I’d like to add after 4yrs & 5 drafts the future seems more clear. By that i mean we have a prospect pool. We have control of contracts & not overly hamstrung with NTC/NMC’s. Key positions are filling up with RHD still a need. This year should be fun & our record irrelevant. Probably more interested in seeing what TG can do in his 2nd season firming up our playing style & how well he can teach the kids. He has the vets but also integrating the youth will be his biggest challenge. Its the crossroads for him early into his NHL career & how he fares will ultimately be the difference.

Can he bring JV to the next level?
His teams works hard & have shown a no quit resilience.
Can his tough love work?
I guess thats up to character of the players.
- Nighthawk

I think most people here are on board with what has happened over the last 2 years. Now it it is time to sit back and see what unfolds. Most do believe it will be for the better.

Of course you don't like it you keep losing to Boston
- VANTEL

meh,...TB is the team to beat IMO...you gotta go through all the good teams...and hope for a few of them to get upset along the way....but yeah Boston

I understand the divisional thing for the reg season..play more games against divisional teams vs the rest of the league...but the playoffs? no.
- jimi james

Divisional rivalries taken into the PO’s only enhances the game. The arms race is a fun aspect offseason & in season. The wild card teams already allows possible inter-division 1st round match ups. Advantage goes to division winners with 2/3 teams fighting it out is fine for me. The 2/3 place teams shouldn’t get any advantages. 82 games means something as in the so-called easier round 1 match up. 2nd or 3rd is no great achievement. Making the PO’s is & anything can happen & any team can get hot at the right time or a goalie. ‘82 Canucks

meh,...TB is the team to beat IMO...you gotta go through all the good teams...and hope for a few of them to get upset along the way....but yeah Boston
- jimi james

LAK knocking off the Oilers in ‘82.
Canucks go on to be swept by the dynasty NYI. High scoring team (Oilers) couldn’t play defence so they learned how to win & went onto a run of their own.

meh,...TB is the team to beat IMO...you gotta go through all the good teams...and hope for a few of them to get upset along the way....but yeah Boston
- jimi james

Buffalo should be moving up very soon you need to keep an eye on them too they have some very high end talent.

Happy Sunday!

Today's blog has a general look at arbitration now that Jacob Trouba's arbitration award has been announced and some thoughts on where Jake Virtanen's next contract might land.

https://www.hockeybuzz.co...A-Jake-Virtanen/194/94043

I think most people here are on board with what has happened over the last 2 years. Now it it is time to sit back and see what unfolds. Most do believe it will be for the better.
- VANTEL

Character goes a long ways. The best teams have it & win. Can look to nearly any cup winner & pick out who drove the bus.

meh,...TB is the team to beat IMO...you gotta go through all the good teams...and hope for a few of them to get upset along the way....but yeah Boston
- jimi james

For us it was the Hawks

Buffalo should be moving up very soon you need to keep an eye on them too they have some very high end talent.
- VANTEL

If they eat up the Sens Habs & Panthers which is doable then they could surprise.
Do well & win in your own division can go a long ways.