Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Shelley and Sestito, Today in Flyers' History

I don't think I have ever seen an article that hadn't had a comment within the first 30 minutes of posting. I do hope Sestito makes the most of his chance and takes advantage of his size that we can use on the 4th line. Hopefully he can figure out how to stay on his feet a little better and stay out of the box, but god damn is that one ugly mother! Have a great weekend everyone and thanks for the early morning read Bill!


PS - Dear Mike Rupp, how's being irrelevant working out for you???

Bill thank you for all the work you do when the Flyers are no longer playing in tge post season. You make the offseason seem so much shorter and as always your articles are top notch.

If sent down to ahl and rides the bus does it sets the stage for coaching after his playing days are over....it seems the flyers always take care of their own.....ESP the good soldiers.

A great Saturday start...Kona Coffee and Meltzer's Musings

I will never forget that cup run. I remember the two cup winners, and the losses to Montreal and the Islanders (he is still off sides). But somehow the 87 run was more emotional and fun to witness. I didn't have cable, lived in one of the parts of the city that it wasn't available...but listening to those games on the radio...hearing the announcers drowned out by the crowd....sitting with my eyes closed and visualizing the play...it was magical.

on the Sestito/Shelley note

Jody Shelley has earned every penny with how he works behind the scenes. It is pretty obvious in the games he dresses that other teams skate with a little less swagger. Winter Classic leadup and Ranger smack talk aside, Shelley was a significant part of the team jelling in the first 1/2 to 2/3 of the season. His slow feet really hurt him in todays open game, but he is still commands respect. One reason he had so few fights.... no one is willing to tangle with him.

Sestito has the potential to be a Shelley + on the ice. He is not as good a skater as Shawn Antoski, and not nearly as good a fighter as Dave Brown, but both players brought more than fighting to the game. Sestito could do the same if he continues to improve following his surgery. He was markedly better in his recall than in pervious games.

I would love to see Sestito from day one on a 3rd/4th line. He has the potential to play on a real energy line that can generate scoring, pressure the other team and wear down defense and draw penalties. If he can grow into that role, with his ability to thump...he will be around for a long long time.

morning all,

The 86-87 season has been and probably always will be my favorite season as well Bill. Hey its the closest the Flyers have come to winning a cup since 75 and that Edmonton team was probably the best to ever take the ice. Oh yea and another year where the Flyers were riddled with injuries
I found it interesting how you mentioned the way Tocchet was known as a fighter but evolved into a legitimate power forward too (my favorite Flyer of all time btw) in this article. Reason I say that is a guy like Sestito is someone I think can take the same path. I doubt he'll hit the 40 goal mark like Tocchet did one season but I think he could be a legitimate 3-4 line guy that puts up 15 to 20 goals a year. I was impressed with his skating and hopefully he continues to develop.

As for hockey in general, aw how it felt good to see those haughty sauce Rangers go down and on a bit of a soft goal too. Their pack bodies into the crease strategy finally failed and I hate to say this but I hope Brodeur ends his career on the highest of notes so our boys can take over finally. That being said...

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Shelley and Sestito, Today in Flyers' History
- bmeltzer

I think they can do fine without either on the roster.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Shelley and Sestito, Today in Flyers' History
- bmeltzer

I see no reason why one of Rinaldo or Sestito would not be in the line-up nightly for the Flyers.

Between those two and Eric Wellwood, the Flyers have formidable wingers for the fourth line. Who centers that line is anyones guess.

I think they can do fine without either on the roster.
- ob18

The enforcer role is over. Rather have a 4th line with more skill.

Bill, great article as always. I hope you and our other Flyer fan brethren have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.

As far as Sestito vs Shelley ... I not only hope that Sestito replaces Shelley as the go-to enforcer, but I hope he's given the opportunity to replace Rinaldo as the energy guy on a game in, game out basis.

I like the guy a lot, and I see a lot of upside with him.

I'm still basking in the morning glory of watching Alf and his Crash Test dummy defense get eliminated last night Oh yea and one of the Devils fans just pointed out how from now on Queen Henry needs to be known as King Henrique next year! good stuff I just can't stand hearing that guy called the king when he ain't won poop

congrats to Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on making the finals and being 4 wins away from the stanley cup! Fantastic players to build your team around

congrats to Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on making the finals and being 4 wins away from the stanley cup! Fantastic players to build your team around
- Sheppy99

wrong thread and the Kings aren't built around them. Nice try though

congrats to Mike Richards and Jeff Carter on making the finals and being 4 wins away from the stanley cup! Fantastic players to build your team around
- Sheppy99

just like seguin and kaberle last year. what stellar moves by boston

just like seguin and kaberle last year. what stellar moves by boston
- FlyerMike18

I do believe that was a " female dog slap "

Is Simon Gagne the first player to be on three different teams to reach both Conference finals at least once in 3 consecutive years?

Is Simon Gagne the first player to be on three different teams to reach both Conference finals at least once in 3 consecutive years?
- mochoson

someone should look that up.

someone should look that up.

- FlyerGuy

(frank) me, forgot Hossa.

Lost with Pens, Lost with Wings, Won with Hawks.

And thats to the Finals, not just the conference finals.

(frank) me, forgot Hossa.

Lost with Pens, Lost with Wings, Won with Hawks.

And thats to the Finals, not just the conference finals.
- mochoson

gagne hasn't played in the playoffs either this year

gagne hasn't played in the playoffs either this year
- JoeRussomanno

True, just thought it was an interesting statistic worth mentioning

True, just thought it was an interesting statistic worth mentioning
- mochoson

the stat that jumps out at me is that the Devils might be the 4th straight team to win the cup after having dispatched of the Flyers on the way.

09 - Pens
10 - Hawks
11 - Bruins
12 - Devils?

Just shows me that if the Flyers could have found a way to win one of those matchups against one of those teams, they might have had a cup in the last 4 years.

the stat that jumps out at me is that the Devils might be the 4th straight team to win the cup after having dispatched of the Flyers on the way.

09 - Pens
10 - Hawks
11 - Bruins
12 - Devils?

Just shows me that if the Flyers could have found a way to win one of those matchups against one of those teams, they might have had a cup in the last 4 years.

- FlyerGuy

I would say in 2010 you are most definitely right!

I would say in 2010 you are most definitely right!
- JoeRussomanno

well, then they could have had multiple cups.

well, then they could have had multiple cups.

- FlyerGuy

I'm so glad that the lock out started today, so now I don't have to hope the devils win. Sorry but I really don't want to see Carter with the cup.