Bill or others,
How important do you see the line match ups in this series?
In the past we saw G vs Crosby and Couts vs Malkin.
What will the Flyers try to do?
I think I’d like G and Couts play against Crosby and Patrick and Voracek vs Malkin.
- Marc D

I think I see them opposite. You want Coots size against Frankenstien.

Trust me, I'm praying I'm wrong! I do think it will catch up with them, but I think it happens in the 2nd round against the Caps.
- BiggE

I'm hoping for us to have the "WHITE HOT GOALIE" that has won SC in years past.
That mixed with a skoosh of magic, pixie dust, elbow grease, puck luck, youth blossoming, someone going all 2010 Danny B(JV) or VLeino (TK or NP) and killing penalties at 98% for the series while PP clicks at 23%.
Stranger things have happened, so to quote James Brown..."I Feel Good"!!!!

Looking at the Hart trophy.... I'd love to see Giroux win it but looking at it with logic..
Nathan Mackinnon should win it going away. The Av's went from 48 to 95 points in one year. Mackinnon was basically in a dead heat with McDavid in PPG.

My picks:

Nashville over Colorado 4-1
LA over Vegas 4-3
Ana over SJ 4-3
WPG over Minn 4-2
TB over NJ 4-3
CLB over Wash in 4-3
Toronto over Boston 4-2
Philadelphia over Pitt 4-2

I think Konecny comes up with some clutch plays like Hornquist has for the Pens in the past. Murray hasn't been himself and like someone else alluded to there is no Fluery to bail them out if needed.

I think you'll see a coming out party for Provorov on the national stage. Giroux will outplay Crosby. The Patrick line will be HUGE this series because they will likely match the line that doesn't go against the Couturier line.
- J35Bacher

that's the thing....I think the Flyers match up well especially if the third line of TK-Simmonds and Filp can hold their own...yes a big if. I am really hoping the kids like Patrick and Lindblom elevate their game...I'm stoked for this match up.

Jake Voracek to me is the most frustrating player with all the skill in the world to watch play.
- SuperSchennBros

I am curious to see if Allison or Laczynski leave college. I thought Allison was gone after the year he was having this year but then he got hurt so not sure if he goes back another year.
- J35Bacher

I have no inside info, but I expect Laczynski to sign this week.

I think I see them opposite. You want Coots size against Frankenstien.
- dragonoffrost

It is the third line that needs to be worried about

that's the thing....I think the Flyers match up well especially if the third line of TK-Simmonds and Filp can hold their own...yes a big if. I am really hoping the kids like Patrick and Lindblom elevate their game...I'm stoked for this match up.
- landros 2

Can't remember but did Lindblom or Sanheim play in any of the Pittsburgh games? Lindblom might have. Too lazy to look right now. But those are two changes that help the Flyers. They give the Flyers a little more skill and Lindblom has shown to be a solid two way player.

I really like there chances. Not just homer talk.

I don't see anyone bringing up the fact the Penguins have played 44 games more than the Flyers the last two seasons counting their playoff runs. That's more than half an NHL season. That has to take a toll on them.
- PLindbergh31

I don't really worry about this with an elite athlete like Kessel because I know he takes care of himself with his diet and workout regimen but it is definitely aa concern with the rest of the team.

It is the third line that needs to be worried about
- YuenglingJagr

Any line containing Val Filpulla is going to be a matchup concern.

Can't remember but did Lindblom or Sanheim play in any of the Pittsburgh games? Lindblom might have. Too lazy to look right now. But those are two changes that help the Flyers. They give the Flyers a little more skill and Lindblom has shown to be a solid two way player.

I really like there chances. Not just homer talk.
- J35Bacher

Sanheim played the first and last time. Lindblom played the last two times

I have no inside info, but I expect Laczynski to sign this week.
- Feanor

I agree. Just thought it was a little quiet on that front.

I think him and Allison could be close to NHL ready. I could see a 4th line of Abel-Kubal - Laughton - Laczynski next year. All can play solid two way game and bring speed and gritty game.

Just something i see in the future.

