Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Labor Day Weekend Video Collection

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Labor Day Weekend Video Collection
- bmeltzer

Awesome, thanks for providing my Sunday morning entertainment Bill and keep up the great work!!!

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Labor Day Weekend Video Collection
- bmeltzer

Terrific group of vignettes, Bill. Much appreciated walk down Flyer memory lane on a slow and easy Sunday morn.

Cause once again I have way too much time on my hands, the Top 10 playoff series in Flyer's history:

1. 1974 Stanley Cup Finals vs. Boston
They won their first cup, do I really need to say more? Parent and Clarke were terrific, Macleish scored the big one and Shero's system was played to perfection. The entire city went absolutely bonkers as did I!

2. 1975 Stanley Cup Finals vs Buffalo
The fog game, Kelly's huge goal in game 6 and the stellar play of Parent are my most vivid memories of the Flyers second straight cup victory. I just hope I last long enough to see them win another one!

3. 2010 2nd round vs Boston
The time out, JVR's huge goal to get the ball rolling, Gagne's huge goal to seal the deal, man, what a series. Lets face it, every single one of us thought it was over once they were down 2-0, let alone 3-0. They win game 4, nice I thought, at least they won't get swept. Back in Boston they take game 5, now its getting interesting. Home to Philly and they win game 6, Holy smokes!! Next thing I know, they are down 3 in the first period in game 7 and the season appears to be over. Then came the COMEBACK. Just simply amazing!!

4. 1987 Finals vs Edmonton
Yes, I know they lost, but what a series. Down 3 games to 1, they go into Edmonton and shock the hockey world by winning game 5 and then they come home and do it again, beating Edmonton in an incredible game 6. I was at that game and the noise level of the crowd was off the frankin chart! While they couldn't pull it off in game 7, the effort and the goaltending of Ron Hextall was amazing. Considering they were facing one of the greatest teams of all time and the fact that many of their top players were out with injuries, it was a fantastic series and superior effort.

5. 1985 1st round vs New York Rangers
You have to understand the history that had preceded this series to see why it's so high on this list. In the 1979 playoffs, the Flyers were completely outclassed and humiliated by the Rangers. Then in both 1982 and 1983, they were soundly defeated by the Rangers in the first round. Finally in 1984, they were beaten by the Capitals in the 1st round. Although the Flyers had the best record in the league during the 84-85 season, coach Mike Keenan was stunned to see how tight they were before game 1. The Flyers would work through some shaky moments before winning game 1 in OT and they would then go on to sweep the blueshirts. After half a decade of playoff disappointment, they monkey was finally off their back.

6. 1974 semi-finals vs the Rangers
This was a 7 game war in which the home team won every game. Early in the series, a Dale Rolfe shot had struck Flyer dman Barry Ashbee in the eye, ending both his season and career. In game 7, Dave Schultz pounded Rolfe while the Rangers looked on and did nothing, and just like that the tone was set. For the first time in club history, the Flyers beat an original 6 team in a playoff series.

7. 2012 1st round vs Pittsburgh
Certainly not the best played nor most important playoff series in Flyers history, it was damn sure the most entertaining! For one amazing round, the Flyers and Pens turned the clock back to the wide open mid 80s as every time I blinked another goal was scored. Couturiers hat trick and his dominance of Malkin, Giroux's huge it on Crosby and subsequent goal in game 6 and the pathetic goaltending of Fleury (Bryz was bad too, but Fleury was just awful) are what stands out in my mind when I think of this wildly entertaining series.

8. 1973 1st round vs Minnesota
Dornhoefer's huge game winning goal in game 5 was the standout moment in this series. As it was the first ever playoff series win for the Flyers, it has to be on this list. It was the coming out party for the Broad Street Bullies who were just a goalie away from being the best team in the league.

