Backlund is not a free agent. He signed a six year deal worth 5mil per season in Feb. I was hoping he was going to hit UFA. He would have been the only FA I would have been interested in.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/...-year-contract-extension/
- VladDrag

Darn. Yeah I didn't like anyone else I saw under pending free agent centers. Defenseman are meh too. Winger or goalies really only option than

Darn. Yeah I didn't like anyone else I saw under pending free agent centers. Defenseman are meh too. Winger or goalies really only option than
- Tfaehner

I just want to see more kids in the lineup. Hopefully Morin and NAK at the very least.

I just want to see more kids in the lineup. Hopefully Morin and NAK at the very least.
- BiggE

Yeah hopefully NAK can keep himself out of trouble he's beginning to develop tendencies. Hak will have him glued to the cote suite for that. I think vorobyov and vecchione both have a real shot at earning a center spot as well.

I just want to see more kids in the lineup. Hopefully Morin and NAK at the very least.
- BiggE

They could badly use Morin's skill set imo. Very excited to see what he can bring to the team. I think he could be a big boost to the PK especially.

I agree that NAK should probably get a look next year. I'd like to see Vorobyov get another shot too.

Darn. Yeah I didn't like anyone else I saw under pending free agent centers. Defenseman are meh too. Winger or goalies really only option than
- Tfaehner

Could help with the return on a defenseman such as Gudas if the Flyers decide to trade him or somebody else.

Could help with the return on a defenseman such as Gudas if the Flyers decide to trade him or somebody else.
- MJL

Very good point especially with his reasonable contract and age

There is the old adage that the coach is ultimately held responsible. I just wonder how Hakstol prepared the team differently for the Red Wings game then he did for the recent Caps game where the team came out ready to play and carried the play for the majority of the game. We have no real way of knowing but I'm willing to bet that they prepare the team for each and every game pretty much the same and don't minimize the importance of one game over another.
- MJL

we don't know. and i don't think they're just slacking or walking in there and saying nothing or "(frank) it, guys, just go out an play, whatever". i don't know how to qualify or quantify their responsibility, but they do share some in some way.

from carchidi: Neuvirth looked sharp Wednesday, and his teammates tapped the ice with their sticks to show their appreciation after he made a diving save to deny Dale Weise during two-on-nothing drills.

just as i suspected. at least weise got the shot on goal, so that's progress.
- hammarby31

You seemed to forget the part of article that says how Neuvy was hurt by the players tapping their sticks on the ice.

we don't know. and i don't think they're just slacking or walking in there and saying nothing or "(frank) it, guys, just go out an play, whatever". i don't know how to qualify or quantify their responsibility, but they do share some in some way.
- hammarby31

It seems as though it's an area where the team still needs to grow. What is concerning is like you brought it up it's been the case under a number of coaches. I don't know what makes a team think that they can take any team in the NHL lightly. I didn't see it as a schedule issue or that the team was tired, otherwise why would they have gotten stronger in the 3rd. I do think we can place some of it on talent level because a deeper and better team can get away with more without their A game. This team has been on the edge of winning and losing all season so they need be on their game to win. Especially at this time of year.

You seemed to forget the part of article that says how Neuvy was hurt by the players tapping their sticks on the ice.
- opeth_pa

The ice chips became embedded in his eyes.

Hey B's, please destroy the Blues tonight.

Hey B's, please destroy the Blues tonight.
- hereticpride

Fingers crossed

You seemed to forget the part of article that says how Neuvy was hurt by the players tapping their sticks on the ice.
- opeth_pa

goddamnit.

It seems as though it's an area where the team still needs to grow. What is concerning is like you brought it up it's been the case under a number of coaches. I don't know what makes a team think that they can take any team in the NHL lightly. I didn't see it as a schedule issue or that the team was tired, otherwise why would they have gotten stronger in the 3rd. I do think we can place some of it on talent level because a deeper and better team can get away with more without their A game. This team has been on the edge of winning and losing all season so they need be on their game to win. Especially at this time of year.
- MJL

i made that point because i wasn't pinning this as a "hak problem". they've all had it. players change, coaches change...yet...i dunno. it's very frustrating.

this team generally seems to live and die with their best players. last night read contributed, and they needed it. talent level is definitely a factor. it's a large burden for those top guys. not reasonable to ask them to shoulder it all, all the time. when you factor in the goalie situation right now, it's an even larger burden.

The ice chips became embedded in his eyes.
- MBFlyerfan

that poop (frank)ing hurts.

Hey B's, please destroy the Blues tonight.
- hereticpride

i know we comment on this often, but is there really a rivalry there between those teams for NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry?

i know we comment on this often, but is there really a rivalry there between those teams for NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry?
- stayinthefnnet

Oh god, I didn't even think of that.

They really need to re-brand that. There's only a small handful of great rivalries in the NHL and most of them have been wiped out by the stupid scheduling they put in place at the expense of divisional games.

Oh god, I didn't even think of that.

They really need to re-brand that. There's only a small handful of great rivalries in the NHL and most of them have been wiped out by the stupid scheduling they put in place at the expense of divisional games.
- hereticpride

its just mindblowing how they can continually be so obtuse in every facet of branding and marketing.

either like you said, re format it, or do something where you actually schedule rivalries. im sure the league and its sole television partner can coordinate.

its just mindblowing how they can continually be so obtuse in every facet of branding and marketing.

either like you said, re format it, or do something where you actually schedule rivalries. im sure the league and its sole television partner can coordinate.
- stayinthefnnet

The absolute biggest problem with hockey is the ownership and leadership of the league

its just mindblowing how they can continually be so obtuse in every facet of branding and marketing.

either like you said, re format it, or do something where you actually schedule rivalries. im sure the league and its sole television partner can coordinate.
- stayinthefnnet

what you don't like a format that has 1 vs 8, 2 vs 3, 4 vs 7 and 5 vs 6 in the first round?

what you don't like a format that has 1 vs 8, 2 vs 3, 4 vs 7 and 5 vs 6 in the first round?
- nastyflyergirl

i cannot express how much i hate the current playoff format

its just mindblowing how they can continually be so obtuse in every facet of branding and marketing.

either like you said, re format it, or do something where you actually schedule rivalries. im sure the league and its sole television partner can coordinate.
- stayinthefnnet

I'll default to the marketing and brand experts to make that decision. If they weren't bonafide marketing and branding experts they wouldn't be marketing and branding experts.

Feel free to send in your resume.

Really the takeaway is Hak is Marc Crawford for not playing Gretzky? They weren't winning that shootout LOL. Lucky to have gotten a point.

I'll default to the marketing and brand experts to make that decision. If they weren't bonafide marketing and branding experts they wouldn't be marketing and branding experts.

Feel free to send in your resume.
- StepfordSam

Nobody goes to college for marketing. They graduate with English Lit degrees and end up in marketing.

i know we comment on this often, but is there really a rivalry there between those teams for NBCSN Wednesday Night Rivalry?
- stayinthefnnet

The Orr goal? THAT is what makes this rivalry night? A bit thin.....