I don't want to get into an entire Media discussion. But the most disappointing thing about the Philly media, is the agenda they have. From the print, online, and radio. Their agenda isn't to tell the story unbiased and offer the facts, and report what happened. Their agenda is to create controversy. Because they feel that generates readers and listeners. And the biggest issue is, most of the public buys the nonsense. And when it comes to the Flyers, there is no doubt who the ring leader is. They've all sold themselves to try and survive. You see it on Comcast, WIP and in the papers. I'm disgusted by how the Media has evolved. Thank God for guys like Bill Meltzer. Who backed by the knowledge he has, simply tells the story. And his agenda is to inform and fill his readers in on what's going on, and his take on it. Without bias. Instead of drifting towards being more of a gossip columnist then a Sports Blogger or reporter. And I think Bryzgalov fell into their trap. As did past players here recently.
- MJL

Don't know if you go to games. But they use the Philly is better than Boston thing from 30 Rock on the jumbotron.
- bodiva88

I don't want to get into an entire Media discussion. But the most disappointing think about the Philly media, is the agenda they have. From the print, online, and radio. Their agenda isn't to tell the story unbiased and offer the facts, and report what happened. Their agenda is to create controversy. Because they feel that generates readers and listeners. And the biggest issue is, most of the public buys the nonsense. And when it comes to the Flyers, there is no doubt who the ring leader is. They've all sold themselves to try and survive. You see it on Comcast, WIP and in the papers. I'm disgusted by how the Media has evolved. Thank God for guys like Bill Meltzer. Who backed by the knowledge he has, simply tells the story. And his agenda is to inform and fill his readers in on what's going on, and his take on it. Without bias. Instead of drifting towards being more of a gossip columnist then a Sports Blogger or reporter. And I think Bryzgalov fell into their trap. As did past players here recently.
- MJL

On a moral level I agree with you. But please remember that this is capitalism, for better or for worse. Those media guys are stirring controversy, which stimulates interest, which sells media views, which translates to ad dollars for the NHL, which pays Bryz's salary. Capitalism is the monetary equivalent of the Roman circus, and Bryz is a gladiator. And he is a well-paid one, and chose to be one. Could he have both $ and a discerning public? Theoretically yes, but I am aware of very few markets that work like that.

On a moral level I agree with you. But please remember that this is capitalism, for better or for worse. Those media guys are stirring controversy, which stimulates interest, which sells media views, which translates to ad dollars for the NHL, which pays Bryz's salary. Capitalism is the monetary equivalent of the Roman circus, and Bryz is a gladiator. And he is a well-paid one, and chose to be one. Could he have both $ and a discerning public? Theoretically yes, but I am aware of very few markets that work like that.


- PT21

I understand what your saying. It's a vicious circle. But as Bill demonstrates, you don't have to do that to have a following and create a readership. There are many top notch Hockey writers and analysts who don't do that. Such as Bob McKenzie at TSN. And plenty in other sports. Who are straight up and don't sensationalize. Usually it's the guys who can't do that who have to stir up controversey because they are basically full of poop.

Until you live it, I think it's hard to understand it. Loud, vocal and idiotic fans, people wishing you physical harm on the ionternet, moronic writers that twist every word you say into something.

Hell, look at Holmgren joking that this isn't Comedy Central. A little throw away joke became the headline
- Jsaquella

I have been critical of Bryz at times, as I am sure you know.

But it was always about his play, it was never about who he was as a person or about him personally.

I will be critical of any player but never about their character, the person away from the game.

Was interesting today that when asked about Voracek, Homer focused on the areas where he thinks Voracek still needs to improve -- namely, his shooting and willingness to shoot.

Sounds to me like Flyers and Svoboda's price points are not all that close at this point. I don't think Voracek will be dealt, but it could be a problem negotiation that I think may go pretty deep into summer.
- bmeltzer

JvR vs. Voracek

Who's the better player vs. what teams would prefer having.

