Elliott is going to get at least one start but I don't think Hart played poorly.
- MJL

I agree. The team in front of him last night was bad. Really bad.

G-COOTS-BEE
JVR-HAYES-TK
OSCAR-LAUGHTS-JAKE
RAFFL-PATRICK-NAK


They will not win every game, next game is the big win. Pens deserved to win, they used the emotion of no Crosby and probably the Hextall factor gave them some juice and they won.

I agree. The team in front of him last night was bad. Really bad.
- Scoob

I didn’t like the first two goals, but he also made a couple ten bell saves so maybe it’s a wash. Really, as a team the first period was fine. We needed to come out of the first with a 1 or 2 0 lead with all the shots and chances but obviously didn’t.

because only the D man they're mad at make mistakes. Funny how posters think that only Flyers D go through games making mistakes. If that was true there would be no scoring chances across the league. This is not the trap league of yesterday, it is fast and skilled and D will be beat every night, ALL OF THEM
- wcorvette

100%

G-COOTS-BEE
JVR-HAYES-TK
OSCAR-LAUGHTS-JAKE
RAFFL-PATRICK-NAK


They will not win every game, next game is the big win. Pens deserved to win, they used the emotion of no Crosby and probably the Hextall factor gave them some juice and they won.
- wcorvette

Yes. It’s critical to respond. We can’t lose all 3, that’s for sure. I expect them to respond well and wouldn’t be shocked if they got the next two .

Convert Patrick to D and all our problems would be solved.

I agree. The team in front of him last night was bad. Really bad.
- Scoob

Which I think has been pretty par for the course. The team is playing better in front of Elliott for whatever reason.

You might as well forfeit the rest of the season if you don't go out and get a viable defenseman to play with Provorov. Been saying this since Niskanen retired. This team is getting killed by other team's top lines(just look at what the Bruins top line has done against the Flyers this year). Every time the Malkin like was out there last night they were generating scoring chances and the supposed #1 defense pairing was a combined -7. Ghost it at best a third pairing defender that can contribute on the PP. This needs to be fixed soon or this season will be going right down the toilet.

Convert Patrick to D and all our problems would be solved.
- Tomahawk

Ghost doesn't play well against any physical teams or ones that pressure the D in anyway. This is no surprise. This will not change. Come playoffs if he is in your top 4 you are doomed. Best used on the PP and bottom pair. Don't think many disagree.

When do the Ivan must be hurt calls start to get asked....

Please leave Bobby unprotected in the ED

because only the D man they're mad at make mistakes. Funny how posters think that only Flyers D go through games making mistakes. If that was true there would be no scoring chances across the league. This is not the trap league of yesterday, it is fast and skilled and D will be beat every night, ALL OF THEM
- wcorvette

There is a difference between making mistakes and making a lot of mistakes. This Flyers team makes too many mistakes to be a top team in my opinion.

There is a difference between making mistakes and making a lot of mistakes. This Flyers team makes too many mistakes to be a top team in my opinion.
- jd250

I think they should just start tanking now then.

Ot. Listening to the Canadian media up here sing the praises of the leafs is hilarious. Was watching tsn and they were comparing how the leafs shut down McDavid the last two games to how Tampa shut down Mahomes. They are honestly ready to crown them champs and don’t recognize that they are in a division with 4 really bad teams. I know the oilers are in 3rd but they are terrible.

The leafs have a walk to the semis this year and should probably start sitting players haha. Once they hit some real competition though, I expect them to crash and burn.

I believe he’s a better dman than Ekholm. I know you stated the provy isn’t a top pairing dman and I don’t agree with that. He’s at least a 2
- Hextall271

I more than anyone was super excited when the Flyers drafted Provorov. New Jersey had just drafted Zacha, a very bad decision, the pick before and many people I respect like Craig Button were saying they thought Provorov was a can't miss top pairing defenseman and probably the best defenseman in the draft. I more than anyone wanted to see Provorov live up to that prediction, but I honestly can't believe my eyes most nights when I watch him play. He makes a lot of bad decisions every single game, way more than a top pairing defenseman should. He is also not nearly as potent of an offensive threat that I had hoped he would become. Provorov is good, definitely a top 4 defenseman, but not a top 2 IMO unless he is paired with another strong Dman that can cover for him, and Ghost is not that guy for sure! Thus I am for getting Ekholm to solidify the Flyers top 4 and give Provy a steady partner, whether its Ekholm, Sanheim or Myers.

