It has been a difficult and, in many ways, frustrating time for defenseman Freddy Meyer IV since he was placed on waivers Oct. 8 and claimed by Phoenix, sent down to San Antonio in the AHL and then reclaimed on waivers by the Islanders on Nov. 10. The pay is good, but spending games in the press box as an insurance policy against injuries on defense has been anything but glamorous for Meyer.
Despite not dressing for a game since his return, Meyer has good reason to be thankful today even though he didn’t get to spend Thanksgiving with his family because the Islanders had an 11 a.m. practice followed by a 6 p.m. flight to Boston for their game tomorrow afternoon. After all, it could have been worse.
Thanks to the decision by Isles general manager Garth Snow to pick Meyer up on re-entry waivers, he has been able to spend more time with his wife, Lindsey, and their first child, a son who was born on Oct. 16 in the middle of Meyer’s travels between teams. What did the Meyers name their son? Frederick V, of course, in the family tradition.
“Yeah, it’s something I’m pretty proud of,” Meyer said. “Obviously, the second and the third are my grandfather and father. My father’s still alive, but my grandfather is no longer with us. But they’re two great men, and I figured I’d carry on the tradition. I’m proud I could name him the fifth, and hopefully, he carries it on.”
Wife and baby both are healthy and doing fine, and since Meyer’s family still lives near his wife’s parents in central New Jersey outside of Philadelphia, she has had plenty of help while he's away. “I did get back in time to see my son be born,” Meyer said. “It was a great experience.”
But the life of a player fighting to hang on in the NHL hasn’t been easy. Right now, the Islanders are carrying 22 players on their roster, including extra defensemen Meyer and Marc-Andre Bergeron. Only an injury to Aaron Johnson, who likely will go to Bridgeport when he’s healthy in January, cleared a spot to bring Meyer back.
“It was an interesting month to say the least,” Meyer said of his time away from the Islanders. “I’ve never experienced anything like that before, but I’ve come to learn it’s part of this business. I’m not the first guy to get bounced around to a few teams in a short period of time. You’ve just got to take it in stride.
“It made things a little hard on my wife. I was out west and had to come back east for a day or so for the birth and then fly back out west. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time, work hard and see what happens.
“I’ve been living out of my suitcase in hotels for the past month and a half. I had five games in Phoenix. Then, I cleared waivers and was sent down to San Antonio and played eight or nine games down there. It’s what it is. My goal is to play in the NHL, not the AHL. I’m here to work hard and try to get in the lineup.”
When Meyer was placed on waivers by the Islanders, he left on good terms with Snow and coach Ted Nolan. Still, it was a surprise when they claimed him after the Coyotes tried to recall him. “That morning, I had a 6 a.m. flight from San Antonio to Phoenix, and I was hanging out at the airport for a few hours to the 12 o’clock waiver deadline. Phoenix was in San Jose, and I had a connecting flight after the deadline. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen.
“I got the phone call from my agent that I was heading back east. I spoke to Snowy while I was at the airport, and he said, ‘Welcome home.’ It’s been good.”
Since being reclaimed, Meyer was able to get home to visit his wife and son the past two weekends. He’s still living in a hotel near the Coliseum but hopes to settle into a rental property in the area soon.
“It would be nice to be in a place where you can go to the refrigerator and get out something to make a sandwich,” Meyer said with a laugh. “I’m looking forward to that.”
Comments (28)
Good for Freddy the IV.... sounds like a good guy. If the Islanders need a defencemen I am sure that Freddy would be as good a choice as any that the Islanders have... and I am sure he will be motivated to be a "responsible" addition to the blue line.
Good luck Freddy.... wherever your final destination may be.
DOC
Ah, great story. I'm rather fond of Freddy (aka The Fourth Warrior).
It shows a great deal of character for the organization, to pick him up and bring him back home with his family. I don't know in what capacity, but I hope he sticks around.
GO ISLANDERS !!!
Big game today in TITLE TOWN.......Hopefully Isles will be fired up!
Merrick and KH ~ Unfortunately I am in ACK for the weekend and gave my brother in law my tickets up here. Enjoy the game with your family. I will be watching on NESN in enemy territory!
"Yes, he took a bad penalty in the final two minutes to give the Rangers a six-on-four power play after they pulled the goaltender, but he lowered the boom on Sean Avery and several other Rangers"
If spinning around and flailing out with your elbow every time you get beat wide is "lowering the boom" then Sutton is "lowering the boom" on a lot of people. I have seen him do this move in each Isle game I have seen. It's either an elbow or a fore-arm to the opposing players face. He did it to Prucha (without being penalized) and now to Avery. And in their first match with the Rangers he went after Callahan with a vicious elbow to the head (unpenalized). He is a traffic-cone with a six foot wing span.
