Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Workload, Goalie Home Ice Edge, Raffl and More

Thanks for the updates, Bill

The 25 - 49 - 17 line could create some havoc on the forecheck.

51 points in 51 games played. Meaning about 48 points out of the remaining games needed for playoffs. 24-7-0 (or some combo there of) needed.

Flyers coach Craig Berube said he likes the combination of speed and grit the line offers. The coach said of White (who played center in his first three games) that he likes the player's versatility in playing different positions, his energy and his physicality.
- bmeltzer

I thought the guy who gave us that was suspended.

Historically this season, the flyers haven't played all that well after semi long- long breaks. Hopefully they can end that pattern we've been seeing from them as well. Islanders are a tough, gritty, fast team. I'm excited to see the white, laughton, Simmonds line.

As of right now, Steve Mason could be a Vezina finalist. Price, Rinne, Mason, Anderson, Lundqvist, Schneider and Elliott (to a lesser extent) are all in the mix. Price is leading the pack, IMO, with Rinne out but it wouldn't shock me if Mason finishes 3rd or 4th if he keeps up his play so far this season.

As of right now, Steve Mason could be a Vezina finalist. Price, Rinne, Mason, Anderson, Lundqvist, Schneider and Elliott (to a lesser extent) are all in the mix. Price is leading the pack, IMO, with Rinne out but it wouldn't shock me if Mason finishes 3rd or 4th if he keeps up his play so far this season.
- NickTheKid87

Flyers need a goalie.

As of right now, Steve Mason could be a Vezina finalist. Price, Rinne, Mason, Anderson, Lundqvist, Schneider and Elliott (to a lesser extent) are all in the mix. Price is leading the pack, IMO, with Rinne out but it wouldn't shock me if Mason finishes 3rd or 4th if he keeps up his play so far this season.
- NickTheKid87

I honestly think that in the next season or two, providing he stays healthy, Mason is going to move into the discussion on the top goalies in the League.

Flyers need a goalie.
- jmatchett383

When Timonen comes back we should trade him for one.

Flyers need a goalie.
- jmatchett383

You forget to mention the entire team is full of goons ..... so says hockey fans outside Philly

Historically this season, the flyers haven't played all that well after semi long- long breaks. Hopefully they can end that pattern we've been seeing from them as well. Islanders are a tough, gritty, fast team. I'm excited to see the white, laughton, Simmonds line.
- benjichronic

especially the first one, before which they had gotten back on track early enough to be in the mix. they massively derailed after that and have never recovered.

Flyers need a goalie.
- jmatchett383

A solid up grade over Emery in the summer would be nice. I really like emery but his play has really been off this season.

especially the first one, before which they had gotten back on track early enough to be in the mix. they massively derailed after that and have never recovered.
- hammarby31

I have a question for you (and anyone else who is able to chime in and goes back far enough). Based purely on offensive hockey skills, is Claude Giroux the most skilled Flyer player of all time? I'm not including Forsberg since he only played here for 2 season at the end of his career. But, aside from him, has anyone ever rivaled or surpassed him if terms of just offensive skill? Just curious what your take is.

When Timonen comes back we should trade him for one.
- Coburns_Nose

I think Leighton is floating around in the Chicago system somewhere.

I honestly think that in the next season or two, providing he stays healthy, Mason is going to move into the discussion on the top goalies in the League.
- MJL

If he continues to play at his current level there is no reason why he shouldn't be considered for the Canadian team at the World Cup in 2016

I have a question for you (and anyone else who is able to chime in and goes back far enough). Based purely on offensive hockey skills, is Claude Giroux the most skilled Flyer player of all time? I'm not including Forsberg since he only played here for 2 season at the end of his career. But, aside from him, has anyone ever rivaled or surpassed him if terms of just offensive skill? Just curious what your take is.
- jmatchett383

Mark Recchi, Pelle Eklund, are a couple of players that quickly come to mind.

Mark Recchi, Pelle Eklund, are a couple of players that quickly come to mind.
- MJL

Just to be clear, are you saying they're better, equal, or in the same discussion?

I'm not going to argue, just want to hear where you're basing them.

Also, does Lindros enter the discussion?

I have a question for you (and anyone else who is able to chime in and goes back far enough). Based purely on offensive hockey skills, is Claude Giroux the most skilled Flyer player of all time? I'm not including Forsberg since he only played here for 2 season at the end of his career. But, aside from him, has anyone ever rivaled or surpassed him if terms of just offensive skill? Just curious what your take is.
- jmatchett383

Lindros

Just to be clear, are you saying they're better, equal, or in the same discussion?

I'm not going to argue, just want to hear where you're basing them.

Also, does Lindros enter the discussion?
- jmatchett383

Sometimes it's hard to compare players from different eras, and players who have had a complete career to a player who is in the middle of his career. Right now I'd give Recchi the edge over Giroux but that could change. I don't think Eklund was better then Giroux is, just mentioned him in terms of skill, he was an outstanding passer of the puck similar to Giroux. I'd certainly agree with adding Lindros to the discussion in terms of skill. Linesman was also highly skilled.

I have a question for you (and anyone else who is able to chime in and goes back far enough). Based purely on offensive hockey skills, is Claude Giroux the most skilled Flyer player of all time? I'm not including Forsberg since he only played here for 2 season at the end of his career. But, aside from him, has anyone ever rivaled or surpassed him if terms of just offensive skill? Just curious what your take is.
- jmatchett383

i have to include forsberg, who for me, was similar to lindros, but didn't have the same size and overall power. giroux is up there. honestly, so is voracek in my opinion. i'm not going to name G the most skilled of all time. not sure i can name that payer. had patrick kane been a flyer, it might be him. that guy is just filthy.

Lindros
- MBFlyerfan

That was the closest one I came up with from my time as a Flyers' fan. But I think one of the things about Lindros was that he was dominant in so many ways, not just offensively. Also, he was more of a bull in a china shop on offense (get in on the forecheck, throw a dude on the ice, take the puck, set up LeClair for a one-timer). Giroux is more of a finesse-oriented player with amazing puck skills. Both work, but in very different ways.

I have a question for you (and anyone else who is able to chime in and goes back far enough). Based purely on offensive hockey skills, is Claude Giroux the most skilled Flyer player of all time? I'm not including Forsberg since he only played here for 2 season at the end of his career. But, aside from him, has anyone ever rivaled or surpassed him if terms of just offensive skill? Just curious what your take is.
- jmatchett383

Lindros

i have to include forsberg, who for me, was similar to lindros, but didn't have the same size and overall power. giroux is up there. honestly, so is voracek in my opinion. i'm not going to name G the most skilled of all time. not sure i can name that payer. had patrick kane been a flyer, it might be him. that guy is just filthy.
- hammarby31

Had Forsberg been a Flyer during his prime years, he'd hold the title, and that isn't a slight to any other Flyer. And agree about Kane. But I was just thinking that we may (MAY) be seeing, right now, the most purely offensively skilled player in team history. Kinda like the 07-11 Phillies, we may complain from time to time, but we should appreciate watching him (and Voracek) while we can.

Flyers need a goalie.
- jmatchett383

It's probably going to take a Flyers goalie winning the Vezina to finally end the National perception that the Flyers have poor goaltending. And I'm not really even convinced it'll end even then.

http://prohockeytalk.nbcs...ted-to-qualify-del-zotto/