Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Beat Boston, 4-1

Bill Meltzer: Wrap: Flyers Beat Boston, 4-1
- bmeltzer

For a team that’s notorious for it’s slow starts, the team has been nothing short of impressive. Everyone looks sharp and in shape. This fact should be a concern for teams like the Penguins for example, who haven’t looked good from exhibition, leading into Saturday against the Habs. I like our chances for a deep run.

For a team that’s notorious for it’s slow starts, the team has been nothing short of impressive. Everyone looks sharp and in shape. This fact should be a concern for teams like the Penguins for example, who haven’t looked good from exhibition, leading into Saturday against the Habs. I like our chances for a deep run.
- SuperSchennBros

If hart keeps playing like this, I think you’re correct.

Question, will the flyers be the road team (ie for last change) for each rr game because they had less reg season points than the other teams?

I’ve been thinking about which team I’d want to play the least in a series (for round 1), and I gotta say, I really think the BJs are a sleeper team and that the 1st seed doesn’t have that much of an advantage if your 1st series is against the BJs. Not saying we are gonna win top seed, just thinking back to how they swept the Bolts last year.

I’ve been thinking about which team I’d want to play the least in a series (for round 1), and I gotta say, I really think the BJs are a sleeper team and that the 1st seed doesn’t have that much of an advantage if your 1st series is against the BJs. Not saying we are gonna win top seed, just thinking back to how they swept the Bolts last year.
- arichardson22

Yeah. I don’t think there’s a big advantage to the top seeds. It’s about playing well going in. There’s not going to be any benefit other than a few games to get in synch.

If hart keeps playing like this, I think you’re correct.

Question, will the flyers be the road team (ie for last change) for each rr game because they had less reg season points than the other teams?
- Hextall271

you would think that would be the case but we are listed as the home team for Thursday.

I’ve been thinking about which team I’d want to play the least in a series (for round 1), and I gotta say, I really think the BJs are a sleeper team and that the 1st seed doesn’t have that much of an advantage if your 1st series is against the BJs. Not saying we are gonna win top seed, just thinking back to how they swept the Bolts last year.
- arichardson22

I honestly believe the Flyers can beat anyone in the East. I wouldn't guarantee victory but I think they can win any series. That said, I would not mind avoiding the Lightning, CBJ and the Isles. Lightning are really good and they play a structured game now.

CBJ and the Isles are just tough teams to play against. I think the Flyers are more talented than either of those teams though.

I honestly believe the Flyers can beat anyone in the East. I wouldn't guarantee victory but I think they can win any series. That said, I would not mind avoiding the Lightning, CBJ and the Isles. Lightning are really good and they play a structured game now.

CBJ and the Isles are just tough teams to play against. I think the Flyers are more talented than either of those teams though.
- mickel25

I have the same feeling and confidence with our team. Those three teams you mentioned are the 3 I worry about the most, as well as the Rangers/Canes. But yeah man, those BJs and Isles teams, we outclass them talent wise but they always give us fits. They play strong structured game under both their great head coaches.

I have the same feeling and confidence with our team. Those three teams you mentioned are the 3 I worry about the most, as well as the Rangers/Canes. But yeah man, those BJs and Isles teams, we outclass them talent wise but they always give us fits. They play strong structured game under both their great head coaches.
- arichardson22

Rangers don't scare me really. They are really talented but they do not play well defensively. Carolina is a team I forgot about. If they had a goalie they would be scary.

Rangers don't scare me really. They are really talented but they do not play well defensively. Carolina is a team I forgot about. If they had a goalie they would be scary.
- mickel25

Agreed on all of this. I think we can take out the Rangers. Carolina does have that key weakness. If hart continues to stand tall, I think we have a good shot against anyone.

I honestly believe the Flyers can beat anyone in the East. I wouldn't guarantee victory but I think they can win any series. That said, I would not mind avoiding the Lightning, CBJ and the Isles. Lightning are really good and they play a structured game now.

CBJ and the Isles are just tough teams to play against. I think the Flyers are more talented than either of those teams though.
- mickel25

Funny how the leafs game plan is to blitz with speed and offence and pray their goalie can make 40 saves. It does not translate well in the playoffs. Goaltending and d are still the key.

Not worried at all who the Flyers have to play or who they match up with. It's the Stanley Cup playoffs and its going to be tough. Some rounds will be easier while others will present an entirely different challenge.

