Christian Thomas and Shane McGolgan headed to the Connecticut Whale.

I may be the odd duck here, but I don't think Thomas has what it takes to make the big club in New York.
- Downeaster

I can see Thomas making the big club as well. It seems that with most prospects, their development doesn't always follow a linear path. Last year, Thomas was a golden child after tearing up the OHL, so much so that people had him as the next Jeff Skinner. This year, he struggles a little at the Traverse City Tournament, doesn't make the Canadian Junior Team, and has his season derailed a little by a 10 game suspension, and he is already an afterthought. I would suggest that the truth on Thomas is somewhere in the middle -- he is neither Jeff Skinner 2.0, nor is he just a throw away prospect because his had a bit of a down year. He will certaintly have his opportunity to make the team.

Even though I hate the Pens, I just cannot say they will be done in the 1st round. They have what philly doesn't and that is experience.
- blacksheep1

It's not about who I dislike more, I am just going on the matchup.

Yes it would be crazy to see the Pens eliminated early but this is the only first round matchup I wouldn't give them the edge in.

The Flyers are undaunted playing in Consol and they seem to get under the skin of all of Pittsburgh's key players.

It also doesn't hurt that they haven't scored anything less than three goals in any of their first five contests against Fleury.

It will be an interesting series but one I wouldn't be surprised if either team won.

I can see Thomas making the big club as well. It seems that with most prospects, their development doesn't always follow a linear path. Last year, Thomas was a golden child after tearing up the OHL, so much so that people had him as the next Jeff Skinner. This year, he struggles a little at the Traverse City Tournament, doesn't make the Canadian Junior Team, and has his season derailed a little by a 10 game suspension, and he is already an afterthought. I would suggest that the truth on Thomas is somewhere in the middle -- he is neither Jeff Skinner 2.0, nor is he just a throw away prospect because his had a bit of a down year. He will certaintly have his opportunity to make the team.
- Pete V

both Christian Thomas and Dylan McIlrath had long suspensions that seemed to derail their seasons somewhat this year.

it's time for both of them to get the hell out of junior and get on with some pro hockey

I can see Thomas making the big club as well. It seems that with most prospects, their development doesn't always follow a linear path. Last year, Thomas was a golden child after tearing up the OHL, so much so that people had him as the next Jeff Skinner. This year, he struggles a little at the Traverse City Tournament, doesn't make the Canadian Junior Team, and has his season derailed a little by a 10 game suspension, and he is already an afterthought. I would suggest that the truth on Thomas is somewhere in the middle -- he is neither Jeff Skinner 2.0, nor is he just a throw away prospect because his had a bit of a down year. He will certaintly have his opportunity to make the team.
- Pete V

With Kreider showing up and the possibility of landing a choice free agent I don't see Thomas fitting in as a top 6 guy, a third line checking role guy or a fourth line energy guy.

I would not be surprised to see him packaged with Dubi, Erixon and a first rounder to try for Bobby Ryan or maybe a little more to get Rick Nash.

With Kreider showing up and the possibility of landing a choice free agent I don't see Thomas fitting in as a top 6 guy, a third line checking role guy or a fourth line energy guy.

I would not be surprised to see him packaged with Dubi, Erixon and a first rounder to try for Bobby Ryan or maybe a little more to get Rick Nash.
- Downeaster

At some point you have to start trading some assets in trades that make sense for the franchise going forward...If we can get Bobby Ryan for that I would do it in a sec, he is younger than Nash is more of a Torts fit...you always have Parise...but...Ryan I don't think will be as expebsive from a salry standpoint although i could be wrong on that account...

Marc Staal looked really good last night didn't he?

not just Sam and Joe fluffing him up, I definitely thought Staal looked the best he has since he came back

Marc Staal looked really good last night didn't he?

not just Sam and Joe fluffing him up, I definitely thought Staal looked the best he has since he came back
- jimbro83

Definetely. Best game he has played all year, IMO.

Marc Staal looked really good last night didn't he?

not just Sam and Joe fluffing him up, I definitely thought Staal looked the best he has since he came back
- jimbro83

I think he knows he can take the hard contact now and be able to get back up. Watching him battle these last few games has been great. Plus he is starting to carry the puck more

Damien Cox ‏ @DamoSpin

So for Norris, thinking Chara, Girardi, Karlsson. Interested in thoughts from anyone other than hysterical Sens fans.


wow

I think he knows he can take the hard contact now and be able to get back up. Watching him battle these last few games has been great. Plus he is starting to carry the puck more
- TPC

He made that one great play when he stripped someone at the blue line and set up a chance, I think it may have been the one that AA was slashed on and Lucic is a beast but how can he or Julien argue that wasn't a penalty and Brian Engblom was on his knees all night when it came to Boston...sickening!!

looks like Flyers will be without Briere and Grossman tomorrow

looks like Flyers will be without Briere and Grossman tomorrow
- jimbro83

Just get me a point

Just get me a point
- TPC

yep, all I care about

just a point dammit!

yep, all I care about

just a point dammit!
- jimbro83

Rangers have already racked up 107. I don't think it is asking to much for just 1 more

Rangers have already racked up 107. I don't think it is asking to much for just 1 more
- TPC

last night was like the equivalent of being up 3-0 in a series and not closing them out in game 4

they'll get it done

last night was like the equivalent of being up 3-0 in a series and not closing them out in game 4

they'll get it done
- jimbro83

Yea I am not going to start sweating unless it doesn't get done tomorrow. If the Rangers have to go into Pitt on Thursday still having to clinch, then I might worry a bit.

Damien Cox ‏ @DamoSpin

So for Norris, thinking Chara, Girardi, Karlsson. Interested in thoughts from anyone other than hysterical Sens fans.


wow
- jimbro83

Like Girardi a lot but no way he should get a vote over Weber. Had a great season but his offensive numbers are too meager to consider him a viable Norris candidate.

As we all know points do matter for this and the Selke, although the actual spirit of each award has little to do with offensive output.

Like Girardi a lot but no way he should get a vote over Weber. Had a great season but his offensive numbers are too meager to consider him a viable Norris candidate.

As we all know points do matter for this and the Selke, although the actual spirit of each award has little to do with offensive output.
- MidnightMarauder

I agree, Shea Weber should be there.

My opinion is the 3 for Norris should be Karlsson, Weber and Pieterangelo

I wouldn't even include Chara in it

I agree, Shea Weber should be there.

My opinion is the 3 for Norris should be Karlsson, Weber and Pieterangelo

I wouldn't even include Chara in it
- jimbro83

i would. Chara is having his best season ever, without him Boston might be in 7th and the sens could be in 2nd

i would. Chara is having his best season ever, without him Boston might be in 7th and the sens could be in 2nd
- blacksheep1

he's a pu$$y

he's a pu$$y
- jimbro83

he is a douche, no denying that. Still an amaing player.

he is a douche, no denying that. Still an amaing player.
- blacksheep1

he can suck my balls

he can suck my balls
- jimbro83

I'm loving how Pens and Flyer fans think they are the teams to beat in the east. Toatally discounting the Rangers. Have I missed something? Are the Rangers really that bad?

went through the Pens blog last night

cannot believe how hard you guys troll that blog. makes my efforts here look pathetic.