Does what's best for young players such as Cousins and Straka come into play. Considering game situations, where if the Flyers have the lead in the 3rd period, that line probably wouldn't play much, and the same if they're behind. They'd wind up with 7-8 minutes if ice time per game. Maybe a little more depending on PP time.
- MJL

Those 2 are in their 3rd year of pro hockey. They have all progressed. It is now time to poop or get off the pot so to speak. You need to see what they can do at the NHL.

The coach is not on a short leash and is not under any pressure. He will not get fired so him playing those borderline nhl guys as much as he does I cant agree with.

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.
- Jsaquella

I think Weal may stay in the lineup when Couturier comes back after the AS break. I think Hakstol's enough of a size queen to not want to take Umberger and Couturier out of the lineup at the same time. Umberger's ice time is definitely trending towards healthy scratch status.

http://www.naturalstattri...id=8469469&sit=ev&stype=2

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.
- jmatchett383

And I understand if they want the youngsters to grow in AHL. BUt bring up someone like McDonald for Vandevelde or Umberger. The Flyers have some bottom 6 type players in the AHL. Guys like Goulborne and Bardreau are guys looked at as possible bottom 6 players. I am ok with letting that youth play. It's not like your placing them in a top 6 roll and need their scoring. Just so tired of the awful play of the bottom six and the excuse that they are pro's and bring structure or work ethic.

Also how about the people who say Couturier is overrated. This team looks completely different without him in the lineup.

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.
- Jsaquella

Nice. I hope he takes advantage of this opportunity and forces Hakstol to keep him in

I believe their record without Couturier is 1-6-2.

I believe their record without Couturier is 1-6-2.
- Feanor

Wow

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
- funmaster18

Deal.. I just have to quit my job and tell my wife that I am on my way to the show.. Theyre gonna love this explanation at the border.

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.
- MJL

I just said he isn't different, that all coaches have biases. Maybe I wasn't clear.

Also, is a restricted free agent not a free agent? I understand they're not UFAs, but the Flyers still need to figure out if they can be part of the NHL solution going forward so they can decide whether or not to tender/resign them.

I don't feeling playing Cousins in place of Umberger/VdV/White or Alt in place of Manning/Schultz would change their playoff hopes drastically for the worse.

Lastly, I don't know how much longer you want a 22-year-old and a 24-year-old to develop. They've both played roughly 2 1/2 seasons worth of AHL hockey, I'd like to think they maybe be able to play 10 minutes of NHL hockey.

I believe their record without Couturier is 1-6-2.
- Feanor

Any update on when cooter might be back? At this point, might as well leave him out until after the ASG.

I think Weal may stay in the lineup when Couturier comes back after the AS break. I think Hakstol's enough of a size queen to not want to take Umberger and Couturier out of the lineup at the same time. Umberger's ice time is definitely trending towards healthy scratch status.

http://www.naturalstattri...id=8469469&sit=ev&stype=2
- Feanor

I like size but I look at a guy like Brendan Gallagher. I am ok with lacking size if they play big. I would love to see Martel. He has wheels and plays a little gritty for a smaller player.

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.
- rinaldo

The Flyers are loaded with borderline guys in the bottom six. Can't really play Giroux and Couturier for 30 minutes, and Laughton has struggled, which means a reduced role, which in turn means more ice time for guys like VandeVelde & White.

I just said he isn't different, that all coaches have biases. Maybe I wasn't clear.

Also, is a restricted free agent not a free agent? I understand they're not UFAs, but the Flyers still need to figure out if they can be part of the NHL solution going forward so they can decide whether or not to tender/resign them.

I don't feeling playing Cousins in place of Umberger/VdV/White or Alt in place of Manning/Schultz would change their playoff hopes drastically for the worse.

Lastly, I don't know how much longer you want a 22-year-old and a 24-year-old to develop. They've both played roughly 2 1/2 seasons worth of AHL hockey, I'd like to think they maybe be able to play 10 minutes of NHL hockey.
- jmatchett383

Cousins with Laughton on the wing didn't look bad when they played that little bit earlier in the year. A line of Raffl/Read - Cousins - Laughton isn't bad. Offense dies when it hits the stick of umberger, Vandevelde and White.

The Flyers are loaded with borderline guys in the bottom six. Can't really play Giroux and Couturier for 30 minutes, and Laughton has struggled, which means a reduced role, which in turn means more ice time for guys like VandeVelde & White.
- Jsaquella

I think we should look elsewhere though because VV & White arent able to handle the increased role anyway

Cousins with Laughton on the wing didn't look bad when they played that little bit earlier in the year. A line of Raffl/Read - Cousins - Laughton isn't bad. Offense dies when it hits the stick of umberger, Vandevelde and White.
- J35Bacher

Yup, as I said yesterday, when one of your lines is the offensive juggernaut of VDV-PEB-White, you can't afford to dress a 4th forward (that would be you, RJ) that scores less than a eunuch.

