Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: 2/29/12

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: 2/29/12
- bmeltzer

San Jose did a good job to limit chances and again, the Flyers get shut out by a goalie that didn't have to do a lot of work to get the goose egg.

Bryzgalov played well, of course some idiots will blame him for the loss, but whatever. People that don't understand the sport need to have their scapegoats, so Bryz, Carle and whomever else will get heat.

I was a bit surprised that Briere was allowed to return after the boarding by Vlasic. Hopefully he won't develop concussion symptoms.

One thing I noticed, Bill, you have Brian Boyle in the blog, should be Dan.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: 2/29/12
- bmeltzer

Ek said it has been 36 games since the Flyers had a lead 10 mins into a game. That's unreal.

Bill what is the root cause of the consistency problems for the flyers?

The offense really failed in this one. In the last 2 minuets it seemed like 3 or 4 nearly empty net opportunities were squandered. Every disappointing.

San Jose did a good job to limit chances and again, the Flyers get shut out by a goalie that didn't have to do a lot of work to get the goose egg.

Bryzgalov played well, of course some idiots will blame him for the loss, but whatever. People that don't understand the sport need to have their scapegoats, so Bryz, Carle and whomever else will get heat.

I was a bit surprised that Briere was allowed to return after the boarding by Vlasic. Hopefully he won't develop concussion symptoms.

One thing I noticed, Bill, you have Brian Boyle in the blog, should be Dan.
- Jsaquella

No penalty on the Briere hit?? Vlasic is not a dirty player but that was deserving of at least a two minute boarding and maybe more.

San Jose did a good job to limit chances and again, the Flyers get shut out by a goalie that didn't have to do a lot of work to get the goose egg.

Bryzgalov played well, of course some idiots will blame him for the loss, but whatever. People that don't understand the sport need to have their scapegoats, so Bryz, Carle and whomever else will get heat.

I was a bit surprised that Briere was allowed to return after the boarding by Vlasic. Hopefully he won't develop concussion symptoms.

One thing I noticed, Bill, you have Brian Boyle in the blog, should be Dan.
- Jsaquella

I only saw the 3rd period, and the Sharks didn't give the Flyers any room to work in front of Niemi.

Bryzgalov was aggressive in net, coming out to challenge shooters instead of sitting back in the crease. The confidence is coming back, and, again, he didn't let the early goal get to him.

Don't know what the refs were looking at when Vlasic hit Briere, but there were only 3 penalties called the entire game. There were plenty they let go in the 3rd alone.

Bill what is the root cause of the consistency problems for the flyers?
- 2Real

And why is it 3 years in a row now that the team has struggled mightily after the new year? I'd say it's officially a trend now, and not a good one.

And why is it 3 years in a row now that the team has struggled mightily after the new year? I'd say it's officially a trend now, and not a good one.
- eayost

You'v been watching them for just 3 years now, right?

San Jose did a good job to limit chances and again, the Flyers get shut out by a goalie that didn't have to do a lot of work to get the goose egg.

Bryzgalov played well, of course some idiots will blame him for the loss, but whatever. People that don't understand the sport need to have their scapegoats, so Bryz, Carle and whomever else will get heat.

I was a bit surprised that Briere was allowed to return after the boarding by Vlasic. Hopefully he won't develop concussion symptoms.

One thing I noticed, Bill, you have Brian Boyle in the blog, should be Dan.
- Jsaquella

Thanks. At first I wrote Brian Boucher (don't ask me why.... it was getting very late) and then half corrected it to the name of the Rangers' forward.

Bill what is the root cause of the consistency problems for the flyers?
- 2Real

Unfortunately, they've consistently gotten off to slow starts in games the last few months, and you can't string together winning streaks when you're constantly playing from behind. Beyond that, I'd say special teams letdowns have hurt them in games where they've been the better club at 5-on-5 (obviously that was a non-factor in SJ, but in the bigger picture it has been).

BTW, you politely omited that blatant interference on Mesz before the goal.

It has been 21 games since the Flyers last won a game in which they score 2 or fewer goals.

It was against the Canes and Bob was in net.

I only saw the 3rd period, and the Sharks didn't give the Flyers any room to work in front of Niemi.

Bryzgalov was aggressive in net, coming out to challenge shooters instead of sitting back in the crease. The confidence is coming back, and, again, he didn't let the early goal get to him.

Don't know what the refs were looking at when Vlasic hit Briere, but there were only 3 penalties called the entire game. There were plenty they let go in the 3rd alone.
- tangent_man

They let a TON of stuff go, on both sides. How they didn't at least stop play on Briere's hit...just no idea. The guy's had a concussion within the last couple months. My guess is they felt he was either embellishing or totally missed the play.

