Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 4/9/16 vs. PIT

Great write up Bill, but you did the unspeakable! You mentioned the season that is not to be named

That season is why I started posting here BTW. I heard Bundy between periods on a radio feed where they thought the mic were off saying that hockeybuzz was a site where disgruntled fans went to vent. I thought, well this season is as good as any to vent and so it was.

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 4/9/16 vs. PIT
- bmeltzer

Very nervous about this one. I think we've got to pray that Detroit or Boston lose today. Looks like the rangers are mailing it in, so Ottawa may be our only hope. I don't think we'll be able to get 2 points vs the pens as they've owned us this year. However, I guess that's why they play the games.

Please show up from the beginning and gid today.

Great write up Bill, but you did the unspeakable! You mentioned the season that is not to be named

That season is why I started posting here BTW. I heard Bundy between periods on a radio feed where they thought the mic were off saying that hockeybuzz was a site where disgruntled fans went to vent. I thought, well this season is as good as any to vent and so it was.
- coffee junkie

Haha that's funny. I suppose bundys comment is true for leafs fans, but with the bright future this team has coupled with the fact that we're already competing for a playoff spot when we weren't supposed to, no reason to be disgruntled as a flyers fan. Might want to check in with me at the end of the weekend though hahah

Speaking from the heart here and not as a journalist -- although some of it seeped into the game preview in a toned-down way -- I am angry about the Rangers mailing it in on Thursday and Vigneault dressing a lineup today that sends a message that the team is afraid to play Pittsburgh.

Who knows? The Rangers could end up winning today, anyway, even in regulation. Hockey works that way sometimes. Even with a downgraded lineup, the Rangers players will be loose but also not wanting to be embarrassed in front of the home crowd, as they were on Thursday. Detroit is playing for its season and was awful against Boston after shutting out the Flyers.

Two seasons ago, the Flyers had a playoff spot locked up and could have tanked the final two games to avoid a first-round matchup with the Rangers. They didn't. They went all-out -- lost Mason to a concussion in the process -- to clinch and then even staged a comeback from a 4-1 deficit to take a regulation point in a meaningless regular season finale with Cal Heeter in goal against Carolina.

So to see the Rangers making no real effort to try to edge out the Islanders for third in the division -- most likely because they want to avoid Pittsburgh in round one -- yeah, it makes me a little angry.

Florida is certainly capable of taking out the Rangers in round one and, if not, New York very easily could run into the Penguins -- or the Capitals -- in round two anyway. So itself of trying to pick your poison, go all out, play to win and let the chips fall where they may.

Today is truly Richardensian. It's just the tale of three cities this time

Depending on how the three games go, it could be the best of times, or the worst of times. If Boston and/or Detroit lose, the Flyers could be a playoff team by 6 pm. If the Bruins & Red Wings both win, the Flyers could be a lottery team by then.

Speaking from the heart here and not as a journalist -- although some of it seeped into the game preview in a toned-down way -- I am angry about the Rangers mailing it in on Thursday and Vigneault dressing a lineup today that sends a message that the team is afraid to play Pittsburgh.

Who knows? The Rangers could end up winning today, anyway, even in regulation. Hockey works that way sometimes. Even with a downgraded lineup, the Rangers players will be loose and not wanting to be embarrassed in front of the home crowd, as they were on Thursday. Detroit is playing for its season and was awful against Boston after shutting out the Flyers.

Two seasons ago, the Flyers had a playoff spot locked up and could have tanked the final two games to avoid a first-round matchup with the Rangers. They didn't. They went all-out -- lost Mason to a concussion in the process -- to clinch and then even staged a comeback from a 4-1 deficit to take a regulation point in a meaningless regular season finale with Cal Heeter in goal against Carolina.

So to see the Rangers making no real effort to try to edge out the Islanders for third in the division -- most likely because they want to avoid Pittsburgh in round one -- yeah, it makes a little angry.

Florida is certainly capable of taking out the Rangers in round one and, if not, New York very easily could run into the Penguins -- or the Capitals -- in round two anyway. So itself of trying to pick your poison, go all out, play to win and let the chips fall where they may.
- bmeltzer

Yeah I'm pretty surprised the Rangers are doing this. If it was a meaningless game for both teams that's one thing but it's a critical game for the playoff race.