G-COOTS-BEE
JVR-HAYES-TK
OSCAR-LAUGHTS-JAKE
RAFFL-PATRICK-NAK


They will not win every game, next game is the big win. Pens deserved to win, they used the emotion of no Crosby and probably the Hextall factor gave them some juice and they won.
- wcorvette

I would not mess with the top line, putting JVR with Hayes will kill him! I would like Hayes, G and TK to have some time to work it out, last night was really their first game back together in a while. The other lines I would keep together, though I still believe Patrick should sit for at least a few games.

I more than anyone was super excited when the Flyers drafted Provorov. New Jersey had just drafted Zacha, a very bad decision, the pick before and many people I respect like Craig Button were saying they thought Provorov was a can't miss top pairing defenseman and probably the best defenseman in the draft. I more than anyone wanted to see Provorov live up to that prediction, but I honestly can't believe my eyes most nights when I watch him play. He makes a lot of bad decisions every single game, way more than a top pairing defenseman should. He is also not nearly as potent of an offensive threat that I had hoped he would become. Provorov is good, definitely a top 4 defenseman, but not a top 2 IMO unless he is paired with another strong Dman that can cover for him, and Ghost is not that guy for sure! Thus I am for getting Ekholm to solidify the Flyers top 4 and give Provy a steady partner, whether its Ekholm, Sanheim or Myers.
- jd250

D men take longer to develop their overall game...I am sure the islanders thought eh same of Chara when they moved him to OTT, and OTT didn't see enough to hold him even when he was 28...talk to us again in 4 years when Provy is 28 and see if he hasn't bloomed into the #1 he was drafted to become. D-men rarely have it all figured out until they are in their late 20s. Provy is a kid trying to play in all situations against the best lines and no real partner...Provy is NOT even close to the problem here...

I more than anyone was super excited when the Flyers drafted Provorov. New Jersey had just drafted Zacha, a very bad decision, the pick before and many people I respect like Craig Button were saying they thought Provorov was a can't miss top pairing defenseman and probably the best defenseman in the draft. I more than anyone wanted to see Provorov live up to that prediction, but I honestly can't believe my eyes most nights when I watch him play. He makes a lot of bad decisions every single game, way more than a top pairing defenseman should. He is also not nearly as potent of an offensive threat that I had hoped he would become. Provorov is good, definitely a top 4 defenseman, but not a top 2 IMO unless he is paired with another strong Dman that can cover for him, and Ghost is not that guy for sure! Thus I am for getting Ekholm to solidify the Flyers top 4 and give Ghost a steady partner, whether its Ekholm, Sanheim or Myers.
- jd250

The d needs help there is no doubt. Whether ekholm is the guy to stabilize and slot everyone correctly is up for debate as you well know. It depends on cost and other factors. I believe provy is at least a 2 but when you have to pair him with the likes of Gus vice niskanen, it’s probably going to be a poop show. Provy has shown to be a strong two way dman, and the way I look at it is as follows. What do you think he would fetch on the open market? Would teams consider him a 3-6 slot or a 1-2? Consider the amount of minutes he plays, that he plays all situations and can contribute offensively. Couple it with his durability and I think you have to he answer. He’d fetch a kings ransom from teams. Further, consider how the team would perform without him For an extended period? I shudder at the thought. Would his play improve with a better partner? For sure. That however does not mean He’s not a top pair dman.

WRT offense, just take a look at the numbers. He’s got a 41 pt 17 goal season and a 13 goal 36 pt season under his belt. Further in last years playoffs he added 3 goals and 8 pts in 18 games. Hardly a slouch and he’s solid offensively.

There is a difference between making mistakes and making a lot of mistakes. This Flyers team makes too many mistakes to be a top team in my opinion.
- jd250

I appreciate your opinion, do you have any data to support your opinion? The Flyers win percentage is that in spite of their terrible D? Other teams below them in win %, they have mistake free D but their O sucks?

