We will finish somewhere between #2 and #6. It's a toss-up. Anywhere in there. This team, if they mesh and everyone stays healthy, even has Cup potential.
__________________
"Of course giving Sather cap space is like giving teenagers whiskey and car keys." - SBOB "Watching Sather build a team is like watching a blind man with no fingers trying to put together an elaborate puzzle." - Shadowtron
Sestito still on the make a wish tour. - rholt168
I'd be willing to bet that Torts uses them as interchangable parts anyway. Each will inevitably hit a dry spell that forces him to change to shake things up or maybe having Dubi on the first line is approriate for one matchup while Wolski is your man for another.
I'd be willing to bet that Torts uses them as interchangable parts anyway. Each will inevitably hit a dry spell that forces him to change to shake things up or maybe having Dubi on the first line is approriate for one matchup while Wolski is your man for another.
yeah that is the way that I see the top-6 working out
Balanced, dangerous, and a nice mix of veterans and youth.
The 3rd line is the only one I am the least bit concerned about. I wouldn't have overhyped expectations, 40 goals from that line and 25-30 from the 4th would be great.
Optimistic Goal breakdown per line (ignoring injuries)
1st; 80
2nd; 65
3rd; 40
4th; 30
Defense; 25 (cumulative)
Comes to 240 goals. I think 3 goals per game is a reasonable, and successful, expectation from this team. Keep the goals against under 200 and we could be a top 5 team in the East.
Almost exactly what I thought the lineup was going to look like. Avery in for Rupp every so often or as a replacement on the bottom 6. Christensen as a replacement on the top line because of his chemistry with Gaborik. Also if Gaborik misses any games I would love to see what Zuccarello could do with Richards and Wolski (I'm expecting a big year from WW)
I would say less likely now that Torts actually has a definitive first line center to work with, though.
He'll probably play around with the third line, and Wolski's spot over the year. Maybe use Feds or Avery on the 4th line. But I think the Pack line and Richards-Gaborik as well as Boyle-Prust positions are pretty well locked in.
We won't have a merry-go-round at first line center.
I would say less likely now that Torts actually has a definitive first line center to work with, though.
He'll probably play around with the third line, and Wolski's spot over the year. Maybe use Feds or Avery on the 4th line. But I think the Pack line and Richards-Gaborik as well as Boyle-Prust positions are pretty well locked in.
We won't have a merry-go-round at first line center.
Richards is a given 1st line stay, as well as Gabby. I'm saying everybody else is gonna be bouncing around the lineup depending they're hot or cold.
I actually wouldn't be surprised to see Torts break up Richards and Gaborik if they can do enough damage on separate lines - making their linemates better so we can basically have two 1st lines. But all of that depends.
2 good offensive lines that both have a physical/defensive presence.
Boyle-AA-Feds would be an excetional shut down/checking 3rd line that can also generate quality O.
The 4th line would be a nightmare to play against and also very defensively responsible.
MZA might force his way onto the 3rd line which would make Avery the extra.
Staal-Girardi
McDonagh-Erixon
MDZ-Sauer
Eminger
IF MDZ and Erixon both make the team I think the McD/Sauer pairing needs to be split up. MDZ needs to be protected defensively. I'd be shocked if he and Erixon make up our 3rd pair.
Valentenko may take MDZ's spot on the 3rd pair with MDZ starting in Hartford.
I like this alot, but i have my doubts about zuc. I really hope he can make great plays and get a chance to show what he can do, but tbh, he would have to improve alot since last year, if hes gonna be a solid player for us this year.
I really think Thomas or Hagelin can surprise and steal a spot. Training camp and preseason should be fun. Really excited to see Erixon BRich and Rupper