I don't really worry about this with an elite athlete like Kessel because I know he takes care of himself with his diet and workout regimen but it is definitely aa concern with the rest of the team.
- all-pgh

Nothin' but Blue Steel

that's the thing....I think the Flyers match up well especially if the third line of TK-Simmonds and Filp can hold their own...yes a big if. I am really hoping the kids like Patrick and Lindblom elevate their game...I'm stoked for this match up.
- landros 2

was saying that earlier...

I like Brassard but he doesnt having blazing speed, should be a decent match up for Flip, if TK can spark Simmonds, lines 1&2 draw even, it could be an upset

Sanheim played the first and last time. Lindblom played the last two times
- YuenglingJagr

Ok.

I didn't remember.

I've liked the way Sanheim has been playing recently and think Lindbloms game helps in any matchup the 2nd line has.

I am curious to see if Allison or Laczynski leave college. I thought Allison was gone after the year he was having this year but then he got hurt so not sure if he goes back another year.
- J35Bacher

really hoping for it. Perhaps that is why they moved Marody knowing Laberge, Bunnaman, Rubtsov and Twarynski are coming in on top of possibly Allison and/or Laczynski

was saying that earlier...

I like Brassard but he doesnt having blazing speed, should be a decent match up for Flip, if TK can spark Simmonds, lines 1&2 draw even, it could be an upset
- wcorvette

Brassard hasn't impressed me much so far. I personally like Sheahan better in the 3c but that will never happen.

really hoping for it. Perhaps that is why they moved Marody knowing Laberge, Bunnaman, Rubtsov and Twarynski are coming in on top of possibly Allison and/or Laczynski
- nastyflyergirl

Pretty shrewed trading turning a 6th round pick of a player that seems to have limited upside into a 3rd round pick.

And they do seem to have guys with higher upside coming up.

Brassard hasn't impressed me much so far. I personally like Sheahan better in the 3c but that will never happen.
- all-pgh

Speaking of 3rd line center I was kind of looking to next year. If the Flyers don't see someone ready for that role, I was wondering about a guy like Spezza. Dallas I believe needs some cap room and i think he could be available. He has one year at 7.5 million but i am sure they would retain money to move him. He had a down year this year. It was just a thought I had when i was looking at the Flyers and the future.

Pretty shrewed trading turning a 6th round pick of a player that seems to have limited upside into a 3rd round pick.

And they do seem to have guys with higher upside coming up.
- J35Bacher

The thing that is irritating is that with all these guys in the pipeline and contract slots being at a premium, Hextall went out and signed Weise to a 4 year deal. I mean seriously, who were the Flyers competing against for Weise's services that they had to offer FOUR FREAKING YEARS to him just to get him to come here? I wouldnt have minded Weise being on the roster if his contract were up this season and we could just wave goodbye to a guy who underperformed. But noooooooooooooooo...

Speaking of 3rd line center I was kind of looking to next year. If the Flyers don't see someone ready for that role, I was wondering about a guy like Spezza. Dallas I believe needs some cap room and i think he could be available. He has one year at 7.5 million but i am sure they would retain money to move him. He had a down year this year. It was just a thought I had when i was looking at the Flyers and the future.
- J35Bacher

He was pretty garbage this year and his laugh is too weird. Id look elsewhere

I don't really worry about this with an elite athlete like Kessel because I know he takes care of himself with his diet and workout regimen but it is definitely aa concern with the rest of the team.
- all-pgh

I think he's eating hot dogs in between periods. Whatever he's doing it's working for him. He's a hell of a player.

The thing that is irritating is that with all these guys in the pipeline and contract slots being at a premium, Hextall went out and signed Weise to a 4 year deal. I mean seriously, who were the Flyers competing against for Weise's services that they had to offer FOUR FREAKING YEARS to him just to get him to come here? I wouldnt have minded Weise being on the roster if his contract were up this season and we could just wave goodbye to a guy who underperformed. But noooooooooooooooo...
- Doc_Sarcasm

They can wave him and send him to the minors next year if needed. They have plenty of contract spots.

Marody signed an ELC with the Oilers

Marody signed an ELC with the Oilers
- YuenglingJagr

he's going to win many rocket richard trophies playing alongside of McDavidson or whatever his name is.