Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 1/12/24 @ MIN

Bill Meltzer: Flyers Gameday: 1/12/24 @ MIN
- bmeltzer

Thanks Bill

Morning Bill. Are you going to do a “grades” for the players , coaches, etc for the first have of the season ?

They need to sit Forester, for me he has been disappointing. Maybe just a game.

Morning Bill. Are you going to do a “grades” for the players , coaches, etc for the first have of the season ?
- Angus4444

Wasn't planning on it -- knee-deep simultaneously in day-to-day Flyers, Alumni content (finishing up a collectable program that will be for sale by the Flyers during the the Alumni Game/Recchi Fyers HOF/Cup team reunion weekend), a midseaon prospect update article, and a potential new book project -- but happy to discuss any player or aspect you'd like.

Never heard of half their lineup. Needs to be a W

Wasn't planning on it -- knee-deep simultaneously in day-to-day Flyers, Alumni content (finishing up a collectable program that will be for sale by the Flyers during the the Alumni Game/Recchi Fyers HOF/Cup team reunion weekend), a midseaon prospect update article, and a potential new book project -- but happy to discuss any player or aspect you'd like.
- bmeltzer

Bill, what would be your grade on Seeler so far, and do you think there is a possibility of the Flyers retaining him?

ND should never see NHL ice again! Thanks! Damn Fletcher was such a bonehead. Signing that clown to a 4 year deal? I'm hearing rumors that they are thinking about postponing the KC/Miami game due to cold. Man this world is getting soft! Eh what?

They need to sit Forester, for me he has been disappointing. Maybe just a game.
- WhiskeyMan

His overall game, minus scoring, has generally been good. Dipped a notch right after the Christmas break but has rebounded this week. Still struggling to finish minus that three-game surge at the end of November and start of December.

Ultimately, the Flyers DO need him to score more. They didn't draft him to play like a good 4th line forward. They drafted him to be a shoot-first point producer with an underrated passing touch. I still think he WILL be that but it's been over a month since his last goal.

In the Pittsburgh game, he had three really good scoring chances: 1) Zamula sent a low, deflection-friendly wrister at the net and Foerster whiffed on the attempted tip from the slot; 2) a rebound squirted into the low slot with Foerster as the nearest player but he didn't react quickly enough; 3) Frost set up up alone near the left post with room upstairs but he didn't hit the mark. Against Montreal, he did have a tip on net that Primeau stopped.

Eventually, more of these types of plays NEED to result in goals even if he's not scoring from the flank (which is one of his specialties). For right now, at least he's starting to get some good chances again because those went quiet for awhile. But I still think he will break through again sometime this season, as he did during that nice little run he had offensively before the current stretch.

The guy I think is in imminent danger of being scratched is Bobby Brink. His recent ice times (limited, even when they've dressed 11 forwards) tells you what you need to know. His lineup spot right now is precarious. When Noah Cates returns, which could be as soon as next week some time, Brink seems to be in the crosshairs to be scratched.

I'd personally like see Brink either get about 14:30 again on average night if there's, say, 3 or 4 power plays that night. Or send him back to the Phantoms for about a month to work on the checking-related stuff that Tortorella said he's unhappy about. I don't think that playing him 10 mins or less/ scratching him is what's best either for the team or this particular player.

His overall game, minus scoring, has generally been good. Dipped a notch right after the Christmas break but has rebounded this week. Still struggling to finish minus that three-game surge at the end of November and start of December.

Ultimately, the Flyers DO need him to score more. They didn't draft him to play like a good 4th line forward. They drafted him to be a shoot-first point producer with an underrated passing touch. I still think he WILL be that but it's been over a month since his last goal.

In the Pittsburgh game, he had three really good scoring chances: 1) Zamula sent a low, deflection-friendly wrister at the net and Foerster whiffed on the attempted tip from the slot; 2) a rebound squirted into the low slot with Foerster as the nearest player but he didn't react quickly enough; 3) Frost set up up alone near the left post with room upstairs but he didn't hit the mark. Against Montreal, he did have a tip on net that Primeau stopped.

Eventually, more of these types of plays NEED to result in goals even if he's not scoring from the flank (which is one of his specialties). For right now, at least he's starting to get some good chances again because those went quiet for awhile. But I still think he will break through again sometime this season, as he did during that nice little run he had offensively before the current stretch.

The guy I think is in imminent danger of being scratched is Bobby Brink. His recent ice times (limited, even when they've dressed 11 forwards) tells you what you need to know. His lineup spot right now is precarious. When Noah Cates returns, which could be as soon as next week some time, Brink seems to be in the crosshairs to be scratched.

