Yeah, they have a lot of guys that can fire the puck now on the pp. Columbus even strength scoring wasn't that bad last year. Not being able to cash in on the powerplay is what really hurt them.
Line Combos: 2013/14 Roster
- Thread starter Grasshopperking
- Start date
Yeah, they have a lot of guys that can fire the puck now on the pp. Columbus even strength scoring wasn't that bad last year. Not being able to cash in on the powerplay is what really hurt them.
EspenK
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2011
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Being one to never pass up a meatball:
Aren't most things?
Seriously that LW spot on the top line is still a glaring weakness.
Foligno has been mentioned several times - ugh in my opinion.
Dubi has been mentioned but he is better as a C
Umberger -
Letestu - I like him better than the above
Hmmm, if we had about 2.5 or so left under the cap...but I don't think that is a perfect solution but it beats most
Seriously that LW spot on the top line is still a glaring weakness.
Foligno has been mentioned several times - ugh in my opinion.
Dubi has been mentioned but he is better as a C
Umberger -
Letestu - I like him better than the above
Hmmm, if we had about 2.5 or so left under the cap...but I don't think that is a perfect solution but it beats most
I guess if I could imagine a way to make the best of what we have it might be to have Joey come to camp with a fire lit under his ass and play his way into:
Arty-Joey-Gabby
Aside from those nicknames being too ****ing cute for words, that could just work! Likely? Nope. Possible? Remotely.
Double-Shift Lasse
Just post better
Seems like a RW is going to have to play on the left side, probably Cam or Gabby. I'd try Cam on the right side with Arty and Gabby to start. Probably Umberger gets a shot, whether we like it or not. An as much as I liked Dubi at center, he and Gabby played well together at times.
But llike pete said earlier, there are only a couple sure things, which makes exercises like this fun but even more pointless. But it also means the roster is balanced, so there'll be someone like Comeau or Calvert on the fourth line, maybe even Letestu, who can actually contribute on the scoresheet.
But llike pete said earlier, there are only a couple sure things, which makes exercises like this fun but even more pointless. But it also means the roster is balanced, so there'll be someone like Comeau or Calvert on the fourth line, maybe even Letestu, who can actually contribute on the scoresheet.
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EspenK
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- Sep 25, 2011
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Seems ironic that for a very long time we bemoaned the lack of RW's, and now the discussion becomes can someone move to the left side. Given that I started with slotting the right side, then slotted the Centers, that leaves the the left side which becomes kind of a crap shoot.
So here we go (assuming Prospal does not come back)
Letestu - Anisimov - Gaborik
Foligno - Johansen - Horton
Umberger - Dubinsky - Atkinson
Calvert - Dmac - Comeau
Boll
As mentioned the left side is a pick'em, move just about anyone up or down, more a matter of chemistry and play style than anything else. Until Horton can play move Cam and Comeau up a notch and put Boll in. Calvert could also go up to the third, flip RJ and Comeau stays on the fourth.. Then someone stays up (Jenner) as 13th.
So here we go (assuming Prospal does not come back)
Letestu - Anisimov - Gaborik
Foligno - Johansen - Horton
Umberger - Dubinsky - Atkinson
Calvert - Dmac - Comeau
Boll
As mentioned the left side is a pick'em, move just about anyone up or down, more a matter of chemistry and play style than anything else. Until Horton can play move Cam and Comeau up a notch and put Boll in. Calvert could also go up to the third, flip RJ and Comeau stays on the fourth.. Then someone stays up (Jenner) as 13th.
Hello Johnny
Registered User
- Apr 13, 2007
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I have a feeling we won't see the same 3 guys playing together throughout a given game, but I might as well play along as if I was playing a video game.
Letestu-Anisimov-Gaborik
Foligno-Johansen-Horton
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Comeau-Mackenzie-Boll
...I realized I left out Umberger after I made this. I don't know what to do lol.
Letestu-Anisimov-Gaborik
Foligno-Johansen-Horton
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Comeau-Mackenzie-Boll
...I realized I left out Umberger after I made this. I don't know what to do lol.
I don't think either Jenner or Murray make the team out of camp. For practical purposes Murray missed all of last season and Jenner has maybe a dozen pro games. Let them start in Springfield, get their legs under them and come up naturally when the inevitable injuries occur. When we can't send them down, they're ready. Second both Horton and Gaborik are natural right wings, so let them play there. Of course Horton won't start the season here either. The good thing is we have a lot of depth and flexibility
The Big Line
Foligno---Anisimov---Horton
People think the Jackets aren't so large but this bunch is, and quite good at getting dirty. I don't this bunch will be much fun to play against.
