AMac would be the first guy I sit when Gudas returns. It's hard to answer the question when it comes to MDZ as he won't be back for nearly a month or so. A lot will depend on things like:
Can Manning play consistently the way he did last night?
Will all the other D be healthy at that point?
Will a Dman be traded by that time? It's probably unlikely, but, if a team loses a couple of Dmen to injury during the first few weeks of the season, it could happen.
- BiggE

Must not of read carchidi mesmerizing article about Macdonald being a first pairing guy for us this year

Just a conversation starter. But I agree. I debate with my dad a lot about it. I've been a big proponent for Manning as a 6th d man for the past year. I think when he doesn't over complicate things he's great in that role and actually physical which helps.
- Tfaehner

He was burying dudes last night, I'll tell you that

Please let's not talk about it. I nearly had a heart attack when they said that Gostisbehere took a skate to the face.
- MJL

You and me both.

Must not of read carchidi mesmerizing article about Macdonald being a first pairing guy for us this year
- Tfaehner

Yea, MacDonald is not a first pairing guy. I don't think the Flyers have a true top pairing defenseman now. Provorov might be in the future.

Must not of read carchidi mesmerizing article about Macdonald being a first pairing guy for us this year
- Tfaehner

I never read any of the Philly newspaper assclowns.

Sean Couturier scoring 2 last night. Crazy what could happen when you're got some offensively minded linemates.
- johndewar

Crazy talk

When you think back to some of what he's had on his wings...yikes

Yea, MacDonald is not a first pairing guy. I don't think the Flyers have a true top pairing defenseman now. Provorov might be in the future.
- MJL

Agreed. Hope you found my sarcasm. I don't necessarily see anyone as a true top defenseman outside provorov. But I see a lot of quality 2 3 defenseman in our system. 6 number 2 defenseman are just as good if not better than 1 top defenseman and a bunch of bums like say Arizona previous seasons ?

We can only hope that Konecny turns out to be half the player Laliberte was
- Dkos

Agreed. Hope you found my sarcasm. I don't necessarily see anyone as a true top defenseman outside provorov. But I see a lot of quality 2 3 defenseman in our system. 6 number 2 defenseman are just as good if not better than 1 top defenseman and a bunch of bums like say Arizona previous seasons ?
- Tfaehner

Truth. The Flyers won 2 Cups, and went to 3 straight finals, without a #1 guy. It can be, and often is, done.

Yea, MacDonald is not a first pairing guy. I don't think the Flyers have a true top pairing defenseman now. Provorov might be in the future.
- MJL

I think Ghost is talented enough to get there as well...all be it with some work to do.

Truth. The Flyers won 2 Cups, and went to 3 straight finals, without a #1 guy. It can be, and often is, done.
- BiggE

Absolutely. Easier with, but teams have won, or come extremely close, without

With the idea of having a bunch of young prospects with unlimited potential...

I would implement specific rules for them. No boat rides. No driving cars, a driver will be assigned to you, and they must wear full shields and neck guards.

Even then I expect one of them to lose a limb on the ice at some time. Flyers are just that unlucky

Agreed. Hope you found my sarcasm. I don't necessarily see anyone as a true top defenseman outside provorov. But I see a lot of quality 2 3 defenseman in our system. 6 number 2 defenseman are just as good if not better than 1 top defenseman and a bunch of bums like say Arizona previous seasons ?
- Tfaehner

I think in 2-3 years, the Flyers could have one of the top defenses in the league.

You and me both.
- BiggE

You old guys must be taken care of. Can't have you stroking out over these things.

Do you have enough Atenolol to last the rest of the season? If not we need to start a gofundme account to get you guys medicated.

I think Ghost is talented enough to get there as well...all be it with some work to do.
- landros 2

I think it depends on what one's definition of a top pairing defenseman is. I see Gostisbehere as more of a 2nd pair puck mover, who is elite offensively. He's certainly going to see a lot of minutes.

You old guys must be taken care of. Can't have you stroking out over these things.

Do you have enough Atenolol to last the rest of the season? If not we need to start a gofundme account to get you guys medicated.
- MikesPillBottle

Macallan, Glenfiddich and Balvenie are all the medication I need. But feel free to send me a case of either one if it will make you feel better.

I think in 2-3 years, the Flyers could have one of the top defenses in the league.
- MJL

It's very possible, especially if 2 of Morin, Sanheim, Myers and Hagg become top 4 dmen.

I think in 2-3 years, the Flyers could have one of the top defenses in the league.
- MJL

I think it depends on what one's definition of a top pairing defenseman is. I see Gostisbehere as more of a 2nd pair puck mover, who is elite offensively. He's certainly going to see a lot of minutes.
- MJL

To me, a legit top pair guy is someone you can play in any situation, at any point in the game. He's the guy you want out there in the last minute of a period and the guy you want matching up against the other team's top line. I think Provorov has a good chance of being that guy. If one of the other kids can also reach that level, their D will be set for a long time.

Hope everyone remembers to keep their heads on a swivel tonight. Ryan White will go through you on the backcheck if you start daydreaming and drift across the middle

To me, a legit top pair guy is someone you can play in any situation, at any point in the game. He's the guy you want out there in the last minute of a period and the guy you want matching up against the other team's top line. I think Provorov has a good chance of being that guy. If one of the other kids can also reach that level, their D will be set for a long time.
- BiggE

Agreed.

Hope everyone remembers to keep their heads on a swivel tonight. Ryan White will go through you on the backcheck if you start daydreaming and drift across the middle
- AllInForFlyers

I hope he kills penalties for them cause he's awful at it.

AMac would be the first guy I sit when Gudas returns. It's hard to answer the question when it comes to MDZ as he won't be back for nearly a month or so. A lot will depend on things like:
Can Manning play consistently the way he did last night?
Will all the other D be healthy at that point?
Will a Dman be traded by that time? It's probably unlikely, but, if a team loses a couple of Dmen to injury during the first few weeks of the season, it could happen.
- BiggE

Of the D, he certainly has a good argument as having the worst night, but he was still out there at the end defending a 2 goal lead with the Kings basically having a 5 on 4 PP. And, really outside of a couple noticeable issues, I thought MacDonald was solid. He looked really good one the PKs, too.

Perhaps Manning slides ahead of somebody if he can sustain his play from last night. He was very active and effective. Provorov was excellent after having some first game jitters/hiccups in the opening period. Still it's nice to have the depth.

Yea, MacDonald is not a first pairing guy. I don't think the Flyers have a true top pairing defenseman now. Provorov might be in the future.
- MJL

I thought the consensus was mdz to in fact be a top pair guy.

I thought the consensus was mdz to in fact be a top pair guy.
- JoeRussomanno

He's the closest they have right now, but, on a top team, he's a 2nd pair guy.