Are the Phillies this good or does the NL just blow?

Honest question. I watch them and Nola and Hoskins are basically the only guys I fully believe in on the entire roster. (I like Herrera and Franco too but when they're off they're really off)
- hereticpride

the NL really blows especially the west

Is that really you?

If you had been invited to Claude Giroux's wedding, you could have gotten in on the bridesmaids, who might also like soulless gingers. Total missed opportunity.


- johndewar

I AM NOT A GING MY DAWG tho my beard does have some red in it

I AM NOT A GING MY DAWG tho my beard does have some red in it
- Giroux_Is_God

Apologies Brofessor, never meant it as an insult.

Apologies Brofessor, never meant it as an insult.
- johndewar

He’s always wrong though, so maybe he is?

He’s always wrong though, so maybe he is?
- YuenglingJagr

My life has been turned upside down

Someone in the Rags thread thinks that they're Panarin and a defenseman away from contending.

Silly season knows no boundaries.

And while I've largely defended Hakstol....playing a less talented good soldier is a coaching weakness of his. He'd play the (frank) out of Callahan, regardless of what Callahan still has left.
- johndewar

It's not a coaching weakness of Hakstol's. He'll play the crap out a younger more talented player if that players level of play warrants it. That's been proven. It's far more of an indication of some young players just haven't stepped up and earned more ice time.

Odd thought...

I was watching NHL Network and if things don't work out in camp to find an internal 3c idea how about Brian Gionta if he decides he wants to play? He was working the Sabres development camp but didn't have any contract with anyone be it as a player or coach.

It's not a coaching weakness of Hakstol's. He'll play the crap out a younger more talented player if that players level of play warrants it. That's been proven. It's far more of an indication of some young players just haven't stepped up and earned more ice time.
- MJL

I’m very excited about Nolan Patrick but he isn’t nor has he shown what he’s going to be, which is why he’s been sad in a number of third periods this past season.

Odd thought...

I was watching NHL Network and if things don't work out in camp to find an internal 3c idea how about Brian Gionta if he decides he wants to play? He was working the Sabres development camp but didn't have any contract with anyone be it as a player or coach.
- dragonoffrost

Gionta isn’t a center.

Gionta isn’t a center.
- SuperSchennBros

For some reason I thought he was

For some reason I thought he was
- dragonoffrost

I think we just need to face it. Unless Frost absolutely blows them away in camp or Vecchione and/or Weal can show that they can be an effective bottom 6 centers and contribute on the PK, our bottom six centers are going to be Laughton and Lehtera.

Doesn't mean that it will stay that way all season, but I think that's how it's going to start.

I think we just need to face it. Unless Frost absolutely blows them away in camp or Vecchione and/or Weal can show that they can be an effective bottom 6 centers and contribute on the PK, our bottom six centers are going to be Laughton and Lehtera.

Doesn't mean that it will stay that way all season, but I think that's how it's going to start.
- BiggE

I'm believing that to be so but I saw that guy (thinking he was a center) and said damn if he was available and an option I'd jump.

I think we just need to face it. Unless Frost absolutely blows them away in camp or Vecchione and/or Weal can show that they can be an effective bottom 6 centers and contribute on the PK, our bottom six centers are going to be Laughton and Lehtera.

Doesn't mean that it will stay that way all season, but I think that's how it's going to start.
- BiggE

I just have a feeling Laughton is going to come in to camp carrying some of that confidence he got from the last playoff and that he received from the coaching staff.

He is coming in with a clearly defined role, unlike in the past where it seemed like the organization wasn't sure if he should be a scoring guy or a shutdown guy or somewhere in between or a winger or whatever.

Shutdown Seanie is the clear #1 center now, no questions, end of discussion. Patrick is the #2. So now Laughton knows what he is, has some confidence behind his game both in his head and from the organization. I think he runs with it.

If I'm wrong, so what? Nothing changes and they are still looking for someone like they have been.

If I'm right.....

I just have a feeling Laughton is going to come in to camp carrying some of that confidence he got from the last playoff and that he received from the coaching staff.

He is coming in with a clearly defined role, unlike in the past where it seemed like the organization wasn't sure if he should be a scoring guy or a shutdown guy or somewhere in between or a winger or whatever.

Shutdown Seanie is the clear #1 center now, no questions, end of discussion. Patrick is the #2. So now Laughton knows what he is, has some confidence behind his game both in his head and from the organization. I think he runs with it.

If I'm wrong, so what? Nothing changes and they are still looking for someone like they have been.

If I'm right.....
- MBFlyerfan

I think you're right, for the most part. I agree with Hak, Laughton did play well in that series. But what people are forgetting is that during that series, he was moved to LW and Lehtera was playing center on the line. I think Laughton's skill set is better served playing on the wing, but hopefully he can find a way to put it all together at center.

I think you're right, for the most part. I agree with Hak, Laughton did play well in that series. But what people are forgetting is that during that series, he was moved to LW and Lehtera was playing center on the line. I think Laughton's skill set is better served playing on the wing, but hopefully he can find a way to put it all together at center.
- BiggE

So what you are saying is, Lehtera will be 3C opening night then...

Just found out, on WIP, that carter hart will be backing up Steve Mason for the Flyers this season. Angelo’s Flyers knowledge is astounding.

Just found out, on WIP, that carter hart will be backing up Steve Mason for the Flyers this season. Angelo’s Flyers knowledge is astounding.
- Dkos

Just found out, on WIP, that carter hart will be backing up Steve Mason for the Flyers this season. Angelo’s Flyers knowledge is astounding.
- Dkos

Wait? Did that talentless monkey actually say that?

Angelo Cataldi is a poop stain on Philadelphia.

Wait? Did that talentless monkey actually say that?

Angelo Cataldi is a poop stain on Philadelphia.
- MBFlyerfan

Jonesy and Morganti corrected him. He was doing a story about Hart closing his Twitter account.

Here's to a great day of looking into the way far away future.

Jonesy and Morganti corrected him. He was doing a story about Hart closing his Twitter account.
- Dkos

Im sure it was riveting commentary.

I hate that guy. He is a gameshow host masquerading as a sports expert.

Wait? Did that talentless monkey actually say that?

Angelo Cataldi is a poop stain on Philadelphia.
- MBFlyerfan

Angelo is entertaining. At this point he’s just a talk show host. Do t think he has any sports knowledge. Ever listen to the show when Morganti is hosting? He may know hockey, but he can’t host a show.

Im sure it was riveting commentary.

I hate that guy. He is a gameshow host masquerading as a sports expert.
- MBFlyerfan

Exactly. That’s a great description of Angelo.

I’m very excited about Nolan Patrick but he isn’t nor has he shown what he’s going to be, which is why he’s been sad in a number of third periods this past season.
- SuperSchennBros

Same. I think he's going to have a really good season based on what we saw in the second half of last season.