Looks like Ovie is joining Sid in the elite whiner category.....
who know's, maybe he's right...afterall, we watched Kris Letang crosscheck an official and never even get a warning:

"The refereeing... You understand it yourself. How can there be no penalties at all (on one team) during the playoffs?

“I am not saying there was a phone call from (the league), but someone just wanted Game 7. For the ratings. You know, the lockout, escrow, the League needs to make profit... I don't know whether the refs were predisposed against us or the League. But to not give obvious penalties (against the Capitals), while for us any little thing was immediately penalized...”

I'd definitely like to see additions at both the top wing and top dman spot, but I'd much rather take the FA route than trade. There should be a few salary casualties going into next season to choose from. I'm willing to see if Strome or Nino can be 'that guy' on the top line since I believe that despite their inexperience, both would be plausible upgrades to Boyes.
I do have a bad feeling that we may see Boyes back though, based on Staple's ramblings.
My problem with Boyes is similar to my issue with Moulson. Both have one pure talent and then lack in virtually every other facet of the game. So if they do remain but fail in their present roles, there's really not much else they can be used for. I do think Moulson can be a useful forward if we have a significant upgrade on JT's right wing, but with both Boyes and Moulson combining for our Molasses line, they each detract from the other.
- keaner17

Yup. There needs to be another away-from-the-net presence on that line. Either a pure sniper who loves to shoot from the circles or high slot that defenders would need to concentrate on, or preferably a big body that can cause commotion along the boards and take the puck to the net. And it has to be someone who can play D as well.

Yup. There needs to be another away-from-the-net presence on that line. Either a pure sniper who loves to shoot from the circles or high slot that defenders would need to concentrate on, or preferably a big body that can cause commotion along the boards and take the puck to the net. And it has to be someone who can play D as well.
- UIF

Yep...We need a decent skating power forward who's capable of doing a little bit of everything. It's why I think Nino ultimate should NOT be traded since he seemingly fits that bill to a certain extent. A decent playmaker would work as well, which is why PA was 'okay' in that role. Someone capable of drawing attention away from the slot area and giving JT just an extra second or so to find open space while Moulson can jam the rebounds. No matter what, Boyes fails to fit any of these descriptions.

Looks like Ovie is joining Sid in the elite whiner category.....
who know's, maybe he's right...afterall, we watched Kris Letang crosscheck an official and never even get a warning:

"The refereeing... You understand it yourself. How can there be no penalties at all (on one team) during the playoffs?

“I am not saying there was a phone call from (the league), but someone just wanted Game 7. For the ratings. You know, the lockout, escrow, the League needs to make profit... I don't know whether the refs were predisposed against us or the League. But to not give obvious penalties (against the Capitals), while for us any little thing was immediately penalized...”
- keaner17

The reffing was terrible in quite a few games. Some of it was a bit odd, so I see where he is coming from, with that said he needs to keep his mouth shut. If this were an Isle, he would be suspended the first few games next season.

Yep...We need a decent skating power forward who's capable of doing a little bit of everything. It's why I think Nino ultimate should NOT be traded since he seemingly fits that bill to a certain extent. A decent playmaker would work as well, which is why PA was 'okay' in that role. Someone capable of drawing attention away from the slot area and giving JT just an extra second or so to find open space while Moulson can jam the rebounds. No matter what, Boyes fails to fit any of these descriptions.
- keaner17

Keaner...when you mention Nino for some reason all I think of is -29...

What we need are the RIGHT ones...which is basically what you're saying. A couple who were taught how to play defense properly, and a younger one between the pipes wouldn't hurt, just for three examples.

The one place where I will differ from some the Isles fans in this group is this: I do think we already HAVE the winger for Tavares within the organization. It'd be nice to get someone in that role if it only cost money, but it would have to be someone stellar. Nathan Horton isn't worth what he's going to command when you already have Nino and Strome waiting in the wings- you need to spend that money on DEFENSE. It'd be different if Malkin or Ovechkin were UFAs, but Horton doesn't impress me enough to write the blank check. Another guy the Flyers will sign for $9M a year, and then realize they can only afford to have Bruno play defense for them again next year ....
- dcb1

Yep.

