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Pierre

  (4:06 PM)

Ok cool cats, let's roll

Joe Brown (Houston (TX))

Hi Pierre which starting 3 do you think will produce more points: Tampa Bay's or Anaheim's?

Pierre

  (4:07 PM)

Houston ! I love it. Flip a coin on that one my friend.The better question is which team's top-six forward will produce more? And that's an easy one _ Anaheim

Rob (Tampa, Florida)

With Tortorella's aggressive system, do you think the Rangers offense, both on even strength and on the power play, will be extremely more effective?

Pierre

  (4:08 PM)

Well, they could hardly be worst than last season. They will generate more offense to be sure, but they also need to cross their fingers that Gabby stays healhty

mike (NJ)

looks like the devils will once again try to bore NHL fans to death. The league has made the game more crowd pleasing and letting lemire coach a power house team Just ruins it. Lemire should be banned from the NHL.

Pierre

  (4:09 PM)

Not sure about ``powerhouse'' anymore. Lemaire is a great coach, Lou is a great GM, but on paper this team isn't int he same group as Pit, Pha, Wash and Boston

jon kratz (kenya)

Am a hockey player and a want to achieve big. How will i do in order to exploit my talent.

Pierre

  (4:10 PM)

Move to Canada :)

Andrew (PA)

I've heard that the flyers home jerseys are now the orange one. Is this true? if so, no more black one?

Pierre

  (4:10 PM)

No clue bud, fashion isn't my domain

Brian Burke (Toronto)

Hey Pierre how the heck do you figure the Sens to finish 8th and the Leafs 11th. You mean Leclaire is gunna make that big a difference. Other then that they lose a 50 goal score for two twenty goal scorers. The leafs have improved our defence to one of the best and deepest in the league. Toskala is healthy and if preseason is any indication he should have a much improved season. So come on don't you be drinking Bryan Murray's kool aid will ya.

Pierre

  (4:11 PM)

Burkey _ don't go all Irish Crazy on me _ the East is all one same group from sixth to 13th; roll a dice on where they all land in the end. A big jumble of mediocrity

Denis Lemieux (Charleston Chief)

Pierre who own da chief ?

Pierre

  (4:11 PM)

Who own the Coyotes ! Who own the Lightning !

philadelphia,PA [via mobile]

There has been rumors that ray emery has started misbehaving in philadelphia after only being there for only a few months.do you have any information on whether or not this is true?

Pierre

  (4:12 PM)

nope

Matthieu (France)

Bonjour again Pierre! First of all, thanks for the answer last time. i still have a question about Modano. As you confirmed me that it was his last season, so you know if there will be a ceremony this season, during his last regular season match at home or anything? I might be crazy enough to come back again to USA to see him play a last time!

Pierre

  (4:13 PM)

I did not confirm anything. Just my gut feeling. For now Modano is waiting until later on to make that decision. Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News actually told me the other day that it wouldn't surprise him if Modano played another season. Stay tuned !

peter (ottawa)

which coach will be fired fisrt this year?

Pierre

  (4:13 PM)

I don't like answering that question, makes me want to cheer for it

david (maryland)

Did the maple leafs pay a steep price in 2 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder to the bruins for phil kessel?

Pierre

  (4:14 PM)

Yes it was a steep price; we won't know until five years from now if it was worth it. If Kessel scores 40 goals a year and the leafs end up winning a championship ,then it was worth it

Chris (Pittsburgh)

Kansas City was at one point, just a few years ago, a stroke of a pen away from gaining my beloved Penguins franchise. However with all the talk of NHL restructuring they seem to now be out of any discussion from gaining an NHL team. Has hockey interest in KC been struck down?

Pierre

  (4:15 PM)

The Islanders are KC's best bet now but last night they drew only 9,000 plus in the 18,000-seat Sprint Center for the Isles-Kings game. Brutal. Read my blog on it

Ed C. (Boston)

Pierre, all of you forgot to add Quebec City to your list. They deserve to get a team back as much as Winnipeg and Hartford. All those cities got robbed.

