Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Small/Big Picture of Win vs. Boston, Huskins Acquired

Happy Easter! Nice to see the boys get a W the other day.

Thanks, Bill. As always, excellent. I was really struggling with a tank every game mentality. You put my head on straight. Also, I have been sick of all of the hockey idiots on talk radio and otherwise just saying blow the team up. Of course, your approach makes more sense. Bottom line: in this rocky season, you are a respite from the insanity and clear voice dispensing no bs reality.

At least Florida and colorado won yesterday too. We are still in pretty good position for a high pick. Yesterday was nice but unsustainable. There's is no reason to rush anyone into the lineup. Lauridsen physically is impressive and he seems to move well. Hope he takes steps in his game over the summer

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Small/Big Picture of Win vs. Boston, Huskins Acquired
- bmeltzer

What's the diagnosis on Briere?

Is he skating?

Any drool on his chin?

Thanks in advance.

So...reality check here. With all of the blue line ailments, the Phantom call ups, et al. Is it likely that we are tanking for Seth? I know that no credible GM or team would ever admit to that, but if we were really in a playoff hunt here you know that some of these dinged up guys would be in the line up. And clearly I don't have knowledge of how serious the injuries are, but when you hear upper or lower body vs deprecated shoulder or torn whatever...you see my point?

Good write-up Bill.

I know its sort of a hard question but what moves would you like to see them team make in the off-season.

Me personally:
1. Organizational priority to finding and sticking to a long term identity, finding players and staff that fit.

2. A better job at evaluating talent, that is not only skilled but works hard consistently.

3. New coach = I strongly believe in Lava, and his style of play but I will admit I think its time for a change. I'd prefer someone other than Murray or Paddock.

4. In terms of player movement I'd love to see a top d-man brought in but I dont see it happening. I think they will have to go through the draft, and build this thing right. I'd target veteran two way forwards, with ideally grit to their game and the right "attitude" that Pronger/Lappy brought. As well as a back-up goaltender, and having stronger and more talented depth for that 3rd D pairing.

5. In terms of players to go, I'd want Briere, Coburn, and Foster off the team. I'd look for better replacements for Gervais, Fedetenko and Meszaros. Regarding Hartnell I would be open to a trade, but not throwing him away. I personally am fed up with the chronic inconsistency and chronic stupidity that is showed by too many on this squad. I want to see the organization weed that out in time.

6. For all the talent they have, I believe the top 9 needs to get more consistent grit. They lose far too many battles in the trenches, that they have a shot at winning.

If you have a chance, your thoughts?

Good write-up Bill.

I know its sort of a hard question but what moves would you like to see them team make in the off-season.

Me personally:
1. Organizational priority to finding and sticking to a long term identity, finding players and staff that fit.

2. A better job at evaluating talent, that is not only skilled but works hard consistently.

3. New coach = I strongly believe in Lava, and his style of play but I will admit I think its time for a change. I'd prefer someone other than Murray or Paddock.

4. In terms of player movement I'd love to see a top d-man brought in but I dont see it happening. I think they will have to go through the draft, and build this thing right. I'd target veteran two way forwards, with ideally grit to their game and the right "attitude" that Pronger/Lappy brought. As well as a back-up goaltender, and having stronger and more talented depth for that 3rd D pairing.

5. In terms of players to go, I'd want Briere, Coburn, and Foster off the team. I'd look for better replacements for Gervais, Fedetenko and Meszaros. Regarding Hartnell I would be open to a trade, but not throwing him away. I personally am fed up with the chronic inconsistency and chronic stupidity that is showed by too many on this squad. I want to see the organization weed that out in time.

6. For all the talent they have, I believe the top 9 needs to get more consistent grit. They lose far too many battles in the trenches, that they have a shot at winning.

If you have a chance, your thoughts?
- flyer_nutter

Tough to reply at length right now -- still have to put a Stars blog together this morning and then relieve my wife with a shift with the baby before heading out to visit her extended family today -- but will say for now that I agree with most of the main points you raise. I will write a point-by-point blog when possible.

Thanks, Bill. As always, excellent. I was really struggling with a tank every game mentality. You put my head on straight. Also, I have been sick of all of the hockey idiots on talk radio and otherwise just saying blow the team up. Of course, your approach makes more sense. Bottom line: in this rocky season, you are a respite from the insanity and clear voice dispensing no bs reality.
- FlyersFirst

Thank you!

