I agree, but you can't avoid the stats either, and like I said, the last 3 playoffs Toews was average at best. I get a little sick of how people put guys like him and messier as gods because they annually played for a statacked team
- Bieksa#3

Messier is in a different category, I only give him 2 Cups that he won as being THE player on his team (Last Oiler Cup and Rangers in '94). The other 3 he won, he was Gretzky's coat hanger.

That's speculating a little bit.....
- chompsey

I'd say he has as much a shot of staying as Torts did when Gillis got fired and they brought in Linden. It's only a matter of time.

Messier is in a different category, I only give him 2 Cups that he won as being THE player on his team (Last Oiler Cup and Rangers in '94). The other 3 he won, he was Gretzky's coat hanger.
- DariusKnight

One could suggest the same for toews with kane

I'd say he has as much a shot of staying as Torts did when Gillis got fired and they brought in Linden. It's only a matter of time.
- KB3Point0

No doubt, he's done.

No doubt, he's done.
- Nucker101

Keeping a guy (who you have lost confidence in) because you're afraid that there won't be anybody better is a pretty bad place to be.

Keeping a guy (who you have lost confidence in) because you're afraid that there won't be anybody better is a pretty bad place to be.
- 1970vintage

Now that sounds familier

Keeping a guy (who you have lost confidence in) because you're afraid that there won't be anybody better is a pretty bad place to be.
- 1970vintage

Yeah, I don't get. It's hard to imagine a scenario where a new GM keeps him on.

Yeah, I don't get. It's hard to imagine a scenario where a new GM keeps him on.
- Nucker101

Yeah, it's kind of inconsiderate to keep the coach on when you're letting go of the GM. Most GMs that get hired are going to want their own coach, why not let Bylsma go so he can interview for other jobs instead of making him wait until the new GM is hired and fires him. By that time, there may not be many options out there for him to take, at least in the NHL.

Yeah, I don't get. It's hard to imagine a scenario where a new GM keeps him on.
- Nucker101

New GM Gillis kept AV and went on to have the most successful spell this franchise has ever had.

Just saying it happens.

New GM Gillis kept AV and went on to have the most successful spell this franchise has ever had.

Just saying it happens.
- AlexF

AV hadn't been around as long as Bylsma, but yeah I suppose it can happen. I just think that pretty much 90% of professional coaches have a shelf life of like 5 years at absolute most before they have everyone calling for their heads.

AV hadn't been around as long as Bylsma, but yeah I suppose it can happen. I just think that pretty much 90% of professional coaches have a shelf life of like 5 years at absolute most before they have everyone calling for their heads.
- Nucker101

For sure. And Bylsma was wildly successful straight off the bat. This team has been trending downwards for a while.

I actually think there is a solid core for the new GM/coach to build around there. If they can get it right, this team could be pushing for another final appearance as early as next season.

For sure. And Bylsma was wildly successful straight off the bat. This team has been trending downwards for a while.

I actually think there is a solid core for the new GM/coach to build around there. If they can get it right, this team could be pushing for another final appearance as early as next season.
- AlexF

Yeah, I'd prefer that job big time over Vancouver or Washington.

Yeah, I'd prefer that job big time over Vancouver or Washington.
- Nucker101

You bet. Although expectations would also be higher.

Burrows injured, hope it's not serious. Man, that guy's had major bad luck this year.

I guess there goes the Burrows trade rumours. Seems we're unfortunately stuck with him for next year

Oh I'm sorry, HB has always been proven facts rather then speculating and suggesting
- Bieksa#3

Hey wait a minute, you accuse people of speculating often. Stop picking on Chompsey....

McGuire

Nucker has a little Pierre in him. Always gushing how attractive other players are
- Bieksa#3

Hope Pierre wears protection...

Hodgson lookin pretty good at the Worlds. Kassian didn't even get an invite....
- Nucker101

This is first degree trolling.

For sure. And Bylsma was wildly successful straight off the bat. This team has been trending downwards for a while.

I actually think there is a solid core for the new GM/coach to build around there. If they can get it right, this team could be pushing for another final appearance as early as next season.
- AlexF

It's surprising, looking back, how many people felt the Pens could be the new dynasty. If it wasn't for their goaltending, I feel they would have won at least one more Cup

Edit: not to say I'm putting all the blame on Fleury,as there were plenty other reasons; however, goaltending seemed to be the biggest factor

Edit2 - although goaltending wasn't really the problem this year

Yeah, I'd prefer that job big time over Vancouver or Washington.
- Nucker101

But the city can't come close to Van or Wash. I guess living in Mario's basement helps.

For sure. And Bylsma was wildly successful straight off the bat. This team has been trending downwards for a while.

I actually think there is a solid core for the new GM/coach to build around there. If they can get it right, this team could be pushing for another final appearance as early as next season.
- AlexF

With a couple months remaining, Bylsma was hired and turned their season around. Follows with a cup win in the post season....

I see some media out of Boston has them new model shopping. I guess the Boston model is getting old. Is there a Canadiens assistant GM Linden can hire?

I see some media out of Boston has them new model shopping. I guess the Boston model is getting old. Is there a Canadiens assistant GM Linden can hire?
- bazz

Really hoping the new GM can have thoughts of his own regarding how to build a successfull team rather than trying to chase someone else's idea (by which time it'll already be outdated anyhow).

It's surprising, looking back, how many people felt the Pens could be the new dynasty. If it wasn't for their goaltending, I feel they would have won at least one more Cup

Edit: not to say I'm putting all the blame on Fleury,as there were plenty other reasons; however, goaltending seemed to be the biggest factor

Edit2 - although goaltending wasn't really the problem this year
- Zogg

You can argue that Fleury wasn't the issue last year either when the Pens got bounced by Boston.

Crosby and Malkin can get shutdown in ways that Toews and Kane don't. And beyond the top 2 lines the Pens just haven't had that veteran depth since they won the cup.

That's not fair either. A) hawks are deeper then anybody b) Toews did squat the last 3 playoffs including last yr.

I'll say this though. I don't like Kane but he is as good of player in a big game is there is out there.
Judging the best player in the world by how much his team wins is foolish
- Bieksa#3

Teemu

Oh I'm sorry, HB has always been proven facts rather then speculating and suggesting
- Bieksa#3

I always try and give you the benefit of the doubt but I give up, you're an ass...