Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Habs Defeat Flyers, 3-1

Is everyone done with the playoff talk yet?
It's over

Hopefully with the loss tonight, we'll get to see Sam Morin soon. Another loss or two in a row should do it.

It looked like the entire team had the flu tonight. Very poor effort, especially in the 1st and 2nd periods. Now it's time to get Morin some playing time. Keep Hart in net as much as possible to keep gaining experience, too.
The Flyers went on a good run with Gordon, but I would really like to see all new faces behind the bench and NO Ex Flyers as coaches!

The Flyers will definitely be a playoff team next year. The Flyers have a good amount of Cap space, so hopefully Fletcher can make some good moves?

It sucks that we won't make this year's playoffs, but the future does look promising.

Since my blog writing days are long over and, I have some thoughts, I'm dumping them here:

1.) Goaltending needs to be consistent. Nothing more needs to be said here. Bad goaltending was probably the difference between making and missing the playoffs.

2.) Ghost and Provorov need to be what we thought they were. Or, they need usage commensurate with what they are. Either way, many (myself included) thought last year was the start of something. This year, their performance played a part in how badly the season went. I'm in favor of a big contract for Provy and not in favor of trading Ghost, so I'm pinning some of this on coaching and lack of confidence.

3.) Nolan Patrick. He needs to turn the corner for this team to take the next step.

4.) No more Andrew MacDonald. That's it. He's got to be done here as a top 6 option. He's not part of the problem, but he ain't part of the solution either.

5.) They need more team toughness. They don't need a specific fighter. They need guys that can stir the pot and fight when necessary. I'd like Sam Morin to play a part in this. They need his toughness on the blueline. You can't have 6 Travis Sanheims and expect success. That only works in video games.

6.) Which brings me to Travis Konecny. Is he a Top 6 player or your best bottom 6 player? Which is it? I'd prefer him in the Top 6. I need his skill and poop talking in the top 6.

7.) Stop moving Claude Giroux to center. He's a wing now. Stop it.

8.) I'll listen to your best offers for Jake Voracek. I'm not looking to move him, as I think he takes having the "A" seriously and I think he's part of the solution. But, I'll listen.

9.) No more Michal Neuvirth. Be well, sir. No more Brian Elliot. Thanks for your service, Moose. Sorry Hakstol ran you into the ground.

10.) I know they are going to do something in free agency. They are raising ticket prices and renovating the arena, so they know they have to do something. I want someone to fill either the 2C role if Nolan Patrick isn't up to it or the 3C role if Nolan Patrick flips the switch this offseason. They fill that role, their fourth line falls into place nicely.

Let's get Morin some ice time.

Let's get Morin some ice time.
- wolfhounds

Agreed. And as soon as possible.

Let's get Morin some ice time.
- wolfhounds

I agree. I think Fletcher needs to see where Morin's at, given that he didn't have training camp, was injured, etc.

That said, I think it's fair to assume Fletcher is going to name a new coach who may or may not give a poop what the franchise has invested in Morin.

Since my blog writing days are long over and, I have some thoughts, I'm dumping them here:

...

- johndewar

Good stuff, John. Couple thoughts in response...

Looks like we've finally got the solution to the goalie situation, so that's a huge plus for next season (and many after).

Konecny is definitely Top 6, #2 RW.

Patrick is only 20. IMO, I'd give him another year or two before stressing about whether or not he'll meet expectations.

What renovations are they doing at the stadium?

I agree. I think Fletcher needs to see where Morin's at, given that he didn't have training camp, was injured, etc.

That said, I think it's fair to assume Fletcher is going to name a new coach who may or may not give a poop what the franchise has invested in Morin.
- johndewar

The head coach job will be an interesting development this off-season. Stick with Gordon since he's obviously done quite well after taking over, or go after Quenneville or some other coach looking for a team?

https://www.chicagotribun...ville-20190317-story.html

Morin is going to have to earn it, but I don't doubt he'll be given every opportunity to do so. Still, given our in-house defensive depth and potential free agent pick-ups, it could be a helluva fight to be in the Top 6 on D.

