That's a good deal for Lauridsen. I hope he keeps getting better and becomes a solid part of the Flyers blueline. He and Morin - if things work out - would bring some size and intimidation to the Flyers defense.

That's quite horrible about Joe Watson's ring. I hope his daughter gets it back.

So, not to take away from today's blog -- because no self-respecting Flyers fan should ever forget the Todd Bergen/Mike Keenan dynamic -- but I've been looking at the conference realignment for next season, obviously with the Flyers in mind.

And man...wow. It's not going to be fun. Actually, it's likely going to be fairly painful, with the potential for really, really ugly.

For those who aren't aware, here's the deal: Next year, we're in the same conference with these seven other teams: Carolina, Columbus, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Pittsburgh and Washington. Only four teams qualify for the playoffs, again, for those who aren't aware -- hopefully, no one's intelligence feels insulted by me saying this stuff.

But, wow. Yikes. That's...yikes. The other Eastern Conference alignment is like a clown show compared to what the Flyers are dealing with.

Arguments could be made, good arguments, for each of these teams to make the playoffs -- though each team has strengths and weaknesses that will become apparent over 82 games, this is going to be tough.

Just my opinion on this stuff, your mileage may vary:

The Flyers have better forwards than Columbus. Columbus has better defensemen. Sergei Bobrovsky...can he do it for a whole season? If he does...ugh.

The Flyers have always strafed the Hurricanes. I see no reason to believe that will change next year, though I do expect Jordan Staal to have a better year. But their defense is weaker than the Flyers' -- there's a reason why we own that squad.

There isn't a single person who has rooted for the Flyers over the Lou Lamoriello Reign of Terror who will be surprised if Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder each get 40 goals next season, Rostislav Olesz gets 30 and 85-year-old Martin Brodeur, irritated that his successor has been acquired, posts a 1.56 GAA for the season and shuts out the Flyers 26 times. Plus, Peter DeBoer has been kicking Peter Laviolette's arse for the better part of two-plus seasons now. Damn it! WHY WON'T THIS TEAM JUST DIE?!?!?! DIE, ALREADY!!!!!

The Flyers still have, as a whole, better forwards than the Islanders. But that gap continues to close every offseason. If Ryan Strome is able to fulfill his draft position/projections...UGH. The defense...they have a funky group whose sum is better than the individual parts. I was glad they brought Evgeni Nabokov back...if we can't beat a billion-year-old goalie not named Martin Brodeur, then that's on us.

The Rags...we know what the deal is here. Their goalie is better than ours. Their defense is better than ours. And now that Tortorella's gone, their offense is probably going to be a real pain to deal with, especially if Alain Vigneault can convince Chris Kreider that John Tortorella really is gone and that he can play hockey now without having some crazy person screaming at him every shift.

Pittsburgh...well, they still have Marc-Andre Fleury in the net. That means every team has a shot in a seven-game series.

Washington's a team that will miss Mike Ribeiro more than they probably think. Their defense has some questions on the third pair...that's a team that I feel that the Flyers should be better than.

The problem, as folks can tell by the math: The Flyers, optimistically, are likely better than two teams in their new conference: Carolina and Washington.

They're about even with New Jersey and the Islanders. Over 82 games, they might be slightly better than Columbus. Might.

Pittsburgh's great in the regular season. The Rags will be better off with the crazy man gone.

That doesn't inspire me with confidence. Four teams competing for two spots, with not a whole lot to separate them...man.

Man. I almost think that the Flyers might want to look at another deal to solidify the scoring on that second line -- man, I like Brayden Schenn as much as anybody. But next season...this isn't going to be easy. Growing pains might just leave the Flyers in fourth-place in a two-team race.

Gotcha. Thanks. Perhaps it will be quiet until camp starts. They seem happy with the current roster. As of right now I think they have been smart with their transactions.

I was a little disappointed with the draft, but as I said the other day the only way to judge a draft is through hindsight. Doesn't really make sense to praise or criticize a pick now. For all I know Morin could have a better career than Seth Jones.
- PLindbergh31

Excellent post here. I stayed away from the boards a few days after the draft just cause I couldn't deal with all the unnecessary crying.

So, not to take away from today's blog -- because no self-respecting Flyers fan should ever forget the Todd Bergen/Mike Keenan dynamic -- but I've been looking at the conference realignment for next season, obviously with the Flyers in mind.

And man...wow. It's not going to be fun. Actually, it's likely going to be fairly painful, with the potential for really, really ugly.