Pierre

  (4:16 PM)

I didn't forget, Ed. I don't think Quebec City will ever build a new rink, which is what they need. Winnipeg built a new rink, even if it's 15,000 only...But also don't forget _ that realignment thing was just for yaks. Don't take it seriously

Rick Allen (San Diego, CA)

Nice Plan Pierre, can it work without supersonic jet flight to Europe? Your plan would probably increase an already long season. I like it though if you cut out a few games, say go to 70 or so and then can fit in the extra travel without expanding the season.

Pierre

  (4:17 PM)

I've flogged NHL teams in Europe for a long, long time. I'm not sure it's ever going to happen for various reasons, including the one you outlined, but what keeps me going back to the idea is how passionate I saw first-hand the fans are when I covered world championships in Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic, Germany, Russia over the years...

Bob Probert (Windsor, Ontario)

Do you think I'll be getting a call from Kenny Holland soon? The rest of the Norris, erm, I mean the Central is looking like the days of old: All the teams, minus the Wings, carry at least one tough -and most have scrappy middleweight s to boot, eh? Tema toughness is grand when your PP is clicking along at 25% -but that ain't gonna happen this year. Who is going to stop the Otts, Tootoos, Mike Browns and Jared Bolls from bouncing wee-Pavel Datsyuks head off the half-boards?

Pierre

  (4:18 PM)

Interesting point Bob. Maybe Todd Bertuzzi will be the guy?

Joe (Prague)

Hey Pierre! How come the NHL couldn't wait for the semester I'm in Prague to have the games here? But in all reality I can't wait for the season to start. What bottom-half team do you think is going to have the best start and which one do you think needs to have the best start?

Pierre

  (4:19 PM)

Buffalo needs a fast start. They're a real talented team but the core needs to believe more in itself.I think Atlanta will do better than people think.

Ryan (Muscatine, Iowa)

Pierre,I understand that the Coyotes likely aren't going to make the playoffs, but why is everyone writing them off as the worst team in the West this season? Sure they don't have the star firepower that other teams have but they addressed all of their weaknesses from last season. They got older on offense and defense and Lombardi and Upshall both played well in the desert after the deadline. Combine those with growth from their talented youngsters and a better season from Bryzgalov, is there hope this season that things could be looking better for the Yotes?

Pierre

  (4:20 PM)

Iowa ! niceI actually put Colorado last in the West. I think the reason people are down on the Coyotes is taht they believe the off-ice uncertainty will have a negative effect on the players' performance. I mean, you can expect a ton of empty seats this season. But you're right, they're more talented thatn people give them credit for

Jim Neveau (Bourbonnais, IL)

Your plan's inclusion of Seattle rules! I think they should get a team over Hamilton or Winnipeg or KC. Here's my question: is the possibility of the Islanders moving to KC dead after the half-full arena they drew last night?

Pierre

  (4:21 PM)

LOL, I love Seattle and I think they would do well supporting a team. I you read my blog today you'll see how I feel about KC now

Grant (Helena, MT)

I hear some state that the Bs losing Kessel will hurt them. But I wonder if Marco Sturm isn't somewhat of a seamless replacement. Speed to burn puts pressure on the D - crafty around the net - aren't they similar players ?

Pierre

  (4:22 PM)

They'll miss kessel's explosiveness but goal for goal I think a healthy Sturm (25 to 30 goals) and a more developed Wheeler (20 goals) should help make up the difference. But don't underestimate Kessel as a game-breaker

brian (philadelphia)

as far as moving teams what about a team in maybe anchorage, Alaska?

Pierre

  (4:23 PM)

With Scott Gomez as captain? Or Russell Crowe?

Chris (Halifax, NS)

Hey Pierre - just read the realignment plans, and it seems to me only you and Barry M took the assignment seriously. A "vagabond" team? Get real! It's no wonder that the NHL still suffers a poor image when "expert" writers dont even take something seriously. I *DIG* that your brought back the Campbell and Wales conferences! Kudos to you!

