You were talking some sort of crazy along the lines of, "Well, they beat a crippled Detroit team. It's gonna take a few more wins against better teams to make me believe they're a playoff team," or something. Just wondering what the criteria is for that, and if it's been met.
- jmatchett383

Good Question... in this division, they absolutely might trickle into the playoffs. I'm still going to be cautious. I mean there is such a cluster of teams with the same amount of points, we will have to be consistantly better then all of them to make it. And I just dont know if this team could survive another slump that they inevitable will have.

My current Status... neither optompistic nor pessimistic, more cautious and thinking about what needs to be done for the future.

I think next year I would like a Cousins-Laughton-Rinaldo line. Energy, with scoring pop, and much faster then Hall.
- youarewrong

I'm all for this idea, but you can't bank on it. I'd still much rather resign Hall. No big deal if he's the 13th forward in this scenario. But banking on two rookies to make the team, even in 4th line roles, shouldn't be counted on.

I don't think that line would even be THAT fast. Laughton and Rinny can skate, not so much Cousins. If Cousins had wheels, he probably would have been called up by now.

Yup. They definitely seem to flatten out at home after a good road trip against tough opponents. Isn't their PP% quite a bit lower at home than on the road?

Maybe it's because, as G said last night, they are traveling and staying together as a team and that makes them closer and better? Whatever it is, they need to bring it home with them.
- wolfhounds

This team as a whole needs to take the next step and create a culture in the room where they are accountable to themselves and to their teammates. Besides the upgrades to the roster that need happen, creating that environment is critical.

I may be the only one here, but has anyone else preferred the defense WITHOUT Timonen the past two games? I have big time. I like this group of 6 playing together a lot, actually. There just seems to be more cohesion defensively.

Only so much to take away from that observation, as it's only been two games. But they've been two pretty good games. Could be masked by just a better overall effort from the entire team in general; forwards getting back, playoff like work ethic shift in and shift out, etc.

Just a thought: do we entertain trading Timonen to a contender, even if we are still in the hunt? Sounds silly, I know. But the return wouldn't likely be half bad.
- mochoson

It's just like last year when we had 5 AHL defenseman starting and the team looked really good for a stretch. Timonen is out...and the team wins...therefore, the team is better without Timonen. 1 + 2 = pepperoni.

I may be the only one here, but has anyone else preferred the defense WITHOUT Timonen the past two games? I have big time. I like this group of 6 playing together a lot, actually. There just seems to be more cohesion defensively.

Only so much to take away from that observation, as it's only been two games. But they've been two pretty good games. Could be masked by just a better overall effort from the entire team in general; forwards getting back, playoff like work ethic shift in and shift out, etc.

Just a thought: do we entertain trading Timonen to a contender, even if we are still in the hunt? Sounds silly, I know. But the return wouldn't likely be half bad.
- mochoson

You are the only one

This team as a whole needs to take the next step and create a culture in the room where they are accountable to themselves and to their teammates. Besides the upgrades to the roster that need happen, creating that environment is critical.
- MJL

THIS.

THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY ROSTER UPGRADE, PERIOD.

I may be the only one here, but has anyone else preferred the defense WITHOUT Timonen the past two games? I have big time. I like this group of 6 playing together a lot, actually. There just seems to be more cohesion defensively.

Only so much to take away from that observation, as it's only been two games. But they've been two pretty good games. Could be masked by just a better overall effort from the entire team in general; forwards getting back, playoff like work ethic shift in and shift out, etc.

Just a thought: do we entertain trading Timonen to a contender, even if we are still in the hunt? Sounds silly, I know. But the return wouldn't likely be half bad.
- mochoson

My opinion is that there are other factors at work

#1 splitting up Grossmann and Streit has been huge
they don't compliment each other and at times the pairing brings out the worst in those two

#2 Gus has been really effective

#3 your point about the forwards work ethic is probably the most important one

I'm all for this idea, but you can't bank on it. I'd still much rather resign Hall. No big deal if he's the 13th forward in this scenario. But banking on two rookies to make the team, even in 4th line roles, shouldn't be counted on.

I don't think that line would even be THAT fast. Laughton and Rinny can skate, not so much Cousins. If Cousins had wheels, he probably would have been called up by now.
- mochoson

Cousins isn't exactly tearing up the AHL right now.

gotta say it's amusing how many posters, some of whom are in here for hourrrrs a day, didn't watch the game

set your dvrs, people
- -davies-

I'll watch the game at a later point. I have to be up too early to watch the late west Coast games during the week.

It's just like last year when we had 5 AHL defenseman starting and the team looked really good for a stretch. Timonen is out...and the team wins...therefore, the team is better without Timonen. 1 + 2 = pepperoni.
- jmatchett383

Keep in mind, I'm only even entertaining the thought because Kimmo is all but done anyway. Don't just trade him for the sake of trading him.

However, if an offer comes along that's enticing, how do you say no?

Cousins isn't exactly tearing up the AHL right now.
- PhillySportsGuy

I didn't say he was, and I dont think anyone expected him too.

Regardless of what league he started in this year, the kids biggest deficiency is his skating. That's all I'm saying. The rest of his game is very, very good.


edit: Phantoms aren't a great offensive team period.

This team as a whole needs to take the next step and create a culture in the room where they are accountable to themselves and to their teammates. Besides the upgrades to the roster that need happen, creating that environment is critical.
- MJL

I'll watch the game at a later point. I have to be up too early to watch the late west Coast games during the week.
- MJL

Put that coffee maker to work and substitute liquid energy for sleep. It's the American way.

