I wonder if Weal will stay with Patrick and Voracek. A little more skill on the rush and dropping Simmonds with Laughton and Raffl should be a really good cycling line. I'm really happy for Laughton, he won a spot and has been consistent all year.
- ravishingone

yeah good stuff... Like Weal on the 2nd line but he is puck possession just like Jake, leaves line 3 wo a little something but Weal has played well enough to move up
- wcorvette

Maybe give it a game or two. Weal is one of our better possession players. Raffl is ok and Laughton, at least does not appear to be below average. Simmonds, for all of the other things he brings to the table, doesn't make any line a good cycling line. Ultimately, Simmonds may be better off with Patrick and Jake where his job is to get in front and deflect shots/jam in rebounds with the occasional shot off of a line rush. I'm not sure Raffl and Laughton can keep control of the puck long enough to make Simmonds effective.

Claude Giroux 69 points in 59 games. What a bounce back season he's having. I have to admit I was definitely skeptical about him being a top scorer again in the league. His speed has faded a little and his one-on-one prowess has diminished from seasons past but he's still one of the great playmakers in the league.
- Pixote Andolini

Totally. For me its not just the point totals for roo, its that he's getting big points when we need them. There were a couple of seasons where he racked up points when they didn't matter so much. Love seeing him playing like he is!

How do you fellas feel about Raanta as an option? Haven’t heard his name much.

How do you fellas feel about Raanta as an option? Haven’t heard his name much.
- Hokeeguy9

i doubt ARI has much interest in moving him

F E L L A S

Just make sure the young players remember to acknowledge when Orpik and OV are on the ice. Couturier was injured in the first game of their last series by a savage OV hit along the boards. He was too nonchalant and didn't expect the rough playoff finish your check play. Orpik will look to concuss people.
- Pixote Andolini

we just have to send out weise to respond with the people's elbow

i doubt ARI has much interest in moving him

F E L L A S
- Mordecai

[quote=GeorgeBailey]I wonder if Weal will stay with Patrick and Voracek. A little more skill on the rush and dropping Simmonds with Laughton and Raffl should be a really good cycling line. I'm really happy for Laughton, he won a spot and has been consistent all year.
- ravishingone





yeah not sure who will be the set up guy on line 3 now, on the other hand Jake needs to play better than he did yesterday, he was on the perimeter all game in his own end.

Hoping to get some kind of update on Neuvirth today. However, even if the news is good, does anyone believe he can stay healthy for the rest of the season?

Hoping to get some kind of update on Neuvirth today. However, even if the news is good, does anyone believe he can stay healthy for the rest of the season?
- BiggE

Nope. I honestly don't even feel good about him backing up Elliott anymore. I think they should cut ties with him one way or another this off-season. Guy can't seem to go 10 starts without getting hurt or just not playing up to par.

Hoping to get some kind of update on Neuvirth today. However, even if the news is good, does anyone believe he can stay healthy for the rest of the season?
- BiggE

No.

Neuvy has no shot at staying healthy for 6 straight weeks.

Hextall has an obligation to this team to make a trade for a quality goaltender.

I look forward to seeing how Hextall handles being a buyer at the deadline vs a seller or standing pat.

I get the idea of the whole divisional rivalry thing... But wow if things ended today. Boston and Toronto in the first and then assuming Tampa Wins their first round match up it's Tampa Vs Boston or Toronto. Basically the best 3 teams in the east beat up on each other while the Pens (assuming they finish where they are) get to play New Jersey and whoever the winner of Caps vs Flyers.

In the west you have Nashville/Winnipeg/Dal/Stl beating up on each other before the WCF. basically I'm hoping it goes back to 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7 and so on soon.
- Yosimar89

Only the NHL could take something as perfect as their old playoff system, which had them reseeding after every round, and mess it up. It bit them in the ass last season when the top 2 teams points wise had to play each other in the semis.

Winning the division should get you 1 or 2, then after that you seed by points

Hoping to get some kind of update on Neuvirth today. However, even if the news is good, does anyone believe he can stay healthy for the rest of the season?
- BiggE

No chance.

Only the NHL could take something as perfect as their old playoff system, which had them reseeding after every round, and mess it up. It bit them in the ass last season when the top 2 teams points wise had to play each other in the semis.

Winning the division should get you 1 or 2, then after that you seed by points
- MBFlyerfan

I miss that format. This bracket system is awful.

I dont care about "rivalries" or in division play. I want to see the top seed rewarded, for being the best team in the conference, by playing the lowest seeded team each round throughout the playoffs.

Hoping to get some kind of update on Neuvirth today. However, even if the news is good, does anyone believe he can stay healthy for the rest of the season?
- BiggE

When u get your update can u please share with the rest of us please. Thanks.

I miss that format. This bracket system is awful.

I dont care about "rivalries" or in division play. I want to see the top seed rewarded, for being the best team in the league, by playing the lowest seeded team each round throughout the playoffs.
- ggunky

Exactly right.

I miss that format. This bracket system is awful.

I dont care about "rivalries" or in division play. I want to see the top seed rewarded, for being the best team in the conference, by playing the lowest seeded team each round throughout the playoffs.
- ggunky

I like it. There’s less games throughout the season with our rivalries. I like the rivalry matchups in the playoffs even if it’s not perfectly weighted

I like it. There’s less games throughout the season with our rivalries. I like the rivalry matchups in the playoffs even if it’s not perfectly weighted
- Just5

The rub here is if that's how it was in the 90's you probably miss out on one of the best rivalries I can remember. Detroit vs Colorado. Those games were a blood feud.

Neuvy can’t be relied on and I hope he’s a former Flyer come next year.

