Bill Meltzer: Wrapup: Flyers Tame Wild, 3-1

I don't know about you guys.. but I for one was very happy to finally see some encouraging forechecking. And not to mention the fact that it clearly frustrated a good Wild squad. A shame it might be a little too late, because this team certainly has been able to play some good teams pretty well. Frustrating that it's been such an up and down year.

Also, why is it so quiet in here after wins?

These bums can't even lose right.

I don't know about you guys.. but I for one was very happy to finally see some encouraging forechecking. And not to mention the fact that it clearly frustrated a good Wild squad. A shame it might be a little too late, because this team certainly has been able to play some good teams pretty well. Frustrating that it's been such an up and down year.

Also, why is it so quiet in here after wins?
- gypsypunk92

The team has zero chance of going anywhere. They are playing a boring ass style because their personnel is thin. It's easy to understand why it's quiet. At least to me.

I dug the win, though. It was fun.

These bums can't even lose right.
- hereticpride

I know, right? On the brightside, the Pens can't now end their season on Sunday.

I did think of this board when I saw the Couturier goal. That was a pretty skilled goal, how he received the pass, got it on his stick, and went 5 hole. I've always been a Coots fan, so I felt slightly smug, until I saw that it was Schenn who threaded a nice pass and I've ripped Schenn since forever.

The weird thing is that Schenn and Coots always seem to play well together. Maybe the stats don't back it up, but the optics have always looked good when they play together.

I know, right? On the brightside, the Pens can't now end their season on Sunday.

I did think of this board when I saw the Couturier goal. That was a pretty skilled goal, how he received the pass, got it on his stick, and went 5 hole. I've always been a Coots fan, so I felt slightly smug, until I saw that it was Schenn who threaded a nice pass and I've ripped Schenn since forever.

The weird thing is that Schenn and Coots always seem to play well together. Maybe the stats don't back it up, but the optics have always looked good when they play together.
- johndewar

The stats say every player plays better with Couturier, Schenn included. It's the best Schenn has looked by a country mile this mess of a season at ES. Crazy to think that he has been put with every single player (and struggled) on this team so far this year.....but never with Coots until now. Schenn needs Coots more than Coots needs him to do well, but I think a side effect is that Couturier has to do more with Schenn. He plays more assertive with the puck and is less content to dish it off because he's forced to be more of a focal point. Not that he can't do so with others, but some old, safe habits kick in. As much as it's true that everyone seems to do "well" with Coots, it is hard to deny they do mesh together in the o-zone and have chemistry.

Weise is take him or leave him and mostly just riding along there, but a guy like Raffl or Lindblom would probably fit in fantastically at that LW to make the line even better. It'd be a real heavy 2-way line.

The stats say every player plays better with Couturier, Schenn included. It's the best Schenn has looked by a country mile this mess of a season at ES. Crazy to think that he has been put with every single player (and struggled) on this team so far this year.....but never with Coots until now. Schenn needs Coots more than Coots needs him to do well, but I think a side effect is that Couturier has to do more with Schenn. He plays more assertive with the puck and is less content to dish it off because he's forced to be more of a focal point. Not that he can't do so with others, but some old, safe habits kick in. As much as it's true that everyone seems to do "well" with Coots, it is hard to deny they do mesh together in the o-zone and have chemistry.

Weise is take him or leave him and mostly just riding along there, but a guy like Raffl or Lindblom would probably fit in fantastically at that LW to make the line even better. It'd be a real heavy 2-way line.
- Mononoke

I know a Schenn-Coots line has been discussed here, because I think they had success before, both at the AHL level and here.

It's too little, too late this year, but I do hope more consideration is given to the pairing in the future. Their skill sets seem to mesh, but for whatever reason, they aren't put together.

Honestly, I don't whether to be happy or infuriated by last night's game. I never like to see my favorite team lose, so I'm happy that they won. BUT, I'm infuriated that they can't put out efforts like this, especially on the road, on a much more consistent basis. Look, I'm a realist, I don't expect them to be up there with Pittsburgh, Washington or Columbus, but if they had just shown this kind of drive and effort in just 7 or 8 other road games in which they were just rolled over, and had just gone on to win 4 of those games, than we'd be sitting here with 84 points and would be in a playoff spot right now.

