What do you mean what happens? The same thing that always happens when you have an injury.
Line Combos: 2013/14 Roster
- Thread starter Grasshopperking
- Start date
What do you mean what happens? The same thing that always happens when you have an injury.
Zarathustra
This is not my hat.
This is how I see the lines in four situations:
With Prospal
Prospal – Artem – Gaborik
Umberger – Joey – Horton
Calvert – Dubinsky – Atkinson
Foligno – Letestu – Comeau
Boll/MacKenzie
With Prospal and before Horton
Prospal – Artem – Gaborik
Calvert – Dubinsky – Atkinson
Umberger – Joey – Letestu
Foligno – MacKenzie -- Comeau
w/o Prospal
Umberger – Artem – Gaborik
Foligno – Joey – Horton
Calvert – Dubinsky – Atkinson
Comeau – Letestu – Boll/MacKenzie
w/o Prospal and before Horton
Umberger – Artem – Gaborik
Calvert – Dubinsky – Atkinson
Foligno – Joey – Letestu
Comeau - MacKenzie -- Boll
The first situation is obviously the best. That would give us four good lines with depth all throughout the line-up. Last year, many times our fourth line would play ~ 10 minutes and our top line ~17-19. Even on the fourth line, players like Letestu and Foligno would get around 14-16 with possible PP/PK time.
With our high-energy style of play that made us successful last season, we really need the four-line depth. I'm also hesitant to break up Atkinson and Calvert as the two of them together really makes it difficult for the opposing team, because of their speed.
With Prospal
Prospal – Artem – Gaborik
Umberger – Joey – Horton
Calvert – Dubinsky – Atkinson
Foligno – Letestu – Comeau
Boll/MacKenzie
With Prospal and before Horton
Prospal – Artem – Gaborik
Calvert – Dubinsky – Atkinson
Umberger – Joey – Letestu
Foligno – MacKenzie -- Comeau
w/o Prospal
Umberger – Artem – Gaborik
Foligno – Joey – Horton
Calvert – Dubinsky – Atkinson
Comeau – Letestu – Boll/MacKenzie
w/o Prospal and before Horton
Umberger – Artem – Gaborik
Calvert – Dubinsky – Atkinson
Foligno – Joey – Letestu
Comeau - MacKenzie -- Boll
The first situation is obviously the best. That would give us four good lines with depth all throughout the line-up. Last year, many times our fourth line would play ~ 10 minutes and our top line ~17-19. Even on the fourth line, players like Letestu and Foligno would get around 14-16 with possible PP/PK time.
With our high-energy style of play that made us successful last season, we really need the four-line depth. I'm also hesitant to break up Atkinson and Calvert as the two of them together really makes it difficult for the opposing team, because of their speed.
I think you've got Umberger and Foligno flip flopped. My position has been pretty clear, Umberger in the past two seasons has not resembled a 1st or 2nd line player in any way, shape or form. I would have shipped him to anyone that would take him, but since it's likely he'll be on our roster, I would start Umberger on the fourth line to send him a message that he needs to get his **** together. If he picks it up, move him up. I think Foligno is underrated for us. I think he is solidly a second liner, third at worst.
Why does everyone bury Letestu on the 3rd & 4th lines? Is it because of what we gave up for him? Because of where Pitt drafted for him? Because he can and does play any and everywhere up and down the lineup?
The guy produces. He was the goal leader for the Jackets. I would certainly think that if you are comfortable putting Prospal on the 1st line with AA and Gaborik, why wouldn't you be as comfortable with Test tube. I think he is a better option than RJ or Foligno.
Also, why is Atkinson being penciled in on the left side. He has never played on the left. I know he tweeted he would give it a try, but it would seem to me to be folly to move a young and still maturing forward out of his natural position. He will probably man the right side on the 2nd line until Horton returns and then he could move down to what would than become the 2B line. Calvert - Dubinsky - Atkinson as a third scoring option would give a lot of teams match up anxiety. To say nothing of their forechecking fury.
