Bill Meltzer: Wrapup: Flyers End 2023 with Loss in Calgary, Phantoms Lose to Charlotte

Bill Meltzer: Wrapup: Flyers End 2023 with Loss in Calgary, Phantoms Lose to Charlotte
- bmeltzer

who the flyers going to add on offense to keep this playoff push going....

happy new year Bill

Kyler Murray wearing the Crosby jersey and beating the mighty eagles is hilarious. Are the eagles in trouble yet?

who the flyers going to add on offense to keep this playoff push going....

happy new year Bill
- hello it's me 2050

Free agent Wayne Simmonds. Give him 4th line minutes and stick him in front of the net on the PP.

I hate losing more than I love winning, so I was pretty pissed about how this game went. Still was happy to see the Flyers fighting until the end. The difference in these close games is obvious to me, when Calgary had chances they buried them with snipes on their first 3 goals, while the Flyers' attempts miss the net or get blocked. The other obvious difference is the Flyers were once again 0-4 on the PP. The positive side besides the team fighting until the end, Zamula is really looking better and better each game and that is huge for this team. The Flyers may have found their best option of a PP QB.

who the flyers going to add on offense to keep this playoff push going....

happy new year Bill
- hello it's me 2050

If the Flyers truly care about winning, they would waive or trade Deslauriers as soon as Cates comes back, and then bring up a player from the Phantoms. BTW, the Phantoms are really playing poorly this season, though some players on the team are having good statistical seasons including Andrae and Tuomaala which is encouraging. Still there is no excuse for that team to be 4-5-0-1 in their last 10 games and .500 overall. I would think Lappy would be on the hot seat at some point if this continues.

I hate losing more than I love winning, so I was pretty pissed about how this game went. Still was happy to see the Flyers fighting until the end. The difference in these close games is obvious to me, when Calgary had chances they buried them with snipes on their first 3 goals, while the Flyers' attempts miss the net or get blocked. The other obvious difference is the Flyers were once again 0-4 on the PP. The positive side besides the team fighting until the end, Zamula is really looking better and better each game and that is huge for this team. The Flyers may have found their best option of a PP QB.
- jd250

The Flyers are playing with found money. 3 games in 4 nights. They still competed according to the write ups. Games like this are going to happen. One game in and of itself like this is really not a big deal. They've been slipping a little, which one, is fully to be expected. We'll see how they respond moving forward. Games are going to start getting tougher.

Happy New Year everyone! Bill, I especially want to thank you for all the passion you give to the team and this Flyers community. As a lifelong fan of the team, I really appreciate what you bring every single day!

The Flyers are playing with found money. 3 games in 4 nights. They still competed according to the write ups. Games like this are going to happen. One game in and of itself like this is really not a big deal. They've been slipping a little, which one, is fully to be expected. We'll see how they respond moving forward. Games are going to start getting tougher.
- MJL

For sure, the Flames had the edge going into the 3rd being the more rested team. I was actually amazed to see the Flyers fighting so hard at the end of that game. I would really like to see the Flyers pick up a win in Edmonton to get some momentum coming back home, where the schedule will get a lot tougher.

Happy New Year everyone! Bill, I especially want to thank you for all the passion you give to the team and this Flyers community. As a lifelong fan of the team, I really appreciate what you bring every single day!
- jd250

My sentiments exactly! Guy busts his ass to give us a place to vent and actually enjoy our hockey chats (for the most part)! Health and happiness to all in the New Year!

The Flyers are playing with found money. 3 games in 4 nights. They still competed according to the write ups. Games like this are going to happen. One game in and of itself like this is really not a big deal. They've been slipping a little, which one, is fully to be expected. We'll see how they respond moving forward. Games are going to start getting tougher.
- MJL

cliff just waiting for jd to post so he can start the day off. you da man cliff.

