May 13, 2025 • 34 mins
SteelFlyers All Sports Network presents
Brought to you by steelflyers.com
The Hockey Writers Ink Eps. 193 "Phantoms are melting chocolate with 2 wins in a row!!!"
Relax the keyboard is off, the press box is closed, and the mic is just getting warmed up as the Guardian of the Blue paint turned writer is about to enlighten us!
The show where the writer is fresh off the presses and the ink is not dry.
Welcome to the Hockey Writers Ink, join Lance Green and Ron "SteelFlyers" as we bring you all the latest on the Philadelphia Flyers!
This week's talking points:
1. INTRO & THANKS
2. Phantoms go into Hershey and take a win
3. Phantoms take Game 3 at home!
4. Game 4 on Friday which could send the Phantoms into the next round
5. Flyers Draft Lottery
6. Wrap up
BIG THANKS to our friends Lower Case Blues for the awesome tunes:
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https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs5gTIpBqPsoG-B_cPMLey0J68hxSouAN
https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-hockey-writers-ink
Also catch us at Sports Spyder - https://sportspyder.com/
Follow the show on X @HckyWritersInk
Your Host Lance Green on X @LanceGreen39
Co-Host SteelFlyers on X @SteelFlyers52
Please hit the "Like" and "Subscribe"
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-hockey-writers-ink--4748032/support.
Brought to you by steelflyers.com
The Hockey Writers Ink Eps. 193 "Phantoms are melting chocolate with 2 wins in a row!!!"
Relax the keyboard is off, the press box is closed, and the mic is just getting warmed up as the Guardian of the Blue paint turned writer is about to enlighten us!
The show where the writer is fresh off the presses and the ink is not dry.
Welcome to the Hockey Writers Ink, join Lance Green and Ron "SteelFlyers" as we bring you all the latest on the Philadelphia Flyers!
This week's talking points:
1. INTRO & THANKS
2. Phantoms go into Hershey and take a win
3. Phantoms take Game 3 at home!
4. Game 4 on Friday which could send the Phantoms into the next round
5. Flyers Draft Lottery
6. Wrap up
BIG THANKS to our friends Lower Case Blues for the awesome tunes:
Web: lowercaseblues.net
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/lowercaseblues/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/lower_case_blues?utm_medium=copy_link
Get all your Hockey Writers Ink information at
https://steelflyers.com/links/hockeywritersink/
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs5gTIpBqPsoG-B_cPMLey0J68hxSouAN
https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-hockey-writers-ink
Also catch us at Sports Spyder - https://sportspyder.com/
Follow the show on X @HckyWritersInk
Your Host Lance Green on X @LanceGreen39
Co-Host SteelFlyers on X @SteelFlyers52
Please hit the "Like" and "Subscribe"
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-hockey-writers-ink--4748032/support.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
Welcome to The Hockey Writers, Inc. The show where the
writer is fresh off the.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Presses and the ink is not dry relaxed, the keyboard
is off and the press boxes closed with the mic
is just getting warmed up. Join your host, Lance Green,
the guardian of the blue paint turned writer, and your
co host Ron Steele Flyers as we bring you all
the latest on the Philadelphia Flyers. Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome
(00:40):
to the next episode of The Hockey Writers, Inc.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
With your host Lance Green.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Welcome back, guys, Welcome back to another edition of The
Hockey Writers, Inc. I'm your host, Lance Green, like Steele
just said, and we're still talking some playoff hockey.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Oh not the Flyers and playoff hockey.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
We're talking about some playoff hockey. Here.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
I have to tell you something, folks.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
I am highly, highly excited because we are talking phantoms
play off hockey. And let me tell you something, folks.
They are melting some chocolate in Round two of the
Calder Cup playoffs.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
And here we go.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
We're gonna talk about Game two in Hershey, and then
we're gonna talk about Game three. And the coverage that
Steeve Fires was able to provide for you guys as
well too, And we'll also be throwing some pictures as
well too, like we did for the last one, because man,
we definitely took a lot of pictures in the games
here for sure, so we'll be scrolling some pictures.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Along with that too.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
So a lot of stuff to get into here, a
lot of things to talk about here with these fantoms
and Lance. I gotta tell you something, man, the game
two and Hershey was a completely different story from what
we saw in Game one.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
For sure. I think, you know, the troops rallied, you know,
coach coach Leperier, got them back on track. I think
they went into game one with a mindset that they
might have been, you know, going to get beat you know,
being that Hershey is back to back champions. But like
(02:25):
Steel said in the last show, I don't think it's
the same Hershey team. A lot of those guys moved
up to the big club that were so successful last
season the season before, and you know, it's not necessarily
the same team. They can be beaten, and we've seen
that over the last two games exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
I mean the fact that they had one of the
top Hershey had one of the top power plays last
year and then this.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Year not so much.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
I think they're like ranked eighteenth or nineteenth, okay, And
and their penalty kill is a little better, but the
Phantoms have just been lights out on the penalty kill,
like they have just completely shut down Hershey and and
both the games haven't really allowed them to get any
kind of foothold on any kind of power play. They've
(03:20):
had a little bit of zone time, but not a
lot of shots, like, not a lot of quality chances,
you know what I mean, Especially at the game in
Hershey where they had Man, I'll tell you what that
that game was chippy, and there was a lot of
back and forth in the box in that game, and
there was a lot of opportunity for power play in
that game, and and.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
Hershey wasn't able to capitalize.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
They had one power play goal from Alex uh uh
lem Lemongs and and that was it.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
That that's all they had. And and.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Penn State boy, he's a Penn State boy, I know,
I know, But.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
That was the only power play they had or power
play goal that they had, you know what I mean,
They had six power plays, so that that's a lot
of back and forth in the box.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Yeah, I think we we we actually addressed that with
the coaching staff and and with Anthony Rashard, one of
the team's leaders, after after one of the games, how
are we going to you know, take this uh into
the next round, you guys, and and you know, address
(04:31):
these multiple multiple power play opportunities that the Fantoms were
giving up in the first round versus the Penguins and
now seemingly still in the second round versus Hershey. But
you know, the firepower up front has been able to
combat that well enough to carry over some wins. And
(04:53):
and uh, you know, Anthony Richard being one of them,
I think he deserved a lot more NHL time this
year than he got when he was up. He did
really well. Lots of speed, lots of talent, lots of
hunger drive for checking, all the good things. But he
(05:13):
is now tied right now for the playoff points lead
with now six points. So he's really stepping up as
that elder statesman in the in the HL here and
leading this young Fantoms team to victory recently, especially over
(05:35):
such a powerhouse that Hershey has been the past, you know,
a few seasons. So it's it's nice to see and man,
I hope this guy sticks around within the organization for
quite some time because he's still young himself, and I
think he really has a lot to offer even with
(05:56):
the Flyers next season.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
I agree.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
But here's kind of one of the things that I
want to I want a little bit shift a little
focus on here. And and we touched on a little
bit earlier where the Phantom's penalty kill has been almost
like what ninety two percent or something crazy like that
during during the playoffs here against against Hershey, and they've
gotten quite a few opportunities as well, and they haven't
(06:22):
been able to cash in on it because the Phantom's
power play isn't exactly you know, lightening it up either.
