My two cents.

You buy out JVR.

If all the defensemen on the team are playing well, the 7th defenseman is Robert Hagg, not Gostisbehere.
- MBFlyerfan

Absolutely. If you want to move on from Gostisbehere, you trade him, not buy him out. I don't know why I'm in this long drawn out conversation. It's a no brainer.

My two cents.

You buy out JVR.

If all the defensemen on the team are playing well, the 7th defenseman is Robert Hagg, not Gostisbehere.
- MBFlyerfan

After Ghost went back for his last conditioning rehab to Lehigh, he was healthy, and was a healthy scratch for 4 straight games. It would have been many more if Myers had not broken his kneecap in that bizarre injury.

He was the 7th D.

After Ghost went back for his last conditioning rehab to Lehigh, he was healthy, and was a healthy scratch for 4 straight games. It would have been many more if Myers had not broken his kneecap in that bizarre injury.

He was the 7th D.
- PT21

He was healthy but he was not in game shape. Vigneault even referenced that they rushed him back too soon. If all are healthy and playing well, Gostisbehere is in the top 6. No question about that.

My two cents.

You buy out JVR.

If all the defensemen on the team are playing well, the 7th defenseman is Robert Hagg, not Gostisbehere.
- MBFlyerfan

Agreed

He was healthy but he was not in game shape. Vigneault even referenced that they rushed him back too soon. If all are healthy and playing well, Gostisbehere is in the top 6. No question about that.
- MJL

Nope.

https://www.courierposton...der-right-now/4894350002/


Gostisbehere isn’t in the Flyers’ lineup or on their power play these days. He’s a healthy scratch, now with an emphasis on “healthy.” He had been on the fringe of being able to play with a left knee injury after he had arthroscopic surgery in January. He played a few weeks after the operation and it didn’t go well. The next day everything was sore. He skated a few more times before it’s believed he had a cortisone shot and treatment to help break up scar tissue. He played in two games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms over the weekend and says he’s good to go now.

He knows he’ll have to wait for his next chance, though, saying Tuesday, “I wouldn’t touch the lineup, either.”

EDIT: This from 2/27. The weekend referred to was 2/22-23. He did not play for about a fortnight after completing his conditioning assignment. He would not have been allowed to play for LHV if he was not fully healthy.

Nope.

https://www.courierposton...der-right-now/4894350002/


Gostisbehere isn’t in the Flyers’ lineup or on their power play these days. He’s a healthy scratch, now with an emphasis on “healthy.” He had been on the fringe of being able to play with a left knee injury after he had arthroscopic surgery in January. He played a few weeks after the operation and it didn’t go well. The next day everything was sore. He skated a few more times before it’s believed he had a cortisone shot and treatment to help break up scar tissue. He played in two games for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms over the weekend and says he’s good to go now.

He knows he’ll have to wait for his next chance, though, saying Tuesday, “I wouldn’t touch the lineup, either.”
- PT21

Nope, it's well established that Vigneault felt that Gostisbehere was not 100% and was not in top game shape and tried to play too soon after coming back from the injury. It wasn't until the end of February that he was deemed healthy again. The Flyers were on a roll so the coach was reluctant to change the lineup and it was only about 6 games or so that he sat out. When and if they start up, I believe that Gostisbehere will be in the lineup over Haag. If it wasn't for the injury, he would've been a regular in the lineup.

https://www.nbcsports.com...ch-other-nhl-playoff-race

You can't spin your way out of this. You made a bad choice for the buyout. It's a no brainer to buyout JVR. End of story. No further debate is needed.

Nope, it's well established that Vigneault felt that Gostisbehere was not 100% and was not in top game shape and tried to play too soon after coming back from the injury.

https://www.nbcsports.com...ch-other-nhl-playoff-race

You can't spin your way out of this. You made a bad choice for the buyout. It's a no brainer to buyout JVR. End of story. No further debate is needed.
- MJL

That was Feb 6, Chief. Lotsa happened since then.

