Posted by moy23 on 9/23/2011 8:15:00 PM (view original):
Jagr with a Goal and Assist already, 1st period.  JVR scored his 3rd goal in 4 periods.  

I know its preseason but 'scoring' might not be as bad as critics are making it out to be.  

I don't care what the critics say. They say that we have lost our captain. i feel that Richards is a great player, but doesn't have the attitude to be a true captain. And I have felt that Pronger should have been the captian since he arrived. If anything, we got a great deal for Richards, getting a great young player in Simmonds and a former top 5 draft pick that might make it to the NHL this year or next year in Schenn. As for Carter, they say that we lost a top-caliber scorer, which we did, but we got a potential top-caliber scorer in Voracek, and even though his career high in goals is 16, he was playing on a Columbus team that has made the playoffs once in its entire history, and we got the number seven draft pick in Couturier. We sure got an upgrade in goal with Byrzgalov and having Bobs as a backup. If anything, we are improving.

You heard correctly. He's only 22 years old, and he was playing for a bad Columbus team. He was one of the best players on the team, so teams were gameplanning for him. Now, being surrounded by such names as Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, JVR, and of course Jagr, teams will maybe overlook him and he will get those passes and he will score goals.

Posted by sirawesome98 on 9/24/2011 6:25:00 PM (view original):
You heard correctly. He's only 22 years old, and he was playing for a bad Columbus team. He was one of the best players on the team, so teams were gameplanning for him. Now, being surrounded by such names as Danny Briere, Claude Giroux, JVR, and of course Jagr, teams will maybe overlook him and he will get those passes and he will score goals.

I think Voracek will be better in Philly than in Columbus (especially with 1st and 2nd line minutes in Philly).  Hes got great puck-handling and passing skills from what I've seen.  He needs to make better decisions as to where he is passing the puck though.  I see him as a Ville Leino replacement 'for now' (20 goals, 40 Assists). 

Lines are shaping up nicely.... 

If things hold up - Looks like Sestito might get some PT with the Shelley (good riddance) suspension, and hopefully he will win that 4th line role permanently.  Couturier may make Betts expendable, he's been that good.  Schenn will be in the NHL on Oct 6th.  Matt Read is pushing for Nodl's spot.  I am really impressed with Read... I personally think they find a spot for the 25 year old on the NHL team.  On Defense Walker has looked really goood this pre-season, but his $1.5 mil cap hit might keep him in Adirondack.

What I think the lines/pairs are going to be to start the season:

JVR-Giroux-Jagr
Hartnell-Briere-Voracek
Read-Schenn-Simmonds
Shelley-Coturier-Talbot
Holmstrom, Rinaldo

Pronger-Mezaros
Timonen-Carle
Coburn-Lilja
Bartulis

Byrz
Bob

I quite destest the Flyers as a franchise, and especially the cowardly core of BBB's from the 70's (led by Ed Van Impe).

So take it from a neutral party--the moves made by Philadlephia in the off season were 100% correct.

Eliminating the schism in the dressing room was an absolute must.  The clique-ishness of the Leaf's dressing
room held them back when the were half way good over a decade ago (think Sundin/Domi vs Gary Roberts & his protein shake disciples).

I can understand how true-orange fanatics might be stung to lose some home-town faves like Richards, but trust me,
by Christmas you will be on cloud 9.

I like the changes a lot. The overall look of the team seems like a more balanced fit. Solid goalie, bigger more physical wingers, same defense, still strong up the middle (Briere, Giroux, Schenn, Couturier) , and more cap space to re-sign Carle, Coburn, and Voracek next season. Jagr looks really good in preseason too... that's a bonus.

Btw- Kessel, sestito, wellwood all sent to minors.

Hartnell to Nashville trade rumors are popping up since yesterday.

Pronger in the lineup tonight! Good news!!!!

Simmonds looking really good. I think that he could be good replacement for Mike Richards.

Jagr also looking really good. I have changed my mind on him, I now think that he will score at least 30 this year.

Posted by sirawesome98 on 9/29/2011 8:32:00 PM (view original):
Jagr also looking really good. I have changed my mind on him, I now think that he will score at least 30 this year.

I do too.  15+ on the PP alone.

The guy moved next to the rink and has been seen practicing with weighted jackets and sticks both night and day.   Dude is a serious fitness/practice freak.  Its no wonder he is still good at this age and was so great at a younger age with that kind of dedication.  


JVR - Giroux - Jagr will be a sick line.   There is chemistry there already in preseason.  

PS - I still hate Jagr though 

Posted by sirawesome98 on 9/29/2011 8:27:00 PM (view original):
Simmonds looking really good. I think that he could be good replacement for Mike Richards.

He looks great - what 4 goals now.  

He looks more comfortable in front of the net than Hartnell does.  He could have a breakout season if he can keep this up.  I was thinking he could play on the second line with Hartnell and Briere today... considering Voracek can go missing at times on the ice.

Couturier probably gets a spot on the team for the first 10 games (based on his contract).  

.... and BOB has looked fantastic the entire preseason !  Kinda glad they kept him after I wanted him gone all offseason ;)