Bill Meltzer: Rookie Series: Game 1 Wrap, Game 2

Bill Meltzer: Rookie Series: Game 1 Wrap, Game 2
- bmeltzer

Thanks Bill

Bill, was there anything you saw or maybe a moment that made you raise a brow where you were pleasantly surprised?

Either a moment or even a player’s show of skill, vision, or maturity that made you think there just might be an NHLer there someday?

Bill, was there anything you saw or maybe a moment that made you raise a brow where you were pleasantly surprised?

Either a moment or even a player’s show of skill, vision, or maturity that made you think there just might be an NHLer there someday?
- Hesh_

Luchanko is a fast-tracker but I worried about a mistake being made to rush him at just-turned-18. I still think Rizzo is more of an NHL/AHL tweener and that Gendron can score at any level if nothing else.

I only saw a good part of the third period and overtime, but here are my early takes on the players that I was focused on. Michkov kind of reminded of a poor man's Peter Forsberg. The way he shielded the puck while looking to make a play and his craftiness with the puck. Yes, I know he was playing against rookies and such, so not saying he is gonna be Forsberg. Luchanko looked very impressive to me. That dude can fly! I was thinking that he wouldn't be in the NHL for 3 years, but I could see him making it next year. Not just his speed, but he seems to already have an NHL ready body. I don't think he could be a #1 center, but I could see him as a #2 center. He certainly has the size and speed! I also thought that Bonk acquitted himself quite well. Again, I realize these were just rookies against rookies, but I am feeling better about the Flyers draft pick in this year's draft after watching Luckanko for the first time.

Luchanko is a fast-tracker but I worried about a mistake being made to rush him at just-turned-18. I still think Rizzo is more of an NHL/AHL tweener and that Gendron can score at any level if nothing else.
- bmeltzer

Yup, I could see him making the team next year because his 200 foot game is so polished. Rush him at the expense of really working on his scoring in junior.

Luchanko is a fast-tracker but I worried about a mistake being made to rush him at just-turned-18. I still think Rizzo is more of an NHL/AHL tweener and that Gendron can score at any level if nothing else.
- bmeltzer

I saw a YouTube video a couple weeks back suggesting Luchanko could make the team now. You guys bring up his frame. The YouTube video suggested he put together his own gym in his garage and works out constantly.

I have yet to be disappointed in Luchanko since seeing him in Plymouth. Fast. Works hard. There are plenty of guys who may not be the most skilled in the league but you respect the work ethic.

I saw a YouTube video a couple weeks back suggesting Luchanko could make the team now. You guys bring up his frame. The YouTube video suggested he put together his own gym in his garage and works out constantly.

I have yet to be disappointed in Luchanko since seeing him in Plymouth. Fast. Works hard. There are plenty of guys who may not be the most skilled in the league but you respect the work ethic.
- roenick97

I agree with you it’s better to have him develop a complete game including offensive ( passing and shooting) for an extra year than rush him. The Flyers should definitely be thinking long term with most players!

I only saw a good part of the third period and overtime, but here are my early takes on the players that I was focused on. Michkov kind of reminded of a poor man's Peter Forsberg. The way he shielded the puck while looking to make a play and his craftiness with the puck. Yes, I know he was playing against rookies and such, so not saying he is gonna be Forsberg. Luchanko looked very impressive to me. That dude can fly! I was thinking that he wouldn't be in the NHL for 3 years, but I could see him making it next year. Not just his speed, but he seems to already have an NHL ready body. I don't think he could be a #1 center, but I could see him as a #2 center. He certainly has the size and speed! I also thought that Bonk acquitted himself quite well. Again, I realize these were just rookies against rookies, but I am feeling better about the Flyers draft pick in this year's draft after watching Luckanko for the first time.
- Phillywhiteout

you're absolutely sure about that??

I agree with you it’s better to have him develop a complete game including offensive ( passing and shooting) for an extra year than rush him. The Flyers should definitely be thinking long term with most players!
- Hosher12

Definitely see him as a two way center. I can’t think of a really good comparison. Chris Drury maybe? He’s just a fast, hard working kid who can get back defensively. The offensive tools are there.

I saw a YouTube video a couple weeks back suggesting Luchanko could make the team now. You guys bring up his frame. The YouTube video suggested he put together his own gym in his garage and works out constantly.

I have yet to be disappointed in Luchanko since seeing him in Plymouth. Fast. Works hard. There are plenty of guys who may not be the most skilled in the league but you respect the work ethic.
- roenick97

I hope Luchanko proves EVERYONE wrong and becomes an incredible player, but for the umpteenth time my problem is nothing to do with the player...

My issue is with the decisions the franchise makes. Until the ORGANIZATION shows better consistency with their decisions I will continue to criticize them. I want every player to prove me wrong, but so far my track record is leaps and bounds above the ones who actually get paid for it.

Just remember when people are frustrated with a player, it's not the player it's directed at...IT'S THE DECISION.

I hope Luchanko proves EVERYONE wrong and becomes an incredible player, but for the umpteenth time my problem is nothing to do with the player...

My issue is with the decisions the franchise makes. Until the ORGANIZATION shows better consistency with their decisions I will continue to criticize them. I want every player to prove me wrong, but so far my track record is leaps and bounds above the ones who actually get paid for it.

Just remember when people are frustrated with a player, it's not the player it's directed at...IT'S THE DECISION.
- Glak18

Me too

All I want for Xmas is a young cornerstone center....

That's it. Just one more embarrassing and frustrating season where people blame every single thing on Torts and goaltending and Rocky and the ghost of Clarke....

Get that Hagens or Frondell as the best gift ever...or if those are sold out then get me that knockoff version with Ryabkin or Misa.

I swear I will be a good boy for the rest of my life. I swear to Peter Puck!

