I tend do agree. I guess it will cost a lot then, because I don't see us getting six veteran forwards!! Lol, and we're stuck with Ellis. He's going to go after the true number 1. Can't wait to see it all go down. There of course may be other dmen on his radar, but..he must be thinking number 1 guy.
- PanthersGoal

From what I remember he wants to bring in 5 vets. My guess two top 4 defenders, and one top 6 forward plus a top 9, and probably bring in another backup for Lu.

We aren't stuck with Ellis he can be sent to the AHL very easy look at Clem for one and he makes more.

But I will say if he can find a #1 d-man for the right price then ya, I'm sure he will jump on it, but I wouldn't expect to see one brought in through trade. Would be nice though.

dont brag about history? Is that because you have none? Who gives a shat about the floor plan for hockey and why the fack do you care? You think the players give a shat about the seating arrangements? As far as your knock on leaf fans you're no better than the clowns that come in here and bust your balls about moving the panthers to canada. Delusional
- Cptmjl

My point about the floor plan is that your team is an afterthought. They're going there because there's no where else to go besides out of town. Do I think players care where they play? Yes, I do. If it weren't the case, than explain to me the Islanders continued failure to attain quality free agents. Why did Nabby report only as a last resort? I can't lie about our failures, but look in the mirror. For a team that's had such a rich tradition, for you to be almost carpetbagger status is embarrassing. As for your $8 ticket jab, I could've bought $8 tickets all season to see Islander games. Again, to go back to Viola. You don't think he runs the same circle as Wang? You don't think he knew a year ago that Wang wants to sell? I'll side on the side of the billionaire vs. the two year south beach renter. That buying the Florida Panthers, what they have, what their future is, and what his chance of success is far more significant than purchasing the third most popular hockey team in a twenty mile radius, and all THAT brings.

My point about the floor plan is that your team is an afterthought. They're going there because there's no where else to go besides out of town. Do I think players care where they play? Yes, I do. If it weren't the case, than explain to me the Islanders continued failure to attain quality free agents. Why did Nabby report only as a last resort? I can't lie about our failures, but look in the mirror. For a team that's had such a rich tradition, for you to be almost carpetbagger status is embarrassing. As for your $8 ticket jab, I could've bought $8 tickets all season to see Islander games. Again, to go back to Viola. You don't think he runs the same circle as Wang? You don't think he knew a year ago that Wang wants to sell? I'll side on the side of the billionaire vs. the two year south beach renter. That buying the Florida Panthers, what they have, what their future is, and what his chance of success is far more significant than purchasing the third most popular hockey team in a twenty mile radius, and all THAT brings.
- PanthersGoal

Really? Once they were eliminated yeah you could have but before that that is a load of crap. Talking out your a$$. Third most popular hockey team? Once again wrong. You have not seen the TV ratings for the Devils lately or ever have you? Wrong again. Their attendence some yrs has been lower and that's with playoff games. Wrong again. Your posts are incorrect and not factual in any way they make you look foolish. As far as what circle Viola "runs" in I haven't the faintest and guess what? I'll go out on a limb and say you haven't a clue either. So your point is the team sucks or is not desirable OR the Panthers must have a better future bcs Viola bought them instead of the Islanders? Really? Again, think before you post. As far as the team being an afterthought that's due to them not winning. If you know ANYTHING about NY you'd know that how it works here. The garden is empty when the Rangers aren't winning just like they weren't in the late nineties. Crickets. Failure to attain FA's falls on Snow and Wang and I won't defend either but this team and it's prospects will win in spite of either of them. The one thing Snow doesn't do is trade any high end prospects unless it's an absolute necessity. As far as you saying that you think "players care where they play" of course they do BUT that's not what you addressed in your prior post. You were referring to how the arena was set up for hockey. The ice surface will be exactly the same so what do the Players care? Their practice facility. Training room. Locker room are all brand new and high end. That's what players care about but you think they care if there's some obstruction seats? LOOOOL. If anything they'd probably love to play in Brooklyn in what is considered by a lot the nicest arena in the country presently. Ever been there? Ever been to Brooklyn? Didn't think so. Like so many other parts of your posts there's nothing but non factual know nothing garbage. Oh. And btw. If it's so terrible on Long Island why does Nabby keep resigning. Why did Visnovsky resign? Tavares? Okposo? Shocked they didn't run to play for the Panthers and their bright future? It's sunny down there after all.

