I think it's a bad move, myself. Nothing against Cowan; he really tries, but he just doesn't finish... and he wasn't, in my opinion, a very efficient checker.
A few things to consider with Cowan:
* Though he had only 9pts, he did get those in only 46 games.
* He missed almost all of October and most of December (two of the best months for the team) due to injury.
* 6 of his 9pts came in November and December (again, two of the best months).
Don't misunderstand; I'm not suggesting that he's all that good, but, rather, that he may not be as bad as "only 9pts" seems to suggest. Being sidelined early and getting most of his playing time while everything was crumbling around him is at least reason to extend him a little benefit of the doubt, IMO. I think that he's capable of at least 10g/10a while playing primarily on the 4th line, and I imagine that that's what Lombardi sees, as well.
I think it's a bad move, myself. Nothing against Cowan; he really tries, but he just doesn't finish... and he wasn't, in my opinion, a very efficient checker.
...and which of those qualities relates to being a 4th liner?
...and which of those qualities relates to being a 4th liner?
I just don't think he's a very good 4th liner. I like Armstrong as a 4th liner, but not Cowan. Hard working doesn't necessarily make a 4th liner good; they have to have SOME quality aside from effort.
I just don't think he's a very good 4th liner. I like Armstrong as a 4th liner, but not Cowan. Hard working doesn't necessarily make a 4th liner good; they have to have SOME quality aside from effort.
I agree with this, but I don't think that Cowan exactly qualifies. He has a few other qualities than just effort, such as sticking up for teammates, being gritty and being good for up to 12 goals. Those who I'd characterize as all effort and nothing else are players like Giuliano, Clarke and Ryan. Effort is commendable, but I agree with you that it's not enough for this level. I feel that such players don't belong on the team except in cases of extreme emergency.
I agree with this, but I don't think that Cowan exactly qualifies. He has a few other qualities than just effort, such as sticking up for teammates, being gritty and being good for up to 12 goals. Those who I'd characterize as all effort and nothing else are players like Giuliano, Clarke and Ryan. Effort is commendable, but I agree with you that it's not enough for this level. I feel that such players don't belong on the team except in cases of extreme emergency.
I guess I just don't see it. Granted, he'll stick up for his teammates, but I wouldn't consider him gritty. I just don't think he cycles the puck very well, uses his teammates well, isn't consistently gritty.
Maybe I'm being too hard on him, but I'd rather have someone else as a 4th line LW.
I really like Cowan as long as he is on the 4th...He brings a little bit of everything on the ice and if he's healthy he will contribute. At the very worst he will be a reserve and it won't hurt us since he's not making millions.
I'm not picking on you, but like who would you want on the 4th line instead?
I'd put some youth on the 4th line, such as Petr Kanko or Flinn. Kanko has speed and grit, Flinn has more grit and can hit better. If not youth, then at least someone with speed or grit. I don't think Cowan has either, nor does he use his linemates well enough.
I'd put some youth on the 4th line, such as Petr Kanko or Flinn. Kanko has speed and grit, Flinn has more grit and can hit better. If not youth, then at least someone with speed or grit. I don't think Cowan has either, nor does he use his linemates well enough.
Why hurt kanko's development by placing him on the 4th line and having him get 5-10 min's of ice time? I like Kanko's game a lot but he won't/shouldn't make our club unless he will be on the 3rd line. Flinn cannot skate period. I would rather have Parros in there.
I'm surprised at the negatives toward Cowan here. I think he's an adequate 4th liner w/ decent speed and handles the pugilism well if he stays within his weight class. Perhaps he's good in the room and DL sees him as an example of "consistent effort". Besides being hurt, I don't recall him taking a "night off".
I cross my fingers for 13 goals and 10 majors, 5 in ice time a night. His high end is on a line w/ Avery that makes opponents see red.
I'd put some youth on the 4th line, such as Petr Kanko or Flinn. Kanko has speed and grit, Flinn has more grit and can hit better. If not youth, then at least someone with speed or grit. I don't think Cowan has either, nor does he use his linemates well enough.
I like Kanko and he may be a good 4th liner, but he's not tough like Cowan is. If you put Kanko on the 4th line who provides the toughness you need?
Flinn doesn't belong in today's NHL. I would be amazed if ANY team signs him. Besides his injuries will probably limit his effectiveness.
Who do you get to fill the toughness role (assuming Flinn is gone)? That lineup with those players would definitely need some tough guys to smack the other teams around.
Who do you get to fill the toughness role (assuming Flinn is gone)? That lineup with those players would definitely need some tough guys to smack the other teams around.
Scott Thornton would be the first guy I look to on the 3rd or 4th line.
McCauley has been disappointing, ask Sharks fans. Eric Belanger is MUCH better than McCauley.
As for Cowan, he must be doing something right to have stuck around as a regular NHL player the past few years under different teams. Maybe he works hard and you guys are expecting something out of him which he doesn't provide.
Hes got the smarts of a rock, but we gotta have the Doctors and the Ditch diggers. His 532,000 salary isnt that big of a deal and is a roster filler i suppose. Stick him on the 4th line and let him throw his body and knuckles around(hopefully)
So much analysis for a 12th-14th forward. I love it.
Averaged over 82 games, he was on pace for 14 goals last year. That's not a bad total for a 4th line winger. He throws some nice hits. He was almost the only guy trying at the end of the season. That 10-1 game against Buffalo, he did score. He came out flying against the Ducks down the stretch, and got the Kings up a goal, but then the team fell apart and lost what was one of their worst games of the season, if I remember correctly.
I'm not saying he's going to be the key next season, but you do have to fill out the roster. With Cowan under contract, that's 8 forwards that have a spot, outside of any of them being traded. Giuliano and Parros are signed, but who knows where they fit exactly. So at most, that's 6 open spots. O'Sullivan will get a long look, probably his job to lose, so lets say 5 spots. If a guy like Kanko is ready, Cowan being signed won't stop him from making the team.
ok so a paraphrased it 
