Mr Mellow

True this... I'm tired of opponents screwing with our goalies with no retribution. I'm tired of our forwards not sniffing their goal when there is a stoppage. Where is the SANDPAPER! Where is the GRIT! These kids better start growing up and/or KA better find some truly NASTY vets. I've been watching on DirecTV (lived all over the US) since the 1970's and this is getting old.

Agree with this post. I was as PO'd at the lack of emotion in the Pitt game last night, but at this point in the season it's not time to splatter your set with birdshot. I don't think these guys have an identity yet. Last year's run and gun was fun but we don't have Hasek back there to keep the score down on odd man rushes. This year they seem to play more tentatively on O but still haven't improved much on D. I say go with the run and gun identity and hope the goalie tandem improves (they will). At least if we lose it will be fun...It doesn't look like this team is having much fun yet this year! I too was quite surprised that they didn't go out and get a proven starter in net to help out Levi. That's on KA. Last couple of years you knew that you'd get a solid start from Andy once a week. Thus far we don't have a stopper, at least not yet. I also would have let Okposo go, but kept Girgs. Kyle just doesn't have much left and it's time for this team to be led by Tuch, Dahlin and The Workhorse. As far as the FA D-men, I'm underwhelmed, but again, it's early. I think this team will slowly improve this year and least challenge for a playoff spot, but I had hoped for more...

Bringing back Zadorov, huh? I think I like it. Haven't seen a lot of him lately but I was impressed. Dumba would be a great pick up but I'm not sure KA has the nads to go for both of them. I like your wish list though...

After he was benched early in the season he played with a lot of grit that I hadn't seen before. He got cold, scoring-wise, at the end but he has good skill on a team full of skilled forwards. Keep him on the grinding line and continue to develop his offensive game. Not sure who will be paired up with him next year, but how about Kulich and Jost. Skill, grit and a high ceiling for this three. If an injury occurs to any of the other centers, I have faith that Krebs will keep his motor in overdrive and backfill admirably.

Not sure what kind of 2-way player he is. For what he'll cost he needs to hustle on the backcheck. I believe we finished 3rd in league scoring but near the bottom in goals against so all facets of defensive play must improve for us to take the next step.

If KA can get a decent return, then I say let him go to make room for the youngsters. But he does have some value that I would not be so quick to dismiss. His defense is mediocre on a good day but the guy can score some goals for you, especially when he's on a streak. I'd miss watching him on the PP, but he's a frustrating player on the backcheck. Perhaps Kulich will make me forget about him because I also doubt that VO will be back.

Adams/Granato: B+ Front office let "the process" work by developing their own with a few tweaks and got Levi to the big show in time for some excitement. Granato developed his young team and made them better, especially offensively. That's called coaching. We'll still be one of the youngest teams, if not THE youngest, in the league again. The future is bright. Since they weren't expected to sniff the playoffs this year and nearly made it: A- OVERALL Forwards: B+ Would be an A except for their awful backchecking. Defense: D nearly an F but for Samuelson Goalies: C- They were hung out to dry a lot but did not bail out the team with big saves often enough. PP: B Too Streaky PK: C Too many big goals at crucial times. MVP: Thompson ROY: Samuelson with consideration to Quinn and Power MIP: Cozens Many improved under Donnie Meatballs but Cozens became a star this year. Unsung Hero: Tuch His enthusiasm it contagious and he has much more skill and grit than I thought when we got him! Respect for Dahlin as well for this award. IF we can develop the defense next year and pick up a savvy veteran defender with gas left in the tank, these guys will FINALLY make the playoffs next year and be SCARY GOOD for years to come!