Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: The Final 3, Gudas, CHL Playoffs and More

Hey, im first

Just keep winning and get in. I don't care who they play, I just want to see playoff hockey in Philly again!

Get ready for your Flyers - Pens opening round matchup. I don't think Columbus takes 4 points vs. Pitt and Nashville (CBJ's last two games). Their other game is against Detroit. On paper the Flyers should be able to take 4-6 points out of these last 3 games. That would leave Philly in 3rd in the Metro with a Matchup vs Pitt (assuming Pitt knocks off CBJ this week). Lots of things can happen and Philly likes to make things harder than they should be against "lesser" opponents, but this, to me, is the most likely scenario.

The bottom line is that at this point the Flyers need to follow the old cliche: one game at a time. Win the game in front of them. Get yourself playing at the highest level possible for the playoffs. Work out problems with the little things. Win the games and let the chips fall where they will.

I haven’t been too concerned about playoff matchups. Just get in and worry about who you’re facing when the series actually starts.

Can't really say I agree that changing the PK coach wouldn't make a difference, I think the power play didn't change much percentage wise because it's practically the same PP setup. A new PK coach could possibly implement a more aggressive style of PK instead of the extremely passive diamond one we use now. There's no reason a team that can have a PK Unit with the likes of Couturier, Giroux, and Provorov should be one of the worst in the league.

Just get to the conference finals. Okay thanks.

Just get to the conference finals. Okay thanks.
- Feds91Stammer

With Elliot as our starter throughout.

With Elliot as our starter throughout.
- Sublime55

Who is this Elliot guy?

Just get into the playoffs, I don't care who we play cause will be the underdog (Just like the Eagles). Anything is possible!

Giroux for MVP!

Who is this Elliot guy?
- Lexington Flyer

I seem to recall him as one of our goalies this season. Please Brian, come back soon!

https://www.tsn.ca/bruins...for-cross-check-1.1044232

NHL Player Safety
✔
@NHLPlayerSafety
Boston’s Brad Marchand fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for cross-checking Philadelphia’s Andrew MacDonald.

10:02 AM - Apr 2, 2018

I can't help but thinking that Gudas' knee is an issue. His mobility is limited and there are times when he id down right laboring. When he does have the puck he seems to have the yips because he knows he has cheated on his positioning because of mobility so he may not have the space he needs to move/handle the puck.

That is a big surmise, but having played sports through injury and adapted my game because of limitations, it is easier to spot. Gudas also is not playing with the same drive. He is not pinning people to the boards and having them stick. That is a lower body issue.

Hagg would be better than either Gudas or Manning, but if the issue is not wanting to break up Amac and Sandheim...then the matter is even bigger...the bottom pairing is the issue. They will need to address that on the off season.

Overall the Flyers need to upgrade their 3rd and 4th lines. They have needed more first and 2nd step quickness in those lines. They will be the primary PK players. This is another area that I look forward to seeing what Hexy comes up with.

Can't really say I agree that changing the PK coach wouldn't make a difference, I think the power play didn't change much percentage wise because it's practically the same PP setup. A new PK coach could possibly implement a more aggressive style of PK instead of the extremely passive diamond one we use now. There's no reason a team that can have a PK Unit with the likes of Couturier, Giroux, and Provorov should be one of the worst in the league.
- Discourse_

I can say maybe having Read up sooner would have helped the PK

Re: Gudas

"His effort, physicality and the will that comes out of him is always excellent.
- Hakstol

I disagree on the physicality part. I think he's played far less physical since the suspension out of fear of getting another. It's a shame because he's much better when he's more physical.

Just keep winning and get in. I don't care who they play, I just want to see playoff hockey in Philly again!
- BiggE

Yup

Who is this Elliot guy?
- Lexington Flyer

He lives under the stairs.

I seem to recall him as one of our goalies this season. Please Brian, come back soon!
- Sublime55

Four headed goalie monster!

Or is it 5? Did Stolarz get some time this season?

I can say maybe having Read up sooner would have helped the PK
- wcorvette

Ding ding, we have winner.

Four headed goalie monster!

Or is it 5? Did Stolarz get some time this season?
- Lexington Flyer

Stolarz was KIA last season.

Re: Gudas


I disagree on the physicality part. I think he's played far less physical since the suspension out of fear of getting another. It's a shame because he's much better when he's more physical.
- Scoob

Hopefully he will flip the switch in the playoffs!

I can say maybe having Read up sooner would have helped the PK
- wcorvette

It will forever be unknown.

if they play Pitt I hope the Flyers run the table and get home ice.

Hopefully he will flip the switch in the playoffs!

(cue the flip the switch gif)
- Lexington Flyer

lol...stitch "Marchand" on the back of his jersey and unleash him

It will forever be unknown.
- Scoob

this is true and in full disclose I am a Read fan, not a Read contract fan but I like the way he plays the game