Atlantic Future

Next year, the Atlantic looks even stronger then this year. That could be a bad thing for Devils fans. The Rangers may lose Jagr, but their younger players will only get better and they still have a good amount of depth. Pittsburgh is younger and can only get better minus some Therrien collapse. Philadelphia is young and will only get better, the best we can hope for is Biron to crack and that leaves the Islanders, they have a pretty young team but Dipietro will still shut us out.

I know a lot depends on the draft and free agency but I think its time to bring in Peter Deboer because a PP and PK like this year will not work next year. We won't get away with it. We have to expect Brodeur to slow down one year so our offense will have to counteract it. Bringing in a young offensive assistant coach is a must. If we could improve our PP and PK to both top 10 next year we should be in good shape.

Next year, the Atlantic looks even stronger then this year. That could be a bad thing for Devils fans. The Rangers may lose Jagr, but their younger players will only get better and they still have a good amount of depth. Pittsburgh is younger and can only get better minus some Therrien collapse. Philadelphia is young and will only get better, the best we can hope for is Biron to crack and that leaves the Islanders, they have a pretty young team but Dipietro will still shut us out.

I know a lot depends on the draft and free agency but I think its time to bring in Peter Deboer because a PP and PK like this year will not work next year. We won't get away with it. We have to expect Brodeur to slow down one year so our offense will have to counteract it. Bringing in a young offensive assistant coach is a must. If we could improve our PP and PK to both top 10 next year we should be in good shape.

if we do end up sucking, next years draft is great.

I'd rather not have to resort like many of these HF fanboys pimping their prospects up because they can't compete for the cup every year. To contend for the cup next year I would give up our 1st rounder in the strong draft.

I'd rather not have to resort like many of these HF fanboys pimping their prospects up because they can't compete for the cup every year. To contend for the cup next year I would give up our 1st rounder in the strong draft.
if they do trade their 1st in 09 it better not be for a rental player, i would be fine with it if the player was signed for more then 2 years.

if they do trade their 1st in 09 it better not be for a rental player, i would be fine with it if the player was signed for more then 2 years.
Agreed, I would trade the 09 pick if it meant winning the cup, hell, I would trade the next two first rounders...maybe more.

The Atlantic can be summed up in two words: Pittsburgh Penguins.

Face it, they picked the right years to suck ass. It will probably be 15 years before they have legit competition again.

The Atlantic can be summed up in two words: Pittsburgh Penguins.

Face it, they picked the right years to suck ass. It will probably be 15 years before they have legit competition again.

seems like they always do.

the penguins are going to be in cap trouble soon. they have to re-sign alot of young players so they wont be able to go out and over pay for some vets

The Atlantic can be summed up in two words: Pittsburgh Penguins.

Face it, they picked the right years to suck ass. It will probably be 15 years before they have legit competition again.
Wow, how far off can that statement be. If they do sign Malkin to Crosby like money and Fleury gets Lundqvist type money then what the hell are they going to do about defense and secondary offense. Truth is they can't afford both Malkin and Crosby, if they do then I would not mind playing Crosby, Malkin, Fleury and scrubs for the next 15 years.

This year alone I still think Philly will knock them off (if they make it) in the next round. Philly has offensive depth comming from all positions. They are knocking off a good Habs team without Gagne and Knuble. Next year if they can get Carter signed at a reasonable price they will have the following up front.

Briere 30 goals
Gagne 35 goals (healthy)
Knuble 25 goals
Richards 30 goals
Lupul 25 goals
Umberger 15 goals
Hartnell 20 goals
Carter 25 goals
Giroux 25 goals
Upshall 15 goals
Downie 15 goals
Kapanen 5 goals

Wow, how far off can that statement be. If they do sign Malkin to Crosby like money and Fleury gets Lundqvist type money then what the hell are they going to do about defense and secondary offense. Truth is they can't afford both Malkin and Crosby, if they do then I would not mind playing Crosby, Malkin, Fleury and scrubs for the next 15 years.

This year alone I still think Philly will knock them off (if they make it) in the next round. Philly has offensive depth comming from all positions. They are knocking off a good Habs team without Gagne and Knuble. Next year if they can get Carter signed at a reasonable price they will have the following up front.