For those who aren't aware, here's the deal: Next year, we're in the same conference with these seven other teams: Carolina, Columbus, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Pittsburgh and Washington. Only four teams qualify for the playoffs, again, for those who aren't aware -- hopefully, no one's intelligence feels insulted by me saying this stuff.

But, wow. Yikes. That's...yikes. The other Eastern Conference alignment is like a clown show compared to what the Flyers are dealing with.

Arguments could be made, good arguments, for each of these teams to make the playoffs -- though each team has strengths and weaknesses that will become apparent over 82 games, this is going to be tough.

Just my opinion on this stuff, your mileage may vary:

The Flyers have better forwards than Columbus. Columbus has better defensemen. Sergei Bobrovsky...can he do it for a whole season? If he does...ugh.

The Flyers have always strafed the Hurricanes. I see no reason to believe that will change next year, though I do expect Jordan Staal to have a better year. But their defense is weaker than the Flyers' -- there's a reason why we own that squad.

There isn't a single person who has rooted for the Flyers over the Lou Lamoriello Reign of Terror who will be surprised if Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder each get 40 goals next season, Rostislav Olesz gets 30 and 85-year-old Martin Brodeur, irritated that his successor has been acquired, posts a 1.56 GAA for the season and shuts out the Flyers 26 times. Plus, Peter DeBoer has been kicking Peter Laviolette's arse for the better part of two-plus seasons now. Damn it! WHY WON'T THIS TEAM JUST DIE?!?!?! DIE, ALREADY!!!!!

The Flyers still have, as a whole, better forwards than the Islanders. But that gap continues to close every offseason. If Ryan Strome is able to fulfill his draft position/projections...UGH. The defense...they have a funky group whose sum is better than the individual parts. I was glad they brought Evgeni Nabokov back...if we can't beat a billion-year-old goalie not named Martin Brodeur, then that's on us.

The Rags...we know what the deal is here. Their goalie is better than ours. Their defense is better than ours. And now that Tortorella's gone, their offense is probably going to be a real pain to deal with, especially if Alain Vigneault can convince Chris Kreider that John Tortorella really is gone and that he can play hockey now without having some crazy person screaming at him every shift.

Pittsburgh...well, they still have Marc-Andre Fleury in the net. That means every team has a shot in a seven-game series.

Washington's a team that will miss Mike Ribeiro more than they probably think. Their defense has some questions on the third pair...that's a team that I feel that the Flyers should be better than.

The problem, as folks can tell by the math: The Flyers, optimistically, are likely better than two teams in their new conference: Carolina and Washington.

They're about even with New Jersey and the Islanders. Over 82 games, they might be slightly better than Columbus. Might.

Pittsburgh's great in the regular season. The Rags will be better off with the crazy man gone.

That doesn't inspire me with confidence. Four teams competing for two spots, with not a whole lot to separate them...man.

Man. I almost think that the Flyers might want to look at another deal to solidify the scoring on that second line -- man, I like Brayden Schenn as much as anybody. But next season...this isn't going to be easy. Growing pains might just leave the Flyers in fourth-place in a two-team race.
- AllInForFlyers

My eyes are bleeding

That's a good deal for Lauridsen. I hope he keeps getting better and becomes a solid part of the Flyers blueline. He and Morin - if things work out - would bring some size and intimidation to the Flyers defense.

That's quite horrible about Joe Watson's ring. I hope his daughter gets it back.
- wolfhounds

It is a good deal for Lauridsen. I wish the 2nd year wasn't one way, but what are you going to do.

Excellent post here. I stayed away from the boards a few days after the draft just cause I couldn't deal with all the unnecessary crying.
- JFlyers00

necessary crying here? Never....

It is a good deal for Lauridsen. I wish the 2nd year wasn't one way, but what are you going to do.
- MJL

Maybe they expect him to take on an NHL role.

My eyes are bleeding
- bigmookalookie

Well, I've been gone for a few days! Making up for lost time!

The Flyers are in by far the hardest division under the new realignment. There will be more years outside of the playoffs, which won't be the worst thing if it is every few years or so. Being able to add a top talent every 4 years or so in the draft will be exciting as long as the Flyers aren't godawful like in 2007. That being said, I think 5 teams will be regularly coming out of the Flyers division.

So, not to take away from today's blog -- because no self-respecting Flyers fan should ever forget the Todd Bergen/Mike Keenan dynamic -- but I've been looking at the conference realignment for next season, obviously with the Flyers in mind.

And man...wow. It's not going to be fun. Actually, it's likely going to be fairly painful, with the potential for really, really ugly.

For those who aren't aware, here's the deal: Next year, we're in the same conference with these seven other teams: Carolina, Columbus, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Pittsburgh and Washington. Only four teams qualify for the playoffs, again, for those who aren't aware -- hopefully, no one's intelligence feels insulted by me saying this stuff.

