Bertmega

@flyercanuck

When I saw the pick (Sanheim) in the first post in this thread, I immediately thought of the band Samhain. Not really relevant, but that is my thought process for the day I guess. 

@brelic

I really like the new format. I think it is great to face a division opponent in the first two rounds (less if your the conference champion). I didn't really think they need to revert back after just on full playoff series. 

To me, if the NHL wants to grow its fanbase, they need to learn how to be consistent. If they start changing every other year it is going to drive the casual fan away.

One game elimination rounds is a good idea, but adding more teams is just absurd, especially since half the teams already qualify. To me that says: you can stink all year and squeeze in and then anything can happen. 

Too soon to say B.S. Chenn? Or is that title reserved for Luke?

@Samifan

"Its a subliminal messge to VLC."Vinnie, there is no chance of you centering the second line so how bout a trade to Nashville?"

I like this even better   

Smoke and Mirrors. 

"Number One Priority: Sign B. Schenn" translates to: enjoy Winnipeg F***er...... 

Man I still cannot get the Clarke GMing mentality out of my head. 

In all seriousness, I like that they are trying to retain younger players. Now let's see if there is a reasonable contract to be had.

@Vanflyer

Brilliant- the sad thing is I think this one may have flown over the head of the intended recipient....

@aziz

I can get on board with this, but noway do I see Josi coming to PHL unless they are sending a high pick and or a solid defensive prospect back. VLC may be willing to go to Nashville as they are a solid team, with a respectable fan base, an offense first coach, and he (VLC) may not like the thought of being 4th line center in Philly. 

Maybe the Flyers get Josi and send them VLC, Nick Luuko (huge  face on that one) and a 2nd.

Roman Josi  would be a huge pick up if this is true. I just can't see the Flyers being able to negotiate from a position of weakness. Time will tell though.

@radoran

No they're not. I actually liked the make up of their team before the Miller trade. If they could have gotten Vanek to play with Oshie, the outcome probably would have been the same, but it would have been far more entertaining. 

@idahophilly

I think he is thrilled. Miller can re-sign with the Flo if he wants to and the Sabres have three 1st round pics in a very, very, very deep draft.....

@OccamsRazor @yave1964

The way I understand it is the conditional pick was for 2014 and it would have been a 1st if: a) Miller re-signed, or b) the Blues reached the Western Conference Finals. As it stands, the Sabres will get a 2014 3rd round pick and a 2015 1st round pick. This is great news for the Sabres as they will have three 1st rounders next year..... 

Man that was a lot to put into one goalie, but I guess that the Blues' Brass thought they were "one" player away. 

This is exactly why the instigator rule needs to go. I watched the replay a few times and it's tough to say he could have avoided contact, but to me I am leaning towards he took an opportunity to run Price. 

Ah the good ol' days when the Flyers had Johnsson, an aging Dejardins, Weinrich, Siedenberg, Therien, Vandemere and Yuskavich. Oh how I yearn for those days....    

@murraycraven

I like that deal better. Maatta would look very nice in our soon to be young defense corps. 

Heck, I'd even let them have L Schenn too     <---- is that code for sarcasm font.

@fanaticV3.0

"Montreal should beat the Rags, but who the hell knows this year." I can agree with that statement.....

I think the defensive style is what I think is slowing offensively talented teams (Flyers, Penguins) down. Couple that with their goalie and it is quite the quagmire to figure out. They (Rangers) looked bad in October and December, but over all aren't really a dark horse for where they are at. Montreal's speed is going to give them fits; however, Price is going to have to be above average if they want to win.

I think LA or Chicago come out of the West and Montreal in the East. 

The new playoff format at least makes it somewhat interesting with the Div match-ups. The Cake Walks are done. The old format (assuming the old divisions) would have looked like:

1) Bruins v Caps (Bruins win)

2) Penguins v BJs (Pens win)

3) Lightning v Flyers (Lightning win)

4) Montreal v Rangers (time will tell)

Round 2: 

1) Bruins v Montreal (Montreal wins) 

2) Pens v Lightning (Pens win)

Round 3: 

1) Montreal v Pens (Pens win)

This is hypothetical of course

Have I got a deal for you:

VLC, Hartnell for Malkin and Kunitz?

Seems legit     

@fanaticV3.0

The Rangers are a good team that plays a solid defense first style, coupled with one of the better net minders in hockey. The Penguins absolutely collapsed and Montreal is a fast team that put up numbers. I don't see why either team shouldn't be in the finals. 

I can see MTL beating the Rangers and winning the whole prize.

@radoran

Oh believe me I do. It would either be overpriced MacDonald or overpriced defender X,Y, or Z......

I really cannot wait to see what this summer has in store for the Flyers. I think the best FA pick-up would be no FA pick-up. Oh and to show VLC the door. 

@OccamsRazor

Yeah they really are mishandling Ollie and Gus. I hope Hextall can put an end to this and let our farm get a look before going the trade route. I seriously think Gus has to get a look now that Timmo may retire. 

@OccamsRazor

"Doesn't matter they're stuck with him now."

Sigh. Agreed. 

Here's to hoping Hexy hates bad contracts more than we do.

@OccamsRazor

If they didn't get Andrew Macdonald they would have had to sign an over priced defender elsewhere. I don't mind the move one bit.

They needed help on the blue line so the move is ok in my book. 

@fan4ever

One can dream lol

@Vanflyer

The Rags play is very boring indeed. I feel like I am in a time machine watching the game from a bar in the late 90's. 

Yes. This is the UFA I would target if I were Hextall. I like his offensive game; however, his defensive game is something that is less desired. It would be nice to see what he gets on the open market. The good news is Holmgren is gone so there shouldn't be a gross over payment and I'd expect he'd net around 3.5mm a year for maybe 5 years. The downside is that the Wild have an crap ton of cap space and may lock him up long term.

I think a lot of tinkering revolves around moving either VLC or Hartnell.