Pierre

  (4:24 PM)

Thanks Chris, I miss the old division and conference names.But I should point out the assignment as given to everyobody as something to have fun with.

Grant (Helena, MT)

Hey Pierre - saw your 'realignment' proposal. Are you flippin' crazy?! You think the league should split up the Bs-Canadiens rivalry? I wouldn't charge you with organizing a broom-ball league for crying out loud!

Pierre

  (4:24 PM)

LOL. You got me there :)

Dave (San Jose, CA)

Here's my suggestion for league adjustments.Phoenix changes to Winnepeg JetsFlorida changes to Portland PanthersAtlanta chance to Saskatoon ThrashersWestern ConferenceNorthwest DivisionPortland PanthersVancouver CanucksCalgary FlamesSaskatoon ThrashersEdmonton OilersPacific or Southwest San Jose SharksLA KingsAna DucksCol. AvalancheDallas StarsCentralWinnepeg JetsMinnesota WildChicago BlackhawksColumbus Blue JacketsDetroit Red WingsEastern ConferenceSoutheast DivisionTB LighteningNashville PredatorsCarolina HurricanesSt. Louis BluesWashington CapitalsAtlanticPitts. PenguinsPhil. FlyersNJ DevilsNY IslandersNY RangersNortheastToronto Maple LeafsOttawa SenatorsBuffalo SabresMontreal CanadiensBoston BruinsYour Thoughts??

Pierre

  (4:25 PM)

Better than what we have now, that's for sure. Not sure about Saskatoon though

AJ (Pittsburgh, Pa)

Their has been so much talk and rumor about a few teams possibly being relocated, but what is the chance that it actually happens?

Pierre

  (4:27 PM)

The league has made it its mandate to do everything it possibly can to avoid relocation in any market. But that doesn't mean it won't ultimately happen and I figure the Coyotes will probably be on the move a year from now; no matter who owns them

Marty (Chicago)

Everyone seems to want to move the Wings to the east for reasons like it would be easier for their travel because of the time zones. What about the west teams in the central time zone, like my hawks, who have to travel between 3 now, how is that fair? Move some teams around and split the conferences by time zones so I don't have to stay up to watch my hawks start at 10pm!

Pierre

  (4:28 PM)

Yes for some market it's not fun. It's the same in every sport.

Gerry (San Francisco, CA)

Pierre, of the four teams that have not made the playoffs since the lockout ended (Florida, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Toronto), which team or teams are likely to make the playoffs this season?

Pierre

  (4:28 PM)

Good question Gerry and my answer is Los Angeles. I think the Kings are on the rise and they'll be seventh or eighth in the West this season.

Sean (Winfield, IL)

Do you see the Blackhawks getting to the Stanley Cup? Even though Hossa and Burish will be out for a while.

Pierre

  (4:29 PM)

I picked them to win their division but I'm still nervous about their goaltending....

Sean (Montclair, NJ)

Check out my plan on how to make NHL Better and more exciting: http://bit.ly/CRre7

Pierre

  (4:29 PM)

Dangerous precedent I'm setting ....

Scott Gordon (Uniondale, NY)

Bonjour, Pierre! Will anyone on my Islander team actually score 20 goals this season??

Pierre

  (4:29 PM)

Tavares and Okposo

Anthony (Toronto)

Pierre, Like the Re-Alignment! What do you think about adding Portland, Seattle and Winnipeg to the West, adding Detroit and Chicago to the East, and getting rid of NJ, NYI and PHX. All the original 6 rivalries would be re-born, and new one in with Vancouver, Seattle and Portland

Pierre

  (4:30 PM)

Love it. The Western owners would fight hard to keep the Hawks and the Wings though for ticket sales. But I love it.

sarah (trenton, michigan)

hey Pierre,I don't usually put much stock in preseason, but should i be concerned that Osgood let in 5 goals in last night's game against Philly?

