Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Brink Lifts Flyers over Blues, 2-1

Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Brink Lifts Flyers over Blues, 2-1
- bmeltzer

Thanks Bill

he is not a #1 but Sanheim was a good pick and a very good D.

he is not a #1 but Sanheim was a good pick and a very good D.
- wcorvette

Agreed he is doing a good job at playing above his level not to mention Ristolainen has looked good with him. If the Flyers can get Risto to play like he is now with Sanheim throughout Yorks entire injury perhaps moving him wont be so difficult? Id maybe explore placing York elsewhere and see if York can maintain his play alone and even help someone like Drysdale maybe.

Longer Risto plays well the more interest he will gain. You just hope the Flyers dont fall in love with good Risto. Sell high.

If they had brains Ersson would be deadline trade bait. He would likely be the top goalie available. The only thing he’s doing for us is hurting our lottery chances

The problem with the team on offense is they're just not meshing right now, and they're missing shots, they were trying to go high on Bennington and missed two or three shots that went just over the net. And they had a number of passes in front of the net that were just off, or deflected wide. Could have scored 4-5 goals if they make those connections. In the Minn game, everything clicked, last two games they had to grind out wins.

Ersson has his mojo back, it helps that they're blocking a lot of shots but he came up big when he had to.

Sanheim - Risto playing as well as York - Sanheim, and both are holding their own as 1st pairs.
Drysdale is still an adventure, but not as bad tonight, still a lot for Seeler to cover.
Andrae moves well, playing better than Zamula, but not ready for top 4 duties.

Michkov is really struggling, too early for the "wall," I think it's playing a bunch of physical, checking teams, he's just not used to the NHL pace and probably needs to hit the weight room next summer. He got knocked around a bit, finesse is nice but good defensive teams don't give good offensive players a lot of time or room.

Poehling had a spectacular rush culminating in the Hathaway goal. He's just a solid bottom six guy, always flying around, if only he had skills.

Frost is off to a horrible start, GF/GA 2/10, some of it's bad puck luck, some of it is he just doesn't look that explosive in his skating and doesn't finish plays.

Couts is not going to be a 1C anymore, but he's still a solid veteran center, and down the road he'll be a solid veteran LW. But he might want a shorter stick, seems to fumble a lot of pucks.

Brink since he returned to the lineup has played with a much higher motor, he's no longer waiting for an offensive play to come to him, he's back checking, forechecking, blocking shots, going into the corners after pucks. Lost his man on the St Louis goal but redeemed himself. Playing faster and more physical than last season.

Farabee had a nice pass for the goal but seems to be struggling with his skating, he wasn't a speed demon but now he looks slow.

If Ersson continues to play like this, it's closer to a 90 point than 80 point team, even with the 1B goalie(s) struggling. The problem on offense isn't the defensive play, they got a number of rushes off blocked shots, it's just a matter of finishing plays consistently.

It was good to meet you Bill and discuss the old Orange and Black times...

Did anyone else not know the PWHL finished their first season? I didn't even know they played the first game, let alone giving out their Walter Cup (Is that for Gretzky? Who is Walter? Was Lance taken?).

I've heard zero coverage of the PWHL, which is a major shame.

Did anyone else not know the PWHL finished their first season? I didn't even know they played the first game, let alone giving out their Walter Cup (Is that for Gretzky? Who is Walter? Was Lance taken?).

I've heard zero coverage of the PWHL, which is a major shame.
- Glak18

It is boring and horrible to watch. As bad as the WNBA

The problem with the team on offense is they're just not meshing right now, and they're missing shots, they were trying to go high on Bennington and missed two or three shots that went just over the net. And they had a number of passes in front of the net that were just off, or deflected wide. Could have scored 4-5 goals if they make those connections. In the Minn game, everything clicked, last two games they had to grind out wins.

Ersson has his mojo back, it helps that they're blocking a lot of shots but he came up big when he had to.

Sanheim - Risto playing as well as York - Sanheim, and both are holding their own as 1st pairs.
Drysdale is still an adventure, but not as bad tonight, still a lot for Seeler to cover.
Andrae moves well, playing better than Zamula, but not ready for top 4 duties.

Michkov is really struggling, too early for the "wall," I think it's playing a bunch of physical, checking teams, he's just not used to the NHL pace and probably needs to hit the weight room next summer. He got knocked around a bit, finesse is nice but good defensive teams don't give good offensive players a lot of time or room.

Poehling had a spectacular rush culminating in the Hathaway goal. He's just a solid bottom six guy, always flying around, if only he had skills.

Frost is off to a horrible start, GF/GA 2/10, some of it's bad puck luck, some of it is he just doesn't look that explosive in his skating and doesn't finish plays.

Couts is not going to be a 1C anymore, but he's still a solid veteran center, and down the road he'll be a solid veteran LW. But he might want a shorter stick, seems to fumble a lot of pucks.

