http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=71466
Meltzer's post today is awesome overall, it is actually better that usual I think, which is really saying something! A joy to read really, very in depth and informative... the kind of hockey journalism Philly deserves:
Some excerpts:
* Sam Gagner left practice early but Hakstol said afterwards the player is fine. Hakstol also said that felt Gagner actually had a pretty good training camp but needs to focus on certain areas of his play, and the two have discussed it. While Hakstol declined to elaborate, it is pretty clear that the coach wants the player to play a "harder" game with more attention to two-way responsibilities.
* The Flyers briefly worked on shootouts in the second half of practice. Evgeny Medvedev scored the "Peter Forsberg postage stamp" goal against Michal Neuvirth. while Claude Giroux successfully pulled of a lateral change-of-direction in close against Steve Mason.
* Mason tends to be a rather vocal goalie out on the ice, and Gudas said he's already noticed that the goalie is one of the better communicators with whom he's worked.
"He's very good, actually. I've had a great experience with him on the PK. Like sometimes he calls out where to clear -- which was to clear to -- and that is a big help. I'm really happy to have him out there," said Gudas.