PuckMeister

Guys, This has been one of the more entertaing threads in quite some time. So many intricacies to ponder! I have a question or two regarding the ramifications of the pending lockout. What effect will this have on the 1 Dec. deadline for Webber to sign, and what about his sitting out for the year? does this mean he has to sit out for two years and does nashville have to wait two years to be able to trade him in lieu of one? Please enlighten me because if this is the case, i cannot see Shea not signing unless he plans to play in another league for a year.

Mad Dog, I understand your concern for the offense, but I think there are others who will score more. Having Rusty on the team means at least 4 less losses since each time we played against him, he tightened the screws a little more. I never understood why we didn't keep him and I think he is a little more than a viable addition. Couts and Schenn should make up for the loss of the disinterested one and the departure of Jagr. Of course, Bryz-bye in net will save us from any loss of goal scoring!!

OSR 29 I respect your point of view, but I differ with you and some others who have posted that the Flyers will trade some players to help Nashville save face. My understanding is that the Flyers tried to work out a trade and possibly some other teams did as well but the Preds refused the offers. Hence, the Flyers owe them nothing and hold the better hand. Now, if the Flyers are so inclined to move players/salary, then I'd offer some players from the Phantoms who seem to not be developing beyoung the the present level or who have a slim chance of making the Flyers' roster. Brandon Manning and Lauridson both D and probably will never see Philly ice. Harry Z. is one demensional, Ty McGinn is slow but has good hands, Shane Harper, and Luke Pither should also be considered and these are just suggestions. I don't move MAB, Gus, or Holmstrom because we always need replacement parts due to injuries. Gus is Timos eventual replacement and MAB is first call up. Anyway, I think you get my drift. Have a great day.

To all, I do not understand why Nashville should decline and then swing a trade. They either match or take the picks. I see no reason to placate them since a trade/trades had already been offered. The only reason I can understand moving some players would be to move salery and save some picks. however, who is holding the better hand? I can't see them moving either of the Schenns since I think they will both be stars. There are any number of players at the "A" level who could/should be moved who do not seem to be progressing in their development, and /or will never see much TOI at the pro level.

Dinah, My intent was as an answer for all of the blatant penalties that should have been called on the NHL's poster boys.

To all, This offer has the Rags finger prints all over it. How they are able to work the cap is beyond me, but it wouldn't be an off season without them making a big splash.

To all, Where was he during the Pens series?

OR, I stand corrected. I believe what I recalled from the article was that he started for two years. like some, I do hope he becomes a good goalie. I like the idea of scouring the collegeit teams and signing these undrafted players. Seems we have some decent players secondary to this method.

OC I believe he only played/started for two years at Ohio State. Could be wrong.

Van, I agree with your assessment of this situation. I make a reasonable trade offer and if it is refused, no hard feelings. Later in the season, interest in our offer may be rekindled and we keep a good relationship alive. No one loses respect and the fan base is not angry with either GM. As much as I'd like to have Weber for the start of the season, I think this is the best way to approach this. I can't see giving up the draft picks and/or the core for a single player. Why add to make one area stronger and weaken another? It's not like we have the second coming of Crosby in the system to compensate for the loss of good players that it would take to swing this deal.

To all: Realistically, how many of us remotely thought this team would even make the playoffs this year? Few, I think. Homer did a great job remaking this team, and I think he has taken care of the forward positions for the most part. The org. thought they settled the goalie situation but I,m not convinced this all falls on Bryz-bye. Must be obvious to all that we need to have a defensive makeover next. We are getting abused by the Devils D so we need to address this by getting/drafting bigger, faster, and more mobile D-men. This is a very young team and I think they spent most of their energy in the first round. Not using this as an excuse, but the kids need to learn from this experience and adjust the emotional level and understand the peaks and valleys of playoff hockey. I am proud of this team for what they have accomplished, and I believe they have a bright future. Can't answer for the coaching because I have no idea what adjustments were offered. Once again, it's wait until next year. Seems this is the motto for Philadelphia teams no matter the sport. Oh, it is such a pleasure to communicate on this board compared to Philly.com.

Guys, Eriksson refused the offer made by the Flyers so I guess he goes back into the draft pool. We also had Johan Backlund with the Phantoms, but he returned to Europe. Don't know if he is still Flyers' property or not.

