Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laperriere, Today in Flyers History

I had always known about Lappy as a player and had seen him play a handful of times when the Flyers would play the team he was on. But in coming to the Flyers, I certainly got to know him better as a player. And learned that he was a consummate professional. He did everything on the ice the right way. And he did it with honor. And respect for his fellow players. And he actions on the ice earned him the respect of every player he faced. And I think the ultimate compliment I can think of is that isn't any team that couldn't use or make a spot for Ian Lappariere. He was that good of a soldier,leader, team player, and role player. And I'm proud that he suited up for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Bill, I thought you were playing a crude joke on us by having a Flyers' Day in History blob on this infamous day.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laperriere, Today in Flyers History
- bmeltzer

I liked Peeters, too. He was a good goalie, and I do recall how popular he was. When he won the Vezina a lot of folks shredded the trade. That stopped a year or so later after the 1984-85 team got to the Final, with McCrimmon playing a huge role and Lindbergh's ascent to being an elite goalie.

Of course, I wish all the best to Ian Lapperiere. He only wore a Flyers jersey for a short time, but the man is a consummate pro, the epitome of a hockey warrior. I hope he remains with the organization for a good long time. He's a great ambassador for the team and the sport.

I had always known about Lappy as a player and had seen him play a handful of times when the Flyers would play the team he was on. But in coming to the Flyers, I certainly got to know him better as a player. And learned that he was a consummate professional. He did everything on the ice the right way. And he did it with honor. And respect for his fellow players. And he actions on the ice earned him the respect of every player he faced. And I think the ultimate compliment I can think of is that isn't any team that couldn't use or make a spot for Ian Lappariere. He was that good of a soldier,leader, team player, and role player. And I'm proud that he suited up for the Philadelphia Flyers.
- MJL

Lappy is well respected around the league, I know the Habs (Bergevin) approached him to join the new Habs management but he is happy in Philly. The Habs went with Mellanby instead but Lappy was Bergevin's first choice for the director of players development. We get to hear him a few times a week on RDS (French TSN) on a sports show from 5 to 7pm every day. Great guy, no BS type who values hard work and sportsmanship.

Maybe lappy will take over as phantoms coach

When building a "team" your lappy's, max Talbots, jagrs and the like are as important as the Richards and Carter's on your team.....the players who sacrifice their face, broken bones, bruises and even their man parts....we flyer fans can see who will give up of themselves for the team over and over time and time again.......lappy's time here was short on the ice but he was more impact full to the "team" than carter was in all his years.......

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laperriere, Today in Flyers History
- bmeltzer

Bill I hope that Lappy get's to read your article today. If anyone ever wrote something that well with such honest clear praise I think I would burst...well done.

I remember the Peeters trade. I remember thinking it was one of the dumbest things I had ever heard. I remember thinking that even when he struggled in Boston and was eventually traded to Washington. I didn't think it because I thought McCrimmon was a legitimate beast. I always liked McCrimmon as a player and was more upset at the Flyers tading him than many of the players who would be moved. I didn't think it because I felt he was a better goalie than Pelle, or Bob Froese. I thought it because Peeters, like Wayne Stephenson and Chico Resch were goalies who made the team in front of them's life easier. NOt because they could stop a tone of shots or had a great reflexes or could make the "OH MY GOD" save from time to time. They made it easier because the book on them was about two pages long and it was very simple. Cut down on cross ice plays, allow first shots from the bottom of the circles out. Don't allow follow ups. That was it. Peeters had slow feet, but he was the prototype technical goalie. The kind that people always said the Flyers needed when Hextall was carrying them after his return. The kind that really may not work in the NHL today. Peeters understood the angles, how to use his body mass and most of all, that goalies get beaten from time to time even if they do everything right.

I think no matter what Peeters looses his job to Pelle...where that left Hextall is another matter for another time...but off ice personality aside, if you are lucky enough to find Flyers games from Peeters first go round, his first year in Boston or the second time he was a Flyer (when he was NHL player of the month and then waived). You will see a pure technician...

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laperriere, Today in Flyers History
- bmeltzer

A shame more players don't play with the effort and heart lappy did in his career.

Whatever he chooses to do, Laperriere will be a success. Personally, I hope he stays around Philadelphia for many years to come.

I was able to meet and talk with Lappy several times during the 2010-11 season as our sons played on the same hockey team. Your adjectives used to described him are precise. I, too, hope he sticks around here because his full-throttle play is something I think all players should try to emulate.

Pete Peeters Day? Funny though another good goalie that didn't get along with the media. #thelegendbegins

Gonna miss Lappy, shame that his career ended that way.

Is it October yet?

Bill, I thought you were playing a crude joke on us by having a Flyers' Day in History blob on this infamous day.
- KGBflyers10

That never happens here and you know it!

That never happens here and you know it!
- JoeRussomanno

Certainly not from Bill.

Thanks for your blobs, Bill. It's always good to read about the Flyers even if it's only to look forward to next season or reminisce about the past.

Best wishes Lappy, no matter where you go from here. I hope you remain involved with the Flyers somehow. You've shown a ton of heart in your short time here, and best wishes to you and your family going forward.

Homer has proven he's a good judge of character in getting Lappy, Talbot, Simmonds and others on this team. Tough, hard-nosed guys that bring a lot more to the team than just stats.

On another note, the league has royally screwed up the Final. All this time off between games, or before the start of the series, has sucked all life out of what could have been a fun series to watch.

Somehow, they gotta get back to the every-other-day schedule in the playoffs. Or, as close to it as possible. All of this time off does nothing but diminish interest.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laperriere, Today in Flyers History
- bmeltzer

Can you shed some light on D prospect Ville Pokka of Kärpät

This has to be the slowest blog in quite awhile.

Yikes.

This has to be the slowest blog in quite awhile.

Yikes.
- KGBflyers10

Most frustrations must have been discussed already.

Boy, that was a loud "CLINK"!

Can you shed some light on D prospect Ville Pokka of Kärpät
- ob18

Played on Kärpät's third pairing this year, overmatched at times. Has done very well and Finnish/international junior level.

Played on Kärpät's third pairing this year, overmatched at times. Has done very well and Finnish/international junior level.
- bmeltzer

Thanks.

LOL Elias is such a big baby. How many times will Brodeur try to flop and get a call in this game?

Anybody watching this poop tonight?

LOL Elias is such a big baby. How many times will Brodeur try to flop and get a call in this game?
- Pixote Andolini

It was a tough hit. He did go into the boards very hard.