Really? Once they were eliminated yeah you could have but before that that is a load of crap. Talking out your a$$. Third most popular hockey team? Once again wrong. You have not seen the TV ratings for the Devils lately or ever have you? Wrong again. Their attendence some yrs has been lower and that's with playoff games. Wrong again. Your posts are incorrect and not factual in any way they make you look foolish. As far as what circle Viola "runs" in I haven't the faintest and guess what? I'll go out on a limb and say you haven't a clue either. So your point is the team sucks or is not desirable OR the Panthers must have a better future bcs Viola bought them instead of the Islanders? Really? Again, think before you post. As far as the team being an afterthought that's due to them not winning. If you know ANYTHING about NY you'd know that how it works here. The garden is empty when the Rangers aren't winning just like they weren't in the late nineties. Crickets. Failure to attain FA's falls on Snow and Wang and I won't defend either but this team and it's prospects will win in spite of either of them. The one thing Snow doesn't do is trade any high end prospects unless it's an absolute necessity. As far as you saying that you think "players care where they play" of course they do BUT that's not what you addressed in your prior post. You were referring to how the arena was set up for hockey. The ice surface will be exactly the same so what do the Players care? Their practice facility. Training room. Locker room are all brand new and high end. That's what players care about but you think they care if there's some obstruction seats? LOOOOL. If anything they'd probably love to play in Brooklyn in what is considered by a lot the nicest arena in the country presently. Ever been there? Ever been to Brooklyn? Didn't think so. Like so many other parts of your posts there's nothing but non factual know nothing garbage. Oh. And btw. If it's so terrible on Long Island why does Nabby keep resigning. Why did Visnovsky resign? Tavares? Okposo? Shocked they didn't run to play for the Panthers and their bright future? It's sunny down there after all.
- Cptmjl

I must have hit a nerve. I don't really see anything ridiculous in what I've posted. Oh, and saying again.."think before you post" doesn't make YOU any the more wiser. It kind of reminds me of a child in a "I'm rubber, you're glue" defense.

It's also factual that the Islanders are and will continue to be the third most popular team in that area. Hands down. I think the Devils HAD a building built just for them.

As for the $8 ticket argument, here's a FACT for you. NHL attendance NYI 26, Fla 29, so, congratulations are in order. I never said Long Island was bad, I said South Florida was better. I don't need to defend MYSELF, as I lived in Long Island and Queens.We can agree to disagree. Move on. I am.

From what I remember he wants to bring in 5 vets. My guess two top 4 defenders, and one top 6 forward plus a top 9, and probably bring in another backup for Lu.

We aren't stuck with Ellis he can be sent to the AHL very easy look at Clem for one and he makes more.

But I will say if he can find a #1 d-man for the right price then ya, I'm sure he will jump on it, but I wouldn't expect to see one brought in through trade. Would be nice though.
- Crazycaboose

You're right about Ellis.

I must have hit a nerve. I don't really see anything ridiculous in what I've posted. Oh, and saying again.."think before you post" doesn't make YOU any the more wiser. It kind of reminds me of a child in a "I'm rubber, you're glue" defense.

It's also factual that the Islanders are and will continue to be the third most popular team in that area. Hands down. I think the Devils HAD a building built just for them.

