Though to be fair, I think improving the bottom pairing is a realistic target. We've done so quite a few times in the past, where we brought in a steady d that helped us out, especially in the playoffs.
Well how much more investment does the defense need? This is not even a rhetorical question. We've sacrificed a near entire forward lineup in the last 2 to 4 years just to have 2 to 4 capable defenders on a given night. Not that Palat, Stamkos, Killorn, Colton, Johnson, the entire Gourde line and the school bus are all killing it right now. It's more like at some point you need to make it work with what you have. But injuries have gotten in the way of that. Once our guys get healthy I just want us to run with who we have. Doing something like sending Paul off because it means getting someone better than Lily and Raddysh isn't gonna make us better
Something needs to be done because we are tied for 1st in GF per game while being 13th in GA per game. Adding forward depth will help that but that bottom pairing really needs help. We also have the assets to add good players without touching the roster. A solid bottom pairing that can take minutes away from McDonagh/Cernak could also help that pair be more effective. In terms of adding on F vs D, I don't think its an either/or, I think its a both
Well as I said. Injuries. Last year we would start games fast, get up 2-0 and spend 2 periods defending like it was the last 5 minutes of the game. Not that we aren't sort of doing that now. But our forwards are so much more competent at 5 on 5 that it's potentially alleviating the headaches on defense. We just need the defense available and healthy.
Our defense has really only been injured the past few games though, before that there was a 25 game sample size where they largely weren't. I agree on the backup goalie although I would want to try Halverson first
When you were factoring out JJ did you replace his numbers with the GA of what someone in his position would normally allow or take out his GA completely? I actually thought JJ was doing really well. I know 13th isn't terrible but if this team wants to improve there is slim margins on offense, our top 6 is dominating.
And this is why it's unfortunate that we haven't drafted better, especially on defense. Maybe Crozier can become something. Wish we had held onto Thompson.
Oh ok nvm I thought you meant moser, we definitely need a backup G.
The Devils aren't trading Casey. but it'll be interesting how they balance Hamilton, Pesce, Kovacevic, Nemec & Casey
I mean they have to move on from at least one of those guys, maybe 2. And then Silayev will be coming up too and they will have 4 on the left too so it's not even like they need an extra RD to be a good 7th.
I would guess they move Kovacevic, who I'd definitely be interested in. Wasn't horrible in Montreal, been solid for New Jersey this year
If Kovacevic is the one available I would definitely try to pick him up
I think we have to see what's available at the TDL. We look like we are going to make the playoffs without too much discomfort. No need to address a problem that still has time to work itself out. And better bargains will present themselves as other teams accept their fate and sell off.
