Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Super Series; Phantoms Rookie Forwards

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Super Series; Phantoms Rookie Forwards
- bmeltzer

Nice Read, Bill

Bill,

as frustrating as it is for us fans to not have the NHL playing, how frustrating is it for you as a flyers writer? instead of sitting in the press box at wfc, you're stuck going to ECHL games to analyze players and write about their development,. is it more annoying, frustrating, humbling? how has it changed your opinion of the NHL and all involved?

Kudos, Bill, for continuing to provide your team's fan base with consistent and detailed HOCKEY news regarding Flyers players and prospects throughout this entire BS work stoppage.

I wish all teams bloggers provided this kind of information about both the vets and youngsters (without massive amounts of homerism or man crushes) playing in other professional and developmental leagues. You know, the ones that are actually playing games, while the billionaires and millionaires continue their petty bickering over how to divide more money than any and probably all of us will ever earn put together over our lifetimes.

Bill,

as frustrating as it is for us fans to not have the NHL playing, how frustrating is it for you as a flyers writer? instead of sitting in the press box at wfc, you're stuck going to ECHL games to analyze players and write about their development,. is it more annoying, frustrating, humbling? how has it changed your opinion of the NHL and all involved?
- flyershockey

For the most part, I'm just trying to stay positive and focused on my work. I made a choice a couple years ago to make hockey writing my full-time living, because it's a labor of love.

I'm human, so I do get frustrated with the lockout from a professional standpoint as well as a personal standpoint. It's a tenuous and far from lucrative living in the first place, and I've taken a financial hit and just about the worst possible time for my family. On top of that, I have to do double or triple the amount of average daily work while accepting that it's for a fraction of the readership interested in the Flyers/NHL.

That said, I don't consider it annoying or humbling. I've always written about hockey topics beyond the Flyers and the NHL, so that's nothing new. I've had a chance to do more of that, and I've enjoyed that opportunity. During the lockout, I've also written for a couple different outlets that I'd never worked with before, and which have offset some of the lost money from NHL.com and Philadelphiaflyers.com suspending freelance assignment during the lockout.

I certainly don't consider myself "too good" to sit an ECHL pressbox or attend an AHL training camp for multiple days. Beyond that I've always enjoyed following the European, major junior and U.S. collegiate games for different reasons. I just didn't get the chance to write about those very often (with the exception of my now-suspended weekly NHL.com Across the Pond stuff).

The way I see it, I'm doing what I love to do. No one forces me to do this. I could go do other work, either on my own or by going back to editing in the non-sports publishing realm. My feeling about the lockout and the way it has progressed is that it was a preventable situation born of greed and hubris on both sides of the table. I'd feel that way even i were no affected personally or professionally. I'm not angry at one or two people individually.

Now, will I be relieved when the lockout ends and I can get back to covering Flyers hockey? Absolutely.

4th...yeah buddy...
good read bill...

For the most part, I'm just trying to stay positive and focused on my work. I made a choice a couple years ago to make hockey writing my full-time living, because it's a labor of love.

I'm human, so I do get frustrated with the lockout from a professional standpoint as well as a personal standpoint. It's a tenuous and far from lucrative living in the first place, and I've taken a financial hit and just about the worst possible time for my family. On top of that, I have to do double or triple the amount of average daily work while accepting that it's for a fraction of the readership interested in the Flyers/NHL.

That said, I don't consider it annoying or humbling. I've always written about hockey topics beyond the Flyers and the NHL, so that's nothing new. I've had a chance to do more of that, and I've enjoyed that opportunity. During the lockout, I've also written for a couple different outlets that I'd never worked with before, and which have offset some of the lost money from NHL.com and Philadelphiaflyers.com suspending freelance assignment during the lockout.

I certainly don't consider myself "too good" to sit an ECHL pressbox or attend an AHL training camp for multiple days. Beyond that I've always enjoyed following the European, major junior and U.S. collegiate games for different reasons. I just didn't get the chance to write about those very often (with the exception of my now-suspended weekly NHL.com Across the Pond stuff).

The way I see it, I'm doing what I love to do. No one forces me to do this. I could go do other work, either on my own or by going back to editing in the non-sports publishing realm. My feeling about the lockout and the way it has progressed is that it was a preventable situation born of greed and hubris on both sides of the table. I'd feel that way even i were no affected personally or professionally. I'm not angry at one or two people individually.

Now, will I be relieved when the lockout ends and I can get back to covering Flyers hockey? Absolutely.
- bmeltzer

All of this, and especially the bolded part.

For the most part, I'm just trying to stay positive and focused on my work. I made a choice a couple years ago to make hockey writing my full-time living, because it's a labor of love.

I'm human, so I do get frustrated with the lockout from a professional standpoint as well as a personal standpoint. It's a tenuous and far from lucrative living in the first place, and I've taken a financial hit and just about the worst possible time for my family. On top of that, I have to do double or triple the amount of average daily work while accepting that it's for a fraction of the readership interested in the Flyers/NHL.

That said, I don't consider it annoying or humbling. I've always written about hockey topics beyond the Flyers and the NHL, so that's nothing new. I've had a chance to do more of that, and I've enjoyed that opportunity. During the lockout, I've also written for a couple different outlets that I'd never worked with before, and which have offset some of the lost money from NHL.com and Philadelphiaflyers.com suspending freelance assignment during the lockout.

