Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Conditioning, Hartnell, Umberger, Larsson and More

Really enjoyed this assessment, and I do agree with it. Hartnell is stronger in some aspects of the game, but not all of them, and for what the Flyers are trying to do right now, I honestly believe that Umberger will be a better fit.

Really enjoyed this assessment, and I do agree with it. Hartnell is stronger in some aspects of the game, but not all of them, and for what the Flyers are trying to do right now, I honestly believe that Umberger will be a better fit.
- AllInForFlyers

It's possible. Umberger is the better defensive player, and is much more disciplined. Maybe the Flyers thinking was they wanted to give another player a chance on the top line... Read, or B. Schenn, and Hartnell wasn't really a fit anywhere else.

July 10, and so far the biggest Flyers news this month is Giroux spending a night in the slammer.

I was happy when they made the trade. Umberger is a way better all around player. The Hartnell down thing was funny for a while. But come on. Hartnell is a pro hockey player. Stay on you darn skates!

I'm still not sold on the Hartnell-Umberger deal, but I do understand some aspects of it.

Anyone else heading down to Prospect Camp on Sunday? I'm taking my 8-month-old to her first-ever hockey-related event.

Really enjoyed this assessment, and I do agree with it. Hartnell is stronger in some aspects of the game, but not all of them, and for what the Flyers are trying to do right now, I honestly believe that Umberger will be a better fit.
- AllInForFlyers

The moment I saw the trade I thought it was about undisciplined play. Umberger took over 40(!) less minors last season that Hartnell while producing two less goals. All while being injured and playing in a checking role.

I was also surprised to see that the team was considered so out of shape by Berube considering the tempo at which they were supposed to be playing under Laviolette. I'm guessing that contributed to the lack of success in this team executing Lavy's system. Which I would think would require you to be in great skating shape.

Frankly I wasn't all that busted up about losing Hartnell. His undisciplined play and maddening play in the playoffs really soured me on the guy.

He was the final member of The Legion Of Poon. Let us all bow our heads in silent reflection.

Hartnell just didn't fit anymore. But really, all the A quality pp time and playing time he gets with G and Jake, and he scored a whopping two more goals over umby's injury riddled year.

I know goals aren't everything (see VL). But umberger brings more tools to the ice than hartnell does, maybe he will be a fit on the top line

The moment I saw the trade I thought it was about undisciplined play. Umberger took over 40(!) less minors last season that Hartnell while producing two less goals. All while being injured and playing in a checking role.

I was also surprised to see that the team was considered so out of shape by Berube considering the tempo at which they were supposed to be playing under Laviolette. I'm guessing that contributed to the lack of success in this team executing Lavy's system. Which I would think would require you to be in great skating shape.

Frankly I wasn't all that busted up about losing Hartnell. His undisciplined play and maddening play in the playoffs really soured me on the guy.

He was the final member of The Legion Of Poon. Let us all bow our heads in silent reflection.
- MBFlyerfan

" Legion of Poon"
I never heard that one



Who were the other members " Richards and Carter"?

Hartnell just didn't fit anymore. But really, all the A quality pp time and playing time he gets with G and Jake, and he scored a whopping two more goals over umby's injury riddled year.

I know goals aren't everything (see VL). But umberger brings more tools to the ice than hartnell does, maybe he will be a fit on the top line
- Just5

I know there were a lot of people who were not happy with this trade ( myself being one) and Bill does make a good case for the deal.
I like RJ but is he really a top line player? If healthy he is a better and more responsible player. I am guessing if they keep BSchenn than maybe he gets the chance at the top line.

Supposedly someone at the Flyers town hall meeting asked about the Flyers lack of team speed and all the related dumb penalties, and Berube actually said:

“That’s why we got rid of Hartnell”

Supposedly someone at the Flyers town hall meeting asked about the Flyers lack of team speed and all the related dumb penalties, and Berube actually said:

“That’s why we got rid of Hartnell”
- Feanor

Not denying you heard that from someone, but that's a seriously frank, and honestly.. pretty unprofessional comment. I doubt it.

All things considered, it's a pretty lateral deal. If it was to send a message, here's hoping it was received loud and clear

Not denying you heard that from someone, but that's a seriously frank, and honestly.. pretty unprofessional comment. I doubt it.
- jak521

It was said, but in jest

" Legion of Poon"
I never heard that one



Who were the other members " Richards and Carter"?





- 3flyerkids

Joffrey Lupul and Scottie Upshall would be my guesses.

Hartnell just didn't fit anymore. But really, all the A quality pp time and playing time he gets with G and Jake, and he scored a whopping two more goals over umby's injury riddled year.

I know goals aren't everything (see VL). But umberger brings more tools to the ice than hartnell does, maybe he will be a fit on the top line
- Just5

I seriously hope that Umberger doesnt see much time above the 3rd line.

It was said, but in jest
- Jsaquella

Still a pretty poopty comment. Even in jest... Keep it professional. Scotty was nothing but a class act here in Philly (despite some fans feelings towards the guy)... no need to make silly comments.

A simple, we are focusing on that now.. or a We our constructing our roster with that being top priority.

I seriously hope that Umberger doesnt see much time above the 3rd line.
- jak521

I think they'll look at him on just about every line. To be perfectly honest this is a fantastic time for some of our forwards to make a case to move around. It should be exciting for them, and nail chewing for us.

I know there were a lot of people who were not happy with this trade ( myself being one) and Bill does make a good case for the deal.
I like RJ but is he really a top line player? If healthy he is a better and more responsible player. I am guessing if they keep BSchenn than maybe he gets the chance at the top line.
- 3flyerkids

Hartnell wasn't a top-line player, either, though. He just played one on TV.

Joffrey Lupul and Scottie Upshall would be my guesses.
- johndewar

Hartsy, Lupul, Upshall, Richards, Carter, Eager... think they were all in the same building at one point.

" Legion of Poon"
I never heard that one



Who were the other members " Richards and Carter"?





- 3flyerkids

Hartnell wasn't a top-line player, either, though. He just played one on TV.
- Tomahawk

That's a good point. Flyers really need a pure sniper on one of Giroux's wings.
Add that to the # 1 dman, and they should be all set.

Flyers are just 2 players away. Those players are Webber and C. Perry.

- tangent_man

It was said, but in jest
- Jsaquella

The best jokes have a hint of truth to them.

Hartnell wasn't a top-line player, either, though. He just played one on TV.
- Tomahawk

I guess you are right RJ should be able to get at least 20-25 playing with G and Jake
If that is where they play him. Hartnell did bring some " toughness" to that line and I know a lot of dumb penalties. Maybe B Schenn can bring that element on a more responsible level.