But what I do want to mention is this, And
one of the things I want to kind of focus
in on is this, and that is our man Zada wisdom.
I have seen the progression from when he first came
(06:45):
into the league, how how he came through, how he
went through this year, how his progression happened this year,
you know what I'm saying. And and now he's at
a point now where he is a difference maker.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
He when he steps out.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Onto the ice, man you gotta be you gotta have
your head on a swivel because he's dangerous, you know
what I mean. He's got the speed, he's not afraid
to get his nose dirty. He's taking care of the
dirty areas, and he sticks up for teammates.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
Yeah, I mean this season, uh, you know, he really
battled to to you know, for some playing time. In
the regular season, I think he scored you know, a
little over half a point a game, zero point six
to zero points a game really, But in the playoffs,
he's he's definitely turned it up some another notch. Here
(07:39):
five five playoff games this year, he's got the you know,
two goals and I believe the one game and then
the one assists for three points in five games. But
better yet, he's a plus six steal and you know,
he's playing in his own end just as well as
he's playing in the offensive ents exactly. That is what
is going to get this character type guy, maybe a
(08:04):
look some or a call up in the future, maybe
next season, maybe the season after. I don't know with
how the makeup of you know, the Flyers is going
to be after you know, this summer, but definitely definitely,
you know, steps above last season where you know, at
times he was down in reading oh the Royals, so
(08:27):
you know, really, you know, kind of down on himself
for not being able to stay up there. And I
think you know, when we talked to Lappie about him specifically,
especially you know with your question that you asked him,
you know, he's really worked hard and he really wants
(08:47):
to be here. He's not willing to come out of
the lineup, and he's going to do whatever he has
to to stay in it. And he's proving that right
now in these.
Speaker 4 (08:55):
Playoffs exactly exactly.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
And I got to tell you he was definitely he's
definitely been noticeable, not just I mean we're not talking
about just in this series when when they played against Wilkesbury,
uh Scranton. He was noticeable in that series as well. Okay,
And and I'm really liking his progression, and I really
(09:18):
like what Lapie said. He's like, yeah, he said, he said, Look,
he said, I'm an HL player and and and I'm
going to try to be here and I'm gonna make
it hard for you to to to keep me out.
And that's exactly what he's doing. And he's playing in
all situations now you know what I'm saying. He's getting
top line minutes, right, So I mean, hey, all right, okay,
we like seeing that, right.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Yeah, deservingly. So, Yeah, he's he's worked hard for this
so and and and that's probably and that's partly why
they drafted him, because yeah, so hard in juniors. He
never took a shift off. So you know, I think
I think he's finally coming around, uh, you know, into
being a pro. And you know, the longer they go
(10:00):
in this this playoffs, it's gonna be better for him.
And it's gonna be obviously better for everybody, but especially him.
He's gonna get that, you know, chance to shine here.
And uh man, I just I just love these series
because both have been teams that arrivals, right like the
Penguins or the Penguins, whether they're in the a h
(10:21):
L or the NHL. The Flyers organization, the Phantoms organization
are gonna fight play him tough. They're so local, especially
you know, Wilkesbury and Allentown are pretty darn.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
Close, uh even closer.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
And then and then Hershey. You know the next roundeh,
Hershey right there, and you know everybody snuck over to Hershey,
and then you know there there's a long standing you know,
hatred between these two teams because they see each other
so frequently that.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
You can definitely tell man by by the by the
shippiness you again kind of you know, yeah, yeah, Okay,
With that being said, with with with game two being
a completely different team than what they saw in Game one.
Uh in Hershey, this the with that win, uh that
(11:17):
vaults the Phantoms now playing at home in Allentown.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
For Game three, and folks, I gotta tell you, this
was one of the it just seemed like one of
those games where it.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
Didn't really matter what happened. I really felt that.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
This game just had that feeling, you know what I mean,
Like even though they were down early, you know, and
it was.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
Like, Okay, oh no, what's gonna happen here?
Speaker 1 (11:46):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (11:47):
They had that that first goal, and then Hershey came
and and and and popped them too, you know what
I mean, And it was like all right, uh, you know, so.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
Here's the thing.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
I think we've seen this team.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Get better as the games have gone on, as the
serieses have gone on, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
Yeah, I mean, for sure, there there's definitely no quit
in their game. And and you know, I think that
that stems from both, you know, Jason Smith and Ian
la Perier, because there's definitely no quit in their game.
They were fighting hard every game they played into the
very last second of the game. Yeah. And and both
(12:36):
of those guys have plenty of playoff experience themselves, so
they I'm sure have been talking with these guys and
practices and you know, meetings and everything else prepping for
these games and and kind of trying to teach these
young guys, you know, how to turn it up another
notch and how to you know, hey, this could be
(13:00):
a go home moment if if you know, they didn't
they didn't win these games here. So you know, man,
it's it's exciting to see some playoff hockey, uh, involving
the Flyers, even though it's not the Flyers, it's you know,
it's it's their baby team. It's it's the guys that
(13:21):
are are going to be future Flyers hopefully. Right, this
is a rebuilt that we've been in for so long.
Now now it's starting to payoff. You're seeing Lachenko come up,
you know, you're seeing all of these guys that are
are coming in and that Alex Bump had a game,
you know, last series that he just stood out, you know.
(13:45):
So you're you're getting these guys and they're they're making
a difference, and you know, it's promising. It's promising for
the future of this organization, even though the Flyers kind
of got screwed recently with the draft order coming out here.
(14:06):
So yeah, but.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
At any rate, with with Game three being back at
home at Lehigh, that game just had a different feel
for it. And and I gotta be honest with you,
and I was a little bit worried her when when
when Parker went down, okay, and and and they had
to bring cal Peterson in. And it was funny because
(14:29):
we were sitting up there talking and we were like, well,
I can't believe they're not starting cal Peterson because he's
the you know, And I said, well, Lappie's playing the
hot hand, you know, because because Parker has been playing
really really, I mean, he's just had some gloves save
after glove save after glove save.
Speaker 4 (14:50):
I mean my camera was pointed on him, abot, you.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
Know what I mean.
Speaker 3 (14:54):
But yeah, yeah, he's definitely stood up for you know,
his team back then and stood on his head like
you said when when we were, you know, at the
game together, just stop after stop after stop with that glow.
And you know, but thankfully cal Peterson came in and
he stepped up in time.
Speaker 4 (15:16):
He made some really good saves.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
Big time, big time, So I mean fifteen saves once
he came in, and you know, didn't let one of
them in, so I didn't let a shot in. So
you know, he did his part coming in. He was ready.
