I am not defending the Stewart signing or RR trade specifically. However, analytics are not the be all end all. Look at the Lightning. Analytically speaking they were a great team three years ago. They got beat by an analytically inferior team. What did they do? They brought in players that surely did not improve the team analytically. They went on to win 2 stanley cups in a row.

I also believe you can too far the other way. CF is a GM that regularly goes too far the other way.
- mickel25

https://lastwordonsports....dvanced-hockey-analytics/

I am not defending the Stewart signing or RR trade specifically. However, analytics are not the be all end all. Look at the Lightning. Analytically speaking they were a great team three years ago. They got beat by an analytically inferior team. What did they do? They brought in players that surely did not improve the team analytically. They went on to win 2 stanley cups in a row.

I also believe you can too far the other way. CF is a GM that regularly goes too far the other way.
- mickel25

No one said they are the be all end all. The point is/was if you are not going to listen to them then why employ them?

Analytics are a tool like many other tools available. Use them accordingly.

https://lastwordonsports....dvanced-hockey-analytics/
- Flyers_01

So guys like Patrick Maroon and Blake Coleman improved the Lightning's analytically from 2019 to 2020?

Why do flyers fans always try to look at other teams ineptness instead of just looking at their own.
- hello it's me 2050

Because the answer isnt simply get more talented players. Players have ups and downs. Zuccerello for MIN is having a career season so far and has been a huge part of their success. Not one person here would have thought he'd be putting up over a point per game this season.

A winning team is built on balance. depth, fit and a little bit of luck. Do the Flyers need more top end talent. Maybe but thats not going to solve all our problems. People need to accept that the Flyers are among the league leaders in Man Games lost. That is going to kill most teams especially when its your top players. No matter how injury prone you think a guy might be, no one expected to lose Couturier and Ellis for the Full season, these guys dont have an injury histroy like Morin where they have a history of missing full seasons. Might as well lump Hayes in there too since he hasnt been healthy when he played and has a lot more going on in his life.

Flyers fans tend to overreact over everything and no matter what, the Grass is always greener elsewhere. Even now people spend their days worked up about things that havent happened yet, I mean its ridiculous to lose your poop over hypotheticals that could happen by the deadline or offseason. Not just that, if Fletcher does make a move people agree with, its a blind squirrel finding a nut. People refuse to give credit when credit is due.

Any players in the KHL worth pursuing now that many may not want to play there next season? Any former NHL peeps who need a 2nd chance?

Because the answer isnt simply get more talented players. Players have ups and downs. Zuccerello for MIN is having a career season so far and has been a huge part of their success. Not one person here would have thought he'd be putting up over a point per game this season.

A winning team is built on balance. depth, fit and a little bit of luck. Do the Flyers need more top end talent. Maybe but thats not going to solve all our problems. People need to accept that the Flyers are among the league leaders in Man Games lost. That is going to kill most teams especially when its your top players. No matter how injury prone you think a guy might be, no one expected to lose Couturier and Ellis for the Full season, these guys dont have an injury histroy like Morin where they have a history of missing full seasons. Might as well lump Hayes in there too since he hasnt been healthy when he played and has a lot more going on in his life.

Flyers fans tend to overreact over everything and no matter what, the Grass is always greener elsewhere. Even now people spend their days worked up about things that havent happened yet, I mean its ridiculous to lose your poop over hypotheticals that could happen by the deadline or offseason. Not just that, if Fletcher does make a move people agree with, its a blind squirrel finding a nut. People refuse to give credit when credit is due.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

It isnt as simple as the best players. You need good management. Good coaches. Good development programs. Pretty much good everything.

The Flyers have very few of that. The organization is a complete mess.

I am not defending the Stewart signing or RR trade specifically. However, analytics are not the be all end all. Look at the Lightning. Analytically speaking they were a great team three years ago. They got beat by an analytically inferior team. What did they do? They brought in players that surely did not improve the team analytically. They went on to win 2 stanley cups in a row.

I also believe you can too far the other way. CF is a GM that regularly goes too far the other way.
- mickel25

Who are the players that you are referring to?

Because the answer isnt simply get more talented players. Players have ups and downs. Zuccerello for MIN is having a career season so far and has been a huge part of their success. Not one person here would have thought he'd be putting up over a point per game this season.

A winning team is built on balance. depth, fit and a little bit of luck. Do the Flyers need more top end talent. Maybe but thats not going to solve all our problems. People need to accept that the Flyers are among the league leaders in Man Games lost. That is going to kill most teams especially when its your top players. No matter how injury prone you think a guy might be, no one expected to lose Couturier and Ellis for the Full season, these guys dont have an injury histroy like Morin where they have a history of missing full seasons. Might as well lump Hayes in there too since he hasnt been healthy when he played and has a lot more going on in his life.

