Howie58

1 hour ago, radoran said:

 

So, a Flyers game, then?

Me thinks you've been around here too long...LOL!

After listening to the Yeo post-game on YouTube, I wouldn't rule out Sandstrom.  I agree with Samifan--we might see a ragged Flyers squad.

Greetings:

The Sharks are mild favorites (-110), and it looks like Reimer versus Jones between the pipes:

https://www.docsports.com/free-picks/nhl-hockey/2021/philadelphia-flyers-vs-san-jose-sharks-prediction-12-30-2021-nhl-picks-best-bets-odds.html

Reimer is playing well this season (2.28 GAA; .928 Save Percentage).  I guess there's a bit of drama with Jones going up against his former team.  Hopefully, we don't have repeat of last night's snooze fest.  

27 minutes ago, flyercanuck said:

 

 

You know who else has only played 4 games? The guy we traded him and Myers for. The guy who has 6 years at $6 + million per left on his contract. 

Dear FC:

Yeah, I think this may be an ongoing dilemma solved by LTIC or retirement. 

The deeper problem: Why we had to make the trade in the first place. Five years ago, we were supposed to have one of the best D and G prospect pools. So far, I'd say we have limited payoff via Hart and Sanheim. We had to being in Jones for backup. 

With 20/20 hindsight, offing Hextall made sense. Our payoff with patience wasn't too great. 

I am hoping Risto goes, but CF may not want to absorb the sunk trade costs.

Ivan redeemed the team in OT. Jones earned his keep. JVR did his thing. At 7 million, he should do it more often.

It is 2 points...barely

Well, JVR and Jones are awake. I am having a tough time watching. The O and B have no mojo.

We dont seem to have our sea legs. We're lucky to have a tie at 1 after one.

I heard a piece earlier today RE: Ron Francis and the Kraken.  The gist was that he didn't accumulate enough picks in the expansion draft.  The other part was Brandon Tanev on LTIR.  He's been their sparkplug. The Achilles tear--out for season. 

Greetings:

This is matchup with diminished rosters due to injury and COVID; the bookies haven't posted odds:

https://news.sportsinteraction.com/nhl/matchup/flyers-vs-kraken-odds-122921-147334

The teams have similar records over their last 10; Seattle's play has improved.  But note that both teams have save percentages under .900 during that stretch:

https://www.espn.com/nhl/preview?gameId=401349685

Hopefully, we'll stay awake.  

After watching an episode of Top Shelf Hockey on Youtube, I  say 2022 will be a crossroads.  Will our recent trades pan out (emphasis on Ellis)?  Will Giroux stay or go (I think he goes)?  Does Yeo stay?  Does Fletcher stay (Those two may be linked)?  Do we get rid of some of the roster to get picks (Shoot, the Eagles have three first rounders)?  

It is not an exaggeration to say this year will be consequential.

BTW.  Nolan Patrick has only played four games for the Knights and may only start to play again:

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hockey/news/golden-knights-nolan-patrick-practices-in-regular-jersey/

Unloading him may not have been such a bad idea.  

1 hour ago, OccamsRazor said:

 

Just don't expect it to start back up when it says it is suppose to....in fact it could get way worse after this holiday season spreading...

Yes Sir!  This could get messy.  Apparently, there is internal dissention among some of the higher-ups about playing while asymptomatic.  Yzerman feels some leeway should be given--his rationale is that people probably played with flu and didn't know or care.  I am not sure if COVID fits in that category.  Another aspect is cap management.  Some teams are at or near their caps with AHL call-ups to man the fort.  I suspect some type of relief in light of the number of players needed to staff the teams.

Financially--this league is much more dependent on live attendance than the other big 3.  I doubt most of the American teams will shut down, but the Canadian squads might. Restrictions on seating might go back.  All in, a cluster-chuck to a slow-growth salary cap.  

2 hours ago, MaineFlyFan said:

Postponed....

 

I was just about to post the same.  If I understand correctly, the current roster of canceled games will be scheduled during the now-canceled Olympic window in February.  Apparently, NHL involvement is kaput.  

10 minutes ago, OccamsRazor said:

 

I'm honestly asking. Is it so bad if he is only a #2 is that failure??? I don't think so. I feel for the kid.

 

He could be suffering from Flyer syndrome. For real. I want to see Ellis with him before i can say fro sure...poor guy does need some help.

 

In fact you can trade every motherfcuker on this blueline and i won't bat an eye. For real.

 

Sure it goes without saying. But no i want to hang onto Ivan. I just do.

 

So glad Arizona took Strome.

