My first impressions/thoughts from the Allentown game:

- Provorov looked like an 18-year-old. He had some nice plays and all, but he was getting outmuscled fairly routinely and had that horrific turnover right in front of Neuvirth. Hopefully, like Clement says, it only happens once and gets corrected. The WHL is the place for him for another year.

- Umberger looked good. Not 2008 vs. Canadiens good, but legit 3rd line good. Was nice to see him win some corner battles.

- Giroux/Voracek seemed like they were sleep-walking most of the game and still dominated, and Raffl was like a heat-seeking missile with his forechecking.

- Medvedev looked really good. He may end up as our best overall defenseman, which isn't necessarily saying much. Still one game, will be interesting to see how it goes along.

- Konecny was very impressive. Of all of the junior players, he probably has the best chance of sticking. I'd never seen him play before, but he didn't look out of place at all. It will be interesting to see how he fares against a more veteran lineup.

- Neuvirth looked very "meh." I don't put much stock into it, but against a relatively inexperienced "B" squad, I was hoping for a bit more.

However, I haven't looked at the fancy stats so I'm sure this has no validity.

I realllly wanted the Flyers to draft Pulock... but with that said, I didnt really notice him that much. He had an open shot at one point that was a laser right into Neuvirths belly button. Was an outtie, now an innie.
- jak521

I'm on board with you, although I don't mind the Morin pick as much. But dude sure can fire the puck.

I know this is a Flyers thread but did you notice how Pulock looked?
- Cptmjl

I noticed him a few times in a good way. I believe Raffl skated across his face for a tip in goal. Looks like a good player

Let me guess.. you love participation awards.

Im gonna be nice to our rivals as well.. I hope you guys all stub your toes.
- jak521

- rangerdanger94

You can stay.

But, as the old saying goes, (frank) the Rangers!

I noticed him a few times in a good way. I believe Raffl skated across his face for a tip in goal. Looks like a good player
- Just5

Yeah not sure whether he'll make the squad this year after we just signed Zidlicky which I'm fine with. I don't have an issue with him marinating in the AHL another season and getting a call up now and then. Would have liked to see him last night. I will say this the Bruins are going to wind up regretting passing over Barzal three times in last seasons draft.

You can stay.

But, as the old saying goes, (frank) the Rangers!
- jmatchett383

agreed

I was at Barclays last night, so a few impressions for those interested:

-Simmonds was truly leading by example. He was flying all over the place, getting to the net, making things happen. Aside from Tavares, he was the most visible player by far. Couturier also had a decent game, and seemed to be pushing the pace as a 'veteran' leader. Schenn had some bad possession, but picked it up as the game went on (particularly after his goal - more on that).

-Morin had a rough coverage on the goal against Stolarz. He chased a man into the corner with no one able to pick up the player cutting to the front, and the pass went right past him. Stolarz also probably should have had that goal. It came from the corner and was just slid underneath him at the near post.

-Hagg on the other hand looked like our best defender out there. Ghost was firing away, but had some difficulty corralling some pucks, and Gudas and AMac were just awful. Particularly Gudas.

-Martel and NAK were flying around the ice, but both clearly need to put on more muscle. Along with Cousins, they were the most fun line to watch last night. The Leier goal from NAK and Cousins was a beautiful thing, tic-tac-toe passing so Halak never had a chance.

-Laughton also had a strong game. The reason the Schenn goal was credited to him originally was because he was practically standing on top of goalie Williams at the time it went in. The whole thing was a confused mess, and it looked like Laughton was going to get called for interference, but they let it go. His penalty killing was strong as well.

-Labarbera also had a particularly impressive kick save mid-way into the first.

-The practice 3-on-3 OT was interesting, but it was hard to tell anything about the combos given the limited benches. AMac rang one off the crossbar, but otherwise no real close calls

So no major surprises. Everyone played at about the level you would expect, given their past performance/scouting reports.

- BiggE

Still can't quote from page one, WTF

Anyway, here are my impressions from the Allentown game.

First the bad:
Sam Gagner is ridiculously weak on the puck and I wouldn't not be surprised, if he doesn't pick it up, if he's a healthy scratch on opening night.