9. 1987 3rd round vs Montreal
Three words for you: PRE GAME BRAWL. It was perhaps the wildest moment in Flyers playoff history. Flyer Ed Hospador, sick to death of the childish antics of Claude Lemieux, decides to go after him at the end of warm up. Next thing anyone knows, players from both teams come charging back out onto the ice and fights break out all over the place. Heck, the refs had to be brought out of their locker room to finally get some control over the mess! The brawl overshadowed a fine series, which saw the Flyers beat the Habs in 6 and go onto the finals.

10. TIE between 1995 2nd round vs Rangers and 2004 2nd round vs Toronto
I just couldn't decide between these 2, so we have a tie. Eric Lindros was dominant against the Rangers in 1995. The Flyers won each of the 1st 2 games in Philly in OT and then would go on to win games 3 and 4 in New York to complete the sweep. Brian Leetch tried his best to keep the Rangers in each game, but Lindros' play along with excellent goaltending by Ron Hextall was just too much for New York to overcome. In 2003, the Flyers had won a 7 game war in the first round vs Toronto. They would meet the Leafs again in 2004, this time in the 2nd round. Keith Primeau and goalie Robert Esche were fantastic and who will ever forget the huge hit on Sami Kapanen, Primeau reaching out to pull Kapanen onto the bench and then Roenick's huge goal to win the series in OT in game 6. The series was a war and the victory was sweet!

Just missed the cut:
1975 semi-finals vs the Islanders-Flyers nearly blow at 3-0 lead, before winning in 7.
1976 semi-finals vs Boston-Flyers win in 5, Leach scores 5 goals in the clincher!
1997 1st round vs Pittsburgh-Flyers win in 5 and Lemieux passes the torch to Lindros
2000 2nd round vs Penguins-Five OTs!!!! Primeau scores the big one and the Flyers go on to the next round.
2008 1st round vs Washington-Flyers lead 3-1, lose games 5 and 6, then go on to win game 7 in OT on a huge goal by Joffrey Lupul.

First preseason game is only two and a half weeks away! I need to get me some Vinny gear asap.

I still haven't received my gameplan tickets yet. That has me a little worried.

NHL 14 in ten days!

God, I'm such a nerd.

Great idea today, Bill. I hope to watch these later when my younger son is down for a nap.

First preseason game is only two and a half weeks away! I need to get me some Vinny gear asap.

I still haven't received my gameplan tickets yet. That has me a little worried.

NHL 14 in ten days!

God, I'm such a nerd.
- hereticpride

Hoody-hoo!

Cause once again I have way too much time on my hands, the Top 10 playoff series in Flyer's history:

3. 2010 2nd round vs Boston
The time out, JVR's huge goal to get the ball rolling, Gagne's huge goal to seal the deal, man, what a series. Lets face it, every single one of us thought it was over once they were down 2-0, let alone 3-0. They win game 4, nice I thought, at least they won't get swept. Back in Boston they take game 5, now its getting interesting. Home to Philly and they win game 6, Holy smokes!! Next thing I know, they are down 3 in the first period in game 7 and the season appears to be over. Then came the COMEBACK. Just simply amazing!!

4. 1987 Finals vs Edmonton
Yes, I know they lost, but what a series. Down 3 games to 1, they go into Edmonton and shock the hockey world by winning game 5 and then they come home and do it again, beating Edmonton in an incredible game 6. I was at that game and the noise level of the crowd was off the frankin chart! While they couldn't pull it off in game 7, the effort and the goaltending of Ron Hextall was amazing. Considering they were facing one of the greatest teams of all time and the fact that many of their top players were out with injuries, it was a fantastic series and superior effort.
- BiggE

Really nice job with this.

The only change I'd consider would be switching these two. Not to diminish the history making 2010 team and what they had to overcome to come back 3-0 and 3-0 in the 7th, but there was something about that '87 series that was just a little more exciting for me.

One, it was the finals, two, it was against an incredible Oilers team, the likes of which will probably never be seen again regarding pure talent and scoring, three, the Flyers limped into the series with key injuries and were carried in large part by a sensational rookie goaltender, and four, they had just missed their own miracle comeback of their own down, as you stated, 3-1 in the series.

