Depth vs Dead weight.

[wbon22]

As the Flyers stand right now they have pretty good actual depth. That is players in supporting roles who can from time to time be plugged in to fill a bigger role. They also have players who are clearly specialists to lighten the load as well.

Think about it. One of the things that always seemed to happen was in the 3rd period of a really tight game with lots of special teams play, Richards, Gagne, Carter, they would be gassed. Why? Because they were playing on one of the top two lines, on the PP and PK. Why is Crosby so fresh and able to be double shifted at even strength? Because he does not play on the PK. that is not to say that he is not capable, it is a matter of actual depth. The Penguins have Staal, they don't need to put Crosby or Malkin on the PK. (well, they might now that they don't have Talbot).

Look beyond the regular shifts. On the PP, Giroux, JvR and Jagr with Pronger and Carle on the points. Then Hartnell, Briere and Vorachuk with Timmonon and Mezaros. (the points will vary I am sure). On the PK, Talbot, Betts (if he is still here), Nodl, Simmonds and Shenn can all take regular duty. This is useable depth, not like a 4th line with Carcillo and Shelley.

A good way to look at it is...if there are players who are seeing less than 10 minutes a night after 5 games...they are dead weight. If everyone is averaging over 11 minutes per night...you have depth.

 

[wbon22]

I almost forgot...the players fighting for a spot from the Phantoms...Holmstrom and Wellwood...they are both PK/energy line players. That would mean a shift or two a night more available for the PK and that much more time off for the top lines.

 

[WOOTPOKER]

this is a really good way to look at things and i think it will make us a fresher team. people always talked about our depth at forwards, but we still would play guys like richards and giroux on the PK and PP on top of their even strength time. now it will be much more balanced and guys like giroux will be fresher in a third period for an extra shift or two.

 

[flyersfan4706]

Wow, a real goalie and a team that plays 60 minutes? I think a Giroux, JVR, Jagr on the PP is down right disgusting (In a good way)