We were to beat the Pens and lose to Chicago on the road. Just the 2 flip flopped. Pretty much where I thought they'd be.

Yeah it sucks we gave Pittsburgh 2 points, but I've convinced myself it's a 2 team race between us Detroit for the final wild card.

That late run and worse pick means nothing if they don't get in AND get off to a poor start again next year
- DaveofYork

I don't think that will happen. I get the feeling this team has turned a corner, regardless of what rookie phenom makes the club. I don't know if it's that we finally have a coach with the right system, or the players maturing and coming into their own, or whatever... But I get the feeling this team will be in the thick of a playoff chase all season next year.

If you factor in upgrades to our defense, even by just subtracting Manning and Streit, that alone equals more wins. And if Hexy can pull another rabbit out of his um, hat - by getting rid of AMAC in a similar situation to the Pronger deal, that would be beyond fantastic. (I seem to recall an article a few months back saying he was looking to add a young hot Russian defenseman from the KHL for next season and it was down to us and the Leafs. So he is clearly looking to upgrade the quality there...)

But whatever changes are made, this team is already better now than at the beginning of the season and I don't see them going backwards at the start of next season.

I don't think that will happen. I get the feeling this team has turned a corner, regardless of what rookie phenom makes the club. I don't know if it's that we finally have a coach with the right system, or the players maturing and coming into their own, or whatever... But I get the feeling this team will be in the thick of a playoff chase all season next year.

If you factor in upgrades to our defense, even by just subtracting Manning and Streit, that alone equals more wins. And if Hexy can pull another rabbit out of his um, hat - by getting rid of AMAC in a similar situation to the Pronger deal, that would be beyond fantastic. (I seem to recall an article a few months back saying he was looking to add a young hot Russian defenseman from the KHL for next season and it was down to us and the Leafs. So he is clearly looking to upgrade the quality there...)

But whatever changes are made, this team is already better now than at the beginning of the season and I don't see them going backwards at the start of next season.
- WhirlingDervish

I believe that Russian your referring to is zaitsev who the leafs signed. Free agency will be interesting. I think there's a need for a middle 6 center. If umberger retires or is bought out they should have plenty of money for it. I can't see the team banking on cousins/weal to fill that hole

I don't think that will happen. I get the feeling this team has turned a corner, regardless of what rookie phenom makes the club. I don't know if it's that we finally have a coach with the right system, or the players maturing and coming into their own, or whatever... But I get the feeling this team will be in the thick of a playoff chase all season next year.

If you factor in upgrades to our defense, even by just subtracting Manning and Streit, that alone equals more wins. And if Hexy can pull another rabbit out of his um, hat - by getting rid of AMAC in a similar situation to the Pronger deal, that would be beyond fantastic. (I seem to recall an article a few months back saying he was looking to add a young hot Russian defenseman from the KHL for next season and it was down to us and the Leafs. So he is clearly looking to upgrade the quality there...)

But whatever changes are made, this team is already better now than at the beginning of the season and I don't see them going backwards at the start of next season.
- WhirlingDervish

I agree with a lot of this. It's clear that after a few really good seasons, Streit's slowing down to the degree where you need to slot him in a third-pair role -- not a crime. Just a reality of age

But I think you can do that with MDZ-Gudas, plus Ghost with the right partner. I don't think that player is currently on the roster, but hopefully through trade or FA, that player is out there. Doesn't have to be an amazing player. Just someone who is steady, somewhat physical, who can move their feet a bit -- basically, what Luke Schenn was supposed to be

Neuvirth out for the year. That's some illness

Neuvirth out for the year. That's some illness
- PLindbergh31

Lol right, how do you go from "feeling ill" to lower body injury out 3 weeks.

Lol right, how do you go from "feeling ill" to lower body injury out 3 weeks.
- flyerfan28

More comical horsepoop. He wasn't injured in the Chicago game, and was supposed to start yesterday. Was removed half hour before game was to start. Mason has to start every game now. Team has multiple back to backs.

Wings down 2 goals on the road in Florida... No problem,. 2 points in the bank.

Laying an egg at home vs. a Malkin-less Penguins team was beyond absurd.
- PLindbergh31

you're comparing them unfavorably to a team they just beat in a game that knocked that team temporarily out of the wild card ?

you're comparing them unfavorably to a team they just beat in a game that knocked that team temporarily out of the wild card ?
- -davies-

Not at all. I don't think the Wings are any good. I fully expect the Flyers to capture the final playoff spot.

Not at all. I don't think the Wings are any good. I fully expect the Flyers to capture the final playoff spot.
- PLindbergh31

slippery

Neuvirth reportedly injured himself stretching during pre-game warmups yesterday.

Can't make it up.

Neuvirth out for the year. That's some illness
- PLindbergh31

there goes my hopes for the playoffs

Lol right, how do you go from "feeling ill" to lower body injury out 3 weeks.
- flyerfan28

Explosive firehea . Was an illness, now his bum needs rest for some time now, after that vile bout.

speaking of illness..just broke my 3 day fever with the flu last night and it really is amazing how much you can sweat in your sleep when you break a fever. Went through 3 t-shirts through the night and all my sheets and pillow cases were drenched.

Neuvirth reportedly injured himself stretching during pre-game warmups yesterday.

Can't make it up.
- PLindbergh31

Certainly plausible

speaking of illness..just broke my 3 day fever with the flu last night and it really is amazing how much you can sweat in your sleep when you break a fever. Went through 3 t-shirts through the night and all my sheets and pillow cases were drenched.
- orangekrush2010

That is pretty much the point of a fever

there goes my hopes for the playoffs
- 2Real

Yep, better go find another team to follow

Neuvirth reportedly injured himself stretching during pre-game warmups yesterday.

Can't make it up.
- PLindbergh31

Personally, I dont think Mason is at 100% either.

With 4 back to backs left. We will see just how badly they don't want to play stolarz

In all honesty I expect stolarz debut to go well. He doesn't have a problem stopping pucks and I think it will be a classic case of the team around him being better helping him out. I don't think the phantoms did him any favors this year.

I have no idea who it is anymore, maybe Hammond? Anyway he probably isn't the only goalie to say it...but when they moved from the AHL to the NHL they noticed how much better defense was

everyone should trust the gudas touch

What the hell is with Streit? He gets the puck and seems like he's terrified of doing anything. He was never fast, but he had good puck skills. Right now, he handles the puck on par with Ryan White and Nick Schultz.

We were to beat the Pens and lose to Chicago on the road. Just the 2 flip flopped. Pretty much where I thought they'd be.

Yeah it sucks we gave Pittsburgh 2 points, but I've convinced myself it's a 2 team race between us Detroit for the final wild card.
- Pelle31Forever

This is exactly the perspective you should have. Going back to a week ago the odds of you passing Pit were slim. Its always been about Detroit.

Went through 3 t-shirts through the night and all my sheets and pillow cases were drenched.
- orangekrush2010

Wow, I forgot how bad wet dreams could be

Wow, I forgot how bad wet dreams could be

- all-pgh

Hahaha