[Hextall_Fan88]

How long do you think the current losing streak will last?? The way were playing, I hardly doubt we'd be able to beat Columbus or St. Louis.

Things aren't gonna get better either. Rangers twice, Buffalo once and I think Montreal again before the Olympic break...

I predict us losing to the Rangers in our 1st game, winning against them in our 2nd, but losing against Montreal and Buffalo.

As long as we play like we did today against Tampa, I am sure my predictions will hold true.

[tmcc]

Without Forsberg playing, without Nedved producing, and WITH guys like Brash and Bundy on the team still, I predict more struggles ahead unless some changes come about.

[Hextall_Fan88]

tmcc, is it possible another trade is on the horizon?? and if so, who will we be going for? Will Clarke finally get a proven, consistent #1 goalie? or another scoring centerman or winger?


I don't mind seeing our young goalies show their stuff, and of course Nitty is our future, but it would be nice to see him sit off a few games, with a goalie that can easily do the job, *cough* "Florida". Nitty needs some kind of mentor and he's a year away from being our starter. Esche doesn't seem to be doing that at all.

[Tocchet22]

Remember the firs game esche was back how awesome he played. If anything they should stop being cautious and leave esche in there for a couple games. Its typical Philadelphia fans though the team goes on a losing streak and everyone wnats to trade goalies give up on esche(they guy who played awesome in the 04 playoffs) The only person i feel that needs to be trading from this team is Therien........bum

[Hextall_Fan88]

haha, yeah, I know I'm a typical philly fan, but..

just imagine for a moment having Luongo in net for us. (long term)


I agree with letting Esche playing a few games to get his confidence up, but, a guy like Esche has reached his potential and, sure he was great in the playoffs, but who have we not had in the past few years who isn't good in the playoffs??

boucher was great, as was cechmanek (thing with cechmanek was that we only scored a couple goals to help him in the 5 plus games we played), and as you said, esche was awesome in 04'

what can I say, we just seem to have bad luck every postseason. A move now would maybe shake up the team though and show them that anyone can possible be moved...

even bundy,

[tmcc]

Originally posted by Hextall_Fan88
tmcc, is it possible another trade is on the horizon?? and if so, who will we be going for? Will Clarke finally get a proven, consistent #1 goalie? or another scoring centerman or winger?


I don't mind seeing our young goalies show their stuff, and of course Nitty is our future, but it would be nice to see him sit off a few games, with a goalie that can easily do the job, *cough* "Florida". Nitty needs some kind of mentor and he's a year away from being our starter. Esche doesn't seem to be doing that at all.

I don't think Hitch or Clarke will think about dealing either goalie, not this year. Remember we stuck with Cechmanek for quite some time before we realized he can't stop choking in the playoffs. And both these goalies are MUCH better than him. Your team focuses around your goalie(s) and for a team that is doing well this season (until now honestly) I don't see such a dramatic trade going through at this time of the year.

Now if we were someone like Boston or Montreal, yes, deal for a goalie. And I have a feeling both teams will be without their big named goalies after the deadline.

A prediction before the deadline??? I'd say some young kids may be on their way out. I don't see Zeus going anywhere or Sami, Savage, Knuble, or Gagne (obviously). I would hate to see Richards or Carter go and I don't think Clarke would deal them anyway. If we could get our crew healthy before the deadline (at least Eric, Joni, and Kim) I'd be extemely happy going into the playoffs. I think Stevenson, Rado, Therien, Jones, Brash (if someone would take him), and Umberger could be dished for some scoring on the wings. I wouldn't mind Samsonov to be honest.

[Chris]

Let's not jump off any bridges yet.. we're going through a slump.. all teams go through slumps. I think it's just going to take some waiting out, we'll return to form at the right time. I think we've been almost "too good" in the regular season and worn ourselves out for the playoffs in past years. Maybe this is the way to go, we're on top of our division, it's still great to get points, but we don't need to win every single game, although the Tampa Bay game was a measuring stick.

We'll be back to our winning ways in no time. Boy, I sound like an optimist. But it's true.

[dutch74]

I agree with Chris... I think this is just a bad stretch for the team. Heck, they're still on top of the division! Besides, I'd rather see them go through this now than towards the bottom half of the season. Whether they snap out before or after the Olympics, (against my previous judgment) I think the break will be good for them to get perspective on what's going on and come back with a fresh energy to go out and get the cup.

As for the Lightning, they play a good team game but their talent level isn't what it was when they won the cup. When the flyers are playing at the top of their game, they're unstoppable. And, I don't mind seeing a lot of players out right now because we will get them back for the playoffs. This is going to turn around... it's just the dulldrums of mid-season. It'll build a lot of character and bring the team together... then watch out!

[metalflyer1216]

This is the inevitable slump that every team goes through. The Olympic break will really help this team get healthy again.

[dutch74]

A note on Samsanov... that guy is waaaaay to injury prone... we don't need another gimp on this team... we have plenty

maybe TB will trade Martin St. Boogie to us

[Hextall_Fan88]

......for Bundy and a 7th round pick....

[PhillyFan2578]

The streak ends tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fully-Bully]

Originally posted by metalflyer1216
This is the inevitable slump that every team goes through. The Olympic break will really help this team get healthy again.

I totally agree that this is the " inevitable slump " and I really hope that we can peak for the playoffs. I haven't heard who if any have pulled themselves from the Olympics. Please correct me if there are any mistakes here : Niitty, Esche, Knuble, Hatcher, Forsberg, Johnsson, Pitkanen, Kapanen, Handzus and Gagne. They could be a tired bunch after the Olympics . . . I would love to see Forsberg, Pitkanen, Johnsson pull out and save themselves, if they haven't done so already ! !

[Hextall_Fan88]

I agree, I wish they would pull out.. I think their NHL team and contract comes first..

[tmcc]

Bully I'm sure you heard last night that Kapanen pulled himself for that very reason. He knows his shoulder isn't perfect so he needs the time to recoup and get ready for the playoffs. Smart move if you ask me. I wish Forsberg would do the same. We need him 110% by playoff time.

I heard though that he's like a god in Sweden and if he doesn't play the Swedes may rebel.

[Hextall_Fan88]

I can see that happening, "Riots in Stockholm.."


I wish Forsberg and Pitkanen + Johnsson would all pull themselves out, but I doubt if thats happening. I'm glad Kapanen is concerned.

[PhillyFan2578]

Originally posted by PhillyFan2578
The streak ends tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just call me Nostradamus.

Hopefully, last night was just what the doctor ordered. How great is it to have a big scoring threat like Pitkanen back on the blue line? His legs looked a lot better last night as well.

GO TO HELL BUNDY AND JONES!!!!

[Fully-Bully]

Originally posted by tmcc
Bully I'm sure you heard last night that Kapanen pulled himself for that very reason. He knows his shoulder isn't perfect so he needs the time to recoup and get ready for the playoffs. Smart move if you ask me. I wish Forsberg would do the same. We need him 110% by playoff time.

I heard though that he's like a god in Sweden and if he doesn't play the Swedes may rebel.

Great news about Kap ! ! Crossing fingers for Forsberg ! !