We have to find a way to score first. Come from behind victories are fun but you know what they say about playing with fire.
Its always interesting playing teams like the jets because it exploits our weakness on defense. Which line does seemingly the most damage? its not wheeler or kane its that hulking line of Antropov, ladd, and ponikarovsky. Once they chip the puck into our end our defense and forwards have a tough time moving them off the puck because of the size and physicality.
Best defense is a good offense. Our key these last 2 victories was puck management. Getting pucks deep and winning battles along the boards.
Versteeg has owned the Jets, in his career he's put up 18 pts (9g+9a) in 14 games. I expect him to continue that mastery and at least pot a goal for us, maybe 2.
I read also that Byfuglien may be out as well for this game while he continues to nurse his injuries. That is a good thing IMO so we should take advantage while we can.
Versteeg has owned the Jets, in his career he's put up 18 pts (9g+9a) in 14 games. I expect him to continue that mastery and at least pot a goal for us, maybe 2.
I read also that Byfuglien may be out as well for this game while he continues to nurse his injuries. That is a good thing IMO so we should take advantage while we can.
Noel says he doesn't expect him to miss weeks of action, but he probably won't go tomorrow.
My guess is he's getting traded. Guds will be playing tomorrow.
I would be for Weaver being traded. He is smaller, not that physical, and has the offensive instincts of a tyke kid, with a shot to boot. His only real value is in the shot block, which can be pretty hit or miss.
We a number of defenseman who are more than capable of playing, so you'd think someone has to be the odd man out here as everyone on D is getting healthy (minus Jovo, but that doesn't sound too serious).
Asked this question in the las GDT: Who do you think sits next game for forward? With GP having by far his best game of the season, it kind of seems pointless to scratch him. Would you scratch Skille two straight? Or do you risk giving Kovalev a night off? Smithson and Matthias both found the score sheet last game.
I would be for Weaver being traded. He is smaller, not that physical, and has the offensive instincts of a tyke kid, with a shot to boot. His only real value is in the shot block, which can be pretty hit or miss.
We a number of defenseman who are more than capable of playing, so you'd think someone has to be the odd man out here as everyone on D is getting healthy (minus Jovo, but that doesn't sound too serious).
Asked this question in the las GDT: Who do you think sits next game for forward? With GP having by far his best game of the season, it kind of seems pointless to scratch him. Would you scratch Skille two straight? Or do you risk giving Kovalev a night off? Smithson and Matthias both found the score sheet last game.
It'll be an interesting decision ..
Skille gets scratched. No reason to mess with a winning lineup, imo.
Skille gets scratched. No reason to mess with a winning lineup, imo.
Skille was working as an extra with the line of Kovalev-Goc-Kopecky during today's practice from what I read on twitter. If Kovalev needed a game off (I dont think anyone would mind that), I would expect Skille to play in his place. I'd like to see him on that line TBH over Kovalev against the Jets.
Skille was working as an extra with the line of Kovalev-Goc-Kopecky during today's practice from what I read on twitter. If Kovalev needed a game off (I dont think anyone would mind that), I would expect Skille to play in his place. I'd like to see him on that line TBH over Kovalev against the Jets.
Florida practiced with five defensemen on Monday as Mike Weaver sat out with a hip injury that doesn't appear to be serious. Dineen said he didn't practice just as a precaution and could be back Tuesday.
"It's a nice luxury to have seven defensemen, but we need them,'' Dineen said. "We need the depth.''
This is going to be a tougher game than last Thursday down here. It's always tough playing in Winnipeg with their insane crowd. I agree with a few of you saying that we need to take the lead first and have a great 1st period. We've managed to come from behind over the last two games, but that's not going to happen every time.
The same intensity that we've seen over the last two games in the 3rd period needs to happen early on. It's great to see some of the lower tier forwards whom aren't expected to score often play well as of late, but I'd really like to see the top line get going more. If Weaver does play, him and Kuba need to have much better games and use some hockey sense so goals don't get scored against. A third win in a row would put us right back in the running being a game under .500.
I hope Theo gets a shutout one of these nights because his #'s look terrible despite the fact he hasn't been terrible at all.
He's playing way to much. Dineen should call up Markstrom and give him a start if he has no confidence in Clemmenson. If he plays well, he stays. I'm sick of hearing Marky is three years away from starting. He needs to just get called up and stick with the big club. Theo looks worse each game even tho we've won a couple now and that's concerning me. It may force Tallon into a panic trade for you know who and I don't think many Panther fans want that.
Its all about the start of this game. Jets have been home since late Friday night after getting crushed by Tampa. They are well rested and their crowd is/will always be NUTS, so they will come out flying. We cannot have a start like in Buffalo or we are done. Just survive the 1st, and we should be ok.
It is really noticeable how much the schedule is having an effect on a LOT of these games. Big time advantage to the team with the most rest coming in, whether its the home or visiting team.
hope for a good game...
good luck, but not too much
(especially with us down both our #1 and #3 d-men)
PS if you want lines for your GDT it will most likely be:
Kane - Jokinen - Wheeler
Ladd - Antropov - Little
Ponikarovsky - Burmistrov - Wellwood/Scheifele (don't know which one will be scratched yet)
Wright - Slater - Thorburn
Enstrom - Hainsey
Stuart - Redmond
Clitsome - Postma
