Seriously. People complaining about Malkin not being utilized properly, he'll be playing with the best player in the world, an emerging dominant two way center in Staal and will be double shifted constantly centering the bottom six. Playing him on wing frees us up to use him as our lethal weapon without too much disruption of the lines.
Just like you can't move Neal to RW... *rolls eyes*
Jiggy, I actually think it's going to be the 3C model as the base, with a lot of experimenting with line combos between now and the end of the season.
If that's the case and 'balance' is the goal, then I could see him going or eventually settling on Kunitz-Sid-Dupuis, Cooke-Geno-Neal, and Sullivan-Staal-Kennedy (maybe part of that is hope that in the 3C model Bylsma stays away from Sullivan with Geno and Neal).
That said, I see him, no matter what the combos are in the 3C model, doing a ton of situational stacking.
For example, unless they're dead, there should NOT be a left offensive zone faceoff where the unit is NOT Geno-Sid-Neal: Sid takes the faceoff, and Geno lines up in Neal's spot. Three set plays: Sid wins to Neal to take the one-timer. Sid wins to Neal as Geno obstructs then quickly peels off to take a one-timer off a quick feed from Neal. OR, Sid wins forward and has a pass to Geno/shot option.
DB loves his grinders... Crosby has the Kip Miller love affair with Dupuis... DB is probably worried about butt hurting Malkin's feelings since he helped carry the team in Crosby's absence... so I am not going to argue it won't happen...
Again, it doesn't mean it is the best decision.
I've pointed out more than enough reasons why Malkin and Crosby should play together while Staal centers his own line, but what no one can afford to overlook is that Crosby needs to be protected for awhile.
As I pointed out earlier, why would a coach put his franchise player on a line that forces him to be the main puck carrier - after he has been out 14 months with concussion issues?
That wouldn't be very sound logic, but I won't be surprised if it does happen.
DB loves his grinders... Crosby has the Kip Miller love affair with Dupuis... DB is probably worried about butt hurting Malkin's feelings since he helped carry the team in Crosby's absence... so I am not going to argue it won't happen...
Again, it doesn't mean it is the best decision.
I've pointed out more than enough reasons why Malkin and Crosby should play together while Staal centers his own line, but what no one can afford to overlook is that Crosby needs to be protected for awhile.
As I pointed out earlier, why would a coach put his franchise player on a line that forces him to be the main puck carrier - after he has been out 14 months with concussion issues?
That wouldn't be very sound logic, but I won't be surprised if it does happen.
That is why you provide him with wingers that will help take the focus off of him. Jiggy...we have the same goal in mind we are just in disagreement of who it should be with.
Teams having to match up against Crosby with wingers, then the KMN line is more problematic than one stacked line. KMN is a dominant line that does not require the creation of chemistry...its already there...its already been established. Its a problem every game for teams to keep this line in check.
Then you throw on a line with Sid who has wingers a team simply can not ignore. Staal and Sullivan. Sullivan's pass first mentality can work well with Sid and Staal. Staal's ability to cycle and pass benefits Sid and Sullivan. Sid will be Sid and make Staal and Sullivan just that much better.
This way teams have to deal with two 1st lines. Not 1st and a 2nd. Again, if you have a stacked line...a team put their 1st pairing and a shutdown line against them. Keep that stacked line in check and you can win a series pretty easy. But if you have 2 legit scoring threats (like we've ALWAYS had in the past) you're forcing a teams hand on who to focus on. The other line gets the benefit of not being the primary focus. Now whether its Sid or Malkin...its does not matter. Its a win win.
The KMN line should be left alone. Its carried this team far too much to be broken up. That leaves us with few options of who to put with Sid. Again, I explain in several posts why Staal and Sullivan would be good linemates for Crosby. That line has 3 puck carriers, 3 passers, and 2 shooters and they can all cycle very well. Staal and Sullivan would take the same amount of pressure off Sid as Malkin would. Except when the other teams shutdown line and 1st pairing are done with our 1st line...we have either Malkin-Neal or Sid-Staal as the 2nd line. It's win win. They are going to produce. Sid-Malkin has been tried in the past and didn't deliver the astronomical results you guys are saying it will. Its an effective line...but draws a lot of attention because then all the opposing team has to do...is toss out any other line to go against Kunitz-Staal-Dupuis/Sully...thats not that hard to mitigate. Keeping Sid and Malkin separate is the better overall hockey strategy.
The 3C model given recent play would be even more nightmarish for teams...but I think Staal's play, as stated above by myself and several others, warrants top 6 responsibilites.
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Wait a minute... aren't you the same guy who said those of us who want Malkin at wing don't know anything about hockey?
