Rinaldo is a f*ckwit. I'm shocked people actually try to defend him.

The day he is out of hockey will be a good day.

He didn't say initiated. Basically, the Pens, fans and Pittsburgh media need stop acting like the Flyers are the goons while having Downie, Sill and Farnham in the lineup, also after having players like Cooke, Neal, and Malkin.

But please, keep protesting.
- wolfhounds

So, Farnham is a goon with his 11 career games in the NHL? Go it.

Neal is a 30-goal scorer in this league; Malkin is one of the best players in the world and Cooke is an effective third line player; same with Downie when they aren't doing stupid stuff. As I said earlier, Downie has a 20-goal season on his resume and has 21 points for the Penguins this year. He has shown the ability to do something positive, whereas Rinaldo continually shows he isn't a good hockey player under any circumstances. I fail to see how they should be mentioned in the same breath as Rinaldo.

At least we have Tyrell Goulbourne on the way!

Rinaldo is a f*ckwit. I'm shocked people actually try to defend him.

The day he is out of hockey will be a good day.
- hereticpride

Finally, a rational person.

I think most of Bill's blog is accurate. However, its laughable to suggest Pittsburgh initiated all this thug like play from Rinaldo and Voracek because they recalled Bobby Farnham from the AHL. He is a guy that has 11 games experience and doesn't have a reputation close to the thug that took liberties on Letang. Bill, I think its irresponsible reporting blaming this on Pittsburgh for recalling Farnham. It's a joke really. But, then again, its typical.
- Oneonta Penguin

I think there's 2 separate issues here:

1) Rinaldo - no matter what the other team does, there's really no place for what Rinaldo did. It's a stupid hit and he deserves whatever suspension he gets (probably more).

2) Everything else - I don't think I'd call what Voracek did a "thug play." It wasn't like he came at Scuderi and 2-handed him. He got heated and skated up to Scuderi, and they both dropped their gloves.

I agree that I don't think Pittsburgh initiated all the play simply by calling him up. But they did send a message that they were willing (and expecting) to engage in some goonery.

Quite possibly the best blog you have written here, Bill. Clear, concise, well thought out, factual, and without knee-jerk reactionary emotion.

If you're not the best in the biz right now, I want to know who is.

Thank you.
- Scoob

Randall Miller

I think most of Bill's blog is accurate. However, its laughable to suggest Pittsburgh initiated all this thug like play from Rinaldo and Voracek because they recalled Bobby Farnham from the AHL. He is a guy that has 11 games experience and doesn't have a reputation close to the thug that took liberties on Letang. Bill, I think its irresponsible reporting blaming this on Pittsburgh for recalling Farnham. It's a joke really. But, then again, its typical.
- Oneonta Penguin

The Pens had three guys dressed who have reputations as agitators and hooligans in Downie, Sill & Farnham. Might not be to the degree of Rinaldo, but all the same they're not known for being skilled players.

Also, FWIW, headed into the game, it was Pittsburgh who was the most penalized team in the NHL, not the Flyers. Also, since 2010, the Pens have been suspended 13 times for a total of 53 games. The Flyers? 10 suspensions for 23 games.

Be careful tossing rocks, your glass house will get awfully drafty. Flyers fans know that our reputation as a sometimes dirty team is earned, Pens fans seem to see the pig with lipstick through lovers eyes. Because they are every bit as dirty as their cross state rivals.

I think most of Bill's blog is accurate. However, its laughable to suggest Pittsburgh initiated all this thug like play from Rinaldo and Voracek because they recalled Bobby Farnham from the AHL. He is a guy that has 11 games experience and doesn't have a reputation close to the thug that took liberties on Letang. Bill, I think its irresponsible reporting blaming this on Pittsburgh for recalling Farnham. It's a joke really. But, then again, its typical.
- Oneonta Penguin

I think you are misinterpreting what Bill wrote.

He never said Pitt initiated this by recalling Farnham.

He said Pitt was sending a clear message they could play the down and dirty game as well, by calling him up for the game.

He is not blaming Pitt here, but he is pointing out that the Pens were ready to engage in that type of game.

Maybe it is a subtle point.

I think the blog was really fair and evenhanded.

Finally, a rational person.
- Oneonta Penguin

the vast majority of people on here fall into this category

I think there's 2 separate issues here:

1) Rinaldo - no matter what the other team does, there's really no place for what Rinaldo did. It's a stupid hit and he deserves whatever suspension he gets (probably more).

2) Everything else - I don't think I'd call what Voracek did a "thug play." It wasn't like he came at Scuderi and 2-handed him. He got heated and skated up to Scuderi, and they both dropped their gloves.

I agree that I don't think Pittsburgh initiated all the play simply by calling him up. But they did send a message that they were willing (and expecting) to engage in some goonery.
- jmatchett383

anytime Pittsburgh plays Philly, they should expect goonery to happen.

So, Farnham is a goon with his 11 career games in the NHL? Go it.

Neal is a 30-goal scorer in this league; Malkin is one of the best players in the world and Cooke is an effective third line player; same with Downie when they aren't doing stupid stuff. As I said earlier, Downie has a 20-goal season on his resume and has 21 points for the Penguins this year. He has shown the ability to do something positive, whereas Rinaldo continually shows he isn't a good hockey player under any circumstances. I fail to see how they should be mentioned in the same breath as Rinaldo.
- Oneonta Penguin

You're absolutely right. Cooke, Neal, Downie, Malkin, etc. are all very competent hockey players, and Rinaldo isn't. That sais, they're all guilty of laying dirty hits multiple times. Even with his star pedigree, I'm surprised that Malkin hasn't gotten a suspension yet (especially the automatic 1-gamer for the fight instigation under 5 minutes).

