Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Jump in the Fire

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Jump in the Fire
- bmeltzer

For the Metallica reference

Depending on what the Pens do and if the Rangers have a Stanley Cup hangover, this division will be once again open to pick. Add Trotz to WSH and improving Columbus, a strong start is very important.

I know that the scheduling process is hard and has a bunch of arena restrictions, but can someone please tell me why they play those boring games against the Penguins only 4 times (like last year) yet play those blood feuds against Carolina 5 times (like last year)?

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Jump in the Fire
- bmeltzer

Yeah, maybe you can catch some powerhouses with their pants down early in the year while they're working in new players/tactical wrinkles... but still scary to be facing murderer's row right off the hop. Not a single 'easy' game until November.

You gotta play your biggest enemy at some point in the season. Might as well be right away.

I know that the scheduling process is hard and has a bunch of arena restrictions, but can someone please tell me why they play those boring games against the Penguins only 4 times (like last year) yet play those blood feuds against Carolina 5 times (like last year)?
- jmatchett383

Well the scheduler said Crosby doesn't like us much so we should avoid those games because hockey isn't about the hate.

I dont see it as a bad thing either. Every team is in the same boat. Its not like any of those teams enjoy playing the Flyers.

Depending on what the Pens do and if the Rangers have a Stanley Cup hangover, this division will be once again open to pick. Add Trotz to WSH and improving Columbus, a strong start is very important.
- PhiFaninEdm

Columbus is going to good this year, I think.

We don't know about the Pens yet and I think the Rangers can and will have a SC Finals hangover.

I know that the scheduling process is hard and has a bunch of arena restrictions, but can someone please tell me why they play those boring games against the Penguins only 4 times (like last year) yet play those blood feuds against Carolina 5 times (like last year)?
- jmatchett383

I agree. I am sure they have some sort of formula but it is better for the league for the Flyers and Pens to play more often. Those two teams do not like each other. That generally leads to an entertaining game.

Yeah, maybe you can catch some powerhouses with their pants down early in the year while they're working in new players/tactical wrinkles... but still scary to be facing murderer's row right off the hop. Not a single 'easy' game until November.


- Tomahawk

The good thing is that Berube now has a stick to smack them with during training camp. This hanging over their heads will hopefully get them focused.
Or not... Sigh.

When I saw "Jump in the Fire" I assumed this was a blog about Andrew MacDonald.

The good thing is that Berube now has a stick to smack them with during training camp. This hanging over their heads will hopefully get them focused.
Or not... Sigh.
- FlyersGrace

Well, they should certainly go in knowing what to expect, in terms of skating shape.

Also, the Ginger faction on the team will be pleased to see they have one of their own now on the coaching staff (Gord Murphy).

I'm actually miffed though because I'd like to see my father this year in Phoenix and I like to plan it so I can see the Flyers and they only play the Coyotes in their building on 12/29. UGH... Ticket prices will blow monkey chunks! I'm going to have to think about this.

When I saw "Jump in the Fire" I assumed this was a blog about Andrew MacDonald.
- eichiefs9

I'm actually miffed though because I'd like to see my father this year in Phoenix and I like to plan it so I can see the Flyers and they only play the Coyotes in their building on 12/29. UGH... Ticket prices will blow monkey chunks! I'm going to have to think about this.
- FlyersGrace

I thought they gave out Coyotes tickets right after you got off the plane and were informed that "it's a dry heat".

Is Matt Niskanen worth $7M/year?

When I saw "Jump in the Fire" I assumed this was a blog about Andrew MacDonald.
- eichiefs9

When I see a headline like "Islanders win playoff series" I know I'm reading a newspaper from 1993.

I keep reading that ST.Louis wants a 2nd line center behind backes. And the names that keep coming up are spezz and kesler. If the Blues don;t get either of those two and its ok with Vinny do you think the blues would have interest? Seems like it could be a fit if they miss out on the other two.

Cant we just trade Vinny back to Tampa for Callahan? At least he can play wing.

Is Matt Niskanen worth $7M/year?


- Tomahawk

No

I keep reading that ST.Louis wants a 2nd line center behind backes. And the names that keep coming up are spezz and kesler. If the Blues don;t get either of those two and its ok with Vinny do you think the blues would have interest? Seems like it could be a fit if they miss out on the other two.
- J35Bacher

If I was another team in need of a 2C I would definitely be interested in Vinny. He had an off year because of an injury and being juggled around lines playing wing. I'd give him a shot.

Doesn't matter to me. We saw what happened to the flyers when they played a backstreet boys schedule early last year

I keep reading that ST.Louis wants a 2nd line center behind backes. And the names that keep coming up are spezz and kesler. If the Blues don;t get either of those two and its ok with Vinny do you think the blues would have interest? Seems like it could be a fit if they miss out on the other two.
- J35Bacher

They might, but I'm not sure he fits their system. Guys like Backes and Oshie could be top-20 point producers but, much like LA, they all buy into a tight defensive scheme. Heck, even Steen played that style (to a point). As much as Vinny might be a nice fit offensively, not sure his game fits the style. But it's worth a shot to call them up.

Cant we just trade Vinny back to Tampa for Callahan? At least he can play wing.
- hereticpride

Imgaine Callahan on the wing with Couturier and Read. That would be a nice shutdown line to cause some havoc. Pls would still be able to create offense