Not only are Schenn and Williams our hungriest, hardest working forwards right now, they've also been arguably our most effective in terms of generating chances. Reward them by putting them on the 1st line with Kopitar. I can't see that combination NOT creating opportunities.
It was status quo at practice today, with all players present and on the same lines. Afterward, Terry Murray said he would stay with the first line of Kopitar, Loktionov and Brown.
After watching the Flames beat the Kings yet again it became apparent we missed someone. That someone was AFrolov,he made that third line of Handzus and Simmonds go! I like that Poni is physical but his offensive skills pale in comparison to Frolov's. Letting Fro walk wasn't one of Lombardi's finest moments!!!
I disagree, Frolov playing like Frolov wasn't one of his finest moments. I don't think keeping Frolov was a good idea.
I say Loki/Kopi/Brown have one more game together and if they don't click, Murray is just gonna return to Smyth/Kopitar/Williams and move Brown back down with Stoll.
Watching the third period against Atlanta - we should have Smyth, Stoll, Williams to start the game as the number one line. Loki, Kopi, and Brown can move to the second line.
SSW had a lot of jump... maybe that intensity would inspire the rest of the team in the first two periods.
It would be interesting to see how the opponent coach would match their number one D pairing if SSW started. Maybe LKB would get the number two pairing.
Watching the third period against Atlanta - we should have Smyth, Stoll, Williams to start the game as the number one line. Loki, Kopi, and Brown can move to the second line.
SSW had a lot of jump... maybe that intensity would inspire the rest of the team in the first two periods.
It would be interesting to see how the opponent coach would match their number one D pairing if SSW started. Maybe LKB would get the number two pairing.
You can put Kopitar on the '4th line' with Westgarth and Richie and he'll still be facing the opposing team's top defenseman.
Not only are Schenn and Williams our hungriest, hardest working forwards right now, they've also been arguably our most effective in terms of generating chances. Reward them by putting them on the 1st line with Kopitar. I can't see that combination NOT creating opportunities.
How many more empty nets do you want Schenn to miss?
I don't see chances as the problem, but finishing. The Kings have hit more posts than goals scored.
I say Loki/Kopi/Brown have one more game together and if they don't click, Murray is just gonna return to Smyth/Kopitar/Williams and move Brown back down with Stoll.
This is what I'm afraid of. That line is never a threat, whenever they score it mostly comes out of nowhere/nothing. Thinking back on last season, it wouldn't surprise me if the stat sheet shows Brown achieved the majority of his points when NOT playing with Stoll.
I really like Kopi and Brown, and I really liked Smyth-Stoll-Williams during the last game.. they had energy, good puck control, getting lot of scoring chances, I say don't change that. Give Loktionov one more game and then, you'll be able to judge a bit better.
If the Lokti experience doesn't work out at the first attempt, maybe try to put Simmer or Schenn for a couple shift.
I feel bad for Clifford he should really be back playing big minutes in juniors at this point and Clune should be the spare part, not like his development can be stunted.
