If you cant comprehent the fact there are different types of Dmen that excel at different aspects of the game then clearly Im not talking to the right group of people. Frankly im fed up, I come here to discuss hockey and most posters act like douchebags. Im done
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

With comments like this and statements that a defenseman was not brought in to help with goals against, we should all hope so. It's not like Ristolainen is Paul Coffey or Brian Leetch. As if his physical game down low and in the corners and around the net defensively was not a reason given for the signing. As misguided as it was.

So tell me, what aspect does Ristolainen actually excel at because I can't see any area where he does. Unless of course you want to count mediocrity.

With comments like this and statements that a defenseman was not brought in to help with goals against, we should all hope so. It's not like Ristolainen is Paul Coffee or Brian Leetch. As if his physical game down low and in the corners and around the net defensively was not a reason given for the signing. As misguided as it was.

So tell me, what aspect does Ristolainen actually excel at because I can't see any area where he does. Unless of course you want to count mediocrity.
- MJL

He wasn’t brought over for offense lol. I among others pointed out that his point totals are going to substantially decline. Size and grit, that would be used on the defensive side of the puck right? Literally his own words, size and grit.

He wasn’t brought over for offense lol. I among others pointed out that his point totals are going to substantially decline. Size and grit, that would be used on the defensive side of the puck right? Literally his own words, size and grit.
- ClaudeFather

It was quite apparent to me that Ristolainen's point totals in Buffalo were inflated due to usage and ice time. He wasn't going to get the same here. The comments made in the previous post are idiotic.

It was quite apparent to me that Ristolainen's point totals in Buffalo were inflated due to usage and ice time. He wasn't going to get the same here. The comments made in the previous post are idiotic.
- MJL

Absurd. Can’t wait for free agency.

Well, that's bad luck for me, and bad luck for you if you don't make that deal!
- Hesh_

well done. Very well done.

It was quite apparent to me that Ristolainen's point totals in Buffalo were inflated due to usage and ice time. He wasn't going to get the same here. The comments made in the previous post are idiotic.
- MJL

While true, the flyers def didnt use him enough on the pp to try to get some return on that investment. More mishandling by the staff and management.

Still funny he never got an extended look on the pp.

Ellis is the equivalent of buying a vintage sports car with a questionable history as a daily driver. When it works, it's a whole lot of fun. But more often than not, you'll be stuck taking the bus.
- Tomahawk

Hard to find parts to make repairs

Hard to find parts to make repairs
- Scoob

fcs

fcs
- hello it's me 2050

Gotta admit is seems any post Shoot put in today people were all over his shiit.

Remember it is a forum and people have dif views.

I dont agree with alot of what is said here but i dont feel the need to be an ass MJL. Your opinion is just like his remember that and try to tone down the superiority complex when making posts.

Most of your replies are stats based from what i have seen, so i take your replies half hearted at best.

I watched every game last year, even when it was hard to watch and thats how i come up with my conclusions not looking at box scores and making an opinion from that.

great article: https://thoughtsfromthebe...-away-from-a-stanley-cup/


/s

If you cant comprehent the fact there are different types of Dmen that excel at different aspects of the game then clearly Im not talking to the right group of people. Frankly im fed up, I come here to discuss hockey and most posters act like douchebags. Im done
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

Risto excels at nothing. It assine to say you don’t expect one of your top 4 defensemen to help reduce the goals against.

Take care.

This poop-show will unfortunately have to hit rock bottom before it gets better. The franchise has been in a steady decline since Comcast took over, as an organization they stopped caring about winning Cups. Until that changes, except more of the same.

The one saving grace about losing, even though you’re trying to win, is you’re gifted great draft positions. At least they can take advantage of that, you hope.

This poop-show will unfortunately have to hit rock bottom before it gets better. The franchise has been in a steady decline since Comcast took over, as an organization they stopped caring about winning Cups. Until that changes, except more of the same.

The one saving grace about losing, even though you’re trying to win, is you’re gifted great draft positions. At least they can take advantage of that, you hope.
- DraftandDestroy

I believe that the hockey department cares very much about winning Cups. They're just very misguided in how to go about accomplishing that. They're still influenced by the old guard who still believes in the old methods. They've lost touch with the modern NHL and how to run in a team in the cap era.

As far as being gifted with great draft positions. The Flyers most likely are going to be back in bubble land and picking middle round. The only reason they have the 5th overall pick this upcoming draft is that injuries saved themselves temporarily from their own incompetence.

Gotta admit is seems any post Shoot put in today people were all over his shiit.

Remember it is a forum and people have dif views.

I dont agree with alot of what is said here but i dont feel the need to be an ass MJL. Your opinion is just like his remember that and try to tone down the superiority complex when making posts.