Don't be a hypocrite. If you are going to make idiotic statements like that, I'm going to point out how little you do actually know about this sport.
It really isn't difficult to read things people write and know if they really understand the game, and I am beyond certain you don't really know what you are talking about. I generally won't call people out if they don't make any sense, but you put yourself on the spot with your asinine statement.
So man up and don't whine. Nothing worse than someone who insults others, then whines when their feelings get hurt. Please.
And for about the 10th time - Staal's emergence now allows Crosby and Malkin to play together. In the past he wasn't capable of carrying a second line. Now he is. It isn't a difficult concept to grasp - really.
Stop asking questions that have been answered already.
Of the big three, Malkin is easily the worst in his own end. The top line has been having problems in their own end for the last month and that is obvious to even a casual observer. If you think Malkin is better in his own end than Crosby and Staal, you know even less about this game than I think you do.
Why anyone would want to move either of those two to wing is beyond me, unless you are into fantasy hockey and stats...
Again..."You disagree with me therefore you know nothing about hockey" Give it a rest man. Your opinion is just that...opinion. It is not fact.
1. Just because you give your opinion...it does not mean that any "questions" have been answered. You've given your opinion...that is all.
2. I have never ONCE stated that Malkin was better than Sid or Staal in their own end. You show me where I said that....you quote where I said Malkin is better than Sid or Staal in the dzone. Otherwise stop with that nonsense. That's a downright lie to further your "You disagree with me therefore you know nothing about hockey" argument. Childish.
3. I understand that Staal's recent play would allow us to have Sid and Malkin on the first line with Staal anchoring the 2nd line. I understand that and I view that as a solid opinion/option. What I'm saying...is that is not the best overall strategy this team can use - ESPECIALLY given the play of Staal.
4. Point out to me where I talk about stats? Again, quote where I said or stop with those garbage lies.
That is why you provide him with wingers that will help take the focus off of him. Jiggy...we have the same goal in mind we are just in disagreement of who it should be with.
Teams having to match up against Crosby with wingers, then the KMN line is more problematic than one stacked line. KMN is a dominant line that does not require the creation of chemistry...its already there...its already been established. Its a problem every game for teams to keep this line in check.
Then you throw on a line with Sid who has wingers a team simply can not ignore. Staal and Sullivan. Sullivan's pass first mentality can work well with Sid and Staal. Staal's ability to cycle and pass benefits Sid and Sullivan. Sid will be Sid and make Staal and Sullivan just that much better.
This way teams have to deal with two 1st lines. Not 1st and a 2nd. Again, if you have a stacked line...a team put their 1st pairing and a shutdown line against them. Keep that stacked line in check and you can win a series pretty easy. But if you have 2 legit scoring threats (like we've ALWAYS had in the past) you're forcing a teams hand on who to focus on. The other line gets the benefit of not being the primary focus. Now whether its Sid or Malkin...its does not matter. Its a win win.
The KMN line should be left alone. Its carried this team far too much to be broken up. That leaves us with few options of who to put with Sid. Again, I explain in several posts why Staal and Sullivan would be good linemates for Crosby. That line has 3 puck carriers, 3 passers, and 2 shooters and they can all cycle very well. Staal and Sullivan would take the same amount of pressure off Sid as Malkin would. Except when the other teams shutdown line and 1st pairing are done with our 1st line...we have either Malkin-Neal or Sid-Staal as the 2nd line. It's win win. They are going to produce. Sid-Malkin has been tried in the past and didn't deliver the astronomical results you guys are saying it will. Its an effective line...but draws a lot of attention because then all the opposing team has to do...is toss out any other line to go against Kunitz-Staal-Dupuis/Sully...thats not that hard to mitigate. Keeping Sid and Malkin separate is the better overall hockey strategy.
The 3C model given recent play would be even more nightmarish for teams...but I think Staal's play, as stated above by myself and several others, warrants top 6 responsibilites.
Malkin and Crosby played lights out hockey when they were together 3 seasons ago; they were broken up because there wasn't enough scoring depth. I don't see that as a problem now.
The argument keeps coming back to the same tired ass things:
- Malkin has to be a pivot to be dominant
- The team needs Malkin and Crosby on separate lines
- The KMN line has to stay together
I disagree with all of it. That simple.
I've explained in depth why I vehemently disagree with the first two points. As for the top line being so dominant - I disagree. The tape is out there on that line now. They cycle the puck; they aren't good off the rush.
That makes it much easier to defend that line. Especially when you start playing the elite teams in the playoffs. I have also been extremely disappointed in that lines ability to defend their side of the ice.
If I am choosing between my big 3 and trying to decide who to move to wing, come playoff time, I want Staal and Crosby doing the work in their own end, not Malkin.
