Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Head to Holidays in Style, Quick Hits

First off, Merry Christmas all!

Second, some observations from last night:

Both Hartnell and Luke Schenn had their best games off the season. Hartnell was physical and up on his skates last night and Luke looked the guy we saw last April.

Watching Raffl's all around game develop is becoming almost as much fun as watching Couturier do the same this year!

Claude Giroux was a beast in all 3 zones

Having Grossmann back in the lineup is more important than most of us realize

Simmonds!

Great 60 minute effort, hope to see much more of that going forward!

You forgot to mention Harding....
Merry Christmas, BTW..

You forgot to mention Harding....
Merry Christmas, BTW..
- Ondrej F

Didn't forget Harding, as well as he's played. Flyers knew a week ahead of the game that Harding wouldn't be available for Minnesota, and Bäckström has been a very capable goalie himself over the years.

Merry Christmas to you as well

Caught some of the game last night. Raffl just continues to impress. He's a Swiss army knife out there. Big western trip here. Let's hope they break away from the pack all the teams besides Pitt and islanders are jumbled in the division

And has raffl taken a penalty all year? Multi tool player who doesn't take penalties? Quick trade him to the wings!

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Head to Holidays in Style, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Maybe I'm just spoiled, but my expectations of players like Hartnell are much higher.
This "finding his game" stuff is driving me nuts. Between waiting for youngsters to develop and vets needing to find their game, it seems like these guys are never firing on all cylinders.

Great game apart from two extremely dumb penalties. First, Coburn cross checking a guy when the Flyers were already shorthanded. Second, Simmonds ripping a guy's helmet off when there were a bunch of other things he could have done that would not have forced the refs to call a penalty.

If they could even get down to the low 20's in terms of taking penalties they would a much more dangerous team. Being the first or second most penalized team in the league is going to really drag them down.

10 Christmas wishes for a slow Tuesday morning!

1. The Flyers finish strong and edge the Caps for 2nd in the Metro. Ovie injures himself by performing one too many somersaults during one of his dives and the Flyers go on to win in 6.

2. After a fantastic regular season, MAF gives up goals on the first 3 shots he faces in the playoffs and the Pens go down to Toronto in 6. After the game, Sidney Crosby is forced to console Pierre Maguire who takes the loss harder than the entire Pittsburgh franchise.

3. In the second round, Toronto goes up on Boston 3-0, before losing the next 3 games. In game 7, the game goes to double OT and ends when Dion Phaneuf knocks the puck into his own net.

4. The Wizard of Oz appears and sends Gary Bettman back to Munchkinland where he belongs!

5. The Rangers miss the playoffs on the last day of the season. Glen Sather is extended for life!

6. The Flyers face the injury depleted Red Wings, who are missing Howard, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Kronwall, Abdelkader, Helm, Franzen, Samuelsson, Tatar, Quincy, Smith and Lashoff. The Red Wings convince Lidstrom, Federov, Kocur, McCarty and the ghost of Terry Sawchuk to come out of retirement, but the Flyers hold on and win in 6.

7. The Flyers stun the Bruins in 7 games in the conference finals. Steve Mason stops all 52 Boston shots in game 7 which the Flyers win 1-0 in OT on a goal by Scott Hartnell. Hartnell’s first words in the postgame interview are “Suck it Phaneuf!”

8. Colorado upsets basically everyone in the West to reach the Stanley Cup finals. However moments before game 1 of the finals, Varlamov’s ex-girlfriends new boyfriend breaks both of the red hot goalies legs.

9. In the draft lottery, the team holding the spot that should have gone to the Devils wins the first overall pick. Uncle Lou shrugs and resigns Danius Zubrus to a 6 year extension.

10. The Flyers go on to defeat the Avs in 7 and win the cup. Steve Downie scores the game winning goal. His first words after the game are “Suck it Landeskog!”

Happy holidays to all!!!!!!!!!!

