I brought up the inept PK last night. I guess in fairness the failures on the pk are probably as much about personnel, as they are coaching. But Lappy hasn't done a good job at all.
- PLindbergh31

With Coots out, the PK will not be as good as it could be. Be that as it may, White is about 7th-8th on the team if terms of effectively killing penalties, so I'm not happy he makes it into the top 2 PK rotations.

Those two and Umberger have become my most hated players. I cringe when I see them on the ice.
- J35Bacher

VdV last night was awful. A complete non-factor, just a warm body. I'm sure he's a nice guy who's worked hard and all, but he just is not good. At all. White had a cute little run last year, but he lost whatever small offense he had. And Umberger is just being Umberger.

Maybe they could take away some of the ES TOI allotted to superstars Van de Velde and White.
- jmatchett383

They could, but the question is will the coach do that. The Flyers are still chasing the playoffs, and are not ready to change that approach. Have to consider what is best for the young players, that comes first.

With Coots out, the PK will not be as good as it could be. Be that as it may, White is about 7th-8th on the team if terms of effectively killing penalties, so I'm not happy he makes it into the top 2 PK rotations.
- jmatchett383

Even with Couturier in the lineup the PK has pretty much been dreadful all year. But point taken, it will be worse without him.

With Coots out, the PK will not be as good as it could be. Be that as it may, White is about 7th-8th on the team if terms of effectively killing penalties, so I'm not happy he makes it into the top 2 PK rotations.
- jmatchett383

Ryan White is 6th on the team among forwards in PK ice time per game. He was in the top 2 pairs last night. For some reason, I guess because Couturier is out, they didn't use Read much.

VdV last night was awful. A complete non-factor, just a warm body. I'm sure he's a nice guy who's worked hard and all, but he just is not good. At all. White had a cute little run last year, but he lost whatever small offense he had. And Umberger is just being Umberger.
- jmatchett383

Vdv at least contributed to a degree last season offensively. He was good at getting in front of the net and getting some nice deflection goals. He's been invisible this year. And Ryan White has been a penalty macheine lately.

Seems like Hak was trying to get Ghosts pairing and G out together more at ES. Either he's feeling more comfortable with Ghosts overall game or feeling desperate for more offense.

They could, but the question is will the coach do that. The Flyers are still chasing the playoffs, and are not ready to change that approach. Have to consider what is best for the young players, that comes first.
- MJL

I feel like the playoffs are a pipe dream now. The Flyers aren't playing consistent enough hockey to sneak in. They are losing key games right now which is really going to come back and bite them in ass.

They could, but the question is will the coach do that. The Flyers are still chasing the playoffs, and are not ready to change that approach. Have to consider what is best for the young players, that comes first.
- MJL

Do I think he will? No, and that's one of my problems with him. All coaches have favorites, but he seems unwilling to bump guys who offer little to nothing.

So you think that taking guys like Cousins/Alt, who are free agents after this year, and seeing if they can handle themselves at the NHL level over guys like VdV/White/Schultz and see if they can handle it would hurt their development? I'm not saying you take a bunch of 18 or 20-year-olds and put them in, I'm talking about guys with multiple pro seasons. I don't think giving them a 8-10 game call-up will cripple their development or be to the detriment of our Cup-favorite roster.

I feel like the playoffs are a pipe dream now. The Flyers aren't playing consistent enough hockey to sneak in. They are losing key games right now which is really going to come back and bite them in ass.
- funmaster18

We know they're going to go on another win streak. It would not surprise me at all to see them beat Washington on Wednesday night. The only reason they're still in it now, is because they have games in hand. Last night's loss wasn't because of Umberger, it was because they took two stupid, unnecessary penalties in the first period and got behind. Couldn't kill the penalties. They also as you said aren't consistent from period to period.

Do I think he will? No, and that's one of my problems with him. All coaches have favorites, but he seems unwilling to bump guys who offer little to nothing.

So you think that taking guys like Cousins/Alt, who are free agents after this year, and seeing if they can handle themselves at the NHL level over guys like VdV/White/Schultz and see if they can handle it would hurt their development? I'm not saying you take a bunch of 18 or 20-year-olds and put them in, I'm talking about guys with multiple pro seasons. I don't think giving them a 8-10 game call-up will cripple their development or be to the detriment of our Cup-favorite roster.
- jmatchett383

He isn't any different from any other coach. Neither is a free agent, they will both still be restricted with the Flyers still controlling their rights. The team is not ready to give up on the playoff chase. Perhaps after the deadline, if moves are made, they might call some players up then. Right now, what's best for those players is to remain in the AHL and to continue to develop there, in my opinion.

We know they're going to go on another win streak. It would not surprise me at all to see them beat Washington on Wednesday night. The only reason they're still in it now, is because they have games in hand. Last night's loss wasn't because of Umberger, it was because they took two stupid, unnecessary penalties in the first period and got behind. Couldn't kill the penalties. They also as you said aren't consistent from period to period.
- MJL

Aside from a goalie having a brainfart like Mason did against Florida, it's rare that you lose (or win) a game solely based on 1 player. But to think that Umberger has done much positive this year would be incorrect, in my opinion.

