Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Quick Hit Updates, Cup Finals

If the Kings win are Phili fans going to be really upset or happy ? (Richards/Carter)

If the Kings win are Phili fans going to be really upset or happy ? (Richards/Carter)
- mrpaulish

both.

If the Kings win are Phili fans going to be really upset or happy ? (Richards/Carter)
- mrpaulish

From my point of view, there would be no reason to be upset. And I would be genuinely happy for Richards and Carter.

Ranford will be a prolific AHL scorer like Jason Krog and Keith Aucoin but never make it at the NHL level. That's what I'm thinking. If he can let his conditioning slip in Juniors than he'll be eaten alive in the NHL.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Quick Hit Updates, Cup Finals
- bmeltzer

Bill,

I don't see anything on the Cup Final in your blob...

Bill,

I don't see anything on the Cup Final in your blob...



- ggunky

Posted it now.

From my point of view, there would be no reason to be upset. And I would be genuinely happy for Richards and Carter.
- MJL

I'd be even happier for Gagne. I really want him to win one.

If the Kings win are Phili fans going to be really upset or happy ? (Richards/Carter)
- mrpaulish

I think the majority of us feel this way:

With the exception of Simon Gagne -- who may or may not be cleared to play after a long concussion-related absence -- I'm pretty much indifferent to the on-ice personnel for the Kings who had past ties to the Flyers. I really hope Gagne is able to play.

It's been a long time since Justin Williams played in Philly. He always seemed like a real good guy and I like the way he plays the game. He's also dealt with a slew of injuries during his career. So I'd be happy for him if LA wins, but he's so far removed from his Flyers days that the connection feels strained beyond the fact there are so many other former Flyers employees associated with his club.

I'm still fine with the trades that sent away former captain Mike Richards and Jeff Carter last summer, and would not reverse them even if LA does win the Cup. Besides, if the Kings defeat the Devils, it will be their defense and goaltending that get them there.

Carter has been a non-factor in all but one playoff game this year (although he scored a hat trick in that one game). Richards has played well but has been more of a valuable supporting cast member than the one driving the bus for his club.

I wish no ill on either Richards or Carter but, by the same token, I'm not going to proclaim how happy I am that they're on a team playing for the Cup.

On the flip side, I will be legitimately happy for John Stevens and Ron Hextall if they get their names on the Stanley Cup.

-BMeltzer

I'd be even happier for Gagne. I really want him to win one.
- dcflyerfan71

i'd be happy for gagne, and hextall, and even stevens - but gagne would probably feel very hollow about it, not having played for such a large part of the season and not a second of the playoffs.

Bill makes a prediction. Mark it down.

I think the majority of us feel this way:

With the exception of Simon Gagne -- who may or may not be cleared to play after a long concussion-related absence -- I'm pretty much indifferent to the on-ice personnel for the Kings who had past ties to the Flyers. I really hope Gagne is able to play.

It's been a long time since Justin Williams played in Philly. He always seemed like a real good guy and I like the way he plays the game. He's also dealt with a slew of injuries during his career. So I'd be happy for him if LA wins, but he's so far removed from his Flyers days that the connection feels strained beyond the fact there are so many other former Flyers employees associated with his club.

I'm still fine with the trades that sent away former captain Mike Richards and Jeff Carter last summer, and would not reverse them even if LA does win the Cup. Besides, if the Kings defeat the Devils, it will be their defense and goaltending that get them there.

Carter has been a non-factor in all but one playoff game this year (although he scored a hat trick in that one game). Richards has played well but has been more of a valuable supporting cast member than the one driving the bus for his club.

I wish no ill on either Richards or Carter but, by the same token, I'm not going to proclaim how happy I am that they're on a team playing for the Cup.

On the flip side, I will be legitimately happy for John Stevens and Ron Hextall if they get their names on the Stanley Cup.

-BMeltzer
- ggunky

PREACH.

Also, this is EXACTLY what I was saying to some people on Twitter who thought trading Richie and Carts was a mistake.

If the Kings win are Phili fans going to be really upset or happy ? (Richards/Carter)
- mrpaulish

stung seeing those two jump around after the penner winner.

i'd be happy for gagne, and hextall, and even stevens - but gagne would probably feel very hollow about it, not having played for such a large part of the season and not a second of the playoffs.
- hammarby31

I can understand from a players perspective that this would likely be true. Let's hope that he is well enough to contribute in the SCF so that he can have the trophy that he very much deserves (at least IMHO).

PREACH.