I think Weal may stay in the lineup when Couturier comes back after the AS break. I think Hakstol's enough of a size queen to not want to take Umberger and Couturier out of the lineup at the same time. Umberger's ice time is definitely trending towards healthy scratch status.

http://www.naturalstattri...id=8469469&sit=ev&stype=2
- Feanor

Umberger's ice time has definitely been trending towards healthy scratch, but it really hasn't happened. He had a healthy scratch after returning from injury, but He's really bringing nothing. He's adequate defensively, gets creamed at possession and the offensive struggles are well documented.

Scratching Umberger alone likely doesn't fix things. It'd be a start, but it's not a cure all

The Flyers are loaded with borderline guys in the bottom six. Can't really play Giroux and Couturier for 30 minutes, and Laughton has struggled, which means a reduced role, which in turn means more ice time for guys like VandeVelde & White.
- Jsaquella[/quote]
agreed though my point was call up guys on the farm. You cant tell me a few guys haven't earned a look see at this point.

Umberger's ice time has definitely been trending towards healthy scratch, but it really hasn't happened. He had a healthy scratch after returning from injury, but He's really bringing nothing. He's adequate defensively, gets creamed at possession and the offensive struggles are well documented.

Scratching Umberger alone likely doesn't fix things. It'd be a start, but it's not a cure all
- Jsaquella

After watching him last night, I'd downgrade adequate to mediocre in regards to Umberger's defensive play. He needs to sit, permanently.

The Flyers are loaded with borderline guys in the bottom six. Can't really play Giroux and Couturier for 30 minutes, and Laughton has struggled, which means a reduced role, which in turn means more ice time for guys like VandeVelde & White.
- Jsaquella

Remember when folks thought you could simply just slot Laughton into Couturier's role?

That was fun, right?

When Couturier is healthy, there are enough forwards to have a solid top 9 and a 4th line that gets used sparingly. There's no reason to have a 4A and a 4B apart from Hakstol's mistaken belief that White and VdV are 3rd line quality players.

Voracek-Giroux-Simmonds
Read-Couturier-Schenn
Raffl-Bellemare-Gagner
VdV-White-Weal
Umberger

PKers: Coots-Read, Bellemare-VdV, Giroux-Raffl.

Laughton should be in the AHL playing 20 minutes a game.

[quote=Jsaquella]The Flyers are loaded with borderline guys in the bottom six. Can't really play Giroux and Couturier for 30 minutes, and Laughton has struggled, which means a reduced role, which in turn means more ice time for guys like VandeVelde & White.
- rinaldo[/quote]
agreed though my point was call up guys on the farm. You cant tell me a few guys haven't earned a look see at this point.

It is almost that time sadly. The time to call up youngsters and see what they got because the POs are potentially gone.

But I think they give it until the Trade Deadline, unless players are moved earlier.

I think we should look elsewhere though because VV & White arent able to handle the increased role anyway
- YuenglingJagr

That's the trouble, and further is, there's not really anyone else who can assume the roles.

I get the hesitation on bringing up kids-they'd have to assume roles they might not be ready for and honestly they may not be able immediately be an improvement on the guys that are currently on the roster.

I'd be willing to assume that risk. I think that they should take a look at pending RFAs, even though they still control them. Straka and Cousins have limited NHL experience already. As does Leier. I'd weigh each case, but strongly consider bringing them up.

Remember when folks thought you could simply just slot Laughton into Couturier's role?

That was fun, right?
- johndewar

I had hoped he could assume some of it. He looks lost at times defensively. It's really stunning to me, because he was a really good defensive player in junior.

I feel like the playoffs are a pipe dream now.
- funmaster18

Common, it was always a pipe dream, lol.

Team's making strides forward, tho... that's awesome to see.

When Couturier is healthy, there are enough forwards to have a solid top 9 and a 4th line that gets used sparingly. There's no reason to have a 4A and a 4B apart from Hakstol's mistaken belief that White and VdV are 3rd line quality players.

Voracek-Giroux-Simmonds
Read-Couturier-Schenn
Raffl-Bellemare-Gagner
VdV-White-Weal
Umberger

PKers: Coots-Read, Bellemare-VdV, Giroux-Raffl.

Laughton should be in the AHL playing 20 minutes a game.
- Feanor

I think Laughton is fine in the NHL. I actually think he should be used more and allowed to play through mistakes. His roll is likely a third line center/winger.

I would prefer lines look like this:

Voracek - Giroux - Simmonds
Weal - Couturier - Schenn
Raffl - Laughton - Read


That would be my top 9. I know people will scoff at weal on the 2nd line but he is a playmaker in the AHL so I would want to see him in that roll in the NHL. ALso the Couturier/Schenn line needs a playmaker on that wing.

With Raffl and Read with Laughton I think that helps with defensive coverages and also has 3 guys that can skate and probably pop in some offense.

Michal Neuvirth, who was limping heavily after the game


- Bill Meltzer

Rumor is Mason is dealing with a minor issue after skipping practice earlier in the week
- Jsaquella

franked