You know, that's the biggest thing. When you're sitting on
the bench as a goalie, you gotta you gotta stay
in the game even though you're not in the game.
(15:39):
And he got his chance to get in there and
and he helped out his team significant I agree.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
I mean, when when Gocha opened up the scoring with
the shorthanded goal, I mean that I believe that set
the tone for the whole game. I mean, Hershey came
back and scored two goals being being within you know,
about a minute and a half from each other, you
know what I'm saying. And then Fantoms came back with
(16:08):
a power play goal with with Garrett Wilson right which
by the way, and we had a good fan of
ours predict that Luchenka would get his first goal that night,
and man, he had a breakaway and and oh my gosh, man,
I thought he was gonna get it. But he's been
playing lights out too. Lance Luchenko has been another like
(16:30):
you talked about, another part of the fruits of the
labor of Danny Brier's draft picks are are proving themselves
right now for the Fantoms.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
In playoff games and meaningful games, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
And it's really really refreshing to see how this Phantoms
team is just seemingly coming together and just doing a
better job every game. Every game they get better and
better and better.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
Yeah, and I mean it's very interesting. You know, there's
so many names that I'm excited to see within the
lineup now with the additions of these guys coming from
juniors and and you know Bump coming from college, and
you know Nikita coming from the trade deadline acquisition for
(17:17):
Scottie Lawton. Yeah, playing good with Toronto. But man, you know,
with with Parker going down, man cal could step in
right now, even if even if he you know, he
has to for an extended period of time if he
could pick it up, because he's virtually playing for his
next contract. He's getting paid quite well to be, you know,
(17:42):
down in the minors, but his contracts up after this season.
He's an unrestricted free agent, I believe. So, you know,
he's kind of playing for a job because as of
when he was traded to Philadelphia, he's kind of fallen
out of favor from that goalie who.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
Was a good portion of the year too, Lance. He
was also hurt for a good portion of this year too, So.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Sure, but I mean, ever since I got with you,
he hasn't really you know, he hasn't really proven himself
up to you know, the last game so recently, Yeah,
until very recently.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
So and that and that's coming from a you know,
an old goaltender, you know what I'm saying. So, but
first of all, I would like to say a big,
huge shout out, uh to mister Bob Roadchruck and to
Connor Lawrence and the entire uh Lehigh Valley Fantoms organization
for allowing us to be able to be there to
cover the games.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Man.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
We really appreciate the opportunity and we also appreciated, uh,
the Hershey Bears organization for allowing us to be able
to cover the game there in Hershey too. So that
was really awesome that we were able to get to
do that. So big prompts and thanks for that, man,
really appreciate that. And really I can't say thing thank
you enough for allowing us to be able to cover
(19:03):
these games. It's it's I think it's it's a really
uh it's really awesome when when you get to have
these opportunities.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
So thank you very much, really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Okay, we got game four Friday night. Okay, Phantoms Lehigh
Valley at home against Hershey, Bear's rival.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
This is this is.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Win and move on or lose and play the next
game in Hershey. You know what I mean. So I
don't know, man, I really think this this Friday game
is gonna be even more chippy and even more raucous,
I think than what we've seen so far.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
For sure, for sure is I mean, any elimination type
game is gonna be played hard. But you know, like
we said, there's this these teams are rivals, man, and
I think a lot of these kids aren't aren't ready
to stop being professionals for the year, right, They just came, right.
They're excited. They're excited, right, I mean, they they work
(20:17):
so hard to get drafted, and that's one thing you
know they now, you know, signing their deals and turning
pro after their seasons. You know, they don't want it
to stop there. You know, they're living they're living their
dream right now. And and you know in playoff, honey man,
(20:38):
it's it's a neat start to their to their professional career.
And both sides, both sides are not going to want
it to stop any anytime soon. But uh, for somebody,
it's going to have to. So yeah, they're gonna be
playing hard regardless.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
And and and frankly, Mum, I think we're probably going
to see Peterson is probably going to start because Parker is.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Probably going to be ruled out.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
We don't know.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
I mean, I'm not privy to any of that information.
We're just going based off of what we've seen in
the past game. So if he's able to go, I'm
sure he will, do you know what I mean, just
because I think I think that the Perrier would continue
to ride that hothand if if he's able to go,
I think he would he would go with him.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
But yeah, he got him to this point. I mean, yeah, yeah,
I would go back to him for sure, but you know,
if he can, I'm pretty confident uh in cal Peterson
based off of what I said. You know, he's playing
for a contract for a contract, so he's going to
play his best hockey, even though I don't think he's
(21:50):
you know, the guy I would want within the organization
after this year, I expect him to be a free
agent for sure, but you know, the like, there's a
bunch of other teams that are that are you know,
he's going to be trying to earn a contract with.
So yeah, I just think I just think the Flyers
have guys in place, like you know, Buren Sins already
(22:14):
with the team, observing games and everything like that. And uh,
you know, there's other draft picks that the Flyers are
gonna want to bring in, guys that are already signed
and everything already.
Speaker 2 (22:25):
So you know, the incoming crop it's gonna you know,
come in there after after this upcoming bath, you know.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
But okay, So by the way, if you guys like
what we do, please to like a subscribe, man, we
would really appreciate that. So okay, continuing coverage of the
fantoms Man. As long as they keep winning, man, we're
gonna keep on rocking and rolling here with this with
this coverage, man, and we we're gonna keep on rocking
and rolling. So go fantoms Man. Here we go, Game
(22:54):
four Friday night at PPL Center. I'm here to tell you,
if you get an opportunity to have a chance, get
yourself down there. Man, that is a first class facility.
They definitely take care of you down there as far
as any kind of the food you would ever want.
They got some great swag and stuff down there. By
(23:15):
all means, hop on down there to the PPL Center
and catch this great game you're gonna see here against
a heated rival Hershey bears.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Let's see that jersey you got on there. It looks
pretty spiffy there. Yeah, man, this is the yeah baseball
jersey baseball jersey.
Speaker 4 (23:30):
Right, yeah yeah, yeah, right yeah yeah man.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
All right, I gotta be rocking the swag, you know.
Speaker 4 (23:35):
All right, So moving on to the Big Club.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Because there's some news now that has happened with the
Big Club, so that we're gonna cover some of that
here a little bit. And by the way, just to
let you all know, a lot of the Flyers brass
up there watching them playoff games. So exactly with what
you're talking about, Lance, there's a lot of evaluation going
on for sure, Okay, and and and there's a lot
(24:04):
of fighting for jobs, just like you said, you know
what I'm saying. So and it makes me happy seeing
some of the guys playing really well, you know what
I mean, the draft picks playing really well. That that's
that's that's really great. So speaking of draft picks, a
(24:26):
day or two or so ago here there was uh
some lottery draft picks and some balls were emptied into
a little special machine and the balls came out, and
then they came out again, and then they kept coming out.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
And it wasn't a Flyer's logo on any one of.