Kudos to Vinny for burying the pp goal, at least he still has a shot. However, skating on a line with Gagner and Umberger, he looked like he was clearly having trouble keeping up, this is not good. All I can say is, I hope he likes popcorn.


Now the so-so:
Thought Provorov played well overall, but he can certainly use another year in the WHL, no need to rush him.

Del Zotto was Del Zotto: some nice offensive plays, but the occasional bonehead play in his own end. I'd like to see him bear down a little harder and cut down on the mental mistakes

The Bellemare line looks like a perfectly adequate 4th line.

Also thought that Neuvirth was fine as well.


And, finally, the good:

The top line looks to be in mid season form and, thankfully, the powerplay looks sharp too.

Konecny really stood out, he made something happen nearly every shift. This kid has potential to be a true impact forward in another year or 2. Way to go Hexy!

For a guy playing his first game on north American sized ice and also having the barest grasp of English, I thought Medvedev played great. He may be the best Dman on the roster at this point.

Looking forward to tonight's game, GO FLYERS!!

agreed
- Cptmjl

We'll always have Ranger hatred!!

any word on how shut down seanie and his new offensive outlook played?
read?
Gudas?
luke?

Woah
- rangerdanger94

Just getting into trash mode for the season.

I was at Barclays last night, so a few impressions for those interested:

-Simmonds was truly leading by example. He was flying all over the place, getting to the net, making things happen. Aside from Tavares, he was the most visible player by far. Couturier also had a decent game, and seemed to be pushing the pace as a 'veteran' leader. Schenn had some bad possession, but picked it up as the game went on (particularly after his goal - more on that).

-Morin had a rough coverage on the goal against Stolarz. He chased a man into the corner with no one able to pick up the player cutting to the front, and the pass went right past him. Stolarz also probably should have had that goal. It came from the corner and was just slid underneath him at the near post.

-Hagg on the other hand looked like our best defender out there. Ghost was firing away, but had some difficulty corralling some pucks, and Gudas and AMac were just awful. Particularly Gudas.

-Martel and NAK were flying around the ice, but both clearly need to put on more muscle. Along with Cousins, they were the most fun line to watch last night. The Leier goal from NAK and Cousins was a beautiful thing, tic-tac-toe passing so Halak never had a chance.

-Laughton also had a strong game. The reason the Schenn goal was credited to him originally was because he was practically standing on top of goalie Williams at the time it went in. The whole thing was a confused mess, and it looked like Laughton was going to get called for interference, but they let it go. His penalty killing was strong as well.

-Labarbera also had a particularly impressive kick save mid-way into the first.

-The practice 3-on-3 OT was interesting, but it was hard to tell anything about the combos given the limited benches. AMac rang one off the crossbar, but otherwise no real close calls

So no major surprises. Everyone played at about the level you would expect, given their past performance/scouting reports.
- D_Finns

Thanks for the recap. Sorry to see that Gudas/AMac looked awful, but can't say that it shocks me either. Glad to see Simmonds showing good leadership and very glad to hear that Hagg looked good. He kind of gets lost in the D prospect shuffle these days, but that kid has all the tools to be a solid, if not above average top 4, all situations Dman. He just needs to put it together in his head and compete hard every shift, every game.

I was at Barclays last night, so a few impressions for those interested:

- D_Finns

Good stuff, thanks.

Martel was playing C judging by the faceoff stats. I wonder if he'll be shifted to wing going forward.

http://www.nhl.com/gamece...en/boxscore?id=2015010009

I was at Barclays last night, so a few impressions for those interested:

-Simmonds was truly leading by example. He was flying all over the place, getting to the net, making things happen. Aside from Tavares, he was the most visible player by far. Couturier also had a decent game, and seemed to be pushing the pace as a 'veteran' leader. Schenn had some bad possession, but picked it up as the game went on (particularly after his goal - more on that).

-Morin had a rough coverage on the goal against Stolarz. He chased a man into the corner with no one able to pick up the player cutting to the front, and the pass went right past him. Stolarz also probably should have had that goal. It came from the corner and was just slid underneath him at the near post.

