Good God are they ever terrible.
- Pecafan Fan

What happened? Varlamov just hasn't been godlike or something? I guess they need some help on defense too

I would really like to see Sekac back in the lineup and given the chance to develop. Big body who can skate and has some skill. No reason for him not be a competent bottom 6 player.
- DoubleDown

Sitting in the press box doesn't help him much that's for sure.

Maybe against Vancouver, who's (I'm guessing) will be a less physical game than against the Flames.

I can't believe how hard they've fallen but its only 10 games so far.

Picks to regress:
- St. Louis Blues
- Minnesota Wild

I also think Nashville can't sustain 1st place in their division and ultimately they will fall to 4-6.

I think Colorado turns it around, scrapes by into the playoffs.

Dallas is rising and could go deep.

My Western Picks: (partially biased, I loved Colorado last year)
Dallas
Chicago
Anaheim
LA Kings
San Jose
Nashville
St Louis
8. Vancouver / Colorado
- twiztedmike

Minnesota is really good.

What happened? Varlamov just hasn't been godlike or something? I guess they need some help on defense too
- twiztedmike

The Advanced Stats Crowd talked a lot about how they were a mirage last season considering how little they control the play and how important Varlamov was to them.

Guess they were right.

Minnesota is really good.
- DoubleDown

They seem like a bunch of chokers. And I find them quite soft.

The Advanced Stats Crowd talked a lot about how they were a mirage last season considering how little they control the play and how important Varlamov was to them.

Guess they were right.
- Pecafan Fan

Same with the Leafs but I felt they made some good moves to try and address it. I mean the core is ultimately the same but I feel they surrounded them with better players this year. Guys who won't bear the responsibility of scoring but can definitely do the "plumbing" and grinding work a bit better.

Having Santorelli and Komarov putting up points consistently on the third line has been huge because our first line and second has been known to disappear

I really don't like Eller, but I hope he gets a chance without Bourque on his line.

Disagree Gallagher gives them space by going to the net and making the D fall back. He's there to be in the goalie's face and Knock in rebounds.

If he plays with Eller he'll just in font of the net waiting for the shot that will never come because Eller turned the puck over 15 seconds ago.
- Fredobface

This, in theory, is correct. But fact is, they need space, they need time to make plays, which a big forwards with good hands can do. Gallagher with Desharnais is just not a good mix. And while i prefer Gallagher, the team won't part with DD and his cheap deal so better find him a better suited RW.

As for Eller, meh. He is a good 3rd liner who would benefit playing with decent wingers. Right now, Bourque is hurting this line.

Same with the Leafs but I felt they made some good moves to try and address it. I mean the core is ultimately the same but I feel they surrounded them with better players this year. Guys who won't bear the responsibility of scoring but can definitely do the "plumbing" and grinding work a bit better.

Having Santorelli and Komarov putting up points consistently on the third line has been huge because our first line and second has been known to disappear
- twiztedmike

Losing dead weight like Orr and McLaren helps

This, in theory, is correct. But fact is, they need space, they need time to make plays, which a big forwards with good hands can do. Gallagher with Desharnais is just not a good mix. And while i prefer Gallagher, the team won't part with DD and his cheap deal so better find him a better suited RW.

As for Eller, meh. He is a good 3rd liner who would benefit playing with decent wingers. Right now, Bourque is hurting this line.
- Habsody

Bourque will/should be gone by Christmas.

Minnesota is really good.
- DoubleDown

Nashville, with Rinne, are a good team too. Forsberg really is coming on his own this year; glad i took him in all my pools.

Bourque will/should be gone by Christmas.
- Pecafan Fan

I've stopped hoping but hey, that would be a sweet gift to the Habs fanbase.

Nashville, with Rinne, are a good team too. Forsberg really is coming on his own this year; glad i took him in all my pools.
- Habsody

Let's see around Christmas where they stand.

