I see today that Michael Grabner signed a 5 yr deal worth 15 milion or 3mil/year.

Does anyone see this as a benchmark for Big Ville Style?  Here are last year's lines, at least in so much as basic stats. 

Grabner - 76 GP  34 G  18 A  52 PTS (23 years old)

Leino - 81 GP  19 G  34 A  53 PTS  (28 years old)

I didn't include +/- as I'm not sure it is a great indicator of anything since it is very dependent on team ability.  I'd show CORSI because I think it is a valuable stat, but honestly I don't know where to find that info.

Regardless, we'd all agree thet neither of these guys are defensive stalwarts.  So as many of us here believe, this may be the true market contract for Leino, who is a similar type player.  Both have limited sample size, at least in the NHL, while Grabner is younger.  Usually, goal scorers do get valued higher as well, and I think we'd all agree that Grabner is the more "pure" goal scorer. 

Interested to hear your thoughts.

OK.  Outright embarrasing yesterday.  I do not understand how a team opening game 1 on home ice collectively does not show up.  I had a UFC party last night, and it was tough to wear my Flyer gear, let alone all the stuff hanging on my walls.  I have no problem wearing it, even during the meltdown that was 06-07, but I do have a problem with not showing up.  That was an embarrassing performance yesterday, but thankfully, it was game 1, and it wouldn't be this Flyer team if we didn't make it hard on ourselves. 

I have noticed in the last few weeks, some criticism levied at Laviolettte, and deservedly so.  But in reference to yesterday, coaching was not the issue.  Let's not give the players an out with the coach.  This is what happens in pro sports, coach out, players safe.  And I'm not saying trade this guy or that guy.  We have a great team when we play determined, physical hockey.   The issue was, a group of players who were not ready to play.  Yes the coach is part of that, but we've seen in the past, this team is difficult to figure.  I don't know if it's immaturity (I doubt it, they are grown men) but they are sometimes without a pulse, and yesterday was one of those days.......in game 1 of a ECSF game!  I believe we will prevail, and maybe I`ll be buying a ridiculously overpriced ticket on stubhub and booking a flight down to Philly for the Cup Finals again.  I will be able to walk down the street with my Ference finger in the air signalling my reprieve.  At least I hope so.    

OK - to make it clear, I am not ruling out the season, I am not a bandwagon fan, I am a blood Flyer fan since I was 7 watching the Flyers fall in 87 to the Oilers.  I have never won a cup, being born in 78, in fact games like today actually affect my mood for the rest of the day.  I have missed at most 6 games all year as I have Centre Ice.  Yes they are having a great season, but this attitude of oh well, we're good and we'll be ok doesn't fly with me.  To come out with such little will and determination sickens me.  Not just today, but over the last 2 weeks.  I've seen more balls in beer league hockey.  As soon as things get tough, they wilt.  This is not the Flyer team we know, and I know it isn't the team in that locker room.  Ville Leino actually gets quoted as saying something along the lines of - maybe because we are on top, we don't get up for games as much - well better look in the paper, cuz we are about to not only fall out of first, but suddenly they are looking at losing home ice in the first round and falling to 5th!  When your captain fights to get you going, and you don't respond, your starting goalie gets pulled, yet you leave Bobrovsky hung out to dry the rest of the way, is disgusting.  This game today could have been much worse than 7 zip, and we all know it.    Jody Shelley was our best player today.  I don't care if Carcillo is sick, even if he had leprosy, he would have more guts than we did today.  We should start Betts/Shelley/Carcillo against Edmonton on Tuesday and  set the tone immediately.  Apologies, but I had to rant.     
 

Just thought I'd put forth my rankings on our DMEN so far this year.  I do this based on what I've watched so far this year (I have Centre Ice so I've seen all the games).  I have not looked at CORSI/FENWICK or other stats at all.  I leave that to those in the know, if they care to post it later on.

