I don't think the Rangers are a sure thing either. They've sort of done what the Flyers did and made lateral moves. I think they could be anywhere from 2nd in the division to 6th.
- Jsaquella

Agree, in regards to Rangers and Flyers. I am not sold on Pittsburg. I think Flyers have more depth up front and their D has lost 2 long time players. Ehrhoff was great pick up ( that is who i wanted Hexy to get) but they may just need to adjust to new players and coaching.
Plus.... I can't stand them!!!!

He's an injury prone version of McDavid
- PhillySportsGuy

I hear he (Embiid) has a wicked slap shot.

Agree, in regards to Rangers and Flyers. I am not sold on Pittsburg. I think Flyers have more depth up front and their D has lost 2 long time players. Ehrhoff was great pick up ( that is who i wanted Hexy to get) but they may just need to adjust to new players and coaching.
Plus.... I can't stand them!!!!
- 3flyerkids

Their D will actually be better, as Ehrhoff can replace (and more) Niskanen and Pouliot (or even Harrington) will be an upgrade on Orpik at this point. Also, their bottom six has been filled out (even with signing Downie) which was a big problem last season. That, and I don't expect them to lose top-line players for the stretches they did; remember, they led the NHL in man games lost due to inuury last season.

I hear he (Embiid) has a wicked slap shot.
- jmatchett383

Wicked hawd shawt

Why you hate the Orpik deal?
- SuperSchennBros

I love that Orpik deal, because he signed it in the same division as the Flyers. I wish all teams in the metro had 3-4 of him.

Wicked hawd shawt
- PhillySportsGuy

Get outta here with your Rodeo Drive accent

Their D will actually be better, as Ehrhoff can replace (and more) Niskanen and Pouliot (or even Harrington) will be an upgrade on Orpik at this point. Also, their bottom six has been filled out (even with signing Downie) which was a big problem last season. That, and I don't expect them to lose top-line players for the stretches they did; remember, they led the NHL in man games lost due to inuury last season.
- jmatchett383

I think it's awfully premature to state that any young player is going to be an upgrade over Orpik. They may be more talented and have more upside. But they aren't going to match Orpik defensively, his experience, or his physical play. So while they may gain some in some areas, they will feel the loss of Orpik.

I think it's awfully premature to state that any young player is going to be an upgrade over Orpik. They may be more talented and have more upside. But they aren't going to match Orpik defensively, his experience, or his physical play. So while they may gain some in some areas, they will feel the loss of Orpik.
- MJL

Script says: the role of Golden Parking Cone will be played by one Rob Scuderi.

I think it's awfully premature to state that any young player is going to be an upgrade over Orpik. They may be more talented and have more upside. But they aren't going to match Orpik defensively, his experience, or his physical play. So while they may gain some in some areas, they will feel the loss of Orpik.
- MJL

He was atrocious last year. His foot speed went down about 3 notches (and he was never fast to begin with) and he was a far cry from the physical force he was in the Cup run years. He and Scuderi were major liabilities out there most of the year. So yes, basically any player in their system (even Samuelsson) would be an upgrade.

Script says: the role of Golden Parking Cone will be played by one Rob Scuderi.
- Tomahawk

Man, I like Scuderi and really wanted the Flyers to get him when he went to LA, but MY GOD he was hard to watch last season. Makes AMac look like Nick Lidstrom.

Script says: the role of Golden Parking Cone will be played by one Rob Scuderi.
- Tomahawk

Rob Scuderi is a good top4 dmen. He was good on the Kings and helped lead them to a Cup. He was good in his first stint with the Pens. There is nothing that would indicate Scuderi won't be a terrific defensive defenseman. Nothing. None. Zilch.

Man, I like Scuderi and really wanted the Flyers to get him when he went to LA, but MY GOD he was hard to watch last season. Makes AMac look like Nick Lidstrom.
- jmatchett383

I wanted them to sign him last offseason

Script says: the role of Golden Parking Cone will be played by one Rob Scuderi.
- Tomahawk

By the way, Extraskater is down. Rumors swirling that they may have been hired by an NHL team.

Rob Scuderi is a good top4 dmen. He was good on the Kings and helped lead them to a Cup. He was good in his first stint with the Pens. There is nothing that would indicate Scuderi won't be a terrific defensive defenseman. Nothing. None. Zilch.
- PhillySportsGuy

Right on cue, love it.

Rob Scuderi is a good top4 dmen. He was good on the Kings and helped lead them to a Cup. He was good in his first stint with the Pens. There is nothing that would indicate Scuderi won't be a terrific defensive defenseman. Nothing. None. Zilch.
- PhillySportsGuy

But haven't you watched him lately, I mean he...oooooooooohhh...

By the way, Extraskater is down. Rumors swirling that they may have been hired by an NHL team.
- PhillySportsGuy

Site finally succumbed to the weight of AMac's statistical excellence?

Site finally succumbed to the weight of AMac's statistical excellence?
- Tomahawk

He's using his blocking skills to divert all traffic.

He's using his blocking skills to divert all traffic.
- jmatchett383

Site finally succumbed to the weight of AMac's statistical excellence?
- Tomahawk

He's using his blocking skills to divert all traffic.
- jmatchett383

I wanted them to sign him last offseason
- PhillySportsGuy

Man, I like Scuderi and really wanted the Flyers to get him when he went to LA....
- jmatchett383

Forgive me father, for I have sinned...

Forgive me father, for I have sinned...
- Tomahawk

He was good his first 2 years in LA.

New blog up.

He was good his first 2 years in LA.
- jmatchett383

Haha, just sounded like you guys were confessing.

He was atrocious last year. His foot speed went down about 3 notches (and he was never fast to begin with) and he was a far cry from the physical force he was in the Cup run years. He and Scuderi were major liabilities out there most of the year. So yes, basically any player in their system (even Samuelsson) would be an upgrade.
- jmatchett383

I disagree. The entire framework of the Pens defensive game broke down last season. That's why they struggled. Orpik's game isn't built on foot speed and never was. His demise is being greatly exaggerated. While his contract is an overpayment for a stay at home defensive defenseman, and other comparable players can likely be had for less. He is still a solid defender and penalty killer. And he also brings intangibles to the team.