I think a lot of that has to do with the sheer amount of young players..

Last year in the playoffs was a case of the Flyers being emotionally exhausted after a huge series win. They were not ready for the Devils.

This team (in a few years) will be right back to that perennial contender status.
- jak521

I'm expecting this team to be a legit contender next season. With some additions this can easily be a 100+ point team next year.

I haven't completely given up on making the playoffs this season. I think tonight's game is pretty huge actually. A loss tonight and they are back to 3 games under .500

Hate to tell you, it was pretty much that way when Carter and Richards were here, too. When they went to the SCF in 2010, let's not forget that they needed a game 82 shootout to even make the playoffs.
- Jsaquella

Also very true. Id even argue that they were more frustrating because we knew exactly what they were capable of night in and night out.

Hate to tell you, it was pretty much that way when Carter and Richards were here, too. When they went to the SCF in 2010, let's not forget that they needed a game 82 shootout to even make the playoffs.
- Jsaquella

Of course he's saying he misses Carter and Richie, but those were the days they beat us.

I would have been fine even with the long contract if they kept Ritchie and carts. But when you trade your core and go young like they did Getting (schenn coots checky read simmonds) you stay young. You don't sign 31 year old goalies that are going to be on the decline when that core hits there prime. They had bob. They should have went with him and got experienced back up. Don't know if you've Seen bob in Columbus? He's playing pretty good on a crap team.
- SMS4016

Bobrovsky's doing the same thing in Columbus as he did here. Makes 4 or 5 fantastic stops, gets beat on an unscreened dribbler that goes 5 hole.

What do you guys think about matching the Couts line with the Crosby line? Malkin hasn't been playing up to hi usual standards thus far a Crosby has 17 points in 9 games in February.

I'm expecting this team to be a legit contender next season. With some additions this can easily be a 100+ point team next year.

I haven't completely given up on making the playoffs this season. I think tonight's game is pretty huge actually. A loss tonight and they are back to 3 games under .500
- PLindbergh31

I agree with you.. I think next year, and a few subtle moves and they will have one of the most potent offenses in the league to go with a solid d and a good goalie. Great combo.

Hate to tell you, it was pretty much that way when Carter and Richards were here, too. When they went to the SCF in 2010, let's not forget that they needed a game 82 shootout to even make the playoffs.
- Jsaquella

I was just telling you the way it feels from a Penguins fan aspect.

What do you guys think about matching the Couts line with the Crosby line? Malkin hasn't been playing up to hi usual standards thus far a Crosby has 17 points in 9 games in February.
- NickTheKid87

I think it would be a good move. Coots played very well against Tavares the other day.

I think it would be a good move. Coots played very well against Tavares the other day.
- jak521

The only issue is that it's next to impossible to defend against Crosby, unlike Malkin, who gets thrown off his game when you give him a hard time.

Bobrovsky's doing the same thing in Columbus as he did here. Makes 4 or 5 fantastic stops, gets beat on an unscreened dribbler that goes 5 hole.
- Jsaquella

How Bobrovsky Shutouts does he have this year?

Of course he's saying he misses Carter and Richie, but those were the days they beat us.
- KGBflyers10

Good job last year thats for sure you destroyed us, but lets not kid ourselves we are still the best team in PA. After we beat you in the playoffs we went on to win the Cup. You guys went on to get dismantled by the Devils. Until you guys win it all we are the team to beat, you are the team that gets beat.

I was just telling you the way it feels from a Penguins fan aspect.
- nbartley9

I liked both Carter and Richards. I don't like that either was traded, but I do like the returns for each, and I understand why the moves were made. I also understand it from fans of a rival.

How Bobrovsky Shutouts does he have this year?
- NickTheKid87

Not even sure. I've watched 5 or 6 Jackets games, and every game it's like, wow Bob looks great, oh yeah that's what happens to him.

Bobrovsky's SV% is .897 and his GAA is 2.88.There's no reason why Bryzgalov can't continue to play at a high level well into his 30's
- MJL

Bryz .911 2.42. Not even in top 20 point? Bryz is playing great. Bob is playing very well on crappy Columbus. Have you watched him? Just saying. Soo we should show patience with our young guys but throw bob to the wind after touting him to the fan base? Just saying I would have liked to see what bob could have done cause we went young with the team. Think it would have been smart.

