4th line adjustment

As we all know, last night was JLGP's debut as a forward this season. I thought I would share my thoughts on the performance of the 4th line.

Shelley showed me a lot last night. When it became obvious that JLGP couldn't take a pass to save his life, Shelley showed his smarts by dumping to the corners near JLGP. Twice I can recall JLGP was wide open and Shelley didn't throw the puck away to him.

JLGP was able to make something happen by forechecking without the puck because of the adjustment his linemates made. I thought that was really something.

I am not bashing the guy, because it was his first game and his first time on the ice with his linemates against an NHL opponent. If it keeps up, I'll be calling for his head of course, but for now I am satisfied.

JLGP had some wheels last night. He looked as fast as Marchant some shifts. If he can take a pass or two...

Shelley had some chances that surprised me. He and Fritsche are a great combo. Fritsche is a keeper so far.

Hmmm

Yes Grand-Pierrie missed some bad passes. But IMO, they were god awful passes, but most NHLers know how to pick them up. This missing of so many passes, should end as time goes on and Grand-Pierrie spends more time at Forward.

I liked Jody's play as well. He had a couple of downright dangerous scoring chances, when he combined with Fritsche. I won't say that JLGP looked out of place, because he still has that freakin' speed, but he had a ton of dump-ins to no one (we're not doing that this year, remember JL?) and a lot of opportunities to level huge hits that he passed up.

But yes, Shelley did get my attention with his play last night. Let's see if he can do it consistently.

I noticed that Shelley got a regular length shift with around 5 minutes left in a one goal game. I dont think that would have happend last year.

As for Jean Luc, his inability to take a pass didnt stand out to me, but it could have been there. Most of the passes given by his linemates were under a lot of pressure. As for passing up hits, I think he laid out some good ones. He passed up a few where, yeah he probably could have legally hit the guy, but the play was over and it would have been a hit just to make a hit. I think that if the Hawks had been running everyone at that point, he would have made a few more big ones. But other than Neimenen and Ruutu a few times, no one was really getting out of hand on their team. I thought he played well.

It sounds strange to say since hes only 18, but I think Fritche ignites something (no pun intended :p ) in whoever plays on his line. Whether its Shelley, Ling or Jean Luc.

I noticed that Shelley got a regular length shift with around 5 minutes left in a one goal game. I dont think that would have happend last year.

Or 2 days ago! We lost yet another player in that game after already being down 2 forwards. Equal cases of bench depletion and confidence, in my book. Still, I am very pleased with the play of that line.

Regarding JLGP's lack of hitting, I agree that it wasn't really that kind of game. The whole line showed some adaptability in that they altered their play as needed.

...I think Fritche ignites something (no pun intended :p ) in whoever plays on his line...

That he does, sir. I think it goes beyond just his line too! I recall comments that players made about the impact Ling has on the whole team when he's out there - I think Fritsche does that too.

Same with Nash. The confidence that he radiates along with his results - everyone has to feel that.

speaking of fritsche. can anyone tell me what he did to get the penalty in the last few min, on tv it looked like he just knocked the man down. also, i think he gets his first goal in the next few games, hes been getting more chances each game out and has come close

speaking of fritsche. can anyone tell me what he did to get the penalty in the last few min, on tv it looked like he just knocked the man down...

It was a garbage call IMO. With what they let go all game long, I cant believe they called that one. Overall, we arent getting screwed as often as we used to. But that was bad call.