Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: 7-Point Homestand, Diabolical Road Trip, and More

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: 7-Point Homestand, Diabolical Road Trip, and More
- bmeltzer

Ok, Bill ...so it seems like either Homer has decided to stay the course and not go after a puck moving D-Man OR he is unwilling to part with what is being asked in return. If this is the line up we can expect to see until Mez and Hartsey return, I'm thinking this team doesn't crack into the top 8 and misses the playoffs. Hate to be Nellie Negative, but we knew going into the season that this team wasn't quite as good as last years and we have hoped the youngsters would step up, but that hasn't happened consistently thus far. Yes, a few bright spots, but inconsistently by and large. Bryz being the only silver lining.

I would be happy with 3-3-0 or 6 points from the trip, regroup at that point see where you are in the standings and maybe Homer will make a move that improves the team when they get back home

Kudos to Matt Read. You may have wondered last year if his success last year was possibly a mirage. Not any more, the guy is a very important piece on this team. Kills penalties, plays point on the PP, can play top line minutes or be very effective in a checking role with Coots and Knuble and still create offensive opportunties.

I know the cap issues of this team, but somehow, some way I can't see them losing him before or after next season unless some trade offers is absolutely incredible.

I would be happy with 3-3-0 or 6 points from the trip, regroup at that point see where you are in the standings and maybe Homer will make a move that improves the team when they get back home
- mjm0831

Just seems like they would have to give up significant value. If G, Schenn x2, Coots, and Voracek are untouchables...that leaves Read who has been one of their best this far. Going to be hard to part with assets and get no return. I'm thinking they bring up Gus to solidify the D and call it a day. We've got plenty of grit on the blue line, just not enough mobility.

What is it with people and a "puck moving defenseman"? The defense has dobe considerably well defensively, and at getting the puck in deep, and even joining the rush. The problem is the offense-the forwards. If nobody is forechecking, if they dont fight for the puck on the boards.. it doesn't much matter what defenseman you have... enough with the "trade for a defenseman" crap. It would be great, sure... but priority one is getting these forwards scoring..

Bill as always a great summary and Op-Ed

The home stand was not great, but 7 out of 8 points is still 7 out of 8. The team play, the pick-me up shift after shift...it was heartening. And Bryz has been the glue that was advertised when he signed. Is he the greatest goalie in the league...no. But he is consistently giving the team a chance to win/compete every night.

The downside is that right now to compete they Flyers have to play Bryz almost every game. That will bite them in the long run. Having a real backup, not just a warm up backup would really come in handy.

Knowing that Mez is a couple weeks away, how long before a serious move to help the blue line happens? The Kings/Fla trade was, as Ek pointed out, a lot like the Flyers getting Coburn. It is, IMHO, the kind of move the Flyers should look at...just my food for thought...

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: 7-Point Homestand, Diabolical Road Trip, and More
- bmeltzer

Bill, that interference call on Rinaldo was absolute garbage.. I have seen a boatload of horrible calls around the league this season, but that was one of the top 5. How can they call embelleshing when a guy is shoved over the half boards with full strength? They should have re-enacted it with the refs... i'd like to see them not move.

This is the worst reffing I've seen in years, and there is no excuse for it.. none..

I would be happy with 3-3-0 or 6 points from the trip, regroup at that point see where you are in the standings and maybe Homer will make a move that improves the team when they get back home
- mjm0831

Completely agree with the points. 6 points would be a positive to build on...anything more is a bonus. Playoff run will be close through the final weekend. Don't think a move will be a must unless the move for a backup goalie is evident because the team is giving away points when Bryz isn't in.

Bill, Ive been following you for around a year and a half and I just want to say that was imo your best lede. Not only are you an excellent hockey analyst but an accomplished wordsmith as well.

Ok, Bill ...so it seems like either Homer has decided to stay the course and not go after a puck moving D-Man OR he is unwilling to part with what is being asked in return. If this is the line up we can expect to see until Mez and Hartsey return, I'm thinking this team doesn't crack into the top 8 and misses the playoffs. Hate to be Nellie Negative, but we knew going into the season that this team wasn't quite as good as last years and we have hoped the youngsters would step up, but that hasn't happened consistently thus far. Yes, a few bright spots, but inconsistently by and large. Bryz being the only silver lining.
- section32

Hate to rain on your parade but they moved into 9th place yesterday, not exactly top of the conference but I think its way too early after the string of points they put together to declare them out of the playoffs. Mez and Hartnell return in a couple weeks, Mez in particular gives them more mobility back there which should be enough. I myself wanted a trade for a dman earlier but Kimo is looking better every game and the rest of the team is starting to gel.

