This came up in another thread about shannon, but I thought I would open it up for discussion.

Do you think we should put the FFS line back together and try to run 3 offensive lines?

(I'm thinking that Regin would get the promotion to the 2nd line Center).

I agree. Though I'd go further and split up Alfie and Kovalev. Two puck control guys on the same line slows things down too much on that line.

Michalek, Spezza, Kovalev
Alfie, Regin, Cheechoo
FFS
Ruutu, Kelly, Neil

no.

dont drag fisher down by playing with foligno and shannon. we have to keep him going if we want to do anything this year imo

Id leave the lines like they are right now. Fisher has been playing well, 9 points I believe, so I wouldn't switch it up right now.

However, if we start struggling to score goals I would put the FFS line back together.

Spezza and Michalek have looked really dangerous because they can take a somewhat slow approach moving the puck around and opening up spaces, or they can attack the net really quickly. Adding Kovalev might remove some of that and make them more one dimensional. Although he'd be a huge improvement over Cheechoo at this point.

I agree. Though I'd go further and split up Alfie and Kovalev. Two puck control guys on the same line slows things down too much on that line.

Michalek, Spezza, Kovalev
Alfie, Regin, Cheechoo
FFS
Ruutu, Kelly, Neil

I think Kovalev and Alfie play very well together. I think Spezza-Michalek and Kovalev-Alfie are good combos. Maybe try Fisher on the wing with Spezza, and Regin on the 2nd line. Then maybe do a Foligno-Shannon-Neil 3rd line, and Ruutu-Kelly-Cheech 4th.

Michalek-Spezza-Fisher
Alfie-Regin-Kovalev
Foligno-Shannon-Neil
Ruutu-Kelly-Cheechoo

I don't really care though. Just thoughts.

I wouldn't change the lines right now, the team has been playing good despite the first against NSH and the last minute vs BOS.

Why not leave the top 2 lines the way they are and have the third line:

Foligno - Regin - Shannon?

Regin and Shannon had excellent chemistry in Bingo together I understand and there's no reason that shouldn't translate into the NHL as well the way they can play.

Fisher is second on the team in points... why put him back down on the third line? He's finally producing on the second line - just leave it alone for a while.

I think Kovalev and Alfie play very well together. I think Spezza-Michalek and Kovalev-Alfie are good combos. Maybe try Fisher on the wing with Spezza, and Regin on the 2nd line. Then maybe do a Foligno-Shannon-Neil 3rd line, and Ruutu-Kelly-Cheech 4th.

Michalek-Spezza-Fisher
Alfie-Regin-Kovalev
Foligno-Shannon-Neil
Ruutu-Kelly-Cheechoo

I don't really care though. Just thoughts.

I was thinking about those combos too. It's worth a try. At least the first two line combos. Fisher IS playing well, but i still am not convinced he is the best fit for Kovie and Alfie, although i like THOSE two together. That first line with Fish on the wing would give them a very fast scoring line. And Regin may fit better with A and K, but it's too early to say what Regin is capable of. Just saying, this is something i would really like to see.
I don't like Cheechoo at the bottom but i guess he needs to figure some things out before he's ready to score 50 on the 1st line.

Why not leave the top 2 lines the way they are and have the third line:

Foligno - Regin - Shannon?

Regin and Shannon had excellent chemistry in Bingo together I understand and there's no reason that shouldn't translate into the NHL as well the way they can play.

I like the idea of Regin on the 2nd line with Alfie and Kovalev. I can't believe I'm saying that about a rookie. :rant:

I like the idea of Regin on the 2nd line with Alfie and Kovalev. I can't believe I'm saying that about a rookie. :rant:

I believe it man. You ARE an insane sens fan afterall.
(but yeah, i agree with you anyway. Regin on second for a couple games)

I like the idea of Regin on the 2nd line with Alfie and Kovalev. I can't believe I'm saying that about a rookie. :rant:

But why break up the Fisher line now when you can have an excellent 3rd line to boot?

But why break up the Fisher line now when you can have an excellent 3rd line to boot?

Because Fisher has no chemistry with Kovalev, and Kovalev, right now, is being paid 5 mil. to coast around and look for someone to play with. I think the Fisher on the wing of the top line would be good for Fisher too. (this is only to try out. It's worth seeing how it works). Our 2nd line should be scoring 2 every game with the talent there. Could be and should be better, that's all.

