Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Turkey of a Florida Trip, Prospects, Quick Hits

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Turkey of a Florida Trip, Prospects, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

First off, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Bill, and congrats to the Holmgren family as well!

Bill, is it time for a trade? The slow starts and lack of effort on the backcheck are inexcusable, and since a coaching change has already occurred, the only choices left seem to be benchings or trades.

First off, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family Bill, and congrats to the Holmgren family as well!

Bill, is it time for a trade? The slow starts and lack of effort on the backcheck are inexcusable, and since a coaching change has already occurred, the only choices left seem to be benchings or trades.
- BiggE

Slow starts have only really been an issue for the last few games but it's been three games in a row now and it needs to end. Over the season as a whole, first periods have been the best ones for the Flyers. I think the team defense on the whole has been improved this year but there are still slip ups.

In terms of a major trade, I don't know what's been out there for the Flyers. Like many teams leaguewide, they are really hamstrung by the cap ceiling this year and have been operating on LTIR allowance with zero bankable space.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Turkey of a Florida Trip, Prospects, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Last couple of minutes was really a microcosm of high-risk/high-reward nature of Mark Streit... nice pass to Giroux on the Vinny goal, then a nicely placed shot from the point for a G, then an absolute grenade of a pass to the last man back with the net empty to kill the comeback.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Turkey of a Florida Trip, Prospects, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Claude Giroux wears the "C" and puts out an effort like the one we saw last night.

I see what Joe is always speaking of when talking about his contract.

Claude Giroux wears the "C" and puts out an effort like the one we saw last night.

I see what Joe is always speaking of when talking about his contract.


- ggunky

yup, no excuse whatsoever for his lack of effort on the shorthanded goal

Happy Thanksgiving & Hanukkah

This team is a roller coaster ride. I expect losses, but not from lack of effort. And sorry, Wayne Simmonds... Maybe you wanted the "W" for Vinny, but I don't know who else did. The way this team seems to be able to plop it in neutral and coast drives me nuts. I thought that was "fixed" when they realized that they actually can win and be a good team. But the lack of effort is disappointing.

Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukah, Bill!!! Truly am thankful to have you covering this team.

Claude Giroux wears the "C" and puts out an effort like the one we saw last night.

I see what Joe is always speaking of when talking about his contract.


- ggunky

have to agree, not sure if its the "C" or the contract messing him up, maybe both, but that kind on $$$ goes to "game changing" players, I hate to say it, but Crosby for example, (man that hurt to say it), but he's not playing like the top tier player that changes games & momentum.
When we were up on the Islanders, it was evident what Taveras was doing, applying pressuring in the offensive zone, either setting up teammates for chances, or bulling his way to the net on solo efforts, and he makes much less $, but the hunger is evident.
Maybe now, more then ever Giroux needs a sniper type on his line, someone that can help to create chances, but here's the main thing, on a more consistent basis. Voracek seems to have it, then it disappears then its back for a small stretch, etc. & Hartnell seems to be a solid forechecker, but not worth his contract without the production.

Claude Giroux wears the "C" and puts out an effort like the one we saw last night.

I see what Joe is always speaking of when talking about his contract.


- ggunky

I just don't think he's a truly fine tuned upper echelon star... He manages to rack up a lot of assists but I seldom see where he's able to take the team on his back and win a game... We saw that against Pittsburgh in the playoffs then it's like he fell to earth ever since. Sorry but it seems like that contract is gonna be an albatross. Maybe he'll take another step. I hope so.

have to agree, not sure if its the "C" or the contract messing him up, maybe both, but that kind on $$$ goes to "game changing" players, I hate to say it, but Crosby for example, (man that hurt to say it), but he's not playing like the top tier player that changes games & momentum.
When we were up on the Islanders, it was evident what Taveras was doing, applying pressuring in the offensive zone, either setting up teammates for chances, or bulling his way to the net on solo efforts, and he makes much less $, but the hunger is evident.
Maybe now, more then ever Giroux needs a sniper type on his line, someone that can help to create chances, but here's the main thing, on a more consistent basis. Voracek seems to have it, then it disappears then its back for a small stretch, etc. & Hartnell seems to be a solid forechecker, but not worth his contract without the production.
- puckhead17

I've been a pro Hartnell guy but I'm thinking I'd like to see giroux with more consistent line mates. Don't know how that will remedy gliding back in a rush but he's gonna need somebody to help magnify the talent he has.

I am a big fan of 'G' but plays like last night really tick me off. The lack of respect he shows for the game, his team and teammates is sometimes appalling. Too many times he has taken plays off in the midst of the play and I think it's time for some ole' school directing from the staff. Sit his butt for a game, make him do an hour of bag skating, etc... He is the captain of an NHL team, one of 30 people in the world get that priviledge and he can't hustle his butt off for his 20-24 minutes a game. Never saw Gordie, Clarkie, Gretz, Mess or Prim's with that lack of heart and honor.

Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukah, Bill!!! Truly am thankful to have you covering this team.
- JoeRussomanno

Thank you, Joe!

This team is a roller coaster ride. I expect losses, but not from lack of effort. And sorry, Wayne Simmonds... Maybe you wanted the "W" for Vinny, but I don't know who else did. The way this team seems to be able to plop it in neutral and coast drives me nuts. I thought that was "fixed" when they realized that they actually can win and be a good team. But the lack of effort is disappointing.
- section32

Simmonds should have 15 goals with the chances he's had, its nice to have 3 scoring lines & depth, but when this one & that one goes cold, its an epidemic.

