And they very well could be vastly improved this season. But that is not part of the narrative offered.
- MJL

Why should I say something that I don't agree with? It's possible that the 5 on 5 issues could be fixed, but I don't see much that has been done to arrive at that end. In losing Timonen and Hartnell and adding Del Zotto and Umberger, they got potentially worse at 5 on 5. Why should I say I think they will be better at 5 on 5 if I don't think that will be the case?

Because I have to agree with your opinion? Are your opinions the only valid ones offered here? Sorry, I'm not going to parrot your opinions if I disagree with them. The fact is that they were a mediocre 5 on 5 team last year and didn't do a whole lot to change that in terms of personnel. If there were strategic adjustments, they were not apparent in the pre-season games, so sorry, I'm not going to take it as fact that they will be better, just because you are of the opinion they will be.

and at 4.25M/yr he is a steal
- Marc D

Might be the best (non-Giroux) contract Holmgren ever signed

Why should I say something that I don't agree with? It's possible that the 5 on 5 issues could be fixed, but I don't see much that has been done to arrive at that end. In losing Timonen and Hartnell and adding Del Zotto and Umberger, they got potentially worse at 5 on 5. Why should I say I think they will be better at 5 on 5 if I don't think that will be the case?

Because I have to agree with your opinion? Are your opinions the only valid ones offered here? Sorry, I'm not going to parrot your opinions if I disagree with them. The fact is that they were a mediocre 5 on 5 team last year and didn't do a whole lot to change that in terms of personnel. If there were strategic adjustments, they were not apparent in the pre-season games, so sorry, I'm not going to take it as fact that they will be better, just because you are of the opinion they will be.
- Jsaquella

That is a good point too... Parroting opinion makes for dull conversation. I appreciate differing opinions myself and i always or at least try to partake in debate being open to the possibility that I'm wrong.

Might be the best (non-Giroux) contract Holmgren ever signed
- Jsaquella

Simmondsssss

That is a good point too... Parroting opinion makes for dull conversation. I appreciate differing opinions myself and i always or at least try to partake in debate being open to the possibility that I'm wrong.
- JoeRussomanno

Oh poop yeah, I'm wrong all the time. I thought Lecavalier would be a solid addition. Now I'd like to go back in a DeLorean and kill that deal. I thought Bryz would be a good addition, and we saw how that ended up. Hell, I hope I am completely wrong, that MacDonald plays like Timonen and MDZ returns to the form he showed a couple years ago when he was playing 22 minutes a night and scored 40 points.

I hope Vinny and Umberger have a great year together. I hope Rinaldo becomes a Laperriere clone and is a valuable guy. Because all those things would mean the team I root for has a far better shot at winning. I'm not exactly happy that I don't think the Flyers are a contending team. I get no joy in saying critical things about them. I'm just relaying my honest opinion.

Simmondsssss
- PhillySportsGuy

He's second, just behind Jake.

He's second, just behind Jake.
- Jsaquella

Also have to factor in length. Length matters. Thats what I hear

Also have to factor in length. Length matters. Thats what I hear
- PhillySportsGuy

I'm half Irish, I have no idea if length is good or not

I'm half Irish, I have no idea if length is good or not
- Jsaquella

My condolences

My condolences
- PhillySportsGuy

It's never bothered me...the wife however.....

depends on your definition of elite

he is the best winger on the team by a pretty big margin

and would be a top six forward on nearly every team in the league

probably was their best skater for most of the the series vs NYRs

maybe he doesn't score 30 because he is more of a playmaker then a shooter
- Marc D

The word "elite" should be reserved for the cream of the crop. In the league, Voracek hasn't proven to be that. Not yet. He's trending in that direction but team stuff aside, "elite" is spoken for among the best in the league.

The word "elite" should be reserved for the cream of the crop. In the league, Voracek hasn't proven to be that. Not yet. He's trending in that direction but team stuff aside, "elite" is spoken for among the best in the league.
- SuperSchennBros

I'm part of the Hockeybuzz elite

I'm part of the Hockeybuzz elite
- PhillySportsGuy

HAH

Game day jersey tommorow (frank) yeah!
- PhillaBully

Too soon?

One more night boys.

Too soon?
- hereticpride

Never too soon. NEVER

Too soon?
- hereticpride

How about too retired.

I'm part of the Hockeybuzz elite
- PhillySportsGuy

Ha

The word "elite" should be reserved for the cream of the crop. In the league, Voracek hasn't proven to be that. Not yet. He's trending in that direction but team stuff aside, "elite" is spoken for among the best in the league.
- SuperSchennBros

I agree he's flirting in that realm but still has yet to take that next step.

Too soon?
- hereticpride

Can we retire this. It just makes me angry.

Can we retire this. It just makes me angry.
- PhillySportsGuy

2nd'd.

I agree he's flirting in that realm but still has yet to take that next step.
- Pixote Andolini

I just need 30 plus goals to be convinced.

I just need 30 plus goals to be convinced.
- SuperSchennBros

It's a shame Forsberg never reached this elite status.

Are we keeping the bear, guys? Or new year, new gif?

Why should I say something that I don't agree with? It's possible that the 5 on 5 issues could be fixed, but I don't see much that has been done to arrive at that end. In losing Timonen and Hartnell and adding Del Zotto and Umberger, they got potentially worse at 5 on 5. Why should I say I think they will be better at 5 on 5 if I don't think that will be the case?

Because I have to agree with your opinion? Are your opinions the only valid ones offered here? Sorry, I'm not going to parrot your opinions if I disagree with them. The fact is that they were a mediocre 5 on 5 team last year and didn't do a whole lot to change that in terms of personnel. If there were strategic adjustments, they were not apparent in the pre-season games, so sorry, I'm not going to take it as fact that they will be better, just because you are of the opinion they will be.
- Jsaquella

I have to side with you. I liked last season's team a lot more on paper.