Speaker 3 (24:47):
Them in the flyers favor No.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
I thought, okay, we can't go any worse than fourth,
But no, we we got worse than fourth.
Speaker 3 (24:58):
So with the lottery, the flyer said, like Steele said,
had the fourth best odds of receiving the first overall pick.
So if anything like last year, it went pretty even
like where teams were supposed to go. Everybody slotted in
just as where they were supposed to go. But this year,
(25:22):
teams like the Islanders locked out and received the first
overall pick, moving up nine spots, and Utah came in
and stole the Flyer's fourth overall pick, moving up ten
slots to be able to to be able to come
in and steal that pick. So the Flyers ended up
(25:44):
getting the sixth overall pick. Not horrible, but as if
you've been watching the show and me and Steele said,
we believe there's four players potentially that could play in
from this next draft in the NHL next season. Yeah,
(26:04):
now we're not going to be able to get one
of those guys, so well, who knows. Yeah, depending, but yeah,
that's a story for another day. You know, Stell, I
I gotta tell you, I don't really like the idea
of pretty much every team that is not in the
(26:25):
playoffs having a chance at the first overall pick. I
get the I get the need for a lottery. You
don't want teams tanking to get the next Ovechkin or
you know, Sidney Crosby, what have you.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
But Andre Furry or Malkin came your favorite player, Yes, but.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
I think it should be cut down. I think they
should look at it this offseason and the meetings and
really take a look at shrinking the teams that can
actually get it. And that's what I was just going
to say. The top five teams, you mean the bottom
the bottom five teams. Yes, the top five teams that
are gonna be selecting five worst teams in the NHL
(27:13):
that finished. Let them all have a chance at the
number one pick and have the lottery be for them.
But after that it should just go in succession of
where you finished. There's no way that the Islanders should
have jumped up that high. They were pushing for a
playoffs spot right to the end and just really grinds
(27:38):
my gears.
Speaker 2 (27:38):
Man.
Speaker 3 (27:39):
I know, I know, I know the Flyers lucked out
back in twenty seventeen, or did they when they moved
up from thirteenth to second overall and got to select
Nolan Patrick, which of course dealt with countless injuries and
pretty much was labeled a bust at that point because
(28:00):
as he could just not stay healthy, being that he
was unhealthy when we drafted him. But you know that's
in the past. But you know, I don't think so, man.
I think, like Steele said, I think the top or
the bottom five teams should get a chance in the lottery,
and then everything else should go in succession. The Flyers
(28:22):
still do have three first round picks, though, so if
they wanted to move from six to maybe a little higher,
maybe they could. We'll see. As every year turns the calendar,
you know, a seven round mock draft is going to
be coming from yours truly, you know, for the Flyers.
(28:45):
So this season will be interesting being that Danny Brier
has so many picks. I will get working on that
sooner rather than later now that we know potentially where
the Flyers are going to be picking from.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
But you know, yeah, I gotta be honest with you, though, Lance,
I'm look, I've looked at a lot of the social
media out there that is kind of on the bumber side,
and you know, and we're all saying that we lost
the lottery and all this and that and everything else
like that. And and as Lance and I pointed out,
(29:23):
there's probably four or five players in this lot or
in this draft this year that will probably be able
to play for their respective teams next season.
Speaker 1 (29:34):
But I gotta be honest.
Speaker 2 (29:35):
With you, I'm I'm looking more at the rosier side
of things. Okay, I'm looking more at.
Speaker 4 (29:45):
You know what, we got an opportunity here.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
You know, there's some really good players that are gonna
be available in this draft, Okay, and you never know,
Danny might be able to roll the bones and conjure
a deal even to get up one spot or two.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
You know what I'm saying, he might be willing. Utah
might be willing to.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
Drop back a spot or two and get another first
round draft pick, like you know, one of the Flyers
Edmonton or Colorado first round draft picks and maybe a
prospect or something. I mean, you know what I'm saying,
that's kind of where I'm thinking that maybe that's kind
(30:38):
of what's gonna have to happen in order for the
Flyers to get into that top four or five players
where we feel that, you know, a select group of
players could potentially come to Flyers. But with that being said,
even if they don't do any of those deals and
they say at six, I don't care, there's gonna be
(31:00):
a list of guys that they're going to be able
to take. Roger McQueen, Oh, that would be a great
center that would look great.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
In this color.
Speaker 4 (31:14):
What we talked to him, he's a great kid.
Speaker 3 (31:19):
Yeah, there's tons of kids in this draft. I mean,
I being in the top four, I would want that pick,
being that it would be a quicker turnaround to help
this team. But if it's not going to be, there's
plenty of guys even as far back in the teens
in early twenties agreed that there's you know, there's the
(31:39):
top four, and then there's a big group of individuals,
you know, like you said, you're Roger McQueen's, you're Jackson Smith's,
your Carter Bears, your Lyndon Lakovic's, Kashawn Atchinson, Malcolm Spence's,
Cameron Reid's, Joshua Ravensbergen a goldtender, you know, all guys
(32:01):
that we spoke to on our show Prospect Watch that
are there and very very interesting pickups and and can
help you know your team, you know. So I'm okay,
I'm okay. Even if they wanted to trade back and
and get other draft picks, I think they should stick
(32:24):
there at six. But I I don't necessarily like the
guys at five, six, seven that most mock drafts have going.
Like you said, I think other names has fallen out
a little bit and some are a little underappreciated. So
it'll be interesting. Like I said, look for that you
(32:44):
know seven round mock Draft Flyers article that I produce
yearly coming out, and it's gonna take me some time.
I put a lot of thought into it, and you know,
go over a lot of video, a lot of stats,
and you know, go go replay a lot of interviews
that we've done with most of these players to generate this.
(33:09):
So it'll be interesting. Steal.
Speaker 2 (33:11):
I can't wait to see it, man, I can't wait
to see it. By the way, got to hop on
over to Steal flyers dot com and check out all
the great stuff that we got going on there, all
the Lance's latest articles and all the great shows from
Prospect Watch the Hockey Wadors, Inc. Got to hop on
over there and check that out. By the way, if
you like what we do, please hit the leg and subscribe.
By the way, we'd like to say thank you out
there to all the great folks out there for allowing
(33:33):
us to be a top ten ranked Philadelphia Flyers centric podcast.
So thank you guys very much for that. Would also
like to say big prompts and thanks to lowercase blues Man.
We really appreciate them, guys. Thank you to Jake and
the Boyds for allowing us to have their great music
for the intro. And if you got to, you got
to go check out Lowercase Blues dot net.
Speaker 1 (33:53):
Where over there and check out their website.
Speaker 2 (33:54):
It has a listing of all their dates in there
and where they're going to be playing. Check out some
of their swag and check out the new album. Go
over to Lowercase Blues dot Net. Check them guys out.