Briere 30 goals
Gagne 35 goals (healthy)
Knuble 25 goals
Richards 30 goals
Lupul 25 goals
Umberger 15 goals
Hartnell 20 goals
Carter 25 goals
Giroux 25 goals
Upshall 15 goals
Downie 15 goals
Kapanen 5 goals

thats a bit optimistic i think

thats a bit optimistic i think
Lupul had 20 goals in 56 games this season and Downie had 6 goals in 32 games...both are easily easily within reach. The only problem is going to be ice time going around. They are going to have potentially the most powerful offense I have ever seen top to bottom.

Gagne - Briere - Knuble
Lupul - Richards - Giroux
Hartnell - Carter - Upshall
Kapanen - Umberger - Downie

Imagine having those 4 lines

Wow, how far off can that statement be. If they do sign Malkin to Crosby like money and Fleury gets Lundqvist type money then what the hell are they going to do about defense and secondary offense. Truth is they can't afford both Malkin and Crosby, if they do then I would not mind playing Crosby, Malkin, Fleury and scrubs for the next 15 years.

This year alone I still think Philly will knock them off (if they make it) in the next round. Philly has offensive depth comming from all positions. They are knocking off a good Habs team without Gagne and Knuble. Next year if they can get Carter signed at a reasonable price they will have the following up front.

Briere 30 goals
Gagne 35 goals (healthy)
Knuble 25 goals
Richards 30 goals
Lupul 25 goals
Umberger 15 goals
Hartnell 20 goals
Carter 25 goals
Giroux 25 goals
Upshall 15 goals
Downie 15 goals
Kapanen 5 goals
They still have JVR in the pipeline too, the Flyers are going to have a deep offense for years to come. The only bright spots (for us) is their defense is still pretty weak and their goaltending is questionable (has been since Parent).

The Rangers are only going to get better as their young players step in and guys like Shanny, Jagr, and Straka back off. Their defensive depth is questionable but their forwards have been the key to their strong defense for the last few years and I can only see it getting better.

The Pens' clock is ticking, they have this year and next to make major runs for the cup and then the cap becomes an issue. They don't have much more secondary scoring in the pipeline but Crosby's proven that he can put up 100 points with nobody on his wings and I expect him to be a Sundin type for the rest of his career.

The Isles will be a thorn in our side mostly due to Nolan's effective coaching but I have enough doubts about their development system and management for them to build a contender.

I'm not too optimistic for the next few years, we've let too many assets go without getting anything in return (not that I would have done anything different, I agree with all of Lou's moves and attempts, such as getting Hossa). Sutter will keep us competitive, but I'm afraid of slipping in that 6-10 range where we don't really have a shot at the cup and aren't bad enough to stockpile any good talent to build off of.

I really hope Lou makes a splash this summer, we need more talent on this team. Grinders can only take us so far. Guys like Zubrus are excellent foot soldiers but that type of acquisition won't take us to the promised land.

The scary thing is, if Philly were just an average team they would sign James Van Riemsdyk and he would probably play well for them. He is simply that good. Their GM is either lucky or simply a genius to get this much talent.

Briere 30
Gagne 28
Knuble 35
Richards 23
Lupul 24
Umberger 25
Hartnell 26
Carter 23
Giroux 20
Upshall 24
Downie 21
Kapanen 34
Van Riemsdyk 18

That team is scary young. I like their makeup much more then Pittsburgh any day of the week.

The scary thing is, if Philly were just an average team they would sign James Van Riemsdyk and he would probably play well for them. He is simply that good. Their GM is either lucky or simply a genius to get this much talent.

Briere 30
Gagne 28
Knuble 35
Richards 23
Lupul 24
Umberger 25
Hartnell 26
Carter 23
Giroux 20
Upshall 24
Downie 21
Kapanen 34
Van Riemsdyk 18

That team is scary young. I like their makeup much more then Pittsburgh any day of the week.

After seeing him play for a season, JVR is no-doubt a 20 goal scorer in the NHL right now. His playmaking skills are underrated as well.

If he signed right now, he'd probably go 22+33=55 next year. He's staying for his sophomore year though, lucky us (UNH).

Besides the fact that Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Gonchar, and Fleury will eat Pitts salary for breakfast and the NYR will lose some substantial key veterans they are both going to still be good. And now this flyer information. This is not a very optimistic thread. Im scared.

(Age)Goals:

23 Parise 32 <----"A" Captain of Team USA Way to go Zach
29 Gionta 22
32 Elias 20
34 Madden 20
22 Zajac 14
32 Langenbrunner 13
29 Zubrus 13
33 Pandolfo 12
24 Clarkson 9
26 Oduya 6

The Rangers are not built for the long haul. Jagr, Shanahan, and Straka will be gone in a year or two, and they have no real legit offensive prospects except Cherepanov and Anisimov to a degree. They're solid on defense however, with Staal, Tyutin, and Girardi.