1. Coburn - I believe he has been our steadiest player and has been a bit more physical this year...just wish he'd hit the net more

2. Pronger - Only 3 games but seems mostly his steady self - although obviously will firmly be in the #1 spot since this is training camp for him.

3. Timonen - Steady as usual but do worry that he is still a little gassed from the playoffs.  How many times has he hobbled off the ice after a shot block.

4. O'Donnell - Doing exactly what he's supposed to.  Reliable in his own end for the most part and very calm.  Scrap with Downie doesn't hurt either!

5 (Tie) - Meszaros - been OK.  He's a big guy, how bout hitting a few more people.  Shooting the puck with authority would be nice.  Definitely not terrible though.

5 (Tie) Carle - he's had 2 games out of 5 that I think he has been weak.  I hope he's not regressing as he has in the past.

Whaddya think?  

Well it's only 2 games in and I've already seen enough of the Richards/Carter/Carcillo line.  It's seems obvious to me that Carter on the wing is not going to work, whether it's chemistry with Richards, lack of familiarity or comfort playing the wing, or simply not motivated because he IS playing the wing (I hope this one isn't the case).  Along with that, I happen to be one of us who sees value in Carcillo so I don't mind him playing on a scoring line but to me the Flyers should have him playing elsewhere.  He played his best when he was part of the LCB line last year and that's a role he suits.  He is a player that needs to play on the edge.  To be valuable he needs to be in a role where he is asked to agitate, hit, fight once in awhile, and chip in the odd goal.  That is the role missing on the Betts/Powe line.  Shelley should not be in the lineup unless we are playing someone like the Rangers who will have a Boogard type in the lineup. 

I know lines are always posted but here is what I would try.

JVR/Richards/Giroux

Hartnell/Briere/Leino

Zherdev/Carter/Nodl 

Carcillo/Betts/Powe     



Oh yea.  Who'd a guessed our goaltending would be the strength of the team.  I know it's only 2 games in, but still!

Fellas - was just wondering what the status of Betts & Leino is for the regualr season opener?  I read they both took the yellow jerseys off at the last practice leaving them with about 10 days to get ready.  Are they planning to have them both ready to go? 

Also, any rumblings on how the team is feeling about Carcillo or Powe or Shelley making the NHL club if and when everyone gets to be healthy?

Thanks for the insight guys. 

All - just wanted to make sure each and everyone one of you are aware of what a great time I had in your city while I was there for Game 4.  From all the various people I met from bar to bar on Thursday night/Friday morning, to those I met walking the streets on Friday afternoon from street vendors to city workers to regular folks who took time from their day to give directions, to the wildly entertaining fans at the block party before the game & to those that we met at the bars again on Friday night I am very grateful (A special shout out to the crew at Dirty Franks).  Those of you on this site that helped me plan my journey into your city I am thankful as well.  My only regret was that I couldn't stay longer.  Make no mistake, I will return.

Although last night's game was disappointing, after being there for game 4 I just can't see Chicago winning in Philly & I think we're headed for one final showdown in game 7.  And after the wild ride this season, why wouldn't it be that way?

Thanks Again Philly,   

All - Just wanted to share my extreme excitement as I am going to the Wach for Game 4.  Before the last series I contacted Ben about how the best way to get tickets for the Montreal series.  I decided to wait and hope the boys would beat Montreal and then I'd try to come to the Finals.  Ben told me he'd had succss with Stubhub, which I used to get these tickets....so thanks Ben!  

I am flying in from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada so was wondering if you guys could help me out.  My buddy is about to book the Holiday Inn Express Midtown on Walnut Street as we have a good rate (considering flights and ticket costs we are budgeting everything else) but I wanted to make sure we aren't booking into a dive or a bad area of town.  Any comments would be appreciated.

We are arriving the night before the game and leaving the morning after so any suggestions on where a good place  around the Wachovia for a few beers would be much appreciated.  This is awesome!

