Any day that Tortorella is in the league is a good day.
- Scoob

It will be nice to see the Fonz out there female doging and moaning again. Makes the Columbus games more fun.

I'm sorry, I just can't go with you on this.

I believe Brandon Manning deserves an opportunity, and yes, that means living with the mistakes that a rookie defenseman is going to make. And sometimes, those mistskes are gonna wind up in the net.

But at the same time, that doesn't mean Manning needs to play 82 consecutive games. The Nichuskin kid in Dallas, for example, got scratched recently. Same with the Slepyshev kid in Edmonton, and he got right back in after being scratched because of injury.

It doesn't have to be the extreme of "play Manning forever, and nothing else." I'm not a Schenn defender, and I understand the points you make about him. I don't think they are entirely incorrect.

But at the same time, this isn't Evaluation Camp. This is the NHL regular season, and the Flyers are in the business of winning hockey games, not serving as Brandon Manning's personal baptism by fire.

If he is helping them win, or not getting caved in, great. But if he is contributing to losses, it's ok for him to sit for a game or two so, again, the Flyers can honestly say they are trying to win hockey games. They have to try to do both, win and develop
- AllInForFlyers

I want Manning to be given a chance as well but sometimes its not such a bad thing for a young player to get a look in the press box. Not as a punishment per se but more to take a breath after a rough game and to watch. I hate him being paired with MDZ. Obviously he isn't as talented as MDZ but I view them as similar type dmen with jumping up in the play, etc. Plus putting him on the second pairing seems to be more responsibility than perhaps he is ready for or will ever be ready for. I like the kid as a 6/7.

Schultz was brutal last night.

I only saw the third period last night. I thought they looked good.
- Scoob

You saw the best part.

Territorially, I thought they looked better as the game went along, but I'm guessing the numbers in the first 2 periods skewed towards Dallas.

They looked like a team that had a long layoff and had to keep up with the fastest team in the league.

I'd put Umberger in over Gagner, though I did feel Gagner moved his feet defensively last night on a few occasions

I understand White's flaws, but I just haven't seen enough to make me think he's part of the problem -- yet. That could change
- AllInForFlyers

I just don't care if they take out White over VDV. Either is fine to me.

It will be nice to see the Fonz out there female doging and moaning again. Makes the Columbus games more fun.
- funmaster18

The Blue Jackets - Rangers games will be fun.

I only saw the third period last night. I thought they looked good.
- Scoob

Dallas carried the play for the better part of the first 2 periods. Flyers surged in the third.

Then again, I only watched game and made observations, I haven't looked at a collection of raw data, so I could be completely incorrect.

A few observations from the game last night:

Ryan White did his best Rinaldo impression last night. Standing up for a teammate is fine, but you need to know when to stop. I'd say 2 linesmen in between you is a good time, he didn't. He can be a solid 4th liner, but he's been a liability so far. Put RJ back in tonight in his place and move him around the lineup as needed.

I love a coach who rotates all 4 lines for most of the game and like having a competent 4th line, but every time I looked on the ice it felt like I was seeing the 4th line and never seeing the Schenn-Laughton-Gagner line. Even strength TOI proved this to be correct: Schenn 7:41, Laughton 7:22, Gagner, 8:26, Bellemare 10:09, VDV 9:37, and White 9:47. In a game you're trailing, I have no idea why our 4th line was out at 5v5 more often. I like the 4th line, but you tell me which line has a better shot at coming up with a goal in clutch time (even though the 4th line did come close last night).

And not a good night from Manning. I'd get Schenn back in there tonight too. I thought he played well the first game of the season and would give him another crack at the top-6.

With all of that said, I was surprised the Flyers held the Stars to under 3 goals and have been a fan of Hakstol's so far despite some of my complaints above when it comes to ice time. Now it's time to get the top line rolling and get a W tonight!

The Blue Jackets - Rangers games will be fun.
- johndewar

very true

CBJ have to give the Canucks a 2nd rounder for hiring Torts.

Some thoughts:
Not a fan of the 24/14/17 line. Like to see 89/14/10 and 24/21/17. Think those lines showed jump before. Manning had tough night but I like his mobility and would keep him in. Schultz hasn't impressed much and want to see more from streit. Simmonds seems to try and do too much and it creates some bad turnovers. Still long season.

Dallas carried the play for the better part of the first 2 periods. Flyers surged in the third.

Then again, I only watched game and made observations, I haven't looked at a collection of raw data, so I could be completely incorrect.
- jmatchett383

Fancy stats are going to ruin this game

CBJ have to give the Canucks a 2nd rounder for hiring Torts.
- Feanor

Almost as bad as giving up 2nd rounders for AMac. Not quite though.

