I said JVR with Kessel and Bozak when Lupul went down. Mac has been completely uneffective on that line, too small. Komarov with Kuli is intriguing, but might be redundant.
McClement could take some shifts on the 3rd as well, so it's really 4 guys playing the 3rd line. I'm not sure taking Kadri off C is the right choice, but I'd like to get the guys I see as my top 6 in the actual top 6 playing those minutes and for now that means Kadri over MacArthur. Komarov did take some face-offs last game, so I don't think this is that outrageous an idea.
McClement shouldn't be on the second line, move Frattin up, he played great with Grabo last year for a spell. We need offense, and McClement provides zero (great defensively though!!)
my goodness, PLEASE split Bozak-Kessel up. They have shown 0 chemistry this year. Put your 5.5 mil center or Kadri with him, you know...players who are actually offensively gifted.
my goodness, PLEASE split Bozak-Kessel up. They have shown 0 chemistry this year. Put your 5.5 mil center or Kadri with him, you know...players who are actually offensively gifted.
my goodness, PLEASE split Bozak-Kessel up. They have shown 0 chemistry this year. Put your 5.5 mil center or Kadri with him, you know...players who are actually offensively gifted.
Grabs and Kessel have very little chemistry. Both like to maintain possession of the puck and Kessel has a significant playmaking aspect to his game. Grabs should be on a separate line with stronger players.
I'd even have McClement on the second line to solidify a strong two-way game. That line is being used as a shut down line and tends to generate scoring chances on the counter attack. Grabs and Kulemin are excellent finishers in that situation. McClement can strengthen the line defensively.
grabo plays the checking role, vs top lines of other teams, kessel does not fit on that line with grabo.
what line here, is going vs the top lines of other teams?
Well clearly no line now goes against top lines of other teams, at least not effectively. The top line needs to not be a defensive liability. Grabo and Kule help that.
Well clearly no line now goes against top lines of other teams, at least not effectively. The top line needs to not be a defensive liability. Grabo and Kule help that.
we need 1 good checking line, that can score to, cause they will be on the ice alot
Grabs and Kessel have very little chemistry. Both like to maintain possession of the puck and Kessel has a significant playmaking aspect to his game. Grabs should be on a separate line with stronger players.
I'd even have McClement on the second line to solidify a strong two-way game. That line is being used as a shut down line and tends to generate scoring chances on the counter attack. Grabs and Kulemin are excellent finishers in that situation. McClement can strengthen the line defensively.
They were put together for 2 periods MAX in the last two seasons. That's hardly enough time to build chemistry. On the other hand, Bozak keeps getting put with Kessel despite the fact that whatever chemistry they seemed to have(largely due to Lupul in the first place), is gone. Grabovski can cycle, work the boards, and shoot better than Bozak. So what if you have two players who like to maintain possession? it's better than having two players who are constantly looking for Phil.
They were put together for 2 periods MAX in the last two seasons. That's hardly enough time to build chemistry. On the other hand, Bozak keeps getting put with Kessel despite the fact that whatever chemistry they seemed to have(largely due to Lupul in the first place), is gone. Grabovski can cycle, work the boards, and shoot better than Bozak. So what if you have to players who like to maintain possession? it's better than having two players who are constantly looking for Phil.
If Phil doesn't have the puck on his stick when rushing up and down the boards, he's not doing much else. He is not the type of guy who is going to find open spots to be hit with passes in the seams - he generates off the rush and uses his speed with the puck to create his own chances.
Grabo is more creative with the puck and attacks the zone in between the circles rather than on the perimeter. It's Mogs/Sundin all over again, for this generation.