For sure, the Flames had the edge going into the 3rd being the more rested team. I was actually amazed to see the Flyers fighting so hard at the end of that game. I would really like to see the Flyers pick up a win in Edmonton to get some momentum coming back home, where the schedule will get a lot tougher.
- jd250

I just looked at the Flyers schedule and it really doesn't look like it gets any easier after the gauntlet that they just went through. Edmonton is beating everyone these days and that Columbus game will be tough cause we know that the first game after a long road trip is always tough. The scary part is that after all this huffing and puffing they only have a 3 point cushion for a playoff spot. Could be a slippery slope.

cliff just waiting for jd to post so he can start the day off. you da man cliff.
- hello it's me 2050

Wait, MJL had a nice response here, so let's keep that going in the new year. Let's see how long we can go before we are back at each other's throats

If the Flyers truly care about winning, they would waive or trade Deslauriers as soon as Cates comes back, and then bring up a player from the Phantoms. BTW, the Phantoms are really playing poorly this season, though some players on the team are having good statistical seasons including Andrae and Tuomaala which is encouraging. Still there is no excuse for that team to be 4-5-0-1 in their last 10 games and .500 overall. I would think Lappy would be on the hot seat at some point if this continues.
- jd250

that isnt going to happen. My guess is Brink will be sat. Even if they didn't care about winning ND should be in the press box. How your hero gave out a 4 year deal to him is comical.

Cam looks shot at the moment. Frost isn't producing any points. Not a good sign.

Also Zamula is not a PP QB at all imo. No issue trying him there as the pp is pathetic. So funny how no one calls out the coach on that at all it seems. Also funny how the GM sits idly by watching this slop.

What is so special about the phantoms that you think they should be better?

Kyler Murray wearing the Crosby jersey and beating the mighty eagles is hilarious. Are the eagles in trouble yet?
- ClaudeFather

Ha ha, you can't make this sh!t up!! I wonder if that Gritty guy that's on here thinks if the Eagles have anything to worry about yet? Oh wait, they were 10-1, so all is well. I didn't see the game, but losing to Arizona on your home turf in an important game is embarrassing to say the least. Perhaps I should have included the Beagles among my fraud teams. I dunno...

If the Flyers truly care about winning, they would waive or trade Deslauriers as soon as Cates comes back, and then bring up a player from the Phantoms. BTW, the Phantoms are really playing poorly this season, though some players on the team are having good statistical seasons including Andrae and Tuomaala which is encouraging. Still there is no excuse for that team to be 4-5-0-1 in their last 10 games and .500 overall. I would think Lappy would be on the hot seat at some point if this continues.
- jd250

It's time for Lappy to hit the showers permanently. Can't believe this guy is still coaching that team. Block a shot with your mouth in a playoff game and your hired for life. WTF!

that isnt going to happen. My guess is Brink will be sat. Even if they didn't care about winning ND should be in the press box. How your hero gave out a 4 year deal to him is comical.

Cam looks shot at the moment. Frost isn't producing any points. Not a good sign.

Also Zamula is not a PP QB at all imo. No issue trying him there as the pp is pathetic. So funny how no one calls out the coach on that at all it seems. Also funny how the GM sits idly by watching this slop.

What is so special about the phantoms that you think they should be better?
- hello it's me 2050

Brink worries me as far as being an everyday NHL player. He just looks like he gets overwhelmed at times. He seems to have to work so hard to keep up (skating ability) that he just gets worn out. I think he has NHL hands and IQ, but he needs to take some power skating lessons or something in the off season.

Brink worries me as far as being an everyday NHL player. He just looks like he gets overwhelmed at times. He seems to have to work so hard to keep up (skating ability) that he just gets worn out. I think he has NHL hands and IQ, but he needs to take some power skating lessons or something in the off season.
- Phillywhiteout

Brink is never going to be a great skater. He is a player that lacks that speed burst or ability to make an explosive stride but his average skating speed is fine. Brink is an NHL rookie who is scoring at a full season pace of 18 goals and 29 assists for 47 points and he worries you about being an everyday NHL player?

Brink is never going to be a great skater. He is a player that lacks that speed burst or ability to make an explosive stride but his average skating speed is fine. Brink is an NHL rookie who is scoring at a full season pace of 18 goals and 29 assists for 47 points and he worries you about being an everyday NHL player?
- MJL

The huge difference between you and me is you turn everything into stats. These games aren't played on paper. There is simply more to it than that. You can't just look at stats. If there was just stats we wouldn't even need to watch the games. You watch and observe things. I think I know enough about the game to make observations after all these years. His numbers look fine for a rookie, but I don't just go by that. It's like some of the folks on here kept telling me that the Eagles were 10-1. I kept saying that the roof was gonna cave in at some point because of the aesthetics of their games. We are now seeing how that is turning out.

that isnt going to happen. My guess is Brink will be sat. Even if they didn't care about winning ND should be in the press box. How your hero gave out a 4 year deal to him is comical.

