MELTZER'S MUSINGS: JULY 28, 2015
1) The Flyers have announced their schedule of nationally televised games on NBC and NBC Sports Network for the 2015-16 season. The team will appear twice on NBC and 16 times on NBCSN. The team will play seven "Wednesday Night Rivalry" games, for which NBCSN holds exclusive broadcasting rights. All times are Eastern.
Wed., Oct. 14 - vs. Chicago, NBCSN, 8:00 p.m. Tues., Oct. 20 - vs. Dallas, NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 21 - @ Boston, NBCSN, 8:00 p.m. Wed., Nov. 25 - @ New York Islanders, NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Dec. 30 - @ San Jose, NBCSN, 10:30 p.m. Tues., Jan. 5 - vs. Montreal, NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. Thur., Jan. 7 - @ Minnesota, NBCSN, 8:00 p.m. Wed., Jan. 13 - vs. Boston, NBCSN, 8:00 p.m. Sun., Jan. 17 - @ Detroit, NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Jan. 27 - @ Washington, NBCSN, 8:00 p.m. Sun., Feb. 7 - @ Washington, NBC, noon Sun., Feb. 14 - @ New York Rangers, NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. Tues., Mar 15 - vs. Detroit, NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. Wed., Mar 16 - @ Chicago, NBCSN, 8:00 p.m. Mon., March 21 - @ New York Islanders, NBCSN, 7:30 p.m. Wed., March 30 - vs. Washington, NBCSN, 8:00 p.m. Wed., April 6 - @ Detroit, NBCSN, 8:00 p.m. Sat., April 9 - vs. Pittsburgh, NBC, 3:00 p.m.
No doubt there will be complaints about some of the games on the "Wednesday Night Rivalry" schedule, as many of these clubs are opponents with whom the Flyers have little or no genuine rivalry. In the meantime, there are no games against the Penguins or Rangers -- the Flyers two biggest rivals -- on the Wednesday night schedule.
To a large extent, the WNR brand is just a label, even if all the games are played up as rivalries by the network. It is not really worth getting worked up over which games with which opponents happen to fall on a Wednesday night.
2) Unrestricted free agent forward Danny Briere recently spoke with ESPN's Scott Burnside about the factors he is considering as he makes a decision this summer on whether to pursue playing another year or to retire. Ultimately, it boils down to what's right for his family after Briere played the last couple seasons in Montreal and Colorado. He also has to decide if he is going to spend the rest of his summer putting himself through the rigorous physical preparation necessary to get ready for an NHL training camp.
Briere, who recently paid a visit to the Skate Zone during the Flyers' Development camp earlier this month, indicated similar feelings at that time. He seems content with whatever decision he makes.
On a sentimental level, it would be nice if the Flyers had a spot for Briere even if it is in the type of role that Vincent Lecavalier played last season and may once again face in 2015-16. That seems unlikely, however, given the Flyers cap issues and roster numbers game.
3) Former Flyers and Phantoms goaltender Rob Zepp recently took part in the Jumpstart mentoring program, which saw 300 deserving school kids from his hometown of Newmarket, Ont., get the opportunity to play a variety of outdoor games with local pro players, including Zepp and the Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid. Zepp, who remains an unrestricted free agent, has spent the summer at home with his and family, including baby Zoà« Violet, born on June 23.
TODAY IN FLYERS HISTORY FROM FlyersAlumni.org
1993: The Hershey Bears announce the hiring of Jay Leach as coach.
1998: The Flyers sign Notre Dame defenseman Mark Eaton to a three-year contract. On the same day, the club signs free agent forwards Mark Greig and Jason Zent. Wilmington native Eaton later becomes the first former member of the Little Flyers to play for the Philadelphia Flyers in the NHL.
2009: The Phantoms announce the hiring of Greg Gilbert as head coach.
FLYERS ALUMNI BIRTHDAYS
The late Barry Ashbee, a member of the Flyers Hall of Fame and whose jersey number (4) is one of five that have been retired by the organization, was born July 28. 1939. Sharing a birthday with "Ashcan" is mid-to-late-1990s Flyer goaltender and current New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow (1969).
FLYERS ALUMNI FANTASY HOCKEY CAMP
The Flyers Alumni will host a fantasy hockey camp from August 21-24 in Atlantic City, open to anyone age 21 and older. Instructors and Alumni participants will include Bernie Parent, Brian Propp, Ian Laperriere, Todd Fedoruk, Andre "Moose" Dupont, Dave "the Hammer" Schultz, Joe Watson and Bob "the Hound" Kelly.
Participation costs $3,000 apiece and you can register a spot online. Over on the Flyers' Alumni website, there is more information on camp-related activities and on-ice schedules.