Anyone else for splitting up the lines? I think we need to put Richards back on a line with Callahan and possibly reunite the GAS line?
We need to get Callahan, Stepan and Anisimov going offensively, and ever since the emergence of our top line, Gabby, Richie and Hags, our offense has really suffered as a result, relying heavily on on that sole line and not getting much offense from the other 3.
Our offense has been pretty pitiful, in all three series thus far and especially this series with the Devils. Callahan was scoring a lot, granted a decent amount on the PP, with Richards on his line.
Hagelin cannot be in the top 6 right now. Have to get some more scoring in there. I'm all for putting the GAS line back together:
GAS line
Kreider-Richards-Cally
Hagelin-Mitchell-Feds
Prust-Boyle-Rupp
Let Hagelin play without the pressure of playing with Gaborik and Richards and having to be a fancy player and get him with some bigger players where he can use his speed to create chances for the bigger guys to get into the zone a create offense. If Dubi can go, move out Rupp and move down Feds to the 4th line.
Hagelin cannot be in the top 6 right now. Have to get some more scoring in there. I'm all for putting the GAS line back together:
GAS line
Kreider-Richards-Cally
Hagelin-Mitchell-Feds
Prust-Boyle-Rupp
Let Hagelin play without the pressure of playing with Gaborik and Richards and having to be a fancy player and get him with some bigger players where he can use his speed to create chances for the bigger guys to get into the zone a create offense. If Dubi can go, move out Rupp and move down Feds to the 4th line.
I agree Hags has to be moved from our top line. He adds speed and pretty much nothing else. Its too much pressure for him. I Think Kreider should be tried with Gabs and Richards and see what they can do. Krieder offers speed and physicality that Hags lacks.
People who think Dubinsky won't make a difference make me laugh. We are a better team with him in the lineup. COmplain all you want about his $4 million, but he is better than Bickel, Mitchell, Prust, Rupp, Feds and Boyle the vast majority of nights.
People who think Dubinsky won't make a difference make me laugh. We are a better team with him in the lineup. COmplain all you want about his $4 million, but he is better than Bickel, Mitchell, Prust, Rupp, Feds and Boyle the vast majority of nights.
nobody is saying we wont be better with dubi, but hes not gonna be a difference maker. what are we lacking the most right now? goal scoring. how many goals did dubi score this year?
kreider/stepan/gaborik
hagelin/richards/zucc
anisimov/dubinsky/callahan(center reqs less skating. injury and all)
prust/boyle/rupp (or feds... not sure tbh)
/thread
spreads talent. zucc is a playmaker. i think he makes more sense with other playmakers/readers. he's got a decent shot and can finish. he's not afraid to play the dirty zones. while callahan would technically be demoted, he could always be double-shifted in zucc's place.
kreider/stepan have huge synergy. stepan/gaborik had good chemistry as well. kreider makes more space than hagelin. he's bigger threat offensively. stepan also adds strong defense to a somewhat scary defensive line.
cally, dubi, and anisimov have always had chemistry. really strong line defensively. good energy. strong checking.
boyle and prust have great chemistry. strong forecheck/defense. rupp has played well lately and he was our best skater tonight.
scratches: mitchell is a fine 4th liner. has not hurt us and that's the most important thing... but push comes to shove i'd rather have rupp or zucc who are strong in specific areas over mitchell--who doesn't excel anywhere. fedotenko is a great defensive guy and strong on the fore-check, but he's been pretty non-existent lately. if rupp slips off then bench him for feds.
zuc was a changed man when he came in last time. the injury may have hurt his development, but if he comes in the way he left he can easily earn a permanent spot on this roster.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kershaw
Wow, I knew I wasn't the only one who thought having Feds play with Richards would be a good wake up call.
Hagelin, while I love his hustle, has 0 goals this postseason. Alarming.
My god, I hope someone could tell me whats happening with our leaders on this team. Callahan, Richards, Gaborik are nonexistence. I doubt it line changes will do a thing at this point.
This team looks like **** for the first 20-30 minutes of every game, I am sick of the "they are not tired" bull crap, because what is on the ice shows us they are sore, tired, and probably pretty darn banged up. For game 5 I would love to see:
Bickle - Out
Boyle - Out (The dude is hurting, I think he has an injury)
Rupp - Out (I know he played well, but the bonehead move needs to be punished)