CBJ have to give the Canucks a 2nd rounder for hiring Torts.
- Feanor

OMG

I just started laughing out loud in the office so loud -- I just couldn't stop myself

CBJ have to give the Canucks a 2nd rounder for hiring Torts.
- Feanor

That has to be the dumbest rule in sports. Why on earth does a team deserve compensation for a coach they fired? If a coach retired or stepped down in the middle of his contract only to get hired elsewhere it's one thing. It makes no sense to me. And on top of that, does Columbus really think Torts was worth a 2nd?

That has to be the dumbest rule in sports. Why on earth does a team deserve compensation for a coach they fired? If a coach retired or stepped down in the middle of his contract only to get hired elsewhere it's one thing. It makes no sense to me. And on top of that, does Columbus really think Torts was worth a 2nd?
- five4fighting10

They (Vancouver) were still paying Torts on his contract. Coaches are assets too, right or wrong.

And the fact that CBJ gave up a 2nd shows you how desperate they are.

If this doesn't work, you know JD isn't taking the fall....*looks at Jarmo*

Schenn has the great ability to not only shoot in his old spot on the first PP unit but also make plans. I would make that adjustment if I'm Hakstol. With Umberger out, I'd make Raffl the net presence on the second unit. To the Coach's credit, he's not running to the first unit everytime takes a penalty. I like that the second unit is getting a fair shake.

That has to be the dumbest rule in sports. Why on earth does a team deserve compensation for a coach they fired? If a coach retired or stepped down in the middle of his contract only to get hired elsewhere it's one thing. It makes no sense to me. And on top of that, does Columbus really think Torts was worth a 2nd?
- five4fighting10

he is still under contract with Vancouver and they if they choose too could assign him a job within the organization as he is still an employee no?

They (Vancouver) were still paying Torts on his contract. Coaches are assets too, right or wrong.
- johndewar

I agree with the general sentiment that it's dumb to require compensation for hiring him; player-based compensation for a non-player position seems wrong. Since that is the case they should make coach salary count against the cap.

A few observations from the game last night:

Ryan White did his best Rinaldo impression last night. Standing up for a teammate is fine, but you need to know when to stop. I'd say 2 linesmen in between you is a good time, he didn't. He can be a solid 4th liner, but he's been a liability so far. Put RJ back in tonight in his place and move him around the lineup as needed.

I love a coach who rotates all 4 lines for most of the game and like having a competent 4th line, but every time I looked on the ice it felt like I was seeing the 4th line and never seeing the Schenn-Laughton-Gagner line. Even strength TOI proved this to be correct: Schenn 7:41, Laughton 7:22, Gagner, 8:26, Bellemare 10:09, VDV 9:37, and White 9:47. In a game you're trailing, I have no idea why our 4th line was out at 5v5 more often. I like the 4th line, but you tell me which line has a better shot at coming up with a goal in clutch time (even though the 4th line did come close last night).

And not a good night from Manning. I'd get Schenn back in there tonight too. I thought he played well the first game of the season and would give him another crack at the top-6.

With all of that said, I was surprised the Flyers held the Stars to under 3 goals and have been a fan of Hakstol's so far despite some of my complaints above when it comes to ice time. Now it's time to get the top line rolling and get a W tonight!
- five4fighting10

The whole team has it out for Russell every time we face him and we're two seasons removed from the first time Rinaldo was thrown out of that game against Dallas. I tip my hat to White. We don't know what's being said or done out there but Gagner, Couturier and White all felt the need to let him know his BS is unacceptable.

Ryan White

Patrick Roy referring to Fenwick as "Fenway" made me LOL, but I'm pretty sure we did that around here first..

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...lost-count-231829526.html

AMac for Hartnell. Torts gets a goddamn shotblocker and Hartnell... I don't know what. But ....Hartnell.

I agree with the general sentiment that it's dumb to require compensation for hiring him; player-based compensation for a non-player position seems wrong. Since that is the case they should make coach salary count against the cap.
- Scoob

I think calculation of the salary cap is part of the CBA with the NHLPA.....of which, the coaches (and scouts) are not members.

I want Manning to be given a chance as well but sometimes its not such a bad thing for a young player to get a look in the press box. Not as a punishment per se but more to take a breath after a rough game and to watch. I hate him being paired with MDZ. Obviously he isn't as talented as MDZ but I view them as similar type dmen with jumping up in the play, etc. Plus putting him on the second pairing seems to be more responsibility than perhaps he is ready for or will ever be ready for. I like the kid as a 6/7.
- nastyflyergirl

Agreed

Not entirely certain what Hakstol is seeing so I'm not automatically being critical, but my hot take is that I'd be playing the Russian with MDZ

AMac for Hartnell. Torts gets a goddamn shotblocker and Hartnell... I don't know what. But ....Hartnell.
- hereticpride

I saw someone on twitter mention that Torts should hire Berube as an Assistant coach.

That would make Hartnell's head explode.