Also, this is EXACTLY what I was saying to some people on Twitter who thought trading Richie and Carts was a mistake.
- NickTheKid87

Bill put it perfectly! That is why I simply copy and pasted his comments from a couple of blobs ago.

If the Kings win are Phili fans going to be really upset or happy ? (Richards/Carter)
- mrpaulish

As much as I can understand reasons on both sides.
1. It's NJ and it's a rival. (If NJ wins)
2. It's LA with the connections of former Flyers that never brought the cup to Philly.
To each their own. But, I understand the reasons on both sides. The game and being a fan brings out a lot of emotions.

Me?
No vesting interest in either team.

PREACH.

Also, this is EXACTLY what I was saying to some people on Twitter who thought trading Richie and Carts was a mistake.
- NickTheKid87

In some instances, some players who have lead in all aspects of their career might be better off being a supporting player as their career continues. As noted how Richards is now a supporting member and Carter is the same. Where in Philly they were the leaders. To each their own.

Posted it now.
- bmeltzer

I think the Devils win in 6 or maybe 7. After seeing what the did to the Flyers and Rangers it's hard to pick against them. LA is hot but I think NJ is the better team. The Devils found a way to beat Lundqvist so I think they'll find a way to beat Quick.

In some instances, some players who have lead in all aspects of their career might be better off being a supporting player as their career continues. As noted how Richards is now a supporting member and Carter is the same. Where in Philly they were the leaders. To each their own.
- phi1671

I agree. Giroux is a franchise player, not Richards and/or Carter. Better to build a team around a player of G's caliber anyday.

I doubt Gagne gets into a game, unless we see some injuries. Sutter flat out said, if I remember his wording right, that gagne won't play, he hasnt played in like 3 months and when the canucks brought back Sedin under the same circumstances it hurt them.

I would like to see 3 guys get a cup on the Kings, Gagne, Hextall and Stevens...that is not to say I wouldnt like to see Richie lift it, but the other 3 deserve it more in my eyes. Williams has a cup already with the canes, and I dont like carter, never did...so I am indifferent about them.

I'd be even happier for Gagne. I really want him to win one.
- dcflyerfan71

Gagne has been cleared to play, I was reading an article in the LA Times and it stated the Kings would have to suffer two or three injuries to their forwards for Gagne to see the ice. That's unfortunate, if the Kings do win the Cup it sucks that Gagne likely won't play. I would assume it would feel somewhat hollow for him.

I'm rooting for the Kings 100%. I can't stomach to see the Devils win another Cup, and three of them they will have gone through the Flyers to do so.

Screw the Devils, their 40 year old goalie, and their defense core that doesn't have anything close to a # 1 or # 2 for that matter.

I doubt Gagne gets into a game, unless we see some injuries. Sutter flat out said, if I remember his wording right, that gagne won't play, he hasnt played in like 3 months and when the canucks brought back Sedin under the same circumstances it hurt them.

I would like to see 3 guys get a cup on the Kings, Gagne, Hextall and Stevens...that is not to say I wouldnt like to see Richie lift it, but the other 3 deserve it more in my eyes. Williams has a cup already with the canes, and I dont like carter, never did...so I am indifferent about them.
- Pyzik

Carter being rewarded for pouting like an infant in Columbus would be tough to take, but Richards winning shouldn't bother anyone. He got traded directly to the Kings. He plays the game the right way, and works hard. I think if he wins it would be well deserved.

It's interesting that a league charity case makes it to the Stanley Cup finals when it needs to to avoid going under.

I didn't realize how bad the Devils financial situation was before reading this article (http://msn.foxsports.com/...Jeffrey-Vanderbeek-053012).

The league had to advance the devils $10 mill to meet payroll this year and look to be on the verge of becoming the Phoenix Coyotoes (financially). The current playoff run is the only thing keeping them afloat financially.

Makes you wonder what the Devils were thinking when they signed Kovalchuk to that lifetime contract or if they could've beaten the Flyers if they weren't living beyond their means salary wise.

Owing $177 million has to be close to a %100 debt load.

Gagne has been cleared to play, I was reading an article in the LA Times and it stated the Kings would have to suffer two or three injuries to their forwards for Gagne to see the ice. That's unfortunate, if the Kings do win the Cup it sucks that Gagne likely won't play. I would assume it would feel somewhat hollow for him.
- PLindbergh31

Question to you and Hammarby31 who echoed the same...

Would you rather have a cup that you minimally contributed to winning, or none at all?

A serious question.