 

The only guy i would have taken that they could have is Mikko Rantanen.

 

I think the kid is going to work out his issues. I have faith in him.

 

Occ:

I would not trade him either, unless something really stupendous came along.  I posted the article because it is hard to argue that he hasn't panned out as planned.  

Yes, the organization may not be developmental, and frequent shifts of coach can't help.  Or, he may not be all that we hoped for. I think he is a keeper. 

I think it's sad that D and G have not panned out.  We thought Hextall would build from goal out.  Yes, we have Hart.  Then things get iffy.  

17 minutes ago, elmatus said:

There is an awful tendency to overhype certain players because we want them to be something we need, rather than looking at them for what they truly are. If I were a betting man, I'd wager the truth is somewhere in the middle between the org's failings and our lofty expectations.

I wouldn't mind if we had a B+/A- D-man on our hands.  Provorov is a darn good player.  But I agree with FC and the author that he may not turn into the "Stud" D-man (using Marc Bergervin's term) that we hoped for.  So, we hope to build one from within, if that is possible.  

Writ large, I guess his arc is part of a bigger problem that we've discussed here forever--our draft picks haven't panned out as hoped.  Jeepers, what we are seeing at LVP doesn't inspire much hope.  What's strange--D and G were supposed to be our strengths, right?  

Greetings:

We come in as mild underdogs (Washington, -1.50):

https://news.sportsinteraction.com/nhl/matchup/capitals-vs-flyers-odds-122121-147294

T.J. Oshie has joined Backstrom and Kusnetzov on the COVID Protocol, so we are playing a less potent Caps squad:

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/capitals/capitals-shuffle-lineup-again-tj-oshie-added-nhls-covid-19-protocol

I haven't seen anything on Hart or our lineup.  Hopefully, the game isn't canceled.  

LGF.  

P.S.  I just read a computer prediction:  Caps 4, Flyers 2.  Part of the model:  The O and B giving up 34.6 shots per game.  

Greetings:

I saw this earlier today:

Flyers' Provorov Failing to Realize No. 1 Defenseman Potential (thehockeywriters.com)

Putting aside Ivan's supporting cast (hard to do), it's clear his numbers don't compare favorably to others in his draft cohort.  Some of us might have viewed him as a Norris candidate a few years ago.  That might not be the case today.  

Best,

Howie

Well, they seized victory out of the jaws of defeat. Overall, still mediocre, though better than under Vigneault. 

Perhaps "State of the Disorganization" would be more appropriate.  I find the system ranking ...bizarre. 

We go in circles. A few glimmers of hope followed by the abyss. The destination is mediocrity. 

They look like poop this period and Jones has given up two iffy goals. Turns my red wine into vinegar. Yeo should tear into these folks between periods.

Well, Jones is in with Hart illness. Willman on COVID protocol but Farabee in. The plot thickens.

Greetings:

I haven't seen odds on this yet, but it's clear the Senators give up lots of shots and goals:

https://news.sportsinteraction.com/nhl/matchup/senators-vs-flyers-odds-121821-147271

On paper, we should beat this team.  Farabee may be available.  I hope the gang is angry over the SO loss to MTL.  They can take it out on OTT.  

Jones or JJ made an observation that's been on my mind for years: We win faceoffs with no scoring payoff. That, coupled with the shootout history, probably says a lot about our talent. 

Even good teams lay eggs. But this one showed the rough edges.

Willman reminds me of Pitlick. The talent may not be great but he earns his keep. That's OK in my book.

I have to agree with Taryn; this was a snoozer.  I started doing holiday cards and other stuff while trying to watch/engage.  What did JJ say...we are 53-94 in the shootout and worst in the league historically.  Yikes.  

Seeing Primeau in net made me think about the Flyers in '03-'04 against Tampa Bay.  Primeau carried the team on his shoulders, Sami was amazing.  They had heart.  Taryn had it sized up.  We snoozed against a lousy team with no real home advantage.

23 minutes ago, Math said:

Québec always wants to be ahead in terms of ambitious environmental policies, in particular recycling. However, given that speaking french is a mandatory element in the hiring process, the choice is quite limited.

Dear Math:

I noted that Jeff Gorton spoke a few words in French at his appointment news conference.  Ahhh, the Treat of Paris....has the war ended culturally?  

Peace,

Howie

FYI:

There has been talk about bringing Therien or AV back to Montreal.  They may not be good choices but the talking heads have already brought it up.  Funny!

https://thehockeywriters.com/montreal-canadiens-vigneault-head-coaching-options-ducharme/