Shoot me for being 100% aligned with you on your feelings about the lockout/season and feelings about the team's chances...
I'm pretty much in the same boat as you two. Honestly I wanted the season cancelled and to just start fresh next year. But I didn't cancel my tickets so I guess I will be going to plenty of games though I bet I sell a higher percentage than I usually do.
Shoot me for being 100% aligned with you on your feelings about the lockout/season and feelings about the team's chances...
with what? i thought they collected up all the legally owned guns in california? i dont know any gang bangers. all i have left is a straw and a napkin.
I'm pretty much in the same boat as you two. Honestly I wanted the season cancelled and to just start fresh next year. But I didn't cancel my tickets so I guess I will be going to plenty of games though I bet I sell a higher percentage than I usually do.
if the caps are tearing it up, i'd be stunned to hear that you arent going. if they are stinking it up, id be stunned to hear you were going.
i think in the end it all ends up with performance
Not sure if this has been discussed, but where do you see Schilling being on the D chart with Orlov out for the start of the season? 5-6 or maybe 7/Hershey?
Not sure if this has been discussed, but where do you see Schilling being on the D chart with Orlov out for the start of the season? 5-6 or maybe 7/Hershey?
He's 8 or 9 right now with Orlov out. Alzner/Carlson/Hamrlik/Green/Schultz/Erskine/Hillen are all ahead of him.
It's hard to make predictions with this group. If Oates can get the offense going this team will go far. As an offensive team, they've never had a better defense and goalie than they have now. But we dont necessarily know what Oates will be like so its hard to guess.
Thoughts and prayers to Dominic Moore. Didn't know he was still a FA, would he be a fit here as a #3C?
I think he'd be a great fit. Would allow Laich to play in the top-6. Might not (understandably) have his head where it needs to be at the moment though. Hate to hear those things happen, he has my deepest sympathies.
with what? i thought they collected up all the legally owned guns in california? i dont know any gang bangers. all i have left is a straw and a napkin.
i'd be really surprised if beagle was not the plan for 3c.
I'd be surprised if its not Perreault. Perreault scored at a pretty decent clip last year. And the 3rd line wingers are likely to be Chimera and one of Ward/Wolski/Crabb. I'd say Perreault looks much better on that line than Beagle. Also, if Beagle was on the 3rd line, that means Perreault would be centering Hendricks and another winger, most likely in a grinding role which wouldn't make sense. Of course he could be a scratch, but there's no way he should be, he's too good.
as far as i can tell oates intends on a traditional 3rd line checking line. perreault and wolski dont fit that application at all. chimera-beagle-laich makes a lot of sense. beagle makes is a much better fit between chimera, ward or crabb...by miles.
i wolski is top 6 or scratched. perreault has shown that his speed on a 4th line crew can cause problems even with hendricks and king on his wings. i think its more likely perreault gets to play more often than he doesnt
as far as i can tell oates intends on a traditional 3rd line checking line. perreault and wolski dont fit that application at all. chimera-beagle-laich makes a lot of sense. beagle makes is a much better fit between chimera, ward or crabb...by miles.
i wolski is top 6 or scratched. perreault has shown that his speed on a 4th line crew can cause problems even with hendricks and king on his wings. i think its more likely perreault gets to play more often than he doesnt
Not saying he was in charge of the Devils lines but their only checking line was their 4th IIRC.
Beagle seems like the least likely 3C unless the plan is more Hunter Hockey. I don't think Oates will construct his roster with such reactionary concerns that necessitate a shutdown line. Maybe situationally but I doubt it's the plan overall.
I don't know where Wolski fits exactly but his ability in the gimmick should help him make a case as a regular. Hendricks is an apt specialist himself but this team seems as though they're going to need all of the extra points they can get. If that puts Wolski at 3/4RW with perhaps some shifts up the lineup at times so be it.
Does any of this matter? Ovechkin is already back, stop freaking out, he flew out within hours of the announcement.
Assuming Ovi stays back then sit back and enjoy the ****show. Not that I believe much will come of it, but might as well find what entertainment you can from it before the season starts, no?
I'll have a total meltdown if we continue to be a dump, chase and hope somebody skilled does something team. I'm just looking for a solid all-around NHL hockey system and a team that appears determined to get better and better at it. Not sure where that leaves us at the end of the year but I'd really like to get the sense that this team is focused and improving no matter where we end up.
I'll have a total meltdown if we continue to be a dump, chase and hope somebody skilled does something team. I'm just looking for a solid all-around NHL hockey system and a team that appears determined to get better and better at it. Not sure where that leaves us at the end of the year but I'd really like to get the sense that this team is focused and improving no matter where we end up.
Seconded!
I'd add that, while I'd never look a gift Stanley Cup in the mouth ( - arbitrary horse reference #2) the above-stated goal is the key for me since this is not an entirely real NHL season.
I don't see how there would be a problem with two scoring lines, each anchored by a real scoring center; a cycling and checking line; and an energy line. It sounds like anything but three scoring-oriented lines would strike many posters as a failure or a relapse into a Hunter-style system. I don't know that I'd agree.
There's a real issue at scoring wing. Ribeiro ought to be able to turn a 20-goal man into a 30-goal man, and Backstrom will have Ovechkin, but it gets thin after that, to these eyes. I don't really see the personnel to not ice a checking line and an energy line. It would be the best use of personnel (as it stands at the moment, at least).
- arbitrary horse reference #2) the above-stated goal is the key for me since this is not an entirely real NHL season.
