Sorry for being captain obvious, but this is huge for us. Now we'll have perhaps one of the best lineup of centers in the league (assuming their roles).
Sedin
Sundin
Kesler
Johnson
And with Luie probably coming back soon, things are definitely looking up. Just need that PP QB and we're set!
Sorry for being captain obvious, but this is huge for us. Now we'll have perhaps one of the best lineup of centers in the league (assuming their roles).
"'Mats has done a great job on this team, but there's a lot of interest in Mike Brown, and frankly, we think the Big Swede can clear waivers. Plus, Mike wants his number back,' said Vigneault"
Yeah this is definitely the closest to being 'complete' that I've seen this team. Expecting a top-end puck-mover like Kaberle on top of that would be quite honestly, borderline selfish of us.
Sedin - Sedin - Demitra
Raymond - Sundin - Wellwood
Burrows - Kesler - Bernier
Hordichuk/Pyatt - Johnson - Hansen
Mitchell - Bieksa
Ohlund - Salo
Edler - O'Brien
Luongo
Sanford/LaBarbera
Seriously, that lineup's got nearly everything.
Last edited by Shareefruck: 01-09-2009 at 06:50 PM.
“We just got to the point where I feel I can play,” Johnson said after Thursday’s practice. “I am going to deal with some pain, but it’s not going to hinder my game in any way or put myself in jeopardy. Those are the two things you consider and we’re past that. So it’s time to throw it in the rear-view mirror and move on.”
On the plus side, Johnson said he’s skating better than he has all season. His broke a bone his left foot in the third game of the season and attempted to play through the injury. Now that it has had a chance to heal, Johnson feels like he has a new set of wheels.
“I kind of got accustomed to skating on a really bad foot,” he said. “And now getting out here the last 10 days and having a completely healthy foot, my balance and everything feels so much better. It feels great to have two good feet underneath me.”
St. Louis Blues even though the finger hasn't come around as hoped. He's having trouble flexing the finger at the knuckle, so will have to grip the top of his hockey stick with three fingers.
"It's as good it's going to get right now," said Johnson, following Thursday's practice at GM Place.
"It's at the point where I can deal with it."
As he's a left-hand shot, Johnson's right-hand grip is particularly important for him on the penalty kill, where one-handed pokes and sweep-checks are part of the repertoire.
"It doesn't hinder my grip at all. There's pain, but it's something I can deal with," said Johnson, who's been told he'll eventually regain flexibility in the finger. "Are we going to sit here for three more weeks to get a bit more mobility? It's time to move on."
Hopefully he gets his faceoff game back. He's been a 53-56% player on the draw the past five seasons and having four centers (five if you count Wellwood) who are strong on the faceoffs would be huge for this team.
Hopefully he gets his faceoff game back. He's been a 53-56% player on the draw the past five seasons and having four centers (five if you count Wellwood) who are strong on the faceoffs would be huge for this team.
It would be awesome if he got his faceoff game back even just for the second PK. But since he is playing with a broken finger I can't see him improving over the beginning of this season.
went to the game last night, Johnson is a beast. honestly. He may do 0 offensively, or close to 0, but he honestly sacrifices himself on every play to block a shot. Had 2 GREAT blocked shot attempts last night.
