Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Grit out 2-1 Win vs. Oilers

Not a "pretty" game but nice to cash in 2 points

Wayne Simmonds, wow

The Flyers came out strong and played an exciting first period. After that it was pretty boring. Hope Leir and Weal are healing well because this team is better with them in the line-up that's for sure. I thought Konecny, Ghost and Provorov were the best players on the ice today. Didn't really notice Patrick until he handed Maroon the game tying goal.

The Flyers came out strong and played an exciting first period. After that it was pretty boring. Hope Leir and Weal are healing well because this team is better with them in the line-up that's for sure. I thought Konecny, Ghost and Provorov were the best players on the ice today. Didn't really notice Patrick until he handed Maroon the game tying goal.
- Slipperypickle

That goal was an Elliott turkey

Just a quick question for Bill, or anyone else who's been to these home games. Is there something going on with the ice surface to start the year? It's one of those things you can't tell from TV, but it seems like a recurring theme throughout the homestand has been pucks not settling down, and guys just taking random diggers out there seemingly out of nowhere. Today was certainly not a pretty win, but it was a well earned two points, all without the benefit of having our best player available. Luckily the Weals didn't come off in his absence.

Gutsy, gritty, grind-er-out win.

Very encouraging game by the Flyers today.

It wasnt pretty, was far from their "A" game and still found a way to come away with 2 points.

Just a quick question for Bill, or anyone else who's been to these home games. Is there something going on with the ice surface to start the year? It's one of those things you can't tell from TV, but it seems like a recurring theme throughout the homestand has been pucks not settling down, and guys just taking random diggers out there seemingly out of nowhere. Today was certainly not a pretty win, but it was a well earned two points, all without the benefit of having our best player available. Luckily the Weals didn't come off in his absence.


- fortunate

Not having our best player available? Joking right?

Not a "pretty" game but nice to cash in 2 points
- Bonerfide69

Your d coughs up the puck a lot when pressured. Philly took the 1st. Oil took the 2nd. Then the third was a snoozer up until the the end. Oil still not even close to looking like the team of last year.

Your d coughs up the puck a lot when pressured. Philly took the 1st. Oil took the 2nd. Then the third was a snoozer up until the the end. Oil still not even close to looking like the team of last year.

- Iggysbff

Not really. The majority of the turnover issues for the Flyers today were due to the forwards not getting the puck deep. Flyers turned a lot of puck over in the area of the Oilers blue line.

Not having our best player available? Joking right?
- MJL

Yes of course, but only sort of. He really has been an impact player thus far in my eyes, and that line has been far more inert in his absence. It would be like taking TK off of the Patrick line. Both of those guys win puck battles you wouldn't necessarily expect them to.

Yes of course, but only sort of. He really has been an impact player thus far in my eyes, and that line has been far more inert in his absence. It would be like taking TK off of the Patrick line. Both of those guys win puck battles you wouldn't necessarily expect them to.
- fortunaught

I agree that they missed Weal. He creates and keeps a lot of plays alive with his tenacity on the puck.

Been to 2 home games. Today was the worst I've seen the ice but probably had a lot to do with the Sixers playing last night and again tonight. Unfortunately over the years I've noticed the wells Fargo team has battled ice issues when the Sixers and flyers have so many repetitive games.

Gutsy, gritty, grind-er-out win.

Very encouraging game by the Flyers today.

It wasnt pretty, was far from their "A" game and still found a way to come away with 2 points.




- ggunky

I forget which player said it but after we lost to the kings they said good team's don't lose 2 in a row and that's what we're trying to be. So far mission accomplished.

I just got back from the game, had a blast.

The play by Filppula on Simmonds' game winning goal was lovely to see in person.

Bench Weise.

Put Weal with Patrick and Konency.

Bench Weise.

Put Weal with Patrick and Konency.
- Feanor

Would not want to leave Lehtera with Filppula and Simmonds. He did have an assist on the game winner and played better but for a big guy he's just not that strong on his skates. He falls down a lot . . . literally falls down. I noticed this in pre-season and it's still happening. Very strange for an NHLer who has had at least one fine season in the league. Maybe he's hurt, but I'd dress Weise over Lehtera every day and twice on doubleheader Sunday.