Brink since he returned to the lineup has played with a much higher motor, he's no longer waiting for an offensive play to come to him, he's back checking, forechecking, blocking shots, going into the corners after pucks. Lost his man on the St Louis goal but redeemed himself. Playing faster and more physical than last season.

Farabee had a nice pass for the goal but seems to be struggling with his skating, he wasn't a speed demon but now he looks slow.

If Ersson continues to play like this, it's closer to a 90 point than 80 point team, even with the 1B goalie(s) struggling. The problem on offense isn't the defensive play, they got a number of rushes off blocked shots, it's just a matter of finishing plays consistently.
- Striiker

The Frost line was awful in the 1st period but showed some signs of life in later periods. Ristolainen deserves credit for holding down the fort but he's just break even out there at best. Not what you want from a top 4. The Flyers offense struggles in part due to the lack of transition play and attack from the defense. Andrae has actually helped in part with that.

Agreed he is doing a good job at playing above his level not to mention Ristolainen has looked good with him. If the Flyers can get Risto to play like he is now with Sanheim throughout Yorks entire injury perhaps moving him wont be so difficult? Id maybe explore placing York elsewhere and see if York can maintain his play alone and even help someone like Drysdale maybe.

Longer Risto plays well the more interest he will gain. You just hope the Flyers dont fall in love with good Risto. Sell high.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

How many years does Risto have left? If the Flyers and Risto can play himself up, the last year of his deal might be easy to move. If not, the deadline of his pending UFA offseason.

If they had brains Ersson would be deadline trade bait. He would likely be the top goalie available. The only thing he’s doing for us is hurting our lottery chances
- Just5

What do you think one would expect back if you trade him?

Cates made two bad mistakes in the last minute that led to Schenn getting that great chance to tie it. So much for being elite defensively.

The problem with the team on offense is they're just not meshing right now, and they're missing shots, they were trying to go high on Bennington and missed two or three shots that went just over the net. And they had a number of passes in front of the net that were just off, or deflected wide. Could have scored 4-5 goals if they make those connections. In the Minn game, everything clicked, last two games they had to grind out wins.

Ersson has his mojo back, it helps that they're blocking a lot of shots but he came up big when he had to.

Sanheim - Risto playing as well as York - Sanheim, and both are holding their own as 1st pairs.
Drysdale is still an adventure, but not as bad tonight, still a lot for Seeler to cover.
- Striiker

I thought Drysdale was horrible on the PP, firing the puck into skates and generally being slow to make decisions. He's the weak link on that top unit for sure.

How many years does Risto have left? If the Flyers and Risto can play himself up, the last year of his deal might be easy to move. If not, the deadline of his pending UFA offseason.
- Roenick97

Risto has three years left including this season. He clearly is demonstrating that he is a top 4 defenseman, despite what some on this forum would have you believe. I also believe Sanheim plays much better with Risto than he does with York since now Sanheim is back on his left side. I would like to see York play with Drysdale in a game or two, just to see how they look together, it could be a dynamic back end. I liked the game Drysdale played last night so I'm happy there is some improvement. Still, the Flyers need to trade Risto and players like Laughton and Frost to clear some space an open up a few spots for next season, where I expect Luchanko and maybe even Bonk to make the team. Teams actually like to trade for players with some term left, since they get them for more than a rental and there is cost certainty. The Flyers may have to cover $1M of Risto's salary but that's not a big deal.

If they had brains Ersson would be deadline trade bait. He would likely be the top goalie available. The only thing he’s doing for us is hurting our lottery chances
- Just5

Makes zero sense to trade your goalie when you don't even have a backup in place. He is young and could be around a long time if he is the real deal. On top of all that, goalies don't fetch much in return anyway. So nah...

Risto has three years left including this season. He clearly is demonstrating that he is a top 4 defenseman, despite what some on this forum would have you believe. I also believe Sanheim plays much better with Risto than he does with York since now Sanheim is back on his left side. I would like to see York play with Drysdale in a game or two, just to see how they look together, it could be a dynamic back end. I liked the game Drysdale played last night so I'm happy there is some improvement. Still, the Flyers need to trade Risto and players like Laughton and Frost to clear some space an open up a few spots for next season, where I expect Luchanko and maybe even Bonk to make the team. Teams actually like to trade for players with some term left, since they get them for more than a rental and there is cost certainty. The Flyers may have to cover $1M of Risto's salary but that's not a big deal.
- jd250

So is it gummies and booze? Or a little nose candy? Whatever it is I want some. If any one of those things happens next year my mind would be blown.

Risto has three years left including this season. He clearly is demonstrating that he is a top 4 defenseman, despite what some on this forum would have you believe. I also believe Sanheim plays much better with Risto than he does with York since now Sanheim is back on his left side. I would like to see York play with Drysdale in a game or two, just to see how they look together, it could be a dynamic back end. I liked the game Drysdale played last night so I'm happy there is some improvement. Still, the Flyers need to trade Risto and players like Laughton and Frost to clear some space an open up a few spots for next season, where I expect Luchanko and maybe even Bonk to make the team. Teams actually like to trade for players with some term left, since they get them for more than a rental and there is cost certainty. The Flyers may have to cover $1M of Risto's salary but that's not a big deal.
- jd250

So is a GM supposed to exclude the last decade plus of Risto being average at best ( being nice).