Bobby Ryan too. I actually think Bobby and JT would be a magical combo.

Throw a first line of Ryan-Tavares-Nino out there and let them grow.

All I can ask is to don't sign Boyes to an extension and get a goalie!!!...Get Clarkson and Horton. Is that too much to ask for?
- ISLES1119

Which one will play goal?

Keaner...when you mention Nino for some reason all I think of is -29...
- kear20

When you say -29, think of Pandawful and Reasoner. Also take into account the +/- of other players that year:
Milan Jurcina -34
Mark Streit -27
Reasoner -25

Also consider that Nino was 4th on the team in hits (all of the players in front of him played more games).

We can't go kencan on this and use 2011-12 season for his epitaph. That team stunk and his linemates were two of the worst players we've seen here in a while..NOW THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING. His top line production in the A was decent and he finished a -5 despite being on a non playoff team. I'm willing to allow him the chance with a top tier talent like JT as his work ethic and abilities could help Nino become the player we all hope he'll be.

Which one will play goal?
- canadianpenfan

Oh don't you worry about goaltending...we have a vet in the AHL who's ready to make the jump

Oh don't you worry about goaltending...we have a vet in the AHL who's ready to make the jump
- keaner17

Yeah, I wish he would jump, but I'm afraid one of us is going to have to push him, and I'm too old for prison

Yeah, I wish he would jump, but I'm afraid one of us is going to have to push him, and I'm too old for prison
- dcb1

I used the 'jump' reference on purpose to see who'd be the first to 'jump' at it...
Oh we have the right man for the job on this board....

Yes but it still would have had that effect in the second round.. no?
- niteislander

in ANY round..... and?


XxNYIxX

When you say -29, think of Pandawful and Reasoner. Also take into account the +/- of other players that year:
Milan Jurcina -34
Mark Streit -27
Reasoner -25

Also consider that Nino was 4th on the team in hits (all of the players in front of him played more games).

We can't go kencan on this and use 2011-12 season for his epitaph. That team stunk and his linemates were two of the worst players we've seen here in a while..NOW THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING. His top line production in the A was decent and he finished a -5 despite being on a non playoff team. I'm willing to allow him the chance with a top tier talent like JT as his work ethic and abilities could help Nino become the player we all hope he'll be.
- keaner17

If Nino isn't traded away in some package for another player(s), he will get his chance to make the team in September and will likely be on the squad. I think anyone putting him on the first line right out of the gate is being a little ambitious. Same goes for Strome. There's no shame in starting out on the second or third line for any of these kids who may make the team next fall (Nelson, Lee, etc.), provided they are ready to play in the NHL and get a regular shift when they get here.

That right wing spot on the first line needs to be upgraded and I don't think that Strome/Nino are going to provide a significant upgrade over Boyes' production this season. Despite all the hating Boyes gets on this site, he had 35 points this year, on pace for over 60 for a 82 game season. He was a minus 6. I don't think Strome or Nino match those numbers right out of the gate next year, in what would be Strome's rookie year and Nino's second.

I thought this was a good tweet...

Adam Proteau ‏@Proteautype 15h

Toronto police reporting a mysterious outbreak of fist-shaped holes appearing in the drywall of homes and condos across the city.

If Nino isn't traded away in some package for another player(s), he will get his chance to make the team in September and will likely be on the squad. I think anyone putting him on the first line right out of the gate is being a little ambitious. Same goes for Strome. There's no shame in starting out on the second or third line for any of these kids who may make the team next fall (Nelson, Lee, etc.), provided they are ready to play in the NHL and get a regular shift when they get here.

