I thought he looked like an ass in the post game presser. Typical though….
- Flyfly

Why? Because he was right? This game was a media creation for the most part and it was fun in all, but at the end of the day this was a mid season game between two bad teams not making the playoffs. The crowd was fantastic and the players responded. All Torts said is he would rather have the crowd and players into it when there is something more worthwhile on the line, like a playoff series. What is wrong with that?

Have you watched Sanheim lately? At the start of the season, no doubt it was Sanheim. But right now, Risto is the best Flyers defenseman. He was always the best at killing plays in his own end, but he is adding back his offensive game now and is generating a lot more offensive chances than Sanheim is currently.
- jd250

Last 10 Flyers games.


Sanheim GF/60 3.38 GA/60 2.46 GF% 57.89% xGF% 58.07 SCA/60 22.1

York GF/60 3.35 GA/60 2.26 GF% 61.11 xGF% 60.13 SCA/60 21.65

Ristolainen GF/60 2.45 GA/60 3.49 GF%41.18 xGF% 56.58% SCA/60 23.75

For the season, Ristolainen ranks 2nd worst on the team in GA/60 and he is 3rd on the team in SCA/60 with a team worst GF%.

While it is true that Ristolainen's offensive game is improving and he is on the ice for more scoting chances. Which is what has always been his best attribute. He is still a train wreck defensively and it is demonstratively false that he is the best at killing plays in his own end. If necessary, I can provide video evidence of the poor defense that he plays.

There are all different types of character issues. Last night he was completely uniterested in playing that game and even standing up for himself in the scrums he was in. That to me is an on ice character issue. What he did to the Flyers and how he direspected LeClair, Sharpe, Briere and Jones is a serious off ice character issue. The fact that he continues to not tell his side of the story, if for nothing else, to stand up for himself against the acusations the Flyers made is yet another character issue.
- jd250

You stated that he has serious character issues. He doesn't. Your claim that he does is hyperbole and an exaggeration. His entire team was non-competitive last night.

I do understand that. To me Hart had everything he needed to be a franchise caliber goalie. Hart has been a winner at every level. He carried this team on his back last year, a team that clearly was a below .500 team. He could handle the workload. I'm sad he made the choices he did because I have no doubt him leaving seriously set this franchise back.
- jd250

You don't understand that. Hart was an average goaltender. Nothing more. Him leaving was a blessing in disguise and helped this franchise. Not hurt them.

I think I agree with you on York, I think he is what he is. He has become a good defender that can play over 20 minutes a game in all situations, but he doesn't add much offense and can be overwhelmed defensively at times. I would not be opposed to trading York versus extending him if the right offer came along.
- jd250

York is significantly better offensively and defensively than Ristolainen is.

I do understand that. To me Hart had everything he needed to be a franchise caliber goalie. Hart has been a winner at every level. He carried this team on his back last year, a team that clearly was a below .500 team. He could handle the workload. I'm sad he made the choices he did because I have no doubt him leaving seriously set this franchise back.
- jd250

The flip side is the Flyers knew 100% that the hammer was going to come down on Hart.

The fact they had no contingency plan is more incompetence.

York is significantly better offensively and defensively than Ristolainen is.
- MJL

Not exactly a ringing endorsement for York.

Very true. Compare Michkov to Gauthier last night. Michkov stood up for himself, which shows a strong character. Gauthier cowered and wanted nothing to do with the game, which shows weak character.
- jd250

Some athletes thrive on being the villian. Michkov seems to thrive on the chaos. I believe the first away game in MTL will have a somewhat similiar atmosphere for Michkov. I expect him to be fully engaged. Gauthier has the right to say whatever he wants, but I would hope someone close to him helps him out. Before both games and now at the end of this game, comments really focused on him, not on the team. Team mates were engaged trying to defend him, and Cutter offered no response to step into the engagement. Still young, but that needs to change. His talent is not McDavid level, team mates will not continue to defend him blindly.

Some athletes thrive on being the villian. Michkov seems to thrive on the chaos. I believe the first away game in MTL will have a somewhat similiar atmosphere for Michkov. I expect him to be fully engaged. Gauthier has the right to say whatever he wants, but I would hope someone close to him helps him out. Before both games and now at the end of this game, comments really focused on him, not on the team. Team mates were engaged trying to defend him, and Cutter offered no response to step into the engagement. Still young, but that needs to change. His talent is not McDavid level, team mates will not continue to defend him blindly.
- Trox88

As long as they feel he is being treated unfairly they will. Remember his teammates are around the kid almost daily. They know him better than we do. He's probably a likable kid. The Flyers seemed to be targeting him. That to me is worse than anything he has said.

Have you watched Sanheim lately? At the start of the season, no doubt it was Sanheim. But right now, Risto is the best Flyers defenseman. He was always the best at killing plays in his own end, but he is adding back his offensive game now and is generating a lot more offensive chances than Sanheim is currently.
- jd250

Yes I watch the games…lol…like I said, I think it’s Sanheim if we r talking the whole year….sure some games lately, Risto has been really good, but over all I thinks Sanheim just does more.

I agree. Right now its Sanheim. I think York will eventually be better, he has taken a step backwards this season granted I do believe he was playing well before he got hurt. I could be wrong though. You could maybe slot Risto as the 3rd or 4th best D on the team. Seeler or Risto could be slotted in 3rd IMO. Drysdale and Zamula are currently battling for the bottom 2 positions. Jamie is of course a work in progress. Zamula IMO is what he is.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

I think York is coming along….if the Flyers can develop a true #1, I think Yorks ceiling is on the 1rst pair with that guy.

