Carmel Corn

Scandella now with Dahlin? Hate that combo too! Scandella is like using Anise in food, makes everything worse.

How about the Leafs....maybe he can continue to share his defensive prowess against the Sabres when we play them.

I don't think the Risto Scandella combo is working....I would like to see Marco sit a few games and bring back Beaulieu.

If you do and he asks about it, just tell him you noticed he was a Leaf's fan and you thought the new trim work would be a tribute to their coach.....Mike Bab****

Agreed, I suspect Stamkos and company will find another gear or two and tilt the ice.

Sometime I wish they would go back to good ol' wood sticks. Many fond memories of Koho's, Victoriaville's, etc.

Kind of what I was thinking....but as a slight variation....simply shoot the puck (vs. overpassing). Second, effort....or in the Sabres case not enough....other team's PK are outworking them Last, no Okposo please.

The only scenario trade-wise I can see is getting somebody else's bad contract in return. Maybe a situation where we take a player with an even higher annual cap hit, but less year's remaining. Perhaps a player who's game that somehow "fits" better than KO's.

My $.02 - Pomminstein was a good alternative to Sam on the first line. With two speedy guys already, he could find his space and take advantage of some good feeds by the other two. He still has a good/quick shot and can score IMHO. As far as Mittelstadt, I agree that he needs somebody other than Okposo. I would like to see a prolonged experiment with Mittelstadt, Sheary and TT together. It may flop, but why not try....not just for a couple shifts, but several games. I don't like some of the d-combo's either, especially Dahlin with Scandella. Marco still looks bad to me this year and he's taking Dahlin down with him plus forcing him to play on the right side (I prefer seeing Dahlin on the left). Last, I don't like Housley's PP period and some of it has to do with who is together on the ice. Really can't stand seeing Okposo out there in particular...he has no finesse to play on the PP.

To make the playoffs: 1. Find a legit 2C solution before we slide down to 9th, 10th, 11th, etc. 2. Fix the powerplay (they have the skill, but IMHO the coaching is suspect here) 3. Consistent effort vs. long lapses of coasting and watching the other team's skate around you. I dread the second period of each game especially. To succeed in the playoffs: 4. See 1, 2 and 3 above plus 5. Figure out a way to add some sand and grit to this team. Look at the Cap's as an example...Wilson is a wrecking machine, their stars play with an edge. Skill and grit combined!

Agreed, fans should not be unrealistic about what an 18 YO can do. The poster would probably complain if Dahlin was too conservative to reduce or eliminate mistakes. Everybody expects mistakes, but you can't pin the "paying customer" label solely on a rookie like this either. I think it is much more appropriate to use the paying customer argument ton the guys with fat contracts getting nothing done (ex. Okposo).

I don't take it for granted that Mittelstadt will develop into a bonafide 2C period. The kid has great hands, but not seeing much else...he may not be suited for the NHL. Jack has a history of getting hurt each season as well, can't count on him to be healthy for a full season. My point is, we need management to find multiple options for center on this team. The center pipeline is really weak and needs fortification in order to be a serious contender. It may not be achieved quickly via the draft as the last time we tried to load up on C's was with Grigorenko and Girgensons in 2013. IMHO, it's going to require a trade.

I'd love to see the PP improve.....but I have no confidence HCPH can get them there. Disco Dan's 2016-2017 team had a 24.5% PP success rate, which was #1 in the league. HCPH's team only hit 19.1% last year....ranked around 20th or so. This year, the percentage is even worse with arguably more talent (18.8%). It's actually getting worse, not better. Just part of my skepticism that he is not the right man for the job.

However, with ROR I could see two (vs. one) legit scoring lines. Last year I though ROR played well with Sam, so add Sheary and maybe there's production there. I thought Jack with Skinner and Pominville played well as a line earlier too....Poms has not done much since getting moved off. Our record is not necessarily better because ROR is gone...but an improved D is certainly a big factor. From a coaching standpoint, asst. coach Smith may be a factor. However, HCPH has still done nothing to address the PP, still pretty putrid.

Games like tonight again cause me to think that ownership and management need to decide what they want to try to achieve this year....stand pat with keeping our prospects and picks for the long-term or compete to win now. Tough call yes...but games like tonight remind me too much of last year from a talent standpoint and question if we really have the right coach to lead this team to ultimate success.

Nobody on D has a more complete game.....we have more skill back there, but he is consistently the only one who dishes out any punishment.

"Sometimes" it is necessary to show the other team you are willing to pay a price....better yet, initiate something vs. just taking it.

Agree....Dahlin with Scandella makes no sense at all. Scandella is pulling Dahlin down to his level.....plus playing the wrong side.

I'd be willing to throw in Okposo to sweetin' the deal.

Been thinking lately that Mitts may never develop into the legit 2C. Yes he's a rookie, looks and plays like a boy out there which is expected. However I question if even longer term he has the game that will translate into the type of player we hope for. Great hands, but is that really enough? I don't see much speed in his game and certainly really soft out there otherwise....I don't know, but feeling less confident he will develop.

Even "if" this team makes the playoffs, they lack the grit and toughness to go very far. Risto is the only player that has the toughness needed...the rest are too soft otherwise.

Pay the man!

Special teams still a weakness on this team. PP unable to capitalize on the 5-3 and the PK still too passive IMHO....enabled Florida to maintain possession with no puck pressure and BOOM, in our net.

TT and CS do seem to be working well together tonight!

I wish they only sucked. Tonight they make me wish Wally Harris was still wearing stripes.