But yes, comparing Neal or Malkin to Rinaldo is not exactly fair.

Oh noes!!!1 A Pittsburgh fan disagrees! What are we going to do?

anytime Pittsburgh plays Philly, they should expect goonery to happen.
- Oneonta Penguin

And as long as they keep that conception in their heads, it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

So, Farnham is a goon with his 11 career games in the NHL? Go it.

Neal is a 30-goal scorer in this league; Malkin is one of the best players in the world and Cooke is an effective third line player. I fail to see how they should be mentioned in the same breath as Rinaldo.
- Oneonta Penguin

Why was Farnham called up for the Flyers game and set back down immediately after?

Farnham has three fighting majors in his 10 games with the big club this season and seven more in the AHL according to hockeyfights.com. He has already racked up 117 penalty minutes in 27 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the AHL this year as well.

Not comparing Rinaldo to any Pens player, simply pointing out the Pens have some players who can goon it up with the best of em.

the vast majority of people on here fall into this category
- stayinthefnnet

Yeah, I'm not really seeing where the Flyers fans are defending Rinaldo in masses on here. I think 1 guy so far has said it wasn't his fault.

I think most of Bill's blog is accurate. However, its laughable to suggest Pittsburgh initiated all this thug like play from Rinaldo and Voracek because they recalled Bobby Farnham from the AHL. He is a guy that has 11 games experience and doesn't have a reputation close to the thug that took liberties on Letang. Bill, I think its irresponsible reporting blaming this on Pittsburgh for recalling Farnham. It's a joke really. But, then again, its typical.
- Oneonta Penguin

Bill's never blamed the Penguins/Farnham for anything. He was merely saying that the Flyers are being called a dirty team by fans of a team that also employs goons. i.e. neither team is innocent or particularly "clean" and Bill did a fine job at making that clear, IMO.

Maybe the league needs to start punishing players who turn their backs, to make a play, next too the boards as well. IMO, If you turn your back to try and avoid a hit, then you deserve what you get. With that being said, Rinaldo is only on the Flyers because teams have the same types on their rosters. PLEASE spare me about other teams not having these types either. Over the years, The penguins, who whine the most about dirty play, continually employ one of the dirtiest to ever play. They called up Farnham, who's a dirty player, just for this game, but the Flyers are the ones who instigated it? LOL. Payback is a bi*ch for the Penguins and they simply can't handle it. They didnt have a problem when Neal was elbowing everyone or Crosby was slashing everyone !!!!!!
- twpguy

uhhh..... wow

Oh noes!!!1 A Pittsburgh fan disagrees! What are we going to do?


- Scoob

Shut it down. Shut it all down.

Yeah, I'm not really seeing where the Flyers fans are defending Rinaldo in masses on here. I think 1 guy so far has said it wasn't his fault.
- jmatchett383

I think most of Bill's blog is accurate. However, its laughable to suggest Pittsburgh initiated all this thug like play from Rinaldo and Voracek because they recalled Bobby Farnham from the AHL. He is a guy that has 11 games experience and doesn't have a reputation close to the thug that took liberties on Letang. Bill, I think its irresponsible reporting blaming this on Pittsburgh for recalling Farnham. It's a joke really. But, then again, its typical.
- Oneonta Penguin

Agreed. Farnham is not a goon. He gives 110% ever shift, he doesn't play dirty at all. He will fight anyone who challenges him though. I guess that makes him a middleweight goon

[quote=SpoiledByOil]

There's a few in every crowd.

Thanks Bill. Rinaldo should be put on waivers. All he does is hit, and skate. He takes dumb penalties, and just shouldn't get the playing time that he does. It's one thing to have an energy guy, it's another to have a "Car Bomb 2.0." Hopefully, with Hexy at the helm, we will stop drafting these guys or trading for them.
Jones can fill that role, but please do not bring up Rosehill. Changing the "Old Guard" mentality will be an up hill battle. I am crossing my fingers that it's a battle that Hexy will continue to fight.
The Pens game should be a good start for the PK to build upon. It should motivate players, and give them some hope. Manning looked solid, if not spectacular. However, a dependable D-man isn't flashy. Thumbs up for Manning. If we trade #5, or Grossmann, he should fit right in.
Thumbs up for V-check, and Bellemare for standing up for the team. The Islanders game really showed the lack of team character that has been shown of late. Maybe this will bring the team closer together.
Razor had a bounce back game as well; another thumbs up.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: My Take on Rinaldo and Emotion vs. Stupidity
- bmeltzer

This.

This whole (frank)ing blog.

This.

This whole (frank)ing blog.
- PhillySportsGuy

Whoa. Settle down, you seem a little excited...

Agreed. Farnham is not a goon. He gives 110% ever shift, he doesn't play dirty at all. He will fight anyone who challenges him though. I guess that makes him a middleweight goon
- znagle

Goon, thug, fighter, whatever definition you want. Difference between a goon (Tony Twist or Joey Kocur) and a dirty player (Rinaldo, Ulf Samuelsson).