ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (9:51 AM)

Join the ESPN Thursday Night Hockey chat starting at 3 p.m. ET today!

Barry Melrose

  (3:01 PM)

Some great games last night. Hopefully everyone enjoyed them!

Chioke Hassan (Baltimore,Md)

Dear BarryCould you see the NHL Refs going on Stirke?

Barry Melrose

  (3:02 PM)

No, the referees are in a great situation right now. They do a great job and get paid well. I would put them up against refs from any other major sport any day. I don't see them going on strike.

Matt (Raleigh, NC)

Will the Canes get the 1st pick of next year's draft?

Barry Melrose

  (3:03 PM)

They are doing everything they can to get the first pick. The two worst teams in the NHL are Carolina and Toronto with Carolina being the worst of the worst.

Carmine (Providence)

What is the mentality in the Bruins' locker room? Are they waiting for Savy and Lucic to come back to start playing well again?

Barry Melrose

  (3:05 PM)

I think they feel if they get Savy back, then things will start turning around. They need Savy and Lucuc back in order to make plays.

Jeff (Philadelphia)

Do you think Ray Emery has shown enough so far to prove he can be trusted in the playoffs?

Barry Melrose

  (3:06 PM)

He's already had a good playoffs, he took Ottawa to the Stanley Cup Finals. He's won over Philadelphia and I think the fans are happy with him right now.

michael (cranston RI)

Do u think the bruins should make a big trade to get some scoring into they lineup? who should they get if they do make a trade? they cant put the puck into net for nothing.

Barry Melrose

  (3:07 PM)

The Bruins can trade draft picks because they do have those available. I don't see them making a trade anytime soon but I do see them making moves later on in the season.

Tyler (Tucson AZ)

The Capitals just called up highly touted prospect John Carlson today. With their main weakness being on defense, how long before we see him and/or Karl Alzner as permanent fixtures on the D.C. roster?

Barry Melrose

  (3:10 PM)

I think it depends on the kids. They are both great players and have great potential. If they can play on the NHL level, then I think they will have a place on the roster. It's a lot easier to be a young forward than a young defensemen in the NHL.

Matt (Baltimore, MD)

With the possibility of Michael Nylander going to Russia and freeing up cap space, do you see the Capitals making room for getting a veteran defenceman? If so, who could possibly be available now until the trade deadline?

Barry Melrose

  (3:12 PM)

There are not a lot of available defensemen out there right now but more will become available later on in the season as more teams look to make trades but right now the talent is just not out there.

Lee (Boca Raton, FL)

Barry, can the Islanders keep their level of play up? Besides what is on the roster, what talent in their organization is on the radar screen of the league?

Barry Melrose

  (3:13 PM)

The Islanders are playing great right now and are a surprise in the NHL. I don't know if they can keep up this pace but they are proving that they are a good team with a very bright future.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Barry, I love the podcast. Which team do you think is the best of the following: Colorado, Calgary, Los Angeles or Chicago

Barry Melrose

  (3:14 PM)

Thanks ...I think Chicago is, I like them a lot and don't forget Hossa hasn't played a game yet. I take Calgary as second out of the teams you mentioned.

Sean (Seattle,WA)

Oh, I forgot to add this to my earlier question, but do you think that the Hawks will wait until they return home to Chicago December 1st to announce the resignings of Keith, Kane, and Toews? I feel like that will be the best time (early in the week, in Chicago, home game, and the unveiling of the alternate jerseys).

Barry Melrose

  (3:15 PM)

Yes, the will wait until they have a home stance and do it up right with a big publicity push.

Steve (Detroit)

It's been a little over a month since he went down, any news on Andrei Markov's recovery? I know he's supposed to be out 3-4 months but I'm wondering if there is any reason to expect him on the early end of that range rather than the latter. What does his status mean for Montreal?

Barry Melrose

  (3:16 PM)

It's going good and according to plan. When he went down, they said it was going to be three to four months and that's how long it will take for him to recover. It was a very serious injury.

Randy Carlyle (Anaheim)

What do I do to get the Ducks to win?

Barry Melrose

  (3:20 PM)

That's a great question; we were talking about that yesterday. They should be better but right now they are the worst team in the West. The Ducks and Hurricanes are the two most disappointing teams in the NHL. Nobody thought the Ducks would be in last place in the West.

Mike (IL)

Columbus has quietly went about its business as of late and is keeping pace with Chicago. I can't imagine that keeping up if Mason keeps struggling. What do you think he's having problems with?

