First line is not up to speed to where they were before stoppage. And neither is Grant's line (3rd line) . D looks like they are up to where they were. Uncle Nate is playing much better than before lockdown.
- PT21

Yeah. Hoping jake wakes up in the playoffs. Not that he has been bad and I’m sure the ice hasn’t been great. But always like his game when he is pissed. Just hope it doesn’t take long for the scorachek to wake. And if we are matched against the isles it will be a nasty series as the regular season games recently have been physical.

Gostisbehere at his best is a better player than Haag. Problem is we haven't seen Gostisbehere at his best is quite some time. JVR is 6'3".
- MJL

This is by no stretch a disagreement but maybe food for thought. A lot of fans put Sean Couturier as a top ten center in league because of his defensive play. I do not but Couturier definitely has made an argument to be in the mix. My point is, when comes to Hägg be Gostisbehere, Ghost isn’t even on the same planet as Hägg defensively, as much as Hägg isn’t on the same planet as Ghost offensively. Hägg has been the same player since entering the league as Ghost’s numbers get questioned every year. Most players get put right back into the line up after injury no matter how much they’ve declined...not a Ghost.

Thanks Bill! So, I hope AV isn’t gonna start overthinking things with this team! I have mixed feelings about Ghost for Haag. Chemistry and team camaraderie are everything this time of year. As some of you have said, Ghost needs to play to keep sharp. On the other hand, Haag has been solid. Doesn’t do anything special, just steady. Ghost, in an attempt to stay in the lineup tends to overdo things too much and against TB that would be a huge problem. Hope Jake is ok, but JVR regardless needs to use his 6-5, 200 plus pound frame and play with some conviction tonight!! Let’s Go Flyers!!
- HockeyLifer

I wouldn’t say Haag doesn’t do anything special. He’s consistently one of the tops in the league in hits and he does it without taking many penalties. I’d take Ghost, from a couple of years ago, over Haag anytime. Just not confident Ghost can be that player anymore.

JVR has been a thorn in the Lightning's side for a long time.

I've watched both of Philly's round robin games and my impression is that the Flyers are prepared, sharp, and haven't missed a beat since the stoppage. Hart looks legit and if he goes on a roll, then anything is possible.

This Tampa fan is not underestimating the Flyers in these playoffs.
- GalacticStone

JvR has absolutely made his presence known each time he’s played Tampa in recent years.

They need some adversity in this game. Playoffs are long, adversity will come. Win or lose I just want a tight game where they have to work and skate. Not sure why but didn’t feel that way with Boston and caps.
- wcorvette

I was thinking the same thing. It’s been too easy so far. The PP has been crap and they’re still winning games by a few goals.

They were definitely the better team. Boston however looks like they are sleepwalking through games. That first line is MIA.

How is the TB offense without Stamkos? How about the pp?
- PT21

Tampa loses the "pick your poison" element of their game without one of their big guns. Having all three of Stamkos, Kucherov, and Point healthy give you the option of splitting them up across the top two lines - causing fits for opposing teams to decide which one to match their shutdown line against. Remove one of them and that element is gone.

Having said that, Point is a boss. He must have worked out every day in quarantine. His energy and compete level is the highest I have seen it. The kid is determined and has the wheels and finishing to make it happen. Kucherov does Kucherov things on his way to becoming the next Datsyuk.

Maroon is out for unspecified reasons, so Verhageemouse will slot in for him. Tampa's bottom six doesn't bring a lot offense with this current lineup.

Cooper insists on chaining lesser partners or pylons to Hedman, so it looks like you guys will get Bogosian on the top pairing with Hedman.

JvR has absolutely made his presence known each time he’s played Tampa in recent years.
- SuperSchennBros

He's been a PITA over the last few seasons. And I recall Provorov doing well against the Lightning more than once. I like Provorov and wish we had him to pair up with Sergachev and build a Russian Five unit.

Unscientific observation. The Flyers have the look. That comes from confidence. If anything the round robin just added to it. Another thing that comes with the look is that bottom half players really find their games. I’m seeing a lot of that here. It’s a perfect storm for the good. The complementary pieces are having the desired affect and the youngsters are turning into men before our eyes. And we have a goalie! But remember what Freddie once wrote on the blackboard: Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion; you must first set yourself on fire. The Flyers have lit the match.

He's been a PITA over the last few seasons. And I recall Provorov doing well against the Lightning more than once. I like Provorov and wish we had him to pair up with Sergachev and build a Russian Five unit.
- GalacticStone

Always like to read fans of other teams’ opinions of the flyers. We can get pretty biased in here, so I appreciate it.

