I know most folks are tending to put Boyd on a higher line than Bourque. I don't agree with that assessment. For a number of reasons.
First of all, Bourque scored 33 goals in the AHL as a rookie. He was named Rookie of the Year his first year. That was the year of the NHL lockout when the AHL was stacked with potential NHLers. He is big, strong and fast. He is older and more mature than Boyd. He has a slap shot that was measured at 99.8 mph. He is also exactly what Sutter talked about when Sutter spoke of rebuilding the wings.
I hoped Boyd to make it and post some great numbers, but he has not proven himself yet. Of the two, Bourque appears more ready for second line time to me.
For players like Boyd who can play both right and left wing we can move them around.
He's a natural center too. Which makes him favorable as he can pretty much play any forward position and can be effective on any line I think. Sutter and Keenan both love him and want him to develop into a top 6 guy. I think he'll be given the chance to be in the top 6 and if he struggles they can move him down onto the 3rd and 4th line where he can chip in a bit offensively.
Every forward we have besides Iginla, Langkow and Conroy are all capable of playing more than one position. Lines will be juggled like crazy, especially seeing as the Flames have a lot of border line 2nd/3rd liners like Lombardi, Boyd, Bourque, Moss etc. What's good about those guys is they should be able to produce offensively and if nessicary they're capable of taking on a checking role on the third line. IMO it's good having such versitile players that can play more than one position and more than one role if need be.
pointless? last time I checked Richards is still in Dallas and he was comparing Flames 2nd line with other teams' current 2nd line.
He was comparing the Flames current 2nd line with other team's second line at the beginning of last season. Thus I stick to my statement, that your comparision is rather pointless.
It could go either way between Boyd and Bourque but Boyd's skill and smarts are what I think will lead him to a top 6 role this year or in the future. Bourque has all the tools but with all his injuries people have been saying he's been more timid physical and in terms of using his shot. I really hope one of two emerges to score 20 goals but with Boyd's talent I would say he's the more likely candidate.
Not what you want to see happen, but do you think Sutter will stand pat with this lineup and give the last forward spot to Prust or see if Backlund is ready? As much as I'd love to see us add a 2nd line winger, I can see this happening.
Not what you want to see happen, but do you think Sutter will stand pat with this lineup and give the last forward spot to Prust or see if Backlund is ready? As much as I'd love to see us add a 2nd line winger, I can see this happening.
I hope that's what happens unless he can get a true impact winger in here.