Barry Melrose

  (3:22 PM)

I like Columbus. They made the playoffs last year and I think they are a better team this year. Rick Nash is one of the best kept secrets in the NHL today. Mason is young and he's going to have his ups and downs. He proved what he can do last season and I think he will turn things around and start playing to the level he was at a season ago.

Jesse S. (Carmel, NY)

Does the Islanders Matt Moulson currently have the best hockey name in the NHL? Free advertising if he ever got traded to a Canadian team.

Barry Melrose

  (3:24 PM)

If you're a beer drinker, you'll love his name. There are a lot of great names in the NHL right now. Moulson is for sure a great name on Long Island right now with the way that he has been playing.

Mitchell Pain (Bordeaux, France)

Barry are you picking Detroit again this year for the Cup, or are you going to go out on a limb for San Jose? :)

Barry Melrose

  (3:25 PM)

No, I think Chicago will win the West this year. Their goaltending is a bit of a problem though. When they get Hossa back, things will get better on the offensive end. I say Chicago will win this year.

Chris (Boston)

How about those Flyers? Winners of their past 7 of 8 and quietly rising in the standings. Are they the hottest team in the league right now?

Barry Melrose

  (3:26 PM)

They play such few games and they don't have a tough schedule. I picked them to win the East and I don't see a reason to change that. I like Philadelphia a lot.

Trevor (VA)

If the Hurricanes can't pick it up, what would you do if you were Jim Rutherford?

Barry Melrose

  (3:27 PM)

You have to decide who you want to keep. You move some older players at the trade deadline in order to get some younger players. You have to think "are we really this bad or did we just get off to a bad start?"

Matt (Syracuse)

The Rangers are lacking in secondary scoring who if anyone should they target in the trade market

Barry Melrose

  (3:29 PM)

The Rangers need someone to help Gaborik out. They need somebody to help put the puck in the net. The problem is that everyone else is looking for the same type of player. They really need someone else to help score.

Barry Melrose

  (3:30 PM)

I hope everyone watches Thursday Night Hockey on ESPN.com. Atlanta and Boston should be a good one!

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:01 PM)

Hi everyone. Looking forward to ESPN Hockey Night. We'll be chatting at 6:45 throughout the game on ESPN.com. Maybe I can rip into LeBrun a little bit. Let's get to it.

Sean (Morristown)

Do you think Jamie langenbrunner will make the cut for the US olympic roster. Do you think he could get the C?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:02 PM)

Yes, this is going to be a very young team come Olympic time. I think Langenbrunner still has enough left to contribute. He would be a very good choice for captain. Having won Stanley Cup and is a good leader and can play in every situation.

Rob (New Jersey)

How do you think is the front runner so far for the Calder trophy? So many great rookies this year with Tavares, Varlamov, Myers, JVR, Del Zotto. Who is the front runner at this point?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:04 PM)

This has been a great crop for rookies this year. I will go with Tavares, because he has been under such a microscope for so long and keeps getting the points. He is also a big reason why the New York Islanders are slowly starting to turn the franchise around. Watching Myers in Buffalo has been a treat and is well ahead of Chara and Pronger at this age. This debate will continue all year but it will be fun.

James (toronto)

What will it take for the Leafs to turn around there season?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:06 PM)

Pray. This is not something that's going to get turned around over night. I don't know if Wilson will be there to see the next step, but I do like a lot of the additions that were made. Sometimes you try too hard re: Komisarek, but as a whole, I think they have taken steps in the right direction.

Mike (DC)

If you were the Caps, who would you target in a trade?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:07 PM)

I'm going to name a player per se, but I really think they need to add a stay at home defenseman that grinds it out. Not a $4-5million guy, but a guy that makes $1 million and is very steady.

Jeff (St. Louis)

Whats your take on the Blues struggles? Coach or players? or both

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:08 PM)

Players. When teams struggle it is all on the players. A good coach can help them get out of it, but it is the players that should get credit for winning and losing, not just winning.

Chris (CT)

What's the deal with the Bruins? Very difficult to see a team with some talent not pulling the tough games out. Getting beat by the Penguins last week was a heartbreaker. Less than 2 seconds left, and Guerin roofs a wicked wrister. And then losing on a brainbuster in OT. What changes do you think the B's should make, and is there an end in sight for their debacle of a season?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:09 PM)

This is not the same team as last year. Anyone that thinks so can forget about it right now. This is a team that has to play less run and gun and more defensively if they are going to survive and make the playoffs. They have been getting better goaltending than at the start of the year and once they are fully healthy, they are in the top half in talent.

