Quote:
Originally Posted by JTG
Niskanen played a lot in the top 4 last season and did just fine. I wouldn't be against giving him more responsibility, and giving Sarge the easy mins to keep him fresh.
Gonchar now is not the same one that was here 2 years ago. I wouldn't want him playing 20+ mins a game.
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I get what you are saying on everything but the bolded part. 2 years ago, he was a number 1 D. You don't drop 4 spots in 2 seasons, it just doesn't happen. If he were to play in Ottawa, he would be on the 2nd pair along Phillips, who is eerily similar to Orpik in play style. And Niskanen has played along Engo pretty much his entire time here in Pitt. You can't ignore chemistry, Orpik-Gonchar was our best pair here for the longest time.