, with Manning (whom I actually think is a serviceable 6 or 7 in the NHL) waived and reassigned to the Phantoms. My opening night pairs would be:

Provorov -Gudas
Hägg - Gostisbehere
Morin - Sanheim

Seventh D: MacDonald


My hunch at actual pairings:

Provorov - MacDonald
Hägg - Gudas
Morin - Gostisbehere

Seventh D: Manning
- bmeltzer

Pretty much exactly how I feel. Hopefully MacDonald won't be with Provorov for long

Everyone who has seen me around other boards knows I am a Manning fan, but that being said, I still don't see what AMac brings to the table over Mandog(other than a few more years of experience). Manning is more physical in his own end, actually challenges players, and can win the one-on-one battles in the corners. AMac retreats and usually gets knocked off the puck.

I would say their passing skills are about equal and neither brings much to the table offensively. Manning does make some ill advised pinches, but AMac has been known to leave his partner out to dry as well. I think a Manning-Gudas third pairing would be effective if one of the youngsters goes back to LHV. Sit AMac as the 7th.

Love guys on YouTube telling me that hard, clean hits like the Morin one require a fight because that's considered "taking liberties." ffs

Hi Bill,

Would it make any sense to using a rotation with the three rookies? In this scenario they would waive Manning, and then rotate in the lineup 3 out of the 4 of AMac, Morin, Sanheim and Hagg. This way the rooks don’t get over-taxed, and if they know the schedule up front it will be clear that it is not a punishment or reward for their play, so their confidence should be ok.

I personally think they need a veteran presence. Dressing three rookies on defense is a tough pill to swallow. This could mitigate that a bit but allow all of them to make the lineup out of the gate.
- TheGreat28

This is my biggest fear with all of it. I don't want them thinking they can't make a mistake or they get scratched or benched all the time.

I don't think there needs to be an actual veteran presence, per se, but I do think the veterans can be used to bring along the rookies easier

Everyone who has seen me around other boards knows I am a Manning fan, but that being said, I still don't see what AMac brings to the table over Mandog(other than a few more years of experience). Manning is more physical in his own end, actually challenges players, and can win the one-on-one battles in the corners. AMac retreats and usually gets knocked off the puck.

I would say their passing skills are about equal and neither brings much to the table offensively. Manning does make some ill advised pinches, but AMac has been known to leave his partner out to dry as well. I think a Manning-Gudas third pairing would be effective if one of the youngsters goes back to LHV. Sit AMac as the 7th.
- boxcar65

AMac is better with the puck on his stick and is a better in-zone defender, and is a top shot blocker. He also generally makes better decisions on positioning and is a better skater.

Manning does bring more physicality to the table and makes better plays through the neutral zone defensively. I wouldn't say he wins more battles than AMac to any sizable measure.

In the end, AMac's tools are a better fit than Manning if he's used as a 5/6. The fact that he was used on the top pair is going to exploit any weaknesses in his game, where as Manning is used as a 6/7 D and sees much weaker competition. Put them both on level playing ground, and AMac would be significantly better (IMHO).

Hi Bill,

Would it make any sense to using a rotation with the three rookies? In this scenario they would waive Manning, and then rotate in the lineup 3 out of the 4 of AMac, Morin, Sanheim and Hagg. This way the rooks don’t get over-taxed, and if they know the schedule up front it will be clear that it is not a punishment or reward for their play, so their confidence should be ok.

I personally think they need a veteran presence. Dressing three rookies on defense is a tough pill to swallow. This could mitigate that a bit but allow all of them to make the lineup out of the gate.
- TheGreat28

Interesting thought, but I don't want those guys sitting for any significant period of time.

Interesting thought, but I don't want those guys sitting for any significant period of time.
- jmatchett383

They can play for the Phantoms

Interesting thought, but I don't want those guys sitting for any significant period of time.
- jmatchett383

Agreed, if they are on the roster, they play. I think Sanheim makes it. Manning doesn't look as mobile as last season.

They can play for the Phantoms
- YuenglingJagr

But the comment was that you'd be sitting them in favor of AMac, not sending them down.

Agreed, if they are on the roster, they play. I think Sanheim makes it. Manning doesn't look as mobile as last season.
- ravishingone

Awww come on man: you know that the NHL veterans don't really try in the preseason.

I've heard it from a source that Sidney Crosby was very upset with his goal and assist last night since it made it look like he was trying too hard.

But the comment was that you'd be sitting them in favor of AMac, not sending them down.
- jmatchett383

Sending them down would accomplish both

The power play, once they get personnel situated and adapt to the coaching change from Mullen to Knoblauch, will be at it's usual 19 to 20+ percent type of range. Five on five improvement and fewer PK cold spells are bigger concerns to me, in that order. Not really worried about the power play at this point.
- bmeltzer

Bill agree with you that it is not the biggest concern. Nevertheless if I look at Pre-season of Metro teams it will be real tough.Both Devils and Hurricanes are much stronger and already last year they didn't match Penguins,Rangers and Capitals

And all what fans are talking about is the number of rookies
Voracek is miles off his best,G in test-tube as LW and all young players unproven in tough matches