Howie58

Bryan: Well, enjoy the Mellow Yellow...I hope it doesn't come down to that. Peace, Howie

Sekkes: I would probably add a friendly amendment: I think getting attendance in the nontraditional markets that Bettmann covets will be difficult with a labor stoppage. Flyers and Rangers fans will stay the course; I am not sure about the Panther and Coyote fans, which is kind of tragic. Tallon may be turning my backyard Panthers around, and you have to admire Tippett/Phoenix for turning out a quality product in the midst of organizational chaos. If I were fans in those venues, I'd urinate on the NHL. Best, Howie

Lindbergh: Greetings! I agree that GB is the man to fall there is a labor stoppage of any duration. Something about the guy doesn't resonate with people. He would argue the finances and TV revenue are far better than when he took over. I suspect most fans wouldn't give a rat's ass. Best, Howie

I suspect that's the case. He is not a warm-and-fuzzy. But the major issues in a league of haves and have-nots won't go away. Howie

Greetings: Two weeks ago I thought the collective bargaining process would work and the season would not be in jeopardy. Now I see a lost season, or at least some loss, as almost certain. In some ways I think this is more of a pivot point than '04-'05. You could argue that in '04 the league's finances were out of kilter and the NHLPA was being led over the cliff. This time around, the finances relate to a handful of "sick" franchises, owners who want protection from their own avarice/stupidity, and players who want to preserve the "Bettman Model" of nontraditional franchises even if marginal TV revenues fail to cover "sick" franchise problems. I also suspect that Bettmann-Fehr is a titanic personality clash of two lawyers from radically different backgrounds. There are elements of "class warfare" in any collective bargaining but these personalities seem worlds apart as people. Personally, driving across I-75 to see the Florida Everblades in Estero isn't too appealing, unless it's combined with a stay on the West Coast. But that seems like a pain in the you-know-what to get a fix of minor league hockey. One other observation: I suspect Gary Bettmann's job is on the line. Fehr will stay on regardless of outcome. But owners may use this an opportunity to move him out, even if the outcome is "owner-friendly." Peace, Howie

Greetings All: I am sitting home with occasional squalls of 40MPH as Isaac passes through. It looks like the West Coast and maybe New Orleans may get the brunt of this critter. I read this and think the following. One--the team is correct in asserting that we need to see where the legal process goes. Two, is this one of those situations where poor judgment is the real problem (i.e., not so much forcible sex but related behaviors that will be spun that way), and what does that say about this guy (yes, shades of Tibbetts), And third, I suspect there is only so much our scouts can learn about people. One way or the other, this will probably stunt his career development, either psychologically or via time lost through litigation. Best to all, Howie

Greetings: I am happy that we seem to be locking up a core of players. Hartnell may never equal last year but he will be a steady producer and his physical game isn't likely to diminish soon. We are witnessing something fairly unique in Flyer history: The team seems committed to keeping a nucleus of younger players to develop together. Perhaps Daddy Snider understands that if he wants to see another Cup before passing, it can't be done with a series of retread aquisitions and draft pick sacrifices, particularly under a salary cap. I suspect D is next year's target. We have a cadre of emerging forwards. I don't see Timmo in the O and B past next year. Frankly, I wonder if he will be playing anywhere after next year. Best, Howie

Good move, if only a bit long. But he is tough and a good teammate. Best, Howie

I like this signing because he is great fit. But even more so because it seems that for the first time in a long time...maybe the Cup years, we are seeing a commitment to grow a cohort of young players together. That gives me hope for the future and doesn't make our D problems look so bad. Best, Howie

Polaris: It's good to hear from you. I grant you the winning percentages aren't the only thing and yes, era matters. That said, I think Flyers fans have a right to be more upset over the absence of their Cup after 37 years than most others. We have a good track record with the exception of what, the early 90s (I think). I think Homer/Snider give us consistent very good teams....but we may not get the exceptional one we need. Best, Howie

Greetings: I have some concerns about "uncanny." I would rather say we have done well without super-high draft picks. That may mean unconventional. Or as some say here, risk taking. But I also think there is the great trade-off...consistently being in the NHL's upper-middle class with no Cup or having ebbs and flows with "real" Stanley Cup contenders. I think our unusually high winning percentage overall (somewhere around .57, must behind MTL), suggests a design contradiction/flaw. We have consistently good squads but not the occasional great squad that takes the Cup. Best, Howie

Greetings: A week ago I agreed with the premise of a forward "asset" being traded for a D-Man. After the shock has worn off I think differently. We went into last season thinking the team would be "scoring challenged" and that the revamped D and Bryz would tighten us up. Well, we know what happened. So, I think the following: We go into the season and see what gives. We might be pleasantly surprised. Right now we could overreact and pay far too much for a 2nd tier D man. Best, Howie P.S. I still wonder if Homer might try to find an overseas or undrafted guy?