Big thanks and props to Jake and the Boys. Really
appreciate that. Also, a big shout out to mister Bob
Roadchruck and also to Connor Lawrence. Really appreciate everything that
(34:16):
you guys have been able to do here for us. Man,
big props of thanks, Thank you very much, Lance for
all you do.
Speaker 3 (34:22):
Yes, sir, thank you sir. Right back at you, yeah man.
Speaker 1 (34:25):
All right.
Speaker 2 (34:26):
Continued coverage of the Fantoms as they continue to win.
So here we go Game four on Friday. Hop on
over to the PPL Center and check out this game.
It's going to be a rockin.
Speaker 1 (34:37):
Good playoff game for sure, for sure. Check that out.
Speaker 2 (34:40):
I'm your co host, Ron Steel Flyers and this has
been the Hockey Writers Inc. We'll catch you all on
the next one.
Welcome to The Hockey Writers, Inc. The show where the
writer is fresh off the.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Presses and the ink is not dry relaxed, the keyboard
is off and the press boxes closed with the mic
is just getting warmed up. Join your host, Lance Green,
the guardian of the blue paint turned writer, and your
co host Ron Steele Flyers as we bring you all
the latest on the Philadelphia Flyers. Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome
(00:40):
to the next episode of The Hockey Writers, Inc.
Speaker 1 (00:42):
With your host Lance Green.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Welcome back, guys, Welcome back to another edition of The
Hockey Writers, Inc. I'm your host, Lance Green, like Steele
just said, and we're still talking some playoff hockey.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Oh not the Flyers and playoff hockey.
Speaker 3 (01:01):
We're talking about some playoff hockey. Here.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
I have to tell you something, folks.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
I am highly, highly excited because we are talking phantoms
play off hockey. And let me tell you something, folks.
They are melting some chocolate in Round two of the
Calder Cup playoffs.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
And here we go.
Speaker 2 (01:25):
We're gonna talk about Game two in Hershey, and then
we're gonna talk about Game three. And the coverage that
Steeve Fires was able to provide for you guys as
well too, And we'll also be throwing some pictures as
well too, like we did for the last one, because man,
we definitely took a lot of pictures in the games
here for sure, so we'll be scrolling some pictures.
Speaker 1 (01:45):
Along with that too.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
So a lot of stuff to get into here, a
lot of things to talk about here with these fantoms
and Lance. I gotta tell you something, man, the game
two and Hershey was a completely different story from what
we saw in Game one.
Speaker 3 (02:02):
For sure. I think, you know, the troops rallied, you know,
coach coach Leperier, got them back on track. I think
they went into game one with a mindset that they
might have been, you know, going to get beat you know,
being that Hershey is back to back champions. But like
(02:25):
Steel said in the last show, I don't think it's
the same Hershey team. A lot of those guys moved
up to the big club that were so successful last
season the season before, and you know, it's not necessarily
the same team. They can be beaten, and we've seen
that over the last two games exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:47):
I mean the fact that they had one of the
top Hershey had one of the top power plays last
year and then this.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Year not so much.
Speaker 2 (02:57):
I think they're like ranked eighteenth or nineteenth, okay, And
and their penalty kill is a little better, but the
Phantoms have just been lights out on the penalty kill,
like they have just completely shut down Hershey and and
both the games haven't really allowed them to get any
kind of foothold on any kind of power play. They've
(03:20):
had a little bit of zone time, but not a
lot of shots, like, not a lot of quality chances,
you know what I mean, Especially at the game in
Hershey where they had Man, I'll tell you what that
that game was chippy, and there was a lot of
back and forth in the box in that game, and
there was a lot of opportunity for power play in
that game, and and.
Speaker 4 (03:39):
Hershey wasn't able to capitalize.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
They had one power play goal from Alex uh uh
lem Lemongs and and that was it.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
That that's all they had. And and.
Speaker 3 (03:52):
Penn State boy, he's a Penn State boy, I know,
I know, But.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
That was the only power play they had or power
play goal that they had, you know what I mean,
They had six power plays, so that that's a lot
of back and forth in the box.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Yeah, I think we we we actually addressed that with
the coaching staff and and with Anthony Rashard, one of
the team's leaders, after after one of the games, how
are we going to you know, take this uh into
the next round, you guys, and and you know, address
(04:31):
these multiple multiple power play opportunities that the Fantoms were
giving up in the first round versus the Penguins and
now seemingly still in the second round versus Hershey. But
you know, the firepower up front has been able to
combat that well enough to carry over some wins. And
(04:53):
and uh, you know, Anthony Richard being one of them,
I think he deserved a lot more NHL time this
year than he got when he was up. He did
really well. Lots of speed, lots of talent, lots of
hunger drive for checking, all the good things. But he
(05:13):
is now tied right now for the playoff points lead
with now six points. So he's really stepping up as
that elder statesman in the in the HL here and
leading this young Fantoms team to victory recently, especially over
(05:35):
such a powerhouse that Hershey has been the past, you know,
a few seasons. So it's it's nice to see and man,
I hope this guy sticks around within the organization for
quite some time because he's still young himself, and I
think he really has a lot to offer even with
(05:56):
the Flyers next season.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
I agree.
Speaker 2 (05:59):
But here's kind of one of the things that I
want to I want a little bit shift a little
focus on here. And and we touched on a little
bit earlier where the Phantom's penalty kill has been almost
like what ninety two percent or something crazy like that
during during the playoffs here against against Hershey, and they've
gotten quite a few opportunities as well, and they haven't
(06:22):
been able to cash in on it because the Phantom's
power play isn't exactly you know, lightening it up either.
But what I do want to mention is this, And
one of the things I want to kind of focus
in on is this, and that is our man Zada wisdom.
I have seen the progression from when he first came
(06:45):
into the league, how how he came through, how he
went through this year, how his progression happened this year,
you know what I'm saying. And and now he's at
a point now where he is a difference maker.
Speaker 4 (06:58):
He when he steps out.
Speaker 2 (07:00):
Onto the ice, man you gotta be you gotta have
your head on a swivel because he's dangerous, you know
what I mean. He's got the speed, he's not afraid
to get his nose dirty. He's taking care of the
dirty areas, and he sticks up for teammates.
Speaker 3 (07:15):
Yeah, I mean this season, uh, you know, he really
battled to to you know, for some playing time. In
the regular season, I think he scored you know, a
little over half a point a game, zero point six
to zero points a game really, But in the playoffs,
he's he's definitely turned it up some another notch. Here
(07:39):
five five playoff games this year, he's got the you know,
two goals and I believe the one game and then
the one assists for three points in five games. But
better yet, he's a plus six steal and you know,
he's playing in his own end just as well as
he's playing in the offensive ents exactly. That is what
is going to get this character type guy, maybe a
(08:04):
look some or a call up in the future, maybe
next season, maybe the season after. I don't know with
how the makeup of you know, the Flyers is going
to be after you know, this summer, but definitely definitely,
you know, steps above last season where you know, at
times he was down in reading oh the Royals, so
(08:27):
you know, really, you know, kind of down on himself
for not being able to stay up there. And I
think you know, when we talked to Lappie about him specifically,
especially you know with your question that you asked him,
you know, he's really worked hard and he really wants
(08:47):
to be here. He's not willing to come out of
the lineup, and he's going to do whatever he has
to to stay in it. And he's proving that right
now in these.
