Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers at Worlds Wrapup

Great to hear Gustafsson played so well. A real boost to his confidence. And I believe he's ready to be a full time NHL defenseman that can help the Flyers.

Let's go Gus! In the game I watched he was making some kimmo like plays. Getting his stick in passing lanes and his work along the walls has probably been his biggest improvement. We can pen him in the lineup!

Luke Schenn (D, Canada): ....He also scored a goal against Canada

You mean own goal??

I love how a guy who is 3-11 career in OT playoff games, and has never been to a SCF wears a hat that has a crown with the # 30 in the middle of it.

The self proclaimed King!

Gus seems to be one of those players that may do better in a bigger role (top 4 D) than a "lesser" role (5-6 D). Good on him and hope it continues into next season and beyond.

Eat glass Fonz...

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers at Worlds Wrapup
- bmeltzer

Gustafsson's play at the Worlds, as well as down the stretch for the Flyers, was very encouraging. If he can stay healthy, it would be a major boost to the Flyers and lessen the need to overpay for defensive help.

He might not be ready for a top four role yet, but it sure seems safe to assume that he's a lock for the top 6.

Gus seems to be one of those players that may do better in a bigger role (top 4 D) than a "lesser" role (5-6 D). Good on him and hope it continues into next season and beyond.
- eayost

A top 4 role at the World's is a lesser role then top 6 on an NHL team. I think we should guard against expectations being place to high. He's never been a regular NHL defenseman. I'll be happy if he's just able to be an every game solid NHL player.

A top 4 role at the World's is a lesser role then top 6 on an NHL team.
- MJL

Depends on the roster and caliber of opposition in any given game. Gustafsson was Sweden's #1 defenseman (at least in terms of ice time) before Edler's arrival and then after he got himself booted from the QFs and the rest of the tourney.

In the QFs against Canada, these were the lines Sweden was facing:

Ladd - Giroux - Stamkos
Read - E. Staal - Simmonds
Duchene - J. Staal - Eberle
Hall - O'Reilly - Skinner

Hamhuis - Robidas
Harrison - Subban
Campbell - L. Schenn
Dillon - Schultz

M. Smith
[Dubnyk]

This was no All-Star Game -- the players were going all out. Gustafsson ended up playing 33:27 against that lineup, which is a better lineup talentwise than ANY he'd face in the NHL. Obviously, the other lineups he went up against were less fearsome on paper than this one. Also, the big rink game is played differently than the NHL style.

Even so, I think it's fair to say that Gustafsson's play in the final 10 games of NHL season -- similar ice time, too -- carried over to the Worlds.

Depends on the roster and caliber of opposition in any given game. Gustafsson was Sweden's #1 defenseman (at least in terms of ice time) before Edler's arrival and then after he got himself booted from the QFs and the rest of the tourney.

In the QFs against Canada, these were the lines Sweden was facing:

Ladd - Giroux - Stamkos
Read - E. Staal - Simmonds
Duchene - J. Staal - Eberle
Hall - O'Reilly - Skinner

Hamhuis - Robidas
Harrison - Subban
Campbell - L. Schenn
Dillon - Schultz

M. Smith

- bmeltzer[Dubnyk]

This was no All-Star Game -- the players were going all out. Gustafsson ended up playing 33:27 against that lineup, which is a better lineup talentwise than ANY he'd face in the NHL. Obviously, the other lineups he went up against were less fearsome on paper than this one. Also, the big rink game is played differently than the NHL style.

Even so, I think it's fair to say that Gustafsson's play in the final 10 games of NHL season -- similar ice time, too -- carried over to the Worlds.

The caliber of players is very high. But you're also dealing with a team that is players just put together, without a lot of practice time. And aren't fine tuned as a team, as top NHL teams would be through the course of a Season. All I'm saying is that I think the NHL is higher level of play in my opinion then the World's. Not that the World's in an All Star game.

Thinking out loud...

3 players had breakout yrs this past season: JVR, Bob and Luke. how many of these 3 will continue to play at their heightened level?

