Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 5/7/21 @ WSH

"Predictably, the rematch between the Caps and Rangers on Wednesday was a war. "
Bill, why was the league uncapable of seeing what anyone with half a brain could see? The could have avoided all of this by suspending Wilson 1 game, though he surely deserved more.

And I loved what Jonesy had to say in the 1st intermission, that all the fights were of guys similarly sized, no one with a 50 lb. weight advantage. Called Wilson out for being a bully without actually saying that.

NHL got what they deserved. A league full of cheap shot artists that face little to nothing in the way of retribution or consequence. Bettman was so intent on ridding the league of enforcers that it’s put nearly every team in peril of losing their star players to the likes (p.o.s.’s) like Wilson and others. My hope is that in light of what happened to Panarin and the Rags the other night, teams (including our Flyers) will raise a middle finger to Bettman and trade for, sign, bring up a tough guy or two.

All that said, IF Wilson plays tonight, I hope Sam drops Wilson like he did Ross Johnston.

What really bothers me is any time a league, NHL or otherwise, can fine a team or player for speaking out when there is an injustice like this. I thought we lived in America, where the first amendment guarantees us free speech?? And yet any league can silence free speech with fines and suspensions?? If I were the Rangers, I would refuse to pay the fine and I would file a lawsuit against the NHL on the grounds of a 1st amendment rights violation, and I think they would win it! No one should be above criticism, not the president, not congress, not Bettman and certainly not a thug like Parros!

What really bothers me is any time a league, NHL or otherwise, can fine a team or player for speaking out when there is an injustice like this. I thought we lived in America, where the first amendment guarantees us free speech?? And yet any league can silence free speech with fines and suspensions?? If I were the Rangers, I would refuse to pay the fine and I would file a lawsuit against the NHL on the grounds of a 1st amendment rights violation, and I think they would win it! No one should be above criticism, not the president, not congress, not Bettman and certainly not a thug like Parros!
- jd250

The first amendment protects you from being thrown in jail for speaking out against perceived injustices.

A fine from your employer (after ripping them) is completely different.

The first amendment protects you from being thrown in jail for speaking out against perceived injustices.

A fine from your employer (after ripping them) is completely different.
- DrMidnite

This

What really bothers me is any time a league, NHL or otherwise, can fine a team or player for speaking out when there is an injustice like this. I thought we lived in America, where the first amendment guarantees us free speech?? And yet any league can silence free speech with fines and suspensions?? If I were the Rangers, I would refuse to pay the fine and I would file a lawsuit against the NHL on the grounds of a 1st amendment rights violation, and I think they would win it! No one should be above criticism, not the president, not congress, not Bettman and certainly not a thug like Parros!
- jd250

You’re talking apples and oranges. The NHL is a business. Do you think all businesses should allow their employees to have “free speech” and badmouth the company whenever they want?

Enough talk about rights.

Bill,

Any chance we see Foerster play one of the final three games for the Flyers this season?

You’re talking apples and oranges. The NHL is a business. Do you think all businesses should allow their employees to have “free speech” and badmouth the company whenever they want?

Enough talk about rights.
- Just5

I see your point. I think internally teams and players should have the right and forum to voice their concerns and invoke change when needed. However its when grievances like this are presented via the public press versus staying internal to the NHL that I can see problems arising. I guess if its agreed upon by all the team owners that grievances are filed in a certain way and kept out of the press, and an owner violates that agreement, a fine or other penalty is warranted.

Bill,

Any chance we see Foerster play one of the final three games for the Flyers this season?
- Chief Ninja Cat

After the York callup, the Flyers only have one more available. They may.