What is it with people and a "puck moving defenseman"? The defense has dobe considerably well defensively, and at getting the puck in deep, and even joining the rush. The problem is the offense-the forwards. If nobody is forechecking, if they dont fight for the puck on the boards.. it doesn't much matter what defenseman you have... enough with the "trade for a defenseman" crap. It would be great, sure... but priority one is getting these forwards scoring..
- WarriorHockey21

I think people want the dman trade because at times it seems they can't clear due to the concrete shoed defensemen we have now or whatever. Also the power play was absolutely horrible for most of this season but seems like they've gone from 12 shorthanded breakaways a game to around 1 or 2, so there is progress just a lot of folks ain't seeing it yet.

Anyone know much about Taylor Leier as a prospect? There are some really intriguing young guys in the pipeline - Laughton, Ghost, and Stolarz (I like his move to the OHL, London is a very good organization).

I think people want the dman trade because at times it seems they can't clear due to the concrete shoed defensemen we have now or whatever. Also the power play was absolutely horrible for most of this season but seems like they've gone from 12 shorthanded breakaways a game to around 1 or 2, so there is progress just a lot of folks ain't seeing it yet.
- JoeRussomanno

I still think they need a puck mover, or at least more mobility.

I do think, if Meszaros returns in a couple weeks, that it won't be absolutely vital, but it would be nice.

I think people want the dman trade because at times it seems they can't clear due to the concrete shoed defensemen we have now or whatever. Also the power play was absolutely horrible for most of this season but seems like they've gone from 12 shorthanded breakaways a game to around 1 or 2, so there is progress just a lot of folks ain't seeing it yet.
- JoeRussomanno

Exactly. Losing Carle hurt...should have paid him. Oh well, spilt milk.

Exactly. Losing Carle hurt...should have paid him. Oh well, spilt milk.
- section32

No doubt about it, we could use Flyerdom's favorite whipping boy.

Ok, Bill ...so it seems like either Homer has decided to stay the course and not go after a puck moving D-Man OR he is unwilling to part with what is being asked in return. If this is the line up we can expect to see until Mez and Hartsey return, I'm thinking this team doesn't crack into the top 8 and misses the playoffs. Hate to be Nellie Negative, but we knew going into the season that this team wasn't quite as good as last years and we have hoped the youngsters would step up, but that hasn't happened consistently thus far. Yes, a few bright spots, but inconsistently by and large. Bryz being the only silver lining.
- section32

The trouble with this is, the vets have been inconsistent as well as the youth, and we can expect the vets to get their games going and perform at higher levels.

I still think they need a puck mover, or at least more mobility.

I do think, if Meszaros returns in a couple weeks, that it won't be absolutely vital, but it would be nice.
- Jsaquella

Didn't mean to say we couldn't use more. I just think this is a playoff team as is especially getting mez back. If they can make the right move for a puck moving dman I'd be all in. It does seem like that need has decreased a bit since the start of the season with Kimo getting back to form and the rest of the team gelling, imo.

I know people would love the Flyers to make a significant trade, but who are they going to trade with this early in the season? Teams are at most 5 pts out of a playoff spot in either conference with 36 games to go. I doubt any team is ready to remove a significant piece and no team is loaded with high end defensemen that they are able to lose one off their roster completely without a replacement coming back.

I know people would love the Flyers to make a significant trade, but who are they going to trade with this early in the season? Teams are at most 5 pts out of a playoff spot in either conference with 36 games to go. I doubt any team is ready to remove a significant piece and no team is loaded with high end defensemen that they are able to lose one off their roster completely without a replacement coming back.
- psuhockey

What's the deal with the trade deadline this year? Is it the same date or moved out?

Anyone know much about Taylor Leier as a prospect? There are some really intriguing young guys in the pipeline - Laughton, Ghost, and Stolarz (I like his move to the OHL, London is a very good organization).
- ravishingone

Very good speed, some grit, decent hands. Basically projects as an Eric Wellwood with more of a physical edge and perhaps slightly better hands.

What's the deal with the trade deadline this year? Is it the same date or moved out?
- section32

April 3

Bill, Ive been following you for around a year and a half and I just want to say that was imo your best lede. Not only are you an excellent hockey analyst but an accomplished wordsmith as well.
- JoeRussomanno

Thank you, Joe.

Kudos to Matt Read. You may have wondered last year if his success last year was possibly a mirage. Not any more, the guy is a very important piece on this team. Kills penalties, plays point on the PP, can play top line minutes or be very effective in a checking role with Coots and Knuble and still create offensive opportunties.

I know the cap issues of this team, but somehow, some way I can't see them losing him before or after next season unless some trade offers is absolutely incredible.
- ravishingone

I agree.. Matt's been great..especially of late. We're gonna have to pay him, but I expect he will stay a Flyer for a while.