As for the $8 ticket argument, here's a FACT for you. NHL attendance NYI 26, Fla 29, so, congratulations are in order. I never said Long Island was bad, I said South Florida was better. I don't need to defend MYSELF, as I lived in Long Island and Queens.We can agree to disagree. Move on. I am.
- PanthersGoal

Opinion is one thing but when you state things that just aren't true expect to get called out on them. That's how it works in the real world. South Florida is better? Yeah. There are some people that think that but there's a reason why people pay more to live here and it has nothing to do with south Florida being "better". You didn't hit a nerve at all. I have a hard time watching someone spout BS and things they "think" are true Bcs it suits them. As far as attendance goes if I could get a free ticket when I bought a big gulp at seven eleven I'd probably go too. Also, the reason I say think before you post is not to make myself seem "wiser" it's because that part of your post was ridiculously stupid and again non factual like so many other portions of all of your posts. I read that part about Viola and literally laughed where I sat. Are you really debating the devils being a more popular team? The same devils that were bankrupt last year and all of New Jersey is still pissed to this day after the mistake they made building the half empty rock. They can't even sell out a playoff game. Wrong again. No facts. All BS. I'm moving on from this too. Losing brain cells. To all the other panther fans sorry for ragging your thread and good luck at the draft. Hoping for a good offseason for both of our teams. As for you you're a bad representation of the fan base. Not too bright.

Opinion is one thing but when you state things that just aren't true expect to get called out on them. That's how it works in the real world. South Florida is better? Yeah. There are some people that think that but there's a reason why people pay more to live here and it has nothing to do with south Florida being "better". You didn't hit a nerve at all. I have a hard time watching someone spout BS and things they "think" are true Bcs it suits them. As far as attendance goes if I could get a free ticket when I bought a big gulp at seven eleven I'd probably go too. Also, the reason I say think before you post is not to make myself seem "wiser" it's because that part of your post was ridiculously stupid and again non factual like so many other portions of all of your posts. I read that part about Viola and literally laughed where I sat. Are you really debating the devils being a more popular team? The same devils that were bankrupt last year and all of New Jersey is still pissed to this day after the mistake they made building the half empty rock. They can't even sell out a playoff game. Wrong again. No facts. All BS. I'm moving on from this too. Losing brain cells. To all the other panther fans sorry for ragging your thread and good luck at the draft. Hoping for a good offseason for both of our teams. As for you you're a bad representation of the fan base. Not too bright.
- Cptmjl

Sorry everyone, I can't resist.

Number 1- Read your first sentence, then, look up "opinion" in the dictionary.

Number 2- Since YOU only post factual information, please supply the link to get tickets free when purchasing a big gulp.

Number 3- Fact, the New Jersey Devils were ranked 24th in attendance, two ahead of your Isles.

Pull your head out of your ass, and have a great night.

After watching the 1st two days of playoffs so far I'm afraid we're at least 3yrs away from the playoffs and any success, OUCH

Sorry everyone, I can't resist.

Number 1- Read your first sentence, then, look up "opinion" in the dictionary.

Number 2- Since YOU only post factual information, please supply the link to get tickets free when purchasing a big gulp.

Number 3- Fact, the New Jersey Devils were ranked 24th in attendance, two ahead of your Isles.

Pull your head out of your ass, and have a great night.
- PanthersGoal

Yeah. Sorry everyone I can't resist.

1. No need to look it up. I know what it means

2. One of your fellow fans on here stated it not long ago if you purchase something(can't remember whether it was a big gulp or not)at 7-11 or some convenience store you get a free ticket. It was a long standing joke on this thread. Are you denying it? I got free tickets eating at a restaraunt in Ft Lauderdal when i lived down there. Are we really debating this? It's a well known fact that they GIVE tickets away to Panthers games and they have deals at grocery outlets for facks sake. I lived down there and went to the games. That's a fact and you know it as every other fan on here does. Honestly to me it's a dumb debate. I wish I could get center ice tickets for cheap mid season let alone for nothing.

