I see them making the playoffs, but I don't think it's a slam dunk. The division is a bit mediocre. I'm hoping Couts and Schenn take the next step and develop into strong #2 centers.
- PhillySportsGuy

I think it'll be tough. Columbus is better, just by adding Hartnell. If they get into a dumb pissing match with Johansen, maybe they'll have issues, but they're going to be solid.

New Jersey improved by losing Brodeur. He was great, now, mediocre. Now pressure to even divide the starts for him. with Schneider playing more, they'll be better.

The Isles could be a sleeper as well. Halak can be a really good goalie, plus if Tavares stays healthy, they have a bona fide stud. Grabovski and Kulemin might be getting paid a bit much, but they will help the forward depth.

I even think Pittsburgh might be slightly improved. They'll have to rely on some kids, but they'll still be solid.

- PhillySportsGuy

On the bright side, we don't have a poopty 3rd pairing. Right?

would you take one year of erhoff for read
- stayinthefnnet

NO!

I think it'll be tough. Columbus is better, just by adding Hartnell. If they get into a dumb pissing match with Johansen, maybe they'll have issues, but they're going to be solid.

New Jersey improved by losing Brodeur. He was great, now, mediocre. Now pressure to even divide the starts for him. with Schneider playing more, they'll be better.

The Isles could be a sleeper as well. Halak can be a really good goalie, plus if Tavares stays healthy, they have a bona fide stud. Grabovski and Kulemin might be getting paid a bit much, but they will help the forward depth.

I even think Pittsburgh might be slightly improved. They'll have to rely on some kids, but they'll still be solid.
- Jsaquella

Are the caps a playoff team now too?

I think it'll be tough. Columbus is better, just by adding Hartnell. If they get into a dumb pissing match with Johansen, maybe they'll have issues, but they're going to be solid.

New Jersey improved by losing Brodeur. He was great, now, mediocre. Now pressure to even divide the starts for him. with Schneider playing more, they'll be better.

The Isles could be a sleeper as well. Halak can be a really good goalie, plus if Tavares stays healthy, they have a bona fide stud. Grabovski and Kulemin might be getting paid a bit much, but they will help the forward depth.

I even think Pittsburgh might be slightly improved. They'll have to rely on some kids, but they'll still be solid.
- Jsaquella

Yeah. I agree with you, but I still think the Flyers come away making the playoffs. I think it will be close though. They aren't worlds ahead of any team in the division

Are the caps a playoff team now too?
- FlyersSteve118

Not sold on the Caps. Complete wildcard to me.

Not sold on the Caps. Complete wildcard to me.
- Jsaquella

I don't think the Caps got better.

Dont forget Tampa. They could be a new powerhouse to deal with.

Yeah. I agree with you, but I still think the Flyers come away making the playoffs. I think it will be close though. They aren't worlds ahead of any team in the division
- PhillySportsGuy

Not completely discounting the Flyers. Teams with less talent have made the playoffs. If they can play good two way hockey and get full buy in, they will make it tough on one of those other teams

I don't think the Caps got better.
- Doc_Sarcasm

I don't at first, but I can see some of the thought process. Still, I imagine they're going to be moving pieces.

I think it'll be tough. Columbus is better, just by adding Hartnell. If they get into a dumb pissing match with Johansen, maybe they'll have issues, but they're going to be solid.

New Jersey improved by losing Brodeur. He was great, now, mediocre. Now pressure to even divide the starts for him. with Schneider playing more, they'll be better.

The Isles could be a sleeper as well. Halak can be a really good goalie, plus if Tavares stays healthy, they have a bona fide stud. Grabovski and Kulemin might be getting paid a bit much, but they will help the forward depth.

I even think Pittsburgh might be slightly improved. They'll have to rely on some kids, but they'll still be solid.
- Jsaquella

NJ also got Cammalleri.

Is it me, or do the sharks seem awfully thin on the blue line? Maybe they try and get something done with Phaneuf?

I like the McGinn trade

Not completely discounting the Flyers. Teams with less talent have made the playoffs. If they can play good two way hockey and get full buy in, they will make it tough on one of those other teams
- Jsaquella

I just think Giroux makes such a difference. I have a lot of faith in him.

Is it me, or do the sharks seem awfully thin on the blue line? Maybe they try and get something done with Phaneuf?
- Just5

Sharks make no sense. Say their cleaning house after the playoffs and all they do is ship off Dan Boyle's rights.

If they're thinking anyone will actually trade for Thornton's contract they're insane.

I like the McGinn trade
- Giroux_Is_God

Is this your one comment for the day?

Yes, this is a shot at your lack of comments lately

I like the McGinn trade
- Giroux_Is_God

Me too.

I feel like Couts will absolutely explode in the points column when they untie his skates and allow him to actually play some scoring minutes.
- FlyersSteve118

I don't know, I don't think scoring will ever be that simple for him. He's handzus IMO

I don't think the Caps got better.
- Doc_Sarcasm

The Ovi/Trotz experiment is going to be fun to watch...fail miserably.

Not completely discounting the Flyers. Teams with less talent have made the playoffs. If they can play good two way hockey and get full buy in, they will make it tough on one of those other teams
- Jsaquella

If Raffl and the Bellemare dude contribute some scoring we are golden next year. Hopefully we can get some sort of defense out of our second line some how.

Sharks make no sense. Say their cleaning house after the playoffs and all they do is ship off Dan Boyle's rights.

If they're thinking anyone will actually trade for Thornton's contract they're insane.
- hereticpride

I think plenty of teams would. Esp. the bottom feeders or a Toronto or something. Its not so much that its that Jumbo Joe seems to quite like it in Cali and his style seems to suit the laid back fanbase.

I wanna see these kids get some time in the preseason wanna see what we got maybe push a veteran out the door

I just think Giroux makes such a difference. I have a lot of faith in him.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yep. When he gets out of the hoosegow...

But seriously, Giroux gives them a game changer that can literally will a team to the playoffs.

The Ovi/Trotz experiment is going to be fun to watch...fail miserably.
- hereticpride

watch he scores 14 goals on the year but wins the Selke.

If Raffl and the Bellemare dude contribute some scoring we are golden next year. Hopefully we can get some sort of defense out of our second line some how.
- FlyersSteve118

Up front I like the roster. The defense is what it is, but if they play good puck support and get everyone to buy in to a 200 foot game, they will make noise.

I'm not saying they're not a playoff team, just saying, it'll be a battle.