Then they open up 1-0 in game 7 on the road. Heads were spinning everywhere. Who thought they even had a chance? Against the Bruins, there wasn't such a difference in pure talent, and after Krejci went down, the series seemingly shifted in our favor.

Nevertheless, it was well thought out and enjoyable

Cause once again I have way too much time on my hands, the Top 10 playoff series in Flyer's history:

1. 1974 Stanley Cup Finals vs. Boston
They won their first cup, do I really need to say more? Parent and Clarke were terrific, Macleish scored the big one and Shero's system was played to perfection. The entire city went absolutely bonkers as did I!

2. 1975 Stanley Cup Finals vs Buffalo
The fog game, Kelly's huge goal in game 6 and the stellar play of Parent are my most vivid memories of the Flyers second straight cup victory. I just hope I last long enough to see them win another one!

3. 2010 2nd round vs Boston
The time out, JVR's huge goal to get the ball rolling, Gagne's huge goal to seal the deal, man, what a series. Lets face it, every single one of us thought it was over once they were down 2-0, let alone 3-0. They win game 4, nice I thought, at least they won't get swept. Back in Boston they take game 5, now its getting interesting. Home to Philly and they win game 6, Holy smokes!! Next thing I know, they are down 3 in the first period in game 7 and the season appears to be over. Then came the COMEBACK. Just simply amazing!!

4. 1987 Finals vs Edmonton
Yes, I know they lost, but what a series. Down 3 games to 1, they go into Edmonton and shock the hockey world by winning game 5 and then they come home and do it again, beating Edmonton in an incredible game 6. I was at that game and the noise level of the crowd was off the frankin chart! While they couldn't pull it off in game 7, the effort and the goaltending of Ron Hextall was amazing. Considering they were facing one of the greatest teams of all time and the fact that many of their top players were out with injuries, it was a fantastic series and superior effort.

5. 1985 1st round vs New York Rangers
You have to understand the history that had preceded this series to see why it's so high on this list. In the 1979 playoffs, the Flyers were completely outclassed and humiliated by the Rangers. Then in both 1982 and 1983, they were soundly defeated by the Rangers in the first round. Finally in 1984, they were beaten by the Capitals in the 1st round. Although the Flyers had the best record in the league during the 84-85 season, coach Mike Keenan was stunned to see how tight they were before game 1. The Flyers would work through some shaky moments before winning game 1 in OT and they would then go on to sweep the blueshirts. After half a decade of playoff disappointment, they monkey was finally off their back.

6. 1974 semi-finals vs the Rangers
This was a 7 game war in which the home team won every game. Early in the series, a Dale Rolfe shot had struck Flyer dman Barry Ashbee in the eye, ending both his season and career. In game 7, Dave Schultz pounded Rolfe while the Rangers looked on and did nothing, and just like that the tone was set. For the first time in club history, the Flyers beat an original 6 team in a playoff series.

7. 2012 1st round vs Pittsburgh
Certainly not the best played nor most important playoff series in Flyers history, it was damn sure the most entertaining! For one amazing round, the Flyers and Pens turned the clock back to the wide open mid 80s as every time I blinked another goal was scored. Couturiers hat trick and his dominance of Malkin, Giroux's huge it on Crosby and subsequent goal in game 6 and the pathetic goaltending of Fleury (Bryz was bad too, but Fleury was just awful) are what stands out in my mind when I think of this wildly entertaining series.

8. 1973 1st round vs Minnesota
Dornhoefer's huge game winning goal in game 5 was the standout moment in this series. As it was the first ever playoff series win for the Flyers, it has to be on this list. It was the coming out party for the Broad Street Bullies who were just a goalie away from being the best team in the league.

9. 1987 3rd round vs Montreal
Three words for you: PRE GAME BRAWL. It was perhaps the wildest moment in Flyers playoff history. Flyer Ed Hospador, sick to death of the childish antics of Claude Lemieux, decides to go after him at the end of warm up. Next thing anyone knows, players from both teams come charging back out onto the ice and fights break out all over the place. Heck, the refs had to be brought out of their locker room to finally get some control over the mess! The brawl overshadowed a fine series, which saw the Flyers beat the Habs in 6 and go onto the finals.