Just gotta suck it up and win the damn game today. I don't give a (frank) how well the Pens have been playing, it's time to dig deep and win the game. The Flyers would have next to no chance of beating the Pens in a series, but one game? GET IT DONE!!

Oh, and as far as the Rags go, just another reason to despise that rotting compost heap of a franchise. I fervently hope they go out in round 1, and I truly look forward to watching their window close as that turd of team goes spiraling down the toilet. (frank) THEM!!!

GO FLYERS!!!!

Speaking from the heart here and not as a journalist -- although some of it seeped into the game preview in a toned-down way -- I am angry about the Rangers mailing it in on Thursday and Vigneault dressing a lineup today that sends a message that the team is afraid to play Pittsburgh.

Who knows? The Rangers could end up winning today, anyway, even in regulation. Hockey works that way sometimes. Even with a downgraded lineup, the Rangers players will be loose and not wanting to be embarrassed in front of the home crowd, as they were on Thursday. Detroit is playing for its season and was awful against Boston after shutting out the Flyers.

Two seasons ago, the Flyers had a playoff spot locked up and could have tanked the final two games to avoid a first-round matchup with the Rangers. They didn't. They went all-out -- lost Mason to a concussion in the process -- to clinch and then even staged a comeback from a 4-1 deficit to take a regulation point in a meaningless regular season finale with Cal Heeter in goal against Carolina.

So to see the Rangers making no real effort to try to edge out the Islanders for third in the division -- most likely because they want to avoid Pittsburgh in round one -- yeah, it makes a little angry.

Florida is certainly capable of taking out the Rangers in round one and, if not, New York very easily could run into the Penguins -- or the Capitals -- in round two anyway. So itself of trying to pick your poison, go all out, play to win and let the chips fall where they may.
- bmeltzer

Sometimes the filter goes a little overboard.

Just gotta suck it up and win the damn game today. I don't give a (frank) how well the Pens have been playing, it's time to dig deep and win the game. The Flyers would have next to no chance of beating the Pens in a series, but one game? GET IT DONE!!

Oh, and as far as the Rags go, just another reason to despise that rotting compost heap of a franchise. I fervently hope they go out in round 1, and I truly look forward to watching their window close as that turd of team goes spiraling down the toilet. (frank) THEM!!!

GO FLYERS!!!!
- BiggE

Window is already closing IMO. They've been trading prospects and picks like crazy, and it's going to catch up to them soon. Gonna be like 1995 with one franchise plowing past another and closing the Rangers window while opening ours.

Speaking from the heart here and not as a journalist -- although some of it seeped into the game preview in a toned-down way -- I am angry about the Rangers mailing it in on Thursday and Vigneault dressing a lineup today that sends a message that the team is afraid to play Pittsburgh.

Who knows? The Rangers could end up winning today, anyway, even in regulation. Hockey works that way sometimes. Even with a downgraded lineup, the Rangers players will be loose and not wanting to be embarrassed in front of the home crowd, as they were on Thursday. Detroit is playing for its season and was awful against Boston after shutting out the Flyers.

Two seasons ago, the Flyers had a playoff spot locked up and could have tanked the final two games to avoid a first-round matchup with the Rangers. They didn't. They went all-out -- lost Mason to a concussion in the process -- to clinch and then even staged a comeback from a 4-1 deficit to take a regulation point in a meaningless regular season finale with Cal Heeter in goal against Carolina.

So to see the Rangers making no real effort to try to edge out the Islanders for third in the division -- most likely because they want to avoid Pittsburgh in round one -- yeah, it makes a little angry.

Florida is certainly capable of taking out the Rangers in round one and, if not, New York very easily could run into the Penguins -- or the Capitals -- in round two anyway. So itself of trying to pick your poison, go all out, play to win and let the chips fall where they may.
- bmeltzer

Aren't the Rangers ensuring that they have to play their way through the Atlantic Division instead of the Metro? Also ensuring they will only have to play the Pens or Capitals and not both.