Thinking out loud...

3 players had breakout yrs this past season: JVR, Bob and Luke. how many of these 3 will continue to play at their heightened level?
- isaiah520

All of them?

Kinda random but when I was watching the islanders pens series I was extremely impressed by Travis hamonic. He was physical and did a pretty good job on malkin in the series. He seems to have a high upside as a shutdown d type

Thinking out loud...

3 players had breakout yrs this past season: JVR, Bob and Luke. how many of these 3 will continue to play at their heightened level?
- isaiah520

I think Luke and JVR keep trending up. I think Bob certainly can as well, but since we still haven't seen a full year of consistency from him at the NHL level and the position he plays, I see him being the most likely to fall back some.

And we'll get to see plenty of him first hand next season.

The caliber of players is very high. But you're also dealing with a team that is players just put together, without a lot of practice time. And aren't fine tuned as a team, as top NHL teams would be through the course of a Season.
- MJL

It cuts both ways. Gus had to get used to a new D partner and a team just put together as well...

L Schenn played a top 4 role and down the stretch a top pairing role for the Flyers this season. What was he for Canada? He played better for the Flyers than Team Canada.

Love that Meltzer stepped up to correct your inaccurate blanket statement.

The key for Gus is health. If he has it next year, he can be a top 4 for us. Do not marginalize his last 10 NHL regular season games and World hockey tournament performances. He played Timonen-esque.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers at Worlds Wrapup
- bmeltzer

Congrats to Gus. What a solid tourney for him. He should stick with the big team from now on and we will need him.

A top 4 role at the World's is a lesser role then top 6 on an NHL team. I think we should guard against expectations being place to high. He's never been a regular NHL defenseman. I'll be happy if he's just able to be an every game solid NHL player.
- MJL

I don't have the numbers in front of me to be certain, but he seemed to get better this season once guys started getting injured and he got more playing time. And that carried over into a tournament with good calibur players and the pressure of playing in front of the "home" crowd. His play could have all been a coincidence in regards to ice time this year though... I can't really prove it one way or the other. Just an observation, not necessarily putting a final slotting on his overall potential. I agree if he simply turns into a capable D-man at any role, it'll be a victory for him and the Flyers.

I love how a guy who is 3-11 career in OT playoff games, and has never been to a SCF wears a hat that has a crown with the # 30 in the middle of it.

The self proclaimed King!


- PLindbergh31

i've been saying this for years.

i've been saying this for years.
- hammarby31

I still think he's probably the best goalie out there, but having a title like 'The King' without a ring is weak. Nice to see he isn't totally impervious.

The key for Gus is health. If he has it next year, he can be a top 4 for us. Do not marginalize his last 10 NHL regular season games and World hockey tournament performances. He played Timonen-esque.
- phillydentist

At an absolute bare minimum, he should be able to play well enough to keep Bruno Gervais confined to his role as Max Talbot's best friend.

i've been saying this for years.
- hammarby31

I think you're both lunatics.

At an absolute bare minimum, he should be able to play well enough to keep Bruno Gervais confined to his role as Max Talbot's best friend.
- johndewar

I don't think there's anyone that feels that Gustafsson can't assume a top six role for the Flyers next season.

I'm not sold he can handle a top 4 role, yet. I don't care for people being anointed off of a small sample size. That said, Gustafsson has played well in the past, which is why I have little doubt he can be part of the solution on defense. The thing that remains to be seen is just how big a part he will be.

He's certainly earned the opportunity.

I still think he's probably the best goalie out there, but having a title like 'The King' without a ring is weak. Nice to see he isn't totally impervious.
- BulliesPhan87

i don't think he's the best goalie in the league. never have. even if he'd won 5 cups, imo, it's arrogant to decorate yourself as a king of anything. if the rest of the world wants to call you that, fine.

I think you're both lunatics.
- bradleyc4

i can't speak for plind, but i'm most certainly a lunatic. i wonder if i should paint that on my hat? i need to come up with a clever logo.