I don't understand why Hartnell is on any line above the third. It is so apparent that he is far behind the other top 6 forwards in skating ability. I like Brelic's lines. I'd also like to see them try: Read/Giroux/Voracek Simmonds/Lecavalier/Schenn Hartnell/Couturier/Talbot Rosehill/Hall/Rinaldo
First the bad: Giroux was brutal in this game. I am hoping it is just rust from a lack of a preseason. He seemed ok in the faceoff circle but the blind passes were frustrating. Also did anyone else look at Hartnell and think he looks even slower than before? I must have heard how he lost 7% body fat at least half a dozen times but he looked slower than I remember. The Good: Mason looked good! If he can keep playing that way then we at least have found one piece of the puzzle. Vinny made me eat a little crow. He was forechecking and going into the boards hunting for the puck. I did not expect that of him. We'll see where this team is after the first 10 or so games. If Lavy can control himself and keep consistent lines I think they will be good. I also hope that Lavy doesn't burn out Mason as he has a tendency to play the hot goalie.
I still feel that Homer should have taken the fall for last season. I just wonder if the impatience is due to Homer or to the organization. In other words can any GM come in and change the way the Flyers do things?
I hated this movie. The only scene that captured my attention was the one with Hartnell and co. That was mostly because I didn't expect to see Hartnell in a movie!
The Emery deal, imo, is the best offseason move this year. I'm happy to have him back in the O&B. He's also saying all the right things. Looking forward to training camp!
This is a thread that I wish I hadn't read. I'm going to have nightmares now. DiPietro in an orange sweater signed for 8 years $51M and a NMC. It's scary because it sounds like a Homer move.
@AndyS Are you ok trading Coburn for minimum return? I'm not and that would make me hate these offseason moves more. Other GMs know our cap situation. They aren't going to be asking for Mez. They'll be asking for Coburn and offering little in return.
The Islanders took on Thomas' contract this past season to get above the cap minimum. I'd imaging there are teams looking to do the same this year. The problem is that other GMs know we are in a cap bind and that greatly diminishes our returns.
@DaGreatGazoo I stand corrected. I honestly thought it was 6.5. I don't know if 6.0 is that much better though. I guess that extra .5M helped us keep Wellwood around.