I appreciate your opinion, do you have any data to support your opinion? The Flyers win percentage is that in spite of their terrible D? Other teams below them in win %, they have mistake free D but their O sucks?
- wcorvette

I boil it all down to this. As currently constructed, We are a very solid playoff team that can prob win a round and maybe 2 if we’re lucky and we receive solid goaltending. We are not a contender and won’t be until we get another top pair d somehow to replace nisky. As well, we need some of the forwards to take the next step in development (tk, patty, farabee) and we need the vets to play to their capabilities. (Hayes g Jake coots) in the playoffs when the younger forwards hit their stride. Delicate balance.

I boil it all down to this. As currently constructed, We are a very solid playoff team that can prob win a round and maybe 2 if we’re lucky and we receive solid goaltending. We are not a contender and won’t be until we get another top pair d somehow to replace nisky. As well, we need some of the forwards to take the next step in development (tk, patty, farabee) and we need the vets to play to their capabilities. (Hayes g Jake coots) in the playoffs when the younger forwards hit their stride. Delicate balance.
- Hextall271

I agree and at least 2 of the kids have to hit their stride. But you can also say any team who goes all the way has to be playing well, get the bounces and have luck with injuries. Tampa 2 seasons ago should have had it all but got bounced. They will probably not win this season, probably will make it to the conf finals. Why it is the toughest trophy in sports to win.

I agree and at least 2 of the kids have to hit their stride. But you can also say any team who goes all the way has to be playing well, get the bounces and have luck with injuries. Tampa 2 seasons ago should have had it all but got bounced. They will probably not win this season, probably will make it to the conf finals. Why it is the toughest trophy in sports to win.
- wcorvette

Agreed. You need a lot to go right and some luck on top of that to get it done.

This is why I was on board with the patient plan of hextall which has thankfully been followed up by fletch. Don’t construct your team Or make decision looking for short term success. Due to all the factors we mention, draft well and don’t flip assets over and over in win now mode (think pitt although they did get 3 I think they should now be changing gears). Set yourself up for 5 or 10 years of being in that zone and go all in when you’re pretty certain you only need a couple of pieces to get you over the top.

You’re probably going to need several legit shots at it To get one. Look at Tampa as you say. They’re right back in the mix as the top team and should go for it again with this window open.

I agree and at least 2 of the kids have to hit their stride. But you can also say any team who goes all the way has to be playing well, get the bounces and have luck with injuries. Tampa 2 seasons ago should have had it all but got bounced. They will probably not win this season, probably will make it to the conf finals. Why it is the toughest trophy in sports to win.
- wcorvette

That game was basically marked 1/3 pole for the season. Here is what I see.

-Hart needs to be consistently good. No reason to doubt this will happen.
-TK needs to get going. I am concerned but I think he will produce soon
-Defense needs to stop having 10 minutes of awful play against good teams. Not sure this will change without personnel adjustments.
-Forecheck needs to be consistent and productive. The last three games it has been. Hopefully, that continues on most nights.

Convert Patrick to D and all our problems would be solved.
- Tomahawk

and ghost to wing

Which I think has been pretty par for the course. The team is playing better in front of Elliott for whatever reason.
- MBFlyerfan

I agree

Ot. Listening to the Canadian media up here sing the praises of the leafs is hilarious. Was watching tsn and they were comparing how the leafs shut down McDavid the last two games to how Tampa shut down Mahomes. They are honestly ready to crown them champs and don’t recognize that they are in a division with 4 really bad teams. I know the oilers are in 3rd but they are terrible.

The leafs have a walk to the semis this year and should probably start sitting players haha. Once they hit some real competition though, I expect them to crash and burn.
- Hextall271

The nausea coming from the Eastern media in Canada is sickening. The Leafs are playing well, within the Canadian Division, but they don't really have any really difficult competition. Edmonton and Winnipeg are decent teams, they're not terrible, but they're not Cup good like some of the better teams in the U.S.

I hope they get their asses handed to them once again in the first round. At least the Oilers have been in the second round in the past decade