hasek injured during warm-up

[beaucoup_fish 0]

i think the team with the fastest players is columbus... zherdev is lighting fast, fedorov's still got the legs and no one can forget chimera who is the fastest nhl player right now.

Chimera over Gaborik even?

[DarkStar50 679]

the deepest on the blueline is the Sens.

I still like the Flames blueline the best. Before everyone screams about 6-5 shoot-outs in the Northwest, I will still take these guys for first pass out of the zone, team toughness, and depth. The Sens are playing the much weaker teams in the East than Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, or Colorado play in the West. I would love to throw Ottawa in the Northwest Division and see them play those 4 teams the 32 times the schedule would call for. There is no way they win 75% of those games. #1- I can't wait for the playoffs to see who upsets Ottawa in the East. I won't be surprised when it happens. I'm calling it an upset because the Sens fans will be sooooo upset. #2- If the Sens make it to the Finals, the West teams will be battle ready for the Sens. The West teams will have a tougher road to the Finals but will be stronger for the higher level of playoff intensity they fight through. This is all just history repeating itself.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

the deepest on the blueline is the Sens.

I still like the Flames blueline the best. Before everyone screams about 6-5 shoot-outs in the Northwest, I will still take these guys for first pass out of the zone, team toughness, and depth. The Sens are playing the much weaker teams in the East than Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, or Colorado play in the West. I would love to throw Ottawa in the Northwest Division and see them play those 4 teams the 32 times the schedule would call for. There is no way they win 75% of those games. #1- I can't wait for the playoffs to see who upsets Ottawa in the East. I won't be surprised when it happens. I'm calling it an upset because the Sens fans will be sooooo upset. #2- If the Sens make it to the Finals, the West teams will be battle ready for the Sens. The West teams will have a tougher road to the Finals but will be stronger for the higher level of playoff intensity they fight through. This is all just history repeating itself.

Good call on the Flame's D corps. They also work every bit as hard, if not harder than the Sens D to prevent the opposition from scoring - and that Phaneuf kid - what can I say? He's dynamite. Regehr is rock solid (reminds me a bit of Gator in Edmonton), and Leopold can quarterback with the best of 'em. Phaneuf will be the best of all three, no doubt.

It's tough to call, and on an individual basis, Redden, Chara and Phillips are just a teensy notch above in elite status (though I'd qualify Phillips as a top four, not a top two). That said, I'm just going to say that both bluelines are fantastic and I'd love to have either one on my team.

EDIT: I agree on the weaker division opponents. Toronto just rolls over and plays dead every time Ottawa is in the same rink.

[shute 4]

i think the team with the fastest players is columbus... zherdev is lighting fast, fedorov's still got the legs and no one can forget chimera who is the fastest nhl player right now.

Chimera over Gaborik even?

chimera did record the fastest nhl time.

[mattopiela 0]

the deepest on the blueline is the Sens.

I still like the Flames blueline the best. Before everyone screams about 6-5 shoot-outs in the Northwest, I will still take these guys for first pass out of the zone, team toughness, and depth. The Sens are playing the much weaker teams in the East than Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, or Colorado play in the West. I would love to throw Ottawa in the Northwest Division and see them play those 4 teams the 32 times the schedule would call for. There is no way they win 75% of those games. #1- I can't wait for the playoffs to see who upsets Ottawa in the East. I won't be surprised when it happens. I'm calling it an upset because the Sens fans will be sooooo upset. #2- If the Sens make it to the Finals, the West teams will be battle ready for the Sens. The West teams will have a tougher road to the Finals but will be stronger for the higher level of playoff intensity they fight through. This is all just history repeating itself.

Yeah weird how weak the East conference is considering East's record vs West is around the .500 mark and vice versa. Id say they are about equal. And yeah I don't think Colorado is much of a powerhouse anymore, and the Canucks have been sucking it up real bad lately too (they always sucked on the road) and Calgary well until they start scoring some goals and winning games by more then a goal then they can be considered serious contender. Don't forget this is the new nhl a team that puts up 2 goals a game won't win the cup you can mark my words.

So you guys think that Ottawa's d is not tought enough, well I am pretty sure there is guy called CHARA on it, Ottawa on d has a good mix of grit size and speed. And yeah Calgary has a very good D but its been more of their goalie bailing them out then the D it self.

