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Forums :: Blog World :: Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 10/15/13 vs. Canucks
Author Message
mayorofangrytown
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Downingtown, PA
Joined: 08.16.2006

Oct 15 @ 4:18 PM ET
We didn't really lose b/c if he was still here he'd be Hirt or fighting with rosehill for a spot on the 4th line ...
#truth

- JoeRussomanno

jak521
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Buckle Up.
Joined: 02.19.2008

Oct 15 @ 4:19 PM ET
Flyers gone win

JAKEw1234
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: 2Spookyville, PA
Joined: 03.09.2013

Oct 15 @ 4:23 PM ET
Dude i love Mason and i'm glad we have him. He has been a bright spot and he is still young.
- idiotsallofu

Still young is an understatement. I know he's been in the league forever, but I think he still could be a couple years away from his prime still.
hereticpride
New Jersey Devils
Location: HEY. Does this pole still work?, NJ
Joined: 01.14.2011

Oct 15 @ 4:31 PM ET
Still young is an understatement. I know he's been in the league forever, but I think he still could be a couple years away from his prime still.
- JAKEw1234

If the team was capable of putting up more than 2 goals a game Mason would be the talk of the town right now. Very pleased with his play since the trade.
Raven728
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Pottstown, PA
Joined: 03.05.2013

Oct 15 @ 4:32 PM ET
Flyers gone win


- jak521


Make the bad man go away!
funmaster18
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz and I'm fine.
Joined: 03.15.2009

Oct 15 @ 4:33 PM ET
Flyers gone win


- jak521


Ok, now you're on to something
BiggE
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: SELL THE DAMN TEAM!
Joined: 04.17.2012

Oct 15 @ 4:42 PM ET
It is. My #1 favorite book. I just hope it doesn't suck. If it does, I'd really rather they not make it.

My wife's due Nov. 3rd with our first, but if she goes into labor while I'm in the theater...well, sorry hun, Ender and Bonzo are about to have a go at it, you've gotta hold out.

- jmatchett383


Its my 2nd fave book after Dune
BringBack25
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: deep lurk
Joined: 01.03.2007

Oct 15 @ 4:48 PM ET
So it seems we have folks prescribing all sorts of cures for what ails the Flyers. A few of the more common (or at least most repetitive) ideas are:

- True #1 d-man
- Top line winger or "sniper"
- Third line winger
- The "right mix" on D
- A variety of system or style changes too numerous to list
- More energy
- Time to "gel"

All this makes me wonder what the brain trust in here thinks is the big difference between the Flyers and the Colorado Avalanche? Prior to the season, many in here had identified the Avs as a potential trading partner for Mez because their defense was allegedly so bad they would need him. On paper, the Avs (at least to me) don't look like a vastly superior team than the Flyers. Yet in the standings, and in the stats sheet they clearly are.

They are getting great (and most probably unsustainable) goaltending numbers. That's certainly a big part of it. But the Flyers are for the most part getting great goaltending too. Perhaps not otherworldly like the Avs, but certainly good enough so that it's not our problem.

Is Patrick Roy the second coming of Scotty Bowman? I don't think so. Do they have a true number 1 d-man? No. Do they have an elite sniper? No. Superior third line wingers? Maybe. The "right mix" on D (no doubt Nasty Nate is key here)? No. A superior system? I don't think so.

I don't really think that they have any of those things. Certainly no more than what the Flyers have. What I think they have is a team full of players all playing hard and playing the same way. Sure, the stellar goaltending is helping them now. No question. And no question they will not sustain it. But they are still a very tough team to play against right now. They seem to be all playing the same system, all skating hard every night, and generally playing as cohesive 5-man units on both offense and defense. I guess Roy has to get some of the credit for that, as well as the players themselves.