All I want for Xmas is a young cornerstone center....

That's it. Just one more embarrassing and frustrating season where people blame every single thing on Torts and goaltending and Rocky and the ghost of Clarke....

Get that Hagens or Frondell as the best gift ever...or if those are sold out then get me that knockoff version with Ryabkin or Misa.

I swear I will be a good boy for the rest of my life. I swear to Peter Puck!
- Glak18

I don’t know which I’d like more. A franchise cornerstone center or franchise cornerstone defenseman. For all the flack Provorov took while being here, he was pretty solid his first five or six seasons as a Flyer.

I don’t know which I’d like more. A franchise cornerstone center or franchise cornerstone defenseman.
- roenick97

I would take that center over that defenseman any day right now.

A young elite center that lives up to expectations would absolutely change the dynamic of this team OVERNIGHT.

That defenseman would be amazing, but there would be struggles to go with it.

If I built a team right now....would I take a McDavid/Crosby type center or a Hedman/Dahlin/Makar defenseman?

I'm taking that center.

Update: Also to add I would take Sanheim's performance last year over any Provorov's years. Doesn't mean Sanheim is a superstar, just my opinion.

Glad to see Simmonds back in the organization.

All I want for Xmas is a young cornerstone center....

That's it. Just one more embarrassing and frustrating season where people blame every single thing on Torts and goaltending and Rocky and the ghost of Clarke....

Get that Hagens or Frondell as the best gift ever...or if those are sold out then get me that knockoff version with Ryabkin or Misa.

I swear I will be a good boy for the rest of my life. I swear to Peter Puck!
- Glak18

Can we add a true #1 dman for Hanukkah too?

Thanks Bill. Was going to ask what you thought of Rizzo's performance last night. He was the one I was most interested in seeing(besides Michkov/Luchanko). Him being a little on the older side, out of college, closest to NHL ready, part of a trade... was hoping for a somewhat strong performance.

Scored some points but never really stood out to me. Still early though. I know college points and accolades don’t always equate to nhl success(Mike Vecchione).

Anyone see anything different?

Me too
- roenick97

me three

Can we add a true #1 dman for Hanukkah too?
- Dkos

TRUE #1D as well...

No!

Hanukkah is used for the bottom 6, 12 gifts means smaller ones. You get an upgraded Poehling and like it!

TRUE #1D as well...

No!

Hanukkah is used for the bottom 6, 12 gifts means smaller ones. You get an upgraded Poehling and like it!
- Glak18

Ha ha ha. You’ve just summed up my childhood Hanukkah experience.

Ha ha ha. You’ve just summed up my childhood Hanukkah experience.
- Dkos

But seriously, if you had to choose between the 2 (Flyers or even an imaginary brand new franchise open draft)

1C (Elite cornerstone)

or

1D (Elite cornerstone)

Who are you really picking?

Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Colorado...they may have and/or had that D, but they built from the Center)

Buffalo (1st team came to mind)...they had that cornerstone center, but now have 3 potential top pairing defensemen

How do you want to build? Wanting it all, all at once is a recipe for failure.

Update: I won't even discuss the true #1 goaltender.......history shows it's all over the place.

I hope Luchanko proves EVERYONE wrong and becomes an incredible player, but for the umpteenth time my problem is nothing to do with the player...

My issue is with the decisions the franchise makes. Until the ORGANIZATION shows better consistency with their decisions I will continue to criticize them. I want every player to prove me wrong, but so far my track record is leaps and bounds above the ones who actually get paid for it.

Just remember when people are frustrated with a player, it's not the player it's directed at...IT'S THE DECISION.
- Glak18

What is wrong with the decision? People constantly complain the flyers need to take risks/ swing for the fences and that is what they dod with this pick. Luchenko likely maxes out at a good #2 C but he has the upside to potentially be a #1 guy. While it is unlikely those are the guys you need to take chances on. Biuim imo will not be a top pair D and the fact he dropped suggests many teams believe the same thing. 5 Defenceman where taken before Biuim. I think in a world where Gauthier doesnt refuse to sign Flyers take Biuim

What is wrong with the decision? People constantly complain the flyers need to take risks/ swing for the fences and that is what they dod with this pick. Luchenko likely maxes out at a good #2 C but he has the upside to potentially be a #1 guy. While it is unlikely those are the guys you need to take chances on. Biuim imo will not be a top pair D and the fact he dropped suggests many teams believe the same thing. 5 Defenceman where taken before Biuim. I think in a world where Gauthier doesnt refuse to sign Flyers take Biuim
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

It's just another decision on top of MANY decisions. I'm ok with the Flyers doing things that I don't agree with, but in the end it has to work out...

Can you name any examples where the Flyers made a decision that was broadly disliked by the fans, media, NHL "experts", etc that worked in the favor of the Flyers?

I'm not talking about..."oh yeah that worked out ok or it worked out bad for the OTHER team". What are the decisions made the last 20 years where the Flyers got to put the finger up into the faces that doubted them?

I seriously would like to know.

I would take that center over that defenseman any day right now.

A young elite center that lives up to expectations would absolutely change the dynamic of this team OVERNIGHT.

That defenseman would be amazing, but there would be struggles to go with it.

If I built a team right now....would I take a McDavid/Crosby type center or a Hedman/Dahlin/Makar defenseman?

I'm taking that center.

Update: Also to add I would take Sanheim's performance last year over any Provorov's years. Doesn't mean Sanheim is a superstar, just my opinion.
- Glak18

I wouldn’t. I don’t know how Sanheim managed 44 points and still a -20, while doing little damage on the power play and while having a capable defense partner. I doubt Sanheim repeats the season he just had. If this season was legit by Sanheim, why wasn’t he doing this the entire time?