Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Lost Weekend, Grossmann, Gostisbehere Injury

That game was awful

Wow, 2 lousy games and Ghost injured, what a crappy weekend.

I would have no problem with scratching Grossmann tomorrow against the Sabres. First off, why shouldn't he be held accountable for poor play like Downie or Mez and secondly, it would be nice to get Gus back in the lineup and see how he does.

Very disappointing to see that the hard forecheck approach other teams used successfully against the Lavy coached Flyers works just as well vs the Berube coached Flyers.

I feel like, because of the nature of his game, Grossmann will get back on track quickly.

It isn't like he needs to find his shot or get his hands right. He's a defensive defenseman....if he keeps it simple, he'll be fine.

I feel like, because of the nature of his game, Grossmann will get back on track quickly.

It isn't like he needs to find his shot or get his hands right. He's a defensive defenseman....if he keeps it simple, he'll be fine.
- johndewar

I wish I had that faith. For a strictly defensive defenseman, I feel he makes too many errors in reading plays, and he's definitely mistake prone with the puck. To me, he's a third pair guy.

I wish I had that faith. For a strictly defensive defenseman, I feel he makes too many errors in reading plays, and he's definitely mistake prone with the puck. To me, he's a third pair guy.
- Jsaquella

I know you are way down on him, JS, but I think his reads are usually very good. In fact, it's one of the things that Berube has specifically said he likes about the player.

Wow, 2 lousy games and Ghost injured, what a crappy weekend.

I would have no problem with scratching Grossmann tomorrow against the Sabres. First off, why shouldn't he be held accountable for poor play like Downie or Mez and secondly, it would be nice to get Gus back in the lineup and see how he does.
- BiggE

Because he rarely has games like that, and is (arguably) their best defensive defenseman. I don't think sitting him would do any good for the player as a wake-up call. If you want to sit someone on D right now, it would be Streit. I know he scored a goal, but he had a bad game overall. But really, aside from 1 shot on the PP last night, he was pretty bad over the last 2 games, and has been inconsistent offensively (and consistently bad defensively) all season long.

Grossmann had a weekend to forget for sure....Coburn also seems to be lacking confidence ....that cross ice pass he loves so much in his own end has me cringing every time he tries it.....rough, rough weekend for Couturier as well....I have to keep telling myself that he really is still a pup, and the Flyers have heeped a whole bunch of responsibilty on him....Hey these ebs and flows are going to happen in a long season....This is where you need the leaders to step up and lead....
all in all the memo has gone out on how to beat the Flyers....forcheck the hell out of the D....both teams on the weekend forced the Flyers D into mistakes and this time the goalies were not there to bail them out.

I know you are way down on him, JS, but I think his reads are usually very good. In fact, it's one of the things that Berube has specifically said he likes about the player.
- bmeltzer

I just don't see it. His metrics are awful, which is understandable for a defensive defenseman. But he doesn't even face the toughest competition for the Flyers, which is also worrisome. I do dislike the pairing, because I think it magnifies each guy's weaknesses as much as it takes advantage of their strengths.

I'm not saying Grossmann isn't a NHL level guy. And the bad mix on defense is a big factor, IMO.

Also, for the record, I never liked Carcillo from day 1. Hated him in Phoenix, hated him here, hated him on Chicago, didn't care about him in LA, and hate him as a Ranger. One thing that never changes about him: picking his fights. He had all of the chances in the world to go with Simmonds and declined. Then he goes right off a faceoff with Schenn. Late in the game, he was fine with giving Hartnell a shot while backing up right as the ref arrived. I would have had no problem if Rosehill sucker punched him and knocked him out cold.

Bill,
Do you think the flyers will overpay for a defenseman this season? This blue line is mediocre at best and nowhere near championship level.

Also, for the record, I never liked Carcillo from day 1. Hated him in Phoenix, hated him here, hated him on Chicago, didn't care about him in LA, and hate him as a Ranger. One thing that never changes about him: picking his fights. He had all of the chances in the world to go with Simmonds and declined. Then he goes right off a faceoff with Schenn. Late in the game, he was fine with giving Hartnell a shot while backing up right as the ref arrived. I would have had no problem if Rosehill sucker punched him and knocked him out cold.
- jmatchett383

I didn't know about Carcillo until he came here. He was behind the 8-ball for me, because I liked Scott Upshall. I wanted Carcillo to succeed, but he showed a serious lack of intelligence and common sense. I was glad when the Flyers got rid of him.

