Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Holmgren, NCAA Prospects, and More

Great read about Holmgren, Bill. No one can deny his passion and loyalty to the Flyers!

I love these "inside" blogs.

Fantastic stuff Bill, thanks!!

I always enjoy reading your articles, Bill.

Thanks, Bill. Great stuff.

I am optimistic about this season and look forward to the continued progress our guys are making. In Hart we trust.

Just a personal update, I have moved out of "Flyers Country" and will be keeping tabs from southwest Virginia. Your blog is my go to source.

I may have to miss any get together at a future game (did that ever happen this season?) But I'll be back for the parade.

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Thanks, Bill. Great stuff.

I am optimistic about this season and look forward to the continued progress our guys are making. In Hart we trust.

Just a personal update, I have moved out of "Flyers Country" and will be keeping tabs from southwest Virginia. Your blog is my go to source.

I may have to miss any get together at a future game (did that ever happen this season?) But I'll be back for the parade.
- cdearth23

I'm cautiously optimistic about this upcoming season. To me, the three things that hurt the Flyers the most last season were the (relatively) poor showings by both Gostisbehere and Provorov, and the early season goaltending situation, which by any measure was a tire fire inside a dumpster fire and served to set the Flyers behind the necessary pace to make the playoffs.

If Ghost and Provy bounce back to anything resembling their previous peak selves, and the goaltending situation is secure (Hart LOOKS like the answer at this early date), then I fail to see how the Flyers arent improved.

If Niskanen and Braun are solid contributors, so much the better.

Are they a Stanley Cup contender at this point? Probably not. Are they going to be better than last year? Sure. I think so.

I think the solidified goaltending gets us 5 more wins at least over last season.

I think the solidified goaltending gets us 5 more wins at least over last season.
- MBFlyerfan

I also forgot to mention Kevin Hayes (who I do not particularly care for).

A friend of mine who is very knowledgeable about all things hockey, insists that if Hayes gets to play regularly with any combination of Giroux and/or Voracek then his goal-scoring will go way up. When pressed on what "way up" meant, my buddy said 10 goals.

Color me skeptical. But, I will admit to the possibility existing that this could be true.

I also forgot to mention Kevin Hayes (who I do not particularly care for).

A friend of mine who is very knowledgeable about all things hockey, insists that if Hayes gets to play regularly with any combination of Giroux and/or Voracek then his goal-scoring will go way up. When pressed on what "way up" meant, my buddy said 10 goals.

Color me skeptical. But, I will admit to the possibility existing that this could be true.
- Doc_Sarcasm

I see Hayes as a guy who can put up points in the 60s or 70s if he plays with good players. Playing with Giroux would maximize his production and personally I think it is the best spot for him. If I remember correctly, Coots had some chemistry going with Voracek and Lindblom. I could see the lineup looking similar to this:

JVR - Hayes - Giroux
Lindblom - Couturier - Voracek
? - NoPa - TK
Raffl - Laughton - Pitlick

I dont know if there are any tennis fans in here, but Federer is playing Djokovic in the Wimbledon final and it is 7-7 in the 5th set.


Now 8-7 Federer after breaking serve.

I would prefer

G-Hayes-TK
OL-Coots-Jake
JvR-NoPa-Frost/Bee
Raffl-Scotty-Pitlick

I dont know if there are any tennis fans in here, but Federer is playing Djokovic in the Wimbledon final and it is 7-7 in the 5th set.


Now 8-7 Federer after breaking serve.
- MBFlyerfan

Federer is GOAT

Federer is GOAT
- bulet13

Not even debatable.

Thank you for the Holmgren stories, Bill. The man is a legend.

Joker breaks back to 8-8.

I think Pitlick moves up to the 3rd. Probably one of those tweeners like Gabriel is on your 4th line.

9-9

I would prefer

G-Hayes-TK
OL-Coots-Jake
JvR-NoPa-Frost/Bee
Raffl-Scotty-Pitlick
- bulet13

I think Coots and G have solidified their partnership. I'd be surprised if they get split up. Also don't think you should put a 30 goal scorer on 3rd line. Top 6 or you trade him.

I'm hoping Jake can solidify that 2nd line. They could be top 2nd line (points) in NHL.

Jake 20/60
JVR 30/30
Hayes 25?/40?

10-10

I think Coots and G have solidified their partnership. I'd be surprised if they get split up. Also don't think you should put a 30 goal scorer on 3rd line. Top 6 or you trade him.

I'm hoping Jake can solidify that 2nd line. They could be top 2nd line (points) in NHL.

Jake 20/60
JVR 30/30
Hayes 25?/40?
- cdearth23

It's about splitting Up the wealth a little to ensure tougher matchups for the opponent. If teams have to gameplan for coots and G on different lines that makes it all the tougher for them

Holy.....

11-11 in the 5th set

It's about splitting Up the wealth a little to ensure tougher matchups for the opponent. If teams have to gameplan for coots and G on different lines that makes it all the tougher for them
- bulet13

Oh yeah, I get it and see the logic. I honestly would be pissed if we have JvR and his $7mil on 3rd line. Even though we may see little difference in ice time between 2nd and 3rd lines (depends on match ups within each game) I just don't like it.

I'm a fan of chemistry. I think G/Coots and Patty/Oscar have good chemistry coming into year. Jake can facilitate and get JvR and Hayes goals.

We'll see. It should make training camp exciting.

Bill,
Very off topic and really just a per peeve of mine. Do you have any insight on the history, tradition, future of the double logos at center ice? We are the last team in the league to have them. I always wanted to see them go to 1 large logo at center ice.

This decision has nothing to do with much more than optics. It's bothered me.