Of course, that would only add fuel to the fire of the sentiment you just expressed, but it seems like a distinction worthy of note.

Aren't the Rangers ensuring that they have to play their way through the Atlantic Division instead of the Metro? Also ensuring they will only have to play the Pens or Capitals and not both.

Of course, that would only add fuel to the fire of the sentiment you just expressed, but it seems like a distinction worthy of note.
- astgood9414

Whether it's you guys or the Panthers, I just want to see the Rags one and done. (frank) em

Great write up. The Rangers are gutless as are there fans.

Say what you will but I'm willing to bet these two teams will give it their all today. It's just the way these two teams have been for years. It's always a battle. I expect the Flyers to come out like they have been shot out of a cannon.

Great write up. The Rangers are gutless as are there fans.

Say what you will but I'm willing to bet these two teams will give it their all today. It's just the way these two teams have been for years. It's always a battle. I expect the Flyers to come out like they have been shot out of a cannon.
- powerhouse

Well you might be disappointed on that one. They tend to sleepwalk through the beginning of games and vs Toronto it cost them a lot.

Whether it's you guys or the Panthers, I just want to see the Rags one and done. (frank) em
- BiggE

Great write up. The Rangers are gutless as are there fans.

Say what you will but I'm willing to bet these two teams will give it their all today. It's just the way these two teams have been for years. It's always a battle. I expect the Flyers to come out like they have been shot out of a cannon.
- powerhouse

And you think, the Rangers would want the Penguins....they knocked them out of the playoffs two straight years now.

Just gotta suck it up and win the damn game today. I don't give a (frank) how well the Pens have been playing, it's time to dig deep and win the game. The Flyers would have next to no chance of beating the Pens in a series, but one game? GET IT DONE!!

Oh, and as far as the Rags go, just another reason to despise that rotting compost heap of a franchise. I fervently hope they go out in round 1, and I truly look forward to watching their window close as that turd of team goes spiraling down the toilet. (frank) THEM!!!

GO FLYERS!!!!
- BiggE

I feel this post is unfair to compost. I love compost, it is awesome. Turds? No love there.

As for the resting player I don't have a problem with it and it has been done for a while now. I get this has implication for who they play but resting the players is also a factor. In fact the Flyers have done it plenty in their past, especially with injured and older players to give them a reset prior to the big games. I dislike the RAGs too but this isn't some conspiracy against PHI, it is a common practice and one that if the Flyers were in their situation I would advocate. Are they trying to play a different team in the POs? I don't know and if so, there is no rule against it. Much to do about nothing IMHO.

And you think, the Rangers would want the Penguins....they knocked them out of the playoffs two straight years now.
- ClutchFlyer

Both teams are very different from the last two years. I think the Panthers slap the Rags around too.

Biggest day of the season! I already have tickets purchased for round one and I do not want a refund!

Just gotta suck it up and win the damn game today. I don't give a (frank) how well the Pens have been playing, it's time to dig deep and win the game. The Flyers would have next to no chance of beating the Pens in a series, but one game? GET IT DONE!!

Oh, and as far as the Rags go, just another reason to despise that rotting compost heap of a franchise. I fervently hope they go out in round 1, and I truly look forward to watching their window close as that turd of team goes spiraling down the toilet. (frank) THEM!!!

GO FLYERS!!!!
- BiggE

As a Islanders fan, i approve this bolded part of the message. Good luck to your boys today.

And you think, the Rangers would want the Penguins....they knocked them out of the playoffs two straight years now.
- ClutchFlyer

Things have changed. Queen Henry is no longer dominant and neither are the Rangers.

maybe due to mental or physical fatigue or just lack of talent the Flyers have been in slo mo the last couple weeks and need to find another gear this weekend....please V keep it simple

Things have changed. Queen Henry is no longer dominant and neither are the Rangers.
- powerhouse

Rags won't even make playoffs next year, the Queen will be upset, and the coach will be fired

Things have changed. Queen Henry is no longer dominant and neither are the Rangers.
- powerhouse

Totally agree....but the backtracking of the Rangers is hilarious...as Bill mentioned the Flyers did not do this in 2014 and could have....its bad karma for the Rangers!