I'd personally like see Brink either get about 14:30 again on average night if there's, say, 3 or 4 power plays that night. Or send him back to the Phantoms for about a month to work on the checking-related stuff that Tortorella said he's unhappy about. I don't think that playing him 10 mins or less/ scratching him is what's best either for the team or this particular player.
- bmeltzer

Do the phantoms have anyone worthy of a call up, on D or forward?

Bill, what would be your grade on Seeler so far, and do you think there is a possibility of the Flyers retaining him?
- 3flyerkids

Rock solid A-/ B+ grade for him given his expanded role this season, the surprising improvement in moving the puck and his overall consistency. I never thought of him as more than a 6D or 7D yet he held down the fort on the second pair until Drysdale was acquired.

I do think the Flyers would like to retain him. He's a viable third-pair guy at worst. His next contract won't be bargain basement but it shouldn't be outrageous, either. But the hope/plan was ultimately to move a younger D (such as Ginning) into a Seeler-like role. Thing is, Ginning's first half of the season has been a bit disappointing after they thought he was right on the cusp of NHL entering camp.

So I think they might be more incllined to extend a couple years on Seeler.

His overall game, minus scoring, has generally been good. Dipped a notch right after the Christmas break but has rebounded this week. Still struggling to finish minus that three-game surge at the end of November and start of December.

Ultimately, the Flyers DO need him to score more. They didn't draft him to play like a good 4th line forward. They drafted him to be a shoot-first point producer with an underrated passing touch. I still think he WILL be that but it's been over a month since his last goal.

In the Pittsburgh game, he had three really good scoring chances: 1) Zamula sent a low, deflection-friendly wrister at the net and Foerster whiffed on the attempted tip from the slot; 2) a rebound squirted into the low slot with Foerster as the nearest player but he didn't react quickly enough; 3) Frost set up up alone near the left post with room upstairs but he didn't hit the mark. Against Montreal, he did have a tip on net that Primeau stopped.

Eventually, more of these types of plays NEED to result in goals even if he's not scoring from the flank (which is one of his specialties). For right now, at least he's starting to get some good chances again because those went quiet for awhile. But I still think he will break through again sometime this season, as he did during that nice little run he had offensively before the current stretch.

The guy I think is in imminent danger of being scratched is Bobby Brink. His recent ice times (limited, even when they've dressed 11 forwards) tells you what you need to know. His lineup spot right now is precarious. When Noah Cates returns, which could be as soon as next week some time, Brink seems to be in the crosshairs to be scratched.

I'd personally like see Brink either get about 14:30 again on average night if there's, say, 3 or 4 power plays that night. Or send him back to the Phantoms for about a month to work on the checking-related stuff that Tortorella said he's unhappy about. I don't think that playing him 10 mins or less/ scratching him is what's best either for the team or this particular player.
- bmeltzer

Totally agree Bill. I forgot about Brink, I don't hear is name enough.

His overall game, minus scoring, has generally been good. Dipped a notch right after the Christmas break but has rebounded this week. Still struggling to finish minus that three-game surge at the end of November and start of December.

Ultimately, the Flyers DO need him to score more. They didn't draft him to play like a good 4th line forward. They drafted him to be a shoot-first point producer with an underrated passing touch. I still think he WILL be that but it's been over a month since his last goal.

In the Pittsburgh game, he had three really good scoring chances: 1) Zamula sent a low, deflection-friendly wrister at the net and Foerster whiffed on the attempted tip from the slot; 2) a rebound squirted into the low slot with Foerster as the nearest player but he didn't react quickly enough; 3) Frost set up up alone near the left post with room upstairs but he didn't hit the mark. Against Montreal, he did have a tip on net that Primeau stopped.

Eventually, more of these types of plays NEED to result in goals even if he's not scoring from the flank (which is one of his specialties). For right now, at least he's starting to get some good chances again because those went quiet for awhile. But I still think he will break through again sometime this season, as he did during that nice little run he had offensively before the current stretch.

The guy I think is in imminent danger of being scratched is Bobby Brink. His recent ice times (limited, even when they've dressed 11 forwards) tells you what you need to know. His lineup spot right now is precarious. When Noah Cates returns, which could be as soon as next week some time, Brink seems to be in the crosshairs to be scratched.