I believe with a healthy team Ottawa is a strong favorite for the finals, but hey the playoffs are like a new season and the cup is up for grabs to any of the 16 teams that enter them.

[mattopiela 0]

i think the team with the fastest players is columbus... zherdev is lighting fast, fedorov's still got the legs and no one can forget chimera who is the fastest nhl player right now.

Yeah I am saying player for player. Sorry my mistake but yeah Minesotta takes the top, Ottawa takes 2nd.

[mattopiela 0]

Ottawa fans are goddamn blind.  Mike Fisher better than a number 3 centre?  That's ridiculous, Mike Fisher is a checker, period.  He's a good two way checker, but he's not #2 material.  And Brian Smolinski?  Gimme a break, he's #2 at best.  A 50 point guy isn't a top centre.  He makes a decent #2.  His best year?  '95-'96, 64 points in Pittsburgh, playing with, guess who?  Mario Lemieux.

And Matt, there is NO WAY that the Sens have been hit by the injury bug like the Flyers.  To insinuate that is just plain stupid.  Let's keep in mind that the Flyers are playing without Desjardins and Pitkanen, and are using Nittymaki as their starter.  Let's see how Ottawa fares without half their starters and Ray Emery in net for an extended stretch...

Ok, so we take away Gagne, Forsberg and Knuble.  Who are we left with?  Primeau, Kapanen, Handzus, Carter and Richards (who are both better than Bochenski).   

Which is more than I can say for the Sens, if you take away Alfredsson, Heatley and Spezza.  They have Havlat, Smolinski and Fisher. 

Tiki, how could you take Fisher, Smolinski and Schaefer over the depth on the Flyers?  That's ridiculous.  Those guys have 5 20+ goal seasons b/w them (ALL Smolinski's - he has ONE 30+) while Primeau, Kapanen and Handzus have 11 20+ goal seasons (Primeau has THREE 30+).  I've seen KP dominate the playoffs on his own, but I highly doubt that you'll see Smolinski or Fisher doing the same anytime in this lifetime.

Smokes is capable of being a number one centre, I don't know if you have been watching but he played extremely well with Alfie and Heater.

I believe Fisher is 2nd line material. But given his game style thats why hes on the 3rd line, and hes there because thats what the coach wants him to do. Hes extremely fast and hes got a wicked hands and a great shot.

Primeau ? I'll pass on him, most likely doesn't even know how to spell his own name anymore. And I'll take Havlat any day over Primeau, Kapanen, Handzus, Carter and Richards I don't care how many stupid things he has done he would skate circles around any one of them. On 90 %of other teams Havlat would be 1st line material. To me hes as good as Gagne, hell Gagne without Forsberg is actually a 25 goal scorer.

Scheafer is almost a point a game player these days and hes extremely good at the PK and extremly under-rated player same goes for Fisher.

Also you are comparing three 1st and 2nd line players to one 2nd line and two 3rd line players, and who really gives a rats ass what someone has done 5 years ago, yeah 10 years ago Lemieux was lighting it up but hes not now.

You know what I've seen, Ottawa dominate the Flyers every time in the playoffs :D. And yeah the thing with Philly is, maybe they beat Ottawa twice this year, but Philly just can't dominate teams like Ottawa can, because when healthy Ottawa is the fastest team on the ice and I believe come playoff time maybe even Philly will get a taste of truly what Ottawa is capable of.

On what line they play on their respective teams is irrelevant. We're comparing the depth of the two teams, and I still submit that the depth of the Flyers is stronger than that of the Sens.

Lemieux may suck now, but 10 years ago, Bryan Smolinski was reaping the benefit of playing alongside him, just like he today, will reap benefits when playing with Alfredsson and Heatley, I mean who wouldn't? And yes, Forsberg makes anyone better, but you have to remember that Gagne is great on his own. He always played a two way role and was never counted on to lead the team in scoring - that said, I have no doubt that Gagne is supremely talented (and probably faster than ANY one of the Senators), has great hands, and could score 40 if his team needed him to.

And yeah, the Sens did beat the crap out of the Flyers in the past, but that was pre-Pitkanen, Forsberg and Kapanen. And you're right, the Sens sure do know how to bring it come playoff time - just ask the Leafs.