Would not want to leave Lehtera with Filppula and Simmonds. He did have an assist on the game winner and played better but for a big guy he's just not that strong on his skates. He falls down a lot . . . literally falls down. I noticed this in pre-season and it's still happening. Very strange for an NHLer who has had at least one fine season in the league. Maybe he's hurt, but I'd dress Weise over Lehtera every day and twice on doubleheader Sunday.
- fls13

This. Basically same response. I actually said the other day to maybe flip Weise and weal in the event simmer was out but I think to try and get weal on the board it might be a good change when he gets back in.

This. Basically same response. I actually said the other day to maybe flip Weise and weal in the event simmer was out but I think to try and get weal on the board it might be a good change when he gets back in.
- Tfaehner

I think Hakstol likes his four centers and his top line the way they are. Maybe he doesn't like a Weal-Patrick-Konecny line due to no veterans. Possibly, but that could be a fun line to watch and we'll likely see it eventually. The only changes I see up front, barring injuries, is shuffling the wings around on the 2 through 4 lines depending on results.

http://www.courierpostonl...players-so-far/787242001/

More prospect updates BiggE your boy Martel gets a mention

My son and I were at the game this afternoon as well. I think it's great when you have a team that when in high scoring affairs but also grind out some snoozers. They might have something going here. Not a contender but they might have a little run in them come April.

Was looking forward to seeing McDavid today. He had some rushes up ice that made you hold your breath, but the Flyers played him well today.

Golf clap for the fellas today. Neither team looked to be up on their horse and getting after it. It was more of a battle than a finesse game, like we've been seeing with their beautiful play lately. I thought this was Elliott's best game of the year. I'm glad you brought up Ghost's play without the puck too. He's really been standing out in that area this year. He looks terrific out there. Very glad to have our "rookie" Ghost back.

After seeing what happened to Simmonds, I realize again how lucky I've been playing beer league without any face protection. It's remarkable really. I think I took a high stick once in the nose in ten years.

First season wearing a bird cage and I feel very good about it.

He's a born Flyer that Wayne Simmonds.

Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Grit out 2-1 Win vs. Oilers
- bmeltzer

This team has been exactly what I expected in terms of being uneven. Win one, lose one, win one, lose one. However, when they're on, they are fun to watch. The big surprise for me is how well th defense is playing. The problem is, when the defense breaks down, more than half the time MacDonald is somehow involved. I can't believe Morin wasn't good enough to be apart of a nightly scratched Manning and a defensively flawed assistant captain in MacDonald.

Shayne Gostisbehere had a hell of a game this afternoon. He's been unbelievable. I'm not evening including the scoring chances.

Was tied up today ad just watched it..Grind it out against a team averaging the most shots in the league. Held them to 25 when they usually get 45. Perfectly played road win. Wait what?

Hey- 2 points is 2 points. If they don't have that whacky 2nd period where every 3rd shift resulted in a blue line turnover it's a different game. Dare I say this is one of those games that good teams find a way to win?

The Good
Elliot: the goal was bad. Outside of that, he kept them in it with a strong performance
1st Line: It's just on repeat at this point. This trio is dope.
Sanhiem: Offensive instincts are sweet. Jumped up as the trailer a few times, and his best chance the puck bounced over his stick. He's holding his own on D to boot. Keep him in the lineup ffs!
Ghost: what a season he's having so far
AMac: Played his best game of the year tonight imo, I thought he was shaky for the first game or 3 but since then has exceeded expectations. I'll gladly eat crow and hope he continues his play, especially on the PK

The OK (notables)
Read: I don't think he looked bad on the 4th line. That's his role now, for better or worse, and if they need him there, I think that's where he fits best

The Bad
Lehtera was borderline bad/ok today. He really slows down that 3rd line, though their tick tac toe play on the GWG was nice.

The Ugly
The second period turnovers
Can't really call anyone in particular ugly tonight except maybe Simmer, but that's because of his mouth

Gutsy win today, like I said...good teams find ways, and that happened today