This lack of consistent effort is nothing new. In fact, it's been going on for years. Too often, this team only seems to play well when their backs are up against the wall and, at least this year, it's too little, too late. We've seen it under Lavy, under Berube and now under Hak, so it's not the coaching. This is on the players and this is why I'd like to see a core forward or two moved in the offseason. The personality and character of this team needs to change.

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Honestly, I don't whether to be happy or infuriated by last night's game. I never like to see my favorite team lose, so I'm happy that they won. BUT, I'm infuriated that they can't put out efforts like this, especially on the road, on a much more consistent basis. Look, I'm a realist, I don't expect them to be up there with Pittsburgh, Washington or Columbus, but if they had just shown this kind of drive and effort in just 7 or 8 other road games in which they were just rolled over, and had just gone on to win 4 of those games, than we'd be sitting here with 84 points and would be in a playoff spot right now.

This lack of consistent effort is nothing new. In fact, it's been going on for years. Too often, this team only seems to play well when their backs are up against the wall and, at least this year, it's too little, too late. We've seen it under Lavy, under Berube and now under Hak, so it's not the coaching. This is on the players and this is why I'd like to see a core forward or two moved in the offseason. The personality and character of this team needs to change.
- BiggE

Makes you wonder where the actual issue is. Is it the leadership group? The so called core players? The "flip a switch" mentality that goes back even further to the Richards days?

What is the common thing between all of these seasons? A certain player? An attitude? It can be perplexing to say the least.

Makes you wonder where the actual issue is. Is it the leadership group? The so called core players? The "flip a switch" mentality that goes back even further to the Richards days?

What is the common thing between all of these seasons? A certain player? An attitude? It can be perplexing to say the least.
- MBFlyerfan

I really don't know. If you are going to go back to when Richards was here, the only guy left from then is Giroux, but I don't think this is all him. I think it's more about what they are missing, rather than who is here. In the recent past, they had true hockey warriors like Jason Smith, Derian Hatcher, Kimmo Timonen, and Chris Pronger who led by example and also weren't afraid to take a teammate aside and cut him a new one when necessary. These guys never took a shift off, and they played through pain on a routine basis.

Who is that guy now? Simmonds would be the closest, but really, he's about it. It's why it's so hard to think about moving him, even though, from a business perspective it makes the most sense. A lot of people around here won't want to hear this, but I would consider moving Voracek in the offseason, and here are my reasons. While he's had an off year, it's nowhere near as bad as the year Giroux has had, and since he's 2.5 years younger than G (and bigger and faster too), I think you would find legit interest in him around the league. Jake, too often for my liking, just seems to play a passive, uninspiring game, and I think moving a guy like him would send a clear message to the rest of the team. Also, if they are deep anywhere, it's on the right wing.

At the end of the day, something needs to change, and it has to come from the core group of players. Their current standard of play is simply unacceptable.

I really don't know. If you are going to go back to when Richards was here, the only guy left from then is Giroux, but I don't think this is all him. I think it's more about what they are missing, rather than who is here. In the recent past, they had true hockey warriors like Jason Smith, Derian Hatcher, Kimmo Timonen, and Chris Pronger who led by example and also weren't afraid to take a teammate aside and cut him a new one when necessary. These guys never took a shift off, and they played through pain on a routine basis.

Who is that guy now? Simmonds would be the closest, but really, he's about it. It's why it's so hard to think about moving him, even though, from a business perspective it makes the most sense. A lot of people around here won't want to hear this, but I would consider moving Voracek in the offseason, and here are my reasons. While he's had an off year, it's nowhere near as bad as the year Giroux has had, and since he's 2.5 years younger than G (and bigger and faster too), I think you would find legit interest in him around the league. Jake, too often for my liking, just seems to play a passive, uninspiring game, and I think moving a guy like him would send a clear message to the rest of the team. Also, if they are deep anywhere, it's on the right wing.

At the end of the day, something needs to change, and it has to come from the core group of players. Their current standard of play is simply unacceptable.
- BiggE

Intriguing idea, but I think his cap hit makes him unmovable.

I know, right? On the brightside, the Pens can't now end their season on Sunday.

