Quote:
Originally Posted by Puckzilla13
Carkner needs a mobile, puck-moving partner. That could be Marty or Hickey, just not Finley. Ever again. 
Very pleased with Strait. Once we get our bottom pairing figured out, I think we will be ok on D. Not saying I wouldn't welcome Lubo in a second (had to go there  ) |
agree with this.
Not to pull a Butch, but seeing Carkner skating with the #7 on his back reminds me of Trent Hunter and how his skating completely deteriorated over time. Scary stuff for a dman, for sure.
Look at the way Okposo completely blew past Matt Carle on his half breakaway, and Carle is not a bad skater. Finley and Carkner leaves the Isles at risk, and in 48 games, where one goal can mean so much, why chance it?
I like the added toughness and Carkner seems much more serviceable than Finley, but I'd prefer NONE of them play. I'd replace them with Visnovsky and Martinek and take my chances.
But all teams are experimenting and looking for toughness. The Leafs have Colton Orr (waived and sent to the AHL last year) who to knocked down John Scott (6'8" Finley-esque who makes Mitch Fritz and Trevor Gillies look like an NHLers).
On defense though, it's not worth it. Too much risk.