SInce we have a nice break before the next round I figured we may as well have some debate about the off season (hopefully a very short one!). 

It's been noted and I agree as many of us do, Danny Briere & Claude Giroux are much better centres than wingers.  I found myself wondering during the last game if we really can't afford to lose Carter.  If the stories are true and the Flyers want a good young goalie Carter is by far the easiest one to trade and would probably fetch us the most in return.  Should we deal him to say LA (Bernier & a winger or a dman) or Montreal (Price & a winger or Dman) or wherever for a good young goalie?  I think if we went into next season with 4 lines centred by Giroux, Briere, Richards, Betts we might be OK (although maybe a bit small).  I'm not saying we should do it or shouldn't do it but I think it is certainly an option.  What do you guys think? 

So how many of us are really scared about what is going to happen on Saturday against the Pens?  I sure am. 

I wouldn't start Backlund against them for fear of destrying him forever but would certainly think about it against Jersey.  I didn't think losing Leighton would be the worst thing ever but I didn't realize Boucher would be so inconsistent.  I'm not putting all this on Boucher but he is not making many big saves and there is always at least 1 bad one.  Last night Zidlicky's goal was not good and the OT one was sketchy.  The Havlat goal is a skill player taking advantage of a turnover, no problem for me there.  Anyway, they could shock me and play great, its happened before.....

I am tired of reading the posts on game threads ripping Richards about how he can't do this or sucks at that.  Sure the guy may not light it up every night but I think he plays hard and with grit most times.  I'm not sure he was expected to be an 75 point getter in the NHL year in and year out when he was drafted and I think he will ultimately be that.  Did anyone watch the Olympics?  I would say he was one of Canada's top 5 forwards.  I'm just saying lay off a bit he is far from the problem on this team.

Well - another frustrating evening that left me tired & confused.  Really unsure how this team goes into these droughts where they cant score.  I really think it's time for Richards to go to a checking line (And don't tell me that him being with Gagne constitutes a checking line because they are so responsible defensively).  I honestly don't think it would hurt his scoring much if he played with JVR and Asham considering a large % of his points are PP points anyway. 

Although Giroux needs to realize he can shoot the puck in rather than deke it in some nights he is our most creative offensive presence by far.  He needs top 6 minutes.  Maybe he has some sort of magic that can get Simon "I'm not worried about my slump" Gagne a few tap ins and get him going. 

Also, I'm not sure how you do this but Briere needs to play in the middle.  Why can't Carter play wing?  If it's because of his faceoff % well....he can still take all the faceoffs playing wing and them simply switch with Briere after the puck drop.  

Don't be surprised to see Leino in the lineup.  It is an understated trade but we got rid of OKT for a player who Mike Babcock said just last year was one of the best offensive players he ever had to cut.  He may not amount to anything but worth taking a shot on since we really never gave anything up.

Anyway, apologies for the meandering message.  Huge week ahead where we need at least a split with Jersey & a sweep against the Habs.

Shaker

Fellow Philly Fanatics,

My first post so hope this isn't an overdone post but in order to make any noise, obviously our top lines need to get going.  I think our 3 & 4 lines are sound, especially with Giroux at Centre, where he seems to make a difference compared to wing.

How about:

Gagne, Richards, Briere 

Hartnell, Carter, Powe

Leave the 3 & 4 lines as is.

I don't necessarily think every line needs a grinder.  Why not a "skill" line (Richards line).

My beleif on the Carter line is that since Carter is almost always going to shoot, why not have 2 net crashers in Hartnell & Powe? 

One other thing to consider is maybe reuniting Briere & Giroux with Gagne & drop Richards to the 3rd line.  It would give Giroux some additional confidence and maybe get Richards back to thinking  Defense first.  Don't get me wrong, Richards is my favorite Flyer but maybe this would get him out of his current funk.

Any thoughts? 

Shaker