I really don't think Weber is as out of reach this summer as many think. Whether or not Nashville can re-sign Weber, I think this summer will tell us a lot about Weber's future in the NHL. In my opinion one of Voracek or JvR in a package mixed with prospects and draft picks is the type of deal Nashville would be looking for from us (If they're looking to deal with us at all).

What hurts about this is I think JvR and Voracek would be the perfect wingers for Giroux moving forward.

JvR vs. Voracek

Who's the better player vs. what teams would prefer having.

I really don't think Weber is as out of reach this summer as many think. Whether or not Nashville can re-sign Weber, I think this summer will tell us a lot about Weber's future in the NHL. In my opinion one of Voracek or JvR in a package mixed with prospects and draft picks is the type of deal Nashville would be looking for from us (If they're looking to deal with us at all).

What hurts about this is I think JvR and Voracek would be the perfect wingers for Giroux moving forward.
- roenick97

It would take more then that. The Flyers don't have a prospect currently that Nashville would want. And I think one of Schenn or Couturier would have to be included along with JVR. And draft picks.

I understand what your saying. It's a vicious circle. But as Bill demonstrates, you don't have to do that to have a following and create a readership. There are many top notch Hockey writers and analysts who don't do that. Such as Bob McKenzie at TSN. And plenty in other sports. Who are straight up and don't sensationalize. Usually it's the guys who can't do that who have to stir up controversey because they are basically full of poop.
- MJL

Most people don't have time in their lives to follow the nuances of anything. They want to be entertained, get drunk, be experts for a few hours in a public spectacle, cheer during fights and stand during shoot-outs, and offer advice on how to play (SHOOT!!). Its an exercise in escapism.

Hope I am not coming off as elitist here. These are good people, including many people I know who are friends, who contribute more than they detract from a terrific spectacle. If they were not there hockey would be watched by connoisseurs only, and they would not be able to support the financial demands.

Watching Bryzgalov this year, I was real surprised how open he was, and how he seemed to want to make everyone his friend and seemed to be surprised when they were not. Instead of thinking of the universe, he needs to think a little about the more basic things of modern life and put up a barrier. I don't mean a Mike Richards style barrier - thats the other extreme. I mean like Jagr's interview today, where he laughs and banters about his agent but adroitly ducks the other questions.

End of rant. Backs away sheepishly.

I don't want to get into an entire Media discussion. But the most disappointing thing about the Philly media, is the agenda they have. From the print, online, and radio. Their agenda isn't to tell the story unbiased and offer the facts, and report what happened. Their agenda is to create controversy. Because they feel that generates readers and listeners. And the biggest issue is, most of the public buys the nonsense. And when it comes to the Flyers, there is no doubt who the ring leader is. They've all sold themselves to try and survive. You see it on Comcast, WIP and in the papers. I'm disgusted by how the Media has evolved. Thank God for guys like Bill Meltzer. Who backed by the knowledge he has, simply tells the story. And his agenda is to inform and fill his readers in on what's going on, and his take on it. Without bias. Instead of drifting towards being more of a gossip columnist then a Sports Blogger or reporter. And I think Bryzgalov fell into their trap. As did past players here recently.
- MJL

What I severely dislike is that these guys have an actual impact on the performance of the team that they cover. They sap the players of energy. Do the players have to be more professional and figure out a way not to let it bother them? Yes. But at the same time, they are human, etc. These pot-stirrers try to drum up readership while distracting and knocking down the players they cover. And they seemingly enjoy it (even if the enjoyment is expressed through whining).

What I severely dislike is that these guys have an actual impact on the performance of the team that they cover. They sap the players of energy. Do the players have to be more professional and figure out a way not to let it bother them? Yes. But at the same time, they are human, etc. These pot-stirrers try to drum up readership while distracting and knocking down the players they cover.
- wilsonecho91

I agree totally. We've seen it too many times. To me it's quite simple. When the reporter becomes part of the story, that's when they should know they're out of line. Or when it's personal between a player and a reporter.