I did think of this board when I saw the Couturier goal. That was a pretty skilled goal, how he received the pass, got it on his stick, and went 5 hole. I've always been a Coots fan, so I felt slightly smug, until I saw that it was Schenn who threaded a nice pass and I've ripped Schenn since forever.

The weird thing is that Schenn and Coots always seem to play well together. Maybe the stats don't back it up, but the optics have always looked good when they play together.
- johndewar

Something funny is it seems a lot of guys play better with Couturier.

I really don't know. If you are going to go back to when Richards was here, the only guy left from then is Giroux, but I don't think this is all him. I think it's more about what they are missing, rather than who is here. In the recent past, they had true hockey warriors like Jason Smith, Derian Hatcher, Kimmo Timonen, and Chris Pronger who led by example and also weren't afraid to take a teammate aside and cut him a new one when necessary. These guys never took a shift off, and they played through pain on a routine basis.

Who is that guy now? Simmonds would be the closest, but really, he's about it. It's why it's so hard to think about moving him, even though, from a business perspective it makes the most sense. A lot of people around here won't want to hear this, but I would consider moving Voracek in the offseason, and here are my reasons. While he's had an off year, it's nowhere near as bad as the year Giroux has had, and since he's 2.5 years younger than G (and bigger and faster too), I think you would find legit interest in him around the league. Jake, too often for my liking, just seems to play a passive, uninspiring game, and I think moving a guy like him would send a clear message to the rest of the team. Also, if they are deep anywhere, it's on the right wing.

At the end of the day, something needs to change, and it has to come from the core group of players. Their current standard of play is simply unacceptable.
- BiggE

You are right on...as usual. I stated yesterday that Hextall should be looking to shop Jake. Sending a message to the team goes a long way. The Leafs moved their 2
"Core players" last year, now both team and players are better off. Hextall can't be afraid to make the change. At least give it serious thought Ron!
The team also must have more " character guys" . I miss the Hartnells, Prongers, and Timmos..

I really don't know. If you are going to go back to when Richards was here, the only guy left from then is Giroux, but I don't think this is all him. I think it's more about what they are missing, rather than who is here. In the recent past, they had true hockey warriors like Jason Smith, Derian Hatcher, Kimmo Timonen, and Chris Pronger who led by example and also weren't afraid to take a teammate aside and cut him a new one when necessary. These guys never took a shift off, and they played through pain on a routine basis.

Who is that guy now? Simmonds would be the closest, but really, he's about it. It's why it's so hard to think about moving him, even though, from a business perspective it makes the most sense. A lot of people around here won't want to hear this, but I would consider moving Voracek in the offseason, and here are my reasons. While he's had an off year, it's nowhere near as bad as the year Giroux has had, and since he's 2.5 years younger than G (and bigger and faster too), I think you would find legit interest in him around the league. Jake, too often for my liking, just seems to play a passive, uninspiring game, and I think moving a guy like him would send a clear message to the rest of the team. Also, if they are deep anywhere, it's on the right wing.

At the end of the day, something needs to change, and it has to come from the core group of players. Their current standard of play is simply unacceptable.
- BiggE

Voracek is a very good player obviously, but he hasn't played to the level his contract demands in my opinion. I'll never question his effort, but there's been far too many games where he just takes the puck wide and tries to make a play on the perimeter. Same for Giroux. Giroux's best stretch of play this season found him in the middle of the ice, and around the net. Voracek also seems reluctant to shoot the puck, even on the PP at times. That decision to try and make an aerial pass on that 2 on 1 was just absurd. Shoot the puck Jake, and keep shooting it. Voracek has also been pretty bad away from the puck for large stretches of the season. Just one of many players who have had a subpar season.

I really don't know. If you are going to go back to when Richards was here, the only guy left from then is Giroux, but I don't think this is all him. I think it's more about what they are missing, rather than who is here. In the recent past, they had true hockey warriors like Jason Smith, Derian Hatcher, Kimmo Timonen, and Chris Pronger who led by example and also weren't afraid to take a teammate aside and cut him a new one when necessary. These guys never took a shift off, and they played through pain on a routine basis.