But I don't see any reason the Flyers, with the exact roster they have right now, couldn't do these same things. And if they did them, I believe they'd be every bit as successful as the Avs have been. So, while all those things mentioned at the top of this post could certainly help if there was some way to magically make them happen, the bottom line is that if this team plays like it can (and should), it will be successful. If it doesn't play that way, I think you have to start looking at the players, not the coaches or the GM. It's not the coach's or the GM's fault that our players won't skate as hard or play as hard as the Avs players are playing now. I'm just not convinced the Avs have more talent. I am convinced that at least thus far, they work harder and skate harder. If the Flyers players won't match that level of effort, then we don't have the team we think we do.
hockeylover
Atlanta Thrashers
Location: There's always next year., NT
Joined: 08.03.2006

Oct 15 @ 4:51 PM ET
Flyers gone win


- jak521





hockeylover
Atlanta Thrashers
Location: There's always next year., NT
Joined: 08.03.2006

Oct 15 @ 4:52 PM ET
So it seems we have folks prescribing all sorts of cures for what ails the Flyers. A few of the more common (or at least most repetitive) ideas are:

- True #1 d-man
- Top line winger or "sniper"
- Third line winger
- The "right mix" on D
- A variety of system or style changes too numerous to list
- More energy
- Time to "gel"

All this makes me wonder what the brain trust in here thinks is the big difference between the Flyers and the Colorado Avalanche? Prior to the season, many in here had identified the Avs as a potential trading partner for Mez because their defense was allegedly so bad they would need him. On paper, the Avs (at least to me) don't look like a vastly superior team than the Flyers. Yet in the standings, and in the stats sheet they clearly are.

They are getting great (and most probably unsustainable) goaltending numbers. That's certainly a big part of it. But the Flyers are for the most part getting great goaltending too. Perhaps not otherworldly like the Avs, but certainly good enough so that it's not our problem.

Is Patrick Roy the second coming of Scotty Bowman? I don't think so. Do they have a true number 1 d-man? No. Do they have an elite sniper? No. Superior third line wingers? Maybe. The "right mix" on D (no doubt Nasty Nate is key here)? No. A superior system? I don't think so.

I don't really think that they have any of those things. Certainly no more than what the Flyers have. What I think they have is a team full of players all playing hard and playing the same way. Sure, the stellar goaltending is helping them now. No question. And no question they will not sustain it. But they are still a very tough team to play against right now. They seem to be all playing the same system, all skating hard every night, and generally playing as cohesive 5-man units on both offense and defense. I guess Roy has to get some of the credit for that, as well as the players themselves.

But I don't see any reason the Flyers, with the exact roster they have right now, couldn't do these same things. And if they did them, I believe they'd be every bit as successful as the Avs have been. So, while all those things mentioned at the top of this post could certainly help if there was some way to magically make them happen, the bottom line is that if this team plays like it can (and should), it will be successful. If it doesn't play that way, I think you have to start looking at the players, not the coaches or the GM. It's not the coach's or the GM's fault that our players won't skate as hard or play as hard as the Avs players are playing now. I'm just not convinced the Avs have more talent. I am convinced that at least thus far, they work harder and skate harder. If the Flyers players won't match that level of effort, then we don't have the team we think we do.

- BringBack25


You forgot fire Lavy. Oh wait.......
hockeylover
Atlanta Thrashers
Location: There's always next year., NT
Joined: 08.03.2006

Oct 15 @ 4:55 PM ET
Dude i love Mason and i'm glad we have him. He has been a bright spot and he is still young.
- idiotsallofu


And he's a huge fan of The Walking Dead.
johndewar
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: South Jersey, NJ
Joined: 01.16.2009

Oct 15 @ 4:55 PM ET
Flyers gone win


- jak521


I'm confused.

Did Holmgren just trade for Pumpkin Head Guy?
Marc D
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: best smile, 14 without fake tees
Joined: 03.28.2008

Oct 15 @ 4:55 PM ET
... the Colorado Avalanche?

...

- BringBack25

watched them play the Bs last week. They look really fast. The effort was there and the goaltending too, but the skating speed was impressive.
johndewar
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: South Jersey, NJ
Joined: 01.16.2009

Oct 15 @ 4:56 PM ET
If the team was capable of putting up more than 2 goals a game Mason would be the talk of the town right now. Very pleased with his play since the trade.
- hereticpride


Stop that positive talk with Steve Mason. You'll spoil the narrative that he sucks and he's washed up and that Sergei Dryden rulez.
Feanor
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: DE
Joined: 02.13.2013

Oct 15 @ 4:56 PM ET
Joe Sacco was a terrible coach. They removed him in April, and gave the new guy a full training camp to implement his system.
MrBigglesworth
Location: PA
Joined: 01.30.2008

Oct 15 @ 4:57 PM ET
.....
- Top line winger or "sniper"
....