That said, I've no doubt that if the Sens and Leafs met in the playoffs this year, the Leafs would be swept. Playing the Flyers though, I'm not so sure. Let's see if Alfredsson can actually deliver a cup this time, instead of making just another empty promise.

EDIT: Not so sure Ottawa is the fastest team either...I think that might be Minnesota - Gaborik, Walz, Daigle...

Ask the Leafs ? well I am pretty sure last time we played Ottawa dominated them they just ran into a really hot goalie. But lets not turn into a stupid Leaf vs Ottawa discussion. And when it comes down to it Ottawa was one game away from the Finals couple years back.

Gagne could pop 40 on his own. That gets a big LOL. Prior to this season his best total was 33 in 79 games and thats about how much u'll get out him max. People don't seem to realize how great Foresber is. Gagne is a speedster but saying that hes faster then anyone on Ottawa well I don't know about that, I believe Vermette, Havlat, and even Fisher are faster then him.

[donkey87 0]

Gagne could pop 40 on his own. That gets a big LOL. Prior to this season his best total was 33 in 79 games and thats about how much u'll get out him max. People don't seem to realize how great Foresber is. Gagne is a speedster but saying that hes faster then anyone on Ottawa well I don't know about that, I believe Vermette, Havlat, and even Fisher are faster then him.

I bet Gagne could score 40 by himself. If he scored 33 before the rule changes, he should have no problem scoring 40 by himself now. And who cares if Forsberg is a big reason for Gagne's success. The same could be said for Ottawa's top line. Alfredsson got hurt and look what happened. Ottawa's top line was just not as good. Great players make their linemates better, that is why they get the big bucks.

I don't think that Ottawa will win the Cup this year. They rely to much on their top line. Shut that line down and you can beat them. Also, I'm a little worried about Hasek. He's old and has a history of injuries, if he goes down the Sens are in trouble. With all the other good teams out there I just don't see the Sens winning it.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Ottawa fans are goddamn blind.  Mike Fisher better than a number 3 centre?  That's ridiculous, Mike Fisher is a checker, period.  He's a good two way checker, but he's not #2 material.  And Brian Smolinski?  Gimme a break, he's #2 at best.  A 50 point guy isn't a top centre.  He makes a decent #2.  His best year?  '95-'96, 64 points in Pittsburgh, playing with, guess who?  Mario Lemieux.

And Matt, there is NO WAY that the Sens have been hit by the injury bug like the Flyers.  To insinuate that is just plain stupid.  Let's keep in mind that the Flyers are playing without Desjardins and Pitkanen, and are using Nittymaki as their starter.  Let's see how Ottawa fares without half their starters and Ray Emery in net for an extended stretch...

Ok, so we take away Gagne, Forsberg and Knuble.  Who are we left with?  Primeau, Kapanen, Handzus, Carter and Richards (who are both better than Bochenski).   

Which is more than I can say for the Sens, if you take away Alfredsson, Heatley and Spezza.  They have Havlat, Smolinski and Fisher. 

Tiki, how could you take Fisher, Smolinski and Schaefer over the depth on the Flyers?  That's ridiculous.  Those guys have 5 20+ goal seasons b/w them (ALL Smolinski's - he has ONE 30+) while Primeau, Kapanen and Handzus have 11 20+ goal seasons (Primeau has THREE 30+).  I've seen KP dominate the playoffs on his own, but I highly doubt that you'll see Smolinski or Fisher doing the same anytime in this lifetime.

Smokes is capable of being a number one centre, I don't know if you have been watching but he played extremely well with Alfie and Heater.

I believe Fisher is 2nd line material. But given his game style thats why hes on the 3rd line, and hes there because thats what the coach wants him to do. Hes extremely fast and hes got a wicked hands and a great shot.

Primeau ? I'll pass on him, most likely doesn't even know how to spell his own name anymore. And I'll take Havlat any day over Primeau, Kapanen, Handzus, Carter and Richards I don't care how many stupid things he has done he would skate circles around any one of them. On 90 %of other teams Havlat would be 1st line material. To me hes as good as Gagne, hell Gagne without Forsberg is actually a 25 goal scorer.