Again the Isles suffer from the "Rangers hang-over". Isles treat playing the Rangers like it's game 7 of the playoffs. And check out the link below to see where your teams goals for vs. Goals against is leading to and what others around the league think about your teams great start. The Isles are absolutely overachieving at this point. So while they have had a great start and in fact have surprised many, I think the party is over and it's time for Cinderella to get herself home!!
http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/7476634
LOOK OUT BELOW!!!
They are utterly INFURIATING me today.
Since when did every Islander morph into "First Base" Hilbert?
I love when Ranger fans come on here and make excuses for why they lost. Only a Ranger fan would use the excuse that their team didn't take the game as seriously as the Islanders did lol. You idiots don't realize you're just making your team look worse by saying that the Isles treated the game like a playoff game and the Rangers didn't.
Steady -- I am not in Boston for this game. I'm going to the one up there on Jan. 24...
Couple of thoughts on the game ...
1) Greg Logan ...can you please ask Nolan why o' why Hillbert still gets any ice time? He yet again had glorious chances to score yet just can't get it done. At what point is going to be held accountable to produce? He gets enough ice time that he should be expected to put up some points. It's actually comical that he's still out there. Clearly the message is - it doesn't matter if you actually produce just as long as you try. Well, I would rather see Comeau or Tambellini or Walter out there getting a ton of minutes with Hillbert out ...sadly that will never happen ...
2) I know there are some people who don't like MAB but this PP needs him ...Berard has an awful game ...he really hasn't done a great job but because he's Berard he gets a pass. He turned the puck over several times today in his own zone ...his passes were lazy all game ...and besides that one rush at the end of the game he really didn't produce any chance at all ...atleast with MAB's shot opposing teams needed to respect it so it could leave some forward open ...Berard was just making soft passes along the point and got nothing towards the net ...
The Isles have some guys who are playing some good hockey but at some point you have to expect more than just hustle or you'll never be more than an 8th seed team. You have to be willing to recognize, and not be stubborn, about what players can actually do ...I feel really good about the top 2 lines and their ability to score ...the 3rd line could produce more but with Hillber there it's like the Isles are a man down all the time ...
I wouldn't want to be in the Isles AHL affiliate - unless I was a 4th liner - because now matter what numbers I put up in the AHL I will never get rewarded ...what message does that send? You don't think some guys down there see the Hillbert has played in 19 games and has no points? This was Hillbert's 100th game as an Islander and he has 29 points!!! That says it all!!!
3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1
All you cool people not worried at all, let me know when you start to feel a little warm. If you're in touch with whats going on here, it should be any moment now. Unless of course you want to hand them a pass for having too much turkey in their guts.
Satan is far too inconsistent to be the best scorer on this team. We need (have always needed) a real gun. There hasn't been one here since Palffy. Also, second goal against was SOFT.
The powerplay is horrible, and as long as it fails, this team fails.
Even if we overlook the ineptitude with the (LONG) two man advantage, you have the puck at the bottom of the circle, with TWO players in front, time running down. What do you do? Throw it back to the point, of course, so it can bounce over your defenseman's stick and out of the zone with less than 1 minute remaining. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Loss deserved.
They better get serious about scoring some goals and winning these games in hand, or it'll back to the bottom of the heap before long.
I agree with AZS. I really wish I knew what Nolan sees in Hilbert. While I don't blame him for all the team's troubles, you just get the feeling the team won't score with him on the ice (although they did today, but obviously he wasn't involved in the play - it was Gervais and Sillinger). It seems like every Islander coach has his favorite who will get ice time despite not producing. For Laviolette it was Bates, and for Nolan it's Hilbert.
What scares me more was the first period of today's game. That might've been the most boring first period of hockey I've ever seen. Both teams were asleep. For the Bruins, no big deal, it's just a period. But after losing to Montreal 4-1, how can the isles sleepwalk through that first period today?
AZS, it really doesn't seem to matter if the team has a shot, MAB or otherwise, that the opposition must "respect", that allows a forward to get "open", because they never move the puck any lower than the top of the circle. They could have a guy standing completely alone at the top of the crease and they would still move the puck back to the blueline for a point shot. They need to quit this prancing boy routine of playing catch at the point and get the damn puck to the front of the net. It pretty much will never get there if they insist on shooting it from the blueline through the defending forward's shin pads.
Hilbert needs to be demoted to the fourth line. Send Jackman back to the Bridge and bring upTambellini (he's got 18 pts already - 6 goals and 12 Assists) and put him on the third line. This should help the effort to score more. And what's the deal with Bergenheim getting switched out of the Vasicek line for Simon evrytime he gets a penalty. That's not going to lead to point production. Let this kid get a regular shift and he should start producing. Let's get a win over the Bruins tomorrow and keep our fingers crossed for the week ahead (Stars - Sens - Strangers).
