Watching the last installment of 24/7 i think it was Torts who said how important it was for players to have consistency and clarity in whats expected of them
breaking up the only thing that has consistently worked before the most critical game of the year is a great idea only because i've wanted RW fired for the past two years
Good call. It was overdue. Kessel and Lupul are a disaster defensively. Kessel just sucks along the boards, and Lupul tries to be a centerman, on the wing.
That being said, id rather reunite Crabb -- Bozie -- Kessel than have Lombardi on that line. People call Kessel one dimensional for speed and shot, but Lombardi is worse. Its like Lombardi is programmed with 2 capabilities:
1. Get the puck, wheel to the side, shot on net
2. If shot isnt available, wheel to the side, go around the net, and center the puck blindly
I just noticed Lambardi on the first line? I mean the defensive game I can understand but why not Kulemin? Sure he hasn't been great this year but remember Kulemin-Bozak-Kessel the first year Bozak was here? Maybe they will re-establish chemistry
Wilson's logic is.. astounding. Let's go ahead and break up the only consistent pairing we've had all season. Last nights play with Kessel feeding Lupul on the 2 on 1 is enough reason to keep them together, but noooooooo.
But who knows. There may be a stronger chemistry overall if we spread the talent out a bit. Kessel and Lupul have both been a -5 over the last 3 games. At this point I'm down for trying whatever.
As much as the chemistry of Lupul/Kessel has helped us this season, breaking them up may work. As well, Lombardi was probably our best forward last night IMO. He had a lot of chances, and if he uses his speed every game like he did last night, he could open up Kessel a little more.
I swear Wilson is more interested in messing with the media and fans then he is winning games. It seems every day he's playing all these dumb games with the media and it's becoming irritating. Just do your job and be a freaking coach.
Good call. It was overdue. Kessel and Lupul are a disaster defensively. Kessel just sucks along the boards, and Lupul tries to be a centerman, on the wing.
That being said, id rather reunite Crabb -- Bozie -- Kessel than have Lombardi on that line. People call Kessel one dimensional for speed and shot, but Lombardi is worse. Its like Lombardi is programmed with 2 capabilities:
1. Get the puck, wheel to the side, shot on net
2. If shot isnt available, wheel to the side, go around the net, and center the puck blindly
I'm reminded of a certain former Leaf who did this as well. Can you guess who? :O
A team full of inconsistencies, breaks up the only consistent element it's had all year.
Consistently inconsistent...
On the plus side it could work out well and motivate the guys to play better.
Although I agree I would've personally moved Kulemin up there. Or MacArthur.
Someone who provides a similar role to Lupul.
Lombardi is not going to fight in the corners like Lupul, Kulemin or MacArthur do. Those guys make the forecheck work and dish it off to Bozak or Kessel.
I can't see them playing a successful forecheck without any toughness.
probably wants to get kessel away from the shultz/zidlicky match up
also something like this, if it is a disaster and the players can't get it going and lose the game could cause a problem between RW and the players.
Screw Lambo on the first line, he plays one half decent game (his goal was lucky, he had shots but no real scoring chances) and he gets promoted? Lame
Kulemin - Bozak - Kessel
Lupul - Connolly - Kadri
Crabb - Grabo - Mac
Boyce/Lambo - Steckel - Brown
Reuniting Kulie with Bozak and Kessel could jumpstart Kulie and Kulie brings some more defensive zone aweareness and phsyical board play than lombardi.
A team full of inconsistencies, breaks up the only consistent element it's had all year.
I have personally been calling this for a while.
You have to give it a chance for a couple games though. Look at Chicago splitting up Toews and Kane last year, Washington splitting up Ovi and Backstrom
The fact is that while the top line was amazing in the offensive zone, if they got caught in the D zone, it was often for long periods of time.
As well, Lombardi was probably our best forward last night IMO.
I think 2 of the last 3 games that has been the case. Still has absolutely no finish, but he lately seems to be in all the right places.. the puck just dies after it gets to him.
