Bill Meltzer: Flyers Push the Pace on the First Day of Training Camp

Thanks for the update Bill.

Honestly have no idea what to expect from the new coach but the whole "wont see any wholesale changes", I dont know. I guess I have my preference for offensive first systems.

Is nice to see him seemingly trying to make an indentity for this team. Something imo which they have lacked since the first tastes of Laviolette.

Do also wonder how much rope the new coach will have. Would think quite a bit as Hextall's first hire. Hopefully the guys also realise this and buy in.

Also have to say, I try to stay away from watching the interviews for this exact reason.

Just watched the Gudas one from today. Not sure who it was but one guy asked "do you see yourself more of a 2nd or 3rd pairing type of player"

Another asks "how do you see the defense working out, with 8 players on the roster. Are guys scared of being moved? It was a similar situation last year with some players not happy". Not exact quote but basically what it was.

Joke.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Push the Pace on the First Day of Training Camp
- bmeltzer

Diving right in

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Push the Pace on the First Day of Training Camp
- bmeltzer

No love for the Schenn brothers.

Offense first or defense first is just a moniker put on a system by fans and sometimes the media. The entire hockey world plays pretty much the same basic style and under the same philosophies. Which is puck pressure in all 3 zone, a hard forecheck, and strong back pressure and D zone coverage. Sure, there are different nuances and ways about how they accomplish that, but like Hakstol said, they aren't going to be real noticeable differences. Berube didn't use a defense first system, and neither will Hakstol.

Didn't see Provorov there. A lot of scouts were saying he could be ready to step right into the league this year. Any chance of that?

Offense first or defense first is just a moniker put on a system by fans and sometimes the media. The entire hockey world plays pretty much the same basic style and under the same philosophies. Which is puck pressure in all 3 zone, a hard forecheck, and strong back pressure and D zone coverage. Sure, there are different nuances and ways about how they accomplish that, but like Hakstol said, they aren't going to be real noticeable differences. Berube didn't use a defense first system, and neither will Hakstol.
- MJL

Haha you can just quote me man no issues here. Imo there are differences. A team like the Hawks compared to the Devils of old.

The days of run-and-gun Washington compared to Minny of old. I dont know, there are other examples of coaches that preach offense heavy, and others d-first.

Hows life, didnt post too much this summer.

No love for the Schenn brothers.
- SuperSchennBros

I still swear you are somehow related to those two.

I still swear you are somehow related to those two.
- flyer_nutter

He must be because you can't use the word " super" when talking about Luke

So refreshing to see guys pushed in practice.

And man, Morin is turning into a monster.

So refreshing to see guys pushed in practice.

And man, Morin is turning into a monster.
- hereticpride

That's what we need .. A " monster " on the blue line that can clear the front of the net.

Haha you can just quote me man no issues here. Imo there are differences. A team like the Hawks compared to the Devils of old.

The days of run-and-gun Washington compared to Minny of old. I dont know, there are other examples of coaches that preach offense heavy, and others d-first.

Hows life, didnt post too much this summer.
- flyer_nutter

Quotes don't work on the first few posts, or I would've. Teams don't play like the Devils of old anymore. It doesn't exist in today's game. Might at well bring up the style of play from the 50's then. Like I said, offense first and defense first, is a fan's terminology, not the coaches. Today's NHL game is based on the forecheck, puck pressure in all 3 zones, and solid defensive play. They want to skate and play fast, in all 3 zones. You'll probably consider Hakstol a defense first coach, just like you did Berube. Berube definitely wasn't, and I doubt Hakstol will be either.

Probably late, but...

Arthur Staple @StapeNewsday -

"Joshua Ho-Sang was late for the first day of #Isles training camp. He's been sent back to Niagara of the OHL. Camp over for him."

That's gotta suck, but good for the Isles.

I was there all day. Only 2 things Ill add to Bills blog...

-Michael Parks wasn't the only goal in the scrimmage. Palushaj came off the bench and blasted an absolute rocket of a one timer just inside the blue line. Rosehill also scored on a 2 on 1. Parks' goal was a sick snipe that knocked Laberberras water bottle off. All goals scored by the White team.