-Hagg on the other hand looked like our best defender out there. Ghost was firing away, but had some difficulty corralling some pucks, and Gudas and AMac were just awful. Particularly Gudas.

-Martel and NAK were flying around the ice, but both clearly need to put on more muscle. Along with Cousins, they were the most fun line to watch last night. The Leier goal from NAK and Cousins was a beautiful thing, tic-tac-toe passing so Halak never had a chance.

-Laughton also had a strong game. The reason the Schenn goal was credited to him originally was because he was practically standing on top of goalie Williams at the time it went in. The whole thing was a confused mess, and it looked like Laughton was going to get called for interference, but they let it go. His penalty killing was strong as well.

-Labarbera also had a particularly impressive kick save mid-way into the first.

-The practice 3-on-3 OT was interesting, but it was hard to tell anything about the combos given the limited benches. AMac rang one off the crossbar, but otherwise no real close calls

So no major surprises. Everyone played at about the level you would expect, given their past performance/scouting reports.
- D_Finns

I had on both games simultaneously. I wasn't as impressed with hagg as you were. And I though AMac and gudas were better than awful but not good. Morin and Marti were disappointments. Nak and Martel were flying around but unless they gain serious size I worry about a top 6 that would have to include Nak Martel and konecky a long with under sized guys like giroux. I don't see any of those players being able to fulfill a bottom 6 role.

I thought the Brooklyn game wasn't televised?

I thought the Brooklyn games wasn't televised?
- Feanor

it wasnt unless he went to the game.... Anyway im going to hold off judging the vets till the season starts...

I thought the Brooklyn games wasn't televised?
- Feanor

Watched was a bad word. I had it on the radio while Allentown was on tv. You didn't hear hagg name at all. Gudas and AMac were commended for the physicality but gafs. Anddddd again the future of our small skilled forwards is still a problem

Good stuff, thanks.

Martel was playing C judging by the faceoff stats. I wonder if he'll be shifted to wing going forward.

http://www.nhl.com/gamece...en/boxscore?id=2015010009
- Feanor

He was in the middle, and looked to be somewhat overpowered in some the face offs. At the end of the second, the arena face off counter had the teams tied at 20 I think, but I have to say it looked like the islanders won just about Every face off, so who knows

http://www.nj.com/flyers/...morizes.html#incart_river

I still don't get how a guy who mesmerizes his teammates especially a guy like vinny whose played with and against a lot of stars and dominates a game can be considered a lock to be sent back down.

My first impressions/thoughts from the Allentown game:

... statless words ...

However, I haven't looked at the fancy stats so I'm sure this has no validity.
- jmatchett383

Why the (frank) did I bother reading that whole post then? Dammit!

Yeah not sure whether he'll make the squad this year after we just signed Zidlicky which I'm fine with. I don't have an issue with him marinating in the AHL another season and getting a call up now and then. Would have liked to see him last night. I will say this the Bruins are going to wind up regretting passing over Barzal three times in last seasons draft.
- Cptmjl

I was really big on barzal. I,wanted the Flyers to take him. Was extremely surprised to see how much he got passed over. I think that's gonna be a steal in a few years.

My prediction for this past years draft-best players
_eichel & McDavid of course
-provorov
-barzal
-kyle Connor
-Timo meier

http://www.nj.com/flyers/index.ssf/2015/09/flyers_2015_first_rounder_travis_konecny_memorizes.html#incart_river

I still don't get how a guy who mesmerizes his teammates especially a guy like vinny whose played with and against a lot of stars and dominates a game can be considered a lock to be sent back down.
- Tfaehner

Let him go down, grow a little, and dominate. He'll make the team in 16/17.

Guys.... Vinny scored in a preseason game.... his personal curse is lifted.

In all seriousness, anyone who watched, how did he look? I know it's preseason, but he should be working his (frank)ing ass off in those games.

Two words that best sum up medvedev for those that didn't watch last night.

Puck retrieval. He is skating fast to get it and is making crisp passes once he does. He is going to help tremendously