Quigley, Lauridson and Manning were called up. Oskars is going through waivers now. IMO I don't think JVR will be much of a force in this series 'cause he's missed too much time. Better to let him get into game shape and practice first. Rinaldo is the second verse of Carcillo and I care not how much energy he brings. His timely penalties negate all of that energy.

Bear, I don't think Bryzbye's threat to decap his defense will endear him to his team. Better to accept responsibility for ones own crappy performance than to point fingers.

Flyers 10, I forgot to mention that this guy is 6'7" and should cover alot of net. Flyers also signed a free agent from Ohio State named Cal Heeter who is about 6'4" and he will be with the Phantoms as well. Me thinks the FO also sees the folly of their ways and preparing to move someone. It would be great if we could finally get the goalie situation settled for a change

I hate to sound negative, but I have a very bad feeling about the rest of this series. The punishment dealt to Neal works in the Pens' favor. The league just can't stand for these upstart Flyers being ahead in this series so they'll do everything possible to turn it around. Knocked out Couts and no call, tried to behead Giroux and that's OK, elbow to the head of Grossman and no call, and the objective is apparent. Knock out our best players so they get to pull off the upset, and I have a feeling we get to be the butt of numerous joke when all is said and done. How is it that no one knocks Cindy on his ***? Bundy is right and someone should regardless 'cause what's OK for one team should be OK for the rest. No consistency from the league office unless it favors the Poster Boy's team. Can you tell I'm really upset?

Flyers 10, Hovenin is signed and played in Finland. Last I read he had a very good season, and I think he comes to the Phantoms next year. Needs to adjust to North American hockey.

Hi TedZep, The Pens are the league favorites so don't hold your breath waiting for suspensions. It's obvious that the intent was to injure the young playes or at least get them off their game. I think the believe this would be the best way to turn the series around. The only turning that will occur is to turn off the fans and anyone who might have a small interest in the sport. No respect for the game and little for themselves. I can hardly wait for Shanny's reaction and since the players returned to the game, nothing will happen. All the best.

Hey Rad, Just me down in Ecuador. What a shame for the sport to be shown nationally in hopes of generating interest, and this display of how the game should not be played. The Pens behaved like spoiled little kids when they knew the game was lost. I think the league should rethink Crosby as the face of the league. If a player can slam another player's head into the glass, and all he gets is a $2500.00 fine I doubt there will be any suspensions to the Pens players. Why? well, because it's the leagues favorite team and golden boy plays for them. They can verbalize all they want about safety, but they better soon do something about the blatant dirty play before there is a serious injury. What do you think would happen if a Flyer cross checked Cindy like Ashem did Schenn? Banned for life!

Coatesville High, Class of '62.

Gentlemen, I am pleased to see that most of you have hopes for a successful playoff run. Seems everyone points out valid concerns about this team as have I. Now the pundits are writing that the rookies will be key to this run. I wouldn't have guessed that would be the case considering all of the injuries! Just love how they always point out the obvious which brings me to my next point. Our rookies do not have that same playoff experience as the other teams, and I wonder how they will hold up under the pressure of the run. Realize of course that we could be down 2-3 games by the time the vets return from their ER visits. I'm hoping for the best but I see this as an experience and confidence building exercise. The younger players have to learn HOW to win during the second season. I'll be wearing my rosery beads down to chain and crucifix. The best to all.

We can beat the pens, but not the refs and the Pens!

Good sports reporters seem to be few and far between. Most ask the dumbest questions because the answer is usually obvious begging the question,"Why are you even here?" Most papers support ththe local teams albeit blindly, but support them they do. However, that doesn't seem to be the case in Philadelphia, and the reporters always seem to be antagonistic hoping to get a gem that they can embelish. No wonder Coach Read quips, "Times yours." I doubt things will change anytime soon.

I'd love to believe this article, but I think it is overly optimistic. We all know anything is possible in the playoffs, but our team is VERY young and getting to the finals let alone winning the cup is a tough slog even for experienced teams. Yesterdays game was a good example of vets coming through seemingly with ease because of our youth and injured d-men. Personally, this team has far exceeded my expectations and I am proud of what they have accomplished this year. I agree the future looks bright but we may be one to two years away. As you mentioned, let's enjoy it while it lasts.

VanFlyer, Whenever I attempt to stream, my PC is recognized as out of country and I am unable to do this. Can you list other links that I can try? Thank you in advance.