For a while we had the Dubi-Boyle-Mitchell line, and aside from the dumb turnovers in the Caps game, that line was really good at sustaining offensive zone time. That's what Torts wanted out of them and that's what he was getting. Just cause Brian Boyle isn't on pace for 20 goals doesn't mean he's not fulfilling his role. He is a role player btw people, remember that. Then last game in the WC you see Boyle with Callahan and Dubinsky in the second period...and some fans are screaming because Boyle is playing with two of our offensive wingers and Torts was throwing that line out there any chance he got. Well Torts was just seeing the obvious...that trio was starting to shift the momentum.
Boyle is a meat and potatoes player. If he's completely invisible then its a problem but if hes keeping the puck pinned in and playing smart then he's doing his job.
FEDS is a smart player but boy does he look to have some heavy legs lately . MITCHELL is hard on the puck , and plays his cycling roll very well . FEDS def a much more polished plays still but I think could use some nIgbts off from time to time .
Feds might just be an "old" 32 year old player. Some time off on occasion would be a good idea.
Only 3 more points for Feds in almost 20 more games and 3 extra minutes a game. Not only that but Mitchell has taken 20 less shots on goal. In addition...I know +/- is not an exact science...but that's a 10 goal difference right there.
Also, Mitchell has the second highest face-off percentage on the team at just over 53%.
He's been good defensively but once he crosses the red line into the offensive side of the rink his hands turn into bricks: Brian Boyle could use a few days off. Showcase Wolski before the deadline, give boyle some rest and hopefully he'll find the net/some creativity by the time he gets back.
I'm not sure. Looks alright, as long as WW plays with some fire.
Lines get stale, power hitters find slumps, goal scorers and bball stars go cold some games and cant find the net, it HAPPENS. Cant be perfect 82 games a year. I was so sick of the constant line changing in the past. Regardless of a few cold games or not, leave the top 2 lines alone, for good, unless some extreme event.
I'll say it. I think there's room for improvement on the 1st line LW. Anisimov has been fine....I guess, but his linemates are racking up points like crazy while he's on a 7 game pointless drought.
I try WW with Stepan and Gabby if only to put Anisimov back in the role of defensive pivot. Put him back at 3rd line center and I think you've got a better, deeper lineup.
I'll say it. I think there's room for improvement on the 1st line LW. Anisimov has been fine....I guess, but his linemates are racking up points like crazy while he's on a 7 game pointless drought.
I try WW with Stepan and Gabby if only to put Anisimov back in the role of defensive pivot. Put him back at 3rd line center and I think you've got a better, deeper lineup.
I'll say it. I think there's room for improvement on the 1st line LW. Anisimov has been fine....I guess, but his linemates are racking up points like crazy while he's on a 7 game pointless drought.
I try WW with Stepan and Gabby if only to put Anisimov back in the role of defensive pivot. Put him back at 3rd line center and I think you've got a better, deeper lineup.
replacing Anisimov on the top line has crossed my mind. In the end I would not look at acquiring a winger as replacing someone but adding depth.
lets say it is Rutuu, then great he can play in the Stepan or Richards line depending on how things are going or even the 3rd line if they want to keep things the same.
I would be pretty cool with a 3rd line of Anisimov/Rutuu/Dubinsky with Hagelin and whether fans like it or not Boyle is going to get minutes on that line as well
Mitchell is still a small question mark for me cause I'm not sure he can keep doing well given his track record. Rupp and Prust are perfect 4th liners and Feds can move up and down the lineup especially in a defensive role
I don't know what it is, jas, but we always seem to be on the same page.
Ruutu is the right player for the right price. You could likely get him for non-roster players/picks. He could play in the top six. His acquisition wouldn't disrupt the current lineup. He's got the right mix of skill and sandpaper. And, even I'd even look to sign him past this season as a placeholder while Kreider and Miller find their way. I don't think this team needs to add a major piece, just another player who can chip in offensively.
Ruutu is the right player for the right price. You could likely get him for non-roster players/picks. He could play in the top six. His acquisition wouldn't disrupt the current lineup. He's got the right mix of skill and sandpaper. And, even I'd even look to sign him past this season as a placeholder while Kreider and Miller find their way. I don't think this team needs to add a major piece, just another player who can chip in offensively.
I agree, I don't look at Ruutu as a rental. I see him as at least a short-term addition.
I don't think we can afford to gut the roster and the farm system.
Ruutu would cost less then Doan, Ryan, Iginla, Selanne...all of the other names that have been talked about.
But he would fit just as well if not better into the lineup here. As a player he's perfect for this team's identity.
Ruutu is the right player for the right price. You could likely get him for non-roster players/picks. He could play in the top six. His acquisition wouldn't disrupt the current lineup. He's got the right mix of skill and sandpaper. And, even I'd even look to sign him past this season as a placeholder while Kreider and Miller find their way. I don't think this team needs to add a major piece, just another player who can chip in offensively.
yep, he fits the system and it wont cost a ton.....a 2nd is typical for a rental. Sather moved that for Antropov
at this point if more needs to be added I think we all agree Zuccarello deserves a chance to play in the NHL somewhere. He's not going to play here so move him since he is an asset/ahl all star
Ruutu is the right player for the right price. You could likely get him for non-roster players/picks. .
But the question already is how do you manage a roster with too many healthy players. You can't bring someone in without shipping someone out and I've got my doubts that anyone really wants Wolski as pending UFA with a huge price tag, a groin injury and an inability to crack a roster where LW'ers are regularly platooned up and down the lineup.
I don't know that Ruutu is what the lineup needs. I think it needs a player skilled enough to consistently ride on the coattails of Stepan and Gabby. I think it could be Wolski, but it's kinda time to find out so that if it isn't, then you can really think about your pre-deadline options.
Im sure Ruutu will be desired by quite a few teams . Just please no more Vaclav Prospal , that ship has sailed and Torts gives him way too much ice time .
But the question already is how do you manage a roster with too many healthy players. You can't bring someone in without shipping someone out and I've got my doubts that anyone really wants Wolski as pending UFA with a huge price tag, a groin injury and an inability to crack a roster where LW'ers are regularly platooned up and down the lineup.
I don't know that Ruutu is what the lineup needs. I think it needs a player skilled enough to consistently ride on the coattails of Stepan and Gabby. I think it could be Wolski, but it's kinda time to find out so that if it isn't, then you can really think about your pre-deadline options.
I think you can send someone like Christensen down. You could potentially even waive Wolski and send him down. As for needing Ruutu, I think he is skilled enough to ride the coattails of Step and Gabby, while adding some grit, which that line lacks. Ruutu had enough skill to ride shotgun with Eric Staal. I think he's both a short and long term fit for this team.