The second line is more problematic. I'm not all certain RyJo is is ready to be our Joe Thorton, he showed flashes last year but none in Springfield. I like Dubi better and think he's due for more scoring. But I don't like putting RyJo with Calvert and Camsanity.
Umberger----Letestu----Gaborik
or
Letestu----Ryjo---Gaborik
Umby makes too many turnovers but he's a veteran, goes to the dirty spots and can back up. What I really want is Vinny back in that spot or his younger clone. Vinny is slow, but certainly has the skill and compete level. Might make for good bookends. But he's not signend and probably won't be. But this line does have some skill, and could be broken up at need. Test Tube or Dubi come up as needed.
Check please,
Calvert----Dubinsky----Camsanity
This line I really like, they check hard, have lots of speed and more than enough skill to make opponents pay dearly for their defensive mistakes. Call this one our 'offensive defensive" line though Anisimov's line can defend too. Umby drops here if things go well. Dubi moves up if RyJo doesn't make the grade.
Nose to the Grindstone
Ideally my end of the season line is Comeau---Jenner---Calvert but as we begin it will not be so. That line also checks a ton and can score, a third line playing grinder. When our grinders can play and contribute in all situations we're ready for a cup run. But Boone probably isn't ready, Horton's hurt and we don't know if another free agent is coming, so this is probably where we will begin
Comeau---Ryjo---Boll
Ryjo has too much skill for this spot, but it's lower pressure and if we can drop Calvert down this line will scare people. I want him to seize a job higher up but he needs to take it. Boll was healthy last year and played (and fought) better than ever. DMac does everything you need of a grinder center and it showed because Richards often played them late in the third last year. But I want them in our press box knowing we can count on them at need. We're not really in bad shape here. Good defense, occasional offense our grinders do their jobs. If we do get that other top six pairing we get Comeau and Calvert with Boller playing to spell people and when we think someone needs a beat down.
Wild cards: JAM Let's see what he's got. None of our draft picks plays this year unless they amaze. Let them stew and get better in the minors. It's not like we're desperate.
Defensive pairings are more problematic. Rule #1 is don't play Wiz and JJ together except on a power play. They can be great but they share the same strengths and weaknesses, particularly on defense.
JJ--Prout
Prout does worry me a bit. He was great last year, but is due for a sophomore slump and has marginal puck skills. But if he can continue to develop and play as he does last year I'm good with this.
Tyutin--Nikitin
Keep them together but hope Nikitin discovers much of what he showed in 2011-2
Erixon--Wiz Maybe they'll turn in to our most dangerous offensive paring.
The seventh . . . ?
Got no idea. Goloubef looks good but I want him playing all the time, Savard is too much a defensive liability (trade him!), Weber's not quite ready and I don't know enough about Melart
Goaltending
Bob--- we don't need him to be a Vezina winner but we do need him to be good
McIlhenny--- Great at Sprinfield but can he play well when isn't playing all the time? That's a real challenge. We can't have a backup who can't back up.
Overall though, I think we can contend. And not just for the playoffs.
The Big Line
Foligno---Anisimov---Horton
People think the Jackets aren't so large but this bunch is, and quite good at getting dirty. I don't this bunch will be much fun to play against.
The second line is more problematic. I'm not all certain RyJo is is ready to be our Joe Thorton, he showed flashes last year but none in Springfield. I like Dubi better and think he's due for more scoring. But I don't like putting RyJo with Calvert and Camsanity.
Umberger----Letestu----Gaborik
or
Letestu----Ryjo---Gaborik
Umby makes too many turnovers but he's a veteran, goes to the dirty spots and can back up. What I really want is Vinny back in that spot or his younger clone. Vinny is slow, but certainly has the skill and compete level. Might make for good bookends. But he's not signend and probably won't be. But this line does have some skill, and could be broken up at need. Test Tube or Dubi come up as needed.
Check please,
Calvert----Dubinsky----Camsanity
This line I really like, they check hard, have lots of speed and more than enough skill to make opponents pay dearly for their defensive mistakes. Call this one our 'offensive defensive" line though Anisimov's line can defend too. Umby drops here if things go well. Dubi moves up if RyJo doesn't make the grade.