What I severely dislike is that these guys have an actual impact on the performance of the team that they cover. They sap the players of energy. Do the players have to be more professional and figure out a way not to let it bother them? Yes. But at the same time, they are human, etc. These pot-stirrers try to drum up readership while distracting and knocking down the players they cover. And they seemingly enjoy it (even if the enjoyment is expressed through whining).
- wilsonecho91

That's what I don't get. Just cover the game; don't make it a personality struggle.

What I severely dislike is that these guys have an actual impact on the performance of the team that they cover. They sap the players of energy. Do the players have to be more professional and figure out a way not to let it bother them? Yes. But at the same time, they are human, etc. These pot-stirrers try to drum up readership while distracting and knocking down the players they cover. And they seemingly enjoy it (even if the enjoyment is expressed through whining).
- wilsonecho91

They really do and that's the problem. The players have to be of the utmost mental toughness to take it. I know the common counter to this is well they make all that money. Yes they make a lot of money, but that doesn't mean they don't have a heart and care about what they do, if they didn't have pride what they do, they wouldn't be where they are.

I swear they only ask some questions to either just A hear the sound of their own voice, or B irritate the guy and get a reaction. Then when the player gives them said reaction they eviscerate him in the media. To say they can throw up a wall and ignore it is easier said than done as well. These guys have kids that go to school with children of the fanbase. It is very common for the children to get faced with the problems and that's where it gets to be a problem and unavoidable.

Most people don't have time in their lives to follow the nuances of anything. They want to be entertained, get drunk, be experts for a few hours in a public spectacle, cheer during fights and stand during shoot-outs, and offer advice on how to play (SHOOT!!). Its an exercise in escapism.

Hope I am not coming off as elitist here. These are good people, including many people I know who are friends, who contribute more than they detract from a terrific spectacle. If they were not there hockey would be watched by connoisseurs only, and they would not be able to support the financial demands.

Watching Bryzgalov this year, I was real surprised how open he was, and how he seemed to want to make everyone his friend and seemed to be surprised when they were not. Instead of thinking of the universe, he needs to think a little about the more basic things of modern life and put up a barrier. I don't mean a Mike Richards style barrier - thats the other extreme. I mean like Jagr's interview today, where he laughs and banters about his agent but adroitly ducks the other questions.

End of rant. Backs away sheepishly.
- PT21

I agree 100% with what you said here. Bryzgalov gave too much of himself to the Media. He shared too much of his personality and who he was with them. And they burned him for it. I agree totally about putting up a barrier. And not getting antagonistic with them as Richards did. That doesn't do anyone any good.

It would take more then that. The Flyers don't have a prospect currently that Nashville would want. And I think one of Schenn or Couturier would have to be included along with JVR. And draft picks.
- MJL

You might be right but I also think it's possible you could be wrong. From as deep as this draft is expected to be and what JvR could be one day, I think these are considerable factors. From my understanding, many around the league think highly of Nick Cousins (Though not everyone) I don't think Weber is as impossible as some thinks.

They really do and that's the problem. The players have to be of the utmost mental toughness to take it. I know the common counter to this is well they make all that money. Yes they make a lot of money, but that doesn't mean they don't have a heart and care about what they do, if they didn't have pride what they do, they wouldn't be where they are.

I swear they only ask some questions to either just A hear the sound of their own voice, or B irritate the guy and get a reaction. Then when the player gives them said reaction they eviscerate him in the media. To say they can throw up a wall and ignore it is easier said than done as well. These guys have kids that go to school with children of the fanbase. It is very common for the children to get faced with the problems and that's where it gets to be a problem and unavoidable.
- JoeRussomanno

It's certainly a disadvantage for the players having to face these asshats on a daily basis. Energy better spent elsewhere is spent thinking about them. Ask the guy in LA (who we shall not name). I can only imagine how much better it must be to go to work after years of facing certain media and not have to do it. An advantage.

