There are a number of things that he gets wrong. I would also take Fletcher's answer about coaching changes with a grain of salt. Therrien should be as good as gone when the season ends.
- MJL

I would generally agree but the difference between "I'm not anticipating any changes but we'll evaluate everything after the season", which leaves wiggle room, and an emphatic "no" is that the latter locks you into a position.

Chuck Fletcher is someone who always measures what he says. Note that he fell short of guaranteeing any major changes, for example. On the coaching staff change(s) question, he gave an immediate and firm "No" with no qualifiers.

Great timing, AV...sit Morin in a game against a very physical Caps team that got bigger at yesterday’s deadline. No one else on the Flyers can do the heavy lifting Morin is capable of. This coaching staff is clueless.
- BroadSTmayhem

Didn't say he was sitting. There was no practice yesterday, so the line projections default to the previous game until the coach runs down the lineup. We'll know at 4:30 today.

He does seem more the 3rd line support scoring type, but maybe they really want him to remain a center so this is a good way to ease him in. Everyone has to start somewhere.
- NC Flyers Fan

I’m envious of the Islander’s fourth line. They’re tough, their gritty, they can chip in goals. I thought we had this early in the season. Adding another “skilled” minor league player isn’t gonna make us better. I certainly don’t see how playing Laczynski on the fourth line as a skilled forward helps him showcase his skill.

I’ve always said I liked Luke Glendening in Detroit. Gritty. Only 31 of age, so there is something left. Great faceoff man and penalty killing fourth line center. Go get that guy, For a third or a fourth round pick.

I’m envious of the Islander’s fourth line. They’re tough, their gritty, they can chip in goals. I thought we had this early in the season. Adding another “skilled” minor league player isn’t gonna make us better. I certainly don’t see how playing Laczynski on the fourth line as a skilled forward helps him showcase his skill.

I’ve always said I liked Luke Glendening in Detroit. Gritty. Only 31 of age, so there is something left. Great faceoff man and penalty killing fourth line center. Go get that guy, For a third or a fourth round pick.
- SuperSchennBros

Yes he’s skilled but also responsible. I look at it as just good exp. stepping stone to hopefully go up to third line. Plays all positions so may get a few shifts at wing after pp. maybe he starts to get some pk esp since raf left.

I’m envious of the Islander’s fourth line. They’re tough, their gritty, they can chip in goals. I thought we had this early in the season. Adding another “skilled” minor league player isn’t gonna make us better. I certainly don’t see how playing Laczynski on the fourth line as a skilled forward helps him showcase his skill.

I’ve always said I liked Luke Glendening in Detroit. Gritty. Only 31 of age, so there is something left. Great faceoff man and penalty killing fourth line center. Go get that guy, For a third or a fourth round pick.
- SuperSchennBros

Great idea. Give up picks for a guy who will have no effect on the future of this team. Make sense.

The fact that you cant see why Tanner is playing is even funnier.

If you protect 4 defensemen then you can only protect 4 forwards. Otherwise its 7 forwards and 3 defensemen.
- Glak18

Right...sorry...8 skaters and a goalie. So who do we protect? G and Hayes are “have to’s” due to NMC/NTC rules. Coots, Laughton, Konecny, Patrick or Lindblom, and Farabee. Provy, Myers, and Sanheim.

Sean Couturier
Claude Giroux
Travis Konency
Kevin Hayes
Scott Laughton
Joel Farabee
Oskar Lindblom

Ivan Provorov
Travis Sanheim
Phil Myers

Carter Hart

Oh (frank)! We’re gonna lose Nolan Patrick.

Right...sorry...8 skaters and a goalie. So who do we protect? G and Hayes are “have to’s” due to NMC/NTC rules. Coots, Laughton, Konecny, Patrick or Lindblom, and Farabee. Provy, Myers, and Sanheim.
- section32

Farabee is still exempt. Second year pro.

Forwards: Giroux, Hayes, Couturier, TK, Laughton, Lindblom, Patrick.

Defensemen: Provorov, Sanheim (QO), Myers.

Goalie: Hart.

Exposed: Voracek, JVR, Aube-Kubel, Gostisbehere, Braun, Sandström (QO).

UFA: Elliott.

Great idea. Give up picks for a guy who will have no effect on the future of this team. Make sense.

The fact that you cant see why Tanner is playing is even funnier.
- login

Well first I said “a pick”, so right away you’re stupid. Second, why don’t you explain to me why Tanner is on this team. Walk me through it. Educate me.

Well first I said “a pick”, so right away you’re stupid. Second, why don’t you explain to me why Tanner is on this team. Walk me through it. Educate me.
- SuperSchennBros

Yet want to Give up a pick for a free agent to be while on the outside looking in for the playoffs. He would really be a diff maker. Yet you call me stupid.

Figure it out you dope. Remember holmes stop Asian hate.