3. Are you that caught up in hockeybuzz and been tortured by enough people north of the border on here that you base popularity of a franchise solely on attendance? That's almost as dumb as comparing hockeybuzz post numbers on threads. First off. Factor in playoffs. Factor in they're playing in a new arena. Factor in corporate seats at the rock and there you have it. the coliseum is a dump but i watched 4 Stanley cup finals in that dump. Dismiss that all you want but once again you look foolish doing so. You say the Coliseum is a dump and question the attendance and say it's a good barometer to measure popularity of a team as compared to others. If it's a dump you think maybe that has something to do with it? You say you lived on LI it's not too hard to figure out whether that would hurt attendance or not. The Devils have a brand new arena with way more corporate seats and suites yet they are still 24th in attendance? Strange? Look up viewer numbers for games. Devils viewer ratings were at a minute level of Isles numbers since their existence. Hence why we have one of the most lucrative cable deals in the NHL. Hence why Wang or whomever owns the team is guaranteed 50 million a year from Barclays just for showing up. Do you think that's bcs we are the third most popular team in the area? Would the Devils EVER get a deal like that? I'm not going to sit here and have the same pissing match you guys endure on this thread daily from every canadian troll on this site. It's ridiculously stupid. I'm happy you like your team and their future. I think the future is bright for the Panthers but if you think you have a leg up on us you're not too bright. Luongo(I actually would have loved him but his contract will be a regrettable by product in not too long) will help but it's not a coincidence that you're back in the dumper yet again and our prospects are further in their development and don't forget Tavares. Yeah, that's right the guy you said can't wait to get out of NY. He was with Kane and Crosby all season and was the second leading scorer in the NHL before his injury and very well could have caught Crosby. Are you really that delusional? That ALONE makes your posts all the more dumb?




BTW. How this all started was the Tavares clamoring to get off the Island comment in your post. Remember? http://www.newsday.com/sp...-wants-to-leave-1.7704385 . Now who needs to pull their head out of their a$$? You're a clown who seems to know little to nothing about anything from what I gathered in this "debate".





Read all of your posts on this thread then look up "clown" in the dictionary.

After watching the 1st two days of playoffs so far I'm afraid we're at least 3yrs away from the playoffs and any success, OUCH
- harveykline

Luongo will definitely help you guys.

Luongo will definitely help you guys.
- Cptmjl

Agreed I will never understand why people think he doesn't do well when it really counts. Because you know when they faced boston for the cup all of those goals they scored by his team really helped.

I would think him winning the gold medal also against the US would say otherwise, but it doesn't really matter.

Agreed I will never understand why people think he doesn't do well when it really counts. Because you know when they faced boston for the cup all of those goals they scored by his team really helped.

I would think him winning the gold medal also against the US would say otherwise, but it doesn't really matter.
- Crazycaboose

Good goalie, seems like the kind of guy team mates would love to.

Agreed I will never understand why people think he doesn't do well when it really counts. Because you know when they faced boston for the cup all of those goals they scored by his team really helped.

I would think him winning the gold medal also against the US would say otherwise, but it doesn't really matter.
- Crazycaboose

He got a raw deal in Vancouver. He's a great goalie. Some fans and media had to find someone to blame unfortunately for Luongo it was him. Now look at their goaltending. They traded their 2 starting goaltenders within a one year period and have a new president of operations that has just as much experience as Garth Snow when he got hired. Karma

From what I remember he wants to bring in 5 vets. My guess two top 4 defenders, and one top 6 forward plus a top 9, and probably bring in another backup for Lu.

We aren't stuck with Ellis he can be sent to the AHL very easy look at Clem for one and he makes more.

But I will say if he can find a #1 d-man for the right price then ya, I'm sure he will jump on it, but I wouldn't expect to see one brought in through trade. Would be nice though.
- Crazycaboose

It may seem that we as fans are comparable to frustrated sports writers who bemoan another rebuild which is probably not going to be done the best possible way. And of course we as fans are on the outside trying to look at the inside picture.

There seems one logical way to build the team. But Tallon may have the notion that he has to be competitive and all the better if the young kids can eventually lift the team higher than an entertaining albeit roughly .500 level team.

So here is my view which I do not believe is congruent with everything Tallon is weighing in bringing success to the franchise.

The most important asset is your top prospects already playing here. They need to be kept happy and productive. They are whom fans can get attached to. A strong netminder is a plus, and you have that for a couple of years or so with Luongo. His contract is fine for the short term; his contract is an issue you will ultimately have to do the best you can with roughly three or more years after the rebuild #2 begins.