Well Frei, looks like you are having your day. I just came on to see when the game was on Friday and it is already over! Anyway, the Islanders have been scouted and we will continue to see the same game plan against them until they show they can win a different way.
The best NHL coaches have incredible patience. As soon as you see a coach going radical like us fans, you can bet they are on the choping block. It's just hard for us to figure out what Nolan is being patient about. The players or the game plan.
And for those thinking that there are natural goal scorers just sitting by the phone waiting for a call, wake-up! As Nolan says, "You have to learn to win with what you have".
However, like AZS suggested, I think the most likely next move is to mix-up the lineup with some players from their AHL affiliate.
Kevin T.
I've been holding back on Hilbert because I like his hustle and defensive responsibility but today may have been a turning point. I don't know how many posts and missed open nets I can stomach. Hilbert should be in the AHL and Ben Walter or Tambellini should be given another long look.
Simon has put up 29 goals before but those days are behind him. Bergenheim works hard and sometimes gets a bit over zealous but he is a spark plug for the team. Why is he sitting constantly?
I am worried about the first line's production. This team is surviving due to the Vasicek line with a sprinkle of timely Hunter goals. We need the other guys to start clicking again soon or we are in for a long and painful stretch. Schedule only gets harder from here.
There is No Scoring!!!!
Even when they were winning. No Scoring. I mentioned in a previous thread that I maybe uncomfortable with the low scoring but as long as they are winning that is all that matters. Now they are losing... so now low scoring matters too.
Hilbert has a HUGE Wammy on him. He will not score until he gets sent down to get his scoring touch. Bring up someone (Walter, Tamby etc) who deserves a shot.
The Isles are a .500 team in this current configuration. DP is keeping the puck out for the most part. Gives the guys a chance to win. Now it's time for the team to give DP a chance to rack up some W's.
It is nothing radical to send down Hilbert, he's got ZERO points in 19 games. Nobody would be shocked. The Isles have talent at the Bridge that may just be the kick in the pants the rest of the team need to get going.
Power Play needs a power infusion. Bring in MAB to add to the mix. They also need to stop playing catch. Get the defense moving. Playing catch gives the D a chance to box out the "house" infront of their goalie.
Why am I saying all this? Nolan knows, the players know. The team just needs a kick in the pants.
Go Isles!!!!
Bottom line we have an average team with a great coach and a very good goaltender. I love the teams work ethic and maturity. I love our defense for the most part as well.
Let's face it though. We do not have any special goal scorer. We do not have that guy that can turn a game around or carry a team. Putting MAB on the blueline will not change that. We have a bunch of lunch pail guys that work their tails off and give their all. We need to grow through drafts and our kids until we can sign a big name or two.
This team is going to win its share of games and suprise many by making the playoffs. We need to be happy with that until we turn the corner. In my opinion we will be a 7th or 8th seed.
A loss to the B's hurts me more than any of you can imagine. It is like losing to the rags for you guys. NY has become a joke up here in Title Town. I thought at least my Isles could give me some bragging rights. Not to be. God help me if we lose tomorrow also!
A 5 on 3 power play for a minute and 48 seconds and they get NO shots on goal. That says it all!!
I don´t feel good today,another loss in the books.I really hope the TEAM bounce back tonight and it´s on tv aswell here in Sweden.
I´ve been saving a story from the Rangergame this week and now I think it´s time for a confidence builder.
During the game I visited a newspaperblog here in Sweden and a reporter that was attending the game from the pressboxes.Isles had just scored their second goal and below him between two sections he saw a Islanderfan walk up the stairs and give THE FINGER to the Blueskirts in these sections.
As you all remember they had some luck and only a minute or so after our goal they scored,behind his back,and the Blueskirts were all over him.That´s all he wrote.
Gutsy move ISLANDERFAN!
(You again AZS)?
Shoot the PUCK!
DOC
One thing I do like about Greg Logan is that clearly he reads the responses to his blogs then actually tries to respond - whether in his blog or in an article - and I'm not sayings this 100% happened here, but several of us braught up HIllbert, MAB on the PP, and a possible call up from the Bridge and all three of those things are in his articles today ...well done ...
Lol, sorry Freddy my finger was in my house ...
Steady, I agree that the team needs to build through the draft. I was looking through Islesinfo.com yesterday and looked at the Isles draft history and it's amazing to see how they could build a dynasty through the draft (I know there were key trades in there aswell). Even after the cup years the Isles did grab a few quality guys ...the only problem with the Isles situation is that they're not good enough to win it all, but they're not bad enough to finish last. We'll either barely sneak in to the playoffs and get bounced quick or finish in 9th and get a mid-round pick ...