Yes he’s skilled but also responsible. I look at it as just good exp. stepping stone to hopefully go up to third line. Plays all positions so may get a few shifts at wing after pp. maybe he starts to get some pk esp since raf left.
- Peter Richards

Yeah but I think we’ve seen this TV show before with Jordan Weal. I think we’ve seen this with Patrick Sharp, except we wasted too much time on one and not enough time on the other. Either way, skilled guys next work for the fourth line. You need a role player there. On top of this, I don’t think we’ve learned our lesson over the past couple seasons. This team needs to get tough and I think Morin has show the impact a player could have on a team starving to get tougher.

I’m envious of the Islander’s fourth line. They’re tough, their gritty, they can chip in goals. I thought we had this early in the season. Adding another “skilled” minor league player isn’t gonna make us better. I certainly don’t see how playing Laczynski on the fourth line as a skilled forward helps him showcase his skill.

I’ve always said I liked Luke Glendening in Detroit. Gritty. Only 31 of age, so there is something left. Great faceoff man and penalty killing fourth line center. Go get that guy, For a third or a fourth round pick.
- SuperSchennBros

I’m not sure how they plan to tweak the forward lineup for next season. There is a lot of options that make sense but the Flyers have many young prospects also. Some of them will be able to try for roles on the big club.

I just hope over the next several weeks we can see some of those guys with the Flyers and see what they are now. Laczynski sounds like he will be give that chance.

I know not everyone is excited about Bunnaman however, he has shown he can center the 4th line, have very good defense, contribute on the PK and he has improved each and every year. He has size and a good energy; certainly, he is willing to go to the dirty areas and battle. He is only 22.

I thought recently about how much time Bunnaman has had to spend on the taxi squad, which at first thought, doesn’t seem ideal. However, when you think about how much he has managed to improve his skating and speed, maybe extra time practicing is good. Hopefully over the summer he can work more on his shot and puck handling. Maybe he even finds a good group for scrimmage games as well.

All that to say, I think he can be a very good and cost effective option at 4C. Perhaps he even has a little Laughton in him, in that he can keep pushing and improving. I know my support for Bunny will probably annoy most, but I will be thrilled if he can make folks eat crow.

Yet want to Give up a pick for a free agent to be while on the outside looking in for the playoffs. He would really be a diff maker. Yet you call me stupid.

Figure it out you dope. Remember holmes stop Asian hate.
- login

I don’t want to figure it out. I want you to tell me, smart guy. Clearly I’m under your skin. So since you’re gonna make this huge point that you see something that I don’t, be as smart as you’re claiming to be and explain why Tanner Laczynski is here.

I don’t want to figure it out. I want you to tell me, smart guy. Clearly I’m under your skin. So since you’re gonna make this huge point that you see something that I don’t, be as smart as you’re claiming to be and explain why Tanner Laczynski is here.
- SuperSchennBros

You are under my skin? Love to hear that explanation. Not a huge point; it is rather simple. Figure it out

I’m not sure how they plan to tweak the forward lineup for next season. There is a lot of options that make sense but they Flyers have many young prospects also. Some of them will be able to try for roles on the big club.

I just hope over the next several weeks we can see some of those guys with the Flyers and see what they are now. Laczynski sounds like he will be give that chance.

I know not everyone is excited about Bunnaman however, he has shown he can center the 4th line, have very good defense, contribute on the PK and he has improved each and every year. He has size and a good energy; certainly, he is willing to go to the dirty areas and battle. He is only 22.

I thought recently about how much time Bunnaman has had to spend on the taxi squad, which at first thought, doesn’t seem ideal. However, when you think about how much he has managed to improve his skating and speed, maybe extra time practicing is good. Hopefully over the summer he can work more on his shot and puck handling. Maybe he even finds a good group for scrimmage games as well.

All that to say, I think he can be a very good and cost effective option at 4C. Perhaps he even has a little Laughton in him, in that he can keep pushing and improving. I know my support for Bunny will probably annoy most, but I will be thrilled if he can make folks eat crow.
- NC Flyers Fan

I was excited about Bunnaman when we had to move Laughton up from the fourth the line due to injury and Bunnaman played very well. The problem with Bunnaman is he brings next to no offense.

Looking at the possibilities of skilled young players moving forward, we’re still banking on Nolan Patrick. I think trading him this offseason is too soon after what he’s been through. We still need to see what we have in Morgan Frost. Tanner Laczynski is here now. You just signed Kevin Hayes long term and Sean Couturier seems to be next. This is just the center position. We brought back Scott Laughton who can play wing or center. Travis Konency is locked up. Oskar Lindblom. Joel Farabee.

I’m just not seeing the Tanner Laczynski fit.

You are under my skin? Love to hear that explanation. Not a huge point; it is rather simple. Figure it out.