Scheafer is almost a point a game player these days and hes extremely good at the PK and extremly under-rated player same goes for Fisher.

Also you are comparing three 1st and 2nd line players to one 2nd line and two 3rd line players, and who really gives a rats ass what someone has done 5 years ago, yeah 10 years ago Lemieux was lighting it up but hes not now.

You know what I've seen, Ottawa dominate the Flyers every time in the playoffs :D. And yeah the thing with Philly is, maybe they beat Ottawa twice this year, but Philly just can't dominate teams like Ottawa can, because when healthy Ottawa is the fastest team on the ice and I believe come playoff time maybe even Philly will get a taste of truly what Ottawa is capable of.

On what line they play on their respective teams is irrelevant. We're comparing the depth of the two teams, and I still submit that the depth of the Flyers is stronger than that of the Sens.

Lemieux may suck now, but 10 years ago, Bryan Smolinski was reaping the benefit of playing alongside him, just like he today, will reap benefits when playing with Alfredsson and Heatley, I mean who wouldn't? And yes, Forsberg makes anyone better, but you have to remember that Gagne is great on his own. He always played a two way role and was never counted on to lead the team in scoring - that said, I have no doubt that Gagne is supremely talented (and probably faster than ANY one of the Senators), has great hands, and could score 40 if his team needed him to.

And yeah, the Sens did beat the crap out of the Flyers in the past, but that was pre-Pitkanen, Forsberg and Kapanen. And you're right, the Sens sure do know how to bring it come playoff time - just ask the Leafs.

That said, I've no doubt that if the Sens and Leafs met in the playoffs this year, the Leafs would be swept. Playing the Flyers though, I'm not so sure. Let's see if Alfredsson can actually deliver a cup this time, instead of making just another empty promise.

EDIT: Not so sure Ottawa is the fastest team either...I think that might be Minnesota - Gaborik, Walz, Daigle...

Ask the Leafs ? well I am pretty sure last time we played Ottawa dominated them they just ran into a really hot goalie. But lets not turn into a stupid Leaf vs Ottawa discussion. And when it comes down to it Ottawa was one game away from the Finals couple years back.

Gagne could pop 40 on his own. That gets a big LOL. Prior to this season his best total was 33 in 79 games and thats about how much u'll get out him max. People don't seem to realize how great Foresber is. Gagne is a speedster but saying that hes faster then anyone on Ottawa well I don't know about that, I believe Vermette, Havlat, and even Fisher are faster then him.

There is no way Ottawa is the second fastest team in the league. And one game from the finals in one year doesn't prove jack.

And believe me when I say that EVERYONE knows how good Forsberg is - no one ever said that Gagne isn't ripping up the goal charts because he's getting feeds from Forsberg, but even by himself, he's a very talented player. Hell, Fisher could score 30 playing on Foppa's wing. I'd definitely argue that Gagne is faster than anyone on Ottawa, but I guess that's pretty impossible to decide - it's not like comparing Derian Hatcher to Marian Gaborik.

I do like Vermette though, he's fun to watch.

EDIT: Like I said, Ottawa is a one line team. Take away the top 3 and you're left with a steaming pile of shit.

[DarkStar50 679]

the deepest on the blueline is the Sens.

I still like the Flames blueline the best. Before everyone screams about 6-5 shoot-outs in the Northwest, I will still take these guys for first pass out of the zone, team toughness, and depth. The Sens are playing the much weaker teams in the East than Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, or Colorado play in the West. I would love to throw Ottawa in the Northwest Division and see them play those 4 teams the 32 times the schedule would call for. There is no way they win 75% of those games. #1- I can't wait for the playoffs to see who upsets Ottawa in the East. I won't be surprised when it happens. I'm calling it an upset because the Sens fans will be sooooo upset. #2- If the Sens make it to the Finals, the West teams will be battle ready for the Sens. The West teams will have a tougher road to the Finals but will be stronger for the higher level of playoff intensity they fight through. This is all just history repeating itself.

Yeah weird how weak the East conference is considering East's record vs West is around the .500 mark and vice versa. Id say they are about equal. And yeah I don't think Colorado is much of a powerhouse anymore, and the Canucks have been sucking it up real bad lately too (they always sucked on the road) and Calgary well until they start scoring some goals and winning games by more then a goal then they can be considered serious contender. Don't forget this is the new nhl a team that puts up 2 goals a game won't win the cup you can mark my words.