Thanks. At first I wrote Brian Boucher (don't ask me why.... it was getting very late) and then half corrected it to the name of the Rangers' forward.
- bmeltzer

If I hadn't been sleeping all day-or most of the day, anyhow, I probably would have missed it, too.

Spot on as usual Bill! I've been saying it all year and I think I might be turning blue now from doing so, but the Flyers' defensemen and their inability to get shots through from the point is hurting this team. The either get blocked and send the team the other way or miss the need and kill the offensive zone shift, with the forwards scrambling to get back into the play. I am also seeing a lot of individualism from certain players, which boggles my mind with how talented this team is. Giroux is my favorite player, but lately he is trying to force too many plays. Jagr must still think he's 25 and can deke in and out of 3 defensive players...too bad he's coughing up the puck by doing so. I have a hard time grasping how a team can fight tooth and nail to come back in 2 games(Winnipeg and Calgary), then put up 2 stinkers(Edmonton and San Jose). So many writers and fans blamed the Carter/Richards issue for the inconsistency, but now they are no longer here so where does the blame lie now? Bryz can't be blamed for the Edmonton and San Jose losses so that is a moot point...is it coaching? What say you?

The Flyers have only won 3 games, to date, in games that they scored 2 or fewer goals.

Unfortunately, they've consistently gotten off to slow starts in games the last few months, and you can't string together winning streaks when you're constantly playing from behind. Beyond that, I'd say special teams letdowns have hurt them in games where they've been the better club at 5-on-5 (obviously that was a non-factor in SJ, but in the bigger picture it has been).
- bmeltzer

My thoughts, you can add high number of rookies. And, certain types of teams - SJ, Boston, Rangers etc... Bigger or defensive teams with hot goalies. Thomas and Lundqvist own us and their team plays well in front of them. Last night, Niemi wasn't real hot - just good on the easy shots and lucky on the bounces.

Do you think it has anything to do with Lavy's system? I been seeing a lot of fans start to talk about this. It started out as a run-and-gun trying to outscore the other team (and, who cares about the defense). Now with new bigger defenseman, he seems to be adding in defensive responsibility and they are somewhere in between. Defense/Goal tending has looked better, but we've been blanked twice on the road trip.

Im sorry guys it was my fault....it seems like whenever i fall asleep during a night game no more goals are scored. I feel asleep during the first intermission and no one scored after. Last week I feel asleep when it was 2 -0 for Edmonton and none scored after that. But when i managed to stay up for the whole Calgary game, they were able to make the comeback and score goals.....

Im sorry guys it was my fault....it seems like whenever i fall asleep during a night game no more goals are scored. I feel asleep during the first intermission and no one scored after. Last week I feel asleep when it was 2 -0 for Edmonton and none scored after that. But when i managed to stay up for the whole Calgary game, they were able to make the comeback and score goals.....
- Jack-Meoff

Actually it's my fault. I made a bet for the first time in (let's say) 2 years. Equivalent of $2. Combined bet Boston-Win+Flyers-Win

Spot on as usual Bill! I've been saying it all year and I think I might be turning blue now from doing so, but the Flyers' defensemen and their inability to get shots through from the point is hurting this team. The either get blocked and send the team the other way or miss the need and kill the offensive zone shift, with the forwards scrambling to get back into the play. I am also seeing a lot of individualism from certain players, which boggles my mind with how talented this team is. Giroux is my favorite player, but lately he is trying to force too many plays. Jagr must still think he's 25 and can deke in and out of 3 defensive players...too bad he's coughing up the puck by doing so. I have a hard time grasping how a team can fight tooth and nail to come back in 2 games(Winnipeg and Calgary), then put up 2 stinkers(Edmonton and San Jose). So many writers and fans blamed the Carter/Richards issue for the inconsistency, but now they are no longer here so where does the blame lie now? Bryz can't be blamed for the Edmonton and San Jose losses so that is a moot point...is it coaching? What say you?
- aantny88

Can't win if you don't score.

Bos, NYR and any other team would not have won that game last night.

Need to score to win.

In 6th Spot the Flyers would play the Jets or Florida in the first round of the playoffs. Think about it, I am happy in this spot.

Can't win if you don't score.

Bos, NYR and any other team would not have won that game last night.

Need to score to win.
- ggunky

Sorry but I think the Rangers would beat San Jose...Niemi wasn't that good! Plus they've been playing consistent hockey all year unlike our Flyers!

In 6th Spot the Flyers would play the Jets or Florida in the first round of the playoffs. Think about it, I am happy in this spot.
- Scottie Upshall

And then in round 2 they face either boston or the rangers..... If they are 4 or 5th spot, you get 6 beating 3rd and you dont have to face the rangers til atleast the 3rd round.... and then maybe in the 1st round there is also an upset by the 7th or 8th and you get a better shot at not having to face either boston or the rangers....