Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday:1/20/24 vs. COL

I don't know what to say.
That's a good!

When was the last time Flyers fans were looking forward to a game against an odds-on favorite to win the Cup? For the last few years we’ve cringed and said “I hope they don’t get embarrassed too bad.” Now, we want to watch the game with a real expectation of a win and a tight entertaining game. Let’s go Flyers! Time for JD to score his first as a Flyer. I really like the PP when they go old school with both JD and TS at the point. They seem to generate a lot of pressure, are able to enter the zone and keep it there, and damn JD is really smooth on his skates back there.

Let’s go Flyers. Put another notch on the belt today. Maybe there is or isn’t love for our guys around the league, bagging Dal and Col back to back should confirm we have arrived. Keep building that mojo.

I understand the excitement that the team is performing well and is exceeding expectations by a lot, but the current mindset of the fans is troubling. When Hextall was building through the draft, or at least trying to, a couple of years into it, fans got antsy..things got excelerated, JVR and Hayes ended up being signed and we are here now. It had such potential to be patient, and build a proper foundation, with cap control and picks. It felt like we were doing things properly, instead of rushing and then the pressure and impatience came. I fear we are going to head down that path. I like Drysdale and the dimension he adds, but loosing what we thought we had in Guathier, the position he was expected to fill will hurt. I am enjoying them playing well, and I never hope they lose. I have never supported the tanking idea. But the focus has to stay long term, and not getting caught up in the moment.
I just hope DB, KJ and Torts are true to their word, and that bodies are moving out for future assets. The rebuild doesn't have to be 7-10 years long, but it does require patience, and now a new approach due to getting a top d, but losing a huge piece for the future forward plans.

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I understand the excitement that the team is performing well and is exceeding expectations by a lot, but the current mindset of the fans is troubling. When Hextall was building through the draft, or at least trying to, a couple of years into it, fans got antsy..things got excelerated, JVR and Hayes ended up being signed and we are here now. It had such potential to be patient, and build a proper foundation, with cap control and picks. It felt like we were doing things properly, instead of rushing and then the pressure and impatience came. I fear we are going to head down that path. I like Drysdale and the dimension he adds, but loosing what we thought we had in Guathier, the position he was expected to fill will hurt. I am enjoying them playing well, and I never hope they lose. I have never supported the tanking idea. But the focus has to stay long term, and not getting caught up in the moment.
I just hope DB, KJ and Torts are true to their word, and that bodies are moving out for future assets. The rebuild doesn't have to be 7-10 years long, but it does require patience, and now a new approach due to getting a top d, but losing a huge piece for the future forward plans.
- TheFreak

The JVR and Hayes signings were both dumb signings. JVR was never the kind of player that is going to get you anywhere near the top and Hayes' track record speaks for itself. I'm hoping this current regime is smarter, but I guess only time will tell.

I understand the excitement that the team is performing well and is exceeding expectations by a lot, but the current mindset of the fans is troubling. When Hextall was building through the draft, or at least trying to, a couple of years into it, fans got antsy..things got excelerated, JVR and Hayes ended up being signed and we are here now. It had such potential to be patient, and build a proper foundation, with cap control and picks. It felt like we were doing things properly, instead of rushing and then the pressure and impatience came. I fear we are going to head down that path. I like Drysdale and the dimension he adds, but loosing what we thought we had in Guathier, the position he was expected to fill will hurt. I am enjoying them playing well, and I never hope they lose. I have never supported the tanking idea. But the focus has to stay long term, and not getting caught up in the moment.
I just hope DB, KJ and Torts are true to their word, and that bodies are moving out for future assets. The rebuild doesn't have to be 7-10 years long, but it does require patience, and now a new approach due to getting a top d, but losing a huge piece for the future forward plans.
- TheFreak

Amen.