I think Jason is right. If Philly can get solid goaltending and sort out their defense a bit, they will be unstoppable.

Just look at the playoffs and tell me the Atlantic isn't the strongest division in hockey.

Devils, Rangers, Flyers, Penguins - with more than likely the last 2 of them going to the Eastern Finals (I don't think Montreal is pulling it out at this point - their goaltender realized he's mortal).

As for the Penguins having a 15 year run without competition, BS. You can't go more than 3 years now thanks to free agency and NTC's without MAJOR changes in your lineup. Crazy 10 year contracts seem to solve this but actually make it worse, as you have so much tied up with a few players, you have to shuffle everyone else to fit around them.

I just wonder if the NHL is seriously going to go to the next level of expansion inside the next 5 years or not. I still think it's crazy they haven't slotted a team in Las Vegas. If the NHL doesn't move on it soon, you know the NBA will.

This year is the Pen's best chance at a cup. I doubt if they can keep Hossa for next season with the salaries they are already paying and the new UFAs they will have on their team next season.

That said, they still have young talent coming up through the Ranks so its not completely out of the question that they will still make it to the playoffs for the next 5 years.

The scary thing is, if Philly were just an average team they would sign James Van Riemsdyk and he would probably play well for them. He is simply that good. Their GM is either lucky or simply a genius to get this much talent.

Briere 30
Gagne 28
Knuble 35
Richards 23
Lupul 24
Umberger 25
Hartnell 26
Carter 23
Giroux 20
Upshall 24
Downie 21
Kapanen 34
Van Riemsdyk 18

That team is scary young. I like their makeup much more then Pittsburgh any day of the week.

Philly has had this talent for a while already, their achilles has been injury. None of these guys are ever on the ice at the same time, or can play 75 games or more. I picked for them to roll MOntreal, and would give Pit a good run. Imagine if Gagne/Knuble were playing at anytime this season at 100%. remember they were picked at the beginning of the season to be near the top of the conference until the injury bug hit. As much as we hate it, some of these teams have been quietly building very strong teams. (but they have had great draft positions compared to the Devs of course)

Right now, I would say Pittsburgh and Philly are the teams in the Atlantic.

I'm not worried about the Rangers, especially if Jagr is gone. Although, they have some good players, Dawes and Callahan don't scare me at all. I like Dubuinsky, but I want to see him play a whole season without Jagr. As for Staal, I think he's a good player, but overrated by everyone from Rangers fans to the MSG crew.

Philthy look to be scary good next year.

Bluergh. :rant:

Yeah, Philly is a scary team - they have a ton of offensive depth.

Pittsburgh doesn't scare me as much, probably because of the fact that they won't be able to keep all of their great young players. Still, they'll almost always be 1st or 2nd in the Atlantic for the next several years.

Gagne - Briere - Knuble
Lupul - Richards - Giroux
Hartnell - Carter - Upshall
Kapanen - Umberger - Downie

Imagine having those 4 lines

Imagine if they can keep them. There is a thing called the cap that will hinder such monkeyshine from ever becoming reality.

Umberger and Carter are both RFA's and unless they drink the Tacony Tea and give a hometown discount extradonaire, it's not happening.

Gagne has PCS and maybe done. Knuble will be dealt for cap room.

Biggest mistake the Flyers did this offseason was sign Briere. When you draft two good centers like Carter and Richards, Briere wasn't what they needed.

They can trade for Kovaluchuk and every sniper, their achilles heel will always be goalie.

Yeah, Philly is a scary team - they have a ton of offensive depth.

Pittsburgh doesn't scare me as much, probably because of the fact that they won't be able to keep all of their great young players. Still, they'll almost always be 1st or 2nd in the Atlantic for the next several years.

I think the Devils are back on top next season with a few moves.

Let's not forget the Devils still have a core of players that they can build upon and are two moves from being back to where they were.

Goaltending and he will have help as well as the team having another season of Sutter hockey. However, the advantage of every team in the division over the Devils sans possibly the Isles is the fact that they blew for awhile and drafted low picks. Flyers had a bad year last year and the Penguins played the suck game well. The Rangers have a few good young players, but still rely of Free Agents.

Pittsburgh dealt alot for Hossa and minus the cup this year, it was all for naught. The Flyers and Penguins overall do not have a great mix of players. They both have weaknesses in their lineups and can be exploited. Before we start to geneflect, let's keep things in perspective here.