Flyers fans tend to overreact over everything and no matter what, the Grass is always greener elsewhere. Even now people spend their days worked up about things that havent happened yet, I mean its ridiculous to lose your poop over hypotheticals that could happen by the deadline or offseason. Not just that, if Fletcher does make a move people agree with, its a blind squirrel finding a nut. People refuse to give credit when credit is due.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

You love to speak about what people refuse to do. Let's talk about what you do. You refuse to understand that even without the injuries, this team is at best a playoff bubble team. They gave up top picks, traded younger players and capped the team out for that? The injuries are saving the Flyers from themselves. Although that will be temporary because they'll go right back to the same failed strategies. You refuse to accept that this organization is inept to it's core.

No one said they are the be all end all. The point is/was if you are not going to listen to them then why employ them?

Analytics are a tool like many other tools available. Use them accordingly.
- hello it's me 2050

I don't necessarily disagree. However, you cannot look at every move just from an analytics point of view either. There will be moves that do not factor in as much. Ryan Reeves is a prime example. For the record, I would not have added Ryan Reeves if I was the Rangers.

Who are the players that you are referring to?
- MJL

Maroon and Coleman.

You love to speak about what people refuse to do. Let's talk about what you do. You refuse to understand that even without the injuries, this team is at best a playoff bubble team. They gave up top picks, traded younger players and capped the team out for that? The injuries are saving the Flyers from themselves. Although that will be temporary because they'll go right back to the same failed strategies. You refuse to accept that this organization is inept to it's core.
- MJL

Really? Remind me where this team finished in 2019-20 when Fletcher added Niskanen? 2nd place in the Metro? Not really a bubble team was it? A healthy Ellis puts us in that position.

They gave up top picks so what? Those picks arent guaranteed. Myers and Nolan Patrick for Ellis most people would do again. The only negative is the cap hit.

Braun for a 2nd and a 3rd I would 100% do again

Atkinson for Voracek I would do again

Ghost was a 28 year old struggling in PHI at a high cap hit. Im fine giving up a 2nd to clear the cap space.

Ristolainen is a better Dman than you give him credit for however based on the price and the hindsight of how the team has preformed yes thats probably a move we would like to take back but that doesnt have anything to do with Ristolainen as a player.

Nowhere have I ever preached this team would be a contender but they would still be having a successful season. Fact is the injuries have affected the team and fact is we dont have the depth to deal with it.

I don't necessarily disagree. However, you cannot look at every move just from an analytics point of view either. There will be moves that do not factor in as much. Ryan Reeves is a prime example. For the record, I would not have added Ryan Reeves if I was the Rangers.
- mickel25

The combination of trading for Reeves and trading Buchnevich was a huge mistake by the Rangers. Now they're looking to trade top picks and assets to add a forward.

Any players in the KHL worth pursuing now that many may not want to play there next season? Any former NHL peeps who need a 2nd chance?
- hello it's me 2050

Dmitri Afanasenkov?

Any players in the KHL worth pursuing now that many may not want to play there next season? Any former NHL peeps who need a 2nd chance?
- hello it's me 2050

Sean Avery is attempting a comeback in the ECHL

Really? Remind me where this team finished in 2019-20 when Fletcher added Niskanen? 2nd place in the Metro? Not really a bubble team was it? A healthy Ellis puts us in that position


- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Covid shortened season where they got hot for a short period of time. They weren't a legit contender then and they certainly aren't now. At best when fully healthy, they're a playoff bubble team. Do yourself a favor and compare them to the top teams in the league even if healthy.

They gave up top picks so what? Those picks arent guaranteed. Myers and Nolan Patrick for Ellis most people would do again. The only negative is the cap hit.


- xShoot4WarAmpsx

This comment is really so stupid that it refutes itself. Nothing I need to add.

Braun for a 2nd and a 3rd I would 100% do again


- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Not exactly a ringing endorsement. I really like Braun but it was not a good move as it relates to the future. He also had to buyout a player to add Braun. It shows overall a lack of insight by the GM.

Atkinson for Voracek I would do again

Ghost was a 28 year old struggling in PHI at a high cap hit. Im fine giving up a 2nd to clear the cap space.


- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Again, not an endorsement of anything. Trading Gostisbehere and paying a team to take him to add Ristolainen was an awful move. Atkinson is a very good player but the trade created a hole. The lack of puck possession and puck carrying is a major factor in the issues with this team. Atkinson has not improved the PK and a big reason why they're PP is in the dumps is the loss of Voracek's ability to carry the puck and get it set up in the offensive zone.

Ristolainen is a better Dman than you give him credit for however based on the price and the hindsight of how the team has preformed yes thats probably a move we would like to take back but that doesnt have anything to do with Ristolainen as a player.



- xShoot4WarAmpsx

No he is not. He is exactly the mediocre player I thought he was that the Flyers drastically overpaid for. The GM got fleeced.

Nowhere have I ever preached this team would be a contender but they would still be having a successful season. Fact is the injuries have affected the team and fact is we dont have the depth to deal with it.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

I guess your definition of a successful season is different from mine. When you're a team in the Flyers position. You don't make the moves they made and give up what they did to be a playoff bubble team. The injuries have saved the Flyers from themselves temporarily. They'll get a top pick. However they will be right back trying to position the team in the worst spot you can be in the NHL. A mediocre to average team that is capped out. It's hockey purgatory.

Interesting Rumour I heard.

Tampa Bay could be interested in Yandle for a depth Dman. Cap hit makes sense for Tampa and they have enough skill on the back end to shelter him. It is one of few moves Tampa could really afford to make at this time. The return would be something like a 6th or 7th.

Brassard may not be moved. Market likely isnt there for him at his age and due to health. Most teams that would be involved have had Brassard on their team prior and had the option to re-sign him. If he does get moved, I would expect it to be near 3pm at deadline day.

Snow the Goalie podcast mentioned Chuck was offered Laine last season for Provorov and declined.

Covid shortened season where they got hot for a short period of time. They weren't a legit contender then and they certainly aren't now. At best when fully healthy, they're a playoff bubble team. Do yourself a favor and compare them to the top teams in the league even if healthy.





This comment is really so stupid that it refutes itself. Nothing I need to add.



Not exactly a ringing endorsement. I really like Braun but it was not a good move as it relates to the future. He also had to buyout a player to add Braun. It shows overall a lack of insight by the GM.



Again, not an endorsement of anything. Trading Gostisbehere and paying a team to take him to add Ristolainen was an awful move. Atkinson is a very good player but the trade created a hole. The lack of puck possession and puck carrying is a major factor in the issues with this team. Atkinson has not improved the PK and a big reason why they're PP is in the dumps is the loss of Voracek's ability to carry the puck and get it set up in the offensive zone.



No he is not. He is exactly the mediocre player I thought he was that the Flyers drastically overpaid for. The GM got fleeced.



I guess your definition of a successful season is different from mine. When you're a team in the Flyers position. You don't make the moves they made and give up what they did to be a playoff bubble team. The injuries have saved the Flyers from themselves temporarily. They'll get a top pick. However they will be right back trying to position the team in the worst spot you can be in the NHL. A mediocre to average team that is capped out. It's hockey purgatory.
- MJL

You are entitled to your opinion but many people around the league view Ristolainen as a top 4 D.

His confidence looked completely shattered when he was moved up to the #1 PP unit playing with good offensive players.
I'm continually amazed at how most simple of observations escape you and you continually invent fantasies.

Again, did you read the comments of NHL scouts and an assistant NHL GM on how the Flyers are mishandling Frost and looking to break him down into something he is not?
- MJL

Brent Flahr is the assistant GM of the Flyers and just yesterday he explained to Bill and Jason what the problem is with Frost. I posted it above. The Flyers are NOT MISHANDLING Frost, they are developing him by helping him learn how to be a successful NHL offensive player. He has much to learn before he can make it to the top 6 in the NHL, that is just a fact that you have to accept. The team and coaching staff is not hurting Frost, they are helping him take the next step.

You are entitled to your opinion but many people around the league view Ristolainen as a top 4 D.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

He is a top 4 dman. A mediocre one.

Brent Flahr is the assistant GM of the Flyers and just yesterday he explained to Bill and Jason what the problem is with Frost. I posted it above. The Flyers are NOT MISHANDLING Frost, they are developing him by helping him learn how to be a successful NHL offensive player. He has much to learn before he can make it to the top 6 in the NHL, that is just a fact that you have to accept. The team and coaching staff is not hurting Frost, they are helping him take the next step.
- jd250

Yes they are mishandling Frost. Brent Flahr is in charge of drafting. He's not and never has been an NHL coach. How anyone with a straight face can say that what the Flyers are doing with Frost is helping him become a successful NHL player is beyond me. You still don't get what I think and there is no explaining that can be done to make you get it. They are destroying Frost. Again, read the recent comments posted from NHL scouts and an assistant GM on the Flyers mishandling of Frost. As well as Bill's blog from today.