When was the last time Flyers fans were looking forward to a game against an odds-on favorite to win the Cup? For the last few years we’ve cringed and said “I hope they don’t get embarrassed too bad.” Now, we want to watch the game with a real expectation of a win and a tight entertaining game. Let’s go Flyers! Time for JD to score his first as a Flyer. I really like the PP when they go old school with both JD and TS at the point. They seem to generate a lot of pressure, are able to enter the zone and keep it there, and damn JD is really smooth on his skates back there.
- mikeyo27

AVs aren’t winning anything, they can’t defend

I understand the excitement that the team is performing well and is exceeding expectations by a lot, but the current mindset of the fans is troubling. When Hextall was building through the draft, or at least trying to, a couple of years into it, fans got antsy..things got excelerated, JVR and Hayes ended up being signed and we are here now. It had such potential to be patient, and build a proper foundation, with cap control and picks. It felt like we were doing things properly, instead of rushing and then the pressure and impatience came. I fear we are going to head down that path. I like Drysdale and the dimension he adds, but loosing what we thought we had in Guathier, the position he was expected to fill will hurt. I am enjoying them playing well, and I never hope they lose. I have never supported the tanking idea. But the focus has to stay long term, and not getting caught up in the moment.
I just hope DB, KJ and Torts are true to their word, and that bodies are moving out for future assets. The rebuild doesn't have to be 7-10 years long, but it does require patience, and now a new approach due to getting a top d, but losing a huge piece for the future forward plans.
- TheFreak

What exactly is the current mindset, everyone on here is saying to trade Walker and Seeler, there hasn’t been a single mention of being buyers at the deadline.

I understand the excitement that the team is performing well and is exceeding expectations by a lot, but the current mindset of the fans is troubling. When Hextall was building through the draft, or at least trying to, a couple of years into it, fans got antsy..things got excelerated, JVR and Hayes ended up being signed and we are here now. It had such potential to be patient, and build a proper foundation, with cap control and picks. It felt like we were doing things properly, instead of rushing and then the pressure and impatience came. I fear we are going to head down that path. I like Drysdale and the dimension he adds, but loosing what we thought we had in Guathier, the position he was expected to fill will hurt. I am enjoying them playing well, and I never hope they lose. I have never supported the tanking idea. But the focus has to stay long term, and not getting caught up in the moment.
I just hope DB, KJ and Torts are true to their word, and that bodies are moving out for future assets. The rebuild doesn't have to be 7-10 years long, but it does require patience, and now a new approach due to getting a top d, but losing a huge piece for the future forward plans.
- TheFreak

I agree, I am somewhat comfortable because of DB, who he was as a player appears to be who is as a GM. He was a skill player with high hockey IQ, most people will make decisions from who they are at their core, hoping DB holds this path. While I hate what Torts does with some players, he has been very good for the franchise to date, his last video about not getting married to a player was on point, just hoping that turns out to be true. I worry about his love affair with the ND's of the world but truth be told, that is not a type of decision that will have a big impact on the rebuild.

While the Flyers are in this situation due to poor management and not doing a true rebuild, they were also smoked by the whole franchise being injured for a 2 year period. Knock on wood, we are now in season 2 of a healthy group, they have taken a big step forward, they have depth and picks, they can deal from a position of strength and really have an impact on the direction of the franchise. This TDL, this off-season are HUGE. All the while we can enjoy good hockey, I will take it and pray it continues.

What exactly is the current mindset, everyone on here is saying to trade Walker and Seeler, there hasn’t been a single mention of being buyers at the deadline.
- ClaudeFather

Of course there has. In the previous thread there was a discussion on the Flyers acquiring Norris from Ottawa.

Of course there has. In the previous thread there was a discussion on the Flyers acquiring Norris from Ottawa.
- MJL

Yeah but Norris is 24 and I think the poster’s question involved Laughton and Risto (which Ott would never do) but that’s consistent with a rebuild. Trading prospects and draft picks for older players and expiring contracts is not something they should do. But I think generally most agree.

Yeah but Norris is 24 and I think the poster’s question involved Laughton and Risto (which Ott would never do) but that’s consistent with a rebuild. Trading prospects and draft picks for older players and expiring contracts is not something they should do. But I think generally most agree.
- mikeyo27

It's still buying. It's still risk taking with Norris injury history. It's still trying to escalate the process. The Flyers always think they can buy and wheel and deal their way there. Until that way of thinking changes, they won't go anywhere.

Of course there has. In the previous thread there was a discussion on the Flyers acquiring Norris from Ottawa.
- MJL

So trading for a 24 year old center is being a buyer or trading for a position of need on a player that could have high upside. Not that I would want the player but That’s a hockey trade chief, not being a buyer.

So trading for a 24 year old center is being a buyer or trading for a position of need on a player that could have high upside. Not that I would want the player but That’s a hockey trade chief, not being a buyer.
- ClaudeFather

Of course it's buying chief. What are you talking about? Whether it's a hockey trade or not, it's still buying.

