Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: WJC Days 2 and 3, TIFH

Games at 2, 6 and 10pm ET respectively.

Guy knocks his teeth out with his own stick? Yup, born to be a Flyer.

I love the WJC tournament. Watched some of the Canada game last night. Would have liked to see Foerster and Desnoyer capitalize a bit more but it seemed like Canada was kind of just mailing it in against Latvia, who actually came to play and not lay down.

Guy knocks his teeth out with his own stick? Yup, born to be a Flyer.
- BiggE

There's always a grain of truth to the best humor.

I was hoping we could try something different today and pick a couple things we do like about this team.

Guy knocks his teeth out with his own stick? Yup, born to be a Flyer.
- BiggE

The next step in his development will be to sign a contract with the Flyers and then promptly blow his shoulder out or suffer a labrum tear in his hip or groin.

Guy knocks his teeth out with his own stick? Yup, born to be a Flyer.
- BiggE

Have to give the kid credit. Zanetti stayed in the game. Naturally the network then chose him to be the between periods interview. “How did you feel when you….”

Sounds like the Flyers prospects are off to a riveting start! Dude knocks out his own teeth with his own high stick? Can't make this shiiiit up! Chuckles will probably sign him to a max 8 year deal this afternoon!! FIRE CHUCK! Thanks!

I was hoping we could try something different today and pick a couple things we do like about this team.
- SuperSchennBros

crickets.... crickets.... crickets.....

I was wonder if we could try something different today and pick a couple things we do like about this team.
-SuperSchennBros

I'm usually positive about the team but I am struggling on this one. Looking forward to seeing how Hart performs this year with hopefully better structure in front of him, but the backup goalie situation is a worry. Looking forward to seeing if any of the young players take a significant step this year but right now not positive about it. I guess the only thing I do like is Torts; he has grown on me since he has been hired. I was against his hiring because I felt he was a clown show, but I'm starting to come around on him and perhaps he will turn out to be a good hire. Thus my answer is Torts.

I'm usually positive about the team but I am struggling on this one. Looking forward to seeing how Hart performs this year with hopefully better structure in front of him, but the backup goalie situation is a worry. Looking forward to seeing if any of the young players take a significant step this year but right now not positive about it. I guess the only thing I do like is Torts; he has grown on me since he has been hired. I was against his hiring because I felt he was a clown show, but I'm starting to come around on him and perhaps he will turn out to be a good hire. Thus my answer is Torts.
- jd250

In a way, I agree. But when you have to say that a new coach is the most positive thing about a team, it's a very low bar to cross over. Regrettably.

I'm usually positive about the team but I am struggling on this one. Looking forward to seeing how Hart performs this year with hopefully better structure in front of him, but the backup goalie situation is a worry. Looking forward to seeing if any of the young players take a significant step this year but right now not positive about it. I guess the only thing I do like is Torts; he has grown on me since he has been hired. I was against his hiring because I felt he was a clown show, but I'm starting to come around on him and perhaps he will turn out to be a good hire. Thus my answer is Torts.
- jd250

A number of questions come to mind. How does an extremely successful coach who has won a Stanley Cup get to be labeled a clown show. Then how does he grow on someone without holding a single practice or even a pre-season game as a coach? Very humorous.

In a way, I agree. But when you have to say that a new coach is the most positive thing about a team, it's a very low bar to cross over. Regrettably.
- Letterkenney

Yes, it is regrettable. Barring a miracle I really don't see how this team will not struggle to stay out of last place in the division. Carolina, Rangers and the Caps will be playoff teams. I am longer going to short-sell the Penguins, they will be there as well. NJ and Columbus have both improved. The Islanders have a new coaching staff but not much else so I think the Flyers might be better, but otherwise its another down season at or near the bottom of the division. This is why resigning Risto and trading for DeAngelo makes no sense what-so-ever! It would have been better to tank this season and get a chance at a generational player than to be a a non-playoff team that picks 10th in the draft!

nothing

I was hoping we could try something different today and pick a couple things we do like about this team.
- SuperSchennBros

I like that the lack of cap space is gonna force the team to play some kids.

In a way, I agree. But when you have to say that a new coach is the most positive thing about a team, it's a very low bar to cross over. Regrettably.
- Letterkenney

Yes, I mentioned this awhile ago. When the most exciting thing about your team is the coach you have MAJOR issues. FIRE CHUCK YESTERDAY!

Yes, it is regrettable. Barring a miracle I really don't see how this team will not struggle to stay out of last place in the division. Carolina, Rangers and the Caps will be playoff teams. I am longer going to short-sell the Penguins, they will be there as well. NJ and Columbus have both improved. The Islanders have a new coaching staff but not much else so I think the Flyers might be better, but otherwise its another down season at or near the bottom of the division. This is why resigning Risto and trading for DeAngelo makes no sense what-so-ever! It would have been better to tank this season and get a chance at a generational player than to be a a non-playoff team that picks 10th in the draft!
- jd250

at least you realize the most obvious of obvious

Watching Andrae yesterday with his size and compact build. He reminded me of Sami Kapenan the way he skated and pursued the puck. He’s a long shot but I like what I saw.

A number of questions come to mind. How does an extremely successful coach who has won a Stanley Cup get to be labeled a clown show. Then how does he grow on someone without holding a single practice or even a pre-season game as a coach? Very humorous.
- MJL

I don't even know why I bother, but here it goes. Torts to me, or at least my impression of him, was someone who put himself ahead of his teams. All the fighting with the press, attacking another team's locker room, and the yelling and swearing at the players between periods when the cameras are on are examples. It was all about him, not the players or the team. Therefore I labeled him a clown-show and was against the Flyers hiring him. I thought there were much better options. When he got hired I, like most fans, listened to his pressers and his many interviews, and started to see a different side to him. I liked what I heard in terms of his philosophy and how he likes to conduct business. He seems to be really passionate about not just coaching again, but coaching the Flyers and I started to think that maybe his coaching style and passion really fits well with the Flyers and the fan base. So there is my explanation. Its hard to like anything about this team, but I am willing to go into the season liking Torts and seeing how he does.

at least you realize the most obvious of obvious
- THE BLACK HAND

Coming from you that is a compliment! It clearly shows there was no plan here, that Fletcher is just winging it from a position of weakness.

Coming from you that is a compliment! It clearly shows there was no plan here, that Fletcher is just winging it from a position of weakness.
- jd250

okay, can you now understand why I (and more) have been railing on him for years and angry at the team for keeping him in place?

I like that the lack of cap space is gonna force the team to play some kids.
- Tomahawk

This is a positive provided the kids don't continue the Flyers' pattern of getting seriously injured.

okay, can you now understand why I (and more) have been railing on him for years and angry at the team for keeping him in place?
- THE BLACK HAND

Yes, at the time I thought it was unfair but after last season and this off-season, I am joining the party, Fletcher should be removed.

Something positive..... the LOGO is great, Gritty is great, and the team colors are great.