Any thoughts on another black man getting snuffed out by the po po?
- login

You won’t give an answer because you don’t have an answer. That last comment is just pure ignorance, which I have no idea what it has to do with hockey...but no, I’m definitely not under your skin

You won’t give an answer because you don’t have an answer. That last comment is just pure ignorance, which I have no idea what it has to do with hockey...but no, I’m definitely not under your skin
- SuperSchennBros

Don't even respond to that incredibly inappropriate comment that he made. Let the moderators handle it.

You won’t give an answer because you don’t have an answer. That last comment is just pure ignorance, which I have no idea what it has to do with hockey...but no, I’m definitely not under your skin
- SuperSchennBros

He played well in the ahl and earned a call up. Therefore you take a look at him to form an opinion to see if he can help next year. Wow that’s really hard to grasp

Nah trade a pick for 31 year old free agent to be 4th liner

I was excited about Bunnaman when we had to move Laughton up from the fourth the line due to injury and Bunnaman played very well. The problem with Bunnaman is he brings next to no offense.

Looking at the possibilities of skilled young players moving forward, we’re still banking on Nolan Patrick. I think trading him this offseason is too soon after what he’s been through. We still need to see what we have in Morgan Frost. Tanner Laczynski is here now. You just signed Kevin Hayes long term and Sean Couturier seems to be next. This is just the center position. We brought back Scott Laughton who can play wing or center. Travis Konency is locked up. Oskar Lindblom. Joel Farabee.

I’m just not seeing the Tanner Laczynski fit.
- SuperSchennBros

At 22, and considering all the improvements Bunny has shown, I do not believe that his offense potential is what it is.

Lots of folks think that Frost is better off starting off at wing in the NHL. Patrick is more of an enigma, and he also was tried at wing this year. The fit is murky for all of them so hopefully, like I said, we get to see what we have here in these weeks.

A good normal training camp, full AHL and NHL seasons and all of them healthy would be really helpful too.

Didn't say he was sitting. There was no practice yesterday, so the line projections default to the previous game until the coach runs down the lineup. We'll know at 4:30 today.
- bmeltzer

Noted, Bill. If he’s healthy and available, there is absolutely no reason not to dress Morin tonight. Game will not be pretty...I think the Caps win a lopsided affair. But at this point, I’d be happy with the moral victory of having a guy in the lineup that will answer to Dillon, Wilson, Hathaway, Chara, that punk Dowd, and now Mantha.

Farabee is still exempt. Second year pro.

Forwards: Giroux, Hayes, Couturier, TK, Laughton, Lindblom, Patrick.

Defensemen: Provorov, Sanheim (QO), Myers.

Goalie: Hart.

Exposed: Voracek, JVR, Aube-Kubel, Gostisbehere, Braun, Sandström (QO).

UFA: Elliott.
- bmeltzer

Bill, I don’t see Jake taking being exposed very well

He played well in the ahl and earned a call up. Therefore you take a look at him to form an opinion to see if he can help next year. Wow that’s really hard to grasp

Nah trade a pick for 31 year old free agent to be 4th liner
- login

This is the case with every AHL player, it doesn’t mean they have a future here or anywhere else.

The capitals just traded a 5th for a 32 year old.

At 22, and considering all the improvements Bunny has shown, I do not believe that his offense potential is what it is.

Lots of folks think that Frost is better off starting off at wing in the NHL. Patrick is more of an enigma, and he also was tried at wing this year. The fit is murky for all of them so hopefully, like I said, we get to see what we have here in these weeks.

A good normal training camp, full AHL and NHL seasons and all of them healthy would be really helpful too.
- NC Flyers Fan

We’re lucky to have the youth. The question is, what are we gonna do with them.

This is the case with every AHL player, it doesn’t mean they have a future here or anywhere else.

The capitals just traded a 5th for a 32 year old.
- SuperSchennBros

Who said anything about having a future here? That’s why you play him to see what will can do. Nah why do that

Comparing where the caps are today versus where the flyers are today is great comparison. Well done.

You lost me here!
- countreeman28

Oh sorry. I dunno where I lost you but here is a preemptive clarification.

1. Brighton: It was my impression that for decades, Brighton was synonymous with petite bourgeoisie tackiness. The equivalent of Jersey Shore. Upon investigation now, though, my impression relies disproportionately on Brighton Rock by Graham Greene.

2. England has a long, long history of obsessing with pronunciation and dialects (the movie I linked to earlier is a skewering of this very thing) and often conflating it with class. There were controversies in the last 2-3 decades involving Oxbridge admissions interviews and working class accent discrimination.

4. British class is self-explanatory: beautifully photographed in modern times by Daffyd Jones.

5. We too have a class system here in this country now. It is bequeathed at birth, cemented by education and upbringing and preserved in death by institutions that make it easy to pass wealth along (such as stock market bequests)

6. British tabloids have always been populist and anti-aristocracy but here, their equivalent are populist and anti-redistribution, which is what I called a stroke of genius.

7. The "stroke of genius, what" was a Woosterism of point 6 above.

8. The 'pip pip' was an Enid Blytonism. I understand I am showing my age.