Gagne - Briere - Knuble
Lupul - Richards - Giroux
Hartnell - Carter - Upshall
Kapanen - Umberger - Downie

Imagine having those 4 lines I think Flyers will unload Umberger for a d-man. Timonen, Coburn, Parent, (return for Umberger), Kukkonen, Jones, Hatcher. Smith is gone. Marshall and Bodrov making very good progress.

Knuble and Hatcher as well as Kapanen are gone in one year. Maybe Semi will retire after this season.

I think Giroux is ready to step up. Kid is scoring almost 3 PPG in playoffs right now with SH% around 27-28.

This year Flyers must re-sign Carter and next year re-sign Upshall and Lupul (depends on how they do)

With divisional play going back to only 6 games next season and with the strength of the teams in the Atlantic division, 4 teams from the division should get into the playoffs from here on out.

And you know what, it wouldn't surprise me if we got 5 in one day too. The division is this good.

The Rangers are not built for the long haul. Jagr, Shanahan, and Straka will be gone in a year or two, and they have no real legit offensive prospects except Cherepanov and Anisimov to a degree. They're solid on defense however, with Staal, Tyutin, and Girardi.

I think Jason is right. If Philly can get solid goaltending and sort out their defense a bit, they will be unstoppable.

They do have that kid from Jersey who plays defense, they say he's going to be a good one. But I do agree with your over-all evaluation.

Imagine if they can keep them. There is a thing called the cap that will hinder such monkeyshine from ever becoming reality.

Umberger and Carter are both RFA's and unless they drink the Tacony Tea and give a hometown discount extradonaire, it's not happening.

Gagne has PCS and maybe done. Knuble will be dealt for cap room.

Biggest mistake the Flyers did this offseason was sign Briere. When you draft two good centers like Carter and Richards, Briere wasn't what they needed.

They can trade for Kovaluchuk and every sniper, their achilles heel will always be goalie.
Umberger traded, Smith gone and Primeau off the books and Philly keeps Carter easy and replace Umberger with Giroux and if they want JVR.

You think Philly's problem is goaltending? Have you even watched the playoffs or you basing this on what Biron did years ago. Biron to me has been the best goaltender in the playoffs considering what Philly's defense has been like. Add Parent in there full time and they will look even better next year.

Honestly Philly could probably unload Umberger for a pretty good defensmen and go with 3 powerfull lines, give each close to 20 minutes a game. At the very worst come up with a 4th line capable of playing 4 or 5 minutes.

-PHilly and Pitts look the best for the future.
-With the Rangers core of production soon leaving, unless a trade happens, they're going to be in some off. trouble, becuase their youth are still going to take some time
-NYI are somewhat on the right track, they know they need to focus on youth and thats what they're doing, it takes some time, but they have a good goalie and some young talent and good pick this year.
-I honestly think the Devs are in the worst shape. With Marty still tending the goal, they'll always have a chance, but not a having a decent farm system right now will hurt them.

-PHilly and Pitts look the best for the future.
-With the Rangers core of production soon leaving, unless a trade happens, they're going to be in some off. trouble, becuase their youth are still going to take some time
-NYI are somewhat on the right track, they know they need to focus on youth and thats what they're doing, it takes some time, but they have a good goalie and some young talent and good pick this year.
-I honestly think the Devs are in the worst shape. With Marty still tending the goal, they'll always have a chance, but not a having a decent farm system right now will hurt them.
I think were in trouble in terms of goaltender since any goaltender will be a downgrade from Brodeur but I feel there are atleast 70 goaltenders in the world with the skill set of being a number 1 goaltender. New Jersey will trade for or sign one of those goaltenders.

In terms of our team, the forwards will only get stronger and the defense will only get stronger. We had some rocky years from 00-present in terms of AHL teams but we have quite a few talented prospects who have atleast shown they can score at the junior level, something our prospects in previous years could not.

With divisional play going back to only 6 games next season and with the strength of the teams in the Atlantic division, 4 teams from the division should get into the playoffs from here on out.

And you know what, it wouldn't surprise me if we got 5 in one day too. The division is this good.

thats entirely possible too... also next season they're taking out the division camps for the first three spots.

Wow, how far off can that statement be. If they do sign Malkin to Crosby like money and Fleury gets Lundqvist type money then what the hell are they going to do about defense and secondary offense. Truth is they can't afford both Malkin and Crosby, if they do then I would not mind playing Crosby, Malkin, Fleury and scrubs for the next 15 years.

