People are inventing things I guess they think are happening or should be happening instead of looking at the facts. Voracek and JVR have not been sheltered through the first 2 games.
- MJL

You could argue that instead of semantics of sheltered you could say "favorable" match ups.

I was in the room when the (non) incident happened last season. Voracek was simply chatting with JVR after practice and wasn't even close enough to Vigneault to hear what the coach was saying at the moment. He wasn't laughing behind the coach's back. He was simply in the same room as the coach, and he and JVR chuckled over something.

No one thought anything of it, except Mike, I guess.

I was also in the room the day after the article was published. Jake was peeved at Mike, and understandably so (because the article made it seem like he was insubordinate or didn't care about the team being in a funk). But Sielski wasn't there, and Voracek was perfectly amiable with the rest of us. Last night was their first interaction since then, apparently.

Here's something to know about Jake. Normally he's someone who blows up in the moment, says what's on his mind, and then it's over. In this case, I guess, he filed it away until his next interaction with Mike.
- bmeltzer

Sielski was doing what they do, trying to find an angle to stir up $hit. Making news instead of reporting news.

- Hesh_

This was the best part of the incident. I was cracking up.

All's well that ends well. First few opening minutes of the game I didn't have a good feeling about how it would end but they found a way.

They got matched up pretty much exclusively against the pens bottom 6. In game 1 they were 4th in es toi. Last night was better all around
- Tfaehner

AV has been rolling 4 lines consistently through the first two games. For example, in game 1, Voracek spent more than a 3rd of his 5 on 5 ice time matched up against either Crosby or Malkin.

This was the best part of the incident. I was cracking up.
- Pelle31Forever

I liked Voracek realizing half way through the question that he was just not going to be able to contain himself. Looks down. Runs his palms over his eye. Scratches beard.

It’s that “ugh. This guy. y’know what? F- it” moment just falling into place.

You could argue that instead of semantics of sheltered you could say "favorable" match ups.
- Tfaehner

Yes. This is what a coach should do whenever possible. There is no "sheltering" in the NHL, though. The caliber of players is simply too good.

Gus is horrendous in his own end. Hägg still stinks. Braun is in a spot he shouldn’t be. They need to add a top end defenseman if they want to give themselves a real chance to win a cup. Can’t wait for Ghost to return.
- Striiker

There were quite a bit of pond hockey elements out there last night. Far too many odd man rushes. That's a type of game where you normally lose 8 out of 10 times if you play like that.

Yes. This is what a coach should do whenever possible. There is no "sheltering" in the NHL, though. The caliber of players is simply too good.
- bmeltzer

I think its just a term we have grown accustomed to. As it usually comes from a player or line who have a perceived weakness. The statement reflects my belief frost is better at 3c than 1c.

Or maybe just drop Frost in Cout’s spot ? I liked the game last night from the Patrick line. We’ll find out soon enough.
- landros 2

You just put Frost where Couturier was. No need to complicate anything.

Gus is horrendous in his own end. Hägg still stinks. Braun is in a spot he shouldn’t be. They need to add a top end defenseman if they want to give themselves a real chance to win a cup. Can’t wait for Ghost to return.
- Striiker

Yeah, we need a real defenseman in the line up. Hopefully Ghost gets better soon.

McCann hearing for his elbow

Damn, Flyers are crazy deep up front. Going to be tough games.

I disagree with this. I don't think the Flyers are a slow team. The Flyers were also one of the better defensive teams last year. I trust the coaching staff to correct the issues and get the team playing better.
- MJL

Yes, one of the better defensive team. They were leaded by Hart (Elliot played well too). The d-Corp held their own. But the defense lost #1b (Nisky). They didn’t get a replacement and none in sight. #1b is being filled by #3a or b.

The most of the forwards are fast enough, defensively responsible, and coachable. Some are not and untrainable.

Gus is horrendous in his own end. Hägg still stinks. Braun is in a spot he shouldn’t be. They need to add a top end defenseman if they want to give themselves a real chance to win a cup. Can’t wait for Ghost to return.
- Striiker

Wait, are you equating Ghost to a top end defenseman? Where exactly are the Flyers supposed to get a top 2 defenseman anyway? Did they open a store in Voorhees for this?

Yes, one of the better defensive team. They were leaded by Hart (Elliot played well too). The d-Corp held their own. But the defense lost #1b (Nisky). They didn’t get a replacement and none in sight. #1b is being filled by #3a or b.

The most of the forwards are fast enough, defensively responsible, and coachable. Some are not and untrainable.
- leon neon

Not taking anything away from the Flyers but the Penguins didn’t look right during the playoffs and they didn’t look right their last two games against us. It just might be their time. I think we should wait on our next real challenge and see what happens. Everyone is getting their feed wet again.

AV has been rolling 4 lines consistently through the first two games. For example, in game 1, Voracek spent more than a 3rd of his 5 on 5 ice time matched up against either Crosby or Malkin.
- MJL

I agreed but think that was by design (by the pens). When Jake and JVR are out there Crosby’s line jumped over the boards. When we play in Pittsburgh, this will be a bigger problem.

All's well that ends well. First few opening minutes of the game I didn't have a good feeling about how it would end but they found a way.
- Pelle31Forever

I got the feeling that they’d eventually get things going. There’s just too much depth on this team to stay down for a whole game...the SC aspirations are legitimate.

McCann hearing for his elbow
- Tfaehner

They’re better be a multi-game suspension. That was a deliberate shot to the head.

Through two games old man G has 3 points and leads in both CF% and xGF% at 5v5, while looking great doing it.

We need to #FreeGiroux from that horrific PP unit and we'll be cooking with fire.

https://twitter.com/brad_keffer/status/1350280733659693056?s=10
- Tfaehner

My God. Just had a chance to hear it now. I wonder if Jake will get fined?

I got the feeling that they’d eventually get things going. There’s just too much depth on this team to stay down for a whole game...the SC aspirations are legitimate.
- Sublime55

I think they are legit too but for now I'll chalk it up to early season rust. I think it's a good sign sometimes when you can win while not being at your best.

If coots is out short what about Laughton taking his place and frost on the 4 th. Would help a little with matchups with two responsible wingers. I think he has a little familiarity with NAK and raffl can play with anyone. Scott is responsible defensively and has played consistently well for over a season.

McCann hearing for his elbow
- Tfaehner

I heard that, hope they Mcanceled that poop bag out.

My God. Just had a chance to hear it now. I wonder if Jake will get fined?
- Hextall271

Oh I think there is no question he will be fined. Dropping foul language in an NHL sponsored press conference is probably a no-no.