So you guys think that Ottawa's d is not tought enough, well I am pretty sure there is guy called CHARA on it, Ottawa on d has a good mix of grit size and speed. And yeah Calgary has a very good D but its been more of their goalie bailing them out then the D it self.

I believe with a healthy team Ottawa is a strong favorite for the finals, but hey the playoffs are like a new season and the cup is up for grabs to any of the 16 teams that enter them.

I won't call the Avs a powerhouse either. They need a big game goalie big time. However, the Avs can turn in an awesome "A" game and bomb you before you know it. And speaking of tough, Rob Blake is still one of the best and meanest D men around. Get him pissed off and you'll be sorry. The Nucks are another hot/cold team that when hot is trouble because hot for them is top two lines going balls to the wall. Can't stop Bert and Nazzy, oh crap here come 22/33/77 on fire and mixing it up in the attack zone. Another tough D with Jovo(I don't care if you don't like him. Good enuff for Gretz is good enuff for me), Ohland and and Salo(don't laugh, he's got 26 points already). Again, the goalie is the problem for consistency. Kipper may bail out Flames D, if you think so but his shots against are low for quality chances. The Flames D keeps you away from high percentage shooting areas. They struggle on offence but I will always be wary of any team in the playoffs who have been to the Finals recently. This team was there and they do have the core guys back for the next push. The Oil is the cat with nine lives and 3 goalies. They will play run and gun hockey any night. Don't turn off the game after the first period either. These boys have got gas for the third period and that is when they put it together. If it weren't for the double deflection goal on New Year's Eve, the Oil/Flames would have done OT and a shootout, for sure. Their top four D are minute munchers. Pronger rides herd while Bergeron swoops around and the Smith/Staios combo is tough in their own end.

The Sens have alot to offer. I really think they are teasing their fans with their fantastic play. Chara is toughest D man around but he can't play 60 minutes. The other D are excellent but when puck is in the other end, I could play D for Sens and look good tapping my stick at the point! There is a significant difference when your first line is so awesome and the 2/3 lines drop off. And please Smoke is not a #1 center. He can try like Thomas the Train but he just doesn't have the complete package to carry that label. Would you rather have Spezza or Smoke at # 1 center? The answer is obvious. Old man river Hasek is just a minute away from a senior moment. Coach Murray might want to think about resting him in 06. He might as well get Emery some playing time because he could be #1 goalie any time.

Its a long, short ride to April and Round 1. The Sens should really ease up on the throttle or they will find the tank empty on opening night of the playoffs 2006.

[donkey87 0]

Ottawa is one of the most overrated teams in the league. One good line and an old goalie just don't make a Cup winning team.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Take away Ottawa's top line and your left with a first line player and a solid group of elite 3rd liners. Unfortunately their top forwards overshadow them. Fisher isn't a great scorer, but he is an exceptional checker. I'm a big Schaefer fan as well. I'd argue Havlat's their best player, but doesn't get to play with the "big line" so he isn't as recognized. Their D is the best in the NHL. Now I know I'll get jumped on by all the West boasters and hear alot about Calgary, but Chara and Redden are both Norris candidates, Phillips is a solid #3, and would be higher on any other team. Volchenkov is a monster, and I'd say he ranks up there with the best in the league for actual hits. Meszaros is a phenom, for a D to be that good, that young is incredible. He's smaller than Phaneuf, and not as physical (although he can toss players around) his puck skills are much better. Take away any team's top 3 players, and they are usually left with second and third liners. The way Ottawa structures lines, that happens to be their top players. One of the keys for Philly's success during their injuries. Hitch is one of, if not the best coaches in the league. He plays a very structured system, which is easily adaptable for weaker players because it's based on stopping and not creating. Ottawa plays a run and gun system, which is dependant on very skilled players to handle the oppurtunity. When Healthy, Ottawa is a deeper team, because their top line eats up all the difficult checkers and their 2nd and 3rd lines match up very well against any other teams. Philly is a great team, and close to Ottawa, especially since they match up well (in styles), but I have a hard time believing Ottawa is a "one-line team"

[beaucoup_fish 0]

the deepest on the blueline is the Sens.