That right wing spot on the first line needs to be upgraded and I don't think that Strome/Nino are going to provide a significant upgrade over Boyes' production this season. Despite all the hating Boyes gets on this site, he had 35 points this year, on pace for over 60 for a 82 game season. He was a minus 6. I don't think Strome or Nino match those numbers right out of the gate next year, in what would be Strome's rookie year and Nino's second.
- Jethro09

Well, we can all guess at what productivity will be like but I'm willing to bet both Strome or Nino would be good for 20 goals with JT, which would already have them passing Boyes by. The assists come by automatically since most of Boye's assists are pedestrian points (IMO). When you have a ppg player, it's almost impossible for his linemates to not AT LEAST end up with .75 ppg. I'm willing to bet Strome or Nino would be a SIGNIFICANT upgrade on Boyes simply based on their skating ability and natural talent alone.
As for placing them on the second or third line, I think if there's anyting we saw with this Isles team during the final stretch and subsequent series, you could argue that the lines became rather blurred between which line was our 'top' line. That was largely because of the ineffectiveness of Moulson and Boyes. Our second and third lines are likely pretty set at this point:
Moulson/Bailey Nielsen Okposo
Martin Cizikas McDonald
If we presume that Nelson will spend time here, then our fourth line begins to look full as well, meaning that the only real available space becomes with JT, unless we return to a Moulson Tavares Boyes which I'm not sure anyone in their right mind would want at this point.

*For the record, I'd gladly take an established top line player to play on JT's wing over either one of our prospects however I'm not expecting a huge impact trade, so I'm more than comfortable to roll with either of them in that role. We may as well let them establish their presence on that line early on so they'll be in full stride by seasons end.

This is a interesting article on goal differential per game...

http://www.sportingcharts...op-10-no-stanley-cup.aspx

When you say -29, think of Pandawful and Reasoner. Also take into account the +/- of other players that year:
Milan Jurcina -34
Mark Streit -27
Reasoner -25

Also consider that Nino was 4th on the team in hits (all of the players in front of him played more games).

We can't go kencan on this and use 2011-12 season for his epitaph. That team stunk and his linemates were two of the worst players we've seen here in a while..NOW THAT'S SAYING SOMETHING. His top line production in the A was decent and he finished a -5 despite being on a non playoff team. I'm willing to allow him the chance with a top tier talent like JT as his work ethic and abilities could help Nino become the player we all hope he'll be.
- keaner17

Keaner17...you must have that answer "queued" up and ready to go everytime I mention Nino and his -29...

How about this?

Nino, first round pick and De Haan for Bobby Ryan

We could trade LEe as well! heh

Keaner17...you must have that answer "queued" up and ready to go everytime I mention Nino and his -29...
- kear20

I didn't before, but it's now listed in my C:drive under 'kear20'

How about this?

Nino, first round pick and De Haan for Bobby Ryan

We could trade LEe as well! heh
- ISLES1119

I just can't see Anaheim trading him. He's under contract for two more seasons at a pretty affordable price. ($5.5 mil per). I don't know if he has a NTC there or not but I've also heard he's a HUGE Flyers fan and wants to ulimately go there.

I just hope the Isles don't screw anything up by making some head-scratching "veteran" signing or trade that makes no sense...like the Rolston one. I can see my head exploding here over the Isles signing Jochen Hecht while folks tell me to calm down, it's a depth signing, he's scored over 20 goals a couple of times, etc

Goal One should be "Do no harm." After that, I'd be happy with aiming high with a trade attempt or free agency, and if it doesn't work, just letting competition among the current cast work things out.