I certainly don't consider myself "too good" to sit an ECHL pressbox or attend an AHL training camp for multiple days. Beyond that I've always enjoyed following the European, major junior and U.S. collegiate games for different reasons. I just didn't get the chance to write about those very often (with the exception of my now-suspended weekly NHL.com Across the Pond stuff).

The way I see it, I'm doing what I love to do. No one forces me to do this. I could go do other work, either on my own or by going back to editing in the non-sports publishing realm. My feeling about the lockout and the way it has progressed is that it was a preventable situation born of greed and hubris on both sides of the table. I'd feel that way even i were no affected personally or professionally. I'm not angry at one or two people individually.

Now, will I be relieved when the lockout ends and I can get back to covering Flyers hockey? Absolutely.
- bmeltzer

You're the best Bill! We're lucky to have you cover our team. Thanks for all your efforts.

I loved the result of last night's Super Series game, especially in light of all the experts saying there was "No way" the Q could even the series based on the Russian domination in Game 1.

Meanwhile in Yemen...

Meanwhile in Yemen...


- mayorofangrytown

Meanwhile in Prague

The OHL team is loaded with 1st rounders from this past draft that many of you liked for the Flyers to select. Glad that Laughton is participating.

Now that Joe Russomanno has taken down Giorgio Tsoukalos as his avatar, Blueballz now has the best pic

I loved the result of last night's Super Series game, especially in light of all the experts saying there was "No way" the Q could even the series based on the Russian domination in Game 1.
- Flyskippy

Was a very good rebound for the QMJHL, I'm going to miss the OHL game tonight but hopefully I can catch the replay.

Was a very good rebound for the QMJHL, I'm going to miss the OHL game tonight but hopefully I can catch the replay.
- ob18

Hot Date?

Was a very good rebound for the QMJHL, I'm going to miss the OHL game tonight but hopefully I can catch the replay.
- ob18

told u my Q would get it done...

For the most part, I'm just trying to stay positive and focused on my work. I made a choice a couple years ago to make hockey writing my full-time living, because it's a labor of love.

I'm human, so I do get frustrated with the lockout from a professional standpoint as well as a personal standpoint. It's a tenuous and far from lucrative living in the first place, and I've taken a financial hit and just about the worst possible time for my family. On top of that, I have to do double or triple the amount of average daily work while accepting that it's for a fraction of the readership interested in the Flyers/NHL.

That said, I don't consider it annoying or humbling. I've always written about hockey topics beyond the Flyers and the NHL, so that's nothing new. I've had a chance to do more of that, and I've enjoyed that opportunity. During the lockout, I've also written for a couple different outlets that I'd never worked with before, and which have offset some of the lost money from NHL.com and Philadelphiaflyers.com suspending freelance assignment during the lockout.

I certainly don't consider myself "too good" to sit an ECHL pressbox or attend an AHL training camp for multiple days. Beyond that I've always enjoyed following the European, major junior and U.S. collegiate games for different reasons. I just didn't get the chance to write about those very often (with the exception of my now-suspended weekly NHL.com Across the Pond stuff).

The way I see it, I'm doing what I love to do. No one forces me to do this. I could go do other work, either on my own or by going back to editing in the non-sports publishing realm. My feeling about the lockout and the way it has progressed is that it was a preventable situation born of greed and hubris on both sides of the table. I'd feel that way even i were no affected personally or professionally. I'm not angry at one or two people individually.

Now, will I be relieved when the lockout ends and I can get back to covering Flyers hockey? Absolutely.
- bmeltzer

heck of a response, thanks Bill. i know you've written about European leagues and the like all along, i was just looking for some perspective from a professional and you certainly gave more than expected, just like you do with every blog.

MAKE OR BREAK DAY. TODAY IS THE HUMP DAY. WE WILL KNOW IF LOCKOUT ENDS OR SEASON IS CANCELLED. CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE http://www.insiderrumors....lks-ball-in-owners-court/

told u my Q would get it done...
- Crimsoninja

MAKE OR BREAK DAY. TODAY IS THE HUMP DAY. WE WILL KNOW IF LOCKOUT ENDS OR SEASON IS CANCELLED. CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE http://www.insiderrumors....lks-ball-in-owners-court/
- paulmarafan

Comments:
so whos driving to Tremblant, your mother or your father?

Hot Date?
- mayorofangrytown

Mothers retirement dinner.

told u my Q would get it done...
- Crimsoninja

I really enjoyed the game, good to see the Q earn the split of the 2 games.

told u my Q would get it done...
- Crimsoninja

A 24 second window cost the OHL.

A 34 second window cost the OHL.
- ob18

Yup

Yup
- Flyskippy

Tampa Bay pick Slater Koekkoek got undressed on the 1st goal & St Louis Blues pick Jordan Binnington never got set for the 2nd one which he should have stopped.

Tampa Bay pick Slater Koekkoek got undressed on the 1st goal & St Louis Blues pick Jordan Binnington never got set for the 2nd one which he should have stopped.
- ob18

How did Laught look?