Why would MAF get Lunqvist money? He's not performed anywhere near that level. The Pens would love to lock up Malkin as cheap as Crosby. Crosby's cap hit is $700,000 more than Scott Gomez's cap hit. Crosby and Malkin are world beaters. Say Malkin signs for $9 million (not sure what the individual cap is) and MAF gets $5. That's essentially $23 million spent out of let's say $58 million cap. They still have $35 million to surround Crosby and Malkin with talent. Easily doable.

This year alone I still think Philly will knock them off (if they make it) in the next round. Philly has offensive depth comming from all positions. They are knocking off a good Habs team without Gagne and Knuble. Next year if they can get Carter signed at a reasonable price they will have the following up front.

Briere 30 goals
Gagne 35 goals (healthy)
Knuble 25 goals
Richards 30 goals
Lupul 25 goals
Umberger 15 goals
Hartnell 20 goals
Carter 25 goals
Giroux 25 goals
Upshall 15 goals
Downie 15 goals
Kapanen 5 goals

No doubt, Philly is damn good. I was exaggerating a bit, obviously teams will challenge Pittsburgh. I don't think Crosby and Malkin are better than Lemieux and Jagr, and that team only won 2 cups.

I still see Pittsburgh being the team to beat for a while. We'll see what happens.

Why would MAF get Lunqvist money? He's not performed anywhere near that level. The Pens would love to lock up Malkin as cheap as Crosby. Crosby's cap hit is $700,000 more than Scott Gomez's cap hit. Crosby and Malkin are world beaters. Say Malkin signs for $9 million (not sure what the individual cap is) and MAF gets $5. That's essentially $23 million spent out of let's say $58 million cap. They still have $35 million to surround Crosby and Malkin with talent. Easily doable.



No doubt, Philly is damn good. I was exaggerating a bit, obviously teams will challenge Pittsburgh. I don't think Crosby and Malkin are better than Lemieux and Jagr, and that team only won 2 cups.

I still see Pittsburgh being the team to beat for a while. We'll see what happens.
OK, this year Hossa, Roberts, Malone, Laraque, Ruutu, Eaton, Orpik and Dupuis are UFA. Marc Andrew Fleury is a RFA looking at 5 million a year. All will either be looking for similar contracts or more. Gonchar around 8 million a year, Malone around 4 million, Laraque 1.5 million, Orpik 2 million, Ruutu 1.5 million, Roberts 1.5 million, Eaton 1.5 million and Dupuis over a million based on his play.

Next year Sykora will be a UFA looking for 4 million a year, Malkin will be looking at 9 million a year, Staal will be a RFA looking for a raise after a good season, not sure how much.

Pittsburgh has this year and next to have their best shot at the Cup, especially if they plan to keep Malkin. You have to remember when people see UFA they go crazy.

I don't think Fleury is looking at 5M. More like 4M.
Malkin = 8.7M like Crosby.
Malone 3.5 with a no trade clause.
Gonchar = 6M

Don't forget they're a tight group in a winning environment. I expect the Pens to be comfortable with their salaray cap, the question being if Hossa is worth the kind of money he'll ask for.

I don't think Fleury is looking at 5M. More like 4M.
Malkin = 8.7M like Crosby.
Malone 3.5 with a no trade clause.
Gonchar = 6M

Don't forget they're a tight group in a winning environment. I expect the Pens to be comfortable with their salaray cap, the question being if Hossa is worth the kind of money he'll ask for.
Thats pretty optimistic if your asking me. Someone is going to offer shet Malkin for the max and he knows it. Plus why would he want to be 2nd fiddle when he can be the star on another good team.

Gonchar is getting more then 6 million, that is for sure. Especially on the open market.

How is he "second fiddle" when he's MVP finalist and playoff leading scorer?
Getting as much as Crosby is not playing "second fiddle".

And you're making it sound as if it's a certainty Gonchar will try to get more on the open market and that Malkin will sign an offer sheet.
Again they are both pretty happy where they are and in a winning environment, playing with buddies.

And you're making it sound as if it's a certainty Gonchar will try to get more on the open market and that Malkin will sign an offer sheet.
Again they are both pretty happy where they are and in a winning environment, playing with buddies.

Joe Sakic was in a winning environment when he signed a sheet with NYR. (Yes I know that never went through.)

Its not unreal for a player to want to have his own franchise. Pitts is Crosby. Im not saying Malkin's character is anything like this, but who says he might think to himself, "Hey, I could sign an offersheet, and be the face of that franchise?". These are human biengs after all, not mindless drones.