Ghost had scar tissue, had it addressed. He then played for LHV.

He played 2 full games.There is no chance whatsoever he goes and plays in LHV if he is not 100%. Zero chance. Check his mins. He played full games.

Then by his own admission, he was a healthy scratch. Its not called spin, its called data.

I understand you are uncomfortable with that concept.

That was Feb 6, Chief. Lotsa happened since then.

Ghost had scar tissue, had it addressed. He then played for LHV.

He played 2 full games.There is no chance whatsoever he goes and plays in LHV if he is not 100%. Zero chance. Check his mins. He played full games.

Then by his own admission, he was a healthy scratch. Its not called spin, its called data.

I understand you are uncomfortable with that concept.
- PT21

Yep, lots happened since then including Gostisbehere being out with knee discomfort pretty much the entire month of February. Well documented and mentioned in my post. You've been trying to spin your way out of your uninformed decision to buyout Gostisbehere all night long.

Debate is over.

Yep, lots happened since then including Gostisbehere being out with knee discomfort pretty much the entire month of February. Well documented and mentioned in my post. You've been trying to spin your way out of your uninformed decision to buyout Gostisbehere all night long.

Debate is over.
- MJL

lol:

I'm fortunate that I'm not going to be impacted by this economically. My work is considered essential so I'm still working. That combined with bonuses and money from the stimulus means that I will make more money than I normally would. I'd give it all up if it meant that this thing would go away. All the money in the world cannot eliminate the stress I'm under worrying about catching this thing or bringing it home to my family. I can't help but feel for those who are going to become victim to this. Both medically and economically. My heart breaks for them. People can't even have funerals for their lost loved ones. It's just tragic and all anyone can hope for is to just make it through somehow. I can't at this time be saddened for the loss of hockey. It's just so small potatoes right now.
- MJL

Very well said MJL. Honestly I appreciate what you are doing during this pandemic and anyone working in essential services has my utmost respect. I miss the hockey as much as anyone but like you said small potatoes in the big picture. I said it a month ago and I still say the worst is yet to come. There are so many people that are not doing their part to control the spread. In Canada I can see the police getting the green light to arrest anyone not keeping their distance. House parties are common, people still gathering and nobody knows who is packing this virus. Until everyone is on board it will continue to spread. To be honest I think we may be lucky to have a season next fall let alone a playoff/cup this year. Would anyone go to a game this year even if tickets were free?? Stay safe everyone and do your part.

No, that is not what I am establishing at all. The issue is the relative value of a goal scorer on the 3rd line versus a # 7 D for deep playoff runs.

Here is a list of the #7 D on the past 5 Stanley Cup winning teams, a quick comment about their status, and their cap hits (all figures in hundred thousands unless stated)


1. St. Louis: Robert Bortuzzo (solid D guy, CAP value AAV $1.15 million during cup run)

2. Caps: Jerabek and Djoos were #7 and # 6 respectively, both rookies, caps hits 925 and 700 odd respectively)

3. Pens (2016-17). Mark Streit played a couple of games but their real reserve Dman was Chad Ruhdewel. Very mediocre stats. His contract: 650k.

4. Pens (2015-16): Derek Pouliot. Almost always a - player. Played only 11 games for Pens that season. Cap hit: 863k

5. Hawks (2015-16). Stacked D with our Kimmo coming in. Three players played #7 role:

Kyle Kumiskey (very average guy, 600 k cap)
David Rundblad (played more than 20 games only twice in career, 900k that season cap)
Trevor Van Riemsdyk (rookie that year, undrafted, 925k)

If having very capable D being kept "on reserve" for injuries, or poor play by established D so that the # 7 guy could step in was so important for deep playoff runs , the facts I provide above completely and thoroughly refutes that.

Except the first name, the others on that list were marginal NHL defensemen in the cup winning years. Many were rookies. They had poor career stats, very low contracts.