As a Penguins fan the day that the Flyers traded Richards and Carter, was a very very good day. That team felt like it was on the brink of greatness, you were always a scary team to play. Now it just seems like your team either shows up big time or doesnt show up at all. There is no middle ground, no stability. Its not always the same team to play. After you destroyed us last year in the playoffs the next round you guys didnt seem like you even wanted to be there. Its very strange, by the way I hate you all.
- nbartley9

The Flyers team with Richards and Carter lost to Pittsburgh twice in the playoffs, and Carter underperformed like he did every year in the playoffs in Philly (21 points in 47 games). But the Flyers team without Richards and Carter humiliated the Penguins, so I don't see how it was a good day for Pittsburgh. The guy who shut down Malkin as a rookie was just half of what the Flyers got for Carter.

Bill- Why is it that Gervais is getting every start ahead of Foster? I get that he is supposed to be a decent puck mover but yet he hasn't managed so much as a secondary assist this season and is a minus 7 or 8. Foster is nothing special but is a at least a weapon on the powerplay and has managed to be plus 1 with 4 points. Stats aren't everything but they are something and Gervais just looks brutal.

Bryz .911 2.42. Not even in top 20 point? Bryz is playing great. Bob is playing very well on crappy Columbus. Have you watched him? Just saying. Soo we should show patience with our young guys but throw bob to the wind after touting him to the fan base? Just saying I would have liked to see what bob could have done cause we went young with the team. Think it would have been smart.
- SMS4016

CBJ does suck but if he's allowing too many soft goals then that's on him. I think Bob will be a solid starter in this league, but not a star. More of a 1A.

As a Penguins fan the day that the Flyers traded Richards and Carter, was a very very good day. That team felt like it was on the brink of greatness, you were always a scary team to play. Now it just seems like your team either shows up big time or doesnt show up at all. There is no middle ground, no stability. Its not always the same team to play. After you destroyed us last year in the playoffs the next round you guys didnt seem like you even wanted to be there. Its very strange, by the way I hate you all.
- nbartley9

The Flyers seemed out of gas after the Pens series. That was a tough series and it took a toll on them.

What do you guys think about matching the Couts line with the Crosby line? Malkin hasn't been playing up to hi usual standards thus far a Crosby has 17 points in 9 games in February.
- NickTheKid87

The last few Penguins games I have seen Bylsma is playing Crosby, Neal, and Malkin together and not just on the PP.

The last few Penguins games I have seen Bylsma is playing Crosby, Neal, and Malkin together and not just on the PP.
- PLindbergh31

I watched the game on Sunday and they did take a few even strength shifts together. That's a lot of jump on one line.

Bryz .911 2.42. Not even in top 20 point? Bryz is playing great. Bob is playing very well on crappy Columbus. Have you watched him? Just saying. Soo we should show patience with our young guys but throw bob to the wind after touting him to the fan base? Just saying I would have liked to see what bob could have done cause we went young with the team. Think it would have been smart.
- SMS4016

Bryzgalov's numbers currently this year, are pretty much in line with his numbers last year. The difference is he's been much more consistent, and has drastically cut down on allowing soft goals.

My offer stops at couts and a #1.....phoenix is owned by the Nhl....Nhl is owned by NBC....see what im getting at LOL.

Just kidding
- Philly1980

Good point. Maybe offer coots and the pick and send snider in to kick bettman's a$$ as a extra bonus. Hehe

The only issue is that it's next to impossible to defend against Crosby, unlike Malkin, who gets thrown off his game when you give him a hard time.
- NickTheKid87

I think G gets hyped to play against him, so maybe just give that line the duty. That is a pretty responsible line itself. Voracek also seems to really get under Sids skin. Lets Couts stay with Malkin.

1st off I don't cry foul. When Ritchie and carts were traded all over this site a lot of people were screaming pissed. I was jumping for joy and I loves Ritchie. But when you realize your not winning cup with your core you make changes. Do you think we can win a cup with this team if we stand pat for the next 5 to 7 with only minor tweaks? If not let's move a few pieces now and get the major pieces everyone says we need. #1 dman and winger. Agreed or no?
- SMS4016

Not gonna happen when trading from a position of weakness. It's a waiting game right now. It would be prudent to wait for 19 & 41 to return & see what we have then. Trading a part of our future in Couturier is a rash move, IMO.

I think G gets hyped to play against him, so maybe just give that line the duty. That is a pretty responsible line itself. Voracek also seems to really get under Sids skin. Lets Couts stay with Malkin.
- jak521

That's what I'm leaning towards as well. Couts won't be able to shutdown Crosby like he was able to shutdown Malkin. Might as well stick with what you know. Besides, Giroux v. Crosby makes for better TV.