Why not just scratch Shannon...

No just no, the Alfie-Fisher-Kovy line is lighting it up, why put FFS together?

Foligno, Regin, Neil is a tough line, scoring actually.

Why do you want to break up a good line?

I never thought it would come to this, but I have to say Shannon is weakbeans, or the weakest link.

Sure Foligno isn't that great at the start, but we will wait it out.

No just no, the Alfie-Fisher-Kovy line is lighting it up, why put FFS together?

Foligno, Regin, Neil is a tough line, scoring actually.

Why do you want to break up a good line?

I never thought it would come to this, but I have to say Shannon is weakbeans, or the weakest link.

Sure Foligno isn't that great at the start, but we will wait it out.

"Ryan Shannon will be the odd man out when the Senators take on the Florida Panthers tonight.

In his place, Shean Donovan returns to the Ottawa lineup after a two-game absence as a healthy scratch."

There you go.
http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/10/28/11555731.html

"Ryan Shannon will be the odd man out when the Senators take on the Florida Panthers tonight.

In his place, Shean Donovan returns to the Ottawa lineup after a two-game absence as a healthy scratch."

There you go.
http://www.ottawasun.com/sports/hockey/2009/10/28/11555731.html

Wow, I didn't expect this from Clouston, a guy who used to instore his regime is now scratched, oh well.

Wrong topic, yo

Wrong topic, yo

aaannd edit because of PolakDave...:laugh:

At some point, I'd like to see Regin between Alfie and Kovalev. Whether that means re-uniting the FFS line or moving Fisher to Spezza's RW and moving Cheechoo to 3rd line, I don't care.

K, I defs posted in the wrong topic. Haha

I am absolutely all for it. Gives the sens three really good lines. FFS played like a legit second line. I dont think the production of the second line will change at all if you switch Regin for Fisher. Regin makes more sense to play with Kovalev to boot.

I am absolutely all for it. Gives the sens three really good lines. FFS played like a legit second line. I dont think the production of the second line will change at all if you switch Regin for Fisher. Regin makes more sense to play with Kovalev to boot.

The problem is, when you spread out your top players to three lines, the top two lines will suffer in ice time. Ideally the players all play equal time but it doesn't make sense to have a rested Alfie and Spezza sitting on the bench while Foligno and Shannon skate around. Just saying i want our best players out there as much as possible.

ffs, FFS isn't the answer! :sarcasm:

I think Kovalev and Alfie play very well together. I think Spezza-Michalek and Kovalev-Alfie are good combos. Maybe try Fisher on the wing with Spezza, and Regin on the 2nd line. Then maybe do a Foligno-Shannon-Neil 3rd line, and Ruutu-Kelly-Cheech 4th.

Michalek-Spezza-Fisher
Alfie-Regin-Kovalev
Foligno-Shannon-Neil
Ruutu-Kelly-Cheechoo

I don't really care though. Just thoughts.

I like where you're going with these combos!

I'd try it for a game or two, but switch up Neil and Cheechoo.

I like where you're going with these combos!

I'd try it for a game or two, but switch up Neil and Cheechoo.

Yes!! What's Clouston's Fax #??

The team is playing well, but that line was really dominant last year. Losing Fisher to regin won't hurt that bad, compared to the big upgrade on the 3rd. Something to get Foligno and Shannon going would be nice.

As far as I'm concerned, it's worth a shot to try rolling 3 lines, even if it's only for a little while.

I like where you're going with these combos!

I'd try it for a game or two, but switch up Neil and Cheechoo.

Fisher is finally a PPG player... why mess with the combos?

I thought the Fisher line looked really good. Alfie has been awesome all seasons and Fisher has been very solid. Kovalev had one of his more hard working games vs Florida and the line looked great. It seems like Kovy should have gotten at least 2 or 3 points the last two games but has ended up with none so far. I think they should stay togther for now.

The Spezza line looks good. Cheechoo is working hard, but he hasn't been able to finish so far. I guess the question is weather he should be moved to another line for someone else at some point.

Fisher is finally a PPG player... why mess with the combos?

yeah I don't get it...

Alfie is on pace for 41 goals, 115pts
Fisher is on pace for 33 goals, 82pts
Michalek is on pace for 49 goals
Ruutu is on pace for 25goals, 50pts
Foligno is on pace for 25 goals, 41pts
The Sens are on a 115pt pace

And yet people want to keep juggling our lines around and "reunite the FFS line to get Shannon going"? :help:

yeah I don't get it...