I think they're running high on the "new coach" 20-25 games success.

Bourque will/should be gone by Christmas.
- Pecafan Fan

Sure hope so.

This, in theory, is correct. But fact is, they need space, they need time to make plays, which a big forwards with good hands can do. Gallagher with Desharnais is just not a good mix. And while i prefer Gallagher, the team won't part with DD and his cheap deal so better find him a better suited RW.

As for Eller, meh. He is a good 3rd liner who would benefit playing with decent wingers. Right now, Bourque is hurting this line.
- Habsody

The DD line has been brutal of late. Specifically the last two nights. For whatever reason they try to cycle down low to pull coverage in deep so they can use the points.

But when DD is covered and pushes the puck to pacioretty who then gets covered in the corners and tries to give it back is what is hurting that line. That line isn't strong enough to work down low

And something has to be done about the PP. I'd like to see Galchenyuk get time on the off wing like Kovalev used to get.

EE, any comments on the most dominating performance in the history of pro sports that happened last night?

And sorry to hear you were stuck talking to a couple of amateur comedians this morning.

EE, any comments on the most dominating performance in the history of pro sports that happened last night?

And sorry to hear you were stuck talking to a couple of amateur comedians this morning.
- mr.peanut

The DD line has been brutal of late. Specifically the last two nights. For whatever reason they try to cycle down low to pull coverage in deep so they can use the points.

But when DD is covered and pushes the puck to pacioretty who then gets covered in the corners and tries to give it back is what is hurting that line. That line isn't strong enough to work down low

And something has to be done about the PP. I'd like to see Galchenyuk get time on the off wing like Kovalev used to get.
- Biggus Richardus

EE, any comments on the most dominating performance in the history of pro sports that happened last night?

And sorry to hear you were stuck talking to a couple of amateur comedians this morning.
- mr.peanut

- Pecafan Fan

Its still unclear if he is referring to me or himself or someone else (TSN)

So what would your lines look like?

Galchenyuk-Plek-PA
Pacioretty-DD-Sekac?
Bournival-Eller-Gallagher
Bourque-Malhotra-Prust

Or do you put a fourth liner like Weise/Moen up there?
- Joel_Eh

Well, best case scenario, the Habs add a top 6 forward, but it won't happen with Bourque being part of the package so it's a catch22. The Galchenyuk-Plekanec-PA is a keeper. I also like the Prust-Malhotra-Weise line.

As of now, there isn't much thing you can do with the current pieces to make changes. De la Rose will be good but isn't ready and Bournival could play some games on the 3rd but that's pretty much it. Also, keep Moen in the pressbox.

The DD line has been brutal of late. Specifically the last two nights. For whatever reason they try to cycle down low to pull coverage in deep so they can use the points.

But when DD is covered and pushes the puck to pacioretty who then gets covered in the corners and tries to give it back is what is hurting that line. That line isn't strong enough to work down low

And something has to be done about the PP. I'd like to see Galchenyuk get time on the off wing like Kovalev used to get.
- Biggus Richardus

First wave should always be Plek's line and yes.. Chucky on the rw is also a must.

Its still unclear if he is referring to me or himself or someone else
- twiztedmike

He's talking about the TSN690 guys.

He's talking about the TSN690 guys.
- Pecafan Fan

Oh, I thought he had a good jab at me since EE replied to one of my posts.

And usually I am not funny when I try to be so there's that

Well, best case scenario, the Habs add a top 6 forward, but it won't happen with Bourque being part of the package so it's a catch22. The Galchenyuk-Plekanec-PA is a keeper. I also like the Prust-Malhotra-Weise line.

As of now, there isn't much thing you can do with the current pieces to make changes. De la Rose will be good but isn't ready and Bournival could play some games on the 3rd but that's pretty much it. Also, keep Moen in the pressbox.
- Habsody

Bournival is nothing special but I'd rather see him with Eller over Rene Bourque.