James (toronto)

Could you win in a fight against Colton Orr? I don't think so.

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:10 PM)

Absolutely not. I'm 36, slightly graying and really don't work out that much any more. So, the answer is no, but I've almost won as many games as the Toronto Maple Leafs this year. Enjoy your night.

Pat (Atlanta)

With the Islanders getting DiPietro back, and Roloson and Biron on the roster, do you see Biron being moved? I would imagine that he would be a good fit for a few teams, if only backing someone up.

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:11 PM)

This is why Roloson and Biron were signed in the offseason. I think Garth Snow did a great job in signing these two and now has the flexibility of trading Biron to many teams that could use his services. He's still a quality goalie and they will get something back in return.

mike (pittsburgh)

With all the injuries the Pens have sustained, they have still managed to be one of the best teams in the NHL. Is there anyway they can lose with all of the starters back 100 percent healthy?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:14 PM)

They have been great this year, especially after a long playoff run. Can they be beat? Absolutely, but a lot of great teams especially in the West and if you look in the East, with a healthy New Jersey, the goaltending Buffalo's been getting, they will have to be at the top of their game to get back to the Stanley Cup finals.

Hank Hill (St. Louis)

Do you see the Blues in the playoffs this year??

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:15 PM)

I didn't have St. Louis in my preseason rankings to make the playoffs and I still think that they won't make it. This is still going to be a good team for the future, but I have 8 teams ahead of them right now.

KRIS (DETROIT)

WHATS GOING ON IN CHI-TOWN WITH THESE CONTRACTS? HOW CAN THE HAWKS SIGN EVERYBODY? AND IF THEY DO, WHAT CHANGES WILL THEY HAVE TO MAKE?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:17 PM)

Rumor is they are trying to finalize contracts on Toews, Kane and Duncan Keith. Can they keep everyone? No. But these are three of the most important pieces of the puzzle and everyone in Chicago should be jumping for joy. Since Campbell is making roughly $7 million and isn't worth a penny over $4 million, he will not be moving. That leaves Seabrook, Sharp and Cam Barker. I think Sharp and Cam Barker will be the two that will leave at the end of the day. Sharp deserves a lot of money and on the open market will get it.

Matt Wheeler (Atlanta, GA)

hey Matt do you think that Rich Peverley should/could earn a spot on team Canada's Olypic roster?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:18 PM)

I actually did a thing today on my most underrated player in the league. Peverley and Rene Borque were my two top. Having said this, I just think Team Canada is too strong and Peverley can't crack the top 6. Bottom 6 they will be looking for bigger, stronger guys.

RJ (Boston)

Matt, are you still good friends with a lot of the guys you played with (and against, perhaps) in retirement. There are so many similarities between hocky and rugby, and I would like to think your "old-boy" community stays tight after the playing days are done, like ours does.

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:20 PM)

I am still friends with a lot of guys that still play and guys that have retired. Rob Ray is my closest friend who I played several years with in Buffalo and still see a lot. Brad May I talk to a lot, who plays with Detroit. And went to see Bob Boughner's team the Windsor Spitfires play the other night. You're right, the bond and the battles that you go through makes you friends for life.

Max (New Jersey)

At this point of time, who is the better goalie, martin brodeur or Henrik Lundqvist's

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:22 PM)

This is a very tough question. I am going to say Henrik Lundqvist for the simple fact that he sees a lot more rubber than Martin Brodeur. I think Marty Brodeur is the best goalie of all time, but he's a little older and Lundqvist gives the Rangers a chance to win every single night.

Josh (Nashville)

Speaking of Brad May, what did you think of his goal getting disallowed last night?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:23 PM)

Absolute crap. I watched it 10 times and have no idea why they called the goal back. I'm guessing their intent was to blow the whistle, but even then can't figure it out. Would have been his first goal of the year and he might not get another one.

sean (Morristown)

Matt, Who do you feel is the biggest surprise this season? Good and Bad

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:24 PM)

Buffalo Sabres. I thought they would challenge for that 8 spot, but they have been scoring by committee, playing well defensively and getting great goaltending. As for the bad, the Anaheim Ducks. Upsetting San Jose last year, the best team in the league, are in the cellar finding ways to lose, it seems, every night.

