Wasn't it Bolland?
- BiggE

Maybe, I can't remember. My point is, if the Hawks second line center was Bolland, then I think that B Schenn can be an adequate 2nd line center on a contender.

Out of curiosity, who was Chicago's 2nd line center in 12-13? I honestly can't recall who that was. Was it Shaw?
- jmatchett383

Handzus?

Maybe, I can't remember. My point is, if the Hawks second line center was Bolland, then I think that B Schenn can be an adequate 2nd line center on a contender.
- jmatchett383

No doubt.

I think he can be a 25-30 goal, 55-65 point player and that is more than sufficient for a 2nd line center.

edit: I also think Couturier will top out as a 20-25 goal, 50-60 point guy that is in the running for the Selke trophy most seasons as well.

Now add that to a 28,29 year old Giroux and that's a damn good set of centers.

I honestly believe Schenn and Couturier will take steps forward in their production.

The Flyers aren't going to be flashy. I think they're going to win games based on their attention to detail defensively, and because a full season of Andrew MacDonald is better than Meszaros/Gustafsson, and even with Nick Schultz's limitations at this stage of his career, he will still be helpful as the 7th defenseman.

They do need to be a solid team from the start of the season, and I think they will be. This is the year that playing together for the last few seasons pays off, that the patience they have shown with this roster pays dividends.

The Islanders are much improved and will be dangerous, and while I do still think they are better than the Devils and Capitals, the margin for error isn't large. But if they simply play responsible hockey, embrace the systems the way they did that final 2/3 of the season last year, they're going to be right there at the end of the year.

That's all I ever ask: Give yourselves a chance, with a competitive roster, to be there at the end of the year.

Maybe, I can't remember. My point is, if the Hawks second line center was Bolland, then I think that B Schenn can be an adequate 2nd line center on a contender.
- jmatchett383

Depends on the way the team is constructed. When you have Keith and Seabrooke a lot of things become adequate.

Depends on the way the team is constructed. When you have Keith and Seabrooke a lot of things become adequate.
- PLindbergh31

This is true... w/o that ridiculous blueline of theirs to get them the puck, I suspect many of their forwards would see a steep dive in ES production.

VPN + Gamecenter = no blackouts.
- Tomahawk

I pay what like $179 for the package and I can't watch 10-15% of the games bc my time warner cable in austin texas doesn't carry the nhl network bc they can't spell hockey down here is why I give a rats a$$...., that said I have sling box connected to my mother-in-laws house in yardley pa. With comcast cable and I'm able to watch anything on her tv anywhere in the world.....but I would rather have a HD feed on my 60 inch hd TV not my 13 inch laptop.....

I honestly believe Schenn and Couturier will take steps forward in their production.

The Flyers aren't going to be flashy. I think they're going to win games based on their attention to detail defensively, and because a full season of Andrew MacDonald is better than Meszaros/Gustafsson, and even with Nick Schultz's limitations at this stage of his career, he will still be helpful as the 7th defenseman.

They do need to be a solid team from the start of the season, and I think they will be. This is the year that playing together for the last few seasons pays off, that the patience they have shown with this roster pays dividends.

The Islanders are much improved and will be dangerous, and while I do still think they are better than the Devils and Capitals, the margin for error isn't large. But if they simply play responsible hockey, embrace the systems the way they did that final 2/3 of the season last year, they're going to be right there at the end of the year.

That's all I ever ask: Give yourselves a chance, with a competitive roster, to be there at the end of the year.
- AllInForFlyers

I agree

AMac is an upgrade over Mez for sure

Schultz is an upgrade over Gus/Gill

Couturier is only going to get better, as is IMO, Schenn. Also I expect Laughton to contribute at some point this year and Raffl to also improve a bit.

If I had to predict the order of finish in the Metro, I would go with:
1. Pittsburgh
Don't know how they will do in the playoffs, but they still have too much talent to not win this division.
2. Rangers
As long as Hank stays healthy, they will be tough.
3. Flyers
Going to be another tough 1st round matchup with the Rags
4. Columbus
I think they are a playoff team, but still one and done.
5. Capitals
Trotz will get them to work hard, but they just have too many holes to finish in the top 4. They may challenge for the 8th spot though
6. Islanders
They've certainly improved, but, IMO, not enough. May well be the final season for Garth Snow.
7. Devils
Uncle Lou's magic has worn off. This team needs an overhaul
8. Carolina
They are just bad enough to finish last.

