That was a sarcastic laugh btw but thanks for clarifying for me why you had him "reported"
- uf1910

he was benched once and then we all we're wondering if we shouldn't scratch him for a game or so, times can change, and don't get me wrong he is one hell of a player but to say that staal was bringing him down is just stupid, it's not because somebody has better stats he is a better player, especially on defense, anybody who has ever played hockey will agree
- webleedblue

i've played hockey my whole life and i completely disagree.

its pretty obvious. the FACT is that marc staal was better with stralman, and stralman was worse with him. Stralman was better without marc staal, and marc staal was worse without Stralman, whats so hard to understand?

i've played hockey my whole life and i completely disagree.

its pretty obvious. the FACT is that marc staal was better with stralman, and stralman was worse with him. Stralman was better without marc staal, and marc staal was worse without Stralman, whats so hard to understand?
- RileyB77

i've played hockey my whole life and i completely disagree.

its pretty obvious. the FACT is that marc staal was better with stralman, and stralman was worse with him. Stralman was better without marc staal, and marc staal was worse without Stralman, whats so hard to understand?
- RileyB77

Yup. This season that was the case.

Over the course of his career as a Ranger, Stralman was essentially the same player with or without Staal. Staal without Stralman, on the other hand, was pretty dreadful.

Well... as much as I'd love to settle this debate here, we're going to have to wait and see how Stralman does this coming season. I could see him being a great compliment to Hedman, considering his advanced stats seem to point to him being the perfect "other guy" to a high-end D-man.

But, time shall tell...

Well... as much as I'd love to settle this debate here, we're going to have to wait and see how Stralman does this coming season. I could see him being a great compliment to Hedman, considering his advanced stats seem to point to him being the perfect "other guy" to a high-end D-man.

But, time shall tell...
- OzBolts

hedman will have no issue playing with stralman I would think these two play together! the sweden guys!

I also have Tampa winning the cup next season.
- habfanforever

I think we are a top 6 nhl team next year

Vasilevski could be in the NHL by seasons end.
http://www.rawcharge.com/...ov-steve-yzerman-comments
- Artyukhin76

I don't want him in the nhl next season! goalies need time don't rush him

Back on the stralman > staal train I see.

Didn't tampa only turn their attention towards stralman AFTER they lost out on dan boyle?
- rangerdanger94

again no

He will have lots of time to read the code of conduct while he's on his vacation
- rangerdanger94

Who will?

I don't want him in the nhl next season! goalies need time don't rush him
- todd1a

If he's ABSOLUTLEY embarrassing the AHL and bored out of his mind then yes, being movies to the NHL is the best plan. If he's ready, he's ready.

If he's ABSOLUTLEY embarrassing the AHL and bored out of his mind then yes, being movies to the NHL is the best plan. If he's ready, he's ready.
- Artyukhin76

But what good does it do to sit and watch bishop like we do ?

But what good does it do to sit and watch bishop like we do ?
- todd1a

NHL back-up time or beating players like you're playing peewee hockey, take your pick. At leas backing up Bish he'll get a to learn.

NHL back-up time or beating players like you're playing peewee hockey, take your pick. At leas backing up Bish he'll get a to learn.
- Artyukhin76

I think the most likely scenario where we see Vasi up is if Bishop gets hurt. Vasi would be brought up to start, not to back up Nabokov. If he's ready. I think this we see much of him if Bishop stays healthy all season.

I think the most likely scenario where we see Vasi up is if Bishop gets hurt. Vasi would be brought up to start, not to back up Nabokov. If he's ready. I think this we see much of him if Bishop stays healthy all season.
- TBolts4

People really need to see his highlights and then you'll realize other then the type of ice surface he's used to he's (frank)ing ready!!!!

People really need to see his highlights and then you'll realize other then the type of ice surface he's used to he's (frank)ing ready!!!!
- Artyukhin76

He's very close thats for sure. But i dont think he supplants Bishop as the starter this year, unless Bishop crashes and burns. If Vasi shows he's ready for the NHL, what do you do with Bishop? He's a FA after this season (isn't he?). He'll likely want a long term contract. Do you give it to him knowing Vasi is ready?

He's very close thats for sure. But i dont think he supplants Bishop as the starter this year, unless Bishop crashes and burns. If Vasi shows he's ready for the NHL, what do you do with Bishop? He's a FA after this season (isn't he?). He'll likely want a long term contract. Do you give it to him knowing Vasi is ready?
- TBolts4

Bishops will be resigned, but the question is the term,if there is a no NMC, then when Vasya is ready. Vasilevski can also play a 30+ game back-up with Bishop for a year or so.

I don't know how excited Bishop will be to re-sign with the Lightning. He has to know that they look at Vasi as the future. Why put that extra stress on yourself. It will show how much confidence he has in himself and how committed Tampa is to him. I agree, the NTC will be important for both sides if they can reach a deal.

I don't know how excited Bishop will be to re-sign with the Lightning. He has to know that they look at Vasi as the future. Why put that extra stress on yourself. It will show how much confidence he has in himself and how committed Tampa is to him. I agree, the NTC will be important for both sides if they can reach a deal.
- tampa2

Vasya is still 2 years away from full time no. 1 duty.

Vasya is still 2 years away from full time no. 1 duty.
- Artyukhin76

Yeah but Bishop will want more than a 2 year contract as a FA

Yeah but Bishop will want more than a 2 year contract as a FA
- TBolts4

5 year 4 to 4.5, but no NMC.

5 year 4 to 4.5, but no NMC.
- Artyukhin76

If he plays like he did last year again, I think it'll cost more than that to ink him long-term.

If he plays like he did last year again, I think it'll cost more than that to ink him long-term.
- Michael_Stuart

He'll have another good year, but sustaining last season numbers will be difficult. Add to the fact that the NHL is flooded with goalies and there is a young and EXTREMELY talent kid nipping at his heels, I don't think it will be much different then that.

He'll have another good year, but sustaining last season numbers will be difficult. Add to the fact that the NHL is flooded with goalies and there is a young and EXTREMELY talent kid nipping at his heels, I don't think it will be much different then that.
- Artyukhin76

Doesn't really matter that there's a young guy waiting. If he doesn't get the contract he wants from Tampa, he'll walk. Someone will bite.

Doesn't really matter that there's a young guy waiting. If he doesn't get the contract he wants from Tampa, he'll walk. Someone will bite.
- Michael_Stuart

I dont think I would give Bishop more than 2-3 years if looks like Vasi will be ready to start in a year or two. I think the next cup comes with a russian in net in Tampa... again.