Most of your replies are stats based from what i have seen, so i take your replies half hearted at best.

I watched every game last year, even when it was hard to watch and thats how i come up with my conclusions not looking at box scores and making an opinion from that.
- Flyerloon

I hear you. Of course we will have different views on a forum, but some feel the need to be downright nasty. One poster coined it best - "the mean girls." Busting chops here and there is one thing but the superiority complex is ridiculous for grown men talking about their supposed favorite hockey team. I've said it before that I am no expert but watch as many games as I can and follow Bill's blog. The one thing we all have in common is our frustrations with the team. That said, a few people need to lighten up and have fun. There are more important things in life than the Flyers.

I hear you. Of course we will have different views on a forum, but some feel the need to be downright nasty. One poster coined it best - "the mean girls." Busting chops here and there is one thing but the superiority complex is ridiculous for grown men talking about their supposed favorite hockey team. I've said it before that I am no expert but watch as many games as I can and follow Bill's blog. The one thing we all have in common is our frustrations with the team. That said, a few people need to lighten up and have fun. There are more important things in life than the Flyers.
- Don Nachbaur

I agree completely that there are more important things in life than the Flyers. People come here to escape the real world a little bit to talk Flyers and hockey. Which is why conversation should be about hockey and opinions offered rather than about people. Unless of course this is your idea about how to lighten up and have fun.

I agree completely that there are more important things in life than the Flyers. People come here to escape the real world a little bit to talk Flyers and hockey. Which is why conversation should be about hockey and opinions offered rather than about people. Unless of course this is your idea about how to lighten up and have fun.
- MJL

I always see posts attacking people opinions. Maybe just maybe you should offer your opinion and let others offer there's without the snide comments.

Example think today you called Shoot idiotic because of a view he had.

Great selection in the mock draft Bill. Had Nemec been selected already, who would you have chosen? Thanks.
- dubc55

Simicek or Cutter for me, i wanted Kenell but Cutter seems like a player who's stock is rising.

I agree completely that there are more important things in life than the Flyers. People come here to escape the real world a little bit to talk Flyers and hockey. Which is why conversation should be about hockey and opinions offered rather than about people. Unless of course this is your idea about how to lighten up and have fun.
- MJL

Ok, then what moves would you have made last off-season to improve our defense which was wretched in 20-21? I know that Risto and Ellis weren't the answers, but as was mentioned not just today, but throughout the year (myself included), the Flyers tried to address a need and did what they thought was best. Good defensemen don't grow on tress, plus, we have to have valuable assets and money even if they are available. What would you have done and what would you like to see us do for next season?

I am still waiting on your reply about who you would have liked to see as our new coach?

As for the draft, I like what I have read about Gauthier. Now mind you, I don't watch much hockey outside of the Flyers. Who would you like to see the Flyers pick?

I always see posts attacking people opinions. Maybe just maybe you should offer your opinion and let others offer there's without the snide comments.

Example think today you called Shoot idiotic because of a view he had.
- Flyerloon

when you make an absolutely false and ridiculous statement, you open yourself up for criticism.

I'm reading some of these posts lately about the absolute disdain towards Rasmus Ristolainen and I gotta say that most of these arguments are either unfair or fictional.

First of all, if you wanna tell me you don't like Ristolainen because he makes too many mental errors with the puck, out of position defensively or you just don't like what management gave up to get him, I can see that side of the argument. I don't mind having Ristolainen on my team. In fact I wanted him but not at the cost of a first round pick.

The arguments I'm finding outrageous though is, Sanheim carried the second pair. Okay, if Sanheim is really that good and Ristolainen is really that bad, how did the pair do overall? Constantly bringing up Ristolainen was infective on the power play, when the guy only saw the power play in like 2 or 3 games after everyone else sucked before him. Or using the argument that he missed the last ten games of the season as if we're stuck with this injury prone player. News flash, Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson both had season ending injuries. Kevin Hayes missed most of the first half of the season. Ryan Ellis played like 4 games this season and fans still have him penciled in as a top pair defender and arguably our best defenseman overall. This isn't Rational thinking. All of these players much more expensive than Ristolainen.

In my opinion Ristolainen serves a purpose. He’s a very physical guy capable of clearing the crease. We needed that before he got here. Also there is a difference between handling the puck well and being irresponsible with the puck. I think Ristolainen does move the puck well but tight under pressure he’s prone to mental errors. I mean I’ve seen defenders of the past on this team who cannot move the puck at all. Grossmann being one.

Ok, then what moves would you have made last off-season to improve our defense which was wretched in 20-21? I know that Risto and Ellis weren't the answers, but as was mentioned not just today, but throughout the year (myself included), the Flyers tried to address a need and did what they thought was best. Good defensemen don't grow on tress, plus, we have to have valuable assets and money even if they are available. What would you have done and what would you like to see us do for next season?