Nose to the Grindstone
Ideally my end of the season line is Comeau---Jenner---Calvert but as we begin it will not be so. That line also checks a ton and can score, a third line playing grinder. When our grinders can play and contribute in all situations we're ready for a cup run. But Boone probably isn't ready, Horton's hurt and we don't know if another free agent is coming, so this is probably where we will begin
Comeau---Ryjo---Boll
Ryjo has too much skill for this spot, but it's lower pressure and if we can drop Calvert down this line will scare people. I want him to seize a job higher up but he needs to take it. Boll was healthy last year and played (and fought) better than ever. DMac does everything you need of a grinder center and it showed because Richards often played them late in the third last year. But I want them in our press box knowing we can count on them at need. We're not really in bad shape here. Good defense, occasional offense our grinders do their jobs. If we do get that other top six pairing we get Comeau and Calvert with Boller playing to spell people and when we think someone needs a beat down.
Wild cards: JAM Let's see what he's got. None of our draft picks plays this year unless they amaze. Let them stew and get better in the minors. It's not like we're desperate.
Defensive pairings are more problematic. Rule #1 is don't play Wiz and JJ together except on a power play. They can be great but they share the same strengths and weaknesses, particularly on defense.
JJ--Prout
Prout does worry me a bit. He was great last year, but is due for a sophomore slump and has marginal puck skills. But if he can continue to develop and play as he does last year I'm good with this.
Tyutin--Nikitin
Keep them together but hope Nikitin discovers much of what he showed in 2011-2
Erixon--Wiz Maybe they'll turn in to our most dangerous offensive paring.
The seventh . . . ?
Got no idea. Goloubef looks good but I want him playing all the time, Savard is too much a defensive liability (trade him!), Weber's not quite ready and I don't know enough about Melart
Goaltending
Bob--- we don't need him to be a Vezina winner but we do need him to be good
McIlhenny--- Great at Sprinfield but can he play well when isn't playing all the time? That's a real challenge. We can't have a backup who can't back up.
Overall though, I think we can contend. And not just for the playoffs.
I do think our biggest concern is goaltending in that we don't have a solid back-up. Just putting a lot of faith in Bob.
Also, the lack of cap space is kinda worrying if we do need to do something, I think Umberger needs to be moved one way or another when Horton comes back, unless he bounces back dramatically of course.
I hope a healthier Gaborik and Horton will give us the offense we were missing last year, especially on the powerplay.
And of course, let's hope the young guys keep pushing forward, I definitely want to see Johansen take the next step. I know the ending of last year was disappointing in Springfield, but I think he was just done after Jackets just missed the playoffs... he was definitely critical in some games down the stretch.
Edit: As for defense, I think we're not gonna see much difference, I think at this point our top 4 are pretty experienced. Just hope no one has a bad year.
Also, the lack of cap space is kinda worrying if we do need to do something, I think Umberger needs to be moved one way or another when Horton comes back, unless he bounces back dramatically of course.
I hope a healthier Gaborik and Horton will give us the offense we were missing last year, especially on the powerplay.
And of course, let's hope the young guys keep pushing forward, I definitely want to see Johansen take the next step. I know the ending of last year was disappointing in Springfield, but I think he was just done after Jackets just missed the playoffs... he was definitely critical in some games down the stretch.
Edit: As for defense, I think we're not gonna see much difference, I think at this point our top 4 are pretty experienced. Just hope no one has a bad year.
EspenK
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2011
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Although I appreciate your optimism I think its one step at a time. Playoffs and maybe winning a series would be a great first step.
hip check
Go North.
- Jan 21, 2010
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Like it or not, Umberger is a veteran player. I'd start the season with him on the top line and move him down after things start to settle down and we can see who can best compliment Anisimov and Gaborik (Atkinson hopefully?).
Start w/o Prospal
Umberger-Anisimov-Gaborik
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Foligno-Johansen-Letestu
Boll-DMac-Comeau
Start w/ Prospal
Umberger-Anisimov-Gaborik
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Foligno-Johansen-Prospal
DMac-Letestu-Comeau
Horton joins w/o Prospal
Atkinson-Anisimov-Gaborik
Foligno-Dubinsky-Horton
Calvert-Johansen-Umberger
DMac-Letestu-Comeau
Horton joins w/ Prospal
Atkinson-Anisimov-Gaborik
Foligno-Dubinsky-Horton
Calvert-Johansen-Prospal
DMac-Letestu-Comeau
Umberger*
*I would slot Umberger in anywhere there is an injury (which there should be especially on the second half of the season.) He use to be known for being able to play any forward position in a pinch so hopefully he regains that quality this season. No injuries I'd place him on the third line.
