Only two games so far, so the sample size isn't great, but I'm not as worried about the top 6 as I was during the offseason. I said I would eat crow if it happened, and so I will now. Pascal looks good. I don't know how he'll hold up over the stretch, but right now he's not the problem. Our center depth is also in a place where we can continue to experiment with Flats in the top 6. Hornqvist looks like lightning in a bottle.

It'd be great to have another winger on top of Bennet when he comes back to plug up there, but as things stand, I think Martin is more important to this cup run than a top 6. Over summer I kept saying I would hesitate to trade Martin, now I'm almost 100% against it.
- Victoro311

Well formulated opinion.

I was begging for Sutter to get a look in the top 6 all summer. So I'm glad he's getting an opportunity. I think long term HCMJ wants Sutter and Bennett on the third line. Which brings us right back to plug and play on Geno's line (Spaling, Comeau, Downie, etc).

We may have an okay forward roster for just this one season AND with no injuries. Our F depth is just putrid and especially when you start looking at the next season and beyond. Like you, I would be hesitant to trade Martin. But I do want, at minimum, some insurance/depth at forward this season. So whether that means trading prospects, picks, Martin, Kris Letang's hair, whatever....I just hope something is done.

For the record Bortz and Despres are not equal in skill. Bortz has hit his cieling and Despres is just getting an opportunity to reach his full potential now. Sorry but Bortz doesn't skate nearly as well or move the puck nearly as well. He is more physical but that gap looks to be narrowing. Despres may never be top 4 but he certainly has that ability hence why he was a 1st round draft pick and Bortz well he is what he is.

For the record Bortz and Despres are not equal in skill. Bortz has hit his cieling and Despres is just getting an opportunity to reach his full potential now. Sorry but Bortz doesn't skate nearly as well or move the puck nearly as well. He is more physical but that gap looks to be narrowing. Despres may never be top 4 but he certainly has that ability hence why he was a 1st round draft pick and Bortz well he is what he is.
- dbell646

Bortuzzo is a must need option at 6th or 7th Dman. Cheap, physical and don't make many mistakes. Despres is on another level. He definitely would be a top 4 on many teams (Cogh Philly). He's playing with Scuderi on his back remember that. Letang couldn't.

Bortuzzo is a must need option at 6th or 7th Dman. Cheap, physical and don't make many mistakes. Despres is on another level. He definitely would be a top 4 on many teams (Cogh Philly). He's playing with Scuderi on his back remember that. Letang couldn't.
- Barnaby36

I love Bortz just responding to a post I read that said they were even in skill which I don't agree with.

Are we going to see Greiss on Thursday? There is a lot of Martin trade talk but what if Greiss outplays MAF. Certainly not far fetched. Could MAF be a trade candidate? Greiss is also an UFA next year too so that could complicate things but I think they move on from MAF one way or another.

Are we going to see Greiss on Thursday? There is a lot of Martin trade talk but what if Greiss outplays MAF. Certainly not far fetched. Could MAF be a trade candidate? Greiss is also an UFA next year too so that could complicate things but I think they move on from MAF one way or another.
- all-pgh

MAF isn't going anywhere, there is nobody out there of quality to replace him.

Gagne signed with the Bruins for 600k.

Are we going to see Greiss on Thursday? There is a lot of Martin trade talk but what if Greiss outplays MAF. Certainly not far fetched. Could MAF be a trade candidate? Greiss is also an UFA next year too so that could complicate things but I think they move on from MAF one way or another.
- all-pgh

I can't see a MAF trade, I just don't know who would be shopping for him as a rental. Even if Greiss takes his job, then you'd have to go out and acquire an NHL caliber backup as well.

I am interested to see what happens next season with that position though. We've talked about Ehrhoff signing and extension after January, but if Griess looks good in the next couple of months, I'd like to see him extended for 2-3 seasons too. He can be the starter next season, and hopefully by then, Matt Murray or even Tristen Jarry are far enough along to know what we have for future NHL starters or backups.

Bortuzzo is a must need option at 6th or 7th Dman. Cheap, physical and don't make many mistakes. Despres is on another level. He definitely would be a top 4 on many teams (Cogh Philly). He's playing with Scuderi on his back remember that. Letang couldn't.
- Barnaby36

Sure Despress has a lot of potential, and playing with Scuds sucks. But every game he makes 2-3 horrendous decisions with the puck. I'm still not sold on him.

