Props to you for not bagging on Vladar with those late goals, Charlie! That was just the Flyers doing their thing in making sure no lead is ever safe. Tippett is a one man team at this point, I guess all we need it him, Vladdy, and the 4th line…

Tippett has had games like this but this is the longest stretch of consistent play by him that i can recall, overall. And it has mostly coincided with him having Zegras as his C – a creative playmaker who can get him the puck on the rush and let him do his thing.

And speaking of the rush – is it my imagination or has Tocchet loosened his offensive shackles a little on the team, or is it just observation bias? They do seem to be carrying the puck in and trying to create offense on the rush a lot more than in the past.

I dont know if there is a way of tracking it, but my gut feel over the past few games has been that a large percentage of their offensive chances have come off the rush – when playing dump and chase, they dont seem to get nearly as many scoring opportunities (or when they do, its a low-danger shot from the outside).

Now they need to find a way to get Michkov going – he’s simply not getting any kind of opportunity to play to his strengths (viz, in the middle of the ice). He needs a better C than Dvorak – and also a linemate better suited to complement his creativity in the offensive zone. Looking forward to seeing what Martone can do.

Owen Tippet has been a joy to watch ever since the trade deadline. He may not be able to drag the Flyers into the playoffs, but he makes them appointment viewing for sure.

What in the entire F. I was 100% on board with trading Tipp for that true top 6 center, and even willing to give up more assets. Now I’m getting to the point of if it happens it’s a full-on 1C and I’m not sold on giving up much more. He has been FILTHY.