RJ (Boston)

Matt, Powerplay tactics around the NHL seem dominated by the ideal of parking in zones with one guy trying to screen the goalie. Seems counterproductive to the streamlining of the NHL rules and players, to me. Isn't better to get more movement with the open man roaming.. to open up lanes and get the goalie moving so there will be some open net?? HUll and Modano were SO good at that in the 90's. Why aren't the speedy youngsters allowed to do it today?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:26 PM)

I think if you look at the good power plays you still need a guy parked in front of the net. If you can incorporate people moving, great puck movement and net presence you'll be very good. If you look at Detroit and why they've been successful on the PP for so many years, Holmstrom has been in front the whole time. A lot harder for the goalie to stop the puck with someone in front of them.

Steve (CT)

Does Patrick Kaleta remind you of yourself when you were a young player?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:27 PM)

No. I like Patrick a lot and have talked to him several times. I love the tenacity that he brings, but would love to see him drop the gloves a little more often. He is definitely in my top three agitators in the league.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Matthew, do you think the Devils are as good as their record or playing over their heads?

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:29 PM)

I would say that they are playing above their heads, but then I'd be doubting them again. This is a good hockey team and an even better franchise. They aren't playing above their heads, they're just playing good solid Devils hockey.

Matthew Barnaby

  (4:30 PM)

Thanks everyone. Enjoy the hockey in the week ahead. Anyone's questions we didn't get to, join ESPN Hockey Night Tonight and we'll try to get to them.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:31 PM)

I'm back for my favorite hour of the week. Let's get it going puck heads !

Jim Neveau (Bourbonnais, IL)

Hey Pierre, loved your piece with Burnside about the Olympic rosters, but a youngster that I think deserves at least a look is Zach Bogosian of the Thrashers. He may not be the most experienced player, but I love his physicality, and his 8 goals is nothing to sneeze at. Does he have any shot at this team?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:33 PM)

Jim, welcome back and thanks for the kudos.I love Bogosian as well. But I just get a sense that the Team USA brain trust wants to go with a tad more experience on its blue-line... He's going to be a major star in this league but the Oympics may have come just too early in this career.

Nicholas (Pittsburgh)

Do you think next years Stanley Cup Parade will be bigger then last years?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:34 PM)

This reminds me a famous anectode regarding the former mayor of Montreal in the 1970s when apparently he was asked about the Habs' Cup parade plans he quipped, ''Just have it on the regular route."The Habs of course won six Cups in the 1970s so they could afford to be that arrogant in Montreal :)

Sean (Seattle,WA)

What are your thoughts on the recent rumors/news about the almost completed resignings of Keith, Toews, and Kane? Personally, I think it is huge for the franchise what they have done for the club and organization. Kane and Toews took the pressure off the defense in providing an explosive offense when they first started in the league and that allowed guys like Keith and Seabrook to truly shine. But, getting back to the signings, who do you think that they will have to deal to fit cap issues? I really think that Campbell or Barker may be dealt as much as I dislike typing that, and I really feel like they will not let a fan favorite like Patrick Sharp go. And then there is the potential to deal prospects from Rockford. Your thoughts?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:37 PM)

Thanks Sean. Yes I've been on this story this week... Still some issues to be ironed out before the team can finalize those signings but they'll happen.In the meantime, that's indeed the multi-million dollar question. Who goes? Campbell would be the guy they would want to move (they tried at last year's trade deadline) but he's got six more years at $7.1 million per _ yikes. So I think guys like Versteeg and Barker might be on the block. I'm just not sure whether that would be this season or after the season. it's unclear to me whether or not they have enough ''tagging room" to get the Kane/Toews/Keith extensions finalized now.... We'll see.

Max Talbot (Pittsburgh, PA)

I am back in the lineup tonight against Ottawa? Now that I am a Cup folk hero, what should the Pens expect out of me for the rest of the season? Superstar treatment......

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:38 PM)

I hear you partied all summer long. Time to focus Max !!! Focus !!!!

Jesse S. (Carmel, NY)

Pierre, do you expect any of the following names not currently in the NHL to make a significant impact at the Olympics...Jagr, Forsberg, Zubov, Sundin, Naslund, Radulov, Yashin, Satan, Hudler?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:40 PM)

Jesse, the pride of Carmel is back. Radulov is among league scorers right now in KHL, and I hear Zubov is playing real well with St. Petersburg. Look for those two to have the biggest impact in Vancouver. Sundin is retired my friend !

Peter Forsberg (Modo, Sweden)

Well that comeback attempt did not last long. The North American media and all NHL GMs can thank me later. My foot hurts...

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:40 PM)

Actually your comeback is not over, you're playing for Modo !