Tough to reply at length right now -- still have to put a Stars blog together this morning and then relieve my wife with a shift with the baby before heading out to visit her extended family today -- but will say for now that I agree with most of the main points you raise. I will write a point-by-point blog when possible.
- bmeltzer

No worries, Happy Easter from Winnipeg

So...reality check here. With all of the blue line ailments, the Phantom call ups, et al. Is it likely that we are tanking for Seth? I know that no credible GM or team would ever admit to that, but if we were really in a playoff hunt here you know that some of these dinged up guys would be in the line up. And clearly I don't have knowledge of how serious the injuries are, but when you hear upper or lower body vs deprecated shoulder or torn whatever...you see my point?
- section32

If there is anyone on management or ownership that is willingly even suggesting this team tank.

They need to be removed from such a position.

Lauridsen should get every opportunity to play the rest of the regular season. I certainly hope he doesn't get scratched for Huskins or if Grossmann makes it back.

After watching the BC-Union game last night, I was thoroughly impressed by Ghost. He certainly has an offensive dimension of speed and offensive ability that is very unique to the organization right now. He is a bright spot for the blue line in the future that is for sure.

Trade coots for subban!

Lauridsen should get every opportunity to play the rest of the regular season. I certainly hope he doesn't get scratched for Huskins or if Grossmann makes it back.

After watching the BC-Union game last night, I was thoroughly impressed by Ghost. He certainly has an offensive dimension of speed and offensive ability that is very unique to the organization right now. He is a bright spot for the blue line in the future that is for sure.
- ravishingone

Im thinking you see Foster taken out when Grossman is ready to go, or at least I hope so.

Trade coots for subban!
- SMS4016

Couturier+Read+Talbo would probably do it! you need a d-man!

So do you guys believe you'll take a spot in the playoffs?You'll need a nice run!

Couturier+Read+Talbo would probably do it! you need a d-man!

So do you guys believe you'll take a spot in the playoffs?You'll need a nice run!
- Orpik44

Playoffs?

Kent Huskins, our savior! He has finally arrived to save us from the temple of doom!

So...reality check here. With all of the blue line ailments, the Phantom call ups, et al. Is it likely that we are tanking for Seth? I know that no credible GM or team would ever admit to that, but if we were really in a playoff hunt here you know that some of these dinged up guys would be in the line up. And clearly I don't have knowledge of how serious the injuries are, but when you hear upper or lower body vs deprecated shoulder or torn whatever...you see my point?
- section32

no

Playoffs?
- SMS4016

Im thinking you see Foster taken out when Grossman is ready to go, or at least I hope so.
- flyer_nutter

I would hope so. Reviewing the box score, Foster had the fewest minutesof all the d-man. At this point of the season, I would play all the young guys as much as possible. Its great to see Knuble play so well the last two games, but what has McGinn done to be a healthy scratch? Maybe after Monday it will be a non-issue because maybe a vet forward will be moved.

I don't want to see blatant tanking either, but to play vets who aren't going to be on the team next year makes no sense to me at this point in the year.

Kent Huskins, our savior! He has finally arrived to save us from the temple of doom!
- KGBflyers10

Couturier+Read+Talbo would probably do it! you need a d-man!

So do you guys believe you'll take a spot in the playoffs?You'll need a nice run!
- Orpik44

I believe most of us understand the chances of playoffs are pretty slim right now. The club hasn't won three games in a row all season coupled with losing 3 of the top 6 d-man isn't going to help.

As for as Subban with the Habs firmly entrenched in a playoff spot, I find it hard to believe he would be available. I believe Kaberle was put on waivers yesterday (and no I would have no interest for the Flyers).

Kent Huskins
6'4" 210 pounds
33 years old
11GP this year, 0 points, +/- -3

Sounds like AHL to me.

I believe most of us understand the chances of playoffs are pretty slim right now. The club hasn't won three games in a row all season coupled with losing 3 of the top 6 d-man isn't going to help.

As for as Subban with the Habs firmly entrenched in a playoff spot, I find it hard to believe he would be available. I believe Kaberle was put on waivers yesterday (and no I would have no interest for the Flyers).
- ravishingone

You can never writte off the Flyers. It's not like your team sucks. It's a coaching/motivational problem I think. This can be fixed. In the NHL anybody can beat anybody any given night.

Happy Easter to those who celebrate. Happy Sunday to the rest of us. Belated Passorerfver greetings to our Jewish friends.

Yesterdays game was what you want to see. They won, but more important they played a really good game. The effort was there & the team did a great job with puck support. Matt Read is really making me strongly consider making him "untouchable".

Read has really blossomed in my eyes. He's become an elite level Pk guy and he's skilled. Really enjoy watching him play.