As long as they feel he is being treated unfairly they will. Remember his teammates are around the kid almost daily. They know him better than we do. He's probably a likable kid. The Flyers seemed to be targeting him. That to me is worse than anything he has said.
- MJL

My only real issue I had with Gauthier was refusing to meet with LeClair in Boston. It was not a good look, IMO. Just show the courtesy to give a little time to a person with the respect of LeClair. I am extremely biased as a fan towards John LeClair so of course I am biased in that regard. It was a pleasure to watch LeClair's career on the ice. Gauthier used the college rules to his advantage-no issue. I'm actually glad Gauthier was traded to the Western Conference, so there is only 1 time per year Gauthier can play in Philly.

Why? Because he was right? This game was a media creation for the most part and it was fun in all, but at the end of the day this was a mid season game between two bad teams not making the playoffs. The crowd was fantastic and the players responded. All Torts said is he would rather have the crowd and players into it when there is something more worthwhile on the line, like a playoff series. What is wrong with that?
- jd250

How was it media made? Maybe Flyers organization made….and Torts is part of that.

As long as they feel he is being treated unfairly they will. Remember his teammates are around the kid almost daily. They know him better than we do. He's probably a likable kid. The Flyers seemed to be targeting him. That to me is worse than anything he has said.
- MJL

They were not targeting him. They hit when warranted.

Why? Because he was right? This game was a media creation for the most part and it was fun in all, but at the end of the day this was a mid season game between two bad teams not making the playoffs. The crowd was fantastic and the players responded. All Torts said is he would rather have the crowd and players into it when there is something more worthwhile on the line, like a playoff series. What is wrong with that?
- jd250

If by “media” you mean Comcast I agree with you. Comcast/the Flyers created the animosity towards Cutter. I agree it was fun. I also agree with Tortorella that I wish the fans and the team had something real (like a good playoff team) to be excited about.

Farabeat’s benching is loooong overdue. Hathaway is tied with him in points. Unthinkable with the amount of time farabeat’s spent in the top 6 this year. I have no idea what has happened to this kid over the last calendar year.

Farabeat’s benching is loooong overdue. Hathaway is tied with him in points. Unthinkable with the amount of time farabeat’s spent in the top 6 this year. I have no idea what has happened to this kid over the last calendar year.
- Just5

This a problem as his value is very low. Makes good money. He also isn’t helping the team.

What do they do? Not like they have the offensive coaches or what not to get him on track.

This a problem as his value is very low. Makes good money. He also isn’t helping the team.

What do they do? Not like they have the offensive coaches or what not to get him on track.
- furio16

Just have to hang onto him and hope he rebounds somehow. Hes lost all confidence

I don’t see York being better than Sanheim, if anything his ceiling is to be like Sanheim. What exactly does York excel at?
- ClaudeFather

York does a lot well. He hasnt really shown it this season but he did last season. You also have to remember you are also comparing a 28 year old to a 24 year old.

Yes I watch the games…lol…like I said, I think it’s Sanheim if we r talking the whole year….sure some games lately, Risto has been really good, but over all I thinks Sanheim just does more.
- landros 2

It’s Sandy and not even close.

If by “media” you mean Comcast I agree with you. Comcast/the Flyers created the animosity towards Cutter. I agree it was fun. I also agree with Tortorella that I wish the fans and the team had something real (like a good playoff team) to be excited about.
- Dkos

Spot on

This a problem as his value is very low. Makes good money. He also isn’t helping the team.

What do they do? Not like they have the offensive coaches or what not to get him on track.
- furio16

I think his value is still higher than people think. He hasnt produced but he hasnt been playing poorly. I know Torts has demoted him but he isnt anly less dangerous than anyone else on the team. He is noticable in most games. Where as with someone like Michkov there are games where it doesnt even seem like hes playing.

Biggest issue with the team is C. Frost hasnt performed as expected. Coots has improved but still not where we need him to be. Cates has been good for his role. You got 4 potential Cs in your top 3 and they are seperated by a max of 6 points. That is if you count Laughton as a C. Its only 4 points if we are looking at Frost, Coots and Cates

I think I agree with you on York, I think he is what he is. He has become a good defender that can play over 20 minutes a game in all situations, but he doesn't add much offense and can be overwhelmed defensively at times. I would not be opposed to trading York versus extending him if the right offer came along.
- jd250

York is young and yet to hit his prime

I think his value is still higher than people think. He hasnt produced but he hasnt been playing poorly. I know Torts has demoted him but he isnt anly less dangerous than anyone else on the team. He is noticable in most games. Where as with someone like Michkov there are games where it doesnt even seem like hes playing.

Biggest issue with the team is C. Frost hasnt performed as expected. Coots has improved but still not where we need him to be. Cates has been good for his role. You got 4 potential Cs in your top 3 and they are seperated by a max of 6 points. That is if you count Laughton as a C. Its only 4 points if we are looking at Frost, Coots and Cates
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

What do you think his value is currently?

What do you think his value is currently?
- furio16

He’s likely worth some other underachieving player in need of a change of scenery. Thinking players like Arthur Kaliev, like Kappo was before getting traded to Seattle. So other players who might be in need of a change of scenery are Mason MacTavish or Trevor Zegras although the Flyers would have to add more to acquire either of those centers. But I don’t think Farabee gets a 1st round pick nor a top notch player. At best he gets a player that’s underachieving as well.