If they continue down this path much further I’m rooting for a new team. Not worth getting invested in such a poorly run product for this long.
- hereticpride

Go canes!!!

Interesting Rumour I heard.

Tampa Bay could be interested in Yandle for a depth Dman. Cap hit makes sense for Tampa and they have enough skill on the back end to shelter him. It is one of few moves Tampa could really afford to make at this time. The return would be something like a 6th or 7th.

Brassard may not be moved. Market likely isnt there for him at his age and due to health. Most teams that would be involved have had Brassard on their team prior and had the option to re-sign him. If he does get moved, I would expect it to be near 3pm at deadline day.

Snow the Goalie podcast mentioned Chuck was offered Laine last season for Provorov and declined.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

If true ahhh nevermind with this (frank)tard team why even get pissed anymore.


Go canes !!!

https://lastwordonsports....dvanced-hockey-analytics/
- Flyers_01

I enjoyed reading this. Thanks.

This has everything to do with the timing of the pipeline...Putin didnt want to pay Ukraine the fees, plain and simple. Obviously he has other energy based reasons he probably did it but greed for him and his oligarchs was prime and center....but hey, Tucker Carlson talking points rather than looking at real reasons.
- juiced

Ok, so I resisted addressing this yesterday to not divert the hockey talk... but there are a vast # of common sense reasons this is way off the mark.

1. The existing pipeline (Nordstream 1) goes through Ukraine and it involves fees. NordStream 2 would have gone under Baltic. It involves no payments to Ukraine, which is why Ukraine spent millions lobbying against it in DC. if avoiding fees to Ukraine was the objective, not affecting Nordstream 2 would have been the way to go. But Putin did exactly the opposite (declared war, leading to suspend and probably kill N2).

2. The fees are/were $1.2b a year. Russia will lose that in a day with the sanctions announced already.

3. Putin's writing, speeches, and remarks to other people have, for the past 20 years revealed an utter obsession with the collapse of the Soviet Union, which he called the greatest geopolitical disaster of the past 100 years (ahead of WW2, mind you, which decimated Russia). This action is consistent with a reversal of that 'tragedy"

4. Putin has already swallowed Crimea and truncated Georgia in similar fashion, none of which had anything to do with the pipeline fees.

5. The oligarchs you speak of have largely been displaced from Putin's inner circle for the past 2 years, replaced by KGB acolytes, as he has become paranoid with the highly effective CIA spying on Russia.

6. The speech he gave was the same classic European autocrat nationalist crying about 'grievances and injustices done to ancient glory of fatherland' speech made by Mussolini, Hitler, Milosevic and now Putin.

7. In that speech Putin gave, he talked about the ancient Russian Empire, and the rationale he invoked to restore it applies not just to Ukraine, but also to Baltic Republics, Finland and Poland, none of whom has anything to do with pipeline..

8. Part of the speech involved repeated and deliberate references to the "Nazi regime" in Kiev. Ukraine's President is Jewish. Such pettiness is not a coincidence.

The Russian mentality that Putin embodies has cultural rather than economic disagreements with the West. Russia is not particularly socialist: for example, the Orthodox Church plays a huge role. It is proudly patriarchal (when was the last time you saw a Russian female prominent politician/bureaucrat?) and considers LGBQT rights a perversion (heated speeches in the Duma about this occur almost daily). It is heavily elitist, where a few families and the bureaucrats govern over a country that is at best 2nd world (Male mortality age is 65).

All this is threatened by having a cultural revolution, with whiffs of democracy, at his doorstep. There is a huge Russian population in Eastern Ukraine. If the people in Russia see they are prospering, the same people as them (just as Estonia saw with Finland, and East Berliners did with West Berliners), much of what is being propped up will start to crumble. This was the real reason Putin invades. Its absurd that Ukraine posted an existential threat to the 2nd most powerful military in the world. NATO membership of Ukraine was not even requested yet. They did however see an increasing 'Europization' of Ukraine, and from everything I have read, this rationale played a far bigger part than economic considerations.

Brent Flahr is the assistant GM of the Flyers and just yesterday he explained to Bill and Jason what the problem is with Frost. I posted it above. The Flyers are NOT MISHANDLING Frost, they are developing him by helping him learn how to be a successful NHL offensive player. He has much to learn before he can make it to the top 6 in the NHL, that is just a fact that you have to accept. The team and coaching staff is not hurting Frost, they are helping him take the next step.
- jd250