Umberger traded, Smith gone and Primeau off the books and Philly keeps Carter easy and replace Umberger with Giroux and if they want JVR.

You think Philly's problem is goaltending? Have you even watched the playoffs or you basing this on what Biron did years ago. Biron to me has been the best goaltender in the playoffs considering what Philly's defense has been like. Add Parent in there full time and they will look even better next year.

Yes, I've watched the playoffs and I've seen every team surge on him some times they do come up short. They beat the Caps, the division winner of the weakest division and the Habs have beaten themselves more than anything. I'm not ready to geneflect and order his jersey like you have seen to have done.

All easier said than done. Biron? He has a penchant for not being able to hold onto a lead. The Flyers were picked to do better than to claw their way into the playoffs. As for going gaga over their prospects, that's what you get for being a futile organization, you get a few good picks along the way.

There have been better Flyers teams the last 10 years. Let's not plan their parade from Nova Scotia just yet. This is precisely why games are better played in the present in reality than in the future in hyperbolic minds. Alot of things happen, injuries and factors that scenarios everyone here conjured up.

Joe Sakic was in a winning environment when he signed a sheet with NYR. (Yes I know that never went through.)

Its not unreal for a player to want to have his own franchise. Pitts is Crosby. Im not saying Malkin's character is anything like this, but who says he might think to himself, "Hey, I could sign an offersheet, and be the face of that franchise?". These are human biengs after all, not mindless drones.
Yes, Sakic signed that offer sheet (which does tarnish his legacy IMO), but how many other players didn't sign elsewhere, including your very own goaltender (under-paid but who is in a winning environment, has a system that he likes and loves his teammates)?

Yes, Sakic signed that offer sheet (which does tarnish his legacy IMO), but how many other players didn't sign elsewhere, including your very own goaltender (under-paid but who is in a winning environment, has a system that he likes and loves his teammates)? From what I remember Brodeur got 8M a year deal, very smiliar to Patrick Roys. Lou gave him a very fair contract! Marty also negotiated his contract with out agents. Then new NHL, cap space, top players took pay cuts etc etc and thats why Marty is making less now. (I could be wrong)

I say Malkin will ask for max and signs 2-3 years deal. This year he proved that Crosby is not the best player on Pittsburgh team.

P.S Great avatar. Is that Tretyak?

thats entirely possible too... also next season they're taking out the division camps for the first three spots.

is that official?

anyway im just here cause i heard there was free beer... did the keg run dry? :sarcasm:

is that official?

anyway im just here cause i heard there was free beer... did the keg run dry? :sarcasm:

http://content.costco.com/Images/Content/Search/661866bs.jpg

Enjoy.. You keep us happy and we keep you guys happy ;)

Either the Devils really stink or Pittsburgh is heads above everyone else. Looking at Malkin and Crosby, maybe tanking for next season for a shot at Tavares, may not be a bad idea. I feel Like Jagr, we were in every game, but? :cry:

Thats pretty optimistic if your asking me. Someone is going to offer shet Malkin for the max and he knows it. Plus why would he want to be 2nd fiddle when he can be the star on another good team.
people say that but it's usually just wishful thinking from other teams' fans. around the time of ovechkin's extension we heard that malkin's camp wants to work out an extension with the penguins. don't forget that crosby and malkin have the same agent. having the two best centers in the nhl on one team is a very rare opportunity. the penguins, crosby, malkin, and their agent know that.

Either the Devils really stink or Pittsburgh is heads above everyone else. Looking at Malkin and Crosby, maybe tanking for next season for a shot at Tavares, may not be a bad idea. I feel Like Jagr, we were in every game, but? :cry:

I don't think we have a shot at stinking or tanking the next couple of years..

Lou will always have this team competitive and Marty wants to win

If anything I think we will have some of our better teams coming up compared to recent years.

I have a feeling this years loss to NYR really irked Lou and Marty and they won't take it lightly

After seeing him play for a season, JVR is no-doubt a 20 goal scorer in the NHL right now. His playmaking skills are underrated as well.

If he signed right now, he'd probably go 22+33=55 next year. He's staying for his sophomore year though, lucky us (UNH).