Who is that guy now? Simmonds would be the closest, but really, he's about it. It's why it's so hard to think about moving him, even though, from a business perspective it makes the most sense. A lot of people around here won't want to hear this, but I would consider moving Voracek in the offseason, and here are my reasons. While he's had an off year, it's nowhere near as bad as the year Giroux has had, and since he's 2.5 years younger than G (and bigger and faster too), I think you would find legit interest in him around the league. Jake, too often for my liking, just seems to play a passive, uninspiring game, and I think moving a guy like him would send a clear message to the rest of the team. Also, if they are deep anywhere, it's on the right wing.

At the end of the day, something needs to change, and it has to come from the core group of players. Their current standard of play is simply unacceptable.
- BiggE

For me I still think it has to be Giroux. I know he's looked better but I just feel he isn't going to recover like people think. Maybe I get by with Filpulla and Couturier in 2017 and take a run at Tavares if available in 2018 offseason.

Voracek is a very good player obviously, but he hasn't played to the level his contract demands in my opinion. I'll never question his effort, but there's been far too many games where he just takes the puck wide and tries to make a play on the perimeter. Same for Giroux. Giroux's best stretch of play this season found him in the middle of the ice, and around the net. Voracek also seems reluctant to shoot the puck, even on the PP at times. That decision to try and make an aerial pass on that 2 on 1 was just absurd. Shoot the puck Jake, and keep shooting it. Voracek has also been pretty bad away from the puck for large stretches of the season. Just one of many players who have had a subpar season.
- MJL

Last night I thought his line struggled a little but the Filpulla line seemed totally out of sync.

Weal is growing on me. Maybe they have found a cheap option that can help moving forward. Like I said kind of reminds me of Sheary in Pittsburgh.

And I know people were pissed Schultz was still in the lineup but after hearing them talk last night I think it was the coach doing him a solid and letting him play in Minnesota where he was drafted. Seemed to insinuate that this could be his last year.

For me I still think it has to be Giroux. I know he's looked better but I just feel he isn't going to recover like people think. Maybe I get by with Filpulla and Couturier in 2017 and take a run at Tavares if available in 2018 offseason.
- J35Bacher

The problem with that plan, is that Taveras is not going to be available.

Was happy with effort last night and it was nice to see them not mail in another road game....Honestly I get the argument about draft position, but I can't see myself ever cheering against them....I mean the draft is a crap shoot anyways.
I do understand why Hextall and Holmgren have both said recently that their a better team then their record. Nights like last night and the game against the Pens last week would give anyone pause, but its the inconsistency that's maddening and the real reason the core needs to be re set in my opinion.

Last night I thought his line struggled a little but the Filpulla line seemed totally out of sync.

Weal is growing on me. Maybe they have found a cheap option that can help moving forward. Like I said kind of reminds me of Sheary in Pittsburgh.

And I know people were pissed Schultz was still in the lineup but after hearing them talk last night I think it was the coach doing him a solid and letting him play in Minnesota where he was drafted. Seemed to insinuate that this could be his last year.
- J35Bacher

I agree on the Schultz situation, but then I would have chosen Del Zotto over Manning. Unless Del Zotto has some kind and minor injury, but hey, they won!

The problem with that plan, is that Taveras is not going to be available.
- MJL

Yeah I don't know.

It's a little weird with the whole stadium issue. I mean I would suspect they resign him but when guys get close to FA sometimes they want to see it though.

Voracek is a very good player obviously, but he hasn't played to the level his contract demands in my opinion. I'll never question his effort, but there's been far too many games where he just takes the puck wide and tries to make a play on the perimeter. Same for Giroux. Giroux's best stretch of play this season found him in the middle of the ice, and around the net. Voracek also seems reluctant to shoot the puck, even on the PP at times. That decision to try and make an aerial pass on that 2 on 1 was just absurd. Shoot the puck Jake, and keep shooting it. Voracek has also been pretty bad away from the puck for large stretches of the season. Just one of many players who have had a subpar season.
- MJL

Vorecek always gives max effort heading up ice, it's the back checking that I have always questioned about this player. He has the talent to be an all around player as good as a Marion Hossa, but has the defensive commitment of Alexander Daigle. When that changes, which might never, then I think he has the talent to live up to the contract.

Yeah I don't know.

It's a little weird with the whole stadium issue. I mean I would suspect they resign him but when guys get close to FA sometimes they want to see it though.
- J35Bacher

He's not close to it.