oh boy... trying to remain calm here.

I hope this doesn't become a trend and that knee fully heals indefinitely. Give him 3 months if he needs it.

It's cool we have Jordan Weal. He can easily start the season as our top center.

SSB was right all along. Giroux will play center this season.
- Ftown19125

At least until Gudas runs into him at practice and knocks him flying into Nolan Patrick.

At least until Gudas runs into him at practice and knocks him flying into Nolan Patrick.
- BiggE

At that point Wayne Simmonds becomes number one center.

30 knee bends

LOL!!!!
- Scoob

I’m assuming Couturier would be excused from the knee bend test.

Cause you're confusing the MCL with the ACL?

https://springloadedtechn...bout-hockey-and-your-mcl/
- Feanor

Understood. I was more taking a shot at how the NHL reports injuries.

I strongly disagree. A big part of the reason why the Flyers top line, which had been seriously underwater at 5-on-5 the previous year, turned things around was due to Couturier's 200-foot game and freeing up Giroux to push things offensively. The way the two seamlessly switched off and read off each other, plus Couturier being good on strong-side draws and Giroux being utterly dominant on his strong side was also a factor in immediate puck possession.
- bmeltzer

Great insight, Bill. And I agree the top line clicked. The numbers don't lie. Coots flourished and allowed G to focus more on generating offense. They did feed off of each other. They will continue to do so this year. It works for us.

While you can't argue with 30+ goals for Coots and 102 pts for G, I think we have an opportunity to develop a top line center (Patrick in 19-20?) and allow Coots to play to his strengths as 2C or 3C. Not a major priority for this season as Coots and G will continue their strong play.

Gudas is a dirty player at times, taking out a teammate in practice with a hip check is a bit much, no?

(frank) you Radko.

I'm hoping for a speedy recovery. He's our top line center and an important part of our success.

BUT...

I know I am in the minority with this belief but Coots is not the ideal 1st line center (IMO). He flourished with G, Jake, and TK, but also seems to play very well when moved down the line-up. In the Game 6 loss, 4 of his 5 points were scored with Laughton and Simmer or Read. The last goal he was on the ice with G and Jake. If I remember correctly, due to his knee injury, Fip and G had to take his defensive responsibilities. At least 1 goal was a blown coverage by Fip. Demonstrates the importance of Coots' health.

I was in the camp of the Flyers going out and getting a solid #1 center but the cost was too high. Coots does fill that role well (Obviously after last year's performance). I just feel we would be a stronger team with him as 2C or 3C.

Just my two cents.
- cdearth23

Why wouldn't you want your best 2 way center out on the ice with the line that is theoretically going to get the most ice time?

Great insight, Bill. And I agree the top line clicked. The numbers don't lie. Coots flourished and allowed G to focus more on generating offense. They did feed off of each other. They will continue to do so this year. It works for us.

While you can't argue with 30+ goals for Coots and 102 pts for G, I think we have an opportunity to develop a top line center (Patrick in 19-20?) and allow Coots to play to his strengths as 2C or 3C. Not a major priority for this season as Coots and G will continue their strong play.
- cdearth23

Couturier had his best season ever playing on the top line so how would he be playing more to his strengths on a different line?

For whatever reason I read this article this morning and completely understood that he would be having surgery. I read it again right now and saw that it isn't.

At that point Wayne Simmonds becomes number one center.
- SuperSchennBros

Would boost his trade value

start up the tank

- Glak18

*turns back*

Couturier had his best season ever playing on the top line so how would he be playing more to his strengths on a different line?
- MJL

Because maybe by that time the current second line is playing better than the current top line and they swap roles?

if Hextall doesn't put Hart in net for game 1 in light of this news i think we need to seriously start considering that he could be trying to sabotage this franchise

if Hextall doesn't put Hart in net for game 1 in light of this news i think we need to seriously start considering that he could be trying to sabotage this franchise
- Crimsoninja

Rejoin the ff league

Rejoin the ff league
- Nucker101

ok

ok
- Crimsoninja

ty

Because maybe by that time the current second line is playing better than the current top line and they swap roles?
- dragonoffrost

Not seeing how that makes that case.

if Hextall doesn't put Hart in net for game 1 in light of this news i think we need to seriously start considering that he could be trying to sabotage this franchise
- Crimsoninja

AGREED!!!

Not seeing how that makes that case.
- MJL

If Patrick's line starts consistently out performing Coots line and the coach switches the ice time to give Patrick's line the top minutes every game consistently, isn't Patrick's line line 1 then?

By the way I hate line 1, line 2, line 3, line 4 designation.

Couturier had his best season ever playing on the top line so how would he be playing more to his strengths on a different line?
- MJL

I realize what I am proposing sounds ridiculous especially looking at the stats from last year. But I truly believe that Coots' role is more suited for a 2C or 3C where he draws the other team's top line. Until we have someone that can fill that top line center role, he stays. Bill made a convincing point regarding how that line compliments each other. It works for us.

There have been more than a few NHL players that had career years playing with a great line. Of course, I cannot name one right now:-) but you all know examples. Not to say that Coots is a flash in the pan by any means.