I still like the Flames blueline the best. Before everyone screams about 6-5 shoot-outs in the Northwest, I will still take these guys for first pass out of the zone, team toughness, and depth. The Sens are playing the much weaker teams in the East than Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, or Colorado play in the West. I would love to throw Ottawa in the Northwest Division and see them play those 4 teams the 32 times the schedule would call for. There is no way they win 75% of those games. #1- I can't wait for the playoffs to see who upsets Ottawa in the East. I won't be surprised when it happens. I'm calling it an upset because the Sens fans will be sooooo upset. #2- If the Sens make it to the Finals, the West teams will be battle ready for the Sens. The West teams will have a tougher road to the Finals but will be stronger for the higher level of playoff intensity they fight through. This is all just history repeating itself.

Yeah weird how weak the East conference is considering East's record vs West is around the .500 mark and vice versa. Id say they are about equal. And yeah I don't think Colorado is much of a powerhouse anymore, and the Canucks have been sucking it up real bad lately too (they always sucked on the road) and Calgary well until they start scoring some goals and winning games by more then a goal then they can be considered serious contender. Don't forget this is the new nhl a team that puts up 2 goals a game won't win the cup you can mark my words.

So you guys think that Ottawa's d is not tought enough, well I am pretty sure there is guy called CHARA on it, Ottawa on d has a good mix of grit size and speed. And yeah Calgary has a very good D but its been more of their goalie bailing them out then the D it self.

I believe with a healthy team Ottawa is a strong favorite for the finals, but hey the playoffs are like a new season and the cup is up for grabs to any of the 16 teams that enter them.

I won't call the Avs a powerhouse either. They need a big game goalie big time. However, the Avs can turn in an awesome "A" game and bomb you before you know it. And speaking of tough, Rob Blake is still one of the best and meanest D men around. Get him pissed off and you'll be sorry. The Nucks are another hot/cold team that when hot is trouble because hot for them is top two lines going balls to the wall. Can't stop Bert and Nazzy, oh crap here come 22/33/77 on fire and mixing it up in the attack zone. Another tough D with Jovo(I don't care if you don't like him. Good enuff for Gretz is good enuff for me), Ohland and and Salo(don't laugh, he's got 26 points already). Again, the goalie is the problem for consistency. Kipper may bail out Flames D, if you think so but his shots against are low for quality chances. The Flames D keeps you away from high percentage shooting areas. They struggle on offence but I will always be wary of any team in the playoffs who have been to the Finals recently. This team was there and they do have the core guys back for the next push. The Oil is the cat with nine lives and 3 goalies. They will play run and gun hockey any night. Don't turn off the game after the first period either. These boys have got gas for the third period and that is when they put it together. If it weren't for the double deflection goal on New Year's Eve, the Oil/Flames would have done OT and a shootout, for sure. Their top four D are minute munchers. Pronger rides herd while Bergeron swoops around and the Smith/Staios combo is tough in their own end.

The Sens have alot to offer. I really think they are teasing their fans with their fantastic play. Chara is toughest D man around but he can't play 60 minutes. The other D are excellent but when puck is in the other end, I could play D for Sens and look good tapping my stick at the point! There is a significant difference when your first line is so awesome and the 2/3 lines drop off. And please Smoke is not a #1 center. He can try like Thomas the Train but he just doesn't have the complete package to carry that label. Would you rather have Spezza or Smoke at # 1 center? The answer is obvious. Old man river Hasek is just a minute away from a senior moment. Coach Murray might want to think about resting him in 06. He might as well get Emery some playing time because he could be #1 goalie any time.

Its a long, short ride to April and Round 1. The Sens should really ease up on the throttle or they will find the tank empty on opening night of the playoffs 2006.

Hear, hear! Sami Salo is underrated. Prongs is still a horse, and I love Gator. And how can you not love M.A. Bergeron? That hit on Morrow still gives me goosebumps. Rounding out the top four - Steady Steve Staios. Good call, DarkStar.

