Would You Rather: Assessing the Risto/Jones Deals

Let me start this article by pouring one out for Jake Voracek, going back to the now-rebuilding chasm that is the Columbus Blue Jackets. Deuces. We were told there would be action this offseason. Whether we like it or not, Fletcher has absolutely delivered in that regard. This offseason will be remembered across the league … Continue reading Would You Rather: Assessing the Risto/Jones Deals

‘Twas the Night Before the Deadline

'Twas the night before the deadline, and all across the land,The fans were in agony as Chuck sat on his hands.We witnessed another loss to the freakin' Buffalo Sabres,The Flyers in the third, played like a pile of wet paper.The team is a mess, the defense in shambles!Largely because Chuck made too many gambles.There's Gus … Continue reading ‘Twas the Night Before the Deadline

Frost Advisory in Effect

It's time to figure out just how deep the Flyers' forward corps is. Losing a top forward, let alone Selke Winner Sean (1C)outurier causes a number of problems. Aside from the glaring hole at 1C, the loss of Coots' offensive production, defensive prowess, and special teams roles creates a ripple effect beyond the first forward … Continue reading Frost Advisory in Effect

Does a Morgan Frost Appearance Shake Up the Offense?

Well, this team's offense has certainly looked better. The Flyers' postseason so far could be described as anything between "exciting" and "so irritating I'm about to spear this hockey stick through my TV screen." The Flyers' offense, and specifically the power play, serves as the catalyst for much of the aforementioned rage. A lack of … Continue reading Does a Morgan Frost Appearance Shake Up the Offense?

Like It or Not, Chris Stewart Is a Flyer

Evidently, Chris Stewart doesn't even have to be on the ice in order to maintain his agitator role. Stewart's short tenure with the Flyers has been a subject of controversy since its inception. When news of the Flyers bringing in Stewart on a professional tryout first dropped, reception among Flyers fans ranged from sheer panic … Continue reading Like It or Not, Chris Stewart Is a Flyer

Why Time on Ice is a Terrible Negotiating Piece for the Flyers

We all thought we were done with Dave Hakstol's player usage plaguing this team, didn't we? New information put out by Bob McKenzie of TSN suggests that a major holdup in Travis Konecny's contract negotiations is due to a relative lack of average time on ice (TOI) compared to other marquee players on the roster. … Continue reading Why Time on Ice is a Terrible Negotiating Piece for the Flyers

Building Philadelphia Back into a Destination City

The Flyers are already a better team two days into free agency. Kevin Hayes has filled the hole at 2nd line center. Andrew MacDonald, Dale Weise, Jori Lehterä, and Phil Varone are gone, resulting in addition by subtraction. Radko Gudas was traded for Matt Niskanen. Justin Braun was acquired for draft picks. The Flyers defense … Continue reading Building Philadelphia Back into a Destination City

Why AV’s Player Usage with the Rangers Shouldn’t Scare You

Coaches in the NHL are somewhat of an odd and very risk averse breed of people. It seems like nothing perturbs them more than the idea of playing a developing young player over a veteran, no matter what the difference in skill is. This stigma has followed Alain Vigneault to his new head coaching position, … Continue reading Why AV’s Player Usage with the Rangers Shouldn’t Scare You

The Untouchable, the Tradable, and the “What Do You Even Do Here?” of the Flyers

This offseason will *hopefully* see Chuck Fletcher, brand spankin' new head coach Alain Vigneault, and whatever supporting caste of assistant coaches make a number of changes to improve this Flyers team. Some answers can be found via unrestricted free agency. Some can be found in restricted free agency via offer sheets, which may or may … Continue reading The Untouchable, the Tradable, and the “What Do You Even Do Here?” of the Flyers

Should the Flyers Move On from Shayne Gostisbehere?

I believe there is a long and short answer to this question. THE SHORT ANSWER:What, are you dense? Of course not. THE LONG ANSWER:Okay, let's approach this a bit more carefully. After last season it seemed pretty clear that Ghost was evolving into one of the league's elite offensive defensemen. It's remarkable for a defenseman … Continue reading Should the Flyers Move On from Shayne Gostisbehere?