I was wrong to suggest Sbisa/Del Zotto as #7s as acceptable for deep runs. They would actually be enormous upgrades in that roles
- PT21

Very good backup to make your point but the point you are not getting imo is that Gostisbehere is a very talented player that has potential come back to where he was in his breakout year. He only makes a very affordable salary and if traded could bring back a guy like JVR if you needed a forward. The blog was about saving cap and JVR saves the most cap with the least loss to the team. In fairness I can see Gost being traded as AV is going to stick with Provorov as his #1 on the pp and so he should. Gost really is expendable with offensive talent like Sanheim and Myers ready to play the power play as well. Good competition never hurts.

It’s truly horrible. I’m retired from my day job and obviously all my gigs have been cancelled, but even going out for groceries is scary. My wife’s 94 year old high risk mom lives with us and she can’t afford to catch this thing.

I hope you and your family remain healthy and safe, that’s all that is really important right now.
- BiggE

I hear ya BiggE, we have closed our doors to all visitors including family just to be safe. Some of them are still working and are being exposed so wife and I can not take the chance of them getting it and passing it on. We are almost 70 in great health and all but this virus has proven what it can do to our age group. Take care and hope we can all get back to normal one day in the near future.

You can get contactless delivery from many stores. And for elderly, delivery is free.
- Letterkenney

I have looked into the grocery delivery but all grocery stores are flooded and can not add anyone regular. You have to place an online order after 6am and they only take so many orders. I tried and it was impossible to get an order in. So what I have been doing is going at senior hours opening at 7am, wearing a N95 mask and grabbing what is on my list and getting out as quick as possible while practicing safe distancing. It is risky for sure as new cases are popping up all the time. I go every 10 days or so but if things continue to spike I will be hiring somebody to shop for us even if I have to put up an add in marketplace.

I hope we start the playoffs by July. I hope Patrick is an actual option. I hope everyone on the team is healthy...and the world.

I'm fortunate that I'm not going to be impacted by this economically. My work is considered essential so I'm still working. That combined with bonuses and money from the stimulus means that I will make more money than I normally would. I'd give it all up if it meant that this thing would go away. All the money in the world cannot eliminate the stress I'm under worrying about catching this thing or bringing it home to my family. I can't help but feel for those who are going to become victim to this. Both medically and economically. My heart breaks for them. People can't even have funerals for their lost loved ones. It's just tragic and all anyone can hope for is to just make it through somehow. I can't at this time be saddened for the loss of hockey. It's just so small potatoes right now.
- MJL

Very well said. And whatever it is that you do that is essential - thank you! No matter what it is there are countless folks who don't even know you're out there (or even think about it because they have their own worries) but appreciate that you're doing it. Be careful - keep your hands clean!

I hope we start the playoffs by July. I hope Patrick is an actual option. I hope everyone on the team is healthy...and the world.
- SuperSchennBros

I'm not a betting man, but were I one, I'd feel comfortable wagering a large sum that the 2019-2020 season is toast.

I have looked into the grocery delivery but all grocery stores are flooded and can not add anyone regular. You have to place an online order after 6am and they only take so many orders. I tried and it was impossible to get an order in. So what I have been doing is going at senior hours opening at 7am, wearing a N95 mask and grabbing what is on my list and getting out as quick as possible while practicing safe distancing. It is risky for sure as new cases are popping up all the time. I go every 10 days or so but if things continue to spike I will be hiring somebody to shop for us even if I have to put up an add in marketplace.
- joegreif17

Smart. My dad is doing pretty much the same thing. I think if I remain healthy through this week (been stay-at-home since the 14th) I may grab some supplies for him and drive them to his house. Unfortunately I won't go in to visit with him but it will be nice to know he's stocked up without having to go out himself.

I'm not a betting man, but were I one, I'd feel comfortable wagering a large sum that the 2019-2020 season is toast.
- Scoob

With that much time off it would feel like a new season anyway and wouldn’t feel as legitimate to me. Frustrating because the team had something going there.

With that much time off it would feel like a new season anyway and wouldn’t feel as legitimate to me. Frustrating because the team had something going there.
- funmaster18

Yes, but I have no doubt this team will continue to improve come 20-21. They're going to be really fun to watch for the next bunch of years.

