Dr. Funk

Probably a silly Q, but any ideas if the new "Pro" glove is actually the one turning up in the NHL on Timonen, Letang, Hamhuis, Parise and others? Or is this an E-Pro ("pro-style" product) vs Synergy 800 (actual pro glove) situation? My well-loved Synergy 800s are looking for a replacement. As a related question, any ideas as to what glove James Neal is wearing? Looks a bit different than the ones that the previously-mentioned guys are in.

Damn, Drew. Condolences. Makes my pay being halved seem not so horrible.

Agreed. Being a Pittsburgh guy, I love Crosby and his rivalry with Alex; in turn, I love Pens-Caps. However, I do wish the NHL was a bit more aggressive in promoting all of the other fabulous players in the league. I've lived in the mid-Atlantic all my life, so I'm assuming that other stars are more-heavily promoted in other regions; however, I'd love to see it on a national scale. One of my least favorite aspects of NHL hockey is how little I see of other regions' stars. I understand that these two are "the guys;" I'd just like to see some of the other stars on ESPN and in print every now and again.

All good points, E. If I were Mr. Snyder/Mr. Clarke, I would try and stay away from Carey Price. That guy is the definition of a siren's song. Loads of talent, for certain, but definitely inconsistent and seems a bit mentally fragile. Can't have that in the toughest sports city in America. You mention an interesting proposition in bringing Niittymaki back. Not sure what TB's plans are for their nets next year, and I'm not positive that he got an entirely fair shake during his last go-round in Philly. Whatever is decided, it'll be interesting.

As a Pens guy, I'm not really concerned that NJ swept the season series. Like Smoke said, WSH took 'em all from PIT during the regular season, and we all know how that ended. What's eye-opening to me is that the Pens' record against teams ahead of them in the overall standings is 0-11, with two of those losses in OT/SO if my memory serves me correctly. That's not going to get it done.

Not a bad proposition, provided they'll have a taker for Hartnell. From what I understand, they've tried to unload him before, obviously without success. Pity, because he's actually a pretty effective player when he's not running around out there. The other thing that I've heard is interest in one of the two MTL netminders, particularly given their unrest in net up there. It'll be interesting, for sure.

E, you guys are star-crossed when it comes to netminders. Living in Eastern PA for the past three years, the goaltending carousel in South Philly is like a horror film marathon. Ownership/management takes the rest of their squad pretty seriously; I've never quite understood why they can't seem to put a reliable goaltender out there, and stick with him. In all seriousness (coming from a Pittsburgh guy), I'd love to see the Flyers with a strong presence in net. I love the competition between our teams, when it doesn't descend into thuggery on both sides. Philadelphia has a lot of talent on the roster - I enjoy watching them when they employ it.