Alfie is on pace for 41 goals, 115pts
Fisher is on pace for 33 goals, 82pts
Michalek is on pace for 49 goals
Ruutu is on pace for 25goals, 50pts
Foligno is on pace for 25 goals, 41pts
The Sens are on a 115pt pace

And yet people want to keep juggling our lines around and "reunite the FFS line to get Shannon going"? :help:

You forgot Kovalev who is getting 5 mil. and Cheechoo who is getting 3.5. How come you left those guys out?
Maybe because they are on pace for 30 pts and 16 pts. respectively.
oh well it's only 8.5 million. At least half the team is going.
Point is, although most are playing well, doesn't mean we could be doing even better. Unless we try a few things, we'll never know. I admit though, I wouldn't want to mess with Fisher's success so far. If anything, he should be tried on the 1st line. It's possible Kovie is creating space for the other two but he needs to do more than that for the money he is getting. Sure we're winning but it would be nice to have everyone contributing.

You forgot Kovalev who is getting 5 mil. and Cheechoo who is getting 3.5. How come you left those guys out?
Maybe because they are on pace for 30 pts and 16 pts. respectively.
oh well it's only 8.5 million. At least half the team is going.
Point is, although most are playing well, doesn't mean we could be doing even better. Unless we try a few things, we'll never know. I admit though, I wouldn't want to mess with Fisher's success so far. If anything, he should be tried on the 1st line. It's possible Kovie is creating space for the other two but he needs to do more than that for the money he is getting. Sure we're winning but it would be nice to have everyone contributing.

Right now, FAK is a first line. We have two.

You forgot Kovalev who is getting 5 mil. and Cheechoo who is getting 3.5. How come you left those guys out?
Maybe because they are on pace for 30 pts and 16 pts. respectively.
oh well it's only 8.5 million. At least half the team is going.
Point is, although most are playing well, doesn't mean we could be doing even better. Unless we try a few things, we'll never know. I admit though, I wouldn't want to mess with Fisher's success so far. If anything, he should be tried on the 1st line. It's possible Kovie is creating space for the other two but he needs to do more than that for the money he is getting. Sure we're winning but it would be nice to have everyone contributing.

And Regin is on a 23G, 46pt pace, while Volchenkov and Picard are both on pace for 35+pts.

The point is the team is the 4th highest scoring ES team in the league right now with 2.4ES GPG (behind WSH, CGY, DAL). The distribution of the pts based on salary shouldn't matter. We should be worried about getting our PP going (which is where Kovalev scores most of his points anyways) and not our ES line combinations which have been great.

Right now, FAK is a first line. We have two.

AND.....?
You like Kovalev and Cheechoo on the "1st line", making 8.5 million combined, getting 3rd and 4th liner points??

And Regin is on a 23G, 46pt pace, while Volchenkov and Picard are both on pace for 35+pts.

The point is the team is the 4th highest scoring ES team in the league right now with 2.4ES GPG (behind WSH, CGY, DAL). The distribution of the pts based on salary shouldn't matter. We should be worried about getting our PP going (which is where Kovalev scores most of his points anyways) and not our ES line combinations which have been great.

If Kovalev and Cheechoo don't get going soon, Clouston needs to find a way to get more out of them, whether they're making 8 million or half a million. Otherwise you sit them and put someone else in, which would not make sense.
You cannot be completely happy with those two so far, playing on the top lines.

If Kovalev and Cheechoo don't get going soon, Clouston needs to find a way to get more out of them, whether they're making 8 million or half a million. Otherwise you sit them and put someone else in, which would not make sense.
You cannot be completely happy with those two so far, playing on the top lines.

I may be in the minority (as usual), but I'm happy with Cheechoo... he's at least putting in effort and has only been on Spezza's line for 3 or 4 games IIRC. He's been getting some chances but just hasn't found the back of the net yet. Both Cheechoo and Michalek are new faces for Spezza who has had the luxury of centering two all-stars since the lockout. Obviously it's going to take some time for Spezza to find chemistry with his new linemates. But lets not lay all the blame on Cheechoo. I know everyone on these boards has a hard-on for Spezza, but he's making 7mil and should be able to get things going centering Michalek and Cheechoo (who are no slouches), and he should also be scoring more on the PP with almost 4mins of PP time per game.

