It will be interesting to see if Sullivan eventually finds his way onto Crosby's line though. He's easily a superior playmaker and brings the same tenacity that Dupuis does.
I still think Geno needs Sullivan more than Crosby does, although that would be pretty awesome.
Can Sully play RW though? I'm still in favor of TK playing on Sid's wing, personally...
1. Yes, Sully can play RW. He played RW in Nashville.
2. I actually wouldn't mind that either depending upon what Ray Shero does at the deadline. He could be a lot like Guerin was with Sid and Kunitz, except Sully is fast enough to keep up.
I think we should look to explore the Kennedy option on the top 6 before having to go out and spend on a suitable top 6 winger who will likely be just another rental.
I know it's a bone of contention here, but I don't see TK complementing Sid and Kunitz. Dupuis gives you more than TK with those two because his specific chemistry with them and his complementary playing style, IMHO, trumps any talent advantage TK has.
Sullivan could be an upgrade on Dupuis . . . similar style, but you lose grit and gain offensive awareness.
Neal could be a decent upgrade, but you'd hang Malkin out to dry so much and eliminate a major matchup advantage, so I just don't see that being worth trying at this time if the focus is to exploit matchup advantages.
I still think Geno needs Sullivan more than Crosby does, although that would be pretty awesome.
I think Geno needs Neal more than Sid does. Sullivan helps, but he's not the critical component for Malkin right now.
I actually think TK might complement Geno and Neal as well as Sully (you lose Sully's vision, but TK would help Geno and Neal sustain offensive zone pressure, which is what I see as the line's biggest question mark right now as you look forward to playoff hockey).
Sid with Kunitz, Geno with Neal, Staal with Cooke. Then, there are two options: Dupuis (or Sully) with Sid, Sully (or TK) with Geno, TK (or Dupuis) with Staal.
I know it's a bone of contention here, but I don't see TK complementing Sid and Kunitz. Dupuis gives you more than TK with those two because his specific chemistry with them and his complementary playing style, IMHO, trumps any talent advantage TK has.
Sullivan could be an upgrade on Dupuis . . . similar style, but you lose grit and gain offensive awareness.
Neal could be a decent upgrade, but you'd hang Malkin out to dry so much and eliminate a major matchup advantage, so I just don't see that being worth trying at this time if the focus is to exploit matchup advantages.
- Kennedy has chemistry with Kunitz from last season, and into this season.
- Kennedy hounds players on the forecheck which is what Dupuis does on that line.
- Kennedy has shown a vastly improved playmaking ability.
- Kennedy has a great shot, and has a lot better hands than Dupuis.
- Kennedy cycles the puck well and is good along the boards. He actually reminds me of Crosby a lot in that one regard (not saying he's anywhere near as good of course).
- Kennedy plays a fast paced game similar to how Crosby likes to play
- Dupuis has shown he can play anywhere in the lineup.
- Dupuis has shown he has chemistry with Cooke and Staal.
- Dupuis is better used in a 3rd line role.
- Sullivan and Kennedy are more similar players than Dupuis and Sullivan, and it's not even close.
I'm not quite sure how many more ways I can put it, but I still don't think you are anywhere close to being right on this topic.
I'm glad someone started this thread because I have to sincerely apologize to Pascal Dupuis. He's been nothing short of awesome this season. Sometimes, a player CAN improve well into his career. Like, significantly improve. He's quite literally blown me away this season. He's displayed soft hands at times. He's become a far better playmaker. He hasn't taken a shift off, which is what he's always done, but now he's productive and then some. Top-six winger? He's on pace for 65 points and a great plus/minus record.
Dupuis and Jordan Staal, I believe they've been our two most consistent players so far this season. Honorable mention to Fleury, as well. I would have never thought that in a million years.
If anybody should leave Crosby's line for whatever reason at some point this season, it should be Kunitz. As far as I'm concerned, Dupuis has earned his stripes on the Crosby line. And yes, for the doubters out there, Dupuis and Crosby do HAVE chemistry. In spades.
I'm glad someone started this thread because I have to sincerely apologize to Pascal Dupuis. He's been nothing short of awesome this season. Sometimes, a player CAN improve well into his career. Like, significantly improve. He's quite literally blown me away this season. He's displayed soft hands at times. He's become a far better playmaker. He hasn't taken a shift off, which is what he's always done, but now he's productive and then some. Top-six winger? He's on pace for 65 points and a great plus/minus record.
Dupuis and Jordan Staal, I believe they've been our two most consistent players so far this season. Honorable mention to Fleury, as well. I would have never thought that in a million years.
If anybody should leave Crosby's line for whatever reason at some point this season, it should be Kunitz. As far as I'm concerned, Dupuis has earned his stripes on the Crosby line. And yes, for the doubters out there, Dupuis and Crosby do HAVE chemistry. In spades.
Not sure about you guys, but I don't really see this "chemistry" between Sid and Duppers that people talk about. Last night for example I hardly saw Duppers on the ice, as most the chances Sid generated seemed to land on Kunitz's stick. I understand that Duppers is there because he has the speed to keep up with Sid, and he can help take on some of the defensive responsibilities as he works his ass off on the back check, but aside from that I don't really see how their "chemistry" is really all that special that it outweighs just how effective TK could potentially be with Sid. Especially considering the fact that TK is generally better on the cycle and a better finisher.