You might be right but I also think it's possible you could be wrong. For as deep as this draft is expected to be and what JvR could be one day, I think these are considerable factors. From my understanding, many around the league think highly of Nick Cousins (Though not everyone) I don't think Weber is as impossible as some thinks.
- roenick97

Jeff Carter got Voracek and the 8th pick. Now Carter is a very good player. But Weber is one of the top defenseman in the entire League. And is a Norris Trophy candidate and a dominating player. JVR, a late first round pick and Cousins is going to get it done? Not likely.

Jeff Carter got Voracek and the 8th pick. Now Carter is a very good player. But Weber is one of the top defenseman in the entire League. And is a Norris Trophy candidate and a dominating player. JVR, a late first round pick and Cousins is going to get it done? Not likely.
- MJL

propose a deal, I simply named pieces. How much bigger do we think then the Pronger deal?

It's certainly a disadvantage for the players having to face these asshats on a daily basis. Energy better spent elsewhere is spent thinking about them. Ask the guy in LA (who we shall not name). I can only imagine how much better it must be to go to work after years of facing certain media and not have to do it. An advantage.
- wilsonecho91

Ya know, i just had a long discussion today about him with someone (think I spend too much time hockey sometimes) anyway and I really think if he handled the media better he might still be here. It's almost like the old Roman Emperors with the Praetorian guard, gotta keep them happy or they'll kill ya.

It's certainly a disadvantage for the players having to face these asshats on a daily basis. Energy better spent elsewhere is spent thinking about them. Ask the guy in LA (who we shall not name). I can only imagine how much better it must be to go to work after years of facing certain media and not have to do it. An advantage.
- wilsonecho91

Just wait, the next day or two will be columns crying that Bryzgalov only spoke to the Russian media and not the beat guys. Hell, Randy Miller already started that trend,.

Jeff Carter got Voracek and the 8th pick. Now Carter is a very good player. But Weber is one of the top defenseman in the entire League. And is a Norris Trophy candidate and a dominating player. JVR, a late first round pick and Cousins is going to get it done? Not likely.
- MJL

would you throw in Mezaros? just a thought I'm not sure myself.

Just wait, the next day or two will be columns crying that Bryzgalov only spoke to the Russian media and not the beat guys. Hell, Randy Miller already started that trend,.
- Jsaquella

Im waiting for fallout from that interview, there's so many ways they can twist that thing to create controversy.

I have been critical of Bryz at times, as I am sure you know.

But it was always about his play, it was about who he was as a person or about him personally.

I will be critical of any player but never about their character, the person away from the game.
- ggunky

I could care less what Bryzgalov does off the ice, with his personnel life, etc... He's paid a kings ransom to stop the puck for the Philadelphia Flyers. The criticism if he doesn't play well is warranted, comes with the territory. He has to have a thicker skin. If people attack him personally that is a different story, and should be off limits.
Complaining that the fans and media are getting on him based on performance is too bad, he should have chose a different profession if he can't handle it.

Jeff Carter got Voracek and the 8th pick. Now Carter is a very good player. But Weber is one of the top defenseman in the entire League. And is a Norris Trophy candidate and a dominating player. JVR, a late first round pick and Cousins is going to get it done? Not likely.
- MJL

I believe Nashville views itself as a Cup contender with or without Suter. I can't see them moving Weber at all. Nashville always seems to have d-men in the system ready to step up. The Preds organization has done a very good job creating a good sized fan base, I don't see the economic sense moving its best player because they think he might leave after next year.

propose a deal, I simply named pieces. How much bigger do we think then the Pronger deal?
- roenick97

Like I said, I think it would take JVR, one of Schenn or Couturier, and a combination of first round picks and or prospects. Bigger then the Pronger deal. Pronger was an older player past his prime. Weber is just entering his prime and is a dominating player.

Just wait, the next day or two will be columns crying that Bryzgalov only spoke to the Russian media and not the beat guys. Hell, Randy Miller already started that trend,.
- Jsaquella

That guy has to be one of the worst. Everytime I see something from him, it's just terrible