I would like to see lines similar to these, but I feel like Toronto is missing a guy that can play with Dion. Doesn't have to be a No.1 guy, but a Veteran maybe, someone more stay-at-home. I think Gardiner will eventually be the No.1 and Phaneuf will be traded, so that's not the issue I'm concerned about.
? - Phaneuf
Gardiner - Franson
Gunnar - Holzer/JML
Me thinks Carlyle might revert Phaneuf back to the Left side 5 on 5 (where he belongs). Have at the right side on the PP all he wants though. Although that would make us a little weak on the right side.
i could see :
Gunnarson-Phaneuf
Gardiner-Schenn
Liles-Komisarek/Franson
So pretty much the same... its up to the younger players to upset this line-up with their improved play.
Dion needs a reliable stay at home defencmen who can log 23-26 mins a night without burning out.
The only option right now is Gunnarsson- He's easily our best defensive D while he's not "raw-raw" out there he's quietly effective and doesn't make too many errors. Playing with Gunnar allows Phaneuf to go looking for the big hit, or to go up ice and unleash his cannon without fear of getting burned.
People say Schenn can be a good Robin to Phaneuf's Batman but I disagree- First off Schenn doesn't have the mobility to play with the big boys of the league, pairing him against the other teams top lines is a very bad idea. Secondly Schenn is horrible under pressue, he tends to make the worst turnovers when the heat is on, again he'd be up against guys like Crosby/Giroux/Malkin/Stamkos each night and they would eat him for breakfeast without a 2nd though.
Gardiner is a bad option, he's too young to be given that big of a role at 22. I also don't think Gardiner is strong enough in his own end to play against the other teams top lines, it would be putting him in a positon to fail
Komiserak is a joke, he can't even hack it playing other teams worst players, theres no way in hell he'd be good along side Phaneuf.
Liles doesn't know how to play D if it bit him in the ass, it would be a god awful result to play him next to Phaneuf.
People say Schenn can be a good Robin to Phaneuf's Batman but I disagree- First off Schenn doesn't have the mobility to play with the big boys of the league, pairing him against the other teams top lines is a very bad idea. Secondly Schenn is horrible under pressue, he tends to make the worst turnovers when the heat is on, again he'd be up against guys like Crosby/Giroux/Malkin/Stamkos each night and they would eat him for breakfeast without a 2nd though.
Leaf fan since 93 only remember 2012...
Remember when Schenn was shutting down Stamkos, Crosby and Ovechkin on a nightly basis? I do, it was only 2 seasons ago when he was a 20+ min a night D man playing solid D.
Anyway.....
Gunnar - Phaneuf
or
Phaneuf - Schenn
would be the most ideal pairings using players internally.
Although one day Schenn will be top line shutdowns material he is better suited on the second pair for now, as we don't have good defensive depth on the right side. Hopefully Holzer helps remedy that. This is under the assumption that Schenn will rebound to his proper form. Gardiner Is the perfect compliment to Schenn so I wouldnt like to see him on the top line. Gunnarson is reall the only viable option at this point. Don't think blacker will quite have top pairing potential, Nor any other current prospects for that matter. Could possibly draft Phaneufs future partner this draft.
Although one day Schenn will be top line shutdowns material he is better suited on the second pair for now, as we don't have good defensive depth on the right side. Hopefully Holzer helps remedy that. This is under the assumption that Schenn will rebound to his proper form
We have Phaneuf, Schenn, Franson and Komi as RHD and Gunnar, Gardiner, Liles as LHD. Problem is Phaneuf should naturally be a LHD, and Carlyle believes this as well, meaning Schenn would be our best option as RHD.