Neuvy can’t be relied on and I hope he’s a former Flyer come next year.
- arichardson22

You can’t bring this guy back next year as part of your rotation. I can see trading for a vet goalie whose signed through next year. Maybe with some salary retention. Kind of like a filpulla move

Only the NHL could take something as perfect as their old playoff system, which had them reseeding after every round, and mess it up. It bit them in the ass last season when the top 2 teams points wise had to play each other in the semis.

Winning the division should get you 1 or 2, then after that you seed by points
- MBFlyerfan

FWIW: Goalies on likely non playoff teams on expiring contracts and what it will likely cost to acquire them

Chad Johnson BUF: 6th round pick. I'd be fine with that deal

Cam Ward CAR: 4th round pick. He's a very popular player there and I don't think they'd move him for less than a 4th. Since he's not worth more than a 6th at this point, I'd pass.

Jonathan Bernier COL: 4th and a B level prospect. It would probably be a fair deal, but I'd rather just move a 6th for Johnson.

Petr Mrazek DET: All kidding aside, I still think you could get him for a 3rd. Detroit can't afford to re-sign him and I doubt anyone would give them any more. He's playing for a new contract and isn't that old. I'd be fine with swapping a 3rd for him, even more than moving a 6th for Johnson. If he's on, he is a very good goalie.

Antti Niemi MTL: 6th round pick. Yeah, he's played well since coming to Montreal, but I'll pass. I just think he's got nothing left.

Ondrej Pavelec NYR: Because its a rival, the Rags likely ask for at least a 5th and perhaps a 4th. I'll pass, I don't even like him for a 6th.

SO, my top 3 targets would be:
1. Mrazek
2. Johnson
3. Bernier

Re Neuvirth: I'd try to move him if possible after the season, and, if there are no takers, bite the relatively small bullet and buy him out. Come back with Elliott and a vet on a 1 year deal next season. If Hart is ready to take the top spot for 19-20, I'd just extend Elliott for 2 years to be the backup/mentor which is a role he should excel in.

FWIW: Goalies on likely non playoff teams on expiring contracts and what it will likely cost to acquire them

Chad Johnson BUF: 6th round pick. I'd be fine with that deal

Cam Ward CAR: 4th round pick. He's a very popular player there and I don't think they'd move him for less than a 4th. Since he's not worth more than a 6th at this point, I'd pass.

Jonathan Bernier COL: 4th and a B level prospect. It would probably be a fair deal, but I'd rather just move a 6th for Johnson.

Petr Mrazek DET: All kidding aside, I still think you could get him for a 3rd. Detroit can't afford to re-sign him and I doubt anyone would give them any more. He's playing for a new contract and isn't that old. I'd be fine with swapping a 3rd for him, even more than moving a 6th for Johnson. If he's on, he is a very good goalie.

Antti Niemi MTL: 6th round pick. Yeah, he's played well since coming to Montreal, but I'll pass. I just think he's got nothing left.

Ondrej Pavelec NYR: Because its a rival, the Rags likely ask for at least a 5th and perhaps a 4th. I'll pass, I don't even like him for a 6th.

SO, my top 3 targets would be:
1. Mrazek
2. Johnson
3. Bernier

Re Neuvirth: I'd try to move him if possible after the season, and, if there are no takers, bite the relatively small bullet and buy him out. Come back with Elliott and a vet on a 1 year deal next season. If Hart is ready to take the top spot for 19-20, I'd just extend Elliott for 2 years to be the backup/mentor which is a role he should excel in.
- BiggE

I'm all in on Mrazek for a third. My only worry is Holland knows we need him more than ever and tries for more.

I'm all in on Mrazek for a third. My only worry is Holland knows we need him more than ever and tries for more.
- dragonoffrost

He might, but I think Hextall is smart enough not to budge and I just don't see anyone else giving Holland anything better.

FWIW: Goalies on likely non playoff teams on expiring contracts and what it will likely cost to acquire them

Chad Johnson BUF: 6th round pick. I'd be fine with that deal

Cam Ward CAR: 4th round pick. He's a very popular player there and I don't think they'd move him for less than a 4th. Since he's not worth more than a 6th at this point, I'd pass.

Jonathan Bernier COL: 4th and a B level prospect. It would probably be a fair deal, but I'd rather just move a 6th for Johnson.

Petr Mrazek DET: All kidding aside, I still think you could get him for a 3rd. Detroit can't afford to re-sign him and I doubt anyone would give them any more. He's playing for a new contract and isn't that old. I'd be fine with swapping a 3rd for him, even more than moving a 6th for Johnson. If he's on, he is a very good goalie.

Antti Niemi MTL: 6th round pick. Yeah, he's played well since coming to Montreal, but I'll pass. I just think he's got nothing left.

Ondrej Pavelec NYR: Because its a rival, the Rags likely ask for at least a 5th and perhaps a 4th. I'll pass, I don't even like him for a 6th.

SO, my top 3 targets would be:
1. Mrazek
2. Johnson
3. Bernier

Re Neuvirth: I'd try to move him if possible after the season, and, if there are no takers, bite the relatively small bullet and buy him out. Come back with Elliott and a vet on a 1 year deal next season. If Hart is ready to take the top spot for 19-20, I'd just extend Elliott for 2 years to be the backup/mentor which is a role he should excel in.
- BiggE

you almost have to wait for the deadline day, hoping some of the teams will feel they are long shots to make the playoffs making a trade more reasonable. Maybe if Carolina would lose the next 2, they might part with Ward.

you almost have to wait for the deadline day, hoping some of the teams will feel they are long shots to make the playoffs making a trade more reasonable. Maybe if Carolina would lose the next 2, they might part with Ward.
- wcorvette

One thing I'm wondering is if they trade for a tender, maybe the flyers ship neuvy out in the same deal. Problem is I guess who's going to want such an injury prone tender.