-Radko Gudas looked excellent all morning. I was honestly blown away at his skating ability as well as his skill with the puck. He's not gonna put up a ton of points, but all of his passes were tape to tape and he showed really good vision and overall on ice awareness. Also has a SICK release, dude is not scared to fire the puck at all.

I'll be incredibly surprised if Luke Schenn plays more games than him this season, assuming Luke is still on the roster opening night. Dudes gonna be great on the 3rd pairing IMO, just my observation.

Probably late, but...

Arthur Staple @StapeNewsday -

"Joshua Ho-Sang was late for the first day of #Isles training camp. He's been sent back to Niagara of the OHL. Camp over for him."

That's gotta suck, but good for the Isles.
- tangent_man

"It was mandatory that we had to trade him," said Spitfires president and head coach Bob Boughner at the time. "For many, many, numerous internal reasons, the people that truly know what went on behind the scenes would understand why we had to trade him.

http://www.tsn.ca/isles-c...-showing-up-late-1.362669

He may burn what could be a good career.

I was there all day. Only 2 things Ill add to Bills blog...

-Michael Parks wasn't the only goal in the scrimmage. Palushaj came off the bench and blasted an absolute rocket of a one timer just inside the blue line. Rosehill also scored on a 2 on 1. Parks' goal was a sick snipe that knocked Laberberras water bottle off. All goals scored by the White team.

-Radko Gudas looked excellent all morning. I was honestly blown away at his skating ability as well as his skill with the puck. He's not gonna put up a ton of points, but all of his passes were tape to tape and he showed really good vision and overall on ice awareness. Also has a SICK release, dude is not scared to fire the puck at all.

I'll be incredibly surprised if Luke Schenn plays more games than him this season, assuming Luke is still on the roster opening night. Dudes gonna be great on the 3rd pairing IMO, just my observation.
- mochoson

I would not be suprised if Luke is moved before start of season

I still swear you are somehow related to those two.
- flyer_nutter

Your dislike for them specifically as two different players at two different positions is puzzling.

I was there all day. Only 2 things Ill add to Bills blog...

-Michael Parks wasn't the only goal in the scrimmage. Palushaj came off the bench and blasted an absolute rocket of a one timer just inside the blue line. Rosehill also scored on a 2 on 1. Parks' goal was a sick snipe that knocked Laberberras water bottle off. All goals scored by the White team.

-Radko Gudas looked excellent all morning. I was honestly blown away at his skating ability as well as his skill with the puck. He's not gonna put up a ton of points, but all of his passes were tape to tape and he showed really good vision and overall on ice awareness. Also has a SICK release, dude is not scared to fire the puck at all.

I'll be incredibly surprised if Luke Schenn plays more games than him this season, assuming Luke is still on the roster opening night. Dudes gonna be great on the 3rd pairing IMO, just my observation.
- mochoson

I only saw one goal. But from my seat in the press box, I can't see about 1/3 of the ice unless I stand. Saw the Parks goal but not the others. Will fix. Thanks.

I would not be suprised if Luke is moved before start of season
- 3flyerkids

You mean you haven't made this prediction already this summer?

In reply to flyer nutter--

How many teams truly play an offense first system though?

Clean slate for all! I've seen another poster post that mantra, and I am in. I don't expect this team to be world beaters, but also believe the potential for a surprisingly successful season is there.

By surprisingly successful I mean squeak into the playoffs and win a round or two. Not saying that is anywhere near a lock, missing the postseason all together is just as likely if not more so, but I'm keeping an open mind and a positive outlook. (For now at least)

Another side note, I plan to attend several Phantoms games this year and am pretty excited about that.

In reply to flyer nutter--

How many teams truly play an offense first system though?
- benjichronic

All of them!

All of them!
- MJL

I am in the minority here, but I am pretty sure each teams system is based on the premise that scoring goals is good and allowing goals is bad. Just one man's thoughts.

Not a dig at anyone BTW just my obvious thought for the evening.

I am in the minority here, but I am pretty sure each teams system is based on the premise that scoring goals is good and allowing goals is bad. Just one man's thoughts.

Not a dig at anyone BTW just my obvious thought for the evening.
- Fryman4

I think that's a pretty safe bet. It's also a safe bet that every team wants to have the puck more than their opposition does.