This is true... w/o that ridiculous blueline of theirs to get them the puck, I suspect many of their forwards would see a steep dive in ES production.
- Tomahawk

No doubt about. Guys like Oduya, Hjalmarsson, and Leddy are very good 3/4/5 guys. I would take any of them over any dman the Flyers have sans Coburn.

VPN + Gamecenter = no blackouts.
- Tomahawk

Or hockeystreams, if you're into that

I pay what like $179 for the package and I can't watch 10-15% of the games bc my time warner cable in austin texas doesn't carry the nhl network bc they can't spell hockey down here is why I give a rats a$$...., that said I have sling box connected to my mother-in-laws house in yardley pa. With comcast cable and I'm able to watch anything on her tv anywhere in the world.....but I would rather have a HD feed on my 60 inch hd TV not my 13 inch laptop.....
- huks99

With a Roku/PS/Xbox/AppleTV, you can watch GC on your TV... if you don't want to shell out for one of those, a Chromecast ($35) will do the same.

With a Roku/PS/Xbox, you can watch GC on your TV... if you don't want to shell out for one of those, a Chromecast ($35) will do the same.
- Tomahawk

It's not a perfect device, but I love my chromecast

I agree

AMac is an upgrade over Mez for sure

Schultz is an upgrade over Gus/Gill

Couturier is only going to get better, as is IMO, Schenn. Also I expect Laughton to contribute at some point this year and Raffl to also improve a bit.

If I had to predict the order of finish in the Metro, I would go with:
1. Pittsburgh
Don't know how they will do in the playoffs, but they still have too much talent to not win this division.
2. Rangers
As long as Hank stays healthy, they will be tough.
3. Flyers
Going to be another tough 1st round matchup with the Rags
4. Columbus
I think they are a playoff team, but still one and done.
5. Capitals
Trotz will get them to work hard, but they just have too many holes to finish in the top 4. They may challenge for the 8th spot though
6. Islanders
They've certainly improved, but, IMO, not enough. May well be the final season for Garth Snow.
7. Devils
Uncle Lou's magic has worn off. This team needs an overhaul
8. Carolina
They are just bad enough to finish last.
- BiggE

I'm not sold on Pitt being at the top next season. A lot of pieces were moved around. I'd flop Rangers to 1

I agree

AMac is an upgrade over Mez for sure

Schultz is an upgrade over Gus/Gill

Couturier is only going to get better, as is IMO, Schenn. Also I expect Laughton to contribute at some point this year and Raffl to also improve a bit.

If I had to predict the order of finish in the Metro, I would go with:
1. Pittsburgh
Don't know how they will do in the playoffs, but they still have too much talent to not win this division.
2. Rangers
As long as Hank stays healthy, they will be tough.
3. Flyers
Going to be another tough 1st round matchup with the Rags
4. Columbus
I think they are a playoff team, but still one and done.
5. Capitals
Trotz will get them to work hard, but they just have too many holes to finish in the top 4. They may challenge for the 8th spot though
6. Islanders
They've certainly improved, but, IMO, not enough. May well be the final season for Garth Snow.
7. Devils
Uncle Lou's magic has worn off. This team needs an overhaul
8. Carolina
They are just bad enough to finish last.
- BiggE

I hate to say it, but I think the Devils are going to be pretty good. They don't have to worry about playing a sub-par Brodeur anymore, Jagr showed no signs of slowing down. His season with the Devils last year was superior to his season with the Flyers. They added M-Cam to boost the offense. NJD finished 5 points out of a playoff spot last year, they went 0-12 in shootouts. I highly doubt that trend continues.

It's not a perfect device, but I love my chromecast
- BulliesPhan87

Cut the cord after buying one... life changer. (frank) Comcast (sorry Jsaq)

I agree

AMac is an upgrade over Mez for sure

Schultz is an upgrade over Gus/Gill

Couturier is only going to get better, as is IMO, Schenn. Also I expect Laughton to contribute at some point this year and Raffl to also improve a bit.