- BringBack25


trade meszaros + holmgren's bobby clarke bobblehead for nail yakupov?
MrBigglesworth
Location: PA
Joined: 01.30.2008

Oct 15 @ 4:58 PM ET
watched them play the Bs last week. They look really fast. The effort was there and the goaltending too, but the skating speed was impressive.
- Marc D


what is this goaltending thing you speak of!?!
kee ripes man!!!!!


johndewar
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: South Jersey, NJ
Joined: 01.16.2009

Oct 15 @ 4:59 PM ET
Joe Sacco was a terrible coach. They removed him in April, and gave the new guy a full training camp to implement his system.
- Feanor


"Joe Sacco was also an anarchist."

-Bart Vanzetti

-
BringBack25
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: deep lurk
Joined: 01.03.2007

Oct 15 @ 5:00 PM ET
watched them play the Bs last week. They look really fast. The effort was there and the goaltending too, but the skating speed was impressive.
- Marc D


Saw that game too, and while the speed was definitely an asset, the thing that impressed me most was that they played as a five-man unit no matter what forward/d pair was on the ice. I think that's what is really making the difference for them. And what the Flyers sorely lack.
mayorofangrytown
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Downingtown, PA
Joined: 08.16.2006

Oct 15 @ 5:11 PM ET
So it seems we have folks prescribing all sorts of cures for what ails the Flyers. A few of the more common (or at least most repetitive) ideas are:

- True #1 d-man
- Top line winger or "sniper"
- Third line winger
- The "right mix" on D
- A variety of system or style changes too numerous to list
- More energy
- Time to "gel"

All this makes me wonder what the brain trust in here thinks is the big difference between the Flyers and the Colorado Avalanche? Prior to the season, many in here had identified the Avs as a potential trading partner for Mez because their defense was allegedly so bad they would need him. On paper, the Avs (at least to me) don't look like a vastly superior team than the Flyers. Yet in the standings, and in the stats sheet they clearly are.

They are getting great (and most probably unsustainable) goaltending numbers. That's certainly a big part of it. But the Flyers are for the most part getting great goaltending too. Perhaps not otherworldly like the Avs, but certainly good enough so that it's not our problem.

Is Patrick Roy the second coming of Scotty Bowman? I don't think so. Do they have a true number 1 d-man? No. Do they have an elite sniper? No. Superior third line wingers? Maybe. The "right mix" on D (no doubt Nasty Nate is key here)? No. A superior system? I don't think so.

I don't really think that they have any of those things. Certainly no more than what the Flyers have. What I think they have is a team full of players all playing hard and playing the same way. Sure, the stellar goaltending is helping them now. No question. And no question they will not sustain it. But they are still a very tough team to play against right now. They seem to be all playing the same system, all skating hard every night, and generally playing as cohesive 5-man units on both offense and defense. I guess Roy has to get some of the credit for that, as well as the players themselves.

But I don't see any reason the Flyers, with the exact roster they have right now, couldn't do these same things. And if they did them, I believe they'd be every bit as successful as the Avs have been. So, while all those things mentioned at the top of this post could certainly help if there was some way to magically make them happen, the bottom line is that if this team plays like it can (and should), it will be successful. If it doesn't play that way, I think you have to start looking at the players, not the coaches or the GM. It's not the coach's or the GM's fault that our players won't skate as hard or play as hard as the Avs players are playing now. I'm just not convinced the Avs have more talent. I am convinced that at least thus far, they work harder and skate harder. If the Flyers players won't match that level of effort, then we don't have the team we think we do.

- BringBack25

Friedemann was examining the same thing on the radio today. (Not in comparison to the Flyers of course but the Oilers) He noted three essential differences. Goaltending, team defense and a player who "stirs the drink" for the team. He thinks a player like Steve Downie has had a big impact on team cohesion. He sticks up for players, brings jump to the game and contribute offensively. He called him a heart and soul player for the AVs.