10. TIE between 1995 2nd round vs Rangers and 2004 2nd round vs Toronto
I just couldn't decide between these 2, so we have a tie. Eric Lindros was dominant against the Rangers in 1995. The Flyers won each of the 1st 2 games in Philly in OT and then would go on to win games 3 and 4 in New York to complete the sweep. Brian Leetch tried his best to keep the Rangers in each game, but Lindros' play along with excellent goaltending by Ron Hextall was just too much for New York to overcome. In 2003, the Flyers had won a 7 game war in the first round vs Toronto. They would meet the Leafs again in 2004, this time in the 2nd round. Keith Primeau and goalie Robert Esche were fantastic and who will ever forget the huge hit on Sami Kapanen, Primeau reaching out to pull Kapanen onto the bench and then Roenick's huge goal to win the series in OT in game 6. The series was a war and the victory was sweet!

Just missed the cut:
1975 semi-finals vs the Islanders-Flyers nearly blow at 3-0 lead, before winning in 7.
1976 semi-finals vs Boston-Flyers win in 5, Leach scores 5 goals in the clincher!
1997 1st round vs Pittsburgh-Flyers win in 5 and Lemieux passes the torch to Lindros
2000 2nd round vs Penguins-Five OTs!!!! Primeau scores the big one and the Flyers go on to the next round.
2008 1st round vs Washington-Flyers lead 3-1, lose games 5 and 6, then go on to win game 7 in OT on a huge goal by Joffrey Lupul.
- BiggE

Another to add to the just missed the cut – The 2008 2nd Rd against Montreal. The Habs were the heavily favored team. Even the Canadian press couldn't believe Philadelphia dispatched them in 5. Richards, Carter and most importantly Umberger's NHL SCP coming out parties.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Labor Day Weekend Video Collection
- bmeltzer

Very nice collection of videos.

Very nice collection of videos.
- ob18

I was hoping for "the shift" by Mike Richards. But i am very partial to that player.

I was hoping for "the shift" by Mike Richards. But i am very partial to that player.
- missingmike

love the username

WOW THANKS BILL!

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Labor Day Weekend Video Collection
- bmeltzer

Fantastic..Thanks Bill.. I hadn't seen the Hextall tribute video before.. It was great. I'll say it again, I am ecstatic that he's back where he belongs.

Cause once again I have way too much time on my hands, the Top 10 playoff series in Flyer's history:

1. 1974 Stanley Cup Finals vs. Boston
They won their first cup, do I really need to say more? Parent and Clarke were terrific, Macleish scored the big one and Shero's system was played to perfection. The entire city went absolutely bonkers as did I!

2. 1975 Stanley Cup Finals vs Buffalo
The fog game, Kelly's huge goal in game 6 and the stellar play of Parent are my most vivid memories of the Flyers second straight cup victory. I just hope I last long enough to see them win another one!

3. 2010 2nd round vs Boston
The time out, JVR's huge goal to get the ball rolling, Gagne's huge goal to seal the deal, man, what a series. Lets face it, every single one of us thought it was over once they were down 2-0, let alone 3-0. They win game 4, nice I thought, at least they won't get swept. Back in Boston they take game 5, now its getting interesting. Home to Philly and they win game 6, Holy smokes!! Next thing I know, they are down 3 in the first period in game 7 and the season appears to be over. Then came the COMEBACK. Just simply amazing!!

4. 1987 Finals vs Edmonton
Yes, I know they lost, but what a series. Down 3 games to 1, they go into Edmonton and shock the hockey world by winning game 5 and then they come home and do it again, beating Edmonton in an incredible game 6. I was at that game and the noise level of the crowd was off the frankin chart! While they couldn't pull it off in game 7, the effort and the goaltending of Ron Hextall was amazing. Considering they were facing one of the greatest teams of all time and the fact that many of their top players were out with injuries, it was a fantastic series and superior effort.

