The Conference reconstruction couldn't possibly have more of an effect on how well the Flyers play, then the personnel changes will. The Flyers hold their destiny in their own hands, same as every other team does. Come to the rink and take care of business. And control what you can control.
- MJL

I agree with the premise of this. There is nothing they can do about it so just show up and play. But at the same time would you rather be in the metropolitan or the Central right now. You have to play the teams in your division more often, so it obviously has an effect on how you play.

I think the Flyers will finish 4th in the Metro, but miss the playoffs.
- Feanor

I dont see them missing the playoffs but I do see the will be battling for the 3rd 4th spot in the Metro. I think that the Pens and Rangers will be one two and then after that its pretty tight

I agree with the premise of this. There is nothing they can do about it so just show up and play. But at the same time would you rather be in the metropolitan or the Central right now. You have to play the teams in your division more often, so it obviously has an effect on how you play.
- phatpat44

Agreed. But more importantly the uneven conference reconstruction will have a big effect on your final record, whether you make the playoffs and if you do, your playoff seed position, etc

I feel bad for the guy. He was on his way to becoming a regular in the NHL. I liked the physical edge to his game. I think it's difficult to deal with, as the player is close to reaching what was likely a dream and goal he set for himself. Lot's of pressure also to deal with. If you sit out, you may lose your spot, and never get it back. I hope he fully recovers.
- MJL

I feel worse for Bourdon then I do for Pronger. At least Pronger had a long career, won a cup, and made his money. Bourdon, while he still may play again, wont likely have all that to fall back on.

Agreed. But more importantly the uneven conference reconstruction will have a big effect on your final record, whether you make the playoffs and if you do, your playoff seed position, etc
- MrBigglesworth

They will even out soon enough. They will add Seattle and Kansas City. Then move Florida to Quebec and the Devils to Hamilton.

Atlantic
Quebec
Montreal
Toronto
Ottawa
Boston
Hamilton
Buffalo
Detroit

Metropolitan
NYR
NYI
Philly
Pittsburgh
Washington
Columbus
Carolina
Tampa Bay

Central
Chicago
Minnesota
St Louis
Kansas City
Dallas
Winnipeg
Nashville
Colorado

West:
Vancouver
Seattle
Calgary
Edmonton
Anaheim
LA
San Jose
Phoenix

I feel worse for Bourdon then I do for Pronger. At least Pronger had a long career, won a cup, and made his money. Bourdon, while he still may play again, wont likely have all that to fall back on.
- youarewrong

He's still making more than most of us on here. But I see your point.

How would everyone like to see the line combos and PP units look?
- PhillySportsGuy

Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek
Schenn-Lecavalier-Simmonds
Raffl-Couturier-Read
Talbot-Hall-Rinaldo

Timonen-Coburn
Streit-Schenn
Grossmann-Gustefsson

PP1
Hartnell-Giroux-Simmonds
Timonen-Voracek

PP2
Schenn-Lecavalier-Read
Streit-Gustefsson

PK1
Talbot-Hall
Timonen-Schenn
PK2
Raffl-Couturier
Grossmann-Coburn
PK3
Read-Rinaldo

Agreed. But more importantly the uneven conference reconstruction will have a big effect on your final record, whether you make the playoffs and if you do, your playoff seed position, etc
- MrBigglesworth

Not only that but we'll play some of our in divison rivals 5 times (others 4), whereas we'll only play the other conference twice. So if we have the best teams in our division it doesn't take a genius to figure out that our regular season is going to hurt us, both on the standings and in the injury dept. Then make it statistically harder to make the play-offs becasue there are more teams in our conference and I think the NHL actually just hates the east coast.

Are you saying home-and-home just to make sure that the STHs of both had a chance? Because, if it's a "neutral site" game, Beaver has more than enough to accomodate both plus probably 50,000
- jmatchett383

Don't forget that Beaver Stadium seats over 100,000 people for Football. Assume that this would be the capacity for this hockey game.

The single biggest problem, IMO, with a Beaver Stadium game will be enough hotel rooms to adequately support so many people coming from out of town.

A typical Penn State football game has X number of students attending that live within walking distance of the stadium. They don't stay in hotel rooms, etc. Hotel rooms in State College are at a premium and can be tough to get even for a basic Big 10 matchup; forget about games against Michigan, Ohio State, etc.

With the crush of out of towners from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and all points in between? Hotel rooms would be very, very hard to come by, I would think.

One solution would be to hold the game between fall and spring semesters and allow people to pay to stay in the dorms.

I think the Flyers will finish 4th in the Metro, but miss the playoffs.
- Feanor

Not sure I see how.

The Pens are thin. The Rangers have just had a coaching change. Let's see how that goes.

The Islanders? Ok, they are up and coming, but they aren't world beaters.

Stop with Columbus, already. They had the "best" goalie in the league last year and still missed the playoffs. Let's see Bob do it over an 82 game season before we crown him.

