FLYERS 2008/2009

[BtownBeers]

That would rule if I got it! Anywhoo that top line is sick. Agree about Downie centering line 3, guess they just have to see him prove it. I like the 3rd line a lot and Downie would just make it better (though is Metro a better fit to create chances and opportunity for those 2?)

[BtownJay]

I dont' think its going to be on your tv tonight. I think its only on in Canadia tonight (but i can't be positive), thats why i'll be looking for an internet feed.

lol, i could talk about this all day, i'll try to keep it short...

I like Metro on the 4th line for a few reasons. 1. You NEED a good face-off guy on the 4th line. Thats huge, and Dowd did that very well last year. Metro is good on face-offs, and i'm not sure Downie is. He hasn't played center in a long time.

2. Downie has sooo much more potential and growth than Metro. Start Downie on the 3rd line and let him play. 6 mins a game on the 4th line between Cote and Asham doesn't let him grow. Downie came to camp 15-20 pounds lighter than he was after last season... and according to Stevens, skating better than ever too.

So as of today, yeah Metropolit is probably a better playmaker (which is actually debateable), but Downie has been working so hard, and with his natural ability, who knows what could happen. Downie's vision and creativity is one of his strong points. If he cuts down on rookie mistakes and careless mistakes, he could really flurish with guys like Lupul or Hartnell on his wings.

[BtownBeers]

I do agree that a strong face off guy is needed on the 4th line...you're right Dowd was great at that for us last year and in reality I liked what he brought to the team.

Whats more important though strong face offs from your 3rd line or 4th? I do agree that Downie will be limited in what he can bring and how he can grow on the 4th line...but there has to be a reason they want him on that line and not the 3rd isn't there?

If Metro can win faceoffs and does have play making ability wouldn't that really help the 3rd line flourish? I guess its just a matter of whether or not Downie can actually stop the rookie mistakes and boneheaded hotheaded stuff and actually let his skills show on the ice, saying Downie hasn't centered in a while is that good to then have him center the 3rd line vs. the 4th? Its almost like he should be a winger but there really isn't room for him to do so thus far?

[BtownJay]

IMO a 3rd line, with better players, would be more capable of making up for a lower percentage of face-off wins. But yes, clearly they know more than I do... but i wish they would talk about why they are thinking that.

Downie, i'm almost positive was drafted as a center (1st rounder). But the Flyers moved him to wing because of all the centers they have. Figured he would be needed more there... however that changes with Briere no longer being a center (potentially). Not to mention the insane amount of depth we accuired on the wings.

Metropolit is 34 years old, and had a career high 33 points in 82 games last year. I really don't see him, or like him as our 3rd line center. I guess thats why i'm pushing more for Downie to do it. Downie showed alot of what he can do when he was up on a line with Richards. This year, he's a little more experienced, and faster. Its only one game, but he's already netted 2 goals from the center position.

[BtownBeers]

All makes sense...I just need Downie to prove his value and worth to me, not totally sure why I feel that way...maybe I feel like he's been hyped and not delivered or I just don't trust him fully yet, not totally sure.

All that aside, Cote Downie Asham is sick and scary as hell!

[BtownJay]

Well thats just it... he's still going to have to prove it to me as well. I just want him to have that shot, that chance to become that player. So many others have been givin those chances. If he sucks, then yank him. If our 3rd/4th line centers are a reason we are losing games, then this team isn't really a contender anyway.

The hype to him isn't fair. Just about all his hype came from one illegal hit to a Senator. The hype hasn't even been about his ability to score, pass, skate, etc... its totally from nearly taking a dudes head off. Sure, Rusty and I (and alot of others) have picked it up and ran with it... just having fun. But in the end, he's still a guy who hasn't even played 1 full season of NHL hockey (not much AHL time either).

BUT agreed! What destruction that 4th line could cause. Thats just nuts.

[Rusty27]

Don't forget Richards didn't live up to the hype his first 2 seasons.

[BtownJay]

Originally Posted by Rusty27

Don't forget Richards didn't live up to the hype his first 2 seasons.

Actually, thats a great example. And he was much more hyped as the "future captain" of the team since he was drafted. And it wasn't until last season, when he was used in a better suited role did he explode.

[BtownBeers]

I really can't compare Richards and Downie at all...Richards proved he is what he was supposed to be, its Downie's turn to do that...I'd like to see him get that chance as well...however the team knows and sees what he is doing and how he is progressing and what he is bringing to the team and they are acting accordingly I would have to think with where he plays and how much time he gets, however he could further excel if he were given a shot at the 3rd line or 2nd line either at wing or center but obviously I don't think he's proven he can play at a higher level than all those in front of him.

I am not knocking him and I don't know if that all makes sense cause its kind of like how can he excel if he doesn't get the shot but is he not excelling enough to be given the shot kind of circle. I certainly can't wait to see what he brings this year if he is faster and more matured and better with the experience he got last year.