In all seriousness though I said it earlier, having the type of scoring depth around the lineup make a strong argument for not needing two elite centers. When you're not reliant on one or two guys to carry the brunt of the offense, it can make you more dangerous.

The more options there are, the harder it is for a team to stop. Seems like simple logic to me.
- Rinosaur

Oh I know. I agree with you. I think the Preds forwards are (frank)ing stacked. They’re stacked throughout the lineup IMO. While I do believe Kane>Forsberg, Hossa>Ard, and Toews>Johansen... I don’t think the gap is huge and then when you factor in the rest of the depth they have with Turris, Fiala, Smith, Bones, Jarnkrok, Sissons... that forward lineup definitely rivals those Hawks teams IMO, definitely comparable. Throw in the best D Corp in the league and Jesus Christ.

Will he be getting better next season you think or may suffer the sophomore disease?

This should be a great experience for him playing playoff hockey 1st year in.
- Aussiepenguin

I think he'll be better, or at least as good. He kind of reminds me of Provorov, in that he won't wow you on a daily basis, but he generally just makes the smart play. Not saying he plays it safe, but his decision-making skills are outstanding. He's less of a one-trick pony and more of a cerebral player, and that's not something that the other team can take away.

As to your 2nd point, that's why I said I wanted 2 wins from the Flyers. They have a very young team, and, while I don't see them winning this series, I want them to at least make a good show of it, and take that with them moving forward.

Oh I know. I agree with you. I think the Preds forwards are (frank)ing stacked. They’re stacked throughout the lineup IMO. While I do believe Kane>Forsberg, Hossa>Ard, and Toews>Johansen... I don’t think the gap is huge and then when you factor in the rest of the depth they have with Turris, Fiala, Smith, Bones, Jarnkrok, Sissons... that forward lineup definitely rivals those Hawks teams IMO, definitely comparable. Throw in the best D Corp in the league and Jesus Christ.
- j.boyd919

Yup, I'd dare say a little more scoring depth throughout the forward group and even this d-core is superior to the one the Hawks had.

Yup, I'd dare say a little more scoring depth throughout the forward group and even this d-core is superior to the one the Hawks had.
- Rinosaur

The 2013 and 2015 hawks may be comparable but the 2010 hawks were stacked. Dudes like Ladd, Brower, Bfuyglien and co as depth pieces was unreal

The 2013 and 2015 hawks may be comparable but the 2010 hawks were stacked. Dudes like Ladd, Brower, Bfuyglien and co as depth pieces was unreal
- DeflatedPucks

Nashville Predators 2017-18 - 261 goals
Chicago Blackhawks 2009-10 - 262 goals

Like I've been saying... these teams are comparable.

Nashville Predators 2017-18 - 261 goals
Chicago Blackhawks 2009-10 - 262 goals

Like I've been saying... these teams are comparable.
- j.boyd919

How about through the 1st three games of round one for each year?

Jk.

How about through the 1st three games of round one for each year?

Jk.
- MattStrat

small sample size lol

Of course it matters. If he plays then there's different tactics than if he doesn't. Who plays where if he doesn't play?

This story I told was full on, they were on TV being interviewed all week saying how bad this players ankle was. Plus he was limping around nearly not being able to walk - it was hilarious when they came out after it & said it was all bullpoop & they were pissing themselves after every interview & TV report. Psychological warfare my friend, it's a big thing & it exists.
- Aussiepenguin

To a degree yes, of course it matters, but not at the level you believe...or I think you believe it does. Hard for me to know what you truly believe and level of said belief.

To a degree yes, of course it matters, but not at the level you believe...or I think you believe it does. Hard for me to know what you truly believe and level of said belief.
- MattStrat

It matters from a match-up perspective, but the Pens aren't going to totally change their game plan based on whether or not one player plays.*

*If the player in question was a 25-year-old Gretzky, Lemieux, or Orr, then yes they would.

It matters from a match-up perspective, but the Pens aren't going to totally change their game plan based on whether or not one player plays.*

*If the player in question was a 25-year-old Gretzky, Lemieux, Fedorov or Orr, then yes they would.
- jmatchett383

fixed

According to Hakstol Coots is a GTD...so my guess is that he'll be playing, obviously just a shot in the dark.

According to Hakstol Coots is a GTD...so my guess is that he'll be playing, obviously just a shot in the dark.
- iworkatinitech

Ill take the "no" side of things

Ill take the "no" side of things
- DeflatedPucks

obviously that would be better for the Pens...but I just don't think it ended up as a bad injury. The optics at first look bad, but I'm not sure it ended with any type of an injury...who knows

[just trying to start conversation]

According to Hakstol Coots is a GTD...so my guess is that he'll be playing, obviously just a shot in the dark.
- iworkatinitech

Over on the Flyers blog they were taking some of Girouxs comments to the media as Coots not playing...

EDIT: "it sucks" "chance for others to step up"

I am sensing a certain individual having a feast tonite.

Over on the Flyers blog they were taking some of Girouxs comments to the media as Coots not playing...

EDIT: "it sucks" "chance for others to step up"
- MattStrat

Oh wow, that's crazy! Hadn't seen those.

Oh wow, that's crazy! Hadn't seen those.
- iworkatinitech

One of those quotes should of been "if hes not good to go then its a chance for others to step up" but he did say "it sucks"

My gut is telling me Coots is out tonight.

One of those quotes should of been "if hes not good to go then its a chance for others to step up" but he did say "it sucks"

My gut is telling me Coots is out tonight.
- MattStrat

That tells me he is likely to play, a little attempt at deception.

Either way, I don't think the Pens care much. I don't think anyone is better than the Pens at showing up and finding a way to win games.

One of those quotes should of been "if hes not good to go then its a chance for others to step up" but he did say "it sucks"

My gut is telling me Coots is out tonight.
- MattStrat

https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-298065808?tid=297170864

"game time decision" but that hit looked nasty and he couldn't walk. I think thats their coach trying to mind game Sully.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...c-298065808?tid=297170864

"game time decision" but that hit looked nasty and he couldn't walk. I think thats their coach trying to mind game Sully.
- Guile

Oh yeah, coaches very rarely disclose if a player is playing or not on game day or the days before...I was in a bit of disbelief that HCMS announced that about Horny yesterday.

Oh yeah, coaches very rarely disclose if a player is playing or not on game day or the days before...I was in a bit of disbelief that HCMS announced that about Horny yesterday.
- MattStrat

Yep, especially when broken tibia Bonino was a game time decision for the entire series when he had zero chance to play.

Yep, especially when broken tibia Bonino was a game time decision for the entire series when he had zero chance to play.
- Guile

Hahaha

I am sensing a certain individual having a feast tonite.


- DeflatedPucks

So no points and a -4 for Phil

https://twitter.com/PNTho...status/986659063831367680

^^these are cool little series recaps.