hope keith ballard gets to play at some point in the series. before his injury he was fighting gritty dman and skated the puck out like the wind even if he's playing on his off-side. his physical presense even for a small guy like him should be helpful in clearing a couple of kings out of lui's crease. rome is mr.safe chip the glass. physical yes. but puck-moving skills is horrible. the only knock on ballard is his "decision-making with the puck. sometime he looks clueless, or the system that a.v is preaching to the dman isn't getting quite understandble for ballard to comprehend,. "make the safe plays" instead of High risk which keith is and it'll lead to a mistake which then prompts a.v to utter the words.. "****ing keith ballard" thats it your're benched
This. Rome is a Fantastic spare d-man. I'd say is the perfect guy for #7 spot. He can come in after a lot of time off and play his game effective (unlike AHLberts [who turns into NHLberts after 5 straights games of play])
I like both player and like what they bring to the table, But I would prefer a 5-6 with Tanev and Ballard
If the Kings decide they want a rough series then i would bring in Rome
Ballard has quite a mean streak in him and can easily be as physical as Rome, imo. Also, Ballard and KB3 are the two guys who'll actually take a guy out if he's in front of our net.
Lots of Ballard vs Rome talk but not much speculation about whether Ballard will actually be in uniform for Game 1. Will he take the pregame skate? I am skeptical that all three of Daniel, Kass and Ballard will suit up for Game 1 after missing time.
Our depth looks pretty fantastic all of a sudden. Guys who have been getting somewhat significant roles are going to be in the press box at times - Ebbett, Gragnani, Weise, Bitz, Rome, Alberts, Malhotra maybe. I just hope these guys can step in when needed.
^^ This is such a luxury to have. We a large list of reserves, that have played with and helped this team to a president's trophy, ready to come in at anytime. Everything seems to be falling into place at the right time almost like it was by design. So, god forbid, we have a string of injuries, I feel this team is better equipped than most, if not all, to weather the storm and keep on rolling.
After watching most of the games via choppy stream action in the outskirts of Alberta I am now home in Victoria and get to watch the game on my buddies 60 inch in HD. Wednesday night can't get here soon enough.
Hoping to see Kassian slotted onto that fourth line during today's practice.
me too! hes been making me excited for games , well up until he got injured.. and hes the one thing making me very excited about the playoffs. its nice to finally have a tough guy who can play and we all know what hes capable of when hes playing to his max and i think the playoffs can bring it out of him on a regular basis
me too! hes been making me excited for games , well up until he got injured.. and hes the one thing making me very excited about the playoffs. its nice to finally have a tough guy who can play and we all know what hes capable of when hes playing to his max and i think the playoffs can bring it out of him on a regular basis
Yeah, even Cody played our first game of the playoffs last year =p
I doubt we'll see Kassian in game 1 and I think he'll be lucky to play in round one. Might as well make sure he's close to a 100% before throwing him in the fire. I would prefer him over Weise or Bitz but as I said in a previous thread, his current role should be filled without a noticeable drop off. The thing that you miss with Kassian is that X-factor of moving up the lines. AV has been good at noticing when he's feeling it and moving him up to take advantage.
I doubt we'll see Kassian in game 1 and I think he'll be lucky to play in round one. Might as well make sure he's close to a 100% before throwing him in the fire. I would prefer him over Weise or Bitz but as I said in a previous thread, his current role should be filled without a noticeable drop off. The thing that you miss with Kassian is that X-factor of moving up the lines. AV has been good at noticing when he's feeling it and moving him up to take advantage.
I think AV likes him quite a bit (despite the fact he's sometimes benched), and like you said knows when to move him up. Plus Vigneault always has a soft spot for toughness and guys willing to stand up for teammates. I think Kassian will be back as soon as possible for those reasons. AV loves line flexibility.
I doubt we'll see Kassian in game 1 and I think he'll be lucky to play in round one. Might as well make sure he's close to a 100% before throwing him in the fire. I would prefer him over Weise or Bitz but as I said in a previous thread, his current role should be filled without a noticeable drop off. The thing that you miss with Kassian is that X-factor of moving up the lines. AV has been good at noticing when he's feeling it and moving him up to take advantage.
Lucky to play in Round 1 based on what? It sounds like he's close, I'd be shocked if he isn't there this series.
I doubt we'll see Kassian in game 1 and I think he'll be lucky to play in round one. Might as well make sure he's close to a 100% before throwing him in the fire. I would prefer him over Weise or Bitz but as I said in a previous thread, his current role should be filled without a noticeable drop off. The thing that you miss with Kassian is that X-factor of moving up the lines. AV has been good at noticing when he's feeling it and moving him up to take advantage.
Coach Vee would slot Kassian in on the first line after a Burrows PK - kept the other team from running the Sedins.
Bitz or Weise could fulfill that role but they just do not bring the same intimidation factor as Kassian.
Lucky to play in Round 1 based on what? It sounds like he's close, I'd be shocked if he isn't there this series.
It depends on the injury - these sorts of injuries can easily be aggravated if the player is not 100% as we have seen in the past. And given Kassian's style of play it could be aggravated.
I think even more importantly, Kassian is the best skater of the bunch.
Absolutely, but Bitz had some success with the Sedins earlier and may thrive on the playoff style of close-checking hockey. I agree if Kassian is 100% send him out there, but a Kassian that is still hurting in the shoulder department probably isn't going to be very physical. I say let him sit until he is all healed.
Absolutely, but Bitz had some success with the Sedins earlier and may thrive on the playoff style of close-checking hockey. I agree if Kassian is 100% send him out there, but a Kassian that is still hurting in the shoulder department probably isn't going to be very physical. I say let him sit until he is all healed.
Agree completely and that's what I think will happen.
Bitz is a better player than Weise and should be the first replacement for Kassian as he brings a bit of the same nastiness and intimidation. Weise brings none of that.