Wendel Clark (Toronto, ON)

Did anybody see my highlight package on the jumbotron before the Leafs game last weekend on Hockey Night in Canada? The site of me pummeling someone from the mid-80s still gets a bigger cheer in Toronto than anything that has happened on the ice since I retired. Is that proof of my awesomeness or the sad state of the Leafs?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:41 PM)

Wendel, I would say a bit of both

Courtney (st.louis)

whats the problem with the blues? will they ever get their offense going and win games on a consistent basis?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:42 PM)

They can't score, that's the problem. My colleague Scott Burnside is travelling to St. Louis early next week to check in on the Blues. We'll have more for you then, Courtney. Hang in there !

Marcus (Port Huron, MI)

What are your thoughts on Brad May's no goal last night against Dallas?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:42 PM)

Should have been a goal. Brutal call.

Jon Climo (Raleigh North Carolina)

So with the Pittsburgh Penguins starting out so well, than falling to a losing streak, plus being plagued with injury. Will they be able to survive and make the playoffs in the ever so strong atlantic division?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:43 PM)

No doubt in my mind. They remain Cup contenders when healthy

Danny (Maryland)

The Capitals have a nice lead in the Southeast but the Thrashers and Lightning are not that far behind with games in hand. Do you see anyone other then Washington being on top in the Southeast this year?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:44 PM)

Caps will win it but I realy like the way Atlanta is coming along. They can score at will, the blue-line is solid, and they're finally getting goaltending. I'm still worried about the goaltending, though.

Michael (San Diego)

I was wondering if you guys think that Kane and Toews are worth $6 million per season? I mean Mike Richards has the same if not better stats than Kane and Toews and he has a cap hit of $5.75.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:45 PM)

The Sedins signed for $6.1 million per year....

Jim Rutherford (Raleigh, NC)

Pierre, the wheels have come exploding off my wagon in a big way. Who should I try to trade and what teams will be interested in any of my guys?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:45 PM)

Jimmy, I told you last weekend, try to dump some of your UFAs _ Cullen and Ward would be a good start...

Eric (Columbus, OH)

What do you think about Nikita Filatov going on loan to CSKA Moscow of the KHL? Do you think Filatov will return to the Jackets next season?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:46 PM)

Eric, check out my blog from Wednesday on this very subject

justin (ma)

Who could you see the bruins going after during the trade deadline ive heard ilya kovalchuck but do u think the thrashers would get rid of him?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:47 PM)

The Thrashers remain intent on tryin to sign Kovalchuk to an extension. If that doesn't happen by Christmas in my mind, they will then begin to shop him. But until then, their only focus is trying to sign him.

andrew (boston)

The Rangers are obviously looking better as the season moves on, but with injuries to Dubinsky and Drury, you can tell that the offense still isn't deep enough. Thats not my concern, if they are going to go deep into the season and playoffs, I feel like they need to sign a big name defenceman with some experience under his belt. They have too many young defenceman and I feel like they need more, what's your take on this?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:48 PM)

I thought Larry Brooks had a good piece analysing all that in the New York Post today. Check it out.The bottom line is that this team is hampereed by a few bad contracts (Roszival, Redden). They also need a bonafide No. 1 center

Evan (florida)

how do you think of the tampa bay lighting start so far are they cup contenders and can they make the playoffs

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:49 PM)

Cup contenders, No. But playoffs are a possiblity. They've played well. Stamkos is a stud and they're getting a nice 1-2 punch in net

RoRo (St. Louis)

Maybe it is just me but whenever I see Kariya on the Ice i relaize that nothing big is going to happen. Do you think he will pull it together anytime soon??

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:50 PM)

Recovering from double hip surgeries. Not easy. Give him time.

Peter Forsberg (Modo, Sweden)

I meant my NHL comeback did not last long. By the way, I know Jesse personally and he is indeed the pride of Carmel. Max Talbot and Wendel Clark agree. So does Carrie Underwood from last week.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:50 PM)

Peter, isn't it midnight where you are?? Curfew !!!!

