Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Saturday Quick Hits

Hopefully Giroux is ready to go from the get go!!

I remember meeting Brad one time in Saskatchewan, his brother Kelly was our coach, really nice guy. Not tall but thick. Sad day for all the families that were affected by the tragedy two years ago.

Bill, how good is the Swedish Hockey League? Is it impressive that Hagg is already on the top pairing or is the league fairly weak?

Hopefully Giroux is ready to go from the get go!!

I remember meeting Brad one time in Saskatchewan, his brother Kelly was our coach, really nice guy. Not tall but thick. Sad day for all the families that were affected by the tragedy two years ago.
- LeftCoaster

He should be. He's not really a guy who enjoys the preseason anyway. Be nice to get him in a couple of games before the season starts though.

Bill, how good is the Swedish Hockey League? Is it impressive that Hagg is already on the top pairing or is the league fairly weak?
- PhillySportsGuy

Best league in Europe after the KHL. Close to AHL in overall talent level within the league.

Best league in Europe after the KHL. Close to AHL in overall talent level within the league.
- bmeltzer

Would you say Hagg is playing at a much higher level in Sweden than he would be if he moved over to the CHL?

Bill what is your biggest concern for this Flyers team going into this year? And do you think they have been addressed and if not what do they need to do to address this weaknesses?

Would you say Hagg is playing at a much higher level in Sweden than he would be if he moved over to the CHL?
- JAKEw1234

Playing with and against quite a few former NHL and AHL players, so yes.

Bill what is your biggest concern for this Flyers team going into this year? And do you think they have been addressed and if not what do they need to do to address this weaknesses?
- blizzzard

Still concerned first and foremost about team defense. I am not sure how much better it will be this season.

Still concerned first and foremost about team defense. I am not sure how much better it will be this season.
- bmeltzer

What do you think they need to do to fix that ? is it that the guys they have aren't who they need or is it a different defensive coach they need ?

Still concerned first and foremost about team defense. I am not sure how much better it will be this season.
- bmeltzer

They have to play a much better 200 foot game. Not only will it make them better in their own end, it will improve the offense, especially at 5 on 5

What do you think they need to do to fix that ? is it that the guys they have aren't who they need or is it a different defensive coach they need ?
- blizzzard

Ill chime in on this. I think Laviolette needs to develop some modifications to his system. The Flyers seem to play one way all the time. They are an easy team to come back on because they never play defense. They never seem to be able OR WILLING to adjust their forecheck to play with a lead. And when teams start attacking them, they always seem to be giving up odd man rushes because their forwards are caught deep after making ill advised decisions to pursue the puck even when it is clear they will not get possession before it starts the other way.

The kids getting older and the subtractions of Briere and Foster will help the team defense.

And hopefully better goaltending will make the team defense look better.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Saturday Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Hey Bill, any word on how Nichushkin is making out at Dallas's camp? I read he had some issues earlier on concerning his skates and his ankle in particular.

They have to play a much better 200 foot game. Not only will it make them better in their own end, it will improve the offense, especially at 5 on 5
- Jsaquella

Absolutely!

It would also be nice if they would learn to stop taking unnecessary chances in the offensive and neutral zones when leading late in a game.

Flyers giving a tryout to Rathje (Hal gill)

Hopefully Giroux is ready to go from the get go!!

I remember meeting Brad one time in Saskatchewan, his brother Kelly was our coach, really nice guy. Not tall but thick. Sad day for all the families that were affected by the tragedy two years ago.
- LeftCoaster

Just don't hand him a pitching wedge and he'll be fine.

Flyers giving a tryout to Rathje (Hal gill)
- wilsonecho91

Flyers giving a tryout to Rathje (Hal gill)
- wilsonecho91

Hal gill?!?!

I like it.

Chances of Gill signing here are slim to none, but it puts another body in camp that will make some guys work hard.

Where would Cleary fit ?

Where would Cleary fit ?
- Winning

3rd or 4th line

Where would Cleary fit ?
- Winning

Gagne's spot.

Gagne's spot.
- GirouxForTheShow

Would that spot be in Gagne's house since he is not a member of the Flyers?

Would that spot be in Gagne's house since he is not a member of the Flyers?
- ob18

Yes. He will pay room and board.