Bill,

Any chance we see Foerster play one of the final three games for the Flyers this season?
- Chief Ninja Cat

Scott Gordon was asked about that by Tony Androckitis after Wednesday' game. The answer, in regards to both Foerster and Wisdom: "It's about playing down here. It's not about being able to go up and play an NHL game right now. If things work out in training camp, and they have a good camp, it's possible. For our 18-year-olds, it's about the experience & not putting the cart ahead of horse."

dbth

Ugggggh! Bring York up and have him play with Morin? Why would you do this? People can say what they want about Haag, but he is a much better defender than Morin. I wanna see York paired with a bonafide NHL defender(not a project that will probably never make it at the NHL level). Time to move on. Thanks!!

What really bothers me is any time a league, NHL or otherwise, can fine a team or player for speaking out when there is an injustice like this. I thought we lived in America, where the first amendment guarantees us free speech?? And yet any league can silence free speech with fines and suspensions?? If I were the Rangers, I would refuse to pay the fine and I would file a lawsuit against the NHL on the grounds of a 1st amendment rights violation, and I think they would win it! No one should be above criticism, not the president, not congress, not Bettman and certainly not a thug like Parros!
- jd250

The first amendment protects from government limits on freedom of expression.

This should be common knowledge.

I see your point. I think internally teams and players should have the right and forum to voice their concerns and invoke change when needed. However its when grievances like this are presented via the public press versus staying internal to the NHL that I can see problems arising. I guess if its agreed upon by all the team owners that grievances are filed in a certain way and kept out of the press, and an owner violates that agreement, a fine or other penalty is warranted.
- jd250

I don't know for sure, but I'll assume that there is such an agreement and the Rangers decided to do it anyway.

Caulfield has 3 goals already. Ball is in your court York.

Caulfield has 3 goals already. Ball is in your court York.
- PLindbergh31

Just call him a bust now, you know you want to.

Is it a competition between Caufield, a forward and York, a defenseman?

Ugggggh! Bring York up and have him play with Morin? Why would you do this? People can say what they want about Haag, but he is a much better defender than Morin. I wanna see York paired with a bonafide NHL defender(not a project that will probably never make it at the NHL level). Time to move on. Thanks!!
- Phillywhiteout

I guess they want to take these last few games to evaluate Morin before they have to make a decision about him in UFA.

I doubt York will spend that much actual time w/ Morin, considering that Morin really doesn't play that many minutes. I expect Sam to be at 8-10mins ES as usual, and York to getting much more than that

Mnm

Caulfield has 3 goals already. Ball is in your court York.
- PLindbergh31

Why the mixed metaphor? Why?? Just say "the puck is in your rink"!

NHL got what they deserved. A league full of cheap shot artists that face little to nothing in the way of retribution or consequence. Bettman was so intent on ridding the league of enforcers that it’s put nearly every team in peril of losing their star players to the likes (p.o.s.’s) like Wilson and others. My hope is that in light of what happened to Panarin and the Rags the other night, teams (including our Flyers) will raise a middle finger to Bettman and trade for, sign, bring up a tough guy or two.

All that said, IF Wilson plays tonight, I hope Sam drops Wilson like he did Ross Johnston.
- BroadSTmayhem

A LEAGE full ? What the hell are you watching. Let the players handle it. Take the instigator rule out and Wilson would have to deal with it all night. When all those fights erupted in the second game all I heard was cheering.

What really bothers me is any time a league, NHL or otherwise, can fine a team or player for speaking out when there is an injustice like this. I thought we lived in America, where the first amendment guarantees us free speech?? And yet any league can silence free speech with fines and suspensions?? If I were the Rangers, I would refuse to pay the fine and I would file a lawsuit against the NHL on the grounds of a 1st amendment rights violation, and I think they would win it! No one should be above criticism, not the president, not congress, not Bettman and certainly not a thug like Parros!
- jd250

Oh ! The drama !

Oh ! The drama !
- Angus4444

Watch out - you may be next on his lawsuit list lol

A LEAGE full ? What the hell are you watching. Let the players handle it. Take the instigator rule out and Wilson would have to deal with it all night. When all those fights erupted in the second game all I heard was cheering.
- Angus4444[/quote

Yup, a league full (btw, check your spelling).