Start w/o Prospal
Umberger-Anisimov-Gaborik
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Foligno-Johansen-Letestu
Boll-DMac-Comeau
Start w/ Prospal
Umberger-Anisimov-Gaborik
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Foligno-Johansen-Prospal
DMac-Letestu-Comeau
Horton joins w/o Prospal
Atkinson-Anisimov-Gaborik
Foligno-Dubinsky-Horton
Calvert-Johansen-Umberger
DMac-Letestu-Comeau
Horton joins w/ Prospal
Atkinson-Anisimov-Gaborik
Foligno-Dubinsky-Horton
Calvert-Johansen-Prospal
DMac-Letestu-Comeau
Umberger*
*I would slot Umberger in anywhere there is an injury (which there should be especially on the second half of the season.) He use to be known for being able to play any forward position in a pinch so hopefully he regains that quality this season. No injuries I'd place him on the third line.
LetsGOJackets!!
Registered User
Like all the possible combinations..
like most fans I am better at telling you what isn't working than projecting what could work.
My .02:
Last year we were bringing in Bob hoping the guy could play like he had previously at times & we were hoping Mason could get back to two years ago form
We knew without Nash we didn't have much scoring: Brassard hadn't done it, Johanson showed signs, Umberger was regressing. Anisimov & Dubinsky brought some offense and Prospal & Foligno would likely be pretty good again No snipers, we were really reliant on guys like Cam Atkinson & Matt Calvert making huge steps, and I for one had never heard of Letestu
Our strength was defense Tin/ Tin's line was a force in 11, Wiz & JMFJ, Aucoin would groom Moore, Erixon, Holden or Savard, but would likely be very good. Had not really heard much about Dalton Prout I thought we might miss Marc Methot - he had been good in the prior year & London Knight defenders get better with age.
We did have a new spark brought in being the first President that we would have that had actually successfully run a hockey organization - John Davidson was our key acquisition last year. Davidson said we would spend the year looking for scorers either in the organization or world wide. Some might have projected that it would be someone other than Howson identifying and acquiring future Blue Jackets but certainly Jarmo Kukelienen's name had not been uttered. I remember watching the video of Davidson & Howson sitting in an office and Howson was doing all he talking in broken sentences with lots of pauses, and Howson was heard marveling at Matt Calverts progress. I knew then fate wasn't going to be kind to Howson in Columbus.
Later in the season when Howson was canned and Jarmo was brought in and then we traded Brassard, Moore and Dorsett for Marian Gaborik we were going to be a completely different hockey team in the near future.
Surprises: Artem is going to be a force, Letestu can play, Prout - that was a great draft pick. Jury is still out on Foligno, a fire better have been lit under RJ, Prospal is one year older and may not be back. Love the fact Ryan Murray & Jenner actually get to develop without pressure.
Predictions Gabby is going to have a great season, Nathan Horton when healthy will be the best pick up in Jacket history, and Goalie Bob resigning will change the fortunes of the Jacket franchise for the better.
As mentioned I have no idea how the parts all fit together, but I am excited as hell, and for the first time I can root for my home town Chicago in the West & CBJ in the East without feeling a twinge of guilt either way. Lets GO JACKETS!!!!
PS - very happy to see Brassard play so well for the NYR. Sometimes the change in setting works but it was great to see him become a scorer again
like most fans I am better at telling you what isn't working than projecting what could work.
My .02:
Last year we were bringing in Bob hoping the guy could play like he had previously at times & we were hoping Mason could get back to two years ago form
We knew without Nash we didn't have much scoring: Brassard hadn't done it, Johanson showed signs, Umberger was regressing. Anisimov & Dubinsky brought some offense and Prospal & Foligno would likely be pretty good again No snipers, we were really reliant on guys like Cam Atkinson & Matt Calvert making huge steps, and I for one had never heard of Letestu
Our strength was defense Tin/ Tin's line was a force in 11, Wiz & JMFJ, Aucoin would groom Moore, Erixon, Holden or Savard, but would likely be very good. Had not really heard much about Dalton Prout I thought we might miss Marc Methot - he had been good in the prior year & London Knight defenders get better with age.