Adding a number one dman is the best way but very difficult to obtain if the expectation is for the team to possibly go deep in the playoffs. Developing your own dmen prospects is key. Kulikov rumors should infuriate Panther fans. If Kulikov is not going to be a top pair guy, no reason a talent like him cannot shine in a second or third pairing. Gudbrudson, Kulikov and draft Ekblad. He has size and skill and is mobile.

Perhaps Ekblad may become a #1 pair one day. Go with that but bring in a coach or ast. coach who will develop these kids the right way. You have Campbell as a veteran. That is makes four dmen. Olsen is not to be counted on for much beside a 6th dman. Jovanowski is a disabled list waiting to happen each season. So yes whomever is the veteran added to the mix ....should be someone who is strong in retrieving and moving the puck out of his own end above all other dman skill.

Your top young forwards need players who complement them. Your bottom two lines need to be filled with at least one hard working two way forward per line. And it would be a great idea not to spend for a descent scorer .....no not an ace. You also do not want another Versteeg. I would go with reliable Craig Adams sort. This player will be adequate even if he slides sometimes up and down the lines. This way you can promote a kid to compete with the mid level scorers. Like Boyes has been. Like Trochek could be.

You have therefore created competition for bottom line jobs while adding a reliable veteran like an Adams type. Concentrate on adding the Adams type and on a winger who would complement your top centers and Huberdeau style of play. This means not the most glamorous scorer available, but rather a winger who cycles well, or who possesses shooting and passing ability although may not be an elite scorer. Just not the brain fart (defensive game) that is Versteeg.

I will not target specific players to go after because I do not know what players may be available through free agency or trade. But my general outline or scheme is as I tried to lay it out.

i hope tallon takes takes the best forward available in the draft. We can get a solid dman in the 2nd round just like last year. I believe that Ekblad is another gudbranson who is going to lose his offensive numbers once in the nhl. I say this because he is good in his own zone so he is going to be cautious and play smart and simply for a couple of years. In a couple of years our defensive prospects will be making a difference in the nhl already so we dont really need him. I have a feeling that bennett is the best forward in the draft. He has put up 91 points this past season as a 17 year old. Trocheck hit 105 as a 20 year old and we have only seen a glimpse of his talent. I am not sure how good reinhart is, i know his stats for the season 105pts tied with draisaitl in the whl. But i havent seen enough footage to know if hes worthy of number 1 overall. The footage i have seen of reinhart he scores goals but they all seem like simple wrist shots from a non moving position that will always be stopped in the nhl by either a goalie or a dman. Bennett on the other hand seems to be like the do-it-yourself kinda player.

Check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-YrFl4V_sc

Draisaitl sounds like a barkov 2way type of center. He is taller and hevier than both bennett and reinhart. He seems like a smart playmaker.

I just hope that the player tallon drafts has more points than the rest of the 2014 draft rookies at the end of next season!

Mr tallon give Matt Niskanen a7/7 contract offer if he doesn't resign with Pitt. Then draft ekblad. Then trade for a top 4 dman.
Campbell
Niskanen
Grudbranson
Trade
Ekblad
Kulikov

Then upfront trade/ufa 2top six forward.
Boyes
Barkov
Trade/ufa
Bjustad
Huberdeau
Trade/ufa
Upshall
Pirri
Bergenheim
Howden
Shore
Hayes/kopecty/barch

Let trochet play another yr in s.a. Buyout Jovo and fleishman

Mr tallon give Matt Niskanen a7/7 contract offer if he doesn't resign with Pitt. Then draft ekblad. Then trade for a top 4 dman.
Campbell
Niskanen
Grudbranson
Trade
Ekblad
Kulikov

Then upfront trade/ufa 2top six forward.
Boyes
Barkov
Trade/ufa
Bjustad
Huberdeau
Trade/ufa
Upshall
Pirri
Bergenheim
Howden
Shore
Hayes/kopecty/barch

Let trochet play another yr in s.a. Buyout Jovo and fleishman
- harveykline

wow this is just terrible

wow this is just terrible
- amaza89

I see the forwards basically this way, for better or worse. But we don't know the acquisitions yet.What do you see?

wow this is just terrible
- amaza89

Why is it?

