GDT: #1: FLYERS vs. Blackhawks, Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, 2:00 pm ET [at Prague, Czech Republic]

[Striiker]

He wasn't here all offseason. He likes to drop in about once a month or two and talk down to people.

At least when I talk down to people I do it all year round

smh

 

[orangecrush8]

Can someone explain why this game isnt 2PM on a ****ing Saturday?

If I had any ability to GIF this, I would pull Ari Gold screaming at his therapist that he has to “take a call when it comes in at noon on a mother f***ing Wednesday!”

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Nah Czech fans havent but my point id they still wouldnt be by switching to Sat.

The NHL is -- perhaps -- looking at an afternoon game with the sports world limited in the States. Maybe a playoff baseball game or two (I haven't checked those scheds) during that time slot compared to many college football games in which a prime NHL game would be related to low status. I can understand fans being upset by a non-weekend afternoon game but baseball has done it for years especially on opening day(s) for some teams.

I should add that the NHL has said in recent year, maybe as recently as last year, that the increase of afternoon games is done to expand their audiences based on time zones and to consider those watching overseas including Europe.

 

[Captain Dave Poulin]

At least when I talk down to people I do it all year round

smh

And the things I say are beneath people. Thus, obviously, better.

 

[Rebels57]

The NHL is -- perhaps -- looking at an afternoon game with the sports world limited in the States. Maybe a playoff baseball game or two (I haven't checked those scheds) during that time slot compared to many college football games in which a prime NHL game would be related to low status. I can understand fans being upset by a non-weekend afternoon game but baseball has done it for years especially on opening day(s) for some teams.

I should add that the NHL has said in recent year, maybe as recently as last year, that the increase of afternoon games is done to expand their audiences based on time zones and to consider those watching overseas including Europe.

Im liking this post for your knowledge, not because I agree with the NHL lol

 

[MiamiScreamingEagles]

Im liking this post for your knowledge, not because I agree with the NHL lol

And both points are duly noted.

I was simply playing devil's advocate. I am not so much a proponent of the Friday afternoon game time but I do think the travel schedule/practice slate has much to do with it, too. Yes, there is ample time in between games once they return to the States but an extra day doesn't hurt considering the schedule as it advances this month. Ultimately, they need to perform and shouldn't use jet lag as an excuse for any mediocre efforts.

 

[TheKingPin]

Thanks again MSE!! Like taxes and death...


Everyone needs to calm the hell down. It’s not like AV is gushing over any forward that shouldn’t be here. He’s been disappointed. Farabee and maybe Frost will be here soon. On D there is Hagg...sucks. Then we have Hart who will win games on his own.

 

[flyersjim73]

Anybody going to Xfinity tomorrow for the watch party?

 

[trostol]

I will of course miss the game due to work

 

[Captain Dave Poulin]

I will of course miss the game due to work

Don't worry - I am going to whine enough for both of us. YNWA

 

[Gert B Frobe]

Mike Rupp is a complete moron. And I don't like what's his name either - the former backup goalie guy who overthinks and never shuts up about goalies.

 

[Striiker]

Maybe I should make my own GDT for tomorrow where I can rant and rave away from civilized people.

 

[Empty Net Goal]

A lot of of opening day MLB games are mid day. Hell the Cubs played mid day during the week for decades. It's just one game. Besides plenty of people work nights and weekends and miss a lot of games.

 

[GapToothedWonder]

Not sure what makes you think Rubtsov is a better 4C option right now than Bunnaman, other than draft position.

The positioning and defensive instincts Ruby showed. I don't mind that Bunnaman made the team. I just don't think he is a good fit at center in the NHL. I think he has lots of potential as a bottom 6 winger.

 

[FlyerNutter]

Maybe I should make my own GDT for tomorrow where I can rant and rave away from civilized people.

I strongly support the idea. I’m looking for a new cave.

