Very concerned with the defense. Great news that York and Zamula are tracking so well but for this year it should be their Achilles heel
- Just5

A lot of people share your concerns but I look at it this way. The Flyers were #1 for fewest shots against last season. That’s because they play team defense with the forwards very involved.That doesn’t all go away with the loss of one player. They may take a step back defensively with the loss of Niskanan. At the same time it’s reasonable to assume that young players like Myers, with only 71 games on his resume, will improve with experience.

Not just offense but d as well. Both are sound two way players. Especially for their ages.

Didn’t quite the post. Referring to patty and Oscar

On Phantoms site listed as 6' 185. I don't know how current that is. He looks a little small for 185 to me, but with athletes its hard to tell because of their high muscle ratio.
- PT21

Hockey players. Some have massive thighs as well.

Had a good first day, during the practice portion particularly. May have added some muscle but not a night-and-day difference from the pressbox view.
- bmeltzer

Even 5 pounds in the right places will be beneficial.

Looking forward to your reports this week. Wasn’t my question but thank you for willingly answering our questions daily bill.

Hockey players. Some have massive thighs as well.
- Peter Richards

replace high muscle ratio with thigh muscle ratio then?

Why are they bothering playing out this tournament? Just give Canada the gold already.

Why are they bothering playing out this tournament? Just give Canada the gold already.
- PT21

They are deep this year...every forward is a first round pick....he’ll they cut like 5 first round picks. US or the Fins could give them a run though...both teams also have a bunch of talent.

They are deep this year...every forward is a first round pick....he’ll they cut like 5 first round picks. US or the Fins could give them a run though...both teams also have a bunch of talent.
- landros 2

I think the us can absolutely give Canada a run in the gold medal game. This game would be closer if the Russian goalie could hold onto his stick.

I think the us can absolutely give Canada a run in the gold medal game. This game would be closer if the Russian goalie could hold onto his stick.
- Hextall271

Hope it’s USA vs Canada. Russia didn’t seem ready to play but yeah. Canada is deep yes. Their b team is better than half the teams in the tourney.

I think the us can absolutely give Canada a run in the gold medal game. This game would be closer if the Russian goalie could hold onto his stick.
- Hextall271

I keep wondering if he might have a broken hand or a couple of broken digits.

replace high muscle ratio with thigh muscle ratio then?
- PT21

Lol. Sounds like a kfc slogan.

I keep wondering if he might have a broken hand or a couple of broken digits.
- landros 2

Would explain it but it’s prob just a quirk if his game. One that he should fix.

Bill Meltzer: Training Camp: Day 1 Report
- bmeltzer

Bill, I would think not - too early... But should or can we “read” into any of the line combos at camp. AV must have some reasons for the line combos

It struck me as some interesting combos or
at least pairs, like Giroux with Hayes - was that tied last year? Where is Nolan going to fit in, Nolan TK would make an incredible line 3 despite the third guy (I’d like to see what NAK could do). And interesting Frost playing his natural center not wing despite log jam at center. If Morin makes it... I’m thinking Morin/Laughton/Sandin might be a good line 4.

News of the Flyers first on-ice day of training camp and WJC game with Flyers prospects on NHL network...not a bad hockey day.

Bill, I would think not - too early... But should or can we “read” into any of the line combos at camp. AV must have some reasons for the line combos

It struck me as some interesting combos or
at least pairs, like Giroux with Hayes - was that tied last year?
- leon neon

I know Coots is always with G, but I'd like to see Hayes and G together. Coots is smooth and intentional and careful, and Hayes is more impulsive --make room, see what happens and get the open man the puck-- but I think that could be good for G.

It struck me as some interesting combos or at least pairs, like Giroux with Hayes - was that tied last year?
- leon neon

I know Coots is always with G, but I'd like to see Hayes and G together.
- therabbi

I would too. I don't think it was tried last year. But here's the thing: Oskar and TK had great chemistry together, so I hope they flank the same center. Does that mean Voracek also slides down to play with G on Hayes' wings?

Problem is, there is no sniper on that line - all are set up guys. Still, I would like to give that line a look.