MAF isn't going anywhere, there is nobody out there of quality to replace him.
- Reverend Killtaker

My point was IF Greiss would eventually become the #1.

Sure Despress has a lot of potential, and playing with Scuds sucks. But every game he makes 2-3 horrendous decisions with the puck. I'm still not sold on him.
- sammy87

He seems to get called for a lot of penalties too.

Sure Despress has a lot of potential, and playing with Scuds sucks. But every game he makes 2-3 horrendous decisions with the puck. I'm still not sold on him.
- sammy87

He responded to my post. So do you think Bortz and Despres are equal in skill?

He responded to my post. So do you think Bortz and Despres are equal in skill?
- dbell646

Skill probably not, ability to contribute to the team....TBD.

My point was IF Greiss would eventually become the #1.
- all-pgh

I don't think a team needs a lundqvest to win a cup...see NYR, but if you can get equal or better than MAF performance for less....that should be the goal.

My point was IF Greiss would eventually become the #1.
- all-pgh

Your point was if MAF was a trade candidate...again who are you going to replace him with? Greiss hasn't stepped on the ice yet.

Please don't say Greiss as the starter and Zatkoff who is avg 5 goals a game here in WBS as the back up. You would essentially have two back ups.

MAF being traded is not happening.

Your point was if MAF was a trade candidate...again who are you going to replace him with? Greiss hasn't stepped on the ice yet.

Please don't say Greiss as the starter and Zatkoff who is avg 5 goals a game here in WBS as the back up. You would essentially have two back ups.

MAF being traded is not happening.
- Reverend Killtaker

Zatkoff was terrible and not a NHL goalie.

I'll waive the Griess flag when I see he can perform, that's yet to happen.

At what point do you say enough is enough? Under 8k for a Panthers game.

http://www.sbnation.com/n...thers-attendance-senators

At what point do you say enough is enough? Under 8k for a Panthers game.

http://www.sbnation.com/n...thers-attendance-senators
- sammy87

Ive been meaning to look up avg ticket prices from the box office. Id at least try an attempt at cutting ticket prices in half to see if that would increase attendance for the time being. Florida has such a strange sports market though.

Ive been meaning to look up avg ticket prices from the box office. Id at least try an attempt at cutting ticket prices in half to see if that would increase attendance for the time being. Florida has such a strange sports market though.
- Reverend Killtaker

I've lived in FL and this time of year is the nicest time to be out at the beach and enjoy what it has to offer. No crowds, not as hot...that and a large part of the demographic is retired and enjoying an active lifestyle as well, many of the FL residents didn't grow up playing hockey, no identification with the sport at all. Face it, Hockey is a winter sport and in the northern climates, your activities are limited and sports dominates.

He seems to get called for a lot of penalties too.
- all-pgh

Three things concerning Despres.

First, he has only played 87 NHL games up to this point in his NHL career. It takes most players, especially Dmen, a while to establish themselves at the NHL leve. Just let the kid play through it; He'll learn what he can/can't get away with at the NHL level, but only if he plays.

Second, Despres is currently paired w/ Scuderi. Still getting my feet wet when it comes to advanced NHL stats, but from what i've seeing Despres himself is doing OK in the puck possession dept., but is being dragged down by Scuderi. getting hemmed into your own zone becuse your partner can't clear the puck would lead almost any player to take more penalties than.

Third, apparently, Despres has also drawn two penalties as well. So there is at least that.

http://www.behindthenet.c...9+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67

I've lived in FL and this time of year is the nicest time to be out at the beach and enjoy what it has to offer. No crowds, not as hot...that and a large part of the demographic is retired and enjoying an active lifestyle as well, many of the FL residents didn't grow up playing hockey, no identification with the sport at all. Face it, Hockey is a winter sport and in the northern climates, your activities are limited and sports dominates.
- sammy87

I agree with all you said, but look at the Marlins and Rays as well. I would say its not just the sport or the time of year its the fact that there are just so many more options out there as well. Fixed incomes are a good point to.

I agree with all you said, but look at the Marlins and Rays as well. I would say its not just the sport or the time of year its the fact that there are just so many more options out there as well. Fixed incomes are a good point to.
- Reverend Killtaker

Yeah I think all pro sports outside of the Dolphins and Bucs are struggling in FL. And I don't think they are even that healthy as far as the NFL is concerned.

Brian Gibbons on waivers....

Brian Gibbons on waivers....
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Brian Gibbons on waivers....
- YouMeAndDupuis9

Who didn't see that coming?