I hate it but I just have a horrible feeling he will start there. The reason is we brought in so many new defencemen who are highly touted or make good money, and Hitchcock really likes Rome, Russell, Tollefson imparticular and will hate to leave them out of the lineup. So I think Rusty will start as the 7th, but will get his chance when someone gets hurt or struggled and he will play awesome and work his way back into the lineup, and by the end of the season he will be flying and be one of the teams top defencemen.
It is hard to say for sure though. As the Blog said you have the top 4 of Hejda, Commodore, Backman, and Tjutin; then you have a whole bunch fighting for the last 2 spots on the blueline lineup.
Oy well if Backman pushes Rusty out of the top 4 then maybe he deserves to be the 7th defenseman. But as of right now Rusty will be depended on for a lot. Top 4 minutes and some nights top 2. He's also gonna be wearing an "A" sometimes.
That is the dumbest thing Ive ever heard. Klesla isnt even close to having to battle for a spot. he is top 4 guarenteed. Backman isnt very good.and when he says he likes Rome and the rest of the group it doesnt mean he likes them more than our good defenseman. This is like saying we arent going to play Modin because we signed Huselius
First to get the call- Murray,York,Sestito...I hate Novotny.
Defenseman
Klesla-Commodore
Hejda-Tyutin
Backman-OKT/Russell..depending on the game.
First to get the call- Rome
The reason I put klesla with commodore is by putting him with a pure defensive minded dman, maybe he will be able to jump up more often than he has to this point. Pairing him with Hainsey last year didnt help his stats.
I'm starting to think Boller is going to play on the third line to start the season while Torres works on knocking the rust off and using his knee more. After everything I heard about the Nash/Brass/Juice line, I think they'll start the pre-season together. That's pretty much 2 scoring lines and 2 grinding lines with Peca and Manny taking the draws. All 4 four can score and all 4 have some size, I'm sure Hitch would love to roll 4 lines and wear down opponents. So much of this season is riding on Jake Voracek's shoulders.
I'm starting to think Boller is going to play on the third line to start the season while Torres works on knocking the rust off and using his knee more. After everything I heard about the Nash/Brass/Juice line, I think they'll start the pre-season together. That's pretty much 2 scoring lines and 2 grinding lines with Peca and Manny taking the draws. All 4 four can score and all 4 have some size, I'm sure Hitch would love to roll 4 lines and wear down opponents. So much of this season is riding on Jake Voracek's shoulders.
if Brassard/Huselius click with Nash....that's 30+ points right there...
I think Voracek is the best natural right winger on your team regardless of age and will show it very early in the season.
Huselius is slated to play on the top line but has a stated preference to play left wing so I say it's only a matter of time before he is moved off the Nash line and Voracek to the top.
i think it just makes sense to have Brassard on Nash's line right now. as was stated in the blog....
it gives us a line with 3 very skilled guys. and Voracek plays a simliar style to Modin and Umberger. Also, you aren't gonna see Brassard and Voracek on the same line at the beginning of the season. and Huselius is gonna play with Nash. So, as long as Voracek is on one of the top 2 lines, you will see Brassard on the first line and Umberger on the second line.
Brassard on the first line with Nash? Well I hope he is ready for it.
The kid's come a LONG way, since last year. Saw him yesterday and this morning in training camp, and was impressed. I was one of the group to think there's no way he'll be ready on the 1st line or even the 2nd for that matter, but based on what I've seen so far, I may be changing my tune soon if he keeps it up. Yes, it's still early, so who knows.
The kid's come a LONG way, since last year. Saw him yesterday and this morning in training camp, and was impressed. I was one of the group to think there's no way he'll be ready on the 1st line or even the 2nd for that matter, but based on what I've seen so far, I may be changing my tune soon if he keeps it up. Yes, it's still early, so who knows.
That is great to hear. I wasnt sure what to expect from him to start the season, but I had my doubts he was even ready for 2nd line duty in our currently hopefully improved lineup. What you say sounds very encouraging about him though and that is great news for the team.
Brassard on the first line with Nash? Well I hope he is ready for it.
If you had seen that line Saturday, you'd have said he was ready. When I said that line was dominant, I wasn't exaggerating. Every single possession, no matter who was on defense.
That is great to hear. I wasnt sure what to expect from him to start the season, but I had my doubts he was even ready for 2nd line duty in our currently hopefully improved lineup. What you say sounds very encouraging about him though and that is great news for the team.
I know he played a little bit for Columbus last year and looked out of place but please realize he just came off a broken jaw and was about 12 pounds under his weight. He was not ready at the time for his call up and that is why he under preformed. He is ready and was ready last season when he played for the Crunch but the injury took a lot out of him. We will miss him in Syracuse but will be routing no matter what.
Don't be surprised if Picard makes it either and players like Novotny are released. Picard is sick when healthy but this has been his downfall Injuries!
And I hope he stays healthy. But hockey is a rough game. People get hurt. There are some people who never manage to stay healthy. It sucks for him, but a player on IR isn't on the ice, and we need guys on the ice.
Hey guys, Oilers fan here. Torres is one of my favorite players and I have noticed he hasnt played a pre-season game yet, I'm assuming that he is still injured, any word on when hes going to be ready to play again? I hope he gets back intime to start the season
Hey guys, Oilers fan here. Torres is one of my favorite players and I have noticed he hasnt played a pre-season game yet, I'm assuming that he is still injured, any word on when hes going to be ready to play again? I hope he gets back intime to start the season
He's been playing a portion of the training camp practices...although it seemed he was alternating with someone else if I recall correctly. He looked good, but I think they are playing it safe. If I heard when he's expected to be 100%, I've forgotten.