 

[DancingPanther]

A lot of of opening day MLB games are mid day. Hell the Cubs played mid day during the week for decades. It's just one game. Besides plenty of people work nights and weekends and miss a lot of games.

 

[BlackandOrange]

I’m expecting a big game from Voracek, but I hope the boys don’t pass up taking good shots in an attempt to get Jake some goals in front of his family and friends.

 

[Knarf9o5o1o4o9]

Was excited for this game until I remembered Scott laughton is going to be the third line center

 

[Doodootheclown]

I was really excited for the game and for the season to start, but then I read this thread.

 

[kudymen]

Today is the day. Yay


Anyway, I fear the audience will be "dead"-ish. Heard about a lot of tickets that were just scooped in bunches by corporations, since almost anyone has an HQ in Prague. Hopefully it wont be like Toronto, haha

From that point of view, Saturday night would probably be worse, given many of those who got "free ticket" wouldnt even show up and the arena would be emptier... Regular fan probably wouldnt mind if its Friday or Saturday, beer night is usually allocated for both of these evenings

 

[Ghosts Beer]

There will be some growing pains. The Patrick loss hurts hugely. Pitlick back is actually a valuable addition. He and Twarynski are similar and do things they need. Not sure about Bunnaman, but he had a nice preseason, and they need a center with Patrick out. Might make it as a fourth liner and he gives a little more than Rubtsov at the moment at center. Best they got for the first trial with Patrick out. If he fails, there are options. None great. Yet. Rubtsov probably is more of a winger if he makes it. People underestimate the value of strength in the NHL for all but the most incredibly talented players.

I do like Pitlick and Twarynski being on the team. Very necessary.

 

[Flyerfan4life]

We doing a pick em thread again ?

sadly i never got an answer back from Flyerrs about last seasons resilts/winner..

so at this point im going to say prolly not

 

[Doodootheclown]

It's an uncomfortable spot to be as a fan when you distrust the process of those in charge (compare it to the Sixers or Eagles). It's never perfect, as you see it, but you just need that bedrock of trust that the pluses outnumber the minuses. We've had such a long decade of this, some might be forgiven for lacking the elasticity to bounce back into happy, hopeful fandom. Then you get into a vicious circle of wishing the team -- or more precisely, the dregs holding it back -- do poorly to get the change you want, therein the success you crave -- but not without a side of guilt. Because the people in charge can be so dumbfounding in their process, it's only results, inevitable results, that sway them.

So, here we are. We have two 4th lines, with the only prospects making the team coming off 1 year each in the AHL: 32 points in 62 games and 24 points in 69 games. And goodness knows, an average 4th liner like Pitlick must be rushed back from injury because that averageness has created such a void. With one of the best prospect pools in hockey, we get low ceiling players who rode SSS evaluating in preseason. They played well in that minuscule sample, and a center was needed too, so that's not bad in a vacuum (except Twarynski is in the top 9).

But the process of evaluating sustainability is worrisome, especially in light of Farabee's results over process demotion. Vigneault talking about going into preseason blind is taking a more ominous tone as the season begins. Concerns about members of this coaching staff mangling their recent past rosters, waved away all summer because of their gosh darn experience, might just be coming to light here.

If a sub-replacement player like Hagg, who survived the executioner's axe again based on some illogical games played seniority argument (forget what that seniority entailed), rides his usual PDO bender in October, is that all he needs to become a lock, like under Hakstol? How does Sanheim, our highest potential defenseman, not get PP2 time behind the worst statistical PP defenseman in the league and another who has 2 points in the last 2 years? I've seen better optimization in the North Korean electrical grid.

As many fans bemoan a lack of urgency in the recent past; as our top players continue to age and one window shrinks; after an offseason of pissing away money and assets in the name of depth.......it's so ****ing underwhelming. But mediocrity is the Flyers brand, so if you're a gambling man, bet on it.

 

[catbellysqueezer]

Are we going to win?

 

[Outlaw Samurai]