Sarah Baicker is reporting that the Flyers have put in a call for a substitute goalie for practice today. Rumor is Mason is dealing with a minor issue after skipping practice earlier in the week & Neuvirth was reportedly limping badly after the game last night.

We know they're going to go on another win streak. It would not surprise me at all to see them beat Washington on Wednesday night. The only reason they're still in it now, is because they have games in hand. Last night's loss wasn't because of Umberger, it was because they took two stupid, unnecessary penalties in the first period and got behind. Couldn't kill the penalties. They also as you said aren't consistent from period to period.
- MJL

I just feel like they will barely miss this year. They have yet to step up and seize control when they have the opportunity. I didn't expect them to be lights out when it matters as this team is still evolving and building. I'd love to see them get in, but if they don't get there poop together quickly and take advantage of the games in hand they have on most teams, then it's over.

One thing is clear - Couturier is a key player in this lineup. They need him back if they want to make the playoffs. I'm really excited for next year and the possibilities we have with some of these younger players coming up and a little bit of cap space to work with. By no means am I giving up on this season because it's just not something I can do, but they need to tighten the screws quickly here. They are getting some solid individual efforts and now they need to do it as a team.

Sarah Baicker is reporting that the Flyers have put in a call for a substitute goalie for practice today. Rumor is Mason is dealing with a minor issue after skipping practice earlier in the week & Neuvirth was reportedly limping badly after the game last night.
- Jsaquella

Top five pick is coming....

Sell Hexy, sell!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah Baicker is reporting that the Flyers have put in a call for a substitute goalie for practice today. Rumor is Mason is dealing with a minor issue after skipping practice earlier in the week & Neuvirth was reportedly limping badly after the game last night.
- Jsaquella

GET IT DONE HAMMARBY

Just took a vacation and didnt get to watch the last few games. Listened a bit into last nights when I came back and started shoveling. Have they been playing the same just getting less lucky (coming from behind isnt a great business model) or is it mostly just the trickle down from Couturier being out?

GET IT DONE HAMMARBY
- funmaster18

Hey! I want in this goalie mix too! I think I may live closer than Hammar as well haha

Hey! I want in this goalie mix too! I think I may live closer than Hammar as well haha
- Hextall271

Whoever can stop the most pucks in 5 minutes gets the nod. commence shooting gallery

EDIT: he's behind in the time zone so you might be able to get the nomination before he even wakes up

I missed some of the game last night. How did Weal do overall?

Do I think he will? No, and that's one of my problems with him. All coaches have favorites, but he seems unwilling to bump guys who offer little to nothing.

So you think that taking guys like Cousins/Alt, who are free agents after this year, and seeing if they can handle themselves at the NHL level over guys like VdV/White/Schultz and see if they can handle it would hurt their development? I'm not saying you take a bunch of 18 or 20-year-olds and put them in, I'm talking about guys with multiple pro seasons. I don't think giving them a 8-10 game call-up will cripple their development or be to the detriment of our Cup-favorite roster.
- jmatchett383

I'd love to see some young guys get a few games, but judging the way Hextall has operated, I doubt we see much of that.

Sarah Baicker is reporting that the Flyers have put in a call for a substitute goalie for practice today. Rumor is Mason is dealing with a minor issue after skipping practice earlier in the week & Neuvirth was reportedly limping badly after the game last night.
- Jsaquella

They may as well call up LaBarbera for the Caps game. They're going to have field day at ES and on the PP with Couturier out, so whatever goalie plays will get strafed by the league's best offense.

Very true. But he's a definite symptom. He's giving them replacement level value on the 4th line. Same thing with VandeVelde and White on the 3rd line. I'd add Laughton, but he's a kid, not a vet.

Benching Umberger is a step away from icing a known ineffective piece. Question is, do they have anybody who can step in and really be a marked improvement? I'd rather see a kid like Weal or Cousins. They might not be much better, but Umberger is a known quantity.
- Jsaquella

Well there is no way RJ is any part of Hextalls plan. So why those 2 you mentioned or someone else on the farm isn't in the lineup is baffling to me. If it is about the future then see what others have to offer. If the coach insists he will play him then the GM needs to intervene.

I just think Hextall is being bullish and wants RJ in the lineup. They had no problem and rightfully so benching vinny. So RJ playing when he clearly doesn't deserve to is wrong.

VV and white are borderline NHL guys who get way to many minutes. As you said with RJ they are known quantities. Rather see the unknown and go from there as it isn't about this year; so I am told.

I missed some of the game last night. How did Weal do overall?
- funmaster18

He was solid, showed some good jump, drew a penalty with hard work.

I think he did enough to stay in the line up over Umberger or Gagner.

Sarah Baicker is reporting that the Flyers have put in a call for a substitute goalie for practice today. Rumor is Mason is dealing with a minor issue after skipping practice earlier in the week & Neuvirth was reportedly limping badly after the game last night.
- Jsaquella

I vote for Umberger with no mask!