I'd personally like see Brink either get about 14:30 again on average night if there's, say, 3 or 4 power plays that night. Or send him back to the Phantoms for about a month to work on the checking-related stuff that Tortorella said he's unhappy about. I don't think that playing him 10 mins or less/ scratching him is what's best either for the team or this particular player.
- bmeltzer

I've been saying this for awhile now. Brink looks overwhelmed to me at times. His skating is downright brutal to watch and he just seems to be tired on most shifts (probably cause of his skating). I still have concerns that he can be an everyday NHL player. He has the hands and brains, but man that skating.

His overall game, minus scoring, has generally been good. Dipped a notch right after the Christmas break but has rebounded this week. Still struggling to finish minus that three-game surge at the end of November and start of December.

Ultimately, the Flyers DO need him to score more. They didn't draft him to play like a good 4th line forward. They drafted him to be a shoot-first point producer with an underrated passing touch. I still think he WILL be that but it's been over a month since his last goal.

In the Pittsburgh game, he had three really good scoring chances: 1) Zamula sent a low, deflection-friendly wrister at the net and Foerster whiffed on the attempted tip from the slot; 2) a rebound squirted into the low slot with Foerster as the nearest player but he didn't react quickly enough; 3) Frost set up up alone near the left post with room upstairs but he didn't hit the mark. Against Montreal, he did have a tip on net that Primeau stopped.

Eventually, more of these types of plays NEED to result in goals even if he's not scoring from the flank (which is one of his specialties). For right now, at least he's starting to get some good chances again because those went quiet for awhile. But I still think he will break through again sometime this season, as he did during that nice little run he had offensively before the current stretch.

The guy I think is in imminent danger of being scratched is Bobby Brink. His recent ice times (limited, even when they've dressed 11 forwards) tells you what you need to know. His lineup spot right now is precarious. When Noah Cates returns, which could be as soon as next week some time, Brink seems to be in the crosshairs to be scratched.

I'd personally like see Brink either get about 14:30 again on average night if there's, say, 3 or 4 power plays that night. Or send him back to the Phantoms for about a month to work on the checking-related stuff that Tortorella said he's unhappy about. I don't think that playing him 10 mins or less/ scratching him is what's best either for the team or this particular player.
- bmeltzer

I said it the other day but he needs to go to the Danny Briere School for Scorers. I think TK is the guest professor.

Foerster has been sound in his overall game. Just want him to finish more. I think he can be a 25-30 goal scorer at his peak. He should reach 20 goals regularly.

Getting through his first full year healthy and playing a sound 2 way game is good enough for me this year.

They need to sit Forester, for me he has been disappointing. Maybe just a game.
- WhiskeyMan

What will that accomplish?

Wasn't planning on it -- knee-deep simultaneously in day-to-day Flyers, Alumni content (finishing up a collectable program that will be for sale by the Flyers during the the Alumni Game/Recchi Fyers HOF/Cup team reunion weekend), a midseaon prospect update article, and a potential new book project -- but happy to discuss any player or aspect you'd like.
- bmeltzer

when is zac rinaldo going to be involved in ab alumni stuff?

on a side note on a steak egg and cheese form mcdonalds kick.

when is zac rinaldo going to be involved in ab alumni stuff?

on a side note on a steak egg and cheese form mcdonalds kick.
- hello it's me 2050

I am a sausage biscuit fella.

I am surprised Rinaldo is not a part of the alumni stuff already. He loved his time here.

What will that accomplish?
- MJL

cliff I must give you some accolades. You are by far the most dedicated poster in the history of these boards. To post day after day for 12-16 hours is pure dedication.

once a month Bill should let you write a blog in his place. Raising my glass up to you today.

ND should never see NHL ice again! Thanks! Damn Fletcher was such a bonehead. Signing that clown to a 4 year deal? I'm hearing rumors that they are thinking about postponing the KC/Miami game due to cold. Man this world is getting soft! Eh what?
- Phillywhiteout

keep in mind form prior reports Danny boy was 100% on board and played a hand in signing him it has been said.

Do the phantoms have anyone worthy of a call up, on D or forward?
- ClaudeFather

Tuomaala, who just made the AHL All-Star Game as a rookie is the best candidate right now. Still a little inconsistent but he does a lot of good things -- excellent skater, has seemingly re-discovered his shot, much improved two-way guy.

In terms of D, I personally think that Andrae needs more AHL time. Attard is inconsistent and Ginning hasn't been nearly as consistent as he was last year. Belpedio is a serviceable 7 but there's no room for him right now.