Why is it?
- harveykline

Well the defense sounds good but we will still lose because our forwards will not be producing playoff contending numbers. Remember, Ekblad is not going to come in and be as good as campbell or anywhere near it. He is going to be as good as Gudbrandson on his rookie year except his shots will go on net. As far as forwards go, Trocheck is way better than shore and is the most valuable player on our team 2nd to barkov. If trocheck would have played from game 1 he would have had more points than bjugstad for sure. I think adding bennett is an absolute must! his energy will get our prospects and young guys producing junior like numbers. Obviously we have to bring in elite veteran forwards during the off season but this team needs a number 1 overall pick in order to make this team and organization a legit playoff contender.

I would like to see the following lines next season:

FA/Barkov/FA
Bennett/Bjugstad/Huberdeau
Fleischmann(or bergenheim)/Pirri/Trocheck
Upshall/Shore/Kopecky

Campbell/FA
Kulikov/Gudbranson
Matheson/FA -or- FA/Petrovic


I know it is far fetched to include matheson but I would absolutely love to see that. During the rookie camp he was being complimented as much if not more than bjugstad,trocheck,grimaldi.

Add a new coach and were set to go!

And for all of you that think the panthers dont have an offensive dman prospect to replace campbell, check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12O2hD5GGQo

Well the defense sounds good but we will still lose because our forwards will not be producing playoff contending numbers. Remember, Ekblad is not going to come in and be as good as campbell or anywhere near it. He is going to be as good as Gudbrandson on his rookie year except his shots will go on net. As far as forwards go, Trocheck is way better than shore and is the most valuable player on our team 2nd to barkov. If trocheck would have played from game 1 he would have had more points than bjugstad for sure. I think adding bennett is an absolute must! his energy will get our prospects and young guys producing junior like numbers. Obviously we have to bring in elite veteran forwards during the off season but this team needs a number 1 overall pick in order to make this team and organization a legit playoff contender.

I would like to see the following lines next season:

FA/Barkov/FA
Bennett/Bjugstad/Huberdeau
Fleischmann(or bergenheim)/Pirri/Trocheck
Upshall/Shore/Kopecky

Campbell/FA
Kulikov/Gudbranson
Matheson/FA -or- FA/Petrovic


I know it is far fetched to include matheson but I would absolutely love to see that. During the rookie camp he was being complimented as much if not more than bjugstad,trocheck,grimaldi.

Add a new coach and were set to go!

And for all of you that think the panthers dont have an offensive dman prospect to replace campbell, check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12O2hD5GGQo
- amaza89

Brian Campbell had a terrible year. If he remains, especially on the first line, we're in big trouble.

Brian Campbell had a terrible year. If he remains, especially on the first line, we're in big trouble.
- PanthersGoal

Campbell will be fine for next year if we can bring in some help. He needs a good partner and some good back up so he isn't having to play 30 mins a game.

He is still is a good d-man just can't do everything by himself.

Campbell will be fine for next year if we can bring in some help. He needs a good partner and some good back up so he isn't having to play 30 mins a game.

He is still is a good d-man just can't do everything by himself.
- Crazycaboose

exactly. He is also a good set up man on the power play for a dman with a good shot. And NO not Ekblad

Campbell will be fine for next year if we can bring in some help. He needs a good partner and some good back up so he isn't having to play 30 mins a game.

He is still is a good d-man just can't do everything by himself.
- Crazycaboose

Well, it's moot, he'll be here. As a veteran leader on this team, no matter the situation, he cannot look as disinterested as he did 2/3 of this season. That rubs off on the youth. Disappointed in him.

Well, it's moot, he'll be here. As a veteran leader on this team, no matter the situation, he cannot look as disinterested as he did 2/3 of this season. That rubs off on the youth. Disappointed in him.
- PanthersGoal

I agree, he's a good player but not a good leader. He shouldn't have an "A" next year.