2013-2014 NHL

[theoneandonly]

With the resurgence of the Pirates and the debacle that the Steelers have become the chatter on the upcoming NHL season has been almost nonexistent. Even though the end of last season was once again disappointing there is still reason for hope that a 4th Cup can find it's way back to Pittsburgh.

Without going into much detail... as long as 87/71 are healthy the Pens will compete for the top spot in the EC. I expect to see Beau Bennett take a big step forward this year. I also anticipate at least one of the young D-man from WBS getting the call up and impressing quickly.

I could talk to I'm blue in the face about why I think this team can get over the hump but it all comes back to goal-tending. For years I've stood by MAF even with all his epic collapses in the playoffs. Last year that faith really got pushed to the brink. It's kinda like being in a relationship and all your buddies telling you that your significant other is cheating on you but you refuse to believe it. Then one day... wham! You have no choice but to believe it... I'm holding out about 1% hope that a new goalie coach and a few visits to the sports psychologist can get him back to form. The recent near death of TV certainly doesn't help this overall situation. The Pens may need that vaunted offense to score 5+ goals a game just to have a shot.

I can't wait to hear from Konjo about how awful the Pens are and how great the Flyers and Giroux are only to have him vanish when the going gets tough.


LGP!

[konjo78]

Predictions for seeding for stanley cup playoffs/new divisions.

1. Boston
2. New York
3. Detriot
4. Tampa Bay
5. Pittsburgh
6. ottowa
7. Philadelphia
8. New jersey

West.
1. Black Hawks
2. Kings
3. Blue jackets
4. Sharks
5. Stars
6. wild
7. Coyotes
8. Predators.

This will be an interesting season with the changes and all. I do feel that metropolitan division in east is much better than the other 4. But that is biased.

[Manfred]

Crosby, MAF, and co. looked like they came ready to get after a Cup last night. Comments? I don't follow all the off season moves, or the exhibitions much- where did they get Kobasew? Who knows much about him?

[theoneandonly]

Kobasew was invited to camp for a tryout and ended up earning a spot. I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure I read somewhere a few weeks ago that him and Sid are friends and workout together in the offseason. I'd imagine that (if true) was the main reason he even got a shot. So far so good though. At $550k its a very low risk investment with hopefully a good return.

MAF looked good last night... granted it was against the lowly Devils. I'll take it though. As good as he looked last night it's still sort of irrelevant until he proves he can do it starting with the 83rd game of the year.

I thoroughly enjoyed this teams new commitment to defense. The offense will always be there (except against Boston in the ECF) but it's nice to see a defensively responsible team. Will be interesting to see how Kris Letang fits into that.

[theoneandonly]

Still very early but no complaints so far. MAF has looked confident thus far, just hope he can do this when it really matters.

Offense is still chugging right along even though Malkin has yet to get going and Neal isn't healthy. The new JJ looks like a man on a mission, what a bargain.

I'll be surprised if Maatta doesn't get sent back down when Letang comes back but he is going to make it an awfully tough decision. This kid (only 19) looks like he is going to be the real deal.

Ladies and Gentelman: Konjos 2013-14 MVP Claude Giroux... 4GP 0-G 0-A and a -2 +/-.

[Manfred]

SO sad!

[abpk2903]

I hope they send Maata back for some more work in Juniors. It's easy to notice the talent but I've seen him out of position a few too many times and he has also made some non-NHL caliber passes coming out of the defensive zone. With the pens new commitment to defense and Letang coming back as an offensive pretense on the blueline, I'm not too sure where Maata will fit this year. The Pens aren't in a position where they need to rush along prospects. Let him get some work in and we can see him next year.

[theoneandonly]

Oh i'm not suggesting he shouldn't be sent back down.. just stating he could probably hack it at NHL level if he had to. Having too many NHL caliber dmen certainly isn't a bad problem to have, at all.

[Eaglealum]

Kobesew is 32 and his name is vaguely familiar, but he compliments sutters line well... Great addition! Matta will be a good one, but his puck handling needs a lil work. Overall I like the looks of this team... Should be in a home ice situation come playoffs

[theoneandonly]

Since Konjo seems to disappear once the actual season rolls around I figured I'd let everyone know how well the Flyers are doing in this young season. Philly is off to a stellar start with a 1-5 record and a grand total of 8 goals scored through 6 games. Konjo's pick for best player in the NHL/World is mirroring his team's terrific start with a grand total of 0 goals and 1 helper for a PPG of 0.16. Crosby, who is nowhere near Giroux's level according to hockey genius Konjo, has outscored the entire Flyers team by himself thru 6 games. Any amazing insight on this, Konjo?