The only evidence available that Carter is going to produce better is that he has the raw natural talent and ability to do so. And he is a player that can get hot, as he has shown in the past. He could do it in the playoffs. Doesn't mean he will. But he has to prove that he can in the playoffs.
- MJL

Carter has always had raw talent and so far that hasn't made a difference when it counts. He could get hot, yes, but history says that is very unlikely.

Exactly. Everything is falling in place for the Kings this year. The chances of a run like this are slim.
- NickTheKid87

Runs like this have happened countless times in the history of the NHL. And also in other sports.

I understand that PR doesn't just say "fired" but the euphemism "relieved" just struck a nerve.
- bodiva88

Joonas Lehtivouri was relieved to be leaving Glens Falls.

Why would they have to be traded another time? Based on the team they have, I don't see the Kings thinking about trading them. And the Kings knew what they were taking on.
- MJL

In the short run they are worthwhile but as players get older and less effective they become contracts of burden (i.e. Roberto Luongo). Plus if the Kings don't win this year or within the next few years then they would want to shake up the team.

Carter has always had raw talent and so far that hasn't made a difference when it counts. He could get hot, yes, but history says that is very unlikely.
- NickTheKid87

he's a streaky player...that's what you get with a player like that...
as much as it's tough to win the cup, the loser of the final has a tougher time because they made it that far with no prize. What changes do they make? etc...
tough position to be in...
simply conversing with your posts instead of just asking question after question about your posts.

Runs like this have happened countless times in the history of the NHL. And also in other sports.
- MJL

But to the same team twice? Not nearly as common. How many teams have won the Cup multiple times recently? The Devils, Aves, Red Wings and Pens are the only teams to win the Cup multiple times in the last 20 years.

Exactly. Everything is falling in place for the Kings this year. The chances of a run like this are slim.
- NickTheKid87

This is a key ingredient in most championship runs, though. History shows us its not always the team with the most talent. Usually it's the one that it the lucky bounces and took advantage of them. And they do have the talent to back up their dream run with Quick in net, IMO.

This is a key ingredient in most championship runs, though. History shows us its not always the team with the most talent. Usually it's the one that it the lucky bounces and took advantage of them. And they do have the talent to back up their dream run with Quick in net, IMO.
- funmaster18

That is very true. Look at teams like the Lightning in 2004. They had almost zero injuries on their way to the Cup.

But to the same team twice? Not nearly as common. How many teams have won the Cup multiple times recently? The Devils, Aves, Red Wings and Pens are the only teams to win the Cup multiple times in the last 20 years.
- NickTheKid87

Which shows you how hard it is and how many bounces you need to go your way.

This is a key ingredient in most championship runs, though. History shows us its not always the team with the most talent. Usually it's the one that it the lucky bounces and took advantage of them. And they do have the talent to back up their dream run with Quick in net, IMO.
- funmaster18

I definitely agree with that. Quick makes all the difference in the world. Without him they wouldn't have made the playoffs.

I definitely agree with that. Quick makes all the difference in the world. Without him they wouldn't have made the playoffs.
- NickTheKid87

Without him, they're probably in the running for Nail Yakupov.

This is a key ingredient in most championship runs, though. History shows us its not always the team with the most talent. Usually it's the one that it the lucky bounces and took advantage of them. And they do have the talent to back up their dream run with Quick in net, IMO.
- funmaster18

Quick has been the key...
that's where we are hoping Bryz can do the job. We have seen he can...

Which shows you how hard it is and how many bounces you need to go your way.
- funmaster18

Exactly. Which is why I wouldn't want to be in the Kings position with Richards and Carter's contracts if they lost.

That is very true. Look at teams like the Lightning in 2004. They had almost zero injuries on their way to the Cup.
- Jsaquella

Exactly. And just because they were graced with a healthy roster, they still needed to win hockey games. Favorable matchups and stayin healthy is only half of the battle, but it's an important half.

That is very true. Look at teams like the Lightning in 2004. They had almost zero injuries on their way to the Cup.
- Jsaquella

that's the biggest concern i have from year to year is why do the Flyers have so many plucking injuries.
Do they train so hard that their bodies are so fragile, if that is even the case?
I don't get...
I used to say Croce pushed them too far...
I would think there is a fine line of good training and too much training to cause injury.
remember you cannot pull fat...

that's the biggest concern i have from year to year is why do the Flyers have so many plucking injuries.
Do they train so hard that their bodies are so fragile, if that is even the case?
I don't get...
I used to say Croce pushed them too far...
I would think there is a fine line of good training and too much training to cause injury.
remember you cannot pull fat...
- phi1671

I thought the flyers did an excellent job all year rolling 4 lines as 3 defensive pairs, so laviolettes overusing of veterans and top players isn't an excuse this year. Just dumb/bad luck.

Exactly. Which is why I wouldn't want to be in the Kings position with Richards and Carter's contracts if they lost.
- NickTheKid87

I'm wary of any contract over 5 or 6 years.

But what evidence is there to say that Carter is going to have a giant series? Statistics show that he has NEVER been a big game player. Even in Juniors and the AHL. Too think he will have a giant series instead of an average one is illogical.
- NickTheKid87

Sports are an interesting event. One minute a player is amazing and the next they are garbage. Kessel and Kesler are good examples. Shoot Parise might tank next year for all we know. If Carter comes up big in the next series he will be held on a podium as a man among boys. I totally hear what you are saying, I also think the next series will be huge in determining if he is a PO magician or dude. Things just change that fast in sports.

I thought the flyers did an excellent job all year rolling 4 lines as 3 defensive pairs, so laviolettes overusing of veterans and top players isn't an excuse this year. Just dumb/bad luck.
- funmaster18

this year they had the depth to sustain that...

a lot of dumb/bad luck

Quick has been the key...
that's where we are hoping Bryz can do the job. We have seen he can...

- phi1671

Imo, A lot of early season struggles with Bryz had to do with communication issues with his defensemen and possibly just trouble adjusting to the flyers system as a whole. The media took his early struggles and ran with it. Compounded by 24/7 and a big new contract, I don't think he felt settled until about February. I think we will se a much more consistent Bryzgalov next year.

Imo, A lot of early season struggles with Bryz had to do with communication issues with his defensemen and possibly just trouble adjusting to the flyers system as a whole. The media took his early struggles and ran with it. Compounded by 24/7 and a big new contract, I don't think he felt settled until about February. I think we will se a much more consistent Bryzgalov next year.
- funmaster18

i agree FM

Imo, A lot of early season struggles with Bryz had to do with communication issues with his defensemen and possibly just trouble adjusting to the flyers system as a whole. The media took his early struggles and ran with it. Compounded by 24/7 and a big new contract, I don't think he felt settled until about February. I think we will se a much more consistent Bryzgalov next year.
- funmaster18

Chip fracture went a long way in hurting his mobility down the stretch. Pittsburgh PP goals were all about firing high stick side (usually Letang). NJ finally caught onto that and... we're golfing.

Chip fracture went a long way in hurting his mobility down the stretch. Pittsburgh PP goals were all about firing high stick side (usually Letang). NJ finally caught onto that and... we're golfing.
- Flyskippy

and i'm trying a new grip....forrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre *sh!t sorry about the window

Chip fracture went a long way in hurting his mobility down the stretch. Pittsburgh PP goals were all about firing high stick side (usually Letang). NJ finally caught onto that and... we're golfing.
- Flyskippy

It's a shame they were ousted, but a lot of people had the team missing the playoffs all together. Can't lose perspective just because they didn't win the Stanley Cup.