I just hope the Isles don't screw anything up by making some head-scratching "veteran" signing or trade that makes no sense...like the Rolston one. I can see my head exploding here over the Isles signing Jochen Hecht while folks tell me to calm down, it's a depth signing, he's scored over 20 goals a couple of times, etc

Goal One should be "Do no harm." After that, I'd be happy with aiming high with a trade attempt or free agency, and if it doesn't work, just letting competition among the current cast work things out.
- UIF

Yeah, I do think our days of signing cr*p as placeholders is over. It isn't really necessary anymore- fourth liners come a lot cheaper than that, the only spot we have left is the one Boyes currently holds, which will likely be Nino's spot next year, and the rest of our good, young players are going to start making real money soon enough that we'll no longer need to sign any of the Rolstons or Reasoners of the world to a retirement gift. If we're going to shell out money, it's time to start shelling it out to real players who ADD to what's here, instead of taking someone's seat on the bench.

I just hope the Isles don't screw anything up by making some head-scratching "veteran" signing or trade that makes no sense...like the Rolston one. I can see my head exploding here over the Isles signing Jochen Hecht while folks tell me to calm down, it's a depth signing, he's scored over 20 goals a couple of times, etc

Goal One should be "Do no harm." After that, I'd be happy with aiming high with a trade attempt or free agency, and if it doesn't work, just letting competition among the current cast work things out.
- UIF

I saw on one of the boards that Alexander Edler might be available? Vancouver is looking for a scoring forward...how about Grabner? No one talks about Grabner being on the block...I like him but I think he is more of a Western Conference player. Didn't he play for Vancouver?

Well, we can all guess at what productivity will be like but I'm willing to bet both Strome or Nino would be good for 20 goals with JT, which would already have them passing Boyes by. The assists come by automatically since most of Boye's assists are pedestrian points (IMO). When you have a ppg player, it's almost impossible for his linemates to not AT LEAST end up with .75 ppg. I'm willing to bet Strome or Nino would be a SIGNIFICANT upgrade on Boyes simply based on their skating ability and natural talent alone.
As for placing them on the second or third line, I think if there's anyting we saw with this Isles team during the final stretch and subsequent series, you could argue that the lines became rather blurred between which line was our 'top' line. That was largely because of the ineffectiveness of Moulson and Boyes. Our second and third lines are likely pretty set at this point:
Moulson/Bailey Nielsen Okposo
Martin Cizikas McDonald
If we presume that Nelson will spend time here, then our fourth line begins to look full as well, meaning that the only real available space becomes with JT, unless we return to a Moulson Tavares Boyes which I'm not sure anyone in their right mind would want at this point.
- keaner17

As you stated, the lines have become rather blurred. I don't see Martin/Cizikas/McDonald as a third line. I see them as a fourth line. And I see them as being great together. The line designation is immaterial on a team like the Isles, since they should be rolling four lines anyway. I think that you keep that Cizikas line together, keep Bailey/Moulson-Nielsen-KO together and find a top line wing to play with JT and Moulson/Bailey. that leaves an entire line left to make up. I'd personally love to see Grabs/Strome/Nino start out together in camp.

A lot of this depends on who's here next season. I'm willing to bet that Reasoner, Aucoin, and Boyes are gone, with Strome and Nino and Lee/Nelson being promoted. guys like Nielsen, Bailey or one of the prospects may be packaged for a top line winger or top pair d-man.

Bernier to be moved in summer

TheFourthPeriod.com


The Los Angeles Kings have received plenty of interest in goalie Jonathan Bernier over the last two seasons, but they've yet to come across a deal they're willing to accept.

Last season, Bernier asked the team to trade him, wanting the opportunity to become a No. 1 goalie on another team.

With Jonathan Quick locked up long-term in Los Angeles, Bernier will only get the chance to prove his starting capabilities with a different club.
The Kings took a few calls for Bernier before last week's trade deadline, and one of them appeared to have caught the attention of GM Dean Lombardi.

According to a source close to the situation, an Eastern Conference club showed significant interest in Bernier, and trade discussions are expected to resume in the off-season. Bernier, 24, is in the final year of his current contract and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent this July.

A deal between the Kings and this Eastern team could be pieced together closer to the NHL Draft scheduled to take place on June 30 in New Jersey.

The Kings were looking for a second-line winger to add to their roster before the deadline, and could obtain one this summer by trading Bernier