If Pominville actually did make the move to center, I'm not sure what I'd do with the lines. I'd love to see Stafford play with Vanek and Pominville, but that just leaves a huge gap in the second line.
Maybe this is completely stupid but does anyone think Pom's taking on center duties (if not officially taking over the position) was part of the Sabres plan since the off-season?
I believe Leino and Briere actually worked in that manner in Philly. So maybe once we signed Leino, Ruff told Pommers that he wanted him working on faceoffs etc and that Leino and Poms would work much like Leino and Briere did.
The only difference is that Adams came in and took that spot from Leino in camp. Thoughts?
Vanek-Pominville-Boyes
-works on the PP, why not even strength. Vanek and Pominville are both playing very well defensively, and Boyes isn't horrible in his own end.
Leino-Roy-Stafford
-they're starting to get some chemistry, don't mess it up now.
Ennis-Adam-Hecht
-when both are healthy, put them with Adam and see how it goes, if Adam and Ennis can build chemistry that'd be great.
If Hecht is still out a while...
Gerbe-Adam-Ennis
-throw the two midgets with the big guy and see what happens. Ennis and Gerbe played together in the AHL, and they're the three past AHL ROY's.
If Gerbe is moved off the GGK line...
McCormick-Gaustad-Kaleta
Maybe this is completely stupid but does anyone think Pom's taking on center duties (if not officially taking over the position) was part of the Sabres plan since the off-season?
I believe Leino and Briere actually worked in that manner in Philly. So maybe once we signed Leino, Ruff told Pommers that he wanted him working on faceoffs etc and that Leino and Poms would work much like Leino and Briere did.
The only difference is that Adams came in and took that spot from Leino in camp. Thoughts?
I actually think the plan was for Hecht to center that line. Ruff had told himat the end season exit interviews to be prepared to play center this season. Hecht played between Vanek/Pommer for most of the 2nd half before getting hurt.
Why mess with Pominville's position when what he's doing is playing RW and taking draws? Let Adam continue to work on his game in the middle and let JP do his job on the wing.
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I actually think the plan was for Hecht to center that line. Ruff had told himat the end season exit interviews to be prepared to play center this season. Hecht played between Vanek/Pommer for most of the 2nd half before getting hurt.
That makes sense. I love Hecht's game but I always preferred him on the wing. But he did do well for us at center last season. I don't care where he plays really, I just hope he can get healthy and play at some point this season.
Why mess with Pominville's position when what he's doing is playing RW and taking draws? Let Adam continue to work on his game in the middle and let JP do his job on the wing.
Thats kind of where I am with it.
Pommer has been great as another option for faceoffs as well as helping with the defensive responsibilities. But he hasn't been the full time center (its a roughly 50/50) and if he is moved there full time it changes the dynamic of his role. It may not effect him at all and that line may keep chugging along. But why mess with what is working.
I also think Adam contributes more to that line than many give him credit for. He has been a good support player. He is very good at getting his shot off (particularly in traffic), gets the puck to the net consistantly, goes to the net hard and he is very good at using his stick to create turnovers. Adam is tied with Pommer for the team lead in takeaways (9). With those two taking the puck away like that its created a ton of chances for Vanek and the results speak for themselves.
Pommer has been great as another option for faceoffs as well as helping with the defensive responsibilities. But he hasn't been the full time center (its a roughly 50/50) and if he is moved there full time it changes the dynamic of his role. It may not effect him at all and that line may keep chugging along. But why mess with what is working.
I also think Adam contributes more to that line than many give him credit for. He has been a good support player. He is very good at getting his shot off (particularly in traffic), gets the puck to the net consistantly, goes to the net hard and he is very good at using his stick to create turnovers. Adam is tied with Pommer for the team lead in takeaways (9). With those two taking the puck away like that its created a ton of chances for Vanek and the results speak for themselves.
Poms is still not the deep man on the defensive rotation most of the time. He's taking faceoffs mostly on the right side and given how Adam has struggled so far, the puck possession piece of it is awesome. The three of them are very good at jumping passing lanes and just generally being in the most disruptive spot they can be on the ice in the opposition's zone, lots of 2-on-1 supported action as they work quickly on the puck-carrier.
