Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Playoff Prep, Simmonds, Prospects, Alumni on Snider

Great write up on Simmonds! Even happier that I so happen to be wearing his jersey to work today. All aboard the Wayne Train! As Hexy spoke of the flyer's traits yesterday that directly represented who Ed Sinder was... Those traits are Wayne Simmonds too. He is a flyer , heart & soul

Just from the comments of the players, even some of who haven't been here long, shows what an organization Snider built. #WinItForEd

Bill,

Thanks for the article yesterday. Yesterday was a brutal day for me. I had no focus and completed next to nothing at work.

Like Jasq said, it was like losing a Grandfather. I never Met Mr.Snider but, man, did yesterday hurt.

I cried for a man I never met but for a man that gave me something that allows me to escape reality for a couple hours throughout the NHL season.




LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!

Steve mason is going to have to make room for wayne simmonds as my favorite player... That was something out of any great sports story, giving the gift of dedicating a possible playoff clinching win to an owner that we know now was on his deathbed on a team that by all rights was a long shot to say the least on making the playoffs, comes out scores two goals to propel the team to a win and two days later the owner dies. I really think Simmer is untouchable now in all trade scenarios.

Steve mason is going to have to make room for wayne simmonds as my favorite player... That was something out of any great sports story, giving the gift of dedicating a possible playoff clinching win to an owner that we know now was on his deathbed on a team that by all rights was a long shot to say the least on making the playoffs, comes out scores two goals to propel the team to a win and two days later the owner dies. I really think Simmer is untouchable now in all trade scenarios.
- JoeRussomanno

Simmer is one of my faves as well. In the middle of the year, I laughed at the nonsensical rumour about him being traded to Montreal. The return would have to be huge IMO to rip the heart out of the team like that. I think it was more of a, I'm a Habs fan and I think we need a guy like him on the team.. type of foolishness.

Good to point out that for all the crap we gave Simmonds about that icing...he got those points back in the last three games

Bad teams don't go 26-12-7 (or 35-18-9) over the stretch of any season. Washington is going to get a handful you can be sure of that.

Bill it's cool to hear that you say there are no true jerks on the team. That's something that makes me appreciate this team that much more. Are you at liberty to say which current players you would consider jerks on another team?

Great as always Bill....an excellent insight into Wayne Simmonds.

When will the "Black Aces" be announced?

Hopefully the boys can Bring it home for Ed.....side note on Provorov. He received WHL player of the week honor's yesterday.....after being shut out the first 5 games in the playoff's , he's collected 2 points in each of the last 3 games and was first start in their last game. Even when not scoring this kid does so much on the ice....excited for his future with the Orange and Black.

Bill it's cool to hear that you say there are no true jerks on the team. That's something that makes me appreciate this team that much more. Are you at liberty to say which current players you would consider jerks on another team?
- benjichronic

Have only ever encountered a few, one of whom is no longer active. Since you never know where a player's career may take him, I'd rather not name names.

The more I learn about the players on this team, the more I love these guys!! The Caps should be wary, the Flyers are playing with house money and are under no pressure whatsoever. Now add in wanting to win it for Eddie and look out, they are going to be one fired up bunch. Can't wait for Thursday!!

GO FLYERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill it's cool to hear that you say there are no true jerks on the team. That's something that makes me appreciate this team that much more. Are you at liberty to say which current players you would consider jerks on another team?
- benjichronic

Good question. I'm not sure who are the jerks in today's NHL, but 2 guys who, for the most part, weren't even liked by some their own teammates (or so I've heard) were Tom Barrasso and Sean Avery.

Have only ever encountered a few, one of whom is no longer active. Since you never know where a player's career may take him, I'd rather not name names.
- bmeltzer

When I got to meet most of the team in Boston a few years back (through Matt Read and his dad), all of the guys were great. Obviously Matt was fantastic. His aunt and uncle were there but he took time and wanted to know what my wife and I did etc.. I was like who cares what we do, you're on the Flyers!! haah Danny Briere was surrounded by a whole bunch of kids who I assume were there through his charity. Simmer, and all of them were nice.. Bryz kind of shuffled off and didn't stop, but of course that doesn't mean he's a jerk. haha

I always thought if I ever was fortunate enough to play in the NHL, Simmonds would be the guy I would resemble.

Not a superstar, but a tall lanky agitator getting the dirty goals, while giving 100% every night. A guy everyone likes in the locker room and has every player's back.

What Hakstol has done with this group and their no-quit attitude this year, Mr Snider's passing will only solidify. This is going to be an interesting ride.

What Hakstol has done with this group and their no-quit attitude this year, Mr Snider's passing will only solidify. This is going to be an interesting ride.
- tangent_man

He deserves serious consideration for the Jack Adams award.

IMO a monkey could have coached the Capitals to a playoff spot this season, on the other hand, I'm not sure if Barry Trotz could have done the same thing with the Flyers that Hak did.

But hey, that is just me, what Hak did is way more impressive.

Ed Snider left an unbelievable legacy and huge shoes to fill.

Bill, might you suggest a way to donate to his youth foundation in order to honor Mr. Snider?

I, actually, would like to suggest to have donation buckets/ boxes at WFC on Thursday, so that fans can honor the man by pitching in for his cause.

Good question. I'm not sure who are the jerks in today's NHL, but 2 guys who, for the most part, weren't even liked by some their own teammates (or so I've heard) were Tom Barrasso and Sean Avery.
- BiggE

Of course avery is no surprise at all

He deserves serious consideration for the Jack Adams award.

IMO a monkey could have coached the Capitals to a playoff spot this season, on the other hand, I'm not sure if Barry Trotz could have done the same thing with the Flyers that Hak did.

But hey, that is just me, what Hak did is way more impressive.
- MBFlyerfan

Agree 100%

He deserves serious consideration for the Jack Adams award.
- MBFlyerfan

Had they not gotten into the playoffs I would disagree with you.
They did get into the playoffs.
I agree with you.

He deserves serious consideration for the Jack Adams award.

IMO a monkey could have coached the Capitals to a playoff spot this season, on the other hand, I'm not sure if Bruce Boudreau could have done the same thing with the Flyers that Hak did.

But hey, that is just me, what Hak did is way more impressive.
- MBFlyerfan

I think the Caps will win, but this won't be a cake walk. We'll have to continue to get the solid tending that Mase displayed down the stretch, which I fully expect, and we'll need to sort out the PP as it's looked poor of late.

Looking at the Reg season, we ended up 2 and 2 with the wins coming in OT and a SHO. The first game was in November and it was 5-2, really before we starting righting the ship with Ghost. What I'm saying is that we have played them tough since the calendar has turned. I wouldn't be surprised to see the series go 6 anyways.

Of course avery is no surprise at all
- benjichronic

The funny thing, from what I've heard and read, Barrasso was just detested by pretty much all of his teammates. They've basically all said that he was a just a selfish, miserable SOB, and no one could stand to be around him.