MJL, 100% agree that Ghost at his” consistent” best is waaaay better than Haag offensively not defensively...not even close. I’m not trying to make an argument over who is better! Just want to win The Cup and to do that AV need not get into the mindset of messing with guys heads here. These guys are Pros, stay in tip-too shape and should be ready when counted on. Also, so I was a tiny bit off on JVR’s height... I think my point is week taken. Let’s Go Flyers!
- HockeyLifer

Here is the thing about that. No matter how well you defend and play well defensively in this league, it is not winning hockey. You win in this league by possessing and attacking with the puck. At his best, Gostisbehere does that. It off sets any defensive inefficiencies that he has. Like I said, Gostisbehere has to play at a level he hasn't played at in two years to get back to where he needs to be. I don't see it as messing with anyone's head. Competition for ice time is always a good thing.

I wouldn’t say Haag doesn’t do anything special. He’s consistently one of the tops in the league in hits and he does it without taking many penalties. I’d take Ghost, from a couple of years ago, over Haag anytime. Just not confident Ghost can be that player anymore.
- Dkos[/quote

Yeah. Even with his third pairing minutes. Haag has improved in small steps each year. The additions to our defense this year may have assisted that process. I like how he works with Braun over how he worked with gudas. Have a feeling ghost once/if not with the flyers will move around the league as a specialist type.

Ghost is afraid to take the body which, as a defenseman in the NHL playoffs, is the kiss of death. Have to take hits to make plays this time of year. Every little play MATTERS.

pissburgh sucks

Ghost is afraid to take the body which, as a defenseman in the NHL playoffs, is the kiss of death. Have to take hits to make plays this time of year. Every little play MATTERS.
- cdearth23

Simply not true. Gostisbehere is not a physical defenseman. Doesn't have to be, to be effective.

Ghost is afraid to take the body which, as a defenseman in the NHL playoffs, is the kiss of death. Have to take hits to make plays this time of year. Every little play MATTERS.
- cdearth23

I agree. The easiest way to take him off his game is get physical with him. I think he will get in and play. But against big physical teams I can see them leaning to Haag. I think he worries about his knees and am hoping the issues have been fixed now. Had had a descent game last week. As long as he’s here I want the ghost from a couple years ago. But believe he is what he is now. Descent offensive defenseman that has confidence issues. Wish kimmo was still here to mentor.

I agree. The easiest way to take him off his game is get physical with him. I think he will get in and play. But against big physical teams I can see them leaning to Haag. I think he worries about his knees and am hoping the issues have been fixed now. Had had a descent game last week. As long as he’s here I want the ghost from a couple years ago. But believe he is what he is now. Descent offensive defenseman that has confidence issues. Wish kimmo was still here to mentor.
- Peter Richards

Here is the thing about Ghost. WHen he is healthy and has his mobility it doesnt matter of you try to be physical with him. He was quick enough to avoid most of the big hits and tended to step up the physical play on his own part.

Skating on two bad wheels sapped some of his confidence because he wasn't able to get around the ice quite as unscathed as he was used to.

If he is indeed healthy on two good knees I think we will start to see a semblance of the Ghost of old.

Here is the thing about Ghost. WHen he is healthy and has his mobility it doesnt matter of you try to be physical with him. He was quick enough to avoid most of the big hits and tended to step up the physical play on his own part.

Skating on two bad wheels sapped some of his confidence because he wasn't able to get around the ice quite as unscathed as he was used to.

If he is indeed healthy on two good knees I think we will start to see a semblance of the Ghost of old.
- MBFlyerfan

My lord. Hope you’re right and that’s what it was/he starts to come around.

Alright almost game time! It’s first or short to start playoffs. We will see. Let’s go Flyers!

Getting close to puck drop.

Let's keep this thing clean and let's hope nobody gets injured.

This should be a good one.

Always like to read fans of other teams’ opinions of the flyers. We can get pretty biased in here, so I appreciate it.
- Ftown19125

flyers stink. hows that for an observation

Why is Mike Milbury given oxygen?

flyers stink. hows that for an observation
- stayinthefnnet

\\

\\



- KINGKENZO

got anything stronger? you saw that series.

Let's Go Flyers!!!

Hopefully they'll score a few so we can see some new of these (and maybe some old ones too):

God I hate these Tampa jersey’s. I feel like once Tampa made them, the greatest ran out of colors and came up with the Winnipeg and Seattle’s New Jersey.