I really doubt Hakstol switches things up because of tonight's game against the Islander's JV squad. He's going to stuck with the lineup that got them there. Medvedev, I'm sure, will be first in line for an injury. But that's about it.
- steelydan

You are probably right that this is the most likely scenario. If the Flyers go deep in the playoffs, you can expect 1-2 injuries to crop up at some point.

Neuvirth was a freaking beast early and in the middle, Mason was a beast in the middle and late

A little of it was smoke and mirrors, when you look at the composition of the defense, but when they finally brought Ghost up and eliminated the slowest players on the roster in Umberger, Wheels and Luke Schenn, they were able to "system" their way to a pretty neat season

Schenn's growth and consistency was also huge -- can't take anything away from him this season. He was below the bar only a handful of games, no more than anyone else
- AllInForFlyers

Schenn. Most improved player bar none. No more 8-10 game vanishing act

I really doubt Hakstol switches things up because of tonight's game against the Islander's JV squad. He's going to stuck with the lineup that got them there. Medvedev, I'm sure, will be first in line for an injury. But that's about it.
- steelydan

Not even looking at this Islanders game as a reason why Medvedev should go back in, I think he gives the Flyers a better chance to win this series if he is playing. Manning just can't bring what he does offensively and defensively I really don't see much difference between the two. They both scare me in their own zone, might as well go with the guy that can actually score some goals if put in the situation

RJ is definitely a class act, would have loved to see his second stint here come with a little more productivity but he isn't a bad dude to have around the younger players in the locker room. Even though he wasn't playing often or even producing when he did play this season, he set the example of how to be a pro for some of the younger players and that's always a great thing to see.
- FreshFlyer

Agreed -- I mean, he was a top-line winger once. But he accepted where he is now, and that's a credit to his maturity

Any chance he just retires at the end of the season?
- jstross

I thought I read want of the local beats hinted that in a tweet?

Not entirely sure if it was retirement or buyout. But basically hinted that hes done here

Schenn. Most improved player bar none. No more 8-10 game vanishing act
- Just5

Obviously, I questioned whether he could do that. Whether he could show up in games where it mattered, when they needed points

That dude showed me that yeah, he could. And did

Any chance he just retires at the end of the season?
- jstross

If I were him, I would -- he can't play anymore. Tonight was a glorified exhibition game. But I do understand that he might want to give it one more shot in a training camp somewhere

I thought I read want of the local beats hinted that in a tweet?

Not entirely sure if it was retirement or buyout. But basically hinted that hes done here
- Just5

Would love it if he retired. What's the buyout cost? I realize we're in the playoffs, but 3 days till the puck drops.

Not even looking at this Islanders game as a reason why Medvedev should go back in, I think he gives the Flyers a better chance to win this series if he is playing. Manning just can't bring what he does offensively and defensively I really don't see much difference between the two. They both scare me in their own zone, might as well go with the guy that can actually score some goals if put in the situation
- FreshFlyer

I take Medvedev's ceiling/potential over Manning's grit any day. I figure that even if he doesn't get the game 1 start, he'll get in some time during this series. Unless the Flyers just abuse the Caps every game, then nothing will change, of course. Wouldn't that be pretty sweet.

Obviously, I questioned whether he could do that. Whether he could show up in games where it mattered, when they needed points

That dude showed me that yeah, he could. And did
- AllInForFlyers

Interested to see how he plays in the playoffs, would love to see him dial it up a notch and bring some more nastiness to his game. The more physical Schenn is the better he plays.

Would love it if he retired. What's the buyout cost? I realize we're in the playoffs, but 3 days till the puck drops.
- jstross

1.5 mil cap penalty for next 2 seasons

I take Medvedev's ceiling/potential over Manning's grit any day. I figure that even if he doesn't get the game 1 start, he'll get in some time during this series. Unless the Flyers just abuse the Caps every game, then nothing will change, of course. Wouldn't that be pretty sweet.
- wolfhounds

Here's hoping. I really don't see the benefits of Manning in the line-up over Medvedev. I mean he might bring more grit and the team obviously likes the guy but when its all said and done you should play the guy that gives you a better chance at winning.

I take Medvedev's ceiling/potential over Manning's grit any day. I figure that even if he doesn't get the game 1 start, he'll get in some time during this series. Unless the Flyers just abuse the Caps every game, then nothing will change, of course. Wouldn't that be pretty sweet.
- wolfhounds

Medvedev should be playing. But the way he pinches he needs someone fast backing him up as his D partner. And that leaves Ghost who is not ideal to play with Med.

Meddy with Streit, Schultz, or Gudas could be a disaster. Maybe with Amac but uhh I don't know.

I do love his offensive side and skating.

1.5 mil cap penalty for next 2 seasons
- Just5

Not an anchor deal, but I'd love for him to retire instead.

If I were him, I would -- he can't play anymore. Tonight was a glorified exhibition game. But I do understand that he might want to give it one more shot in a training camp somewhere
- AllInForFlyers

He's hurt so often I hope he just hangs them up and Hexy finds a spot for him in the organization.

Obviously, I questioned whether he could do that. Whether he could show up in games where it mattered, when they needed points

That dude showed me that yeah, he could. And did
- AllInForFlyers

It was still on the fence up until luke got traded. Which is just the strangest development.

Medvedev should be playing. But the way he pinches he needs someone fast backing him up as his D partner. And that leaves Ghost who is not ideal to play with Med.

Meddy with Streit, Schultz, or Gudas could be a disaster. Maybe with Amac but uhh I don't know.

I do love his offensive side and skating.
- Marc D

I'd just put him with Gudas and tell Gudas you're the stay at home guy, simple as that.

I'd just put him with Gudas and tell Gudas you're the stay at home guy, simple as that.
- FreshFlyer

Probably the best option.

I hate some of Gudas's pinches.

Leads to many odd man rushes against, which Mase just loves
/sarcasm

Probably the best option.

I hate some of Gudas's pinches.

Leads to many odd man rushes against, which Mase just loves
/sarcasm
- Marc D

Yeah the Gudas and Manning pairing has Gudas thinking he's the next Bobby Orr out there sometimes.

Yeah the Gudas and Manning pairing has Gudas thinking he's the next Bobby Orr out there sometimes.
- FreshFlyer

Gudas had a pretty solid season, wouldn't mind him back for another 2 years.

Ghost, MDZ, Gudas

after that the rest can go away next year.

Manning would be OK as a 7th I guess.
Amac likely isn't going anywhere unfortunately.

There is a new blog posted

Gudas had a pretty solid season, wouldn't mind him back for another 2 years.

Ghost, MDZ, Gudas

after that the rest can go away next year.

Manning would be OK as a 7th I guess.
Amac likely isn't going anywhere unfortunately.
- Marc D

It won't happen that quickly, but Provorov in place of Medvedev starts the transition. A shame Morin isn't more ready.

It won't happen that quickly, but Provorov in place of Medvedev starts the transition. A shame Morin isn't more ready.
- jstross

More like provorov in place of streit imo.

If we can make streit disappear