Just what I heard. Maybe that heart and soul player is already on our team but they aren't asserting themselves.
Tomahawk
Location: Driver's Seat: Mitch Marner bandwagon. Grab 'em by the Corsi.
Joined: 02.04.2009

Oct 15 @ 5:20 PM ET
So it seems we have folks prescribing all sorts of cures for what ails the Flyers. A few of the more common (or at least most repetitive) ideas are:

- True #1 d-man
- Top line winger or "sniper"
- Third line winger
- The "right mix" on D
- A variety of system or style changes too numerous to list
- More energy
- Time to "gel"

All this makes me wonder what the brain trust in here thinks is the big difference between the Flyers and the Colorado Avalanche? Prior to the season, many in here had identified the Avs as a potential trading partner for Mez because their defense was allegedly so bad they would need him. On paper, the Avs (at least to me) don't look like a vastly superior team than the Flyers. Yet in the standings, and in the stats sheet they clearly are.

They are getting great (and most probably unsustainable) goaltending numbers. That's certainly a big part of it. But the Flyers are for the most part getting great goaltending too. Perhaps not otherworldly like the Avs, but certainly good enough so that it's not our problem.

Is Patrick Roy the second coming of Scotty Bowman? I don't think so. Do they have a true number 1 d-man? No. Do they have an elite sniper? No. Superior third line wingers? Maybe. The "right mix" on D (no doubt Nasty Nate is key here)? No. A superior system? I don't think so.

I don't really think that they have any of those things. Certainly no more than what the Flyers have. What I think they have is a team full of players all playing hard and playing the same way. Sure, the stellar goaltending is helping them now. No question. And no question they will not sustain it. But they are still a very tough team to play against right now. They seem to be all playing the same system, all skating hard every night, and generally playing as cohesive 5-man units on both offense and defense. I guess Roy has to get some of the credit for that, as well as the players themselves.

But I don't see any reason the Flyers, with the exact roster they have right now, couldn't do these same things. And if they did them, I believe they'd be every bit as successful as the Avs have been. So, while all those things mentioned at the top of this post could certainly help if there was some way to magically make them happen, the bottom line is that if this team plays like it can (and should), it will be successful. If it doesn't play that way, I think you have to start looking at the players, not the coaches or the GM. It's not the coach's or the GM's fault that our players won't skate as hard or play as hard as the Avs players are playing now. I'm just not convinced the Avs have more talent. I am convinced that at least thus far, they work harder and skate harder. If the Flyers players won't match that level of effort, then we don't have the team we think we do.

- BringBack25


A .985 team SV% is unsustainable?

As for the big difference, chalk it up to the season only being 5-6 games old for most teams. Regression toward the mean is a force of nature -- Flyers will get better, the Avs will get worse.
opeth_pa
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: The Implication
Joined: 12.13.2011

Oct 15 @ 5:21 PM ET
Sam Carchidi
@BroadStBull
JVR injured in prax today; may not play tonight.
bigmookalookie
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Mookie you are a wing nut, In , LS
Joined: 02.27.2011

Oct 15 @ 5:22 PM ET
Al, I've finally convinced these Flyers fans they lost the Schenn trade, and I still haven't leaped!

What is going on?

- Atomic Wedgie

Denial is your best friend lol. Like they say when the going get tough, just don't give a (frank)
BringBack25
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: deep lurk
Joined: 01.03.2007

Oct 15 @ 5:23 PM ET
Friedemann was examining the same thing on the radio today. (Not in comparison to the Flyers of course but the Oilers) He noted three essential differences. Goaltending, team defense and a player who "stirs the drink" for the team. He thinks a player like Steve Downie has had a big impact on team cohesion. He sticks up for players, brings jump to the game and contribute offensively. He called him a heart and soul player for the AVs.

Just what I heard. Maybe that heart and soul player is already on our team but they aren't asserting themselves.

- mayorofangrytown


Hmmm, I definitely buy the goaltending and team defense part. As for the person who stirs the drink for the Avs, I think it's their coach more than any player. Downie does have (as we know) an edge to his game and will stick up for folks. But they had him last year too and I didn't see them playing this way. Not sure I buy that part.
bigmookalookie
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Mookie you are a wing nut, In , LS
Joined: 02.27.2011

Oct 15 @ 5:23 PM ET
trade meszaros + holmgren's bobby clarke bobblehead for nail yakupov?
- MrBigglesworth

The Clarke bobble head alone is worth Eberle and Nail
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