Pierre

  (4:30 PM)

LOL. No. But he is getting a little older, right ?

Mike D (Queens, NY)

Why do you feel such aggressive exansion is needed in the league? A few minor tweaks and things would be set; no need for a complete overhaul. And how would you feel personally if you were part of a European NHL team that has to travel multiple times a year across the Atlantic ocean for road games? You think Montreal to Phoenix is bad??

Pierre

  (4:31 PM)

Given the money NHL players make, no I wouldn't feel bad about their private charter travel.

Jesse (Dyersburg,Tn)

Whats your predictions for the Blues this year

Pierre

  (4:32 PM)

PLAYOFFS BABY !!!!!

chad (baton rouge, LA)

i enjoyed reading the restructing solutions y'all offered on the NHL. Can you speak about what you like or didn't like about Bucci's plan?

Pierre

  (4:32 PM)

sorry, haven't had time to read the other plans yet.

Ryan (Toronto)

Is Leaf nation nuts to think that the leafs are contenders now?

Pierre

  (4:32 PM)

yes

Philip (Atlanta)

Hey Pierre. How will the southeast match up this year? Which teams will actually be a threat this season?

Pierre

  (4:33 PM)

1. Washington2. Carolina3. Atlanta4. Tampa Bay5. Florida.Caps and Hurricanes make it, Thrashers barely miss out, Lightning much improved, Panthers regress

Bret (LA)

What are the chances of Brayden Schenn playing pro this year?

Pierre

  (4:34 PM)

He's been impressive, eh? I think the plan is still to send him back to junior for one more year of seasoning. But I know it's tempting for the Kings to keep him. We'll see. Remember, he's only 18.

Hook (Southern Maryland)

What are the odds the Caps win the Cup?

Pierre

  (4:34 PM)

I would like them a lot better if they could tell me who their goalie is.

Michael (Boulder, COl)

I have often heard that power forward players tend to take longer to develop, if that's true, is there a chance that the Avs' Chris Stewart will become a top line player someday, or at least a top-six on a decent team? Thanks!

Pierre

  (4:35 PM)

He's got the potential and yes it's true, generally, that power forwards take longer although young Mr. Lucic broke that myth last year.

Peter (Vegas)

How long is this DirecTV-Versus mess going to continue? I want to watch games and I have DirecTV!

Pierre

  (4:36 PM)

I live in Canada, man, we don't got no Direct TV :)

Jon (Boston, MA)

Pierre, if the NHL is looking into the contracts given to Luongo, Pronger and Hossa why are they not looking into the contracts Holland gave to Franzen and Zetterberg? I know Holland wasn't the first to use this method, but he certainly made it popular. To investigate some, but not all, seems like favoritism.

Pierre

  (4:37 PM)

All those deals were looked at carefully, including the Detroit deals. But the Red Wings deals passed the smell test for complicated CBA reasons that when first explained to me made my head explode. The Pronger, Hossa and Luongo deals pushed the enveloppe further on those CBA rules

psanders (denver)

Would it be a good Idea to send all of the warm weather teams (Nasville, Atlanta, Pheonix, Tampa Bay, etc) and move them to Canadian markets (Hartford, Winnepeg, Quebec City, etc) and then have Canadian and American conference? That way there would always be a canadian vs united states team playing for the stanley cup. It would also create more interest in the sport especially on the U.S. side because they are competing against another country to prove who is beter like the olympics and world cup, which always gets americans interested no mattter whats the sport.

Pierre

  (4:38 PM)

I think you just sent the entire population of Hartford, Ct., into a frenzy but stating they they are now in Canada :)

Nate (Bristol, CT)

Where's the love for Hartford? Bring the Whale back!Also, can we all agree that any city outside a major media market (i.e. Los Angeles) that doesn't get snow during a normal winter should not have a hockey team? I'm lookin' at you, Tampa Bay, Florida, and Phoenix!!