Keep in mind, I'm only even entertaining the thought because Kimmo is all but done anyway. Don't just trade him for the sake of trading him.

However, if an offer comes along that's enticing, how do you say no?
- mochoson

It depends on the offer, position in the standings, injuries to us, injuries to trade partners, streaks, etc. So much to take into account.

But yes, I would trade him for Sidney Crosby.

Sold me on this team? They are an average team, that is in trouble in the future. I dont think they are the worst team ever, but I still think they need to think about fixing thier wholes. Really happy about the recent wins, but I take them for what they are... a mid pack team.
- youarewrong

Hard to understand how they are in trouble for the future.

it does look horrible on standard def

(I watch it anyway, but they should all be broadcast in HD)
- Marc D

of course it looks better in hd but i'm watching the game even if it's on a black and white 10 inch tv

It depends on the offer, position in the standings, injuries to us, injuries to trade partners, streaks, etc. So much to take into account.

But yes, I would trade him for Sidney Crosby.
- jmatchett383

Ok, ok. I get it.

I think next year I would like a Cousins-Laughton-Rinaldo line. Energy, with scoring pop, and much faster then Hall.
- youarewrong

Gotta replace what Hall brings in faceoffs. If Couts can get above 50%, and B Schenn can get closer to 50%, then it's not a big deal. As it stands now, Hall is winning around 60% of his draws, but then again, he's not really taking all that many...

Other than that, I fully expect to see Laughton on the Flyers next season.

My opinion is that there are other factors at work

#1 splitting up Grossmann and Streit has been huge
they don't compliment each other and at times the pairing brings out the worst in those two

#2 Gus has been really effective

#3 your point about the forwards work ethic is probably the most important one
- Marc D

I agree. Streit and Grossmann were not a good match. When Streit is with Mez, it allows Berube to play to their strengths. He can put them on the ice in offensive situations.

Streit seemed to weigh down Grossmann's defensive game and Grossmann seemed to weigh down Streits offensive game.

Depends on what the spot is. Most agree that Akeson's lone spot is a top-6 scoring line because he lacks...well, he's basically Briere lite. McGinn's more of a traditional bottom-6 guy who can play sporadically on the top-6.
- jmatchett383

Bill wrote about this a while back. Asked a scout why the Flyers sent him down, and the scout told him that he just doesnt project into a full-time NHL player. His skill-set isnt good enough to make up for his foot-speed, or something like that.

They last beat them in 2000, last in SJ was 1999...I believe.

What are people's thought on extending:

Downie (UFA)
B. Schenn (RFA)
Raffl (RFA)
Hall (UFA)
Kimmo (UFA)
Mez (UFA)
Gus (RFA)
Gill (UFA)
Emery (UFA)

Which would you keep, and what would your offer be?
- jmatchett383

Downie (UFA) Keep him and let him walk
B. Schenn (RFA) Check comments below
Hall (UFA) Resign at 1m 1or2 years
Kimmo (UFA) He will not take a pay cut and may retire, thanks for the years
Mez (UFA) Attempt to resign but at 2.5-3 for 2 years, if not trade before deadline
Gus (RFA) Resign
Gill (UFA) Thanks but no thanks
Emery (UFA) Resign if he's willing to comeback at same salary

As for Schenn, this was a make or break season for him, he has shown his upside this year and looks like a future 60-80 pointer. I would suggest sending him and Grossman to Calgary along with a first round pick. In return we ask for Mike Cammalleri and Dennis Wideman and Calgary absorbing 1/2 of Wideman's cap hit. How do you feel about this?

Lines could be: Simmonds Giroux Voracek, Cammalleri Lecavalier Read, Hartnell Couturier Raffl, Downie Hall Rinaldo and on D you would have as your 6 Timonen (for this year) Streit Coburn Wideman Schenn Gustafsson/Meszaros

I'll watch the game at a later point. I have to be up too early to watch the late west Coast games during the week.
- MJL

hd?

I haven't been watching, but that is good news. I would really like to see him play more games he rest of the season. The guy has had a lot of in season up and downs, and a lot of very untimely injuries. If he can continue to play well then I can see him earning a contract. But if its still a rollcoaster season, and given the fact he is not waiver exempt, I would think about moving him.

Edit: Thanks she is feeling fine, but stressed about all the Dr. Appts.
- youarewrong

Gustafsson hasn't exactly been given a legitimate chance to establish himself as a full time NHl defenseman this Season, for whatever reason. Injuries aside, I think he deserves that opportunity.

I may be the only one here, but has anyone else preferred the defense WITHOUT Timonen the past two games? I have big time. I like this group of 6 playing together a lot, actually. There just seems to be more cohesion defensively.

Only so much to take away from that observation, as it's only been two games. But they've been two pretty good games. Could be masked by just a better overall effort from the entire team in general; forwards getting back, playoff like work ethic shift in and shift out, etc.

Just a thought: do we entertain trading Timonen to a contender, even if we are still in the hunt? Sounds silly, I know. But the return wouldn't likely be half bad.
- mochoson

The thought has crossed my mind, but it's a really small sample size we're talking about. I would not be rushing to extend Timonen, but I'm not sure moving him at the TDL is wise. I'd like to see this team give it their best if they make the playoffs.

Put that coffee maker to work and substitute liquid energy for sleep. It's the American way.
- BulliesPhan87

bunch of commies