But I'm with you on team toughness, and Morin more than checks that box. Kid's got attitude and the size to back it up.

Good stuff, John. Couple thoughts in response...

Looks like we've finally got the solution to the goalie situation, so that's a huge plus for next season (and many after).

Konecny is definitely Top 6, #2 RW.

Patrick is only 20. IMO, I'd give him another year or two before stressing about whether or not he'll meet expectations.

What renovations are they doing at the stadium?
- wolfhounds

I agree about Patrick, but I do think he's key. I look to Joe Thornton's development to see how Patrick might develop and what Patrick is doing now isn't much different from what Jumbo did in his second year.

As for the Wells Fargo Center, here you go: https://arenadigest.com/2...enovation-phase-unveiled/

Out hit on home ice yet again. Team is getting to be a KHL team it's so soft

Carter Hart wasn't at his absolute peak sharpness in his puck tracking

he did seem to be fighting it a lot last night. a team with a bit more offensive instinct might have lit him up.

Is everyone done with the playoff talk yet?
It's over
- sILKAsSINASALO

Kaapo or bust

Good stuff, John. Couple thoughts in response...

Looks like we've finally got the solution to the goalie situation, so that's a huge plus for next season (and many after).

Konecny is definitely Top 6, #2 RW.

Patrick is only 20. IMO, I'd give him another year or two before stressing about whether or not he'll meet expectations.

What renovations are they doing at the stadium?
- wolfhounds

I need TK to take the next step. He's close to being a lock top 6 winger but he can be more consistent and I'd like to see him be a little more accurate with getting his shots on net. The latter is something a few guys should be working on this off-season tbh. Shots wide of the net absolutely plagues this team.

For those complaining about Morin not playing, apparently he was also sick like Myers last night. Sorry if Leight

Kaapo or bust
- hereticpride

It will take some creativity to move up to get him. We will see if Fletch is a good horse trader. He has assets to work with to pull it off

It will take some creativity to move up to get him. We will see if Fletch is a good horse trader. He has assets to work with to pull it off
- DaveofYork

Not sure if moving up would be worth it say if we are sitting at the 14th or 13th pick. It would cost a lot. I think I rather trade that pick for immediate help whether it’s a proven young player or a 2C/3C

straws

I understand the anticipation to see Morin, but what are you going to learn about the guy in such a short amount of time? Personally I'd wait until next season.

I wasn't too big on the Panarin sweeps, but I'd kick tires this summer. They need some serious help on offense.

@ Pelle, Idk if we will learn too much about him, he's gonna be rusty, but it would probably be great for his psyche. To go through what he did and finally get into a few games might do wonders for the kid, they mentioned lats night how happy he was just to get in the morning skate one game.

I need TK to take the next step. He's close to being a lock top 6 winger but he can be more consistent and I'd like to see him be a little more accurate with getting his shots on net. The latter is something a few guys should be working on this off-season tbh. Shots wide of the net absolutely plagues this team.
- hereticpride

In your opinion what is that next step? 24 goals last year, 22 and counting this season with 9 games to go.

Is it just consistency?

The numbers make him a top 6 already.

I don't know if I see him as a 30 goal guy. But I am with you that I would like to see him be less streaky both from an offensive standpoint and from a two-way standpoint.

Both Gordon and Hakstol have seen fit to bench him late in games for repeated transgressions.

@ Pelle, Idk if we will learn too much about him, he's gonna be rusty, but it would probably be great for his psyche. To go through what he did and finally get into a few games might do wonders for the kid, they mentioned lats night how happy he was just to get in the morning skate one game.
- ClaudeFather

Or he could just be overwhelmed and play terribly because he hasn't been playing for 70 games already.....

Its a fine line.

I am of the frame of mind that it is more likely he gets overwhelmed, at least to start.

@ Pelle, Idk if we will learn too much about him, he's gonna be rusty, but it would probably be great for his psyche. To go through what he did and finally get into a few games might do wonders for the kid, they mentioned lats night how happy he was just to get in the morning skate one game.
- ClaudeFather

It can't hurt but if they do plan on playing him, I hope it's sooner rather than later. If they want to wait until they are mathematically out, who knows when that could be?