Philadelphia Flyers: Mid-Season Report Card

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Dec 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Pierre-Edouard Bellemare (78) celebrates his goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Bellemare Line Grades

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Chris VandeVelde – C+

By most statistical measures, VandeVelde is one of the worst forwards on the team. I don’t think many Flyers fans would be surprised to hear that, and would ask the question why has Hakstol made him a 3rd line player when he was previously a fringe/4th line NHLer? Is the UND connection too strong here?

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare – B-

Like his linemate VandeVelde, Bellemare has been promoted to 3rd line duty along with his PK responsibilities. He’s handled those duties okay, playing pretty tough minutes. He’s been a bit of blackhole offensively. At 0.5 5v5 points per 60 minutes, he is 348 out of 369 NHL forwards who have played 200 5v5 minutes. For point of comparison, Zac Rinaldo is 352.

Ryan White – B

White missed most of last season due to injury, but he impressed management when given the chance by playing well above his previous NHL performance. This year he has been rewarded with his biggest NHL role ever, although his performance isn’t up to his lofty standards of last spring. Generally I think he’s giving the Flyers the performance they expect from a physical bottom-6 forward.

Next: Laughton Line Grades

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