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Head to Holidays in Style, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

the flyers just seemed in control of the game for the vast majority of it, even while being outshot in the first period, in part due to the 5 on 3. it was a shame they gave up the goal with 9 seconds left on the first penalty, as they did a tremendous job getting in lanes and deflecting pucks away from the net...they just couldn't get to it for a clear. they were great on the boards all night, the best i think i've seen this season.

simmonds seemed like he was on the ice for the whole game...he was noticeable virtually every shift and was really involved. up on his skates and buzzing around.

nice to see a solid game from mason, too. he should have a confidence boost going into this western road trip, which the flyers often struggle with - aside from their habit of beating vancouver on the road, seems like they lose to edmonton, san jose, etc whenever they go there. really need some points here as we near the midpoint of the season.

most of all, i was at the game, and shocked i didn't jinx the 8 game streak. 9 and counting.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Head to Holidays in Style, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

While I've also become impressed by Raffl (although I want to rip number 12 off his back) I also worry that his play puts us at a disadvantage. Scott Hartnell is paid to be a top line winger and in my opinion best suited next to Giroux and Voracek. Hartnell and Simmonds play the same style. I think we are likely not to get our money's worth if he continues to play at a position where he's not likely to be successful. We need our best players to be our best players and normally the highest paid players are our best players. A lot of the line combination have been made to shake things up or due to injuries. I think we need to get these lines some what resembling of what they looked likein November. I don't think there is anything with placing Raffl on the fourth in case of injury to one of our higher paid players. He's proven he could move up in a pinch. I just don't think it's okay to allow B rayden Schenn to continue to struggle at center, Hartnell to struggle on a line he has no chemistry with and Lecavalier to play wing (which lessens what he can) all in favour of one line that's been playing well in recent games. We need everyone clicking.

While I've also become impressed by Raffl (although I want to rip number 12 off his back) I also worry that his play puts us at a disadvantage. Scott Hartnell is paid to be a top line winger and in my opinion best suited next to Giroux and Voracek. Hartnell and Simmonds play the same style. I think we are likely not to get our money's worth if he continues to play at a position where he's not likely to be successful. We need our best players to be our best players and normally the highest paid players are our best players. A lot of the line combination have been made to shake things up or due to injuries. I think we need to get these lines some what resembling of what they looked likein November. I don't think there is anything with placing Raffl on the fourth in case of injury to one of our higher paid players. He's proven he could move up in a pinch. I just don't think it's okay to allow B rayden Schenn to continue to struggle at center, Hartnell to struggle on a line he has no chemistry with and Lecavalier to play wing (which lessens what he can) all in favour of one line that's been playing well in recent games. We need everyone clicking.
- Schenn2shine

It's simple. Drop hartnell to the 4th line if all are healthy. Move b schenn back to wing on the 2nd line. Keep raffl with the top line until they stop clicking.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Head to Holidays in Style, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

they kept forechecking and pressuring Minnesota while protecting a two-goal lead in the third period.

hallelujah

Yup, demoting Hartnell makes the most sense. Raffl has to stay on the top line until his play drops off. Giroux and Voracek are thriving right now.

While I've also become impressed by Raffl (although I want to rip number 12 off his back) I also worry that his play puts us at a disadvantage. Scott Hartnell is paid to be a top line winger and in my opinion best suited next to Giroux and Voracek. Hartnell and Simmonds play the same style. I think we are likely not to get our money's worth if he continues to play at a position where he's not likely to be successful. We need our best players to be our best players and normally the highest paid players are our best players. A lot of the line combination have been made to shake things up or due to injuries. I think we need to get these lines some what resembling of what they looked likein November. I don't think there is anything with placing Raffl on the fourth in case of injury to one of our higher paid players. He's proven he could move up in a pinch. I just don't think it's okay to allow B rayden Schenn to continue to struggle at center, Hartnell to struggle on a line he has no chemistry with and Lecavalier to play wing (which lessens what he can) all in favour of one line that's been playing well in recent games. We need everyone clicking.
- Schenn2shine

You don't break something that's working to try to fix something else that's broken, and Raffl on the top line is clearly working. And he's not getting paid much because nobody was sure how he would do in North America, but if he continues producing, if his confidence continues to grow and he keeps getting better, he will get a pay raise.

