The KHL is lower scoring and Rads still knocked 80 points
Radulov will instantly be our best forward by a bit. His defense may be suspect, but some players change the dynamic just by being on the ice. This is the first time since Kariya that we will have a player who teams will play 'safe' against because he is on the ice.
I don't think Radulov is a 60-65 pt player. I think he is a 80-95pt player.
KHL's rink also way bigger. You play against not the best D in world and not the best goalies. Also in KHL you almost don't see hitting and hard checking
KHL's rink also way bigger. You play against not the best D in world and not the best goalies. Also in KHL you almost don't see hitting and hard checking
That is exactly why it is less shooting and less scoring. You keep the puck longer looking for sure finish.
As much as I want Smith to get more icetime, I'd feel more comfortable with somebody you can trust defensively with Wilson and Rads. Spaling. Everything else, I agree with. Tootoo, Bourque, Halischuk, and Smith rotate.
That is exactly why it is easier to score there. Can you name at least 2 top-level defenders there or 2 top level goalie?
Here he comes:[IMG]http://www.wallpaperpimper.com/wallpaper/Hockey/Nashville_Predators/Nashville-Predators-Alexander-Radulov-1-TCC1L0OJXN-1280x1024.jpg[IMG]
To the lineup for Pens game now
One is going on full cylinders:
Erat-Fisher-SK
Bourque-Legwand-Hornqvist
was good before AK came and did good last game lets keep it like that
AK-Smith-Radulov? i think this would work
And given Goose is back by then
Wilson-Goose-Spaling
Yip and Tootoo should be scatched going forward. I think 22 is done in Nashville, young guys is pushing him out...
Hali should be considered if Wilson is in doghouse...
Considering AK was demoted last night (maybe Trotz trusted Borque more than AK to play defense protecting a 2-1 lead in the 3rd), I'd say all the lines are in flux, even Fisher/SK/Erat. At the end of the game last night, the lines were
SK - Fish - Erat
Horny - Leggy - Borque
Tootoo - Spaling - Halischuk
AK - Smith - Yip
Optimistically, Goose will be back (no cast or brace on his wrist) in a few games. How do you think TROTZ will add Radu to the mix? I don't want to know how you would put lines together. I want your best guess on what Trotz will do.
As much as I want Smith to get more icetime, I'd feel more comfortable with somebody you can trust defensively with Wilson and Rads. Spaling. Everything else, I agree with. Tootoo, Bourque, Halischuk, and Smith rotate.
Thats the problem i had in my head as well. But i just cant see us putting Rads with Spaling. Just cant...
I think there is a number of ways trotz can go here. one thing is fairly concrete and that is the fisher unit. they are still generating chances. the other lines not so much.
As well as hornquist has been playing as of late, I do think he is the initial placeholder of the legwand line. I think we roll 46-11-47 and see what happens. you do that and I think you see
74-12-10
46-11-47
33-13-27
15-28-22/24/18/57
allows trotz to bump smith up to line 3 center if need be or shelve those three players and go a defensive unit in 13-28-roto winger
other option is to put Radulov with Wilson and Smith. I favor this his first few games back that way trotz can protect him a bit.
i would like to see bourque sent to milwaukee to keep him sharp. same with ellis. they serve no purpose being scratched
i would like to see bourque sent to milwaukee to keep him sharp. same with ellis. they serve no purpose being scratched
Don't think Bourque is going anywhere. He sparked the 2nd line last night when he switched spots with AK46. I can see Bourque playing ahead of Smith and Halischuk. Trotz loves his all around game.
As much as I want Smith to get more icetime, I'd feel more comfortable with somebody you can trust defensively with Wilson and Rads. Spaling. Everything else, I agree with. Tootoo, Bourque, Halischuk, and Smith rotate.
This.
I see a 33-15-47 line as train wreck waiting to happen if they get stuck in our end. Maybe by Christmas they'll be ready, but not now. Maybe 33-11-47?
I love that we are able to have this discussion! All 4 of our lines will look scary with Rads in and Gaustad back in. All lines with some scoring and some defense. Heck, we're even going to have to scratch some good players. I agree with token's lineup....
I see a 33-15-47 line as train wreck waiting to happen if they get stuck in our end. Maybe by Christmas they'll be ready, but not now. Maybe 33-11-47?
Guys I don't see together without a strong 2 way center are any combo of AK, Rads, and/or Willy. All are defensive liabilities and primarily goal scorers. I agree that Smith's 2 way game isn't there yet. If you ice 33-11-47, I suppose that leaves 46-13(15)-27.
With the addition of Radulov and AK46, Trotz has to sit solid players. Keeping those scratches sharp and motivated will be a challenge.
Guys I don't see together without a strong 2 way center are any combo of AK, Rads, and/or Willy. All are defensive liabilities and primarily goal scorers. I agree that Smith's 2 way game isn't there yet. If you ice 33-11-47, I suppose that leaves 46-13(15)-27.
With the addition of Radulov and AK46, Trotz has to sit solid players. Keeping those scratches sharp and motivated will be a challenge.
Rads is very solid on D BTW... And very good forchecker.
Rads is very solid on D BTW... And very good forchecker.
I don't seem to remember this from his time with us before...maybe his offensive prowess overshadowed that. Has he developed this skill in the KHL? Do you think it will transition to the NHL ice?
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