Dabura

I'm with Malts, actually. I do not, NOT, trust this blue line to win a Cup. But Holland did try to land Edler, so we know he's aware of the issue. Would Sens fans really rally around it? That'd be something. I'm not trolling you when I ask, How are the Sens doing? I know there have been some issues with Team D (shots on goal), but it seems like Ryan is fitting in really well, and Karlsson seems to be in fine form.

Are those ice pads? LOL. That's like me right now.

Maybe Greiss will be in for Smith? It being the second night of a back-to-back and all. I hate Babs.

I think the lack of compliments is perhaps the ultimate compliment for a steady defensive defenseman like him. He's been quiet in the best sense. But we all know he's not winning the Calder.

Maybe we're showcasing Sammy. Yeah, that's it. Everything's ok. *rocks back and forth. in the corner*

WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY. Tootoo has been great. And our PP has been clicking. What the flying EFF are you thinking, Babbles? Unless he's just giving Sammy some work in practice so he doesn't get rusty. I guess I'd be ok with that. But if Sammy's in and we lose, I will throw the biggest tantrum. STOP PLAYING WIITH MY EMOTIONATIONS

So will it be Alfie or Bert on the first line? Or are they going to swap at some point, or several points, in the game? Alfie has looked pretty good on the third line, but he also looked good with Z and D. And Bert gives the third line a little more sandpaper, which it needs, IMHO. Also, come on, Zetterberg - Datsyuk - Alfredsson. That's one of the sickest things I've ever read.

It was a dirty hit. It's exactly the sort of hit The Powers That Be want out of the game. What I really dislike about it is he doesn't let up, follows through with and finishes his check. He had short notice, yes, but he had enough time to stop himself from driving Kronwall('s head) into the boards with force.

I'm almost kinda sorta maybe possibly hoping that Gusty gets the start in net, because we seem to play better collective D when he's in net, and lord knows we'll need to be responsible with Kronner out. Time for Smith to redeem himself.

Also, Kronwall wasn't off-balance. Though ultimately that might not mean anything.

You're going on eight games. I and others have already brought up the adjustment angle - a decade in a completely different system, completely different team and organization and all that stuff. But, again, he was very good as a Panther. How many Panthers games have you caught over the past ten years or so? Because I've seen my fair share (I like them. Not exactly a fan, but I do like them. If that makes any sense), and I feel totally justified in saying Weiss was a great add. He just needs time. Almost any guy in his situation would.

Flip was good for us. At times, very good. He just wasn't what we really needed him to be. The hope is that Weiss - who was very good as a Panther - can be That Guy. That simple. IMHO.

Cause for cautious optimism

Basically I was leaving it up to you guys to fill in the blank. I figured it's generally accepted that we could really use a top defenseman, so I guess the question is essentially "Would you be willing to part with Franzen and Smith if it meant landing That Elite Defenseman we need (assuming you agree we need him. And if you don't, then make him a scoring winger. There's no gun to your head here)?" Then again, "Would you trade Franzen and Smith for [i'M NOT TELLING!!!]?" is a pretty cool question. Very new-age.

For what it's worth, we're tied with the Pens and Leafs for first in the East. (Though technically we're in second.) http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/standings/

I say six.

Great image gallery

Colorado's McLeod offered in-person hearing Sorry if this was already posted.

1. I agree with pretty much all of this 2. Direct link to the thing I indirectly linked to in my previous post 2.5. Just awesome:

I think anyone who plays for the Panthers for over a decade would need more than eight games to really get going on this team. And don't forget: he missed most of last season. Weiss is a very good player. I'm not worried.

http://kuklaskorner.com/tmr/comments/pavel-datsyuk-remains-the-funniest-man-in-hockey You haven't been watching.

More Alsos: - Gusty has been awesome. Two weak let-ins tonight, but overall? Clutch - I think that was Mackinnon Dats sort of out-muscled on his first goal - The second Dats goal - he kicked it up to his stick blade! Silly-good

+1 Highlander reference

That one shift was nuts. I mean, he had a solid game. But that one shift. Wow.

This. It's really not a difficult concept. Franzen shows up, yayyy. Franzen doesn't show up, boooo.