I don't buy that one bit. He didn't "Wow" me his first year at UNH like I thought he would. (Though I admit I only saw him play 3 times). There were definitely a few better freshmen in hockey east and a good handful of players overll in the conference. Next season maybe he'll produce more (And he'll probably have to with Regan leaving).

people say that but it's usually just wishful thinking from other teams' fans. around the time of ovechkin's extension we heard that malkin's camp wants to work out an extension with the penguins. don't forget that crosby and malkin have the same agent. having the two best centers in the nhl on one team is a very rare opportunity. the penguins, crosby, malkin, and their agent know that. I thought agents will try to get the best deal possible to make better $ for them and players they represent.

I don't think we have a shot at stinking or tanking the next couple of years..

Lou will always have this team competitive and Marty wants to win

If anything I think we will have some of our better teams coming up compared to recent years.

I have a feeling this years loss to NYR really irked Lou and Marty and they won't take it lightly

Unfortunately, I agree. We will never get to be that bad. And I wonder how many big tickest free agents Sather brings in this July? If Jagr, Straka who were their best players last night and Shanny aren't coming back, you can be sure Sather will be signing a couple of UFA's. I wonder if he's going to try to sign Pando since he's the only Devil UFA? :naughty:

I like making the playoffs. I couldn't handle a few losing years and getting a couple good draft picks. Just making teh playoffs gives you a shot every year. Just have to get hot at the right time.

I don't buy that one bit. He didn't "Wow" me his first year at UNH like I thought he would. (Though I admit I only saw him play 3 times). There were definitely a few better freshmen in hockey east and a good handful of players overll in the conference. Next season maybe he'll produce more (And he'll probably have to with Regan leaving).

Not sure what games you watched (not saying you don't know what you're talking about, but there were some games where he was better than others). I went to 8 or 9 games this year and watched as many away games as I could. He's a phenomenal skater for his size and he can do ridiculous things with the puck. It didn't look to me like he was trying half the time and he still put up more than a PPG.

He can control the offensive zone when he's on, but at times it looks like he's just drifting and waiting for the play to come to him.

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Watch at the 2:39 or so mark. That's the kind of stuff he showed most games.

Umberger traded, Smith gone and Primeau off the books and Philly keeps Carter easy and replace Umberger with Giroux and if they want JVR.

You think Philly's problem is goaltending? Have you even watched the playoffs or you basing this on what Biron did years ago. Biron to me has been the best goaltender in the playoffs considering what Philly's defense has been like. Add Parent in there full time and they will look even better next year.

Like I said, JVR will more than likely have to wait until 09-10.

Not sure what games you watched (not saying you don't know what you're talking about, but there were some games where he was better than others). I went to 8 or 9 games this year and watched as many away games as I could. He's a phenomenal skater for his size and he can do ridiculous things with the puck. It didn't look to me like he was trying half the time and he still put up more than a PPG.
He can control the offensive zone when he's on, but at times it looks like he's just drifting and waiting for the play to come to him.



I saw a lot of that in the games I watched of his. I go to NU and in the 3 games against us, he only put up one goal (an empty netter with less than a second left) and looked like he wasn't trying a lot of the time. I mean once or twice I saw a really nice skill move but a lot of it was just skating around, going through the motions and hoping for a break out. No doubt he has a lot of skill but I worry about those kinds of players who don't go all out every night.

Next year, the Atlantic looks even stronger then this year. That could be a bad thing for Devils fans. The Rangers may lose Jagr, but their younger players will only get better and they still have a good amount of depth.

If the Rangers lose Jagr, they lose Straka and Shanahan as well. They lose Jagr, they probably lose Rozsival and Malik as well.

The only one I want back out of all those guys is Jagr. Because if Jagr goes, so do the Rangers playoff chances.

i played some rollerhockey with jvr at goodsports in allaire 4-5 years ago(?)...a few guys i play with are very close with him, so he used to fill in every once in a while. he was good but im sure he wasnt really trying. i dont even think he was a big deal at the time; but im sure he will be a producer for the flyers considering his size and skillset.

I saw a lot of that in the games I watched of his. I go to NU and in the 3 games against us, he only put up one goal (an empty netter with less than a second left) and looked like he wasn't trying a lot of the time. I mean once or twice I saw a really nice skill move but a lot of it was just skating around, going through the motions and hoping for a break out. No doubt he has a lot of skill but I worry about those kinds of players who don't go all out every night.

Yeah I see the same thing. It seems like he can switch it on/off whenever he wants which is scary.

darious and richer have some great avatars...i will be contacting you guys may 11.

P.S Great avatar. Is that Tretyak?

Nah, it's the Mettalburg owner.