Anyone who wants to try and make a case for Malkin being better than those two in his end, good luck. I'll rip that argument apart with my eyes closed.
Hockey is played at both ends of the rink. People need to realize that. I know fantasy hockey and worrying about MVP awards and the like warps people's perception, but the basics of hockey don't change.
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Again..."You disagree with me therefore you know nothing about hockey" Give it a rest man. Your opinion is just that...opinion. It is not fact.
Let's get this straight... I wouldn't be calling you out if you didn't act like a buster and state that people who want Malkin at wing "don't know anything about hockey".
I played this sport since I was 7. I have a gut feeling I know a whole hell of a lot more about the ins and outs of this game than you my man. Nothing personal, but what you type out tells me I am spot on.
Again, you made the statement, not me. Be accountable for what you said and don't play the victim card.
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1. Just because you give your opinion...it does not mean that any "questions" have been answered. You've given your opinion...that is all.
What are you going on about again?
I said I answered that question already. Meaning I don't want to type it out over and over again. I never tried to pass off my opinion as a fact.
Get real.
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2. I have never ONCE stated that Malkin was better than Sid or Staal in their own end. You show me where I said that....you quote where I said Malkin is better than Sid or Staal in the dzone. Otherwise stop with that nonsense. That's a downright lie to further your "You disagree with me therefore you know nothing about hockey" argument. Childish.
Again reading comprehension goes a long way.
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3. I understand that Staal's recent play would allow us to have Sid and Malkin on the first line with Staal anchoring the 2nd line. I understand that and I view that as a solid opinion/option. What I'm saying...is that is not the best overall strategy this team can use - ESPECIALLY given the play of Staal.
So you feel having your two best overall pivots anchoring your top two lines is... a bad strategy?
I disagree. I'm not even close to comfortable with Malkin's defensive game right now.
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4. Point out to me where I talk about stats? Again, quote where I said or stop with those garbage lies.
Again, reading comprehension goes a long way.
You wanted to call people out for their opinions; now you cry when I rip yours apart.
Do you not see how hypocritical that is? Five times in just this post alone you played the victim card.... like you are being unjustly attacked.
Man up. Accept responsibility for what you typed out. I'm the one who should be pissed for what you initially said.
I have been accountable for what I have written...every bit of it. But you dismiss it because you do not agree with it then arogantly state that "you know more about hockey than me". I don't give two ***** about how long you've been playing hockey. That in no way shape or form indicates how much you know about hockey. I've been playing since I was 6, for the past 20 years...I know a thing or two about hockey. I look at the big picture and overall strategy that would be best for the team.
Your opinions are your opinions. You take them as all knowing facts...but in reality...they are your opinions. Let me say that again since you clearly do not understand:
What. You. Say. Here. Is. YOUR. Own. Opinion. They. Are. NOT. Facts. Get off your damn high horse Mr. Arrogance. Good lord.
You:
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If you think Malkin is better in his own end than Crosby and Staal, you know even less about this game than I think you do.
Me:
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I have never ONCE stated that Malkin was better than Sid or Staal in their own end. You show me where I said that....you quote where I said Malkin is better than Sid or Staal in the dzone. Otherwise stop with that nonsense. That's a downright lie to further your "You disagree with me therefore you know nothing about hockey" argument. Childish.
then
You:
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Again reading comprehension goes a long way.
Are you serious? Do you read the crap you type? Get real and grow up.
Let's get something straight...you are not spot on. Again...its your opinion. It is was spot on, DB would have came right out and said exactly what you've typed. But he has not. You're not the coach of this team, you honestly have no freakin clue...who works best with who. If you did, you would be the coach...and oh look...you're not.
I don't give two squirts of piss if you agree with my line up or not...I honestly do not. But dismissing it and saying I know nothing about hockey because it does not agree with your OPINION...is quite disrespectful and quite honestly ignorant, childish, and arrogant. Grow up man, seriously.
I have been accountable for what I have written...every bit of it. But you dismiss it because you do not agree with it then arogantly state that "you know more about hockey than me". I don't give two ***** about how long you've been playing hockey. That in no way shape or form indicates how much you know about hockey. I've been playing since I was 6, for the past 20 years...I know a thing or two about hockey. I look at the big picture and overall strategy that would be best for the team.
Unreal how you make a childish statement, then you still won't accept responsibility for it. You are upset I disagree with your opinion, yet you are the one who put down my opinion first in a completely disrespectful way. You essentially said your opinion was right and a fact... how you can't make that connection is frightening.
Again I'll remind you a third time, you are the one who tried calling out those of us who support the Malkin to wing idea. If you didn't agree, there was a much better way to say it.