Speaker 4 (08:55):
Playoffs exactly exactly.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
And I got to tell you he was definitely he's
definitely been noticeable, not just I mean we're not talking
about just in this series when when they played against Wilkesbury,
uh Scranton. He was noticeable in that series as well. Okay,
And and I'm really liking his progression, and I really
(09:18):
like what Lapie said. He's like, yeah, he said, he said, Look,
he said, I'm an HL player and and and I'm
going to try to be here and I'm gonna make
it hard for you to to to keep me out.
And that's exactly what he's doing. And he's playing in
all situations now you know what I'm saying. He's getting
top line minutes, right, So I mean, hey, all right, okay,
we like seeing that, right.
Speaker 3 (09:39):
Yeah, deservingly. So, Yeah, he's he's worked hard for this
so and and and that's probably and that's partly why
they drafted him, because yeah, so hard in juniors. He
never took a shift off. So you know, I think
I think he's finally coming around, uh, you know, into
being a pro. And you know, the longer they go
(10:00):
in this this playoffs, it's gonna be better for him.
And it's gonna be obviously better for everybody, but especially him.
He's gonna get that, you know, chance to shine here.
And uh man, I just I just love these series
because both have been teams that arrivals, right like the
Penguins or the Penguins, whether they're in the a h
(10:21):
L or the NHL. The Flyers organization, the Phantoms organization
are gonna fight play him tough. They're so local, especially
you know, Wilkesbury and Allentown are pretty darn.
Speaker 1 (10:34):
Close, uh even closer.
Speaker 3 (10:37):
And then and then Hershey. You know the next roundeh,
Hershey right there, and you know everybody snuck over to Hershey,
and then you know there there's a long standing you know,
hatred between these two teams because they see each other
so frequently that.
Speaker 2 (10:53):
You can definitely tell man by by the by the
shippiness you again kind of you know, yeah, yeah, Okay,
With that being said, with with with game two being
a completely different team than what they saw in Game one.
Uh in Hershey, this the with that win, uh that
(11:17):
vaults the Phantoms now playing at home in Allentown.
Speaker 3 (11:21):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
For Game three, and folks, I gotta tell you, this
was one of the it just seemed like one of
those games where it.
Speaker 4 (11:30):
Didn't really matter what happened. I really felt that.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
This game just had that feeling, you know what I mean,
Like even though they were down early, you know, and
it was.
Speaker 4 (11:44):
Like, Okay, oh no, what's gonna happen here?
Speaker 1 (11:46):
You know what I mean?
Speaker 2 (11:47):
They had that that first goal, and then Hershey came
and and and and popped them too, you know what
I mean, And it was like all right, uh, you know, so.
Speaker 1 (11:59):
Here's the thing.
Speaker 4 (12:01):
I think we've seen this team.
Speaker 2 (12:04):
Get better as the games have gone on, as the
serieses have gone on, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
Yeah, I mean, for sure, there there's definitely no quit
in their game. And and you know, I think that
that stems from both, you know, Jason Smith and Ian
la Perier, because there's definitely no quit in their game.
They were fighting hard every game they played into the
very last second of the game. Yeah. And and both
(12:36):
of those guys have plenty of playoff experience themselves, so
they I'm sure have been talking with these guys and
practices and you know, meetings and everything else prepping for
these games and and kind of trying to teach these
young guys, you know, how to turn it up another
notch and how to you know, hey, this could be
(13:00):
a go home moment if if you know, they didn't
they didn't win these games here. So you know, man,
it's it's exciting to see some playoff hockey, uh, involving
the Flyers, even though it's not the Flyers, it's you know,
it's it's their baby team. It's it's the guys that
(13:21):
are are going to be future Flyers hopefully. Right, this
is a rebuilt that we've been in for so long.
Now now it's starting to payoff. You're seeing Lachenko come up,
you know, you're seeing all of these guys that are
are coming in and that Alex Bump had a game,
you know, last series that he just stood out, you know.
(13:45):
So you're you're getting these guys and they're they're making
a difference, and you know, it's promising. It's promising for
the future of this organization, even though the Flyers kind
of got screwed recently with the draft order coming out here.
(14:06):
So yeah, but.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
At any rate, with with Game three being back at
home at Lehigh, that game just had a different feel
for it. And and I gotta be honest with you,
and I was a little bit worried her when when
when Parker went down, okay, and and and they had
to bring cal Peterson in. And it was funny because
(14:29):
we were sitting up there talking and we were like, well,
I can't believe they're not starting cal Peterson because he's
the you know, And I said, well, Lappie's playing the
hot hand, you know, because because Parker has been playing
really really, I mean, he's just had some gloves save
after glove save after glove save.
Speaker 4 (14:50):
I mean my camera was pointed on him, abot, you.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
Know what I mean.
Speaker 3 (14:54):
But yeah, yeah, he's definitely stood up for you know,
his team back then and stood on his head like
you said when when we were, you know, at the
game together, just stop after stop after stop with that glow.
And you know, but thankfully cal Peterson came in and
he stepped up in time.
Speaker 4 (15:16):
He made some really good saves.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
Big time, big time, So I mean fifteen saves once
he came in, and you know, didn't let one of
them in, so I didn't let a shot in. So
you know, he did his part coming in. He was ready.
You know, that's the biggest thing. When you're sitting on
the bench as a goalie, you gotta you gotta stay
in the game even though you're not in the game.
(15:39):
And he got his chance to get in there and
and he helped out his team significant I agree.
Speaker 2 (15:46):
I mean, when when Gocha opened up the scoring with
the shorthanded goal, I mean that I believe that set
the tone for the whole game. I mean, Hershey came
back and scored two goals being being within you know,
about a minute and a half from each other, you
know what I'm saying. And then Fantoms came back with
(16:08):
a power play goal with with Garrett Wilson right which
by the way, and we had a good fan of
ours predict that Luchenka would get his first goal that night,
and man, he had a breakaway and and oh my gosh, man,
I thought he was gonna get it. But he's been
playing lights out too. Lance Luchenko has been another like
(16:30):
you talked about, another part of the fruits of the
labor of Danny Brier's draft picks are are proving themselves
right now for the Fantoms.
Speaker 4 (16:40):
In playoff games and meaningful games, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (16:43):
And it's really really refreshing to see how this Phantoms
team is just seemingly coming together and just doing a
better job every game. Every game they get better and
better and better.