Tim (AZ)

Pierre, what do you think of the Coyotes so far? Will they have a chance of sneaking in as an 8 seed?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:51 PM)

They've been a nice surprise. I should have known though, Shane Doan told me before the season they wouldn't be terrible. Dave Tippett has them playing smart, organized hockey. They'll be on the playoff bubble all year long. Hopefully they get in _ for the league's sake ! haha

Paul (Boston)

Who is going to be the best of the worst tonight ... Carolina or Toronto?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:52 PM)

Carolina 1, Toronto 0, 17-round shootout

Max (New Jersey)

Honestly, did you ever think that the Devils would be ranked # 1 in the power rankings.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:52 PM)

Nope. Hopefully it'll help their attendance :)

Michael (Chicago)

How scary would a line of Kane/Toews/Hossa be? Best in the NHL?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:53 PM)

Would be hard to beat. Is there enough puck to go around there?

Steve (Jax, FL)

Big game tonight, Thrashers v. Bruins. Who ya got? And will the Thrashers continue to improve and make the playoffs?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:53 PM)

Thrashers 4, Bruins 2.Yes, I say Atlanta makes it in !!!

Brandon (Mountain Home, Idaho)

Pierre, do you think the Avalanche will look to trade for a backup goalie of some sort or will they keep Budaj? You hear about Biron being mentioned in trade talks but I don't know if that would be the right fit for Colorado.

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:54 PM)

I still think the Avs front office are keeping their eyes on the ball. It's been a wonderful opening quarter to the season, but this is still about the youth movement and rebuilding. Making a trade that involves giving away a prospect or a drat pick doesn't make sense to me.

Aaron (Tampa)

What do you think are some realistic options out there that the bruins could add for scoring depth using their mass of draft picks in the next two years?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:55 PM)

If the Islanders fall out of it in the second half, I would think Doug Weight would be made available. And I think Joffrey Lupul would be put on the block at some point if Anaheim doesn't wake up

Ryen (Salt Lake City)

Because other teams know Chicago has to trade a player or two in order to get under the cap (if that is what ends up happening), does that mean they loose a lot of leverage in any deal?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:56 PM)

Ryen, I think you're confused and I don't blame you. It's not about this year's cap _ tagging room refers to next year's cap.... but still, it may mean a trade and yes, I would think that would hurt Chicago's leverage. But maybe that's why you delay finalizing the signings until you've got your house in order

Andrew (Edmonton)

Hey Pierre, is it possible for the Oilers to regroup and make the playoffs? They play every game close but what are they missing??

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:58 PM)

My good friend Mark Spector, one of the best hockey columnists in the business, had a real good piece on the Oilers today... check it out. Basically, and he lives in Edmonton so he knows better than me, he believes the Oilers are a soft, soft, soft team.

Jared (Moline, IL)

Do the Blackhawks need a more steady goaltender to make a run to the Cup or can they be considered legitimate with someone as streaky as Huet?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:58 PM)

Jared, at $5.625 million a year for this season and two more years, it doesn't matter what anybody thing of Huet. They're stuck with him.

Craig G. (Fairfield, California)

Hey Pierre, I enjoy your radio appearances. Which of these teams is the most for real: Los Angeles, New Jersey, New York or Calgary?

Pierre LeBrun

  (4:59 PM)

Thanks Craig. How about mini power rankings:1a. Calgary1b. New Jersey3. Los Angeles4.New York

tony c. (glendale az.)

Even if the phoenix coyotes hang in the playoff chase, will the league try to sell off its best players before the trade deaedline later this year?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:01 PM)

Tony, the league is hands off in terms of hockey ops on the Coyotes. GM DOn Maloney isn't being told who to sign or who to keep.... but obviously any major signing at this point has to be approved by the league. But I wouldn't worry about the league ordering a salary dump.In the meantime, the leagues hope to have to have a buyer in line before then anyway... but we'll see on that front...

peter (DC)

do you think alex ovechkin win will a 3rd straight mvp award if not who?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:02 PM)

Who knows !!!! I can't predict the future !Check out my quarter-pole column from this week to see my NHL Award candidates at this point of the season....

Loup (DC)

Coyotes have beaten St Louis a couple times this year already. Nice outing last night against the Wild, do they take another from St Louis tonight?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:03 PM)

Blues 3, Coyotes 2 OT

Drew (Philly)

Pierre, does everyone except you underestimate the abilities of James vanRiemsdyk? He was drafted just behind Patrick Kane afterall. What do you think is his potential?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:04 PM)

As you know, I've always been high on him. Power forwards take longer to develop, which explains why he needed more seasoning that Kane. He's my Calder guy right now !

Andrew (Edmonton)

Just read Spector's Article, great stuff, Totally agree that Quinn won't let it happen for much longer, with Stone and Jaques coming back you gotta figure this team will play like the start of the season again

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:04 PM)

Perfect.The other thing with Edmonton is that once healhty, the Oil has lots of D-men and I think the'll move on at one point to get bigger and better upf ront...

