Disagree on Kovalev, but I think Svatos will have an impact and believe the Panthers will win the division and at least one playoff series this yr. Really liking Tallon, first the Hawks (who HE made into the cup winners) and now the Panthers.
Exec of the yr
- FLflames34

I doubt they win the division they may battle for a playoff spot, I expect the Capitals and Jets to battle for the division. The only team i don't see battling for the playoffs in the east is T.O.

Another reason i say the Panthers don't win the division is because of there 2nd half last year. They were good the first half when it was a marathon they were playing. 2nd half they fell apart a little bit and almost lost the division lead at the end of the season during the sprint part of the season.

This year there is no marathon part of the season. every team will be in sprint mode so it will be interesting to see how the Panthers respond.

Disagree on Kovalev, but I think Svatos will have an impact and believe the Panthers will win the division and at least one playoff series this yr. Really liking Tallon, first the Hawks (who HE made into the cup winners) and now the Panthers.
Exec of the yr
- FLflames34

Agree. Kovalev is a big name guy and getting a lot of press, but its Svatos who still may have some impact left to give and who intrigues me. RW is a position that is rather week for us, but I am also interested to see what we get from Skille (he is now entering only his 2nd full season with the Panthers and was hurt a good chunk of the middle of last season, and he did not play that much in Chicago), and expect we will see Mueller or Huberdeau on the right side also, around Upshall.

I doubt they win the division they may battle for a playoff spot, I expect the Capitals and Jets to battle for the division. The only team i don't see battling for the playoffs in the east is T.O.

Another reason i say the Panthers don't win the division is because of there 2nd half last year. They were good the first half when it was a marathon they were playing. 2nd half they fell apart a little bit and almost lost the division lead at the end of the season during the sprint part of the season.

This year there is no marathon part of the season. every team will be in sprint mode so it will be interesting to see how the Panthers respond.
- Leafsfan9329

Every year for the past 4 years, headed into the season, the assumption is made widely that the Caps will take the SE division. This year, really for the first time in a while, the division seems wide open to me.

I actually think the Jets might be the least likely to win the division this year, but all the teams look to me to have a shot... None of them look great, nor do any of them look terrible, at least on paper. That being said, in a short season Washington could shoot out to 1st place in the conference during the first few weeks of the season and coast the rest of the way to a division title, and that would not be surprising to me either.

Should be interesting!

The Panthers would be best to pass on Kovalev. He can't play in today's NHL. Hasn't been able to for awhile now. He brings in a big ego that he can't live up to on the ice.

The Panthers would be best to pass on Kovalev. He can't play in today's NHL. Hasn't been able to for awhile now. He brings in a big ego that he can't live up to on the ice.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Yeah... I mean, as a bit player he probably wouldn't hurt too much, but he's certainly not the player - at this stage of his career - you should be 'shaking up your roster' for.

EDIT: Though those RWs are pretty weak...

Have any of you guys been out to a practice this week? Kovalev looks better than anyone else out there. When the puck is on his stick, the young guys watch in awe. He still has a nasty wrist shot, and would be a great influence on the second line with Huberdeau and Mueller. He obviously can't fly down the ice anymore, but his line mates can. He and Svatos will be a welcomes addition to this team. By the way, I know the rumors are Goc is hurt, but he is in the building today and is limp free- he supposedly had a sprained ankle. Bergenheim hasn't been heard of in weeks.

Have any of you guys been out to a practice this week? Kovalev looks better than anyone else out there. When the puck is on his stick, the young guys watch in awe. He still has a nasty wrist shot, and would be a great influence on the second line with Huberdeau and Mueller. He obviously can't fly down the ice anymore, but his line mates can. He and Svatos will be a welcomes addition to this team. By the way, I know the rumors are Goc is hurt, but he is in the building today and is limp free- he supposedly had a sprained ankle. Bergenheim hasn't been heard of in weeks.
- Panthers88

We're talking about practice? Practice? Not a game. Not a game. Practice? He can handle the puck like nobodies business. He just can't do it in game speed anymore. Same with his shot. Everyone knows he will be trying his top corner shot from the faceoff circle time after time.

Have any of you guys been out to a practice this week? Kovalev looks better than anyone else out there. When the puck is on his stick, the young guys watch in awe. He still has a nasty wrist shot, and would be a great influence on the second line with Huberdeau and Mueller. He obviously can't fly down the ice anymore, but his line mates can. He and Svatos will be a welcomes addition to this team. By the way, I know the rumors are Goc is hurt, but he is in the building today and is limp free- he supposedly had a sprained ankle. Bergenheim hasn't been heard of in weeks.
- Panthers88

Kovalev is a cancer.