Kovalev has 3 ES goals in 10 games. In his best season with the Habs he only had 18 ESG/35ESP. He is a PP specialist and he hasn't been good in that role so far. But he's performed up to expectations at ES.

I don't see why you'd break up what is our best line for a borderline 2nd line. If Regin is half as good as hyped, a Foligno-Regin-Shannon line would probably make a better 3rd line anyways. As it stands I've really like what the Foligno-Regin-Neil line has been doing.

I may be in the minority (as usual), but I'm happy with Cheechoo... he's at least putting in effort and has only been on Spezza's line for 3 or 4 games IIRC. He's been getting some chances but just hasn't found the back of the net yet. Both Cheechoo and Michalek are new faces for Spezza who has had the luxury of centering two all-stars since the lockout. Obviously it's going to take some time for Spezza to find chemistry with his new linemates. But lets not lay all the blame on Cheechoo. I know everyone on these boards has a hard-on for Spezza, but he's making 7mil and should be able to get things going centering Michalek and Cheechoo (who are no slouches), and he should also be scoring more on the PP with almost 4mins of PP time per game.

Kovalev has 3 ES goals in 10 games. In his best season with the Habs he only had 18 ESG/35ESP. He is a PP specialist and he hasn't been good in that role so far. But he's performed up to expectations at ES.

Good points. And i like both Cheechoo and Kovalev too. That's why i want them to find a place on the team where they can contribute to their max abilities. I'm def. not blaming Cheechoo (or Kovalev), but Clouston has to find a spot for them where they have chemistry with their linemates and are able to score points so they are comfortable with their play. I'm pretty sure Cheechoo is not comfortable with himself right now. Who knows what Kovalev is thinking. It's up to the coaching staff to figure out where they fit the best.
(the top two lines are working because two of the three on each are driving them. Alfie, Fisher and Spezza, Michalek)

If we are going to change up our lines I would try something like this

Michalek Spezza Alfie
Foligno Fisher Shannon
Kelly Regin Kovalev
Ruutu Winchester Neil
Scratch: Cheechoo, Donovan

Good points. And i like both Cheechoo and Kovalev too. That's why i want them to find a place on the team where they can contribute to their max abilities. I'm def. not blaming Cheechoo (or Kovalev), but Clouston has to find a spot for them where they have chemistry with their linemates and are able to score points so they are comfortable with their play. I'm pretty sure Cheechoo is not comfortable with himself right now. Who knows what Kovalev is thinking. It's up to the coaching staff to figure out where they fit the best.
(the top two lines are working because two of the three on each are driving them. Alfie, Fisher and Spezza, Michalek)

I know someone who can help him with that

Michalek-Spezza-Alfredsson
Foligno-Regin-Fisher
Cheechoo-Shannon-Kovalev (If they're gonna' play like 3rd liners, give them 3rd line minutes)
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil

(the top two lines are working because two of the three on each are driving them. Alfie, Fisher and Spezza, Michalek)

Exactly, but that also means there might be potential to switch the other guys around.

I may be in the minority (as usual), but I'm happy with Cheechoo... he's at least putting in effort and has only been on Spezza's line for 3 or 4 games IIRC. He's been getting some chances but just hasn't found the back of the net yet. Both Cheechoo and Michalek are new faces for Spezza who has had the luxury of centering two all-stars since the lockout. Obviously it's going to take some time for Spezza to find chemistry with his new linemates. But lets not lay all the blame on Cheechoo. I know everyone on these boards has a hard-on for Spezza, but he's making 7mil and should be able to get things going centering Michalek and Cheechoo (who are no slouches), and he should also be scoring more on the PP with almost 4mins of PP time per game.

Cheechoo's working hard, but achieving very little anywhere on the ice and at this point isn't doing anything but dragging the line down... which is working fine otherwise. At some point, we'll need to demote him because he's just not doing anything out there.

Spezza has been getting it done and it did take a couple of games to develop chemistry just as you said.

First 4 games = 1 point
Last 6 games = 7 points (including at least a point in 5 of 6 games)

Something to get Foligno and Shannon going would be nice.

Foligno's on pace for 22 goals with almost no PP time.

Do you think we should try to run 3 offensive lines?

We've run 3 offensive lines before and 1 big line,
I'd kinda like to see 2 very good offensive lines.

Do you think we should put the FFS line back together?

Here's my thinking and why I organized these responses like so...

