Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 1/18/14 vs. New York Islanders; Stolarz Update

Stolarz update?

Big game tonight with the gridlock in the Met division...hopefully we see 60 full minutes of solid play

Stolarz update?

Big game tonight with the gridlock in the Met division...hopefully we see 60 full minutes of solid play
- JW98FlyerFan

Added to blog... had to find video to embed.

Stolarz update?

Big game tonight with the gridlock in the Met division...hopefully we see 60 full minutes of solid play
- JW98FlyerFan

This marks the start of 4 incredibly important matches. As Bill noted, apart from the Tavares top line the Islanders have been struggling. I am hoping that the Read-Couts-x line will be able to shut down, or at least slow down, their top line. Sadly, the line hasn't been like itself lately.

Give me two!

Wouldn't it make more sense to put the Read-Couturier-Downie line back together? VL can center the 4th line, get spot shifts with Giroux & Voracek and still get time on the pp.

Wouldn't it make more sense to put the Read-Couturier-Downie line back together? VL can center the 4th line, get spot shifts with Giroux & Voracek and still get time on the pp.
- BiggE

It has turned out difficult to find a spot for vinny lately. I can't seem one good spot to place him, but I don't think third line winger is a good fit for him. Is he good for taking faceoffs yet?

They need to have someone inspecting the equipment before they go on the ice to make sure mandated equipment is worn, FOR THERE OWN GOOD

It has turned out difficult to find a spot for vinny lately. I can't seem one good spot to place him, but I don't think third line winger is a good fit for him. Is he good for taking faceoffs yet?
- Bearintheforest

Well, if he's lining up with Hall and VDV I would have to think Hall would be taking all the faceoffs anyway.

Really glad to hear that it looks like Stolartz will be ok.. That looked scary for sure.

They need to have someone inspecting the equipment before they go on the ice to make sure mandated equipment is worn, FOR THERE OWN GOOD
- twpguy

Agreed, or suspend these younger players and possible removal from the league altogether for multiple violations. NHL clubs have too many jobs on the line and too much money invested in these kids for them to be taking their own liberties with equipment.

Ugh I hate these skate laceration injuries, they are really scary.
Hope the kid is Ok.

After reading the blog, my conclusion is the Isles will get secondary scoring today from Czikas and Clusterfck and the like.

#negadelphia

I wonder if the Isles will be resigning Andy McDonald?
Still pretty young, plays a lot of minutes, and is UFA this summer.

It has turned out difficult to find a spot for vinny lately. I can't seem one good spot to place him, but I don't think third line winger is a good fit for him. Is he good for taking faceoffs yet?
- Bearintheforest

It's amazing how healthy the Flyers have been this year.

What ever happened with GHost's injury? Can't find much more on it. Nothing serious I guess?

It's amazing how healthy the Flyers have been this year.
- Just5

Seriously please erase that. Tim P said the say thing a few years and the flood gates open.

Seriously please erase that. Tim P said the say thing a few years and the flood gates open.
- LJF

Nah Id like to see Phantoms D anyway. Like Lauridsen over Grossman or Schenn, still want to see more Gus, etc. I will continue hexing our D

Wouldn't it make more sense to put the Read-Couturier-Downie line back together? VL can center the 4th line, get spot shifts with Giroux & Voracek and still get time on the pp.
- BiggE

I was thinking this exact same thing when I read the blob. If there were ever a game where you needed a shutdown, checking line, tonight is that game. Downie-Couts-Read should always be on the ice to face Tavares.

Nah Id like to see Phantoms D anyway. Like Lauridsen over Grossman or Schenn, still want to see more Gus, etc. I will continue hexing our D
- Just5

Have you given up entirely on L. Schenn? Or is it too early to say?

I was thinking this exact same thing when I read the blob. If there were ever a game where you needed a shutdown, checking line, tonight is that game. Downie-Couts-Read should always be on the ice to face Tavares.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yup
It's not like VL will only see time centering the 4th line. Figure he gets an additional 3 or 4 mins being spotted on the top line and another 3 or 4 on the pp. So if he plays 6 or 7 minutes in a 4th line role, he would still end up playing 12-15 minutes overall which is quite a bit more than most 4th liners.

Have you given up entirely on L. Schenn? Or is it too early to say?
- Bearintheforest

I haven't, not at all. Yes he is limited in his skating and makes some mistakes but I still think he can be a solid 2nd pair shutdown guy who ideally should be paired with a mobile partner who is skilled offensively.

Nah Id like to see Phantoms D anyway. Like Lauridsen over Grossman or Schenn, still want to see more Gus, etc. I will continue hexing our D
- Just5

they said Gus is healthy, he can't get in the lineup, due to Mez's play

what happens if Mez keeps going like this until seasons end?

does he resign? He's made an unreal turnaround, he's doing the things Streit was brought in to do.

they said Gus is healthy, he can't get in the lineup, due to Mez's play

what happens if Mez keeps going like this until seasons end?

does he resign? He's made an unreal turnaround, he's doing the things Streit was brought in to do.
- puckhead17

Lets not get carried away. Mez is riding a hot streak, but he was a 7th defenseman most of this season. I don't see him sustaining this long term.

Added to blog... had to find video to embed.
- bmeltzer

Tried that last night, couldn't figure it out.

Just had the screen shots.

Lets not get carried away. Mez is riding a hot streak, but he was a 7th defenseman most of this season. I don't see him sustaining this long term.
- PhillySportsGuy

Given his past history, I'd be amazed if Mez can just stay healthy the rest of the season.

Lets not get carried away. Mez is riding a hot streak, but he was a 7th defenseman most of this season. I don't see him sustaining this long term.
- PhillySportsGuy

I don't know, he told Coates its confidence, he didn't have any & now he feels confident & healthy, also probably grasping what Berube wants him to do, I'm not saying he stays because of the last 2 weeks, but what if he continues playing this way the rest of the season, then what?

at one time 6 weeks into the season, we were dumping on Wayne for all the open shots he missed, not saying its exactly the same, but if Mez continues this & stays healthy, who else wil play like he's been?

I don't know, he told Coates its confidence, he didn't have any & now he feels confident & healthy, also probably grasping what Berube wants him to do, I'm not saying he stays because of the last 2 weeks, but what if he continues playing this way the rest of the season, then what?

at one time 6 weeks into the season, we were dumping on Wayne for all the open shots he missed, not saying its exactly the same, but if Mez continues this & stays healthy, who else wil play like he's been?
- puckhead17

I would love to have Mez play this way all season, but I find it highly unlikely. At his best, he was a 4th/5th defenseman with the Flyers. After the injuries, you'd have to assume he'll be no better than a 5th/6th defenseman.

Despite scoring 8 points in January, he's still only a +4 for the month. Teams are still scoring with him on the ice. It's not like he's going to keep this scoring pace up. When guys like Streit and Mez are scoring, it's easier to look the other way when they have defensive miscues. I just don't think you can count on Mez producing offense like this the rest of the year.