The guy produces. He was the goal leader for the Jackets. I would certainly think that if you are comfortable putting Prospal on the 1st line with AA and Gaborik, why wouldn't you be as comfortable with Test tube. I think he is a better option than RJ or Foligno.
Also, why is Atkinson being penciled in on the left side. He has never played on the left. I know he tweeted he would give it a try, but it would seem to me to be folly to move a young and still maturing forward out of his natural position. He will probably man the right side on the 2nd line until Horton returns and then he could move down to what would than become the 2B line. Calvert - Dubinsky - Atkinson as a third scoring option would give a lot of teams match up anxiety. To say nothing of their forechecking fury.
You're forgetting these aren't 1/2/3/4 lines, these are only pairings. How many times last year did the same lines start the game? Not very often unless something was working really well. And because we need help on the left side now, Umberger isn't going to produce, so that leaves Calvert and foligno who I think can produce, but I think Atkinson has a little more potential. I think he could benefit the most from us getting Horton and Gaborik in the sense that if he switches to the left he'll be play with them not below them.
Xoggz22
Registered User
Personally, if the CBJ are playing Gaborik, Horton and Atkinson all on the RW (call them 1RW, 2RW and 3RW for all I care) I'd say this team would have a chance at being extremely dangerous. To me, a situation like this would indicate a solid top 3 LW too by not having to move one of them over.
I also liked the fact that although we may not have scored a ton of goals last year, we didn't have a line the other team could shut down and render the rest of the team useless. Paying with 3 lines that may be like #2 classic NHL lines would be a good thing. I think the potential is there but players like Umberger, Foligno and Dubinsky need to step up their scoring game to make this a dangerous team.
I also liked the fact that although we may not have scored a ton of goals last year, we didn't have a line the other team could shut down and render the rest of the team useless. Paying with 3 lines that may be like #2 classic NHL lines would be a good thing. I think the potential is there but players like Umberger, Foligno and Dubinsky need to step up their scoring game to make this a dangerous team.
alphafox
Registered User
- Jun 14, 2011
- 1,443
- 92
Right now my lines for day one would be
Letestu-Anisimov-Gaborik
Foligno-Johansen-Horton
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Umberger-Dmac-Boll
Breaking up our best line of Calvert-Dubi-Atkinson doesn't make much sense. Its also a real pity that Anisimov can't play wing as I would love to see what an Anisimov-Johansen-Horton line could do.
It will also be interesting to see where Boone slots in. I feel like he could take a spot easily playing on the Fourth line, however I feel like he'll start the season in Springfield as the #1 center until a deal is made that clears some roster space.
And I do expect some of these players will be moved (Gaborik is a goner unless we are in the playoffs (and possibly even then), Umberger and or Foligno if we can find a taker for the bad contract, and probably at least one Defender (particularly if anymore defenseman can take steps forward (i.e. Murray, Goloubef, or Weber) and challenge for an NHL spot.
Overall Depth is a nice problem to have and other than a few players I personally don't like (Umberger/Foligno) the forward lines are better balanced than they were last year. The biggest question is going to be who of the young guys can take another step forward. At the very least I have high hopes for Johansen who should have the opportunity to develop his offensive game playing with someone who can put the puck in the net rather than Umberger and Foligno.
Letestu-Anisimov-Gaborik
Foligno-Johansen-Horton
Calvert-Dubinsky-Atkinson
Umberger-Dmac-Boll
Breaking up our best line of Calvert-Dubi-Atkinson doesn't make much sense. Its also a real pity that Anisimov can't play wing as I would love to see what an Anisimov-Johansen-Horton line could do.
It will also be interesting to see where Boone slots in. I feel like he could take a spot easily playing on the Fourth line, however I feel like he'll start the season in Springfield as the #1 center until a deal is made that clears some roster space.
