Flyers Lineup

John Stevens has been criticized for his lineups a little bit throughout the season, particularly his treatment of Lasse Kukkonen. I'm also a Kukkonen fan, and I wouldn't mind it if he was active more. He's a tough player that blocks a lot of shots, and he can bring more to the table than guys like Vandermeer and Modry. However, a lot of fans became absolutely irate Wednesday night with some of his choices. In the lineup was Dennis Tolpeko. Out were Steve Downie and Riley Cote.

I don't get it. Against a team like the Leafs, you play physical. They don't want to hit you, so you hit them. In front of your home fans, after humiliating yourselves the night before, you hit them hard and make them quit. Toronto is back in the playoff hunt and feeling good about themselves right now. You dictate the game to them, not the other way around. Set the tone early and make them look over their shoulders. I can kind of see why Cote wasn't in because without anyone to fight, he doesn't bring much to the table, but what's the point in scratching Downie? Even when he plays, he'll get less than five minutes of ice time. If he's not going to play, let the Phantoms have him to get ready for a Calder run. He'll learn a lot more by playing than sitting in the press box.

With Richards set to come back, what do you do with the lineup? I get back to using 12 forwards and 6 defensemen. I think Hatcher's ready to go full time again. I send Thoresen to the AHL if possible or just scratch him if not. I don't think he brings much at all.

Prospal-Briere-Umberger
Hartnell-Richards-Lupul
Upshall-Carter-Knuble
Kapanen-Dowd-Cote

Timonen-Coburn
Hatcher-Parent
Smith-Kukkonen

That third pair might have trouble moving the puck a bit, but what can you do? I like Kukkonen over Modry, even though we'll never see him again. Stevens is absolutely determined to keep him out of the lineup.