S is really just a poor mans A and since FA is already working so well, I don't feel the need to break up that chemistry by throwing S into the mix. However, I'm thinking that Cheechoo hasn't been doing enough with his opportunity thus far and Foligno is... creating the potential for a change to try and make both lines as good as possible. Meanwhile, Kovalev has been somewhat disappointing on a line that's otherwise working.

Which makes the new lines:
Michalek - Spezza - Kovalev
Foligno - Fisher - Alfredsson
... nobody is playing out of position, established chemstry is maintained and Foligno is rewarded for his play thus far while Cheechoo is demoted.

Here's my thinking and why I organized these responses like so...

S is really just a poor mans A and since FA is already working so well, I don't feel the need to break up that chemistry by throwing S into the mix. However, I'm thinking that Cheechoo hasn't been doing enough with his opportunity thus far and Foligno is... creating the potential for a change to try and make both lines as good as possible. Meanwhile, Kovalev has been somewhat disappointing on a line that's otherwise working.

Which makes the new lines:
Michalek - Spezza - Kovalev
Foligno - Fisher - Alfredsson
... nobody is playing out of position, established chemstry is maintained and Foligno is rewarded for his play thus far while Cheechoo is demoted.

That's not a bad idea... but I think Clouston may be waiting to see if Spezza maintains his two-way play before adding Kovalev to the mix. The old Spezza + Kovalev is a recipe for disaster. That could be a combined -40 16mil line if Spezza isn't strongly committed to the defensive side of the game.

But I do like the way Foligno has been playing so far and don't think he could do much worse than Kovalev as the 2nd line LW.

You got to love the depth ottawa has. All your line combos looks very solid

That's not a bad idea... but I think Clouston may be waiting to see if Spezza maintains his two-way play before adding Kovalev to the mix. The old Spezza + Kovalev is a recipe for disaster. That could be a combined -40 16mil line if Spezza isn't strongly committed to the defensive side of the game.

Pretty sure the Sens equipment manager could have gone weeks without washing Heatley's jersey... and they didn't finish -40.

But I do like the way Foligno has been playing so far and don't think he could do much worse than Kovalev as the 2nd line LW.

He did well with Fisher and poor-mans-Alfie down the stretch last year.

I voted yes simply because I want a Michalek-Spezza-Kovalev line.

They had chemistry in the preseason and whenever they seem to end up together (during a change on a PP, etc.) they always seem to generate something. I also think Kovalev needs to go back onto the RW, where he has always played his best hockey. Kovalev has been ineffective because, IMO, he's been playing on his off wing.

Fisher and Alfie seem to have chemistry and I'm sure they could make whomever plays on the LW with them(even Cheechoo if Clouston were to switch him over) better. Isn't that what good players are supposed to do?

I don't know why people say Kovy has no chemistry with Alfie and Fisher. Every point he has this year has been scored with a goal or assist from one of them. I think especially Kovy and Alfie have shown very good chemistry out there on the ice. They seem to find eachother in wide open spots to one time the puck. Considering that they have only played together 11 games I expect this chemistry to develop more as the season progresses. I also notice that when the two head up ice they switch sides a lot so many times Kovy ends up on the right side and Alfie ends up on the left side which is good for attacking. In their own end it's better they are on their off wings as it's easier to clear the puck out of your own end when you stick is facing twords the boards. The only problem I see so far is that Kovy is not always skating full speed (something he really doesn't do often over the course of his career) and that he looks a bit like he is lacking confidence a bit. He his bobbling the puck more then he normally would for a guy who is normally really good at handling the puck. Hopefully scoring the goal last game will give him some confidence.

I just want to see Michalek with Fisher. The speed these two would bring would be incredible.

Nah, if what they're doing now is working, don't fix it...

I wouldn't mind seeing winchester jump into cheechoo's spot on the top line. Cheech is working hard but his skating is so bad he can't keep, whereas winchester is good on the boards and is fast enough to stay involved, plus he's good defensively. Might not work out but i wouldn't mind trying it, that way Fish can stay with alfie and cheechoo can drop down to the 3rd line.

Michalek-Spezz-Winch
Alfie-Fish-Kovy
Foligno-Regin-Cheech
Ruutu-Kelly-Neil

I also wouldn't mind trying this

Michalek-Spezz-Fish
Alfie-Regin-Kovy
Foligno-Kelly-Cheech/shannon
Ruutu-winch-Neil