Also, for the record, I never liked Carcillo from day 1. Hated him in Phoenix, hated him here, hated him on Chicago, didn't care about him in LA, and hate him as a Ranger. One thing that never changes about him: picking his fights. He had all of the chances in the world to go with Simmonds and declined. Then he goes right off a faceoff with Schenn. Late in the game, he was fine with giving Hartnell a shot while backing up right as the ref arrived. I would have had no problem if Rosehill sucker punched him and knocked him out cold.
- jmatchett383

I had a game so I missed the game and didnt end up watching it on DVR. Only saw a snip of the fight. Looked to me that Schenn did a good job on Carcillo. I CANNOT STAND HIM

I had a game so I missed the game and didnt end up watching it on DVR. Only saw a snip of the fight. Looked to me that Schenn did a good job on Carcillo. I CANNOT STAND HIM
- nastyflyergirl

I thought LSchenn beat him pretty good, actually.

Because he rarely has games like that, and is (arguably) their best defensive defenseman. I don't think sitting him would do any good for the player as a wake-up call. If you want to sit someone on D right now, it would be Streit. I know he scored a goal, but he had a bad game overall. But really, aside from 1 shot on the PP last night, he was pretty bad over the last 2 games, and has been inconsistent offensively (and consistently bad defensively) all season long.
- jmatchett383

I'd have no problem sitting the pair of em and dressing Gus and Gill for a game.

(insert air raid sirens)

Can't wait to see Rino vs Car bomb after the olympic break.

Sucks about ghost.

I hear what you're saying about Lundqvist, Bill but i never felt like the Flyers applied scoring pressure for any long stretches.

Can't wait to see Rino vs Car bomb after the olympic break.

Sucks about ghost.

I hear what you're saying about Lundqvist, Bill but i never felt like the Flyers applied scoring pressure for any long stretches.
- JoeRussomanno

Carcillo will annihilate him.

Carcillo will annihilate him.
- BulliesPhan87

My money is on the rhino? Wanna make a bet?

Because he rarely has games like that, and is (arguably) their best defensive defenseman. I don't think sitting him would do any good for the player as a wake-up call. If you want to sit someone on D right now, it would be Streit. I know he scored a goal, but he had a bad game overall. But really, aside from 1 shot on the PP last night, he was pretty bad over the last 2 games, and has been inconsistent offensively (and consistently bad defensively) all season long.
- jmatchett383

I don't think he's their best defensive defenseman. I'd love to not feel the way I do, because he busts his ass out there and plays hurt and does all that great poop you respect players for. He's all heart.

I just watch him play and I see mistakes and other teams controlling the play when he is out there.

I didn't think the Flyers played terrible in either game. They just set themselves up for failure by falling behind early. Their defensive zone coverages were awful early on. The first two goals were a result of misplays by the defense.

I would have played Mason last night. He's the better goalie and they were playing a rival fighting for the last playoff spot. He would have had a better chance at keeping them in the game earlier.

I'm not too concerned with Grossmann. He had a bad weekend, but he's been mostly solid.

The 4th line had another rough game. I'm nervous every time Berube puts them on the ice. They get hemmed in their own zone too much. I'm not looking for goals from them, but even play against another team's 4th line would be good enough.

Schedule opens up with some games against lesser opponents (although the Sabers and Isles are playing well). These are the games they need to win.

I didn't think the Flyers played terrible in either game. They just set themselves up for failure by falling behind early. Their defensive zone coverages were awful early on. The first two goals were a result of misplays by the defense.

I would have played Mason last night. He's the better goalie and they were playing a rival fighting for the last playoff spot. He would have had a better chance at keeping them in the game earlier.

I'm not too concerned with Grossmann. He had a bad weekend, but he's been mostly solid.

The 4th line had another rough game. I'm nervous every time Berube puts them on the ice. They get hemmed in their own zone too much. I'm not looking for goals from them, but even play against another team's 4th line would be good enough.

Schedule opens up with some games against lesser opponents (although the Sabers and Isles are playing well). These are the games they need to win.
- PhillySportsGuy

I would have rather they started emery against tampa and mason last night.

My money is on the rhino? Wanna make a bet?
- JoeRussomanno

I will wager ten dogecoins

Can't wait to see Rino vs Car bomb after the olympic break.

Sucks about ghost.

I hear what you're saying about Lundqvist, Bill but i never felt like the Flyers applied scoring pressure for any long stretches.
- JoeRussomanno

It had the feeling of most Ranger/Flyers games over the past few years. Fall behind early, generate some scoring chances, but not enough to solve Lundqvist.

For once, I'd like to see the Flyers take it to them. I don't understand why they consistently lose board battles to the Rangers. Zuccarello beating Grossmann, Carcillo beating streit. These things shouldn't happen with regularity.