We're talking about practice? Practice? Not a game. Not a game. Practice? He can handle the puck like nobodies business. He just can't do it in game speed anymore. Same with his shot. Everyone knows he will be trying his top corner shot from the faceoff circle time after time.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Considering we will have no pre-season and really only have the practices to go by, Kovalev should get a shot. We wouldn't even need him for all 48 games. Let him play 35-38 of them and rest him if we look like we're going to make the playoffs. Lord knows we have plenty of young kids to give him a rest. In the playoffs everyone is a new animal. Sign him to a one year deal.. a "year" that's going to last 35 games for him. Maybe the young kids around him can change his game.

We're talking about practice? Practice? Not a game. Not a game. Practice? He can handle the puck like nobodies business. He just can't do it in game speed anymore. Same with his shot. Everyone knows he will be trying his top corner shot from the faceoff circle time after time.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Oh, and I liked the Allen Iverson line.

Kovalev is a cancer.
- Feeling_Glucky

I disagree.

I disagree.
- Panthers88

- Feeling_Glucky

Come on dude... Glen murray is the hero in this video This is his last shot to make it and if he shows he can do it, give him the final chance. Guys like Huberdeau, Howden, Markstrom.. they are all participating in the same drills. If Kovalev performs at the same level or at a higher one than him, sign him.

Have any of you guys been out to a practice this week? Kovalev looks better than anyone else out there. When the puck is on his stick, the young guys watch in awe. He still has a nasty wrist shot, and would be a great influence on the second line with Huberdeau and Mueller. He obviously can't fly down the ice anymore, but his line mates can. He and Svatos will be a welcomes addition to this team. By the way, I know the rumors are Goc is hurt, but he is in the building today and is limp free- he supposedly had a sprained ankle. Bergenheim hasn't been heard of in weeks.
- Panthers88

Nope- it could work for a PP specialist type, 3rd line, 8-10 min a game.
I just don't think he has the legs to do too much in a game situation, that he won't be able or want to keep up, esp being in MIA.
However, I am looking forward to catching a cpl Panther games this year, and I guess we shall see. Hopefully Calgary comes down to play them this yr

Come on dude... Glen murray is the hero in this video This is his last shot to make it and if he shows he can do it, give him the final chance. Guys like Huberdeau, Howden, Wright.. they are all participating in the same drills. If Kovalev performs at the same level or at a higher one than him, sign him.
- Panthers88

Nope- it could work for a PP specialist type, 3rd line, 8-10 min a game.
I just don't think he has the legs to do too much in a game situation, that he won't be able or want to keep up, esp being in MIA.
However, I am looking forward to catching a cpl Panther games this year, and I guess we shall see. Hopefully Calgary comes down to play them this yr
- FLflames34

Except teams will play no out of conference games this season lol. Third line works for me as well. I personally would rather have him on the second line than Upshall but that's just me. I hope Upshall has a good season, though. Otherwise, hello buyout.

I disagree.
- Panthers88

I think if he is used properly he will be a welcome addition to the team. It would be very important not to over play him for sure.

Nope- it could work for a PP specialist type, 3rd line, 8-10 min a game.
I just don't think he has the legs to do too much in a game situation, that he won't be able or want to keep up, esp being in MIA.
However, I am looking forward to catching a cpl Panther games this year, and I guess we shall see. Hopefully Calgary comes down to play them this yr
- FLflames34

? Panthers only play Eastern teams

Kovalev as a car

I think if he is used properly he will be a welcome addition to the team. It would be very important not to over play him for sure.
- Crazycaboose

he's done - AHL or ECHL maybe but not the NHL

Kovalev as a car
- Feeling_Glucky

Yeah but people still love the frame!!

he's done - AHL or ECHL maybe but not the NHL
- Feeling_Glucky

Btw... are you, as a Leafs fan, in favor of the proposed Kadri, Bozak, and 1st round pick for Luongo trade?

Yeah but people still love the frame!!
- Panthers88

will see but if and huge if he makes the team u will hate him by the 1st intermission next sat..

Except teams will play no out of conference games this season lol. Third line works for me as well. I personally would rather have him on the second line than Upshall but that's just me. I hope Upshall has a good season, though. Otherwise, hello buyout.
- Panthers88

Really? I didn't hear this. That is stupid as hell- it is now like baseball, except, without the added 2 weeks of inter-league play.

Upshall will bring some much needed leadership, and is much better off in the lineup than Kovalev (if forced to choose).

Hope both work out though. Would like to see the Panthers make a run. Esp after the decimation of the Marlins

Btw... are you, as a Leafs fan, in favor of the proposed Kadri, Bozak, and 1st round pick for Luongo trade?
- Panthers88

no