10 Christmas wishes for a slow Tuesday morning!

1. The Flyers finish strong and edge the Caps for 2nd in the Metro. Ovie injures himself by performing one too many somersaults during one of his dives and the Flyers go on to win in 6.

2. After a fantastic regular season, MAF gives up goals on the first 3 shots he faces in the playoffs and the Pens go down to Toronto in 6. After the game, Sidney Crosby is forced to console Pierre Maguire who takes the loss harder than the entire Pittsburgh franchise.

3. In the second round, Toronto goes up on Boston 3-0, before losing the next 3 games. In game 7, the game goes to double OT and ends when Dion Phaneuf knocks the puck into his own net.

4. The Wizard of Oz appears and sends Gary Bettman back to Munchkinland where he belongs!

5. The Rangers miss the playoffs on the last day of the season. Glen Sather is extended for life!

6. The Flyers face the injury depleted Red Wings, who are missing Howard, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Kronwall, Abdelkader, Helm, Franzen, Samuelsson, Tatar, Quincy, Smith and Lashoff. The Red Wings convince Lidstrom, Federov, Kocur, McCarty and the ghost of Terry Sawchuk to come out of retirement, but the Flyers hold on and win in 6.

7. The Flyers stun the Bruins in 7 games in the conference finals. Steve Mason stops all 52 Boston shots in game 7 which the Flyers win 1-0 in OT on a goal by Scott Hartnell. Hartnell’s first words in the postgame interview are “Suck it Phaneuf!”

8. Colorado upsets basically everyone in the West to reach the Stanley Cup finals. However moments before game 1 of the finals, Varlamov’s ex-girlfriends new boyfriend breaks both of the red hot goalies legs.

9. In the draft lottery, the team holding the spot that should have gone to the Devils wins the first overall pick. Uncle Lou shrugs and resigns Danius Zubrus to a 6 year extension.

10. The Flyers go on to defeat the Avs in 7 and win the cup. Steve Downie scores the game winning goal. His first words after the game are “Suck it Landeskog!”

Happy holidays to all!!!!!!!!!!

- BiggE

And here I was just wishing for playoffs.

While I've also become impressed by Raffl (although I want to rip number 12 off his back) I also worry that his play puts us at a disadvantage. Scott Hartnell is paid to be a top line winger and in my opinion best suited next to Giroux and Voracek. Hartnell and Simmonds play the same style. I think we are likely not to get our money's worth if he continues to play at a position where he's not likely to be successful. We need our best players to be our best players and normally the highest paid players are our best players. A lot of the line combination have been made to shake things up or due to injuries. I think we need to get these lines some what resembling of what they looked likein November. I don't think there is anything with placing Raffl on the fourth in case of injury to one of our higher paid players. He's proven he could move up in a pinch. I just don't think it's okay to allow B rayden Schenn to continue to struggle at center, Hartnell to struggle on a line he has no chemistry with and Lecavalier to play wing (which lessens what he can) all in favour of one line that's been playing well in recent games. We need everyone clicking.
- Schenn2shine

Hartnell is being paid like a top line winger but isn't playing like one. He was bringing that top line down it is quite evident. As soon as he was moved Giroux and Voracek have picked up their game big time. Why do you have to play on a top line just because you are getting paid big money? Maybe an attitude adjustment to think about things so you will play better is in order for Hartnell, he doesn't deserve top line minutes for his production this year and really hope we can unload that contract this summer. Simmonds has picked up his play as well in the past few games so not sure I get your point.