One thing is clear: this Flyers team is capable of making a run at it. They're a true contender and that is exciting.

Not worried at all who the Flyers have to play or who they match up with. It's the Stanley Cup playoffs and its going to be tough. Some rounds will be easier while others will present an entirely different challenge.

One thing is clear: this Flyers team is capable of making a run at it. They're a true contender and that is exciting.
- StepfordSam

Absolutely. I am confident in this team. Hasn't been that way in a really long time.

Not worried at all who the Flyers have to play or who they match up with.
- StepfordSam

Same. It doesn't matter.

Absolutely. I am confident in this team. Hasn't been that way in a really long time.
- mickel25

I agree there is reason to be confident. I feel they can play with anyone. This is an unprecedented situation. Don't know how teams are going to react. Respect every team but don't fear any. You either are deserving or you aren't. Play the best and beat the best to win the Cup. How it should be.

I do believe this group could have a deep run. Even potentially win it all. What’s key moving forward is, the Flyers are in a position to go all in next season. Think about who isn’t evening playing right now. Oskar Lindholm, Shayne Gostisbehere, Nolan Patrick, Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee just might get a look. Ivan Provorov, Travis Konecny, Travis Sanheim and Carter Hart will only become more seasoned. I only expect to cut ties with Justin Braun and maybe Brian Elliott this coming offseason to make room for a younger, potentially better player. Not to mention that I believe the expansion draft should hopefully only allow us to rid us of something we don’t want. Not to mention that Derek Grant having a good season playing third line center, when he should probably be our fourth line center. I’d try to re-sign him now. He’s a guy I think brings real depth, which can go up and down on the bottom six.

The amazing coincidence of Raffl being the lead point getter and then *subtly* slew footed. Contact to the foot was before any other. Wide stance.
I was over at MoneyPuck and looked at how our team, individually and by the line is ranked.
By their standards we should have stayed home. Mediocrity is our standard apparently. Even if they like the team.
Bite me!
Vegas is there pick.
Yesterday our top lines were in good form once the first expired. What I saw then was a slew (the other kind) of unforced errors followed by apology defense. "Whoops! Didnt' mean to do that. Now I'm gonna make up for it!"
And so they did.
Thompson's goal went in off the upper shaft. If Halak had stopped that, even by accident, this could have been a much different outcome.
Not that I should Philly-bluster, but YO!!!!, I'm having a great time since two of my favorite teams to hate on are dispatched. I'm so narrow and shallow when it comes to allegiances. After 53 years I'm allowed. At least by me.
As Billy Idol said, 'Mo, Mo, Mo, Mo!''

Kevin Hayes has singlehandedly transformed this team.

Let's go, Flyers!

Kevin Hayes has singlehandedly transformed this team.

Let's go, Flyers!
- countreeman28

Niskanen, Braun, Vigneault and the growth of young players have nothing to do with it?

Niskanen, Braun, Vigneault and the growth of young players have nothing to do with it?
- MJL

Sure! But not as much as Blazin' Hayes and his peerless, unquantifiable, intangible leadership and J A M.


Let's go, Flyers!

Sure! But not as much as Blazin' Hayes and his peerless, unquantifiable, intangible leadership and J A M.


Let's go, Flyers!
- countreeman28

Hayes is certainly a big part of the team but I think that you are underrating the role Niskanen and Vigneault have played in the teams improvement.

Hayes is certainly a big part of the team but I think that you are underrating the role of Niskanen and Vigneault.
- MJL

I think that I am properly rating Boss Blaze Hayes. I think he raises the game of players like Niskanen and makes good coaches look even better with his indefatigable leadership and velvety skills.

Hayes is certainly a big part of the team but I think that you are underrating the role Niskanen and Vigneault have played in the teams improvement.
- MJL

I think he's trying to rile up SSB.

I think that I am properly rating Boss Blaze Hayes. I think he raises the game of players like Niskanen and makes good coaches look even better with his indefatigable leadership and velvety skills.
- countreeman28

- MJL

I'm just having some fun; this team has been so enjoyable and it's been really awesome to see the youth come up and smart vets come in to add balance and guile. There's a vibe with this roster I haven't felt since the ascent of the 2010 squad. And I can't discount the influence of Vigneault, who's an absolute professional.