Greetings: Dinah's outside view is rational and deeply appreciated. I don't see big moves but this is a team used to winning, sometimes at too high a cost long-term. Another "problem" here is the CBA. I Homer being given an opportunity to lay low while a "real" cap is being set? Peace, Howie

Greetings: I think this "event" will raise questions about the "untouchables" in the franchise. Other than Giroux and our current D-men (even our prospects), I have to wonder who would be "sacrificed" for a Dan Boyle or whomever? Would we ask Hartnell to waive the NTC? Would we say good-bye to Read? I don't know but the Brains Trust may be pondering that as we speak...but I still see an overseas "pickup" as a possibility.... Best, Howie

Idaho: I would bet Homer and his merry band of scouts are scouring the globe as we speak. Take care. I may hoist one in honor of Andre tonight. Best, Howie

I am worried that Maz will never be the same; ough injury to recover from. This is a real test of what Homer will do in terms of youth. I like Bourdon and would give him a chance. But I suspect we will see a trade. Yikes, even Lilja gains importance...that is scary. And last but not least...pressure on goal. It was there to begin with. Now we have to worry if Whacko Bryz and Flaky Leighton will be even more "impaired?" The other possibility here is a "Euro Import." I wonder if Homer gambles on someone our scouts like from the Finnish Elite League, Bundeslag,or wherever...shoot, even a Commie from KHL. It is sad for Maz and the franchise. Best, Howie

Greetings Van: I was surprised by age, not potential. I suspect the guy gets 20 goals and serves a number of roles. As for Leighton...well, we shall invoke Jesus, Yahweh, Whomever...living in Florida I won't have to deal with a riot that breaks out at Wells Fargo when he lets in a Softee. We have to deal with hurricanes. I am happy with the squad where it is . Let's see what gives. Peace, Howie

Polaris: Another example that come to mind is Kubina. That was a rental for naught. It seems to me that we had a two-tier market. The high and the mighty and the low and the semi overpriced. Best, Howie

Greetings: I have to wonder about Homer's willingness to acquire people "seniors" at any price. I was almost shocked at the Fedotenko move. That is one man's opinion. I also wonder if Homer wants lots of space for early-season moves if the D looks weak or goaltending is totally off the mark. Best, Howie

Howdy: I remember eleven as well .My suspicion is that we lost some folks in transition here. But that was a small price to pay. The site was filled with spyware and crap that challenged McAfee and the content of posters was going downhill to the cesspool. This site is a vast improvement. Best, Howie

Greetings: i like what you say. This is a good thing in terms of continuity. We are growing a cohort of youngsters with his attack style. My fear for him is our D-Goal. That is a real wildcard for the coming year. Best to all, Howie

Van: Greetings and best wishes! I hope you and yours are well. It's funny, tonight I deviated from the usual and went to a place called "Hollywood Wine Bar" and had myself a Carmenere. It was quite good...a bit strong, but what the hell. You and others commented on the lack of our D in the draft. I thought going after a shut-down type forward was OK in the first round. I am not in a position to comment on what we got or didn't get but history says we do well with our later round picks. I suspect we will see more D in draft. And for all we know, Homer and the crew will go to Europe or somewhere and find someone out of the magician's hat. But I agree with some of the commentaries out there that our D enters 2013 with many, many question marks. Homer seems to put a good spin on it but this may be a weak link. Stay well! Howie

Greetings: For the first time in ages we will see a core group of youngsters grow together. I think Homer will start drafting and trading for more good d-men as our forward corps looks pretty good. So I am not disappointed with the outcome. Homer tried but as my mom used to say, things happen for a reason. Maybe we are learning to build more from within. Best, Howie

Greeting: Putting aside whether this ls CBA compliant, I have to wonder if NHL Central can be happy with a deal that basically screws over a small market team that has produced a consistently good product for a devoted fan base? Trotz-Poile have done wonders on a budget shoestring. On that score, I am not happy with the deal. As a Flyers fan, I have to hand it to Homer for his ballsy move. Best, Howie

Bullies: I agree that Homer must have a back-up plan if this doesn't pan out. My gut says he forces Poile to trade but that is a guess. Voracek is young and durable. I think he would be a good long-term addition. But I guess Weber-types don't come too often. I would go to the TSN.ca for some interesting commentary. You can't rule out a Poile resigning--the franchise's credibility is on the line. But the up-front costs of 23 million may exceed Nashville's income for a year. Ultimately, this is a comment on large market-small market. And it says that a team like Nashville can grow great talent but can't afford to keep it long-term. Hartnell and Kimmo are living proof. Peace, Howie