Speaker 3 (16:55):
Yeah, and I mean it's very interesting. You know, there's
so many names that I'm excited to see within the
lineup now with the additions of these guys coming from
juniors and and you know Bump coming from college, and
you know Nikita coming from the trade deadline acquisition for
(17:17):
Scottie Lawton. Yeah, playing good with Toronto. But man, you know,
with with Parker going down, man cal could step in
right now, even if even if he you know, he
has to for an extended period of time if he
could pick it up, because he's virtually playing for his
next contract. He's getting paid quite well to be, you know,
(17:42):
down in the minors, but his contracts up after this season.
He's an unrestricted free agent, I believe. So, you know,
he's kind of playing for a job because as of
when he was traded to Philadelphia, he's kind of fallen
out of favor from that goalie who.
Speaker 2 (18:02):
Was a good portion of the year too, Lance. He
was also hurt for a good portion of this year too, So.
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Sure, but I mean, ever since I got with you,
he hasn't really you know, he hasn't really proven himself
up to you know, the last game so recently, Yeah,
until very recently.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
So and that and that's coming from a you know,
an old goaltender, you know what I'm saying. So, but
first of all, I would like to say a big,
huge shout out, uh to mister Bob Roadchruck and to
Connor Lawrence and the entire uh Lehigh Valley Fantoms organization
for allowing us to be able to be there to
cover the games.
Speaker 1 (18:41):
Man.
Speaker 2 (18:41):
We really appreciate the opportunity and we also appreciated, uh,
the Hershey Bears organization for allowing us to be able
to cover the game there in Hershey too. So that
was really awesome that we were able to get to
do that. So big prompts and thanks for that, man,
really appreciate that. And really I can't say thing thank
you enough for allowing us to be able to cover
(19:03):
these games. It's it's I think it's it's a really
uh it's really awesome when when you get to have
these opportunities.
Speaker 1 (19:12):
So thank you very much, really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Okay, we got game four Friday night. Okay, Phantoms Lehigh
Valley at home against Hershey, Bear's rival.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
This is this is.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
Win and move on or lose and play the next
game in Hershey. You know what I mean. So I
don't know, man, I really think this this Friday game
is gonna be even more chippy and even more raucous,
I think than what we've seen so far.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
For sure, for sure is I mean, any elimination type
game is gonna be played hard. But you know, like
we said, there's this these teams are rivals, man, and
I think a lot of these kids aren't aren't ready
to stop being professionals for the year, right, They just came, right.
They're excited. They're excited, right, I mean, they they work
(20:17):
so hard to get drafted, and that's one thing you
know they now, you know, signing their deals and turning
pro after their seasons. You know, they don't want it
to stop there. You know, they're living they're living their
dream right now. And and you know in playoff, honey man,
(20:38):
it's it's a neat start to their to their professional career.
And both sides, both sides are not going to want
it to stop any anytime soon. But uh, for somebody,
it's going to have to. So yeah, they're gonna be
playing hard regardless.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
And and and frankly, Mum, I think we're probably going
to see Peterson is probably going to start because Parker is.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Probably going to be ruled out.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
We don't know.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
I mean, I'm not privy to any of that information.
We're just going based off of what we've seen in
the past game. So if he's able to go, I'm
sure he will, do you know what I mean, just
because I think I think that the Perrier would continue
to ride that hothand if if he's able to go,
I think he would he would go with him.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
But yeah, he got him to this point. I mean, yeah, yeah,
I would go back to him for sure, but you know,
if he can, I'm pretty confident uh in cal Peterson
based off of what I said. You know, he's playing
for a contract for a contract, so he's going to
play his best hockey, even though I don't think he's
(21:50):
you know, the guy I would want within the organization
after this year, I expect him to be a free
agent for sure, but you know, the like, there's a
bunch of other teams that are that are you know,
he's going to be trying to earn a contract with.
So yeah, I just think I just think the Flyers
have guys in place, like you know, Buren Sins already
(22:14):
with the team, observing games and everything like that. And uh,
you know, there's other draft picks that the Flyers are
gonna want to bring in, guys that are already signed
and everything already.
Speaker 2 (22:25):
So you know, the incoming crop it's gonna you know,
come in there after after this upcoming bath, you know.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (22:34):
But okay, So by the way, if you guys like
what we do, please to like a subscribe, man, we
would really appreciate that. So okay, continuing coverage of the
fantoms Man. As long as they keep winning, man, we're
gonna keep on rocking and rolling here with this with
this coverage, man, and we we're gonna keep on rocking
and rolling. So go fantoms Man. Here we go, Game
(22:54):
four Friday night at PPL Center. I'm here to tell you,
if you get an opportunity to have a chance, get
yourself down there. Man, that is a first class facility.
They definitely take care of you down there as far
as any kind of the food you would ever want.
They got some great swag and stuff down there. By
(23:15):
all means, hop on down there to the PPL Center
and catch this great game you're gonna see here against
a heated rival Hershey bears.
Speaker 3 (23:22):
Let's see that jersey you got on there. It looks
pretty spiffy there. Yeah, man, this is the yeah baseball
jersey baseball jersey.
Speaker 4 (23:30):
Right, yeah yeah, yeah, right yeah yeah man.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
All right, I gotta be rocking the swag, you know.
Speaker 4 (23:35):
All right, So moving on to the Big Club.
Speaker 2 (23:40):
Because there's some news now that has happened with the
Big Club, so that we're gonna cover some of that
here a little bit. And by the way, just to
let you all know, a lot of the Flyers brass
up there watching them playoff games. So exactly with what
you're talking about, Lance, there's a lot of evaluation going
on for sure, Okay, and and and there's a lot
(24:04):
of fighting for jobs, just like you said, you know
what I'm saying. So and it makes me happy seeing
some of the guys playing really well, you know what
I mean, the draft picks playing really well. That that's
that's that's really great. So speaking of draft picks, a
(24:26):
day or two or so ago here there was uh
some lottery draft picks and some balls were emptied into
a little special machine and the balls came out, and
then they came out again, and then they kept coming out.
Speaker 1 (24:45):
And it wasn't a Flyer's logo on any one of.
Speaker 3 (24:47):
Them in the flyers favor No.
Speaker 2 (24:51):
I thought, okay, we can't go any worse than fourth,
But no, we we got worse than fourth.
Speaker 3 (24:58):
So with the lottery, the flyer said, like Steele said,
had the fourth best odds of receiving the first overall pick.
So if anything like last year, it went pretty even
like where teams were supposed to go. Everybody slotted in
just as where they were supposed to go. But this year,
(25:22):
teams like the Islanders locked out and received the first
overall pick, moving up nine spots, and Utah came in
and stole the Flyer's fourth overall pick, moving up ten
slots to be able to to be able to come
in and steal that pick. So the Flyers ended up
(25:44):
getting the sixth overall pick. Not horrible, but as if
you've been watching the show and me and Steele said,
we believe there's four players potentially that could play in
from this next draft in the NHL next season. Yeah,
(26:04):
now we're not going to be able to get one
of those guys, so well, who knows. Yeah, depending, but yeah,
that's a story for another day. You know, Stell, I
I gotta tell you, I don't really like the idea
of pretty much every team that is not in the
(26:25):
playoffs having a chance at the first overall pick. I
get the I get the need for a lottery. You
don't want teams tanking to get the next Ovechkin or
you know, Sidney Crosby, what have you.