The lack of fire & hustle returned again (in the Florida trip) as well, show up, get outworked, fall behind, show effort in the 3rd period, don't know if the playoffs will be a reality with this recipe.

I've been a pro Hartnell guy but I'm thinking I'd like to see giroux with more consistent line mates. Don't know how that will remedy gliding back in a rush but he's gonna need somebody to help magnify the talent he has.
- JoeRussomanno

everyone said Bobby Ryan NO No No, (he's overrated) etc, (I know that ship sailed, but he was available & would help Giroux's game as well as our offense), but Giroux should be able to at least have more assists having someone with hands.
He's not Lemeiux, who could turn an average player in to a 30 goal scorer, he needs someone who can help create pressure, when the other team is on its heels, on a consistent basis.

I'd like to see Striet & Hartnell on a yard sale blanket,
$10 million for below average play

I am a big fan of 'G' but plays like last night really tick me off. The lack of respect he shows for the game, his team and teammates is sometimes appalling. Too many times he has taken plays off in the midst of the play and I think it's time for some ole' school directing from the staff. Sit his butt for a game, make him do an hour of bag skating, etc... He is the captain of an NHL team, one of 30 people in the world get that priviledge and he can't hustle his butt off for his 20-24 minutes a game. Never saw Gordie, Clarkie, Gretz, Mess or Prim's with that lack of heart and honor.
- jtb3rd

I don't understand it. What does that play have anything to do with "the weight of the C" messing with giroux. To me that says giroux really isn't thinking about being a "C".

Im sorry but berube has to make a point to address it. If it happens again address it in front of the team. He's a big boy, and if the organization believe he's Captain material he should respond in a positive way. Saying nothing at all is the worst thing.

Simmonds should have 15 goals with the chances he's had, its nice to have 3 scoring lines & depth, but when this one & that one goes cold, its an epidemic.

The lack of fire & hustle returned again (in the Florida trip) as well, show up, get outworked, fall behind, show effort in the 3rd period, don't know if the playoffs will be a reality with this recipe.
- puckhead17

Exactly...it's a shame when your 3rd line has been your best and has to inspire your first two. The must have just gone to Florida for a vacation. 1 step forward and 2 steps backwards with this team. They talked about winning again and that inspiring them. Well, I guess they got a full belly. Part of being a professional is that you are being paid to do more than show up. They need to compete for a full game, not just the last 20 minutes. Drives me nucking futz.

Thank you, Joe!
- bmeltzer

Any update on Read ?

At least hartnell got himself involved in the game physically. He keeps doing that he will draw penalties. I think it was probably just a flash in the pan.

We don't have a first line, tey do not pose a threat to opposing teams. Simple fundamental mistakes kill this team. I would of sat giroux and vorechek for the lack of effort it was embarrassing to watch. The offense lacks foot speed, or they don't try. The forechecking is people gliding, move your feet!!!! I get so pissed when I watch games like that. If our first line can't be a threat I don't see our flyers doing that much, we might luck into the playoffs with our division being the worst. Let's hope something wakes them up

everyone said Bobby Ryan NO No No, (he's overrated) etc, (I know that ship sailed, but he was available & would help Giroux's game as well as our offense), but Giroux should be able to at least have more assists having someone with hands.
He's not Lemeiux, who could turn an average player in to a 30 goal scorer, he needs someone who can help create pressure, when the other team is on its heels, on a consistent basis.

I'd like to see Striet & Hartnell on a yard sale blanket,
$10 million for below average play
- puckhead17

Most people including myself felt the trade proposals at the time were too generous for Anaheim. I'm all for bringing in new players but at the right price.

Meh, another set of backsliding MEH efforts.
Fire the coach, make a trade, good for a few games then MEH.
I dont know what it is but even less talented teams that know how hard they have to work actually do it regularly. Unless there is a flu bug in the team now, this was underwhelming and gutless for the most part and largely stupid.

Games like these the team reminds me of corporate slackers prarie dogging for donuts in their cube farm.

Most people including myself felt the trade proposals at the time were too generous for Anaheim. I'm all for bringing in new players but at the right price.
- JoeRussomanno

What price was too high? Our 3rd line center maybe?

I'm getting tired of watching pluggers & grinders float, when you lack top end skill & comprise your team of grinders you at least would win with hustle, tenacity & spirit.
They float, & glide, & show up when it's too late, can we please change GM's now?
Can we please stop concerning ourselves with the obsession of having young "some day, you'll see" centers & acquire a top line with consistent skill?
Can we please stop handing out contracts to over 35 defenseman, work on getting a top defenseman or somehow? Or at least formulate a plan of eventually acquiring one?

Hey remember when we were top heavy a while back with the legion of doom?
At least we were able to consistently put the opposition back on its heels from time to time.

Simmonds should have 15 goals with the chances he's had, its nice to have 3 scoring lines & depth, but when this one & that one goes cold, its an epidemic.

The lack of fire & hustle returned again (in the Florida trip) as well, show up, get outworked, fall behind, show effort in the 3rd period, don't know if the playoffs will be a reality with this recipe.
- puckhead17

and when it was still scoreless giroux had basically the same set up as hedman did on his second goal but failed to score.....again