- Don Nachbaur

I would prefer that the Flyers stick to a draft and develop strategy and stop trying to win now and stop trying to buy their way to the top. They should've kept Gostisbehere and let it play out last season. Draft and develop good defenseman and plant the tree rather than trying to buy the tree.

I am still waiting on your reply about who you would have liked to see as our new coach?


- Don Nachbaur

I've posted numerous times the direction that I wanted the Flyers to go in. I don't mind Tortorella but don't see him as the long term answer. I was more interested in a more modern day coach such as Gronberg. I'd like a European style of aggressive offensive attack and quick puck movement. I also believe the Flyers need to start grooming and developing coaches. Flyers have hired two coaches in what the last 5 years. Has there been one internal candidate working up the ladder?

I've posted about this before. You having lack of knowledge about my opinion offered. Does not suggest the absence of one.

As for the draft, I like what I have read about Gauthier. Now mind you, I don't watch much hockey outside of the Flyers. Who would you like to see the Flyers pick?
- Don Nachbaur

Also if you spent more time here. You would know that I traditionally don't get involved in draft prospect conversations. I don't spend time researching or have any sufficient knowledge of any of the available players to form an opinion.

The value of physicality has to be understood. Just throwing your weight and strength around, does not make a player effective. For example, Ristolainen clearing the crease and how he fills a need for the team. There has to be some evidence that his physical ability is effective. Does he decrease scoring chances and high danger scoring chances. Does he prevent shot attempts. Most importantly, does he reduce goals against. All of the available evidence, both statistically and visually, says no, he doesn't. That's not for just this past season. It's been that way his whole career. Watch him play. He rarely hits and separates a player from the puck. He rarely uses his physical ability to break up a play. He makes a player pay a price but normally after the scoring chance or goal occurs. He pushes players around after they've had a few whacks at the puck around the net. Quality defenseman end plays and transition pucks the other way. Then join the attack.

Simicek or Cutter for me, i wanted Kenell but Cutter seems like a player who's stock is rising.
- Flyerloon

I agree about Cutter. I've been watching clips and reading about him, and like what I see/hear. We need a legit power forward.

The value of physicality has to be understood. Just throwing your weight and strength around, does not make a player effective. For example, Ristolainen clearing the crease and how he fills a need for the team. There has to be some evidence that his physical ability is effective. Does he decrease scoring chances and high danger scoring chances. Does he prevent shot attempts. Most importantly, does he reduce goals against. All of the available evidence, both statistically and visually, says no, he doesn't. That's not for just this past season. It's been that way his whole career. Watch him play. He rarely hits and separates a player from the puck. He rarely uses his physical ability to break up a play. He makes a player pay a price but normally after the scoring chance or goal occurs. He pushes players around after they've had a few whacks at the puck around the net. Quality defenseman end plays and transition pucks the other way. Then join the attack.
- MJL

Risto clearing the crease is a myth. How times has the opposing player set up shop while Risto pulls his pud?

Him on the 3rd pair making 2.5 per would be ideal. He just isn’t a top 4 guy on any playoff team.

I'm reading some of these posts lately about the absolute disdain towards Rasmus Ristolainen and I gotta say that most of these arguments are either unfair or fictional.

First of all, if you wanna tell me you don't like Ristolainen because he makes too many mental errors with the puck, out of position defensively or you just don't like what management gave up to get him, I can see that side of the argument. I don't mind having Ristolainen on my team. In fact I wanted him but not at the cost of a first round pick.

The arguments I'm finding outrageous though is, Sanheim carried the second pair. Okay, if Sanheim is really that good and Ristolainen is really that bad, how did the pair do overall? Constantly bringing up Ristolainen was infective on the power play, when the guy only saw the power play in like 2 or 3 games after everyone else sucked before him. Or using the argument that he missed the last ten games of the season as if we're stuck with this injury prone player. News flash, Sean Couturier and Cam Atkinson both had season ending injuries. Kevin Hayes missed most of the first half of the season. Ryan Ellis played like 4 games this season and fans still have him penciled in as a top pair defender and arguably our best defenseman overall. This isn't Rational thinking. All of these players much more expensive than Ristolainen.

In my opinion Ristolainen serves a purpose. He’s a very physical guy capable of clearing the crease. We needed that before he got here. Also there is a difference between handling the puck well and being irresponsible with the puck. I think Ristolainen does move the puck well but tight under pressure he’s prone to mental errors. I mean I’ve seen defenders of the past on this team who cannot move the puck at all. Grossmann being one.
- SuperSchennBros

I agree with all of this. RR has his share of flaws but he's still young and at provides some physical presence. I remember watching him when we played Buffalo and wishing we had him, as he always seemed to step up his game against us.