Now, before anyone gets excited, let me just state that I want the Isles to win every single game from now until the playoffs and I want the Isles to win the Cup every year ...but at some point this team needs to take the next step and as Steady said this team is full of lunch pail type guys - which is good - but won't win the Cup ...the top guy this year is supposed to be a kid named Steve Stamkos ...and next year is Tavares ...now I don't want us to finish last, but this year is a deep draft with Stamkos #1 and 4 D-men to follow ...if it appears the Isles are slipping then I hope they slip down to last and get that #1 ...look at the Pens ...they drafted Crosby, Malkin, Staal and they're going to be a threat for years ...that's what the Isles need ...they need to draft high (and smart) and really build from youth - not trading them away at the deadline for a cry baby (I'm bitter!) ...thoughts?
Here's a link to the projected top 10 picks in next years draft - there's also some info on each of them ...plus, on TSN.ca they talk about Tavares in next years draft ...not that people want to think the Isles will fall, but it's interesting info anyways ...
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11227&hubname=
Yes, the Islanders were predicted to finsih 15th, and they have exceeded expectations of the pundits. But if you think about it, if the Isles don't make the playoffs, it will be a diseaster. There really isn't any quality youth playing significant roles on this team beyond Gervais and Campoli. They are an older team than every team in their division, easily. They have rental players throughout the lineup. So, they have no choice but to win. The teams that may be considered "bad" in the league have young players throughout the lineup and are developing. The Isles refuse to play youth, because either A) Nolan doesn't trust younger players; B) there youth just isn't any good. It's probabaly a combo of both. I mean, why even bother playing Bergy if he's just going to play a few minutes?
Any scouts at the last game?
Few draft picks make it into the NHL and fewer still get in the lineup of the team that drafted them. I think the Isles are working to build a hard-working franchise that is respected again. That will take two or three season, but on the ice I think they've already done that. Any team that plays them knows they have to be ready and can't take the night off.
Luuuuuuke. stay on target!
Kevin T.
It was great to see Hilbert finally score a goal. Moreover, it was even sweeter to see Park get such a wonderful reward, namely the GW goal. DiP played well, even though he was not tested through the first two periods.
My one concern is that the Isles PP has stopped becoming productive. However, I think this is a malady that may be rectified if the Isles get bodies in front of the net. Shooting from the point without a screen or distraction in front is not going to be productive. They have Simon and JoVas who are big and can create screens for MAB and/or BB. This was also the most that I have see Martink shoot. He is solid on defense, however, I think that give the opportunity, he has a very powerful shot from the point that the Isles should utilize.
Why is Comrie not shooting the puck? He will not score cycling in the corner. We all know he has a very powerful shot, he shoud shoot.
I know everyone including fox sports is worried about scoring, BUT.... if you take the three worst losses out of the mix,(basically two blowouts of 8-1 and 8-3 and a 4-1 game equaling 20 goals against and 5 goals for) and subtract those from the total, the goals for/against ratio is not as bad as everyone thinks. As of this writing, they are 51 goals for and 55 goals against. Subtract the bad games and you have 46 for and 35 against, a much better ratio!
I don't think as much emphasis should be placed on a teams' goals for/against ratio without a closer inspection of why those numbers are what they are. A few bad games can distort that judgment. You also have to look at the close games too see how many times a particular team is the last one standing!!
Look at the Rangers for example, all those "big" names at forward and not much scoring there to show for all that money spent. And no blowout losses. If not for Lundquist in 4 or 5 games , the Rangers don't have that many wins or points in the standings. And upon closer inspection, I think they have a much worse goals for\against ratio. This team has in fact struggled more to score than the Isles considering their roster.
Win by 1 goal or five, a win is a win. This years team has a better defense ie: 6-7 fewer shots on goal per game than last year. Less work for Ricky. Fresher goalie at the end of a game and at the end of a season!!! The offense will come.
Yes we need scoring. Yes we need more from the power play. Yes we need more consistancy. Some of the problem was the crazy schedule at the beginning of this year. BUT 21 games in and we are much better than last year. By a long shot.
Are we then truly overachieving? I think not as much as some would have you believe. Are we due for a fall? Depending on the outcome of the next few games and the impact it may or may not have on this team, no one can be sure. But this surely no time to panic.
I like this team, I like how hard the players are working, and I like how it is run. The players are playing for each other, and so far as I know, they want to be here.
Although the sports writers won't say it out loud (or in print), other players, other teams and other fans are taking notice. What they are noticing is that the Islanders come to play every game and can no longer be taken lightly!
Just my opinion, but a players value to a team should not be judged solely on point production, as some would want you to think. (Hilbert)