It's only 3 games. We have many players who have yet to score. Roenick, Amonte, etc have not scored.
That whole line looks lost so far. With the amount of talent on that line I can't believe the lack of scoring chances they have generated so far. The first game Amonte had several opportunities that he missed badly but has barely got a sniff since.
JR is hitting anything that moves but can't seem to carry the puck. Gagne? I'm still waiting for him to show up. He seems to float through games, he needs to play much more aggressively.
So far that line has been very disappointing. Not scoring is one thing but not generating anything and looking bad is another. It is only 3 games but this is supposed to be our top line and they need to start playing like it.
I just hope Gagné won't bust, because i sort of get the feeling he is going to. Maybe 4th line duties will shape him up. He doesn't look motivated out there. The only consistent Flyer in the last year or so has been Claude Lapointe. I haven't seen him have a bad game yet. He always goes out and plays hard, the others should follow his lead.
I could see Gags playin with Kapanen and Primeau while Brash is out, and maybe they need to separate JR and Amonte as well.
This is the way i'd do it.
Recchi Roenick Williams
Gagné Handzus Kapanen
Brash Primeau Amonte
Fedoruk Lapointe Kane
Alternate between Kapanen and Amonte.
Williams deserves first line ice time as he has been the best Flyer out there so far.
I just hope Gagné won't bust, because i sort of get the feeling he is going to. Maybe 4th line duties will shape him up. He doesn't look motivated out there. The only consistent Flyer in the last year or so has been Claude Lapointe. I haven't seen him have a bad game yet. He always goes out and plays hard, the others should follow his lead.
I could see Gags playin with Kapanen and Primeau while Brash is out, and maybe they need to separate JR and Amonte as well.
This is the way i'd do it.
Recchi Roenick Williams
Gagné Handzus Kapanen
Brash Primeau Amonte
Fedoruk Lapointe Kane
Alternate between Kapanen and Amonte.
Williams deserves first line ice time as he has been the best Flyer out there so far.
Don't split up Williams & Handzus, they've been the best pair so far. Also the line was originally going to be Gagne/Handzus/Williams ... it was the best line in preseaon, only broken up because LeClair, couldn't play with JR & Amonte.
Don't split up Williams & Handzus, they've been the best pair so far. Also the line was originally going to be Gagne/Handzus/Williams ... it was the best line in preseaon, only broken up because LeClair, couldn't play with JR & Amonte.
I agree that the Gagne/Handzus/Williams line was great in preseason. 2 things are hurting the line combos at this time: 1.) Leclair's inability to play with Roenick. 2.) Hitch keeping the "set in stone" line for Kapanen.
If you are willing to move Kapanen, you can give Roenick a winger that he plays well with and keep him happy. Yet you can put the 2nd line back together giving you 2 good lines. If you move Kapanen you can just plug Recchi into the hole created by Kapanen.
If Gags continues to struggle, any thoughts on a move to center? I know we are crowded but the move may help him get into the play more.
Any thoughts?
Agree that Amonte looks very out of sorts, cannot seem to be in the right position for shots or D.
I think getting Gags back to the second line with Zeus and Willie and putting Rex on the first line should be a good move
JR said previously that he wanted Rex on his line.
We could have this line up :
Rex - JR - TBone
Gags - Zeus - Willie
Kane - Preems - Kappy
Fridge - Lapointe - Chouinny
(or switch Chouinny and Kane)
not being a flyer fan, let me give some "unbiased" info.
Gagne is world class. If they ever opened up the system in philly, this guy will light it up. But its hitch's system which is all about goals against, limiting the other sides quality chances, finishing their checks and getting the puck in deep on the forecheck\cycle.
The flyers don't have to prove anything in the regular season. In fact they could take a month off and still probably take the 8 spot without breaking a sweat.
Hitch was brought in to bring a cup to flyerland. He is going to preach his system and stick to his guns (the guy is a control freak but has a ring to prove his ideas are right)
Frankly I think Hack is good enough to win a cup for this team, he just has to stay healthy.
They have to worry about Ottawa or an upset (again) in the postseason