You don't break something that's working to try to fix something else that's broken, and Raffl on the top line is clearly working. And he's not getting paid much because nobody was sure how he would do in North America, but if he continues producing, if his confidence continues to grow and he keeps getting better, he will get a pay raise.
- wolfhounds

I'm not really sure dropping Hartnell to the fourth line is an answer to...well, anything really. He's the type of player that needs to play with talented line mates to be effective. Maybe drop his PP time if you are trying to "send a message" I guess, but it won't help the team any more or hurt it any less to have him on the bottom line

You don't break something that's working to try to fix something else that's broken, and Raffl on the top line is clearly working. And he's not getting paid much because nobody was sure how he would do in North America, but if he continues producing, if his confidence continues to grow and he keeps getting better, he will get a pay raise.
- wolfhounds

Raffl is playing well but he's still not contributing at a top line level. He's had two or three games where he chipped in. The top line will be good with or without him. Giroux and Voracek are carrying the load the same way they were when Hartnell was originally on there. You don't sacrifice everything else for one good thing.

While I've also become impressed by Raffl (although I want to rip number 12 off his back) I also worry that his play puts us at a disadvantage. Scott Hartnell is paid to be a top line winger and in my opinion best suited next to Giroux and Voracek. Hartnell and Simmonds play the same style. I think we are likely not to get our money's worth if he continues to play at a position where he's not likely to be successful. We need our best players to be our best players and normally the highest paid players are our best players. A lot of the line combination have been made to shake things up or due to injuries. I think we need to get these lines some what resembling of what they looked likein November. I don't think there is anything with placing Raffl on the fourth in case of injury to one of our higher paid players. He's proven he could move up in a pinch. I just don't think it's okay to allow B rayden Schenn to continue to struggle at center, Hartnell to struggle on a line he has no chemistry with and Lecavalier to play wing (which lessens what he can) all in favour of one line that's been playing well in recent games. We need everyone clicking.
- Schenn2shine

OR... we can trade Hartnell. Problem solved.

Raffl-Giroux-Voracek
Schenn-Lecavalier-Simmonds
Downie-Couturier-Read
McGinn/Velveeta-Hall-Rinaldo

Raffl is playing well but he's still not contributing at a top line level. He's had two or three games where he chipped in. The top line will be good with or without him. Giroux and Voracek are carrying the load the same way they were when Hartnell was originally on there. You don't sacrifice everything else for one good thing.
- Schenn2shine

I'm sorry... did you miss the first 20 games?

Hartnell is being paid like a top line winger but isn't playing like one. He was bringing that top line down it is quite evident. As soon as he was moved Giroux and Voracek have picked up their game big time. Why do you have to play on a top line just because you are getting paid big money? Maybe an attitude adjustment to think about things so you will play better is in order for Hartnell, he doesn't deserve top line minutes for his production this year and really hope we can unload that contract this summer. Simmonds has picked up his play as well in the past few games so not sure I get your point.
- Daceroni

Any player who struggles has to play his way out of his slumps. If Giroux was ever to get hurt and chemistry was found between three other players, how long do you think it would take before Giroux found d his way centering that top line again? Hartnell isn't exactly lighting it up on the power play but he remains on the top unit, right? Raffl will come off the top line sooner or later, why delay the inevitable?

I'm not really sure dropping Hartnell to the fourth line is an answer to...well, anything really. He's the type of player that needs to play with talented line mates to be effective. Maybe drop his PP time if you are trying to "send a message" I guess, but it won't help the team any more or hurt it any less to have him on the bottom line
- eshake

Lets break it down. As much as I want to say Raffl isn't a perminant top line player, there is something in the chemistry with that line that make it work. Whether it is the way Raffl attacks the ice, to give more room for G and V to operate, he does something Hartnell hasnt been doing.

Second. Once Downie is back, you dont want Hartnell on Couturiers line. That line is meant to be defensive that can still chip pucks in, and they also seem to have developed chemistry together.

As someone mentioned Simmonds and Hartnell are the same player, so you dont want them on the same ES line if it can be helped. Plus with Vinny back, we will move Schenn back to LW and that unit had sucess when no-one on the team did.

That leaves a 4th line spot for Hartnell, or a trade. In a season that has gone the way it has, and the line shuffling that has finally worked out... You keep what is working together. No matter what.

I'm sorry... did you miss the first 20 games?
- youarewrong

You mean when a number of players struggled including our Captain? Does this mean we trade him too?