[donkey87 0]

With Havlat out for a couple of months with an injury, the Sens are a one line team. Take away Spezza, Alfredsson, and Heatley and who do you have left? A solid third line, but not a legitiment second line. On the plus side the Sens, do have a solid set of D men.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Take away any team's top 4 forwards and they don't look so hot. I don't know if Ottawa is destined for glory this year, but I know, when the team is healthy, they have the tools to beat anyone in the league.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

With Havlat out for a couple of months with an injury, the Sens are a one line team. Take away Spezza, Alfredsson, and Heatley and who do you have left? A solid third line, but not a legitiment second line. On the plus side the Sens, do have a solid set of D men.

You take those three, and they're still a one line team, even with Havlat in the lineup. One guy doesn't make an entire line.

[tiki21 0]

With Havlat out for a couple of months with an injury, the Sens are a one line team.  Take away Spezza, Alfredsson, and Heatley and who do you have left?  A solid third line, but not a legitiment second line.  On the plus side the Sens, do have a solid set of D men.

You take those three, and they're still a one line team, even with Havlat in the lineup. One guy doesn't make an entire line.

well first, didnt you say taking alfredsson off of the first line ruined them? so maybe one player does make a line?

ok, why dont you take away 2/3 of the sens top line and see what happens, it looks like they were still winning, and now spezza is back..

and you also mentioned primeau has 3 30 plus goal seasons? how many years ago was that? the sens third liners are on the rise, and the flyers third liners are on the decline.

edit: you also mention smoklinski isnt a first line center? well thats why he isnt their first line center... he is good enough to fill in for a couple of games.. when forsberg goes down, who do the flyers have?

[Eazy_b97 1]

Richards, Carter, Primeau, Handzus... when they are all healthy.

[mack 44]

can i quote all the posts into one? someone show me kthnx

[beaucoup_fish 0]

well first, didnt you say taking alfredsson off of the first line ruined them?  so maybe one player does make a line?

and you also mentioned primeau has 3 30 plus goal seasons?  how many years ago was that?  the sens third liners are on the rise, and the flyers third liners are on the decline.

No, I didn't say that, and I don't think Peter Schaefer is going to score 30 goals this year...or the next. At least Primeau has them period - so he has accomplished something - and that something being in the "old," clutch and grab NHL. Mike Fisher has a chance, but we'll see how that goes. Now, Vermette, he could be something special.

[tiki21 0]

ok, well the sens are a solid team, and they are deep, if someone goes down, no matter what line they have someone to replace them... if they have two players go down, they can replace two players.. but seriously if their whole first line went down, that would just be unlucky, and probably wouldnt happen, so why does it matter if the sens take their whole top line away? it wouldnt happen....

the flyers dont have players that would be able to step in to fill in for forsberg or gagne.. so if the sens are a one line team, the flyers are a two player team.

[tbayrulz_10 0]

i agree also that vermette will be something special IMO hes one of the yop 5 fastest players in the nhl

[donkey87 0]

ok, well the sens are a solid team, and they are deep, if someone goes down, no matter what line they have someone to replace them... if they have two players go down, they can replace two players..

Alfredsson and Spezza were both out with injuries. Who filled their spots?

The Flyers have plenty of depth. Carter, Richards, Handzus, Knuble, and Kapanen. Don't forget that Forsberg missed quite a few games early in the season and Philly still managed to win.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

ok, well the sens are a solid team, and they are deep, if someone goes down, no matter what line they have someone to replace them... if they have two players go down, they can replace two players.. but seriously if their whole first line went down, that would just be unlucky, and probably wouldnt happen, so why does it matter if the sens take their whole top line away? it wouldnt happen....

the flyers dont have players that would be able to step in to fill in for forsberg or gagne.. so if the sens are a one line team, the flyers are a two player team.

I'm sorry, but who on the Sens is supposed to replace Spezza and Alfredsson when they're out? Havlat is also out, but he'd make a capable replacement for either. Beyond that, I think you'd have a pretty tough time convincing someone that Peter Schaefer, Mike Fisher or Bryan Smolinski is of the calibre that Spezza or Alfredsson is...

I think you're delusional if you think that this team is somehow the '03-'04 Avalanche, where if you take away Sakic, Forsberg and Hejduk, you still have Tanguay, Kariya and Selanne. Now THAT, was ridiculous. I wonder how that season would've played out had Kariya and Selanne been completely healthy...

[Chadd 916]

Or if they had a half decent head coach.