If it is in fact true that you have been playing since you were 6, it sure doesn't come across in what you type. I'll tell you that much.
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Your opinions are your opinions. You take them as all knowing facts...but in reality...they are your opinions. Let me say that again since you clearly do not understand:
What. You. Say. Here. Is. YOUR. Own. Opinion. They. Are. NOT. Facts. Get off your damn high horse Mr. Arrogance. Good lord.
You:
Me:
then
You:
Are you serious? Do you read the crap you type? Get real and grow up.
You are rambling again.
7 times now in the last two posts you have played the victim card after going off about how the Malkin to wing supporters "don't know anything about hockey".
But somehow, you want to turn it around and make yourself look like you are being attacked.
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Let's get something straight...you are not spot on. Again...its your opinion. It is was spot on, DB would have came right out and said exactly what you've typed. But he has not. You're not the coach of this team, you honestly have no freakin clue...who works best with who. If you did, you would be the coach...and oh look...you're not.
Just because DB makes a decision, doesn't necessarily make it the best one.
I don't know of any coach who makes the right decision every time.
I've never thought Shero or DB are perfect. Maybe you do...?
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I don't give two squirts of piss if you agree with my line up or not...I honestly do not. But dismissing it and saying I know nothing about hockey because it does not agree with your OPINION...is quite disrespectful and quite honestly ignorant, childish, and arrogant. Grow up man, seriously.
I dismiss your opinion because you have no clue how to backup your argument with any logic. Pretty simple.
I read what you typed and tried to find any logic or hint of relevant hockey strategy behind it, and there was none. So I rolled my eyes... which is all I would of done to your initial post if you didn't foolishly act like you know it all and essentially call all of us Malkin to wing backers fools... or wait... we make you "ill and sick" right?
Unreal how you make a childish statement, then you still won't accept responsibility for it. You are upset I disagree with your opinion, yet you are the one who put down my opinion first in a completely disrespectful way. You essentailly said your opinion was right and a fact... how you can't make that connection is frightening.
Again I'll remind you a third time, you are the one who tried calling out those of us who support the Malkin to wing idea. If you didn't agree, there was a much better way to say it.
If it is in fact true that you have been playing since you were 6, it sure doesn't come across in what you type. I'll tell you that much.
You are rambling again.
7 times now in the last two posts you have played the victim card after going off about how the Malkin to wing supporters "don't know anything about hockey".
But somehow, you want to turn it around and make yourself look like you are being attacked.
Just because DB makes a decision, doesn't necessarily make it the best one.
I don't know of any coach who makes the right decision every time.
I've never thought Shero or DB are perfect. Maybe you do...?
I dismiss your opinion because you have no clue how to backup your argument with any logic. Pretty simple.
I read what you typed and tried to find any logic or hint of relevant hockey strategy behind it, and there was none. So I rolled my eyes... which is all I would of done to your initial post if you didn't foolishly act like you know it all and essentially call all of us Malkin to wing backers fools... or wait... we make you "ill and sick" right?
Ok... *victim*
Reading comprehension goes not only a long way...but both ways bud.
Whatever, I'm done. I'm gonna take the Jiggy route for this:
In your post you are rambling and know nothing about hockey. End.
I did the line of Malkin-Crosby-Neal on NHL 12 and it dominated. I think they should try it for a few games and if they have an issue with secondary scoring after a few games (which hasn't been a problem recently), put Crosby on the second line. Especially since the Kunitz/Malkin/Neal line has cooled off recently.
I did the line of Malkin-Crosby-Neal on NHL 12 and it dominated. I think they should try it for a few games and if they have an issue with secondary scoring after a few games (which hasn't been a problem recently), put Crosby on the second line. Especially since the Kunitz/Malkin/Neal line has cooled off recently.
Reading comprehension goes not only a long way...but both ways bud.
Whatever, I'm done. I'm gonna take the Jiggy route for this:
In your post you are rambling and know nothing about hockey. End.
Except when he says it about you, it actually makes sense.
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Originally Posted by JTG
Jig, I've been down this road. It's not worth the time or keystrokes.
Ah, the good old days. If i remember correctly, it goes something like this:
"Geno is a natural center! You can't put him at wing!!!" ... followed by approximately 20 paragraphs explaining why it makes sense for both his success and the team's to have him at wing, followed IMMEDIATELY by ... "But why would you put him at wing? He's a center!!!"
Last edited by Uncle Jorgi: 03-09-2012 at 05:38 PM.
I don't care to pile on. But having Geno at wing and showing up randomly throughout the lineup to exploit matchups, while the opposition has to deal with Sid/Staal as the 1/2 punch is a pretty good idea.
Give it a rest man. Your opinion is just that...opinion. It is not fact. 
