FD19372

I predict Hextall becomes our GM and Holmgren becomes chief of yodeling at the Mall of America in Minneapolis.

Yes, this and every loss that eliminates your favorite team hurts, especially to a much disliked archrival. I am beyond thrilled, however, that we finally have not just a legit #1 but in my mind, a near future Vezina candidate in Steve Mason. MacDonald was a nice addition, but honestly, the defense needs a major overhaul with quicker players who can skate and do a better job with the puck. Too many of these guys don't know how to handle the puck in itself, let alone be able to skate with it. In addition, guys like Akeson and Gus need to be given a full-time starting role on this team, and not bounced up and down between the NHL and AHL. I would like to see more of McGinn also.

The problem really is who's doing the hiring. You want Clarkie back? It's the ol' boy network.

Hartnell, Coburn, and Downie can all go. I also think we can do better than Timonen at this point, same with Lecavalier. Kimmo is the consummate professional and solid but his skills are declining.

Careful what you wish for B21 (but you're right).

My prediction is 4-2 Flyers. Read, Giroux (with the game winner in the 2nd), Simmonds, and Timonen with the goals. Giroux is first star with a goal and an assist. The power play wins it for them, going 2 for 4. The key in this is getting the first goal and taking the Rangers slob fans out of it a little bit. Make Lundqvist think to himself early about the line from the Pink Floyd song "Brain Damage", "There's someone in my head, but it's not me."

Does the owner and his staff continue to put physical strength and toughness ahead of speed and skill? Yes indeed. No "culture" change needed, however.

Actually, I think Sielski is right on. This series is no fluke. They are NOT NEARLY quick enough defensively, and have too many forwards that disappear for long stretches. Lecavalier has fit right in to that mold. They finally have a goalie worth a damn, and they need to build from Mason on out. Defense retooling time. The Rangers are simply more talented, and in addition, they have a defense first system that relentlessly frustrates the hell out of the Flyers.

No. If they lose tonight, it IS over. Start picking out caskets for the season.

Doughburn and BSchenn + for Weber. Done deal.

Any way I could switch to the Wales Conference to get away from VanFlyer ?

Emery has exceeded my expectations as to how great he could play. The Flyers have no chance of winning Game 2 without him being outstanding in the second and third period. That being said, Game 3 is the most critical game of the series thus far (and maybe overall), and I think Mason should start if he is even 85 or 90%. Remember that for the last few seasons, he backed up Crawford in Chicago. He rarely, if ever, played more than 2 games in a row. I think it's too risky to start Ray again, though he has been EXCELLENT in these last two games.

How about one of his teammates putting a life size poster of Lundqvist in Giroux's locker so that every time Claude opens it, there's some kind of voice recording thing (similar to a greeting card that plays music or voice) with Lundqvist saying "You can't beat me, Claude." I've thought deeply about this.

Flyers will win in 6 if they get the first goal in every game and Mason is the same old reliable Mason. They need to take away center ice from the Rangers and match the Rangers aggressiveness. No matter who wins, I think this is at least a 6 game series. Should be a classic, with a couple of OT games. Thank God there are no more shootouts.

because I want Crosby done for the playoffs. I hope that the Flyers are the ones to do it. If he gets another concussion, oh well. It looked quite intentional to me, and I hope Menga gets his. That team of horses a*ses has needed to get theirs for a while. No offense to some good guys that are Pens fans on this forum, but that was an absolute cheap shot.

None, if they only score a goal a game. Hitch might need to loosen up their defensive system a bit, or they might exit early again. Miller or no Miller.

Probably 4 games. 2 for the act itself and 2 for being a Flyer.

I just want 3 out of 4 points to get into the Pens' heads. Mason better start both games because I don't trust Emery or Heeter a bit. As far as the playoffs, I want Crosby to be home from the playoffs in time to run for the Kentucky Derby . The Flyers will STILL beat them in a 7 game series, especially without a healthy Letang.

Orlov got off lightly, in my opinion. He left his feet recklessly, with no attempt to pull up, and went into Schenn with Brayden's back to him. Four games would have been appropriate.

or the other 200 that were directly his fault, LOL good ol' Leaky. I just threw up in my mouth a little. He flat out lost us the Cup, end of story.

If that's the case, then by all means the Flyers will jump in, and outbid you for him .

@Hockey Junkie Reloading and rebuilding can be done quickly, you just need the right people at the top. The NJ Devils were able to do that all the time because they had such a great farm system, and a GM that knew what he was doing.

Here, HockeyJunkie you can have Daley. You're still 4 years from being considered a quality NHL team.

Miller isn't staying, get over it. Besides him. why the hell would Moulson or Ehrhoff want to stay on your crappy team particularly if they have a chance to go to play for a playoff caliber team , anyway? Your team is about 4 seasons from being relevant. Accumulate draft picks and rebuild. BTW, one thing is for sure besides death and taxes and that is that the Flyers aren't afraid of lucrative contracts. Ehrhoff helps fill a need for the Flyers, a defenseman who can skate, and isn't 40.

"Great things about the NHL shootout" - by everyone in the Flyers organization.