Pierre

  (4:38 PM)

The ring tone on my blackberry? The Brass Bonanza, baby !!!!!!

Matt D. (Boston, MA)

I liked your idea the best, the one with the five European teams. The biggest issue with NHL teams in Europe is of course the travel, but if all five European teams are in the same division they play each other more often and minimize stressful amounts of travel for U.S.-based teams.

Pierre

  (4:41 PM)

Thanks. I also think they simply take longer road trips to North America to maximize their flights. And North American teams take three-week trips to Europe. It's do-able. The difference a New York City flight to Prague and a New York City flight to LA isn't that big. Obiously LA to Prague is indeed a doozy. But you get the Eastern North American teams to go over there more often.Listen, there are a number of logistical issues, but the bottom line at the end of each argument is that you don't need to sell NHL hockey in those places overseas. They love the game there already !!!!!

Mark (St. Lou)

Pierre, you gave my Blues mad props as they went on a tear the final 35 games? What do you think this team's potential is this year? With EJ, Kariya, McDonald, and Oshie in the lineup for a full year, the expectations for this team are through the roof in STL.

Pierre

  (4:41 PM)

I just don't see how they miss the playoffs. They're in for sure if they stay healthy

Doug (Youngsown, Ohio)

Hey Pierre, do you think the Penguins have what it takes to make another cup run this year? People think that "cup hangover" will come into play, but it didn't last year. (the second half of the season at least)

Pierre

  (4:42 PM)

I disagree when you say the Cup hangover didn't come into play last season. The Wings were a sluggish team in the first half, frustrating head coach Mike Babcock

James (East Islip, New York)

Hey Pierre, I gotta say I love your blog on how Long Island's definitely a better suited market for the islanders than KC, if Wang's project goes through, that is. As a Ranger fan, my favorite rivalry has always been the Rangers-Islanders, and I'd hate to see them leave. In my opinion losing that rivalry would be terrible for the NHL as a whole. I hope Tavares has a solid year. Don't get me wrong, we better go 6-0 against them!

Pierre

  (4:43 PM)

Long Island remains a good hockey market, but they need a new rink. ASAP.

Ian (Sonoma, CA)

Miro Satan = 40 goals, but with what team??!!

Pierre

  (4:43 PM)

Please stop drinking now.

Michael (Great Neck, NY)

What do you expect to see from Artem Anisimov this year?

Pierre

  (4:44 PM)

very little English

John (San Francisco)

Sharks? Is it time yet? Will we be watching them in June 2010?

Pierre

  (4:44 PM)

I am indeed picking them to win the Cup again. Surely they can't screw up such a talented roster every single year.

Luke (Saint Paul)

Bucci had the best realignment plan. Genuis if you ask me. 40 teams some in smaller markets, with strong revenue sharing. MN could support another team in duluth or twincities, Grand forks or Fargo/Moorhead probably could as well. WI needs one. Canada could support multiple more, Oregon or Washington state, Hartford. Possibilities are endless. Thoughts?

Pierre

  (4:45 PM)

I think you got the wrong chat. This is the LeBrun chat.

shane (woodhaven)

You know why jerry jones is terrible at business?He built a stadium which cost more than a billion dollars and cut the man who filled the seats (T.O)!!!!!!!!!!!Wait it gets better he traded your first round pick for a washed up lion (roy williams).Now you have an empty stadium. a old should retire soon wide reciever. and who can forget your pretty boy choke artist tony romo.im glad im not a dallas fan. P.S GO LIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pierre

  (4:45 PM)

also wrong chat.But Go Cowboys :)

Matt K. (San Jose)

What are your thoughts about the pending addition of Manny Malhotra to round out the Sharks 3rd Line?