If I had to predict the order of finish in the Metro, I would go with:
1. Pittsburgh
Don't know how they will do in the playoffs, but they still have too much talent to not win this division.
2. Rangers
As long as Hank stays healthy, they will be tough.
3. Flyers
Going to be another tough 1st round matchup with the Rags
4. Columbus
I think they are a playoff team, but still one and done.
5. Capitals
Trotz will get them to work hard, but they just have too many holes to finish in the top 4. They may challenge for the 8th spot though
6. Islanders
They've certainly improved, but, IMO, not enough. May well be the final season for Garth Snow.
7. Devils
Uncle Lou's magic has worn off. This team needs an overhaul
8. Carolina
They are just bad enough to finish last.
- BiggE

I think I'd flip the Flyers and the BJs, but I agree. I'm not sure what to expect from the Islanders, I've heard that they're a rising contender in the division for so long that I don't take it seriously anymore.

I agree

AMac is an upgrade over Mez for sure

Schultz is an upgrade over Gus/Gill

Couturier is only going to get better, as is IMO, Schenn. Also I expect Laughton to contribute at some point this year and Raffl to also improve a bit.

If I had to predict the order of finish in the Metro, I would go with:
1. Pittsburgh
Don't know how they will do in the playoffs, but they still have too much talent to not win this division.
2. Rangers
As long as Hank stays healthy, they will be tough.
3. Flyers
Going to be another tough 1st round matchup with the Rags
4. Columbus
I think they are a playoff team, but still one and done.
5. Capitals
Trotz will get them to work hard, but they just have too many holes to finish in the top 4. They may challenge for the 8th spot though
6. Islanders
They've certainly improved, but, IMO, not enough. May well be the final season for Garth Snow.
7. Devils
Uncle Lou's magic has worn off. This team needs an overhaul
8. Carolina
They are just bad enough to finish last.
- BiggE

The Devils didn't miss by much last year, and they have no need to placate a below average former superstar goalie, which means their good young goalie will be making 15-20 more starts. Plus, I doubt they go 0-12 in shootouts again.

The Isles still have questions on D, but they solidified themselves in goal and up front. Columbus should also be better.

I think if the Flyers make it, it's as a wildcard.

Cut the cord after buying one... life changer. (frank) Comcast (sorry Jsaq)
- Tomahawk

Damnit.

Actually, if my cable bill wasn't so low...

Cut the cord after buying one... life changer. (frank) Comcast (sorry Jsaq)
- Tomahawk

The only downside is it really bogs down your network. I wonder if running a second wireless network would alleviate that? idk, I'm only an enthusiast class nerd.

Damnit.

Actually, if my cable bill wasn't so low...
- Jsaquella

How's it feel to be replaced by a dongle?

I'm not sold on Pitt being at the top next season. A lot of pieces were moved around. I'd flop Rangers to 1
- Streit2ThePoint

I think they're (arguably) better than they were last year, especially on the defense. Ehrhoff is an improvement on Nikanen and Letang should be healthy. They moved out Orpik and Engelland and can replace them with Despres and Pouliot.

The bottom-6 has been retooled and they actually have competent NHL players there now. They should have a healthy Beau Bennett back, as well, and Dupuis should be healthy. The only real subtraction from the team that won't be directly replaced was James Neal, and they got a nice return for him. To me, they're going to be much more dangerous than last year as long as MAF can hold up his end.

I'm not sold on Pitt being at the top next season. A lot of pieces were moved around. I'd flop Rangers to 1
- Streit2ThePoint

It's a pretty weak division overall... I don't really see any team that is head and shoulders above the rest, nor do I really see any teams that are terrible. Kind of impossible to predict, IMO.

The Devils didn't miss by much last year, and they have no need to placate a below average former superstar goalie, which means their good young goalie will be making 15-20 more starts. Plus, I doubt they go 0-12 in shootouts again.

The Isles still have questions on D, but they solidified themselves in goal and up front. Columbus should also be better.

I think if the Flyers make it, it's as a wildcard.
- Jsaquella

Eyes on your own paper.

How's it feel to be replaced by a dongle?
- BulliesPhan87

I do mostly business and home security stuff now, so no big deal

How's it feel to be replaced by a dong?
- BulliesPhan87

ftfy