deadhead
Registered User
- Feb 26, 2014
- 49,215
- 21,617
Weird game, they came out strong, then had a few minute slump where everything Boston did worked. Pastrnak had a perfect shot that beat Ersson, a fluky deflected shot that had eyes for the upper left corner, and a couple hard work goals that showed why the Flyers need more size on defense. All those mobile D-men are great until the puck is below the faceoff circles, then you need to win puck battles and win battles in front of the net. Rest of the game they tried hard, but they kept missing connections, while Ullmark showed why he's a top goaltender.
It's not like Boston is full of elite talent, Pastrnak, McAvoy and ??? Even Marchand is a bit long in the tooth, Coyle is having his career year, Zacha was a reject from NJ, etc. They're just a really good TEAM with a great goalie tandem. It'll be interesting to see how deep they get into the playoffs this season.
Lycksell is a different player than last year, he's stronger, and the extra time in the AHL has made him understand that he can't finesse his way through the NHL. Looked like he's still getting used to NHL speed on a couple plays where he thought he had more time. But worked hard and made things happen.
TK is pressing, a couple shots where he rushed and missed the net - he needs to pot that one goal and relax and he'll go on another scoring streak.
York played much better with Risto, while Drysdale and Sanheim didn't look that good together, one puck, two guys who need the puck, zero guys who play physical defense. Sanheim is back to his career norm, a solid 2nd pair guy ideally paired with a defense first partner..
Poehling makes things happen but needs to be more structured on defense.
Foerster had two nice goals, that's the shot that was supposed to be his bread and butter, ironically, it's everything else he's done right from defense, board battles and passing. I think he's going to be the complete package when he grows up, he just turned 22, rookie season, still has room to fill out and with hard work add a little speed. But it takes time.
They desperately need a physical 2C type. Doesn't have to be elite, just someone who can anchor a line with Cates and Foerster that can both defend and score. Laughton and Poehling just don't fit that role.
It's not like Boston is full of elite talent, Pastrnak, McAvoy and ??? Even Marchand is a bit long in the tooth, Coyle is having his career year, Zacha was a reject from NJ, etc. They're just a really good TEAM with a great goalie tandem. It'll be interesting to see how deep they get into the playoffs this season.
Lycksell is a different player than last year, he's stronger, and the extra time in the AHL has made him understand that he can't finesse his way through the NHL. Looked like he's still getting used to NHL speed on a couple plays where he thought he had more time. But worked hard and made things happen.
TK is pressing, a couple shots where he rushed and missed the net - he needs to pot that one goal and relax and he'll go on another scoring streak.
York played much better with Risto, while Drysdale and Sanheim didn't look that good together, one puck, two guys who need the puck, zero guys who play physical defense. Sanheim is back to his career norm, a solid 2nd pair guy ideally paired with a defense first partner..
Poehling makes things happen but needs to be more structured on defense.
Foerster had two nice goals, that's the shot that was supposed to be his bread and butter, ironically, it's everything else he's done right from defense, board battles and passing. I think he's going to be the complete package when he grows up, he just turned 22, rookie season, still has room to fill out and with hard work add a little speed. But it takes time.
They desperately need a physical 2C type. Doesn't have to be elite, just someone who can anchor a line with Cates and Foerster that can both defend and score. Laughton and Poehling just don't fit that role.
