that's fine. my original question was where Couts' career was headed. you obvi think it's closer to staal.
- isaiah520

I'm expecting at least Staal, if not higher. I think if he turns out to be Martin Hanzal, that would be a disappointment.

Let's quickly talk about how the Hawks are a (frank)in machine

Let's quickly talk about how the Hawks are a (frank)in machine
- Giroux_Is_God

Chicago ballin' yo

I'm expecting at least Staal, if not higher. I think if he turns out to be Martin Hanzal, that would be a disappointment.
- MJL

i'll say this...PHO has to be the most Center-wanting team in the NHL. bunch of third liners

no wonder hanzal gets little pk time

Let's quickly talk about how the Hawks are a (frank)in machine
- Giroux_Is_God

their speed is astounding. we need to get more speed on the flyers without sacrificing physicality (which will be the hawks downfall in the postseason, that and goaltending)

their speed is astounding. we need to get more speed on the flyers without sacrificing physicality (which will be the hawks downfall in the postseason, that and goaltending)
- moylander

their pace is even more impressive. i have a feeling that them and BOS will meet in the finals and it will be epic. BOS would def slow them down a little.

Bill, would the flyers be interested in Robidas if they were in playoff contention? What would the cost be given he would be an UFA?

Will Couturier end up with a career closer to Jordan Staal or Martin Hanzal???
- isaiah520

Hanzal's a dynamite talent, he just can't stay healthy to save his life. On a more offensively creative team, with better injury luck, he could probably put up 50-60pts with ease.

By my estimation, Couturier's going to end up putting up Mikko Koivu-like numbers offensively, while being one of the top defensive centers in the league. The latter part will earn him a lot of longevity. At worst, I think the Flyers have a big-bodied Michael Peca.

their speed is astounding. we need to get more speed on the flyers without sacrificing physicality (which will be the hawks downfall in the postseason, that and goaltending)
- moylander

Goaltending was supposed to be the Hawks downfall in 2010 also.

Currently after 2


Oshawa - 1
Peterborough - 1

Laughton (Oshawa) - no points, has a minor for slashing

Mathers (Peterborough) - no points, has a fighting penalty
- ob18

Mathers had a 4 point night a few days ago

Mathers had a 4 point night a few days ago
- Jsaquella

Yup he has 28 on the season.......biggest question might be which spot to put him. Mainly a right winger but could fill a role on defense too.

Hanzal's a dynamite talent, he just can't stay healthy to save his life. On a more offensively creative team, with better injury luck, he could probably put up 50-60pts with ease.

By my estimation, Couturier's going to end up putting up Mikko Koivu-like numbers offensively, while being one of the top defensive centers in the league. The latter part will earn him a lot of longevity. At worst, I think the Flyers have a big-bodied Michael Peca.
- Tomahawk

I'd be ecstatic if Couturier put up Mikko Koivu like offensive numbers while having his solid all around game. That would be one hell of a player. Even Peca put up some solid offensive numbers.

Yup he has 28 on the season.......biggest question might be which spot to put him. Mainly a right winger but could fill a role on defense too.
- ob18

Eventually, I think he's a winger, although from what I've seen he skates decently for a big guy.

Goaltending was supposed to be the Hawks downfall in 2010 also.
- MJL

"they had 3 lines, we had 2..."

Eventually, I think he's a winger, although from what I've seen he skates decently for a big guy.
- Jsaquella

Yeah, I had thought defense just for organizational depth but don't think they'd have him change positions unless it was on an emergency basis

"they had 3 lines, we had 2..."
- isaiah520

Our third pairing on defense got exposed!

Our third pairing on defense got exposed!
- stveshdy

So did Leighton and Boucher

Yeah, I had thought defense just for organizational depth but don't think they'd have him change positions unless it was on an emergency basis
- ob18

It's possible he'll spend a year or two in the AHL as a defenseman, just think he'll be a winger. Guessing he'll be a Dan Kordic like career arc.

Our third pairing on defense got exposed!
- stveshdy

our biggest issue was in goal...besides CHI had the most talented post-lockout team i've seen. that's why they had to blow it up...everyone needed to be paid.

So did Leighton and Boucher
- Jsaquella

correct. remember though the 2013 hawks don't have buff, brouwer, etc anymore... they lack physicality. A big turning point in that series was buff putting pronger on his ass twice in game 5.

I admire their speed (and pace as someone else mentioned) but the hawks downfall in the playoffs this year will be 'physicality'... and if 30+ years of philly hockey has taught us anything.. their goaltending

It's possible he'll spend a year or two in the AHL as a defenseman, just think he'll be a winger. Guessing he'll be a Dan Kordic like career arc.
- Jsaquella

That's probably a safe bet.

correct. remember though the 2013 hawks don't have buff, brouwer, etc anymore... they lack physicality. A big turning point in that series was buff putting pronger on his ass twice in game 5.

The hawks downfall in the playoffs this year will be 'physicality'... and if 30+ years of philly hockey has taught us anything.. their goaltending
- moylander

True, but adding a physical guy or two at the deadline is hardly impossible.

So did Leighton and Boucher
- Jsaquella

Amazing the Flyers went to the Finals with those two between the pipes.

correct. remember though the 2013 hawks don't have buff, brouwer, etc anymore... they lack physicality. A big turning point in that series was buff putting pronger on his ass twice in game 5.

I admire their speed (and pace as someone else mentioned) but the hawks downfall in the playoffs this year will be 'physicality'... and if 30+ years of philly hockey has taught us anything.. their goaltending
- moylander

You're right, they're not a very physical team. But that's what the trade deadline is for. To address needs.

correct. remember though the 2013 hawks don't have buff, brouwer, etc anymore... they lack physicality. A big turning point in that series was buff putting pronger on his ass twice in game 5.

I admire their speed (and pace as someone else mentioned) but the hawks downfall in the playoffs this year will be 'physicality'... and if 30+ years of philly hockey has taught us anything.. their goaltending
- moylander

I think they will come wave after wave. A defensive team may be able to slow them down but if you have such a strong attack you can overpower any defensive scheme.

I think they have what it takes to win but I think they need some adversity to overcome before they hit the playoffs. Teams that go in without really any challenge through the regular season tend to struggle when they are faced with a real opponent.