Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Hart Wins NHL Debut as Flyers Down Detroit, 3-2

So glad. I think a good first game can do a ton for the psyche.

I liked to see the guys play like a team tonight and play defense for their stud goalie of the future.
Now that the team got rid of their coaches I hope they start to play hockey again.
I like the ides of a lughes for Hughes but I am so sick of losing and we will just get screwed in the lottery even if we finish worst in the league.

Travis Sanheim (21:06 TOI across 26 shifts, including 1:14 of power play time)

Welcome Scott Gordon

No rest for the weary. Here comes Nashville.

It will be a good gauge to see where this team is. Even if we stay with them and lose, it may go a ways to start getting some confidence back.

If they go 50-0....

Bill,

What’s the likelihood Fletcher makes a deal before the trade freeze?

Bill,

What’s the likelihood Fletcher makes a deal before the trade freeze?
- BroadSTmayhem

7%

The team seemed to play with a different commitment level last night whether it was for Hart, for Gordon, for themselves or for change in general I think it was evident.

I think that's great for every day from yesterday forward.

But the cynic in me, maybe the parent in me feels a twinge of disappointment that the same effort wasn't there when it was needed to save the coach's job. I'm not saying Hakstol should still be here, not even interested in whether he was a good coach or not. I'm more concerned with this sort of "we're going to play crappy until we get our way" attitude that I've felt from the team recently.

That's not to say I won't just forgive it all if they just keep playing well as a team, I'm a fan...not a coach, gm or a parent to any of these players.

If they actually start winning games do you hold onto Simmonds? I think you have to move him regardless. The return outweighs the positives of having him for a few more months imo.

Welcome Scott Gordon
- Tomahawk

Dude! You made fun of me when I pointed out that Sanheim was looking like our hungriest defenseman in a game he scored his first goal of the season.

If they actually start winning games do you hold onto Simmonds? I think you have to move him regardless. The return outweighs the positives of having him for a few more months imo.
- hereticpride

Yes, we should move him to make our team weaker both physically and offensively. Especially if we get on a role.

Dude! You made fun of me when I pointed out that Sanheim was looking like our hungriest defenseman in a game he scored his first goal of the season.
- SuperSchennBros

Yes, we should move him to make our team weaker both physically and offensively. Especially if we get on a role.
- SuperSchennBros

Exactly what I was thinking! 👍

Taryn Hatcher is spectatcular

Sherlock and Simmer this.morning

Just glad to see the players actually having some fun out there, been awhile since we saw any smiling faces on Flyer players. Hopefully they can come up with a big effort against Nashville. Sadly, if Nashville is firing on all cylinders and brings their "A" game, it probably won't be enough, but you never know.

GO FLYERS!!

If they actually start winning games do you hold onto Simmonds? I think you have to move him regardless. The return outweighs the positives of having him for a few more months imo.
- hereticpride

Unless he's willing to take a four year deal with a cap hit no higher than 7.25, I think the smart move is still to trade him.

Hart looked comfortable in net last night. I hope they give him the start against Nashville.

Question about Simmonds, yes I still move him... you can get a lot of value for him, and Simmonds on the off-wing or 3rd line just doesn't give enough to justify losing him for free next season.

I really liked the 4th line last night. Varone displays things that we haven't from Lehtera and Weal as a center. He's fast, tenacious, and has a decent shot. More importantly, the coach showed his confidence in the 4th giving them more minutes thus allowing the other lines to stay fresher. A breath of fresh air.

Dude! You made fun of me when I pointed out that Sanheim was looking like our hungriest defenseman in a game he scored his first goal of the season.
- SuperSchennBros

Weirdo.

The team seemed to play with a different commitment level last night whether it was for Hart, for Gordon, for themselves or for change in general I think it was evident.

I think that's great for every day from yesterday forward.

But the cynic in me, maybe the parent in me feels a twinge of disappointment that the same effort wasn't there when it was needed to save the coach's job. I'm not saying Hakstol should still be here, not even interested in whether he was a good coach or not. I'm more concerned with this sort of "we're going to play crappy until we get our way" attitude that I've felt from the team recently.

That's not to say I won't just forgive it all if they just keep playing well as a team, I'm a fan...not a coach, gm or a parent to any of these players.
- shekkie

I agree. Regardless of whether or not this is actually the case. I sure feels like it was. I don't care who your coach is, you play for your teammates and your own pride first. Hockey isn't a complicated game. The systems are simple and not all that varying from coach to coach. So the difference is almost always going to come down to effort and execution.

Last night I saw a 60 minute effort with pretty good execution throughout. Where the (frank) was that in the previous 30 games?

Im so sour on this roster its poisoning my enjoyment.

Simmer will be one the harder players to say goodbye to. He is a Philadelphia type player through and through. Has put his body on the line for us so many times. But I refuse to pay him for past accomplishments. Last year and most of this year he has not played worth a big contract. I absolutely deal him. Doesnt mean I'm giving up on this season though. I'd be looking for other top 9s in trades

Regardless of whether or not this is actually the case. I sure feels like it was.
- MBFlyerfan

So no evidence at all to back it up, but it must be true cuz' feelings?

I really liked the 4th line last night. Varone displays things that we haven't from Lehtera and Weal as a center. He's fast, tenacious, and has a decent shot. More importantly, the coach showed his confidence in the 4th giving them more minutes thus allowing the other lines to stay fresher. A breath of fresh air.
- RustyPipes

While I agree with everything said here....I want Misha to get his shot at 4th line center under Gordon as soon as he is healthy enough.

So no evidence at all to back it up, but it must be true cuz' feelings?
- Tomahawk

Opinions are largely based on feelings from watching. I'm not sure what point you're arguing. Its not a tribunal, evidence to support how a fan feels isn't really necessary is it?