I'm not saying the Flyers win the division, but let's not pretend the division has the '78 Canadians and the '87 Oilers in it.

I agree with the premise of this. There is nothing they can do about it so just show up and play. But at the same time would you rather be in the metropolitan or the Central right now. You have to play the teams in your division more often, so it obviously has an effect on how you play.
- phatpat44

It might have an effect on your record, as playing tougher and better teams can certainly affect that. But it can't in and of itself affect how you play.

Really tough for Bourdon. Hope he gets healthy enough to resume his career.
- Jsaquella

I'm sure he'd like that & to just have a normal everyday life.

Not sure I see how.

The Pens are thin. The Rangers have just had a coaching change. Let's see how that goes.

The Islanders? Ok, they are up and coming, but they aren't world beaters.

Stop with Columbus, already. They had the "best" goalie in the league last year and still missed the playoffs. Let's see Bob do it over an 82 game season before we crown him.

I'm not saying the Flyers win the division, but let's not pretend the division has the '78 Canadians and the '87 Oilers in it.
- johndewar

The biggest issue that isn't being brought up with regard to the Rangers is, Derek Stepan still isn't signed. Rangers struggle to score goals as it is, with him not in the current mix it hurts them considerably.

It's not really hindsight. Two weeks after nearly having his eye gouged out of his skull it's a safe assumption that Pronger shouldn't have been playing in NHL games.
- PLindbergh31

And is this something that is fixed? Was prospect Alt not on the ice for a preseason game one week after reportedly sustaining a concussion? Are there baseline tests that he has to pass in that situation? From what I've read the kid says he felt good and wanted back in.

The biggest issue that isn't being brought up with regard to the Rangers is, Derek Stepan still isn't signed. Rangers struggle to score goals as it is, with him not in the current mix it hurts them considerably.
- PLindbergh31

They'll get him signed before the season. Reportedly his demands are 2 years at 3.5 million each. Thats close enough to get him signed.

Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek
Schenn-Lecavalier-Simmonds
Raffl-Couturier-Read
Talbot-Hall-Rinaldo

Timonen-Coburn
Streit-Schenn
Grossmann-Gustefsson

PP1
Hartnell-Giroux-Simmonds
Timonen-Voracek

PP2
Schenn-Lecavalier-Read
Streit-Gustefsson

PK1
Talbot-Hall
Timonen-Schenn
PK2
Raffl-Couturier
Grossmann-Coburn
PK3
Read-Rinaldo
- youarewrong

Just curious as to why you have Raffl ahead of Talbot on the 3rd line? IMO hes done nothing to warrant that. I know hes a bigger body but still.....

Just curious as to why you have Raffl ahead of Talbot on the 3rd line? IMO hes done nothing to warrant that. I know hes a bigger body but still.....
- Just5

And I would love to find a way to keep Timonen off the #1 PK unit. Just to save some wear and tear.

Just curious as to why you have Raffl ahead of Talbot on the 3rd line? IMO hes done nothing to warrant that. I know hes a bigger body but still.....
- Just5

Raffl might have a bit more offensive pop and more reliable defensively. At least thats what I heard.

And I would love to find a way to keep Timonen off the #1 PK unit. Just to save some wear and tear.
- MBFlyerfan

That top PP is just too good to change IMO.

That top PP is just too good to change IMO.
- youarewrong

Large variances year-to-year in PP. I wouldn't necessarily keep it the same just because of last year's results.

Stop with Columbus, already. They had the "best" goalie in the league last year and still missed the playoffs. Let's see Bob do it over an 82 game season before we crown him.

- johndewar

I dont think people give that team enough thought...

They have good young offensive talent, added Horton and will have Gaborik for a full season (assuming he stays healthy). They have a mobile defense and (like the Flyers) a ton of young potential. Watch out if Johansen takes the next step...

I dont think people give that team enough thought...

They have good young offensive talent, added Horton and will have Gaborik for a full season (assuming he stays healthy). They have a mobile defense and (like the Flyers) a ton of young potential. Watch out if Johansen takes the next step...
- jak521

They have as many "ifs" and "maybes" as anyone in the division.

That top PP is just too good to change IMO.
- youarewrong

I said PK.

They have as many "ifs" and "maybes" as anyone in the division.
- johndewar

Its weird talking about Columbus. Im a bit confused with the Flyers this year, lots of questions. I would be surprised if they dont make the playoffs but not shocked. I dont think they're as deep in the forward ranks as many make them out to be.

Its weird talking about Columbus. Im a bit confused with the Flyers this year, lots of questions. I would be surprised if they dont make the playoffs but not shocked. I dont think they're as deep in the forward ranks as many make them out to be.
- Just5

I agree that I wouldn't be shocked if they missed the playoffs.

But you think it'll be because of the forward group?