Man these series are tough to pick. You could make a case for every squad except for poopty Florida
- Just5

I think even Florida has a chance, in fact I'm picking them in 7. Having everyone at ESPN pick the Pens and Bruins is odd, but not surprising.

Also, Lanny is still an icon in this city to this day.

7pm, like they do all regular season long.
- wilsonecho91

Because if they put these games on as the national game it probably brings in more advertisement revenue.

In the end $$$ will determine the games start times in the playoffs.

And why is he in our thread?
- Just5

because it's playoff time, and he still has the best beard ever. that's why.

because it's playoff time, and he still has the best beard ever. that's why.
- hammarby31

I thought he was doing a headstand in that picture and his fly swung open

who the hell is that
- 2Real

I thought he was doing a headstand in that picture and his fly swung open
- JoeRussomanno

entirely possible.

- hammarby31

+1

+1
- MBFlyerfan

honestly, he deserves to be banned.

Should Pronger not return and Carle does not get re-signed, I am interested in knowing what direction the Flyers might go in. As it stands this is what the Flyers look like on D with a healthy roster.

Regulars: Pronger, Timonen, Carle, Coburn, Meszaros, Grossmann

Scratches: Lilja, Burdon, Gustafsson

First Call up: Manning

I find this to be an interesting situation. I understand Lilja is cap friendly but speaking for myself, I'm slightly higher on Burdon, even with the sluggish long stretch that he's had before being sent down. Good start but wore down after a month or so. Do we need the contract limit to always be right at 50? Do we need to hang on to a cap friendly player who spends a lot of time scratched a hurt?

I also ask myself if the Flyers should risk re-entry waivers for a guy like Bartulis he's a RFA at the end of this season.

Also should we go after Suter with Pronger and Carle possibly being done here? Are people still interested in a Weber for JvR plus package?
- roenick97

Kubina?

Kubina?
- wolfhounds

Not to mention all teams have reserve players (often referred to as black aces) that practice with the team and often travel with them in case of an injury.

Not to mention all teams have reserve players (often referred to as black aces) that practice with the team and often travel with them in case of an injury.
- ob18

The Flyers are certain to have Gustafsson, Manning, MAB among those available.

The Flyers are certain to have Gustafsson, Manning, MAB among those available.
- Jsaquella

Holmstrom and a goalie are certain to also be among the players

Holmstrom and a goalie are certain to also be among the players
- ob18

I'd say Holmstrom, Zolnierczyk and Akeson would be my guesses up front. I'd also bring up Leighton, with no future cap penalties.

Not to mention all teams have reserve players (often referred to as black aces) that practice with the team and often travel with them in case of an injury.
- ob18

I did forget Kubina but I'm speaking from a next season standpoint, not this season. Kubina isn't under contract past this season. I named Carle because he actually needs to be replaced. Kubina is Pronger's replacement (In a sense) or at the very least an upgrade over anything with our farm team.

Actually, I'm speaking from a moving forward standpoint because I did bring the question mark of Bartulis heading into the playoffs.

I want to know how the extra none Phantoms should be handled from here on out. Heading into the playoffs, the off season and next season. Should Lilja have a role here next season?

I'd say Holmstrom, Zolnierczyk and Akeson would be my guesses up front. I'd also bring up Leighton, with no future cap penalties.
- Jsaquella

Yeah only other ones might have be Matt Ford and/or Denis Hamel

The 'experts' don't know more than we do. Maybe each of us knows more about our own team, but to me it will be a see saw series and likely to go seven games. Both teams can really score, if Bryrz's foot holds out goaltending is a draw. Pens defense while mobile, lacks size on the wall. Flyers love to take advantage of this.

The Rangers handled Philly with a tight checking defensive style and trapping with the lead, something the Pens seem to refuse to do.Thats one reason you have been able to handle us this year.

I reallly rate this series a toss up and if one of our stars get injured all bets are off. Flyers have shown heart and comeback ability most of the year. They will not be an easy out for us at all. In fact this will resemble a war more than a hockey series. May th e best team win and of course hope the Pens can nose you guys out.

The 'experts' don't know more than we do. Maybe each of us knows more about our own team, but to me it will be a see saw series and likely to go seven games. Both teams can really score, if Bryrz's foot holds out goaltending is a draw. Pens defense while mobile, lacks size on the wall. Flyers love to take advantage of this.

The Rangers handled Philly with a tight checking defensive style and trapping with the lead, something the Pens seem to refuse to do.Thats one reason you have been able to handle us this year.

I reallly rate this series a toss up and if one of our stars get injured all bets are off. Flyers have shown heart and comeback ability most of the year. They will not be an easy out for us at all. In fact this will resemble a war more than a hockey series. May th e best team win and of course hope the Pens can nose you guys out.
- powerhouse

agree with all of this, except the last point.

agree with all of this, except the last point.
- hammarby31

I definately understand that. I am sure I would say the same to you. Truth is, we are in for some damn good hockey. Both teams look like they want this bad and have the tools and talent to do it.I t will be like lighting a powderkeg if you ask me.

I definately understand that. I am sure I would say the same to you. Truth is, we are in for some damn good hockey. Both teams look like they want this bad and have the tools and talent to do it.I t will be like lighting a powderkeg if you ask me.
- powerhouse

what i want, besides a flyers victory of course, is that the series be called fairly, and the majority of it played 5 on 5. i do not want bullpoop, ticky tack, and especially one sided officiating to have an impact on the outcome. i'm not very optimistic.

I know, right? Remember how good Theo Fleury was back then?
- Emperor Filonius

agree with all of this, except the last point.
- hammarby31

+1

what i want, besides a flyers victory of course, is that the series be called fairly, and the majority of it played 5 on 5. i do not want bullpoop, ticky tack, and especially one sided officiating to have an impact on the outcome. i'm not very optimistic.
- hammarby31

I think both sides want consistent work from the zebras. I hope that we don't see the poor refs that have marred more than a few games this year

The Flyers are certain to have Gustafsson, Manning, MAB among those available.
- Jsaquella

Possibly Walker too? Assuming he was playing halfway decent in the A, you'd have to think he might get the nod over Manning, since there is no chance of his getting claimed now. Especially against the Pens in what is certain to be a very physical series.

Possibly Walker too? Assuming he was playing halfway decent in the A, you'd have to think he might get the nod over Manning, since there is no chance of his getting claimed now. Especially against the Pens in what is certain to be a very physical series.
- BringBack25

If he's claimed they have about $875K in dead cap space. next year. I could see a team with a cap floor issue claim him.

If he's claimed they have about $875K in dead cap space. next year. I could see a team with a cap floor issue claim him.
- Jsaquella

Ahh. I don't think they'd risk that. Thx.