Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I think they're the ones that got hurt the most from the realignment. That division is TOUGH. If they were in the Central, I think they'd make it. But there are a lot of good teams in the Pierre's boner division.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Too late to edit my above, but to add;

@Real_ESPNLeBrun Cleary thanked Flyers for PTO but said he had change of heart, wants to stay in Detroit. Taking less than market value for sure.

Everyone can have whatever opinion they want but mine is that STL is coming off the rails this year. They'll make the playoffs but the Hawks are gonna coast through what is now a joke division.

A lot of people had STL winning the cup last year, I had them nowhere near it. The Hawks are gonna roll that division.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I think they're better than most people think.

If Bobrovsky is at least 80% of what he was last year they'll make a run.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

What makes you think this? Gut feeling?

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Bonzo is always in here talking about how bad the blues are going to be :lol

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Oh, I really like their squad. I think Dubinsky has a bounce back year, along with Umberger.

I love the addition of Horton for immediate contention, and Gaborik is well...Gaborik.

They have one of the most underrated blue lines in the NHL, and BOBROVSKY! #1 COP ON THE FORCE! is obviously great for them between the pipes.

It's not that I don't think they will be competitive, I just think it's really tough to make the playoffs in the East, and some good teams will end up on the outside looking in.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

:lol I know, I'm just curious.

Tarasenko being healthy for them is huge. If they can stay relatively healthy this year, there's no way I see them ending up with less than 100 points.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

:thumbsup Ryan Murray could be part of that blue line this year too. For the sake of hockey in Columbus let's hope they find a way.

First time in their history that there has been any excitement about them starting a season.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Somewhat related question fro you gents...

Curious is anyone is watching Fox Sports 1 these days, and what you think of Jay and Dan?

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I really hope they do. They're my favorite Eastern Conference team this year, followed by the Rangers. Hope they do well.

When I was in Columbus for work the past couple times, I always stop at the R Bar. Great little place. Really hope that succeeds in Columbus.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

They're the absolute best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufeurxb_OIo

They are certainly not going "all out" quite yet, and easing in to it, but it's so awesome being able to watch them instead of ESPN garbage.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Yeah R Bar is fun. Have you ever been there during/after a game?

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I haven't. Last time I was there during hockey season was the 22nd-24th of April...so they were on that road stretch and of course those were the 3 days they weren't playing. :thumbsdow

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

I watched a little the first morning they were on but that's it. Not that I'm watching ESPN either but with a 2.5 year old, if I have the tv on in the living room it sure isn't anything I want to watch.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

That's a great value for Cleary. Detroit knew they held the advantage because he wanted to return.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Nice that it was not the 3 year deal they offered earlier this summer.

Now the biggest question who wears 11 for the Wings?

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Tim, where are the Wings going to clear up cap room? They're way over right now.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Cleary will. I think I saw Alfie will be in 24.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

some updates: http://skateinthecrease.weebly.com/2...r-13-2013.html

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

...but then I saw something to the contrary today, so................

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REAqCB9vfbU

I hope people realize how insanely impressive this is.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

This is for you, my friend:

http://www.freep.com/usatoday/article/2807341

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

:eek:eek

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Holy mother of jesus

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

finalizing plans to head down to Nashville for my bday for the Hawks games. gonna be awesome

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Trying to not get my hopes toooo high (#bluejays) but anything short of the playoffs will be a disappointment now. I think they have it in them.

I can certainly see the Blackhawks/Penguins parallels here though. I still maintain they need to trade Yakupov for a top 4 d-man....Also, Eberle will be the best player on this team long term - no doubt in my mind about that.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Yeah, I mean, they certainly have the talent at forward to draw parallels to the Hawks/Pens/Wings/etc., but that backend is where they need to develop. I don't know if they could trade Hemsky or Smyth at this trade deadline for high draft picks and/or blue line talent, but if they can, they should, and then draft some blue liners that are close to NHL ready.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

No doubt we lack on the blue line, and to a lesser extent in net. I feel like Dubnyk has what it will take, but the proof will be in the pudding. Obviously a stronger blue line would help that.

Depending on how he plays, Hemsky could certainly have some trade value. It's no secret he was on the market over the summer but it sounds like they came to an agreement to keep him on the squad and he *seems* happy to be staying here.

Smyth on the other hand....he'll play out this year with the Oilers and retire as one. I don't see that going any other way to be honest.

Re: The NHL 2013-14 Thread
 

Oh, and Pietrangelo has agreed to a 7-year contract with the Blues just now.