If the number is so low in Phoenix, then why do they want to keep the team there?
- PhillySportsGuy

Because it helps keep other local businesses afloat, it gives more people jobs, it can be used as an activity to bring in tourists between the end of football season and beginning of baseball season.

You think hosting a Winter Classic there would raise popularity there enough to sustain the team?
- JAKEw1234

I think it would be wise to see how it goes with the one they are scheduling in Dodger Stadium before you consider another US venue out West.

If I may throw a curve ball. What do you guys think of this top 6?

Schenn-Giroux-Simmonds
Hartnell-Lecavalier-Voracek

I think the moves collectively made by Homer make the Flyers tougher to play against, starting with face-offs. G, Vinny, and Hall are all good face off guys. This helps the Flyers dictate play versus chase like when they were not winning a lot of draws (except for G) last season. Plus, G doesn't have to be counted on for every big faceoff, especially defensive zone draws.

Getting Mason (a goalie good with the puck) will help the Flyers not get hemmed in their zone hopefully reducing turnovers. Add Streit's puck skills and the Flyers transition game should show the most improvement next season.

I feel this team is a contender right now, assuming health (which we know is never guaranteed).
- PhiFaninEdm

I would say a lot of issues with last years team has been addressed. Starting with outlet passes in the defensive zone by adding Streit, and also having Mason and Emery who are both good at moving the puck. It will help out the defense big time, which will result in more offense.

They have also addressed the Center position. Schenn and Couturier were not ready for 2nd line duty IMO. Lecavalier gives them 3 good faceoff guys, and makes the 2nd line much better.

Also, Lecavalier makes the 2nd unit PP much better, as does Streit. We will have a deadlier PP now.

The only questions on this team for this year... 1 are the goalies good enough. 2 has the defense been imporved enough... I think if the answer is yes, then we have as good a shot as anyone.

Of course there are questons down the road like who will replace Timonen and be the goalie next year, and what are we going to do with all these centers...

C'mon... 16,000 people a game.

Only Colorado, Columbus and Florida have fewer people watching their games.
http://www.sportingnews.c...-csn-chicago-red-sox-nesn

I can't believe this is even a discussion.
- mayorofangrytown

stealing my link huh.

C'mon... 16,000 people a game.

Only Colorado, Columbus and Florida have fewer people watching their games.
http://www.sportingnews.c...-csn-chicago-red-sox-nesn

I can't believe this is even a discussion.
- mayorofangrytown

wow colorado is low?

We should also not count out certain players. I think Brayden Schenn is in prime position to have a break out season with career highs. Lecavalier could have a rejuvenated season. Mason could finally find his game that made him a first rounder to begin with. If not Mason, Emery is a battler and has what of takes to be a number 1 in his own right. Plenty of sleeper picks in this line up.
- dingo8urbaby

Serious question: What more did Pat Burns do for the game than Fred Shero?

If I may throw a curve ball. What do you guys think of this top 6?

Schenn-Giroux-Simmonds
Hartnell-Lecavalier-Voracek
- dingo8urbaby

If it were me, I'd go with:

Hartnell - Giroux - Voracek
Schenn - Vinny - Simmonds

But, to throw a curve ball (for matchup purposes, for example) you could always go:

Harts - G - Vinny
Simmonds - Schenn - Scoreacek

Because it helps keep other local businesses afloat, it gives more people jobs, it can be used as an activity to bring in tourists between the end of football season and beginning of baseball season.
- jmatchett383

who says the team wouldn't create jobs in another location?

I trust the Flyers scouts on the Morin pick. They rarely steer the team wrong in the first round when picking forwards. Especially when they take Canadian players. I wouldn't be surprised if Morin ends up being the best (Except for Jones) defenseman in this draft.
- PhillySportsGuy

FTFU

Serious question: What more did Pat Burns do for the game than Fred Shero?
- KINGKENZO

Zero. Pat Burns was also good copy for writers.

Fred Shero should be in. I can't believe he's not.

who says the team wouldn't create jobs in another location?
- 2Real

I know. I mean, it created a job for Bryzgalov in Philly, despite all their ownership woes. Imagine how much better they'd do with solid ownership in Quebec?

stealing my link huh.
- Don'tForgetTocchet

I'm going to call it a brilliant minds thing.

I didn't mean it like that. I meant to say that Homer seemed to reach on him based on most projections. He seems like a guy they could have gotten later.

If he turns into Marchand, I will eat crow and be happy to do it.
- PhillySportsGuy

Holmgren said that he felt there were a few teams interested in him as a 4th round pick and being they didn't have a 4th rounder, they used their 3rd. Only time will tell.

wow colorado is low?
- 2Real

Yeah, they trashed that team. It's a shame. They went all in on those veterans and won their Cups but when the end came it came hard. Hard to believe that team was a standard bearer not that long ago.

If I may throw a curve ball. What do you guys think of this top 6?

Schenn-Giroux-Simmonds
Hartnell-Lecavalier-Voracek
- dingo8urbaby

I think Voracek is proven to have great chemistry with 2 players, Schenn, and Giroux. I think taking him away from both of those guys is gonna hurt his point production pretty badly.

If I may throw a curve ball. What do you guys think of this top 6?

Schenn-Giroux-Simmonds
Hartnell-Lecavalier-Voracek
- dingo8urbaby

G needs a sniper on a wing

Second session is only a half hour today? Anybody confirm?

wow colorado is low?
- 2Real

That Avs team was terrible.

That said, it doesn't speak well that they are the only team to actually lose eyeballs during last abbreviated season.

who says the team wouldn't create jobs in another location?
- 2Real

I would. But the jobs I'm talking about (parking, concessions, security, broadcast, etc.) wouldn't change based on location, so it's not a reason to move.

I'm not in favor of them staying in Phoenix, I'm just saying there's more going on that just the hockey team.

FTFU
- youarewrong

You're going to feel silly when Morin tears it up in camp and starts the season on the blue line.

You're going to feel silly when Morin tears it up in camp and starts the season on the blue line.
- mayorofangrytown

I have doubt he'll start the season on the Rimouski Oceanic blueline.

If it were me, I'd go with:

Hartnell - Giroux - Voracek
Schenn - Vinny - Simmonds

But, to throw a curve ball (for matchup purposes, for example) you could always go:

Harts - G - Vinny
Simmonds - Schenn - Scoreacek
- johndewar

That 2nd line would have great chemistry, I think. Jake has kind of always played well with BSchenn, Simmonds and Schenn already play on a line, and Simmonds and Vor a Czech room together I think would have awesome chemistry.

You're going to feel silly when Morin tears it up in camp and starts the season on the blue line.
- mayorofangrytown

I would not be surprised to see Samuel Morin on the Flyers blue line this season.

I would, however, be floored to see him on the blue line in our 11th game this season.