5. 1985 1st round vs New York Rangers
You have to understand the history that had preceded this series to see why it's so high on this list. In the 1979 playoffs, the Flyers were completely outclassed and humiliated by the Rangers. Then in both 1982 and 1983, they were soundly defeated by the Rangers in the first round. Finally in 1984, they were beaten by the Capitals in the 1st round. Although the Flyers had the best record in the league during the 84-85 season, coach Mike Keenan was stunned to see how tight they were before game 1. The Flyers would work through some shaky moments before winning game 1 in OT and they would then go on to sweep the blueshirts. After half a decade of playoff disappointment, they monkey was finally off their back.

6. 1974 semi-finals vs the Rangers
This was a 7 game war in which the home team won every game. Early in the series, a Dale Rolfe shot had struck Flyer dman Barry Ashbee in the eye, ending both his season and career. In game 7, Dave Schultz pounded Rolfe while the Rangers looked on and did nothing, and just like that the tone was set. For the first time in club history, the Flyers beat an original 6 team in a playoff series.

7. 2012 1st round vs Pittsburgh
Certainly not the best played nor most important playoff series in Flyers history, it was damn sure the most entertaining! For one amazing round, the Flyers and Pens turned the clock back to the wide open mid 80s as every time I blinked another goal was scored. Couturiers hat trick and his dominance of Malkin, Giroux's huge it on Crosby and subsequent goal in game 6 and the pathetic goaltending of Fleury (Bryz was bad too, but Fleury was just awful) are what stands out in my mind when I think of this wildly entertaining series.

8. 1973 1st round vs Minnesota
Dornhoefer's huge game winning goal in game 5 was the standout moment in this series. As it was the first ever playoff series win for the Flyers, it has to be on this list. It was the coming out party for the Broad Street Bullies who were just a goalie away from being the best team in the league.

9. 1987 3rd round vs Montreal
Three words for you: PRE GAME BRAWL. It was perhaps the wildest moment in Flyers playoff history. Flyer Ed Hospador, sick to death of the childish antics of Claude Lemieux, decides to go after him at the end of warm up. Next thing anyone knows, players from both teams come charging back out onto the ice and fights break out all over the place. Heck, the refs had to be brought out of their locker room to finally get some control over the mess! The brawl overshadowed a fine series, which saw the Flyers beat the Habs in 6 and go onto the finals.

10. TIE between 1995 2nd round vs Rangers and 2004 2nd round vs Toronto
I just couldn't decide between these 2, so we have a tie. Eric Lindros was dominant against the Rangers in 1995. The Flyers won each of the 1st 2 games in Philly in OT and then would go on to win games 3 and 4 in New York to complete the sweep. Brian Leetch tried his best to keep the Rangers in each game, but Lindros' play along with excellent goaltending by Ron Hextall was just too much for New York to overcome. In 2003, the Flyers had won a 7 game war in the first round vs Toronto. They would meet the Leafs again in 2004, this time in the 2nd round. Keith Primeau and goalie Robert Esche were fantastic and who will ever forget the huge hit on Sami Kapanen, Primeau reaching out to pull Kapanen onto the bench and then Roenick's huge goal to win the series in OT in game 6. The series was a war and the victory was sweet!

Just missed the cut:
1975 semi-finals vs the Islanders-Flyers nearly blow at 3-0 lead, before winning in 7.
1976 semi-finals vs Boston-Flyers win in 5, Leach scores 5 goals in the clincher!
1997 1st round vs Pittsburgh-Flyers win in 5 and Lemieux passes the torch to Lindros
2000 2nd round vs Penguins-Five OTs!!!! Primeau scores the big one and the Flyers go on to the next round.
2008 1st round vs Washington-Flyers lead 3-1, lose games 5 and 6, then go on to win game 7 in OT on a huge goal by Joffrey Lupul.
- BiggE

I hope you keep having time on your hands, E...Your top tens are always a good read.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Flyers Labor Day Weekend Video Collection
- bmeltzer

You can never go wrong with history of your favourite hockey team. Players and numbers seem to be a slight gray area. For example, in yesterday's blog people have their ideas of who worse a certain number well whether you agree with names or not. Then you have the tradition of retiring numbers that some aren't as crazy about. I for one was very happy to see Mark Howe's number 2 get retired. I never saw him play but it was nice to see someone outside of the broad street bullies get recognition to the rafters. I believe Eric Lindros will be next and if Barry Ashbee can be retired, Ron Hextall probably should be too. Plus I'm tired of his number 27 being on the back of anyone else.