Poms is still not the deep man on the defensive rotation most of the time. He's taking faceoffs mostly on the right side and given how Adam has struggled so far, the puck possession piece of it is awesome. The three of them are very good at jumping passing lanes and just generally being in the most disruptive spot they can be on the ice in the opposition's zone, lots of 2-on-1 supported action as they work quickly on the puck-carrier.
Pommer was a down low a good amount for a few games earlier in the year. But you're right he isn't the one doing it most of the time.
Ruff must feel like he won the lottery with Adam this year. The way he has gelled with those two is incredible. Adam was told coming into the summer if he did x,y and z he would get a chance to make the team. He took that to heart and grabbed a spot no one thought he would be in.
Why mess with what's working? Pominville can handle defensive responsibilities of the center while playing RW in the offensive zone--which is pretty close to what they're doing already.
If Adam falters, then you can think about moving Pommer to C full-time. But even then maybe you'd give Leino a shot first. If we get hammered with center injuries, then we can think about moving Pommer completely to C, but I'm fine with this hybrid C/RW thing they have going on.
If Adam falters, they may try Leino there or if Hecht ever gets healthy, he comes back and plugs in there. Again, Poms is playing well, but he's not actually "playing center".
If Adam falters, they may try Leino there or if Hecht ever gets healthy, he comes back and plugs in there. Again, Poms is playing well, but he's not actually "playing center".
Imo you are understating the degree to which he is already the center. He handles half the faceoffs and just as much dzone coverage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoveDaSwords
Why mess with what's working?
One problem we will face is finding a center for Ennis once he is healthy. Going into the season the expectation was that at least one of Hecht, Leino, Adam, or Boyes would center the 3rd line (GGX as the 4th line). Well, now Leino is thriving at LW with Roy and Stafford, Boyes at RW with Gerbe and Goose, Adam is somehow the 1C and Hecht is out indefinitely. So if we keep the other lines together, what are we going to do, assign Ennis to grind duty with Cody and Kaleta?
Anyways I agree it would be unwise to shake things up while we are winning. But we won't always be winning. This thread is just ideas.
Imo you are understating the degree to which he is already the center. He handles half the faceoffs and just as much dzone coverage.
One problem we will face is finding a center for Ennis once he is healthy. Going into the season the expectation was that at least one of Hecht, Leino, Adam, or Boyes would center the 3rd line (GGX as the 4th line). Well, now Leino is thriving at LW with Roy and Stafford, Boyes at RW with Gerbe and Goose, Adam is somehow the 1C and Hecht is out indefinitely. So if we keep the other lines together, what are we going to do, assign Ennis to grind duty with Cody and Kaleta?
Anyways I agree it would be unwise to shake things up while we are winning. But we won't always be winning. This thread is just ideas.
Yes. Stick Ennis on the fourth line if these lines are working. Eventually a shakeup will be needed and he can be moved around.
And Ennis wasn't playing that well before he got hurt either.
Imo you are understating the degree to which he is already the center. He handles half the faceoffs and just as much dzone coverage.
I just don't see him handling THAT much of the deep d-zone coverage. He's always responsible and in great position, but he's still covering the point and half-wall more than being the deep man. Are people overstating him as a center due to faceoff prowess? Nothing wrong with a winger good at the draw who is still a good winger.
Quote:
One problem we will face is finding a center for Ennis once he is healthy. Going into the season the expectation was that at least one of Hecht, Leino, Adam, or Boyes would center the 3rd line (GGX as the 4th line). Well, now Leino is thriving at LW with Roy and Stafford, Boyes at RW with Gerbe and Goose, Adam is somehow the 1C and Hecht is out indefinitely. So if we keep the other lines together, what are we going to do, assign Ennis to grind duty with Cody and Kaleta?
Anyways I agree it would be unwise to shake things up while we are winning. But we won't always be winning. This thread is just ideas.
Ennis could use some time down with the fourth line and instructions to simplify his game.
For sure I had to be one of the top detractors of Pominville for a couple of years running. Especially the move dubbed the "Pominfail", which consists of taking a step over the blue line along the right wing wall and winding a slap shot at the goalie's crest. Or if pressured, just wrist it. Same target.
That said, he hasn't been doing that stuff as much this year, and perhaps as a consequence has been a legitimate top-line forward, and one of the best Sabres on the year.