But, wow. Yikes. That's...yikes. The other Eastern Conference alignment is like a clown show compared to what the Flyers are dealing with.

Arguments could be made, good arguments, for each of these teams to make the playoffs -- though each team has strengths and weaknesses that will become apparent over 82 games, this is going to be tough.

Just my opinion on this stuff, your mileage may vary:

The Flyers have better forwards than Columbus. Columbus has better defensemen. Sergei Bobrovsky...can he do it for a whole season? If he does...ugh.

The Flyers have always strafed the Hurricanes. I see no reason to believe that will change next year, though I do expect Jordan Staal to have a better year. But their defense is weaker than the Flyers' -- there's a reason why we own that squad.

There isn't a single person who has rooted for the Flyers over the Lou Lamoriello Reign of Terror who will be surprised if Ryane Clowe and Michael Ryder each get 40 goals next season, Rostislav Olesz gets 30 and 85-year-old Martin Brodeur, irritated that his successor has been acquired, posts a 1.56 GAA for the season and shuts out the Flyers 26 times. Plus, Peter DeBoer has been kicking Peter Laviolette's arse for the better part of two-plus seasons now. Damn it! WHY WON'T THIS TEAM JUST DIE?!?!?! DIE, ALREADY!!!!!

The Flyers still have, as a whole, better forwards than the Islanders. But that gap continues to close every offseason. If Ryan Strome is able to fulfill his draft position/projections...UGH. The defense...they have a funky group whose sum is better than the individual parts. I was glad they brought Evgeni Nabokov back...if we can't beat a billion-year-old goalie not named Martin Brodeur, then that's on us.

The Rags...we know what the deal is here. Their goalie is better than ours. Their defense is better than ours. And now that Tortorella's gone, their offense is probably going to be a real pain to deal with, especially if Alain Vigneault can convince Chris Kreider that John Tortorella really is gone and that he can play hockey now without having some crazy person screaming at him every shift.

Pittsburgh...well, they still have Marc-Andre Fleury in the net. That means every team has a shot in a seven-game series.

Washington's a team that will miss Mike Ribeiro more than they probably think. Their defense has some questions on the third pair...that's a team that I feel that the Flyers should be better than.

The problem, as folks can tell by the math: The Flyers, optimistically, are likely better than two teams in their new conference: Carolina and Washington.

They're about even with New Jersey and the Islanders. Over 82 games, they might be slightly better than Columbus. Might.

Pittsburgh's great in the regular season. The Rags will be better off with the crazy man gone.

That doesn't inspire me with confidence. Four teams competing for two spots, with not a whole lot to separate them...man.

Man. I almost think that the Flyers might want to look at another deal to solidify the scoring on that second line -- man, I like Brayden Schenn as much as anybody. But next season...this isn't going to be easy. Growing pains might just leave the Flyers in fourth-place in a two-team race.
- AllInForFlyers

My understanding was that the top 3 teams automatically make it from each conference and then 2 wilcards from east and west (the wildcard team is based on points and can come from either eastern conference). So if you truly believe that our conference is the stronger and harder of the 2 (which I do as well) then there is a chance we could send 5 teams (not just 4). My concern though is you play your conference rivals more than anyone else. So it's just setting us up for failure. I don't disagree with your post. I think this is gonna hurt. And I personally hate that it's harder for an East team to make it in than a West one. We play the hardest competition and show up to the play-offs beat to hell. But hey it's all made up with better travel times (traffic never happens here!).

Well, I've been gone for a few days! Making up for lost time!

- AllInForFlyers

Fair enough lol

For those who aren't aware, here's the deal: Next year, we're in the same conference with these seven other teams: Carolina, Columbus, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Pittsburgh and Washington. Only four teams qualify for the playoffs, again, for those who aren't aware -- hopefully, no one's intelligence feels insulted by me saying this stuff.


- AllInForFlyers

NYI is definitely on the rise with Tavares, Moulson, et al.

I think Jersey's decline is coming and is here.

Who knows what the Rangers will really look like under AV? Sometimes the "player's coach" after the taskmaster works out; sometimes it doesn't.

Washington will miss Ribeiro and I admit to being surprised they didn't try to get Vinny Lecavalier.

Pittsburgh is Pittsburgh. The only thing that can hurt them is injuries, IMO.

I think the Flyers stack up and I can't wait to get the season going.

Maybe they expect him to take on an NHL role.
- bigmookalookie

I think its exactly what they expect.