Pierre

  (4:46 PM)

I like it. He's a gritty guy. Very quietly Doug WIlson has completely revamped his third and fourth lines to have more sandpaper come playoff time. We'll see if it works

Tim S. (Duluth, MN)

I believe that a tackle by hair is not only more painful but is a just consequence for those sporting the look. The look is over running the league and looks disgusting. Only a handful of players in the MLB sport such a look and some have lost it (Ordonez) and are looking more professional and respectful.

Pierre

  (4:47 PM)

ok then

Sean (Winfield IL)

Which team do you think is going to surprise people this year?

Pierre

  (4:48 PM)

Not sure why but I picked Buffalo to place fifth in the Eastern Conference and that's likely higher than any other pundit did. Maybe I'm drinking too much Sabres koolaid but I like their core when healhty

Aric (Bozeman, MT)

Would it be realistic to have two teams in MN and where would the second one go, Duluth possibly?

Pierre

  (4:48 PM)

no

Kirby (The State of Hockey!)

Pierre, how do you think the wild will fare this year with new coach Todd Richards running a more aggressive style of play? Also, will they be a better team after adding Martin Havlat to replace Marian Gaborik?

Pierre

  (4:50 PM)

They'll be right on the playoff bubble all year long. They'll be more fun to watch and Havlat must stay healthy. They'll be anywhere from sixth to 12th in the West. Cross your fingers !

Joppa (overseas)

did you hear the news Pierre? I am thinking of another comeback. Thoughts???

Pierre

  (4:51 PM)

Welcome back Peter ! Don't sign in Colorado ! haha

Rich (Rochester, NY)

Pierre, Do you really think the NHL in Europe is a good idea? I mean wouldnt free agency become wildly unfair? Players from Russia would want to play in Moscow players from Sweden would want to play in Stockholm I dont see many american players wanting to move to Europe for the rest of there careers.

Pierre

  (4:52 PM)

yes

Bill (Pasadena, Ca.)

Ok Pierre, Kings make the playoffs? Yes, or no?

Pierre

  (4:52 PM)

oui

Brett (Ithaca, NY)

Who are a couple young guns that everyone should keep an eye on?

Pierre

  (4:52 PM)

Cody Hodgson in Vancouver

Richard (Greensboro, NC)

Drop the team from Carolina? I saw as many Hurricanes flags for the start of the preseason as I did NC State flags for the football game last weekend. I'm sure such a purist hates hockey in the South but the fans are supportive here and the franchise is doing better than many that have been around much longer.

Pierre

  (4:53 PM)

like I said earlier, it was just for fun. I love Carolina and the fans are great there. Just having fun everyone, calm down !!!!

Kevin (Austin, Texas)

What is a realistic expectation for the Stars this season?

Pierre

  (4:53 PM)

bubble team

RAY GORDON REID ( DENVER COLORADO)

QUESTION TO PIERRE LE BRUN AT 4.50PM HI PIERRRE DID YOU EVER GO TO THE OLD GARDEN IN TORONTO OF FORUM IN MONTREAL

Pierre

  (4:56 PM)

yes many times to both. As a kid saw many games at the Montreal Forum _ the first being in 1986 when a young rookie Patrick Roy was in goal :)I started my career covering NHL games at Maple Leaf Gardens in October 1995. So I saw three and half seasons there as a journalist before the switch to ACC. My favorite moment working a game at the Gardens was Wendel Clark's return after bei re-acquired from the Islanders by Cliff Fletcher and he scored on his first or second shift. The place nearly exploded. Fun times.

charlene (illinois)

what is your prediction this year on who will win the divisions in each conference. btw u r my fave analyst

Pierre

  (4:58 PM)

Oh Charlene, you're making me blush :)PACIFICAnaheimCENTRALChicagoNORTHWESTCalgaryNORTHEASTBostonATLANTICPhiladelphiaSOUTHEASTWashingtonConference finalsEast _ Philly-PittWest _ Anaheim-San JoseCup finals, Sharks beat PensOne of these years, I'll be right about the Sharks :)OK folks, gotta run. I'll be in Finland next week !!!!