You can never go wrong with history of your favourite hockey team. Players and numbers seem to be a slight gray area. For example, in yesterday's blog people have their ideas of who worse a certain number well whether you agree with names or not. Then you have the tradition of retiring numbers that some aren't as crazy about. I for one was very happy to see Mark Howe's number 2 get retired. I never saw him play but it was nice to see someone outside of the broad street bullies get recognition to the rafters. I believe Eric Lindros will be next and if Barry Ashbee can be retired, Ron Hextall probably should be too. Plus I'm tired of his number 27 being on the back of anyone else.
- dingo8urbaby

Lindros has the best shot, unless the team decides that Recchi did enough to merit HHOF status as a Flyer. Despite Ashbee's honor, the standard has been induction to the HHOF. Both Bill Barber and Howe ended up waiting until after they were inducted, which was a few years for Barber and over a decade for Howe.

Bill, thanks for posting these videos. Even though I've seen them all off and on over the years, it was pure fun to watch them all yet again, one right after the other.

Lindros has the best shot, unless the team decides that Recchi did enough to merit HHOF status as a Flyer. Despite Ashbee's honor, the standard has been induction to the HHOF. Both Bill Barber and Howe ended up waiting until after they were inducted, which was a few years for Barber and over a decade for Howe.
- Jsaquella

I don't think Recchi's number 8 will be retires here. He didn't win a cup here and the work he has done is in a number of different places, which isn't enough for me. For me Lindros is a whole different animal from anyone else. I do believe he'll get into the Hall but even. If he doesn't, the Flyers should retire 88 anyway. For me retiring numbers for the Flyers is just a nice way to look back on to the ones who were reapply that good and one ones we never wanted to let go of from a fan standpoint and in agreement to management because the numbers were that great. If Giroux can stay healthy, remain Captain, remain a Flyer and keep up his current pace, he might find his number retired one day. I still cross my.fingers for Hextall though.

I don't think Recchi's number 8 will be retires here. He didn't win a cup here and the work he has done is in a number of different places, which isn't enough for me. For me Lindros is a whole different animal from anyone else. I do believe he'll get into the Hall but even. If he doesn't, the Flyers should retire 88 anyway. For me retiring numbers for the Flyers is just a nice way to look back on to the ones who were reapply that good and one ones we never wanted to let go of from a fan standpoint and in agreement to management because the numbers were that great. If Giroux can stay healthy, remain Captain, remain a Flyer and keep up his current pace, he might find his number retired one day. I still cross my.fingers for Hextall though.
- dingo8urbaby

I agree that HHOF induction shouldn't necessarily be the criteria, but the Flyers have pretty much established that a player needs to make the Hall of Fame primarily off what he did as a Flyer.

If Lindros makes the Hall, it will be because of his Flyers career. Recchi, despite his well travelled career, had his best statistical seasons as a Flyer. If he makes the HHOF, the Flyers portions of his career will be a major factor.

I would like to see the Flyers, and every other team, do what the Maple Leafs do and "Honor" the player and his number, rather than retire the number. But that's mainly because I don't really care what number a guy wears.

If I was a guy who played 20 years in one place and had a great career, I wouldn't care if a guy took my number the day after I retired.

It would also allow the team to honor more players, without taking the number out of circulation. That way we could see guys like Propp, Hextall, Leach and Poulin be honored and still have 20, 26 & 27 available to use for current players.

I hope you keep having time on your hands, E...Your top tens are always a good read.
- Jsaquella

Seconded