Jason (Milwaukee)

Pierre, I can't get a grasp on these young Avalanche cats, especially after blowing a 2 goal lead yesterday in Edmonton! Where is this team right now and do you see this team in the playoffs down the road?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:05 PM)

Well I think they'd have to be pretty brutal from here on out to miss the playoffs so I don't think that's a possibility. But you have to expect a levelling out with all the young players on the roster. It's a long, grinding season and traditionbally first- and second-year players find it the hardest to adjust

Robert G (Glendale, CA)

How far away would you say Drew Doughty is from being an elite player in the NHL ?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:07 PM)

Days away? haha. I love the kid. He's amazing. I wish I would have had the guts to put him on my Canadian Olympic team but the competition is just so fierce...He'll be among the best seven or eight blue-liners for the majority of his career in my opinion. Think a right-handed Scott Niedermayer.

Joe D. (Wilkes-Barre, PA)

When will the injuries stop for Pittsburgh? If things keep going like this they should probably just start playing home games in Wilkes-Barre...I wish...

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:07 PM)

Yes it is brutal. And I don't think it's only bad luck, although a lot of it is. I think the teams that go deep, deep in the playoffs end up having less recovery time. Look at how injury-depleted Detroit and Pittsburgh have been....

Dr. Gregory House (Pittsburgh, PA)

Pierre, what's going on in the Penguins locker room? If Eaton doesn't play, that'll mean that all six starting defensemen will have missed playing time, 5/6 of them significant amounts. I'm stumped.

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:08 PM)

I have no answer for you but love the moniker.. haha

Keith (Kentucky)

The Nashville Predators have a ton of young guys on defense and in goal, when do you think they will start to draft young frowards? Almost all their guys are what has been called graybeards.

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:08 PM)

well they drafted a hell of a scoring winer named Alexander Radulov ....

Paul (Nashville)

Pierre big test for my boys tonight, think they can sneak past the Devils ?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:09 PM)

Yikes... don't think so...

Michael (Chicago)

Blackhawks vs Flames, who ya got?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:10 PM)

Flames, 7, Blackhawks 6, SO

Paul V (NJ)

How many shutouts do you think Marty will get before his career is through?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:10 PM)

123

David Krejci (Boston, Ma)

Hi Pierre, Where has my game gone? Is it my lack of a training camp coming off of surgery that has set me back? Is it my contract extension that I feel I have to live up to, or is it Marc Savard's absence forcing me to face better defencemen? Will I ever return to the player I was last year?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:12 PM)

I think the injury and subsequent recovery was hard on you as you began the season behyind the 8-ball. But you should know that I'm trying to trade you right now in the Toronto Media Hacks Hockey Pool

Mike (Philly)

Flyers are winning the cup. That is all

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:13 PM)

Ok then

tommy (RI)

The florida panthers have been coming on late since going 2-7-1 to start. David booth has been out for a while now. do u see him returning any time soon? also do u see florida making a run when he returns?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:13 PM)

Tommy, I heard David had a bit of a setback recently so I don't think he'll be back soon.... Team USA also worried !

Greg (Philadelphia, PA)

Have the Flyers finally filled the necessary pieces needed to reach the Cup Finals? With their secondary scoring (and rookies) being able to produce goals, Pronger continuing to play at a top level and a solid Emery netminding they look to be on of the top contenders in the East.

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:14 PM)

Definitely a contender, that's why they were my pre-season pick to place first in the Eastern Conference.But Emery is the wild-cast. He's been awesome so far...

Joe (MN)

What is up with the Wild and Havlat? They looked flat lastnight up until the very end of the game when they needed to score. What does Todd Richards have to do to get these guys to work?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:15 PM)

Joe, I agree with you and wish I could help you. But no team, ok other than Anaheim, looks more lost right now in the West...

Tim (California)

Are the sharks for real this year or should we expect another collapse?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:16 PM)

well, as you know Tim, I picked the Sharks to win the Cup every year.. just for kicks.I will tell you one thing _ GM Doug Wilson told me recently that he's never seen Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton play this well.... interesting.

Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles, CA)

I hate the Ducks !!!

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:17 PM)

Dude, that's harsh... You've got NBA titles and MVP awards, chill out !

Matt (Syracuse)

Do you think the Rangers make the playoffs this year and if so how far do they get?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:17 PM)

I say they make it and lose in the first round to New Jersey. Ouch !