A lot of people share your concerns but I look at it this way. The Flyers were #1 for fewest shots against last season. That’s because they play team defense with the forwards very involved.That doesn’t all go away with the loss of one player. They may take a step back defensively with the loss of Niskanan. At the same time it’s reasonable to assume that young players like Myers, with only 71 games on his resume, will improve with experience.
- Djapana

Not to mention Carter (frank)ing Hart will be back there to erase a lot of sins.

I would too. I don't think it was tried last year. But here's the thing: Oskar and TK had great chemistry together, so I hope they flank the same center. Does that mean Voracek also slides down to play with G on Hayes' wings?

Problem is, there is no sniper on that line - all are set up guys. Still, I would like to give that line a look.
- PT21

Yeah, I'd like to see Voracek and G with Hayes on the second line. Voracek has lost more than one step when it comes to being effective in carrying the puck into the offensive zone. I've been really happy with Hayes doing that -- he's pretty dogged when carrying the puck in or getting to his own dump. I can see V and G benefiting from that work rather than spending a lot of energy doing it themselves and not getting anywhere.

I think Oskar and Konecny with Coots on top line works for me, Amen G back with Coots on top power play unit.

I would too. I don't think it was tried last year. But here's the thing: Oskar and TK had great chemistry together, so I hope they flank the same center. Does that mean Voracek also slides down to play with G on Hayes' wings?

Problem is, there is no sniper on that line - all are set up guys. Still, I would like to give that line a look.
- PT21

If Oskar and Coots rekindle what they could do without TK. Id like to see TK and Nolan click... Hayes and Giroux work out... that could be a real good start to three lines. Fill the rest with Jake, JVR, Etc.

This little stupid Frank Caufield has cost Brink two shifts now and he’s not doing a damn thing

Lindblom-Couturier-Voracek
Giroux-Hayes-Farabee
JvR-Patrick-Konecny
Raffl-Laughton-NAK

Provorov-Braun
Sanheim-Myers
Hagg-Gustafsson

Hart
Elliott

There! I saved the Flyers. You are all welcome! Claudefather is gonna say something miserable. You could always switch Braun and Myers but I’m thinking the season may start this way.

So we’re no longer in the Toronto bubble. They want teams to play within their own division to limit potential Covid spread. Might this effect trades? Think about it. You can still trade anywhere in the league. What if a team traded a player with Covid to a team like a special forces team throws a gas canister into enemy territory for a sneak attack, ruining our chances at a cup? It’s Diabolical but it’s genius.

Lindblom-Couturier-Voracek
Giroux-Hayes-Farabee
JvR-Patrick-Konecny
Raffl-Laughton-NAK

Provorov-Braun
Sanheim-Myers
Hagg-Gustafsson

Hart
Elliott

There! I saved the Flyers. You are all welcome! Claudefather is gonna say something miserable. You could always switch Braun and Myers but I’m thinking the season may start this way.
- SuperSchennBros

Looks about right. Forward Lines 1-3 look balanced.

How many on the bench and taxi?

Missing forwards;
Wade Allison - Morgan Frost - Carsen Twarynski - Connor Bunnaman - Tyson Foerster - Samuel Morin - Linus Sandin - Max Willman - Andy Andreoff

Sandin, they brought in for a reason. Frost is going to fight for a spot. Bunnaman/Twarynski proved they can play in the NHL. Something that was not said... Morin has been around a while which may be to his benefit. Why does Andreoff still got a chance?

Looks about right. Forward Lines 1-3 look balanced.

How many on the bench and taxi?

Missing forwards;
Wade Allison - Morgan Frost - Carsen Twarynski - Connor Bunnaman - Tyson Foerster - Samuel Morin - Linus Sandin - Max Willman - Andy Andreoff

Sandin, they brought in for a reason. Frost is going to fight for a spot. Bunnaman/Twarynski proved they can play in the NHL. Something that was not said... Morin has been around a while which may be to his benefit. Why does Andreoff still got a chance?
- leon neon

I’m over Andy Andreoff

Just looking ahead at next year ( even though this year has yet to begin) in regards to roster moves ..trades, it looks like the Flyers could be in CAP trouble with Hart, Sanheim, Patrick, and Laughton all RFA'S. It looks like only Raffl and Elliott come off the books.
Does Fletcher have to make some kind of move now while teams are finalizing rosters?
Does he wait until deadline or pray for Seattle to take a big $ player? Should be interesting.