Assuming nothing changes... next year both Meszy and Timonen are gone.

That would leave us with

Coburn-Schenn
Streit-Grossmann
Gusty-OL?

Uh, thats actually pretty scary on our part

My understanding was that the top 3 teams automatically make it from each conference and then 2 wilcards from east and west (the wildcard team is based on points and can come from either eastern conference). So if you truly believe that our conference is the stronger and harder of the 2 (which I do as well) then there is a chance we could send 5 teams (not just 4). My concern though is you play your conference rivals more than anyone else. So it's just setting us up for failure. I don't disagree with your post. I think this is gonna hurt. And I personally hate that it's harder for an East team to make it in than a West one. We play the hardest competition and show up to the play-offs beat to hell. But hey it's all made up with better travel times (traffic never happens here!).

- FlyersGrace

OH! You and PSUHockey have it right -- I forgot about the wild cards! Thank God for those -- I have a bad feeling we're really gonna need that next season.

The Flyers are in by far the hardest division under the new realignment. There will be more years outside of the playoffs, which won't be the worst thing if it is every few years or so. Being able to add a top talent every 4 years or so in the draft will be exciting as long as the Flyers aren't godawful like in 2007. That being said, I think 5 teams will be regularly coming out of the Flyers division.
- psuhockey

Just for the record...

Boston, Ottawa, Montreal, Detroit, and Toronto all made the playoffs last season.

Buffalo, Florida, and TB are going to have some of the better young teams in the not so distant future.

I can't wait to see how Voracek does this year. If he does what he did last year, we may have an elite winger.

I can't wait to see how Voracek does this year. If he does what he did last year, we may have an elite winger.
- Flyersgod

You mean show up to camp slightly out of shape? Lose his top line spot and only then get his butt in gear?

He really did surprise me. I wasn't a huge supporter but man you couldn't help but root for the guy once he found his stride. My hope for him is that he shows up in better shape and doesn't take the ramp up he did last season... He could be even better.

Maybe they expect him to take on an NHL role.
- bigmookalookie

I think that's a reasonable assumption.

I think its exactly what they expect.

Assuming nothing changes... next year both Meszy and Timonen are gone.

That would leave us with

Coburn-Schenn
Streit-Grossmann
Gusty-OL?

Uh, thats actually pretty scary on our part
- jak521

That's why I'm puzzled when people state that they don't want Weber because of his contract. Not that I think it's going to happen. But the only thing that would stop me is the asset cost in acquiring him. The contract wouldn't stop me.

The Flyers have to clear cap space and contract slots to fit Gagne, if they want to re-sign him
- Jsaquella

Unless they move a forward, I don't see the need for Gagne. The following lines would work for me:
Hartnell-G-Voracek
Schenn-Vinnie-Read
Talbot-Couturier-Simmonds
McGinn or Rosehill-Laughton or Hall-Rinaldo

Signing Gagne would move Talbot to the 4th line and I think he is too good a player to be getting only 7 or 8 minutes of even strength ice time on the 4th line.

Just for the record...

Boston, Ottawa, Montreal, Detroit, and Toronto all made the playoffs last season.

Buffalo, Florida, and TB are going to have some of the better young teams in the not so distant future.
- jak521

Yeah, I don't think the Flyers' division is going to regularly field 5 playoff teams. I'm sure we'll all be watching the Conference standings each March.

It's 50 with two sliders. So if Laughton and Stolarz go back to Juniors, that puts them at 48.

So if they feel that there is a chance that Laughton will make the team. They can safely add one contract now.
- MJL

Stolarz is definitely going back to junior, so in effect they are at 49.

Am I missing something with the realignment? Do both western divisions have 1 less team competing for the playoffs than the east? How is that fair? Maybe I'm overlooking something..

Unless they move a forward, I don't see the need for Gagne. The following lines would work for me:
Hartnell-G-Voracek
Schenn-Vinnie-Read
Talbot-Couturier-Simmonds
McGinn or Rosehill-Laughton or Hall-Rinaldo

Signing Gagne would move Talbot to the 4th line and I think he is too good a player to be getting only 7 or 8 minutes of even strength ice time on the 4th line.
- BiggE

I think they'll be shopping Read and Mez a s a package as much as possible. Both short term contracts one good forward with a low cap hit one D with injury issues and a higher cap hit. Mez is a gamble but it's only for one more season.
That said I'd be fine with not signing Gagne and with Talbot up on the 3rd line.

Am I missing something with the realignment? Do both western divisions have 1 less team competing for the playoffs than the east? How is that fair? Maybe I'm overlooking something..
- funmaster18

No
Yes
It's not
You're not