Rui (Portugal)

The Sabers have done very well so far for a team that was said to be off the playoff chase. I know as everyone else that they don't have enough team to battle against the top guns but... what moves do you think that they sould make to improve as a team

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:19 PM)

Hello from Portgual ! I went there once and got really bad food poisening in Lisbon. Will never forget getting my stomach pumped in a foreign hospital. Yikes.Anyway, the Sabres _ would like to see Darcy add a veteran blue-liner and in a perfect world another top-six forward but that's asking a lot for a team that's frugal with the pennies

Colin (Madison, WI)

The Blackhawks and Flames play tonight. Why on earth would Boston/Atlanta be a game of the week???? ESPN needs to get off the east coast thing.

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:20 PM)

Because we like to chat during the game and our chat slot is 7 to 10 p.m..... Colin, you know from reading my blogs (Ducks today, Jackets yesterday) that I write all the time about the Western teams. Chill out dude

Sean Miller (Kennesaw, Georgia)

The question every Atlanta fan wants to know is are the Thrashers a for real team this year.

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:20 PM)

yes

mike (ny)

in a re-draft of the sick 2003 draft, who are your top 5? no way parise isn't #1, right?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:23 PM)

Best draft ever, or at least tied with 1979 draft.My top 10 from 2003:1. Ryan Getzlaf2. Zach Parise3. Eric Staal4. Shea Weber5. Mike Richards6. M-A Fleury7. Corey Perry8. Jeff Carter9. Dion Phaneuf10. Thomas Vanek

Drew (Hamden CT)

What are your thoughts on Jon Quick? He has faltered lately and with the solid tender depth in the system, is his gig in jeopardy?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:24 PM)

I wrote about this last Friday on my blog Drew. Terry Murray was a bit worried last week so he had Quick work in practice with goalie coach Bill Ranford. In the meantime, it's interesting to note that GM Dean Lombardi was in Manchester with AHL team this week and got a first-person update on Jonathan bernier. I think Quick has bounced back but the Kings I believe are wondering whether Bernier deserves a look at some point this season...

Luke (Hamden CT)

Better yet, who has a better shot of representing their respective countries Dustin Byfuglien (USA) or Patrick Sharp (Canada)?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:25 PM)

No question it's Byfuglien since the U.S. is an easier roster to crack. Sharp is a terrific player but when gusy like Vinny Lecavalier may not make this Canadian team, you know it's deep !

Zach (Boston, Ma)

Just wanted to see your thoughts on Peter Chiarelli. It seems like he has a lot of players that are overpaid right now, Michael Ryder, Marco Sturm, Dennis Wideman, Tim Thomas (maybe). Has he handled this team well?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:26 PM)

I think he's a very good GM. He was forced into some of those salaries by the market place thanks to other contracts around the league... How would you feel if you had a goalie like Huet making $5.625 million a season ??

Keith (Kentucky)

When do you see Alexander Radulov leaving the KHL and coming back to playing in the NHL and do you think he will be a better player?

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:27 PM)

Tough to say Keith. There was a lot of pressure put on him by the Russian powers that be to stay this season but I think he wanted to come back this year....

Magnus Sjölander (Stockholm, Sweden)

Hi, What do you think of my favourite Swedish team AIK ending up playing in KHL? Stupid or good? They are almost bankrupt and wouldn't win many games. On the other hand, NHL players will naturally select Stockholm, for the culture and less distance, hence AIK will attract top players. Your take? Regards, Magnus SjÃlander Stockholm

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:29 PM)

Magnus, I was very intrigued when I saw that announcement from the KHL today. I know AIK has sturggled financially so it's not like it's a top team like Durjgardens agreeing to join the KHL.. still, it might be the first step in Medvedev's grand plan...However Magnus, the move still needs approval from IIHF and Swedish Ice Hockey Federation and I'm not sure they will approve... we will see...But I was in Stockhom in Sept 2008 with Penguins and Senators. One of the most amazing cities I've ever been to. Regards

Bill (Pasadena, Ca.)

Hi Pierre, now that Ryan Smyth is out for around a month, do the kings stand pat, or do they go out and acquire another forward? Thanks!

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:30 PM)

I think they'll be patient.. Frolov gets a first-line look... besides Bill, how many trades have you seen itn he NHL so far. The cap makes it so darn hard.

Matt (Switzerland)

Who will win, Ducks or tampa

Pierre LeBrun

  (5:31 PM)

Ducks, 3-2.OK cool cats, talk to you next week !cheers