We did have a new spark brought in being the first President that we would have that had actually successfully run a hockey organization - John Davidson was our key acquisition last year. Davidson said we would spend the year looking for scorers either in the organization or world wide. Some might have projected that it would be someone other than Howson identifying and acquiring future Blue Jackets but certainly Jarmo Kukelienen's name had not been uttered. I remember watching the video of Davidson & Howson sitting in an office and Howson was doing all he talking in broken sentences with lots of pauses, and Howson was heard marveling at Matt Calverts progress. I knew then fate wasn't going to be kind to Howson in Columbus.
Later in the season when Howson was canned and Jarmo was brought in and then we traded Brassard, Moore and Dorsett for Marian Gaborik we were going to be a completely different hockey team in the near future.
Surprises: Artem is going to be a force, Letestu can play, Prout - that was a great draft pick. Jury is still out on Foligno, a fire better have been lit under RJ, Prospal is one year older and may not be back. Love the fact Ryan Murray & Jenner actually get to develop without pressure.
Predictions Gabby is going to have a great season, Nathan Horton when healthy will be the best pick up in Jacket history, and Goalie Bob resigning will change the fortunes of the Jacket franchise for the better.
As mentioned I have no idea how the parts all fit together, but I am excited as hell, and for the first time I can root for my home town Chicago in the West & CBJ in the East without feeling a twinge of guilt either way. Lets GO JACKETS!!!!
PS - very happy to see Brassard play so well for the NYR. Sometimes the change in setting works but it was great to see him become a scorer again
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I honestly think theyre waiting for Murray or Jenner to emerge , JJ can hold the C for one of those guys until they arrive.
LetsGOJackets!!
Registered User
Really?
You think we are going to have an NHL team that goes for 4 years without a captain waiting for a prospect to be worthy?
Im not exactly sure what a captain does, but for goodness sake give to JMFJ and let him take care of business.
You think we are going to have an NHL team that goes for 4 years without a captain waiting for a prospect to be worthy?
Im not exactly sure what a captain does, but for goodness sake give to JMFJ and let him take care of business.
Calvert and Atkinson are the little harriers. They actually are pretty effective checkers because they never give anyone space. I think those little guys would be great in the playoffs. I love them around Dubinsky, but maybe Letestu too.
The Coach at Union Blue mentioned how he thought Atkinson was miscast as a scorer and was a much better checker. I actually think he's great at both. If he keeps decent health I think he's a 30 goal scorer. (I'm assuming he was bad for the middle chunk of this past year because of the high ankle sprain. The rest of the time he was awesome.)
Umberger-Johansen-Horton might not work because none of those guys have great puck carrying skills / speed. You probably want to pair Horton with some guys who can get the puck up ice and hold it until Horton is driving the net. That's Foligno, Comeau, Arty, Duby, Letestu...
I like this analysis a lot, and the lines. Right on.
Foligno-Arty-Horton
Letestu-RyJo-Gaborik
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
The first and third lines here look good in my book (don't pay too much attention to the numbers). I hadn't thought of Letestu-RyJo-Gaborik before but its worth at shot. I can remember Johansen scoring off a nice dish from Gaborik in one of the rare moments they were out there together.
Crede777
Deputized
- Dec 16, 2009
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Prospal - Anisimov - Gaborik
Umberger - Johansen - Horton
Atkinson - Dubinsky - Foligno
Calvert - Letestu - Comeau
Mackenzie
Boll
Let players move up and down depending on who isn't producing/injured.
Tyutin - Johnson
Murray - Wisniewsky
Prout - Nikitin
Erixon
Bobrovsky
McElhinney
Umberger - Johansen - Horton
Atkinson - Dubinsky - Foligno
Calvert - Letestu - Comeau
Mackenzie
Boll
Let players move up and down depending on who isn't producing/injured.
Tyutin - Johnson
Murray - Wisniewsky
Prout - Nikitin
Erixon
Bobrovsky
McElhinney
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Kurtis5939
Registered User
I would rather have Foligno on the line than Umberger... At least he can keep control of the puck and not turn it over every possession.
Mayor Bee
Registered User
- Dec 29, 2008
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Minnesota used to rotate their captains on a monthly basis. They had five in 2000-01, four in 2001-02, four in 2002-03, six in 2003-04, five in 2005-06, four in 2006-07, six in 2007-08, and five in 2008-09.
