I think we need a PP QB as a specialty guy much worse than an enforcer, but I get your point. I think a lot of fans have been thinking that Smithson is becoming more and more replaceable. Another player who can do well on the PK is Gabriel Bourque. Spaling-Bourque and then Fisher-Halischuk/Tootoo/Geoffrion can make up the two forward units for our PK. Smithson brings hustle and size. He is strong along the boards, plays responsible hockey, and isn't afraid to stick up for teammates. He does a lot for the team, but he definitely is becoming the most expendable of some redundant pieces.
@rosey, you mentioned the shootout and seem puzzled at the selections. Unless they have changed something, Trotz selects his three shooters based on practice shootouts. Line ups have to be handed in before the game begins, including shootout line ups. If Legwand, O'Reilly, and Halischuk are the players slotted for the shootout then they have to be the first three shooters unless one or more them gets hurt.
Not that I'm making a case for Smithson, but we do need the role player. The staff is trying to keep guys like Legwand, Fisher etc from having to play PK minutes. Playing PK really zaps the energy and I for one would much rather see Smithson out there then Fisher.
Again, not making a case specifically for Smithson, but for having the role players in general.
Not that I'm making a case for Smithson, but we do need the role player. The staff is trying to keep guys like Legwand, Fisher etc from having to play PK minutes. Playing PK really zaps the energy and I for one would much rather see Smithson out there then Fisher.
Again, not making a case specifically for Smithson, but for having the role players in general.
Doesn't seem to zap the energy of guys like Perry or Ryan in Anaheim? Never seems to bug the best of the best out there. I think one of our big problems and always has been, we don't ride our better players. I think we give Suter and Weber big minutes. I think we play Legwand and Fisher 20 minutes a night. You have better players on the ice more of the time, your results will in turn be better. And please don't tell me it takes a toll on them, other teams do it. If that's the case, we either need to get these guys in better shape or figure out a way to get them more minutes.
And I agree we need a role player or two but how many of them do we need on the bottom 6 at the end of the day? How many can we afford that are offensively inept? While he does a good job at what he does, I think with the youth movement and other pieces we have, I think he's expendable at this point.
Let me clear; I do not think we need to let Smithson go right now unless it's in a package for a trade that makes the team better (unlikely, but possible). I'm just saying that he is becoming more expendable with some of the younger guys coming up and already here. Doesn't mean we won't keep him, I just won't be surprised if we don't.
I think we need a PP QB as a specialty guy much worse than an enforcer, but I get your point. I think a lot of fans have been thinking that Smithson is becoming more and more replaceable. Another player who can do well on the PK is Gabriel Bourque. Spaling-Bourque and then Fisher-Halischuk/Tootoo/Geoffrion can make up the two forward units for our PK. Smithson brings hustle and size. He is strong along the boards, plays responsible hockey, and isn't afraid to stick up for teammates. He does a lot for the team, but he definitely is becoming the most expendable of some redundant pieces.
@rosey, you mentioned the shootout and seem puzzled at the selections. Unless they have changed something, Trotz selects his three shooters based on practice shootouts. Line ups have to be handed in before the game begins, including shootout line ups. If Legwand, O'Reilly, and Halischuk are the players slotted for the shootout then they have to be the first three shooters unless one or more them gets hurt.
Shootout lineups are handed in separately at the start of the shootout. Coaches have a triplicate form that they list the order of their first three shooters on. One goes to the official, one goes to the scorekeeper, and the third goes to the opposing coach. The original carbon copy stays with the coach and after those three shooters you are free to send out others.
Mitch Korn usually pre-scouts the goalies and will select the shooters with the coaching staff based on tendencies of the goalie in net and strengths of the shooters. O'Reilly deked, Halischuk came straight in with speed and shot. The third shooter would have read the first two attempts to plan on whether to deke or shoot...
Let me clear; I do not think we need to let Smithson go right now unless it's in a package for a trade that makes the team better (unlikely, but possible). I'm just saying that he is becoming more expendable with some of the younger guys coming up and already here. Doesn't mean we won't keep him, I just won't be surprised if we don't.
the bolded is why he needs to stay. we have what, 6 guy over 30? legwand, erat, bouillon, smithson, and fisher. and three are hurt. you have to have vets. i know out kids have experience, but there is more to being a vet than games played. it is how ou handle yourself on and off the ice. setting the example for the young players. the vets usually hav a loud voice in the room. I understan that this us weber and suters team, but you can't tell me that those oler guys don't carry any weight.
Doesn't seem to zap the energy of guys like Perry or Ryan in Anaheim? Never seems to bug the best of the best out there. I think one of our big problems and always has been, we don't ride our better players. I think we give Suter and Weber big minutes. I think we play Legwand and Fisher 20 minutes a night. You have better players on the ice more of the time, your results will in turn be better. And please don't tell me it takes a toll on them, other teams do it. If that's the case, we either need to get these guys in better shape or figure out a way to get them more minutes.
And I agree we need a role player or two but how many of them do we need on the bottom 6 at the end of the day? How many can we afford that are offensively inept? While he does a good job at what he does, I think with the youth movement and other pieces we have, I think he's expendable at this point.
Erat, Fisher, Ryan, and Perry all had similar SH TOI/G last season. Legwand had more than all of them.
In fact, the majority of teams have a 3rd/4th liner who gets the bulk of the PK time. There's nothing wrong with how Smithson/insert-role-player-here is getting SH TOI. It's exactly the way it should be: top 2ish PKers are role players, then everyone else gets an odd shift on the 2nd unit.
Now if you wanna argue that Smithson gets too much even strength TOI, then I'm all ears. I agree with that.
Shootout lineups are handed in separately at the start of the shootout. Coaches have a triplicate form that they list the order of their first three shooters on. One goes to the official, one goes to the scorekeeper, and the third goes to the opposing coach. The original carbon copy stays with the coach and after those three shooters you are free to send out others.
Mitch Korn usually pre-scouts the goalies and will select the shooters with the coaching staff based on tendencies of the goalie in net and strengths of the shooters. O'Reilly deked, Halischuk came straight in with speed and shot. The third shooter would have read the first two attempts to plan on whether to deke or shoot...
Ah my mistake. I was under the impression that your shootout line up was turned in with the roster before opening face off. Thanks for the correction
okay, i know we don't play the canucks until tomorrow, but i have to share this video....it will probably make you lose brain cells, but i got a kick out of it...
okay, i know we don't play the canucks until tomorrow, but i have to share this video....it will probably make you lose brain cells, but i got a kick out of it...