Not sure about you guys, but I don't really see this "chemistry" between Sid and Duppers that people talk about. Last night for example I hardly saw Duppers on the ice, as most the chances Sid generated seemed to land on Kunitz's stick...
I'm glad someone started this thread because I have to sincerely apologize to Pascal Dupuis. He's been nothing short of awesome this season. Sometimes, a player CAN improve well into his career. Like, significantly improve. He's quite literally blown me away this season. He's displayed soft hands at times. He's become a far better playmaker. He hasn't taken a shift off, which is what he's always done, but now he's productive and then some. Top-six winger? He's on pace for 65 points and a great plus/minus record.
Dupuis and Jordan Staal, I believe they've been our two most consistent players so far this season. Honorable mention to Fleury, as well. I would have never thought that in a million years.
If anybody should leave Crosby's line for whatever reason at some point this season, it should be Kunitz. As far as I'm concerned, Dupuis has earned his stripes on the Crosby line. And yes, for the doubters out there, Dupuis and Crosby do HAVE chemistry. In spades.
You mean the goal where Sid carried up half the length of the ice on his own and blew through 3 Isles players in order to roof it off his backhand? Are we really supposed to be dazzled by Dupuis' efforts there? lol
- Kennedy has chemistry with Kunitz from last season, and into this season.
- Kennedy hounds players on the forecheck which is what Dupuis does on that line.
- Kennedy has shown a vastly improved playmaking ability.
- Kennedy has a great shot, and has a lot better hands than Dupuis.
- Kennedy cycles the puck well and is good along the boards. He actually reminds me of Crosby a lot in that one regard (not saying he's anywhere near as good of course).
- Kennedy plays a fast paced game similar to how Crosby likes to play
- Dupuis has shown he can play anywhere in the lineup.
- Dupuis has shown he has chemistry with Cooke and Staal.
- Dupuis is better used in a 3rd line role.
- Sullivan and Kennedy are more similar players than Dupuis and Sullivan, and it's not even close.
I'm not quite sure how many more ways I can put it, but I still don't think you are anywhere close to being right on this topic.
I'm quite aware of the reasons why it could work. It's just a gut feeling, that TK isn't north-south enough and lacks the vision in transition. Doesn't mean I'm right. Then again, doesn't mean you're right either . . .
You mean the goal where Sid carried up half the length of the ice on his own and blew through 3 Isles players in order to roof it off his backhand? Are we really supposed to be dazzled by Dupuis' efforts there? lol
He sprung him on that breakaway with a tape to tape pass in the neutral zone...
Yeah, that was a pretty good pass so I'm not sure what you are getting at here...
I'm quite aware of the reasons why it could work. It's just a gut feeling, that TK isn't north-south enough and lacks the vision in transition. Doesn't mean I'm right. Then again, doesn't mean you're right either . . .
I guess it's a gut feeling for me as well. I'm never going to give up on it though until I actually see it on the ice for more than 1 game.
There's a lot more to it than that. Dupuis just gets what Sid is going to do and where he's going to be and where he's going to put the puck. His north-south playing style is a perfect complement, and he's fast enough that he can focus on playing instead of trying to keep up with Sid. He's not a top 6 player, but he's a top 6 player with Sid because of how he complements Sid out there.
He sprung him on that breakaway with a tape to tape pass in the neutral zone...
Yeah, that was a pretty good pass so I'm not sure what you are getting at here...
What I'm getting at is that one tape to tape pass doesn't dictate that he was particularly noticeable for the rest of the game. Especially not when a player of lesser talent than Sid likely wouldn't have even generated a quality scoring chances off that pass, let alone a goal. It was a textbook play, but not anything that convinces me that Dupuis is the the ideal fit for that L1 RW when there are currently better alternatives present.
Does everybody realize that Crosby picked up right where he left off? And his line has a TON to do with that. Just like Cooke-Staal-Kennedy always pick up right where they left off. Chemistry is chemistry. Was Bob Probert a top sixer? No, but he read Steve Yzerman perfectly. Was Bob Errey a top sixer? Hell no, but with Lemieux he was perfect for a while, especially when Rob Brown was on the other wing.
I'm done trying to look for wingers for Crosby. He has them.
I'd keep it like it is for now, Kennedy gets more of the puck when he plays with Staal than he would with Sid and I think he's more effective that way.
Look at the numbers? Dupuis has six more points than Kunitz this season...and he is a plus-10 to Kunitz' plus-1 rating. And they've spent most of the season on the same line, whether with Sid last night or with Jordan Staal.
And if you look beyond the numbers, Dupuis has outplayed Kunitz as well.
What I'm getting at is that one tape to tape pass doesn't dictate that he was particularly noticeable for the rest of the game. Especially not when a player of lesser talent than Sid likely wouldn't have even generated a quality scoring chances off that pass, let alone a goal. It was a textbook play, but not anything that convinces me that Dupuis is the the ideal fit for that L1 RW when there are currently better alternatives present.
Well me either, if you look at the majority of my posts here. I'm just saying. He's working well there right now and you don't want to change it up at this moment (even as much as I'd like to see that done).
I'm quite aware of the reasons why it could work. It's just a gut feeling, that TK isn't north-south enough and lacks the vision in transition. Doesn't mean I'm right. Then again, doesn't mean you're right either . . .
I'd keep it like it is for now, Kennedy gets more of the puck when he plays with Staal than he would with Sid and I think he's more effective that way.
I think Staal is eating up more time with the puck now with his improved play.