What exactly is the current mindset, everyone on here is saying to trade Walker and Seeler, there hasn’t been a single mention of being buyers at the deadline.
- ClaudeFather

It's not just here..on Reddit the fans are totally in buy mode, sign Hart, TK, Walker, Seeler..etc, etc. It is more level headed here believe it or not..lol.


I don't think anyone saw us sitting in second this far into the season, and I am enjoying it, but the upcoming TDL could be disasterous or a great step. A lot of my fears is the unknown..Danny and co have no experience at this, and while we have done ok, I still think we should have gotten a bit more in the Provy trade considering we took on a long term salary dump. I also have a bit of trust issues, as former GM's have said one thing, and done another. Briere has already admitted lying to the fan base, so that, to me is not a good way to start. We will see.

Of course it's buying chief. What are you talking about? Whether it's a hockey trade or not, it's still buying.
- MJL

It’s a trade for the team going forward, it’s not a rental. Now you’re just trying to wrap your head around a technicality. One of you’re favorite , hyperbole

It's not just here..on Reddit the fans are totally in buy mode, sign Hart, TK, Walker, Seeler..etc, etc. It is more level headed here believe it or not..lol.


I don't think anyone saw us sitting in second this far into the season, and I am enjoying it, but the upcoming TDL could be disasterous or a great step. A lot of my fears is the unknown..Danny and co have no experience at this, and while we have done ok, I still think we should have gotten a bit more in the Provy trade considering we took on a long term salary dump. I also have a bit of trust issues, as former GM's have said one thing, and done another. Briere has already admitted lying to the fan base, so that, to me is not a good way to start. We will see.
- TheFreak

On Reddit…why would anyone take something said on there seriously, it’s a cesspool. The team has said they are staying the course, until they veer off, no sense in making something of it.

On Reddit…why would anyone take something said on there seriously, it’s a cesspool. The team has said they are staying the course, until they veer off, no sense in making something of it.
- ClaudeFather

I expressed my concerns, and trust in the big 3 is the biggest issue for me. I was listing reddit as one place, there are many fan forums that want to go for it.

It’s a trade for the team going forward, it’s not a rental. Now you’re just trying to wrap your head around a technicality. One of you’re favorite , hyperbole
- ClaudeFather

No actually you are. It's still buying. Whether it's for a rental or a player for the longer term. Nor is it hyperbole. It is consistent with my overall view. I want the Flyers to stop trying to escalate and cheat the process. Build the team through the draft as the primary method of team building. As the Freak is trying to convey in my opinion. Fans are starting to smell it. They're getting excited and want to rush it. Craving success and lacking patience. It is not the right approach and I can only hope that the Flyers brass thinks differently.

Quote from the coach just the other day, “There’s going to be some people upset come deadline when we have to make some moves here bc of where we’re at in the process…We’re talking about where guys fit age wise/contracts…u can’t fall in love bc if u do it’s gonna set u back.”

Sounds like a seller not a buyer to me

No actually you are. It's still buying. Whether it's for a rental or a player for the longer term. Nor is it hyperbole. It is consistent with my overall view. I want the Flyers to stop trying to escalate and cheat the process. Build the team through the draft as the primary method of team building. As the Freak is trying to convey in my opinion. Fans are starting to smell it. They're getting excited and want to rush it. Craving success and lacking patience. It is not the right approach and I can only hope that the Flyers brass thinks differently.
- MJL

Being a buyer at the deadline is trading for pieces to make a run, trading for a young player that is signed long term is a hockey trade. Everyone knows this, you just will argue a totally irrelevant technical point, like it’s still buying. This is classic MJL douchery that people can’t stand on here. If this trade is made in the off season, is it buying or a hockey trade?

Quote from the coach just the other day, “There’s going to be some people upset come deadline when we have to make some moves here bc of where we’re at in the process…We’re talking about where guys fit age wise/contracts…u can’t fall in love bc if u do it’s gonna set u back.”

Sounds like a seller not a buyer to me
- Dkos

I saw that. The same coach has in the past said that they're not going to put rebuilding ahead of winning. We'll see what happens. See what they actually do if March comes and they're still in the playoff hunt.

It's still buying. It's still risk taking with Norris injury history. It's still trying to escalate the process. The Flyers always think they can buy and wheel and deal their way there. Until that way of thinking changes, they won't go anywhere.
- MJL

I strongly disagree with you here! If you could move Risto and Laughts, and get a 24 year old center with a good bit of upside in return you do it every time. Now I know why you liked Hextall so much.