And I do expect some of these players will be moved (Gaborik is a goner unless we are in the playoffs (and possibly even then), Umberger and or Foligno if we can find a taker for the bad contract, and probably at least one Defender (particularly if anymore defenseman can take steps forward (i.e. Murray, Goloubef, or Weber) and challenge for an NHL spot.
Overall Depth is a nice problem to have and other than a few players I personally don't like (Umberger/Foligno) the forward lines are better balanced than they were last year. The biggest question is going to be who of the young guys can take another step forward. At the very least I have high hopes for Johansen who should have the opportunity to develop his offensive game playing with someone who can put the puck in the net rather than Umberger and Foligno.
EspenK
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2011
- 15,842
- 4,445
Like your lines. Would like them better if Horton was available. Switch Umbie for Horton & insert Comeau, by George you've got it!
I'm kind of expecting MacKenzie to sit and see Comeau draw in and Boone (or another prospect) taking a bottom six spot while Horton isn't healthy.
Having said that, our forwards, as a group, tend to miss a handful of games. I don't see us being healthy at forward for long stretches. I wouldn't be surprised if our top six is together for more than 50 games this season (when you substitute Horton in for who filled in for him).
Can't wait to see this year's team take the ice, I'm very encouraged by the possibilities! Possible lines? Sure:
Umberger-Anisimov-Gaborik
Letestu-Johansen-Atkinson
Calvert-Dubinsky-Foligno
Comeau-MacKenzie-Boll
Skille
Several obvious problems, most serious being top line left wing. RJ has certainly done nothing to earn that spot in the past two seasons, but his experience and salary probably mean that he should get the first look in that role. If he doesn't fill it satisfactorily, then down the lineup he goes! No idea, though, who should get the next crack at it. The other problem is centered on left/right wings. I don't know who plays on which side, nor do I know who is able to switch successfully. For the purposes of my own amusement, I'm ignoring that factor, completely!
After Horton's return:
RJ-AA-Gaborik
Cam-Joey-Horton
Letestu-Dubinsky-Foligno
Calvert-DMac-Comeau
Boll/Skille
On the blue line:
Johnson-Tyutin
Nikitin-Prout
Wiznewski-Erixon
Melart
I could see Melart and Niki6 switched.
To me, that looks like a fun team to follow!
Umberger-Anisimov-Gaborik
Letestu-Johansen-Atkinson
Calvert-Dubinsky-Foligno
Comeau-MacKenzie-Boll
Skille
Several obvious problems, most serious being top line left wing. RJ has certainly done nothing to earn that spot in the past two seasons, but his experience and salary probably mean that he should get the first look in that role. If he doesn't fill it satisfactorily, then down the lineup he goes! No idea, though, who should get the next crack at it. The other problem is centered on left/right wings. I don't know who plays on which side, nor do I know who is able to switch successfully. For the purposes of my own amusement, I'm ignoring that factor, completely!
After Horton's return:
RJ-AA-Gaborik
Cam-Joey-Horton
Letestu-Dubinsky-Foligno
Calvert-DMac-Comeau
Boll/Skille
On the blue line:
Johnson-Tyutin
Nikitin-Prout
Wiznewski-Erixon
Melart
I could see Melart and Niki6 switched.
To me, that looks like a fun team to follow!
I'm gonna have to agree that there are too many interchangable parts to really know as of yet....especially since we wont see Horton until December at the earliest!
As for the captain question.. I wonder what the guys on the team think about not having a captain and just having a bunch of assistant captails. Does it make a difference to not have that one main voice?
As for the captain question.. I wonder what the guys on the team think about not having a captain and just having a bunch of assistant captails. Does it make a difference to not have that one main voice?
Zarathustra
This is not my hat.
I hesitate to break up Calvert and Atkinson. They really give other teams a hard time with their speed.
Love the lineup, except I could see definitely see Murray making the team and pushing Erixon out. I feel as is Murray is a more polished defenseman, he can already skate and pass on a nhl level, question is can he keep up physically. He'll get his chances to say the least. To not play Murray on opening for publicity sake alone would be a mistake. I think just about everyone is expecting to