Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Results Roundup, Sunday Games, Players You Coveted

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Results Roundup, Sunday Games, Players You Coveted
- bmeltzer

Good Read, Bill

Question :

What's going on with Niko Hovinen?? Is he just starting off slow??

Thanks again!!

Good Read, Bill

Question :

What's going on with Niko Hovinen?? Is he just starting off slow??

Thanks again!!
- Flyers_1488

Definitely off to a slow start. But that's not all that surprising. First of all, it's very, very common for European goalies to struggle in their first half-season in North America. Secondly, he's played sporadically. He hadn't played in a week and he was only in his second game since coming off a bruised collarbone and concussion (not to mention hip surgery earlier) year.

I'm more concerned about what Hovinen will do by the end of the season than I am about his early starts. I see some areas of concern in his game -- lateral movement, not going down so early, puck handling, and rebound control -- that are going to need improvement as the year progresses.

Definitely off to a slow start. But that's not all that surprising. First of all, it's very, very common for European goalies to struggle in their first half-season in North America. Secondly, he's played sporadically. He hadn't played in a week and he was only in his second game since coming off a bruised collarbone and concussion (not to mention hip surgery earlier) year.

I'm more concerned about what Hovinen will do by the end of the season than I am about his early starts. I see some areas of concern in his game -- lateral movement, not going down so early, puck handling, and rebound control -- that are going to need improvement as the year progresses.
- bmeltzer

Since he is 6'7" do you think that may have some bearing on him going down sooner then he should??

Since he is 6'7" do you think that may have some bearing on him going down sooner then he should??
- Flyers_1488

It may. His goalie coach in Finland, former NHL goalie Pasi Nurminen, spent a lot of time with him on staying up a little longer. I'm not a goaltending expert, but I think his mechanics have not looked very good so far. He seems to go down too soon, moves too slowly from post-to-post and has not left himself in good position to stop second shot opportunities.

It may. His goalie coach in Finland, former NHL goalie Pasi Nurminen, spent a lot of time with him on staying up a little longer. I'm not a goaltending expert, but I think his mechanics have not looked very good so far. He seems to go down too soon, moves too slowly from post-to-post and has not left himself in good position to stop second shot opportunities.
- bmeltzer

Well I hope he can make some improvements in his game... I have heard alot of people say he is a one the Flyers tops pospects ( maybe that has changed ) so I'm hoping he doesnt let the Flyers and Fans down.

Well I hope he can make some improvements in his game... I have heard alot of people say he is a one the Flyers tops pospects ( maybe that has changed ) so I'm hoping he doesnt let the Flyers and Fans down.
- Flyers_1488

He still is a good prospect. Gotta be patient with any prospect, especially goalies and most especially European goalies in their first season on the small rink. It takes time.

He still is a good prospect. Gotta be patient with any prospect, especially goalies and most especially European goalies in their first season on the small rink. It takes time.
- bmeltzer

Thanks for all the info,Bill

Bill , is there a podcast of your bit on WIP? I was at a friends bday party and missed it, sorry.

Bill , is there a podcast of your bit on WIP? I was at a friends bday party and missed it, sorry.
- JoeRussomanno

Not that I know of. But Brian has me on his show every few months.

Definitely off to a slow start. But that's not all that surprising. First of all, it's very, very common for European goalies to struggle in their first half-season in North America. Secondly, he's played sporadically. He hadn't played in a week and he was only in his second game since coming off a bruised collarbone and concussion (not to mention hip surgery earlier) year.

I'm more concerned about what Hovinen will do by the end of the season than I am about his early starts. I see some areas of concern in his game -- lateral movement, not going down so early, puck handling, and rebound control -- that are going to need improvement as the year progresses.
- bmeltzer

Any chance they still sign Etienne Marcoux at seasons end if for anything other then organizational depth

Any chance they still sign Etienne Marcoux at seasons end if for anything other then organizational depth
- ob18

Certainly a chance. They invited him to the camp in September that never happened, and the connections between Blainville-Boisbriand and the Flyers run pretty deep. Marcoux has had a good season, although he was not very good against the Russians in the Super Series game he started.

Certainly a chance. They invited him to the camp in September that never happened, and the connections between Blainville-Boisbriand and the Flyers run pretty deep. Marcoux has had a good season, although he was not very good against the Russians in the Super Series game he started.
- bmeltzer

Well the entire QMJHL team that night wasn't good either. He fell in line with that overall team effort.

I'm also trying to watch clips of those who are draft eligible this year. Might be a few to keep checking in on.

Not that I know of. But Brian has me on his show every few months.
- bmeltzer

Thanks bill!

Tim Panaccio ‏@tpanotchCSN

Eagles game ends with fans' car reportedly set on fire. Yeah, it's Philadelphia


Must be Crims....

Tim Panaccio ‏@tpanotchCSN

Eagles game ends with fans' car reportedly set on fire. Yeah, it's Philadelphia


Must be Crims....
- Symba007

There was a something on fire in the parking lot before the game even started.

There was a something on fire in the parking lot before the game even started.
- ob18

but not debating the fact Crims might be involved.....I knew it!

but not debating the fact Crims might be involved.....I knew it!
- Symba007

Can't rule it out.

There was a something on fire in the parking lot before the game even started.
- ob18

Hopefully it was Bryzgalov's contract.

Hopefully it was Bryzgalov's contract.
- PLindbergh31

That can not be destroyed,

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Results Roundup, Sunday Games, Players You Coveted
- bmeltzer

I realze that I am late to the party here. Just a correction; the Phantoms game in Manchester is an 11:00 start. Yep in the morning. Many of the minor league teams have School Day promotions. The Phantoms did as well when they were still in the Spectrum.

The Phantoms website has a link to the local radio broadcast if you can stream at work.