Flyers are screwed if they need either Sandström or Petersen to come up and potentially play during a busy stretch (meaning some sort of long-term absence for Hart or Ersson when there's a B2B/3-in-4/4-in-6). Both goalies have been extremely inconsistent this season from game-to-game and even within games. I wouldn't want to rely on either one, although both are capable of some solid games no letdowns. It's just been too sporadic and the volume of leaky/off-angle/deep slot goals has been too high.

when is zac rinaldo going to be involved in ab alumni stuff?

on a side note on a steak egg and cheese form mcdonalds kick.
- hello it's me 2050

Maybe as soon as this March (Friday Night Fights) or summer time (bike ride fundraiser) if he's interested.

Tuomaala, who just made the AHL All-Star Game as a rookie is the best candidate right now. Still a little inconsistent but he does a lot of good things -- excellent skater, has seemingly re-discovered his shot, much improved two-way guy.

In terms of D, I personally think that Andrae needs more AHL time. Attard is inconsistent and Ginning hasn't been nearly as consistent as he was last year. Belpedio is a serviceable 7 but there's no room for him right now.

Flyers are screwed if they need either Sandström or Petersen to come up and potentially play during a busy stretch (meaning some sort of long-term absence for Hart or Ersson when there's a B2B/3-in-4/4-in-6). Both goalies have been extremely inconsistent this season from game-to-game and even within games. I wouldn't want to rely on either one, although both are capable of some solid games no letdowns. It's just been too sporadic and the volume of leaky/off-angle/deep slot goals has been too high.
- bmeltzer

What about the D-Man they got from LA in the Provy deal that's playing for the Phantoms?

Rock solid A-/ B+ grade for him given his expanded role this season, the surprising improvement in moving the puck and his overall consistency. I never thought of him as more than a 6D or 7D yet he held down the fort on the second pair until Drysdale was acquired.

I do think the Flyers would like to retain him. He's a viable third-pair guy at worst. His next contract won't be bargain basement but it shouldn't be outrageous, either. But the hope/plan was ultimately to move a younger D (such as Ginning) into a Seeler-like role. Thing is, Ginning's first half of the season has been a bit disappointing after they thought he was right on the cusp of NHL entering camp.

So I think they might be more incllined to extend a couple years on Seeler.
- bmeltzer

my thing is Bill he will probably get over 2 million per. To me you do not want to pay another bottom pair guy that. This his last chance at any type of pay day. I do not really believe players give a home town discount. In seelers case he may as the flyers saved his career.

Bill what do you think is a fair deal to re-sign him at? Term and money? Thanks

Nothing wrong with his play though you need to move him for assets. Then find the next seeler type vet in free agency. They are there every year

Tuomaala, who just made the AHL All-Star Game as a rookie is the best candidate right now. Still a little inconsistent but he does a lot of good things -- excellent skater, has seemingly re-discovered his shot, much improved two-way guy.

In terms of D, I personally think that Andrae needs more AHL time. Attard is inconsistent and Ginning hasn't been nearly as consistent as he was last year. Belpedio is a serviceable 7 but there's no room for him right now.

Flyers are screwed if they need either Sandström or Petersen to come up and potentially play during a busy stretch (meaning some sort of long-term absence for Hart or Ersson when there's a B2B/3-in-4/4-in-6). Both goalies have been extremely inconsistent this season from game-to-game and even within games. I wouldn't want to rely on either one, although both are capable of some solid games no letdowns. It's just been too sporadic and the volume of leaky/off-angle/deep slot goals has been too high.
- bmeltzer

imo you leave samu alone this year. Just let him be. What are your thoughts on that?

You think they buy out Cal or just ride it out?

Tuomaala, who just made the AHL All-Star Game as a rookie is the best candidate right now. Still a little inconsistent but he does a lot of good things -- excellent skater, has seemingly re-discovered his shot, much improved two-way guy.

In terms of D, I personally think that Andrae needs more AHL time. Attard is inconsistent and Ginning hasn't been nearly as consistent as he was last year. Belpedio is a serviceable 7 but there's no room for him right now.

Flyers are screwed if they need either Sandström or Petersen to come up and potentially play during a busy stretch (meaning some sort of long-term absence for Hart or Ersson when there's a B2B/3-in-4/4-in-6). Both goalies have been extremely inconsistent this season from game-to-game and even within games. I wouldn't want to rely on either one, although both are capable of some solid games no letdowns. It's just been too sporadic and the volume of leaky/off-angle/deep slot goals has been too high.
- bmeltzer

This is why folks chomping at the bit to trade Hart need to think twice. People keep talking about goalie depth with this organization and I think that is a mirage.