Speaker 1 (26:42):
But Andre Furry or Malkin came your favorite player, Yes, but.
Speaker 3 (26:50):
I think it should be cut down. I think they
should look at it this offseason and the meetings and
really take a look at shrinking the teams that can
actually get it. And that's what I was just going
to say. The top five teams, you mean the bottom
the bottom five teams. Yes, the top five teams that
are gonna be selecting five worst teams in the NHL
(27:13):
that finished. Let them all have a chance at the
number one pick and have the lottery be for them.
But after that it should just go in succession of
where you finished. There's no way that the Islanders should
have jumped up that high. They were pushing for a
playoffs spot right to the end and just really grinds
(27:38):
my gears.
Speaker 2 (27:38):
Man.
Speaker 3 (27:39):
I know, I know, I know the Flyers lucked out
back in twenty seventeen, or did they when they moved
up from thirteenth to second overall and got to select
Nolan Patrick, which of course dealt with countless injuries and
pretty much was labeled a bust at that point because
(28:00):
as he could just not stay healthy, being that he
was unhealthy when we drafted him. But you know that's
in the past. But you know, I don't think so, man.
I think, like Steele said, I think the top or
the bottom five teams should get a chance in the lottery,
and then everything else should go in succession. The Flyers
(28:22):
still do have three first round picks, though, so if
they wanted to move from six to maybe a little higher,
maybe they could. We'll see. As every year turns the calendar,
you know, a seven round mock draft is going to
be coming from yours truly, you know, for the Flyers.
(28:45):
So this season will be interesting being that Danny Brier
has so many picks. I will get working on that
sooner rather than later now that we know potentially where
the Flyers are going to be picking from.
Speaker 2 (29:01):
But you know, yeah, I gotta be honest with you, though, Lance,
I'm look, I've looked at a lot of the social
media out there that is kind of on the bumber side,
and you know, and we're all saying that we lost
the lottery and all this and that and everything else
like that. And and as Lance and I pointed out,
(29:23):
there's probably four or five players in this lot or
in this draft this year that will probably be able
to play for their respective teams next season.
Speaker 1 (29:34):
But I gotta be honest.
Speaker 2 (29:35):
With you, I'm I'm looking more at the rosier side
of things. Okay, I'm looking more at.
Speaker 4 (29:45):
You know what, we got an opportunity here.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
You know, there's some really good players that are gonna
be available in this draft, Okay, and you never know,
Danny might be able to roll the bones and conjure
a deal even to get up one spot or two.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
You know what I'm saying, he might be willing. Utah
might be willing to.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
Drop back a spot or two and get another first
round draft pick, like you know, one of the Flyers
Edmonton or Colorado first round draft picks and maybe a
prospect or something. I mean, you know what I'm saying,
that's kind of where I'm thinking that maybe that's kind
(30:38):
of what's gonna have to happen in order for the
Flyers to get into that top four or five players
where we feel that, you know, a select group of
players could potentially come to Flyers. But with that being said,
even if they don't do any of those deals and
they say at six, I don't care, there's gonna be
(31:00):
a list of guys that they're going to be able
to take. Roger McQueen, Oh, that would be a great
center that would look great.
Speaker 1 (31:10):
In this color.
Speaker 4 (31:14):
What we talked to him, he's a great kid.
Speaker 3 (31:19):
Yeah, there's tons of kids in this draft. I mean,
I being in the top four, I would want that pick,
being that it would be a quicker turnaround to help
this team. But if it's not going to be, there's
plenty of guys even as far back in the teens
in early twenties agreed that there's you know, there's the
(31:39):
top four, and then there's a big group of individuals,
you know, like you said, you're Roger McQueen's, you're Jackson Smith's,
your Carter Bears, your Lyndon Lakovic's, Kashawn Atchinson, Malcolm Spence's,
Cameron Reid's, Joshua Ravensbergen a goldtender, you know, all guys
(32:01):
that we spoke to on our show Prospect Watch that
are there and very very interesting pickups and and can
help you know your team, you know. So I'm okay,
I'm okay. Even if they wanted to trade back and
and get other draft picks, I think they should stick
(32:24):
there at six. But I I don't necessarily like the
guys at five, six, seven that most mock drafts have going.
Like you said, I think other names has fallen out
a little bit and some are a little underappreciated. So
it'll be interesting. Like I said, look for that you
(32:44):
know seven round mock Draft Flyers article that I produce
yearly coming out, and it's gonna take me some time.
I put a lot of thought into it, and you know,
go over a lot of video, a lot of stats,
and you know, go go replay a lot of interviews
that we've done with most of these players to generate this.
(33:09):
So it'll be interesting. Steal.
Speaker 2 (33:11):
I can't wait to see it, man, I can't wait
to see it. By the way, got to hop on
over to Steal flyers dot com and check out all
the great stuff that we got going on there, all
the Lance's latest articles and all the great shows from
Prospect Watch the Hockey Wadors, Inc. Got to hop on
over there and check that out. By the way, if
you like what we do, please hit the leg and subscribe.
By the way, we'd like to say thank you out
there to all the great folks out there for allowing
(33:33):
us to be a top ten ranked Philadelphia Flyers centric podcast.
So thank you guys very much for that. Would also
like to say big prompts and thanks to lowercase blues Man.
We really appreciate them, guys. Thank you to Jake and
the Boyds for allowing us to have their great music
for the intro. And if you got to, you got
to go check out Lowercase Blues dot net.
Speaker 1 (33:53):
Where over there and check out their website.
Speaker 2 (33:54):
It has a listing of all their dates in there
and where they're going to be playing. Check out some
of their swag and check out the new album. Go
over to Lowercase Blues dot Net. Check them guys out.
Big thanks and props to Jake and the Boys. Really
appreciate that. Also, a big shout out to mister Bob
Roadchruck and also to Connor Lawrence. Really appreciate everything that
(34:16):
you guys have been able to do here for us. Man,
big props of thanks, Thank you very much, Lance for
all you do.
Speaker 3 (34:22):
Yes, sir, thank you sir. Right back at you, yeah man.
Speaker 1 (34:25):
All right.
Speaker 2 (34:26):
Continued coverage of the Fantoms as they continue to win.
So here we go Game four on Friday. Hop on
over to the PPL Center and check out this game.
It's going to be a rockin.
Speaker 1 (34:37):
Good playoff game for sure, for sure. Check that out.
Speaker 2 (34:40):
I'm your co host, Ron Steel Flyers and this has
been the Hockey Writers Inc. We'll catch you all on
the next one.
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