Cam looks shot at the moment. Frost isn't producing any points. Not a good sign.

Also Zamula is not a PP QB at all imo. No issue trying him there as the pp is pathetic. So funny how no one calls out the coach on that at all it seems. Also funny how the GM sits idly by watching this slop.

What is so special about the phantoms that you think they should be better?
- hello it's me 2050

Regarding the Phantoms, they have an experienced and veteran lineup plus several of their rookies are performing well, so I would expect them to be higher in the standings and at least above hockey .500.

Regarding the coach, I have called out Rocky Thompson several times and have said the Flyers should bring in a consultant to work with the PP. Several teams around the league have done this already. Rocky has had 1.5 years now to get this PP going, and even though I know the elite talent is not there, they should be better than 10% or whatever the Flyers are at present.

With Zamula, to me a PP QB is someone who can play the top of the umbrella and make the right pass or get shots through to the goalie. Zamula has been the best at it for the Flyers this season IMO.

I gave Fletcher the benefit of the doubt his first two seasons but after that it was clear many of you were right and he was a moron.

The huge difference between you and me is you turn everything into stats. These games aren't played on paper. There is simply more to it than that. You can't just look at stats. If there was just stats we wouldn't even need to watch the games. You watch and observe things. I think I know enough about the game to make observations after all these years. His numbers look fine for a rookie, but I don't just go by that. It's like some of the folks on here kept telling me that the Eagles were 10-1. I kept saying that the roof was gonna cave in at some point because of the aesthetics of their games. We are now seeing how that is turning out.
- Phillywhiteout

Its clear to me Brink knows where to get to on the ice, has good patience and high hockey IQ, but it's also clear to me he has skating and balance issues, and that along with his small size is a very bad combination.

The huge difference between you and me is you turn everything into stats. These games aren't played on paper. There is simply more to it than that. You can't just look at stats. If there was just stats we wouldn't even need to watch the games. You watch and observe things. I think I know enough about the game to make observations after all these years. His numbers look fine for a rookie, but I don't just go by that. It's like some of the folks on here kept telling me that the Eagles were 10-1. I kept saying that the roof was gonna cave in at some point because of the aesthetics of their games. We are now seeing how that is turning out.
- Phillywhiteout

Actually the huge difference between you and me is that one of us actually supports their position and one of us does not. For example, you made a paragraph long post without saying a dam thing. Without making a single statement that supports your opinion. All you did was to attempt to dismiss simple facts with the fallacy of having to watch the game. It's actually a combination of the two. What stats do is provide credibility to an opinion offered. Observation is subjective and it really depends on who is doing the watching. When we look at all the available data along with observation from an informed source. There is no legitimate reason to doubt that Brink is going to be a regular NHL player moving forward. Which is not the same as saying that there aren't areas of his game that need to grow and improve.

As far as the Eagles are concerned, that has nothing to do with Brink and is just a strawman.

Its clear to me Brink knows where to get to on the ice, has good patience and high hockey IQ, but it's also clear to me he has skating and balance issues, and that along with his small size is a very bad combination.
- jd250

There are no skating or balance issues that are going to prevent Brink from being a good player.

There are no skating or balance issues that are going to prevent Brink from being a good player.
- MJL

Smallish players make it in the modern NHL because they compensate by having above average straight line speed, are quick and sharp on their edges and by having a strong center of gravity. Brink will never be a fast straight line skater, but he has to get better on his edges and develop a stronger center of gravity. If he can do that then combined with his above average hockey IQ, he will make it in this league. Right now, it's painful to watch him try to keep up with the play and to see him constantly lose puck battles.

So I was thinking about injuries and man games lost to injury, as next to Cates, the Flyers this year have had next to nothing for injuries.

Last season, the Flyers lost 425 games to injury through out the year. We are nowhere close to hitting that this year. But that also had me thinking that how is it that a team that couldn't stay healthy last year and the year before, is staying healthy this year? Have they tried different training, and we are seeing the results? Or are we just being really fortunate to not be having injuries cost us this year like it has the last couple. Does this mean we are due? The groin and core injuries don't seem as rampant as prior years, or is that they are just labelling them ubi and lbi?

Fun couple of minutes in the 3rd today, but that Tippet blunder was huge. 4 losses in the last 5 games. Hopefully we fair better in Edmonton.