The Flyers and Penguins overall do not have a great mix of players. They both have weaknesses in their lineups and can be exploited. Before we start to geneflect, let's keep things in perspective here.

Perhaps one part of keeping things in perspective is recognizing that ALL teams have some sort of weakness. ....And if they don't, that means they're short on star talent, which usually decides hockey games.

I think Filthy are a a mobile defender or two from having a great mix. I believe we have one already, although it wouldn't hurt if Whitney/and or Letang were more physically imposing.

Obviously there will be salary concerns in the future, but that goes for everyone. Whether we can sign Hossa or not (I think it would be a bad idea unless he gives a truly significant discount to be on a Stanley Cup favourite), you best believe that the role players we have makes for a good blend. However, the reality of having a core like we do is, that the parts around them won't stay the same. Long term success thus stands or falls with the GM's ability to get assets for players who grow out of their part roles and the teams ability to attract free agents at reasonable prices. This season Sykora's agent called Shero. We got a competent sniper for two years at 2.5 per. A brilliant match for a player who had stalled. If he wants to cash in on his production elsewhere when contract is over - we have to find someone else to fill his boots. Playing alongside Malkin or Crosby can do a fair bit to re-ignite a career, and that is one of the prime reasons why giving them 8.7 million a piece long term is always going to be great business for a team spending to the cap - as we will be doing starting from next season.

As regards having a good mix....
The Staal line (with Ruutu and All Star selection rookie Tyler Kennedy) does a great shut down job on opponents best. No reason to think Staal and Kennedy won't be even better next season. Talbot, Laraque, Hall/Taffe can cycle well against pretty much anyone. I'd say that is a great 4th line when you have a team where the first two will always take as much ice time as ours will.

In defence guys like Eaton, Scuderi and Orpik are solid and there's lots of untapped potential in Whitney, Letang and Goligoski. We face some uncertainty with Orpik and Eaton being UFA's this Summer though, and I'm not going to argue that our defence is on par with our offence. But it was the third best in the conference and looks rather adequate so far in the playoffs.

I cannot for the life of me see why we would be seen as having a less than very good blend. And a young one too, meaning that we can look forward to some players improving. The depth is there, as evidenced by surprisingly stong performances from kids in junior hockey (Caputi first of all) and how well the guys from Wilkes Barre have done when called upon (and they're doing further damage in the playoffs).

Didn't mean to boast in the Jersey forum, just couldn't sit on this one :).

For the record, even if I think Devils are about to see a transition period, I have too much respect for your franchise to write you off. The Atlantic is bound to be a hot place for the next couple of years too.

Nah, it's the Mettalburg owner. Are they twins? lol

I know Devils fans get pissed at me and spout the "As long as Lou is here and Marty," we will never be a lottery team. But just maybe we get to suffer one season and than get lucky by getting a possible generational player like Tavares or Hedman. Heck, it only took the Flyers one poor season to get back in contention. Although, they may not win the cup this season, the furture is looking bright.

Wow, how far off can that statement be. If they do sign Malkin to Crosby like money and Fleury gets Lundqvist type money then what the hell are they going to do about defense and secondary offense. Truth is they can't afford both Malkin and Crosby, if they do then I would not mind playing Crosby, Malkin, Fleury and scrubs for the next 15 years.



They can avoid being the next Tampa by trading one of their stars. Even at 8 mil salary, just imagine what they could get for Malkin. Having too many young superstars is a problem no one should mind having. Besides, Fleury at say 5, Gonchar at 5, and Crosby and Malkin both at 8 leaves them with 30 milion dollars (assuming the cap goes up to the reported 56 mil). That is a solid, solid nucleus to build around. Fill the rest of the team with average NHL players and some fourth line role players and they are easily still competitive. Pittsburgh is going to be a problem for a long, long time.

i played some rollerhockey with jvr at goodsports in allaire 4-5 years ago(?)...a few guys i play with are very close with him, so he used to fill in every once in a while. he was good but im sure he wasnt really trying. i dont even think he was a big deal at the time; but im sure he will be a producer for the flyers considering his size and skillset.

I played on his roller hockey team in the Middletown Spring League back in '01. He was the third best player on the team(yes, behind me and another kid and idc if you don't ****ing believe me). But he was also 2 years younger than both of us. It still blows me and my friends mind that he's got to where he is today. If you saw him play there is no way in hell you would have said, "that kid has a future in the NHL". His parents have a decent amount of money so he was able to get some great training to become what he is. The kid earned it.

Remember it was roller hockey too. It might still be hockey but they're not the same.