Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Raffl, TIFH and More to

3 in 4's and 4 in 6's and double headers too (according to Ek's rumors)

Yeah, Raffl should stay put.


I remember 9/22/94 very well. I was down to a preseason game that night and when they put up the trade that we reacquired Hextall, it was met with a smattering of boos but ultimately the cheers did drown those out. I was beyond happy. I believe the lockout went into effect shortly thereafter.

Was reviewing the All-Awesome lists and I was stunned a bit.
None of the Flyers achieved acclamations. Few were mentioned and those that were .....pretty far down the lists.
While I have not expected a bunch of trophies, why would I?
In fact those lists were a bit of a disparagement. NOBODY ranked in the top five by position. NONE.
If star power is what propels success ?????
Incidentally, Crosby wasn't seen anywhere.
A grim satisfaction, that.

I didn't realize how old Raffl was... He had a hell of a playoffs this year, too bad he got hurt. As for the future, I'd be sorry to see him go but he is replaceable. I was never a huge fan, but I'd say keep him if he want to play in the NHL. He can play various positions, lines, etc... But, if he wants to retire slowly playing in the EU, let him go. (Although, It would be nice to get something in return if he goes anywhere.)

Hey Bill. What do you think of Ek's story about the NHL playing doubleheaders next season. Game 1 in the morning. Then the same teams play again that night. This apparently was confirmed by TWO sources.

Seems ridiculous to me. The NHLPA would never agree. But I'm just a fan.

LOCK OF THE DAY... looking to go 4-0 for the week. While I I’m not thrilled with the lines today I have to make a pick so I’m gonna say cubs/pirates over 8.5 runs tonight. Cubs been playing in shutout games lately and me thinks today is one of those both teams score early and late in the game. I’ll say 6-4 game you’re welcome. I won’t be putting my usual $500 on this game but I’ll throw $100 of my $1500 I’m up already this week. Jump on board you no picking naysayers and get some $$$

3 in 4's and 4 in 6's and double headers too (according to Ek's rumors)

- hockeylover

Quite possibly the most ridiculous "rumor" ever posted here. Just how dumb does one have to be to even consider it as a remote possibility?

Quite possibly the most ridiculous "rumor" ever posted here. Just how dumb does one have to be to even consider it as a remote possibility?
- Scoob

But TWO different sources were saying this? Although that could mean the guy who sells popcorn and the other guy who sells cotton candy. But still. TWO sources!

Was reviewing the All-Awesome lists and I was stunned a bit.
None of the Flyers achieved acclamations. Few were mentioned and those that were .....pretty far down the lists.
While I have not expected a bunch of trophies, why would I?
In fact those lists were a bit of a disparagement. NOBODY ranked in the top five by position. NONE.
If star power is what propels success ?????
Incidentally, Crosby wasn't seen anywhere.
A grim satisfaction, that.
- Pompous

What is an "All-Awesome" list and which one/ones are you referring to?

But TWO different sources were saying this? Although that could mean the guy who sells popcorn and the other guy who sells cotton candy. But still. TWO sources!
- Kooleus

stop the presses!!!

Quite possibly the most ridiculous "rumor" ever posted here. Just how dumb does one have to be to even consider it as a remote possibility?
- Scoob

I don’t see why it has to be a full 82 game schedule. They had no problem doing 48 games after the lockout. Set it to 60 or 65.

I don’t see why it has to be a full 82 game schedule. They had no problem doing 48 games after the lockout. Set it to 60 or 65.
- Peter Richards

Yea no one is watching AM games anyways. If they really want to do 82 games just extend it into later months. This season finishes in September, maybe next season finishers in July/August, and then hopefully you can get back to regular timing. The double header talk is nonsense.

Yea no one is watching AM games anyways. If they really want to do 82 games just extend it into later months. This season finishes in September, maybe next season finishers in July/August, and then hopefully you can get back to regular timing. The double header talk is nonsense.
- ClaudeFather

all they're going to get is a lot of coasting like the NBA where teams finally try in the 4th quarter

oh wait the flyers already do that

all they're going to get is a lot of coasting like the NBA where teams finally try in the 4th quarter

oh wait the flyers already do that
- 2Real

The NBA is unwatchable until the last 5 minutes.

Yea no one is watching AM games anyways. If they really want to do 82 games just extend it into later months. This season finishes in September, maybe next season finishers in July/August, and then hopefully you can get back to regular timing. The double header talk is nonsense.
- ClaudeFather

Start in early/mid-Decmeber, do 60 games (averages to 15 games per month to be done early/mid-April), and proceed as usual.

I don't know where Ek gets some of his rumors, but the thought of teams playing two games in one day is perhaps one of the most insane ideas I have ever heard in my life regarding professional hockey.

Start in early/mid-Decmeber, do 60 games (averages to 15 games per month to be done early/mid-April), and proceed as usual.
- jmatchett383

That’s fine with me, just saying if they need their 82 games just extend it.

Quite possibly the most ridiculous "rumor" ever posted here. Just how dumb does one have to be to even consider it as a remote possibility?
- Scoob

I think its safe to say, I would hold back on that reporting. Unless of course, I wanted to generate website traffic.

I don't know where Ek gets some of his rumors, but the thought of teams playing two games in one day is perhaps one of the most insane ideas I have ever heard in my life regarding professional hockey.
- MBFlyerfan

Re: double headers, there is no chance the NHLPA would be on board with that idea. Not happening.

I don't know where Ek gets some of his rumors, but the thought of teams playing two games in one day is perhaps one of the most insane ideas I have ever heard in my life regarding professional hockey.
- MBFlyerfan

I have an old friend who thinks playoff series should not have OTs but rather be segmented into seven different 60-min games with a running tally of total goals. OT if tied at the end of the seventh.

THAT is the dumbest idea I have heard re: pro hockey.... but double headers are up there.

I liked Raffl from Day One.

He's made fewer mistakes on the ice in 7 years as a Flyer than many players make in a single season. He just gets the job done. His skillset won't blow you away in any one area but he has no weak parts to his game. If I were a Flyer I would love having him on my line.

For all the kids coming up in the bottom 6, we need some veterans playing with them to show them how to be a complete player. If we can keep Raffl around for cheap then to me it's a no-brainer

Hockey would be one of the hardest, if not THE hardest, to play twice in a day.

I liked Raffl from Day One.

He's made fewer mistakes on the ice in 7 years as a Flyer than many players make in a single season. He just gets the job done. His skillset won't blow you away in any one area but he has no weak parts to his game. If I were a Flyer I would love having him on my line.

For all the kids coming up in the bottom 6, we need some veterans playing with them to show them how to be a complete player. If we can keep Raffl around for cheap then to me it's a no-brainer
- Coburns_Nose

I like the idea if bringing him back on a 1/2 year deal. Eventually these kids need to fill holes though. When do the Bunnamans/Rubstovs,Lacinskis eventually fill in the bottom 6? Seems like they are mentioned every year and never take that next step. Is it just hype because we are Flyer fans?

Start in early/mid-Decmeber, do 60 games (averages to 15 games per month to be done early/mid-April), and proceed as usual.
- jmatchett383

I think this makes sense especially in a year when you will get limited gate revenue anyway.