fanaticV3.0

Was he high when he wrote that piece? He gives Akeson a B based on 8 games, Gill a B+ based on 6, but refuses to grade Downie?! If you are going to judge a kid based on 8 games, I think you can muster up the energy to come up with an opinion on a player who played 51 games this year. I don't care that he was injured , if you didn't see enough from him to know he doesn't want to be here, you shouldn't be covering the sport. Plus, he played 51 games Frank! Christ! Luke Schenn a B?! I have no words for this. Hartnell is never going to come close to 37 goals ever again. If you are going to judge a guy by the best year of his career, which is flawed to begin with, at least recognize the fact that this was actually one of the best years (statistically) of his career despite the "only 20" goals. I don't even disagree with the grade he gave him, but rationale is weak. I'm sorry, but the love affair with Raffl has to stop. I really like him, hope he stays for a long time (I legitimately mean that, I value a good role player), but he scored 9 goals for Christ's sake. He should be back on the 3rd line with Read and Couturier. It's where he belongs and where he can make the most impact. I give Frank a B, but only because he's a boob.

I don't have any stats to say who played where more often, but every article I have read about the VLC/Schenn/2nd line center/wing/demotion to the 4th line center scenario stated that Schenn has played more games than VLC as the 2nd line center. He has been giving the opportunity, but just hasn't claimed the spot as his own. He doesn't strike me as a great center anyway, but that's another discussion.

I haven't thought about this piece of hockey history in a long time. I just watched the video for the first time in I don't know how long. He not only drove Moore's face into the ice - after jumping on his back - he followed him around for several seconds clutching and grabbing at him the entire time. He clearly planned and intended to hurt him. I can't believe Bertuzzi is still playing. That's a disgrace.

"That kid's a piece of sh-t." - Todd Bertuzzi. Unintended, right.

Baby steps? Do you know anything about what kind of player he is? Stats, strengths, weaknesses, and that kind of stuff? I would have liked to seen a goal from him too, but his career avg in the playoffs is .52 ppg. You aren't going to get much more out of Scott Hartnell - points wise - than you did this series. He was slightly below his avg this year, but 1 more point would have put him above his career PO ppg average. You aren't going to get much more than 3-4 points out of a guy like that in a 7 game series. If you are going to hate a guy, hate him for something that's actually true.

Hartnell is overpaid, but hasn't the guy proven his worth (on some level)? He just came off one of his most productive seasons as a pro, was one of the only guys who threw a hit in the POs, and he never complains. I don't think he's the kind of guy - or at that point in his career yet - where we talk about what "needs to be done" with him. I'm not sure MacDonald is yet either, but only because of his age. VLC can and should be moved or bought out if he can. I don't think that's likely to happen, but if you can do it do it. Until that happens, work with what you have. Give the 4th line thing (with special team minutes) a legit shot. What else you gonna do, play a bunch of muckers and grinders there who won't do anything anyway? It will create depth, match up problems, and give Schenn time to prove whether he can center a 2nd line or not.

Oh well hey, since you're playing the opinion card, that negates anything and everything. You can't be wrong then, because it's your "opinion".

So 4 points in 7 games shuts you up, but 3 and you're bitching like a girl on her period? Because that makes sense.

I used to hate the guy. He's still not my favorite player in the world - I think he's kind of dumb to be honest - but he's obviously not "on the decline" yet. He's not the smartest or most talented guy, but you can't honestly complain about him this year. It's one of the best years of his career points wise and he's one of the few guys on this team (they're small/soft imo) that hits or tries to get things going physically.

And you expect what from him? A ppg (or something in that range)? Don't be an ass because you don't like the guy. As you point out, he lead the team in shots, he was third on the team in hits, and what you're mad because he only had 3 points? It's called perspective. Get some.

The past? What are you talking about? I am talking about now. He had 52 points. That is his 3rd best year of his 13 year career.

Any guy who can come in here and give it his all the way he did and then just call it quits after 11 games like that is a grad A loser. I was pissed when the trade happened, and hate Downie, but I'm glad Talbot is gone too. Only a mentally weak player phones it in and gets mopey as quick as he did.

I can seriously see the old man suggesting to Homer and whoever else is involved in making personnel decisions that we could use another center. He's like the opposite of Andy Reid with LBs and WRs.

I know. That's why I don't go apeshit over prospects anymore until they prove they can stay with the team. I think the last time I did that was when we were worst in the league and actually thought two 2nd year players would just come in and be our 2nd and 3rd line centers. I like this young core and don't want any of them moved anywhere in the off season. But the last thing this team needs right now is more unproven youth. Most of the names people are tossing around won't even be in the organization in a few years. I'd love to know the percentage of players who come from the AHL. Most kids who are thought to be legit prospects spend little-to-no time there. I'd love to know some legit names who spent significant time in that league and went on to become NHL players. The good news about Downie is that he was so bad we don't have to worry about them bringing him back. It's obvious he's not wanted.

I'm not discounting them. It's just that it's only examples.

I don't get excited about players not yet in the league. I can't stand when people hype up prospects as if it's a given they're going to make the big club. It irks the hell out of me. Talk to me when they have made the team and proven they can stay in the line up. Plus, this team already has a ton of youth. Youth is not what this team is lacking. Their problems - which everyone pretty much agrees are a top line winger and defense - are not going to be fixed by the likes of Laughton, Morin, Ghost, etc. I LOL'd when rad posted the idea of them coming back - because I could actually see it happening. I can see it now, the old man barging into Hextall's office, "You know what this team needs? Centers!"

I'm not going to write off Ron Hextall because of two picks. I just don't get how people can razz the old man over the "new perspective" comments, but then talk about how bad they want Hexy to take over.

I seriously want to scream when I see people suggest any of them as options to fill our holes for next season.

Sure, why not? We can always use another center or 12.

I hated him a few years ago, and still think he's overpaid, but I'm with you. I've warmed up to him. I think he shows up (at least tries) on a regular basis. I mean Jesus Christ, he had his 3rd highest year in points, all 3 of which came as a Flyer. What's the problem (from fans perspective)?

While I agree, the fact that they can afford to keep doing that tells me it hasn't hurt a ton. If there's a FA they want, and he wants to be here, I seriously doubt money is going to be an issue.

I don't know if it really has though. That's what I'm asking at least. I'm not saying good we do it, and it's a trend I'd like to see stop (curtailed at least), but I'm just not so sure how badly it's messed the team up. They still have a pretty nice young core to build off of.

1. I agree. I think the old man is the one behind the "now, now, now" philosophy. 2. That being said, the philosophy has changed over the years. Gone are the days where the team is dominated by players like Roenick, Amonte, Recchi. We still have that element in the likes of Lecalvier, but this team has not gone through two eras of a youth-led roster. First was the Richards and Carter era, now this core.

Like hiring two cup-winning coaches from outside the organization (Hitch and Lavi)?

Hitch and Lavi won cups in other places too.