If a top four why do the Flyers want to move him as they have no one knocking on the door.

A dynamic back end. York and JD. Wow

Cates made two bad mistakes in the last minute that led to Schenn getting that great chance to tie it. So much for being elite defensively.
- Feanor

So making a mistake is not allowed and that changes the narrative on how he plays defensively? Does that logic apply to all or just Cates?

Risto has three years left including this season. He clearly is demonstrating that he is a top 4 defenseman, despite what some on this forum would have you believe. I also believe Sanheim plays much better with Risto than he does with York since now Sanheim is back on his left side. I would like to see York play with Drysdale in a game or two, just to see how they look together, it could be a dynamic back end. I liked the game Drysdale played last night so I'm happy there is some improvement. Still, the Flyers need to trade Risto and players like Laughton and Frost to clear some space an open up a few spots for next season, where I expect Luchanko and maybe even Bonk to make the team. Teams actually like to trade for players with some term left, since they get them for more than a rental and there is cost certainty. The Flyers may have to cover $1M of Risto's salary but that's not a big deal.
- jd250

One of these days you're going to learn one, what a top 4 defenseman actually is. Second that players are judged over a large sample of games. Then again, you probably won't. How many times have you sang the Risto song?
If Ristolainen is a legit top 4 defenseman, the Flyers should have no problem trading him. What are they waiting for?

One of these days you're going to learn one, what a top 4 defenseman actually is. Second that players are judged over a large sample of games. Then again, you probably won't. How many times have you sang the Risto song?
If Ristolainen is a legit top 4 defenseman, the Flyers should have no problem trading him. What are they waiting for?
- MJL

Risto Song. In the tune of Redemption Song.

This song of 3rd pairing.

The defender who was really bad.

Risto Song

Here's how I rank our defenders,

Sanheim #3 dman
York #4 dman
Risto #5 or 6 dman
EJ should be in the pressbox coaching
Zamula #6 or 7 dman
Andrae #5 currently but could rise to #3 or 4 dman
Drydale #5 or 6 with potential to be #4 dman



So what i see is a team that has been blinded by taking centers or forwards and completely neglecting 2 of the most important positions on a team. Yes No1 center is a need but we never ever should've drafted a center over a dman because of a perceived need.



Also none of the d prospects are above a #4 dman rating, maybe Bonk could get to a #3 dman spot but from what I have seen he will need a few years in the AHL to be ready.

Here's how I rank our defenders,

Sanheim #3 dman
York #4 dman
Risto #5 or 6 dman
EJ should be in the pressbox coaching
Zamula #6 or 7 dman
Andrae #5 currently but could rise to #3 or 4 dman
Drydale #5 or 6 with potential to be #4 dman



So what i see is a team that has been blinded by taking centers or forwards and completely neglecting 2 of the most important positions on a team. Yes No1 center is a need but we never ever should've drafted a center over a dman because of a perceived need.



Also none of the d prospects are above a #4 dman rating, maybe Bonk could get to a #3 dman spot but from what I have seen he will need a few years in the AHL to be ready.
- Flyerloon

I'd love to see a list of all the defensemen you consider #1 or #2 across the league, whether they are playing top pair or not. Not could be, but are #1 or #2.

Here's how I rank our defenders,

Sanheim #3 dman
York #4 dman
Risto #5 or 6 dman
EJ should be in the pressbox coaching
Zamula #6 or 7 dman
Andrae #5 currently but could rise to #3 or 4 dman
Drydale #5 or 6 with potential to be #4 dman



So what i see is a team that has been blinded by taking centers or forwards and completely neglecting 2 of the most important positions on a team. Yes No1 center is a need but we never ever should've drafted a center over a dman because of a perceived need.



Also none of the d prospects are above a #4 dman rating, maybe Bonk could get to a #3 dman spot but from what I have seen he will need a few years in the AHL to be ready.
- Flyerloon

Agreed on your rankings on their own merit. I'll just add that Sanheim and possibly York with some more development could partner with a legit #1 to make a nice pairing.

How many years does Risto have left? If the Flyers and Risto can play himself up, the last year of his deal might be easy to move. If not, the deadline of his pending UFA offseason.
- roenick97

He has 3 years left. If he plays well enough length wont be an issue. Moving him as a 3rd pair D would be difficult but right now hes playing well in a higher role and if he can do that long term then he becomes a lot more attractive to GMs. GMs may see him as a top 4 option.

One GMs trash is anothers treasure. People say he cant be moved but the same thing was said about Lecavalier as well LA took him and sent us a prospect back. Should also be mentioned not every GM is a great GM. Theres a handful of GMs out ther primed to make a dumb move.