I hope Samsonov recovers fully... I feel very bad for him... he looked really strong so far.
The silver lining here is that it'd give a guys like Boychuk yet another chance to prove themselves. As of right now there is a spot opened and it is up for grubs.
If Samsonov is hurt then I think it gives them the chance to play Skinner on the wing, as my fear has been they were going to make him the 3rd line center.
If Samsonov is hurt then I think it gives them the chance to play Skinner on the wing, as my fear has been they were going to make him the 3rd line center.
As much as we've been saying we won't have a traditional 4th line, in this particular scenario it's pretty darn typical... All three guys are typical hard-working, hustle type guys who play some pretty good D. Although I prefer Larose on the 3rd line, as opposed to the 4th, I'd certainly rather keep Boychuk off the 4th line at the expense of putting Larose on it.
I don't mind these lines at all. They're all pretty balanced, and fairly solid. I'm also a fan of putting Cole on Boychuk's line to start the year, as that mentorship was well-documented last year...
It looks like the competition is between Boychuk and Bowman now, and my money (along with everyone else's) is on Boychuk.
If they play someone like LaRose on the 4th line, then I think at this point it has to be Bowman who gets the spot. Based on everything I have heard, seen, and read, he has just been the better player in all areas.
It looks like the competition is between Boychuk and Bowman now, and my money (along with everyone else's) is on Boychuk.
Speak for yourself. Bowman has been the better player thus far and more deserving of a spot. Of course, Boychuk is the first rounder so who knows if they'll give him a shot over Bowman. Bowman has earned it, though.
I'm starting to feel bad for the kid. Hopefully Francis can keep his head up and keep encouraging him. Its going to go in for him, soon. He just has to keep working and not get frustrated.
Speak for yourself. Bowman has been the better player thus far and more deserving of a spot. Of course, Boychuk is the first rounder so who knows if they'll give him a shot over Bowman. Bowman has earned it, though.
I agree that Bowman's outplayed Boychuk thus far, but Boychuk will certainly be given an advantage, IMO. He's gotta crack the roster at some point, and JR knows that.
And for those haters hating on Staal's faceoffs, here's a blurb from the Thrashers live blog
He was 10 for 17, which is impressive. Against actual centers (since he did have a few against wingers), he was 7 for 12. Four against Little and three against Burmistrov, all in the offensive zone.
Color me impressed. Now lets him keep it up.
EDIT: And Dale, love the new avatar.
Last edited by Blueline Bomber: 09-25-2010 at 08:54 PM.
Reason: Avatar awesomeness