Yes, but I have no doubt this team will continue to improve come 20-21. They're going to be really fun to watch for the next bunch of years.
- Scoob

Agreed!

I have looked into the grocery delivery but all grocery stores are flooded and can not add anyone regular. You have to place an online order after 6am and they only take so many orders. I tried and it was impossible to get an order in. So what I have been doing is going at senior hours opening at 7am, wearing a N95 mask and grabbing what is on my list and getting out as quick as possible while practicing safe distancing. It is risky for sure as new cases are popping up all the time. I go every 10 days or so but if things continue to spike I will be hiring somebody to shop for us even if I have to put up an add in marketplace.
- joegreif17

I am sorry to hear that Joe. Are you sure you have investigated all options? There are national options, like Amazon Fresh. Many local stores in the Philly area have banded together to deliver. Other than Trader Joe's, every supermarket I know is delivering: Acme, Whole Foods, Giants, local farm co-ops, even our oldest market (Reading Terminal).

And if you can't get fresh stuff, have you considered shelf stable foods? You can get them from Amazon. I mean stuff like beans, canned tuna/sardines, nut milks, rice instead of bread (takes much less space). If you have a freezer, you can store frozen meats. If not, beans and bouillon or soup bases and the canned fish will give you plenty of proteins.

As far as fresh fruits and veggies, this may not be everyone's favorite option, but you can get dried green superfood powders that will be just fine as far as the nutrients you get from greens go. You can mix it in with water or in your other dishes. It may not be ideal, but it will be just fine for a few months. That's from Amazon too.

If you are not getting enough fresh fruit, do the best, and take a multivit tablet.

My wife is a nutritionist and registered dietician who works for a local non-profit and she has worked in several hospitals so I am relaying informed opinion.

I'm not a betting man, but were I one, I'd feel comfortable wagering a large sum that the 2019-2020 season is toast.
- Scoob

If the only model is playing in front of crowds, it was toast long ago. But I am still holding out hope for empty stadium play in June/July. Its a long shot.

How accursed this team is. In one year, we lose our #2 pick to migraines, our budding star to cancer, one of our strong prospects tears his ACL twice, the team is the hottest team in hockey and a virus shuts down the world.

I mean, if someone suggested this before the season, it would sound like a movie plot.

I am sorry to hear that Joe. Are you sure you have investigated all options? There are national options, like Amazon Fresh. Many local stores in the Philly area have banded together to deliver. Other than Trader Joe's, every supermarket I know is delivering: Acme, Whole Foods, Giants, local farm co-ops, even our oldest market (Reading Terminal).

And if you can't get fresh stuff, have you considered shelf stable foods? You can get them from Amazon. I mean stuff like beans, canned tuna/sardines, nut milks, rice instead of bread (takes much less space). If you have a freezer, you can store frozen meats. If not, beans and bouillon or soup bases and the canned fish will give you plenty of proteins.

As far as fresh fruits and veggies, this may not be everyone's favorite option, but you can get dried green superfood powders that will be just fine as far as the nutrients you get from greens go. You can mix it in with water or in your other dishes. It may not be ideal, but it will be just fine for a few months. That's from Amazon too.

If you are not getting enough fresh fruit, do the best, and take a multivit tablet.

My wife is a nutritionist and registered dietician who works for a local non-profit and she has worked in several hospitals so I am relaying informed opinion.
- PT21

Thanks for the good advice

If the only model is playing in front of crowds, it was toast long ago. But I am still holding out hope for empty stadium play in June/July. Its a long shot.

How accursed this team is. In one year, we lose our #2 pick to migraines, our budding star to cancer, one of our strong prospects tears his ACL twice, the team is the hottest team in hockey and a virus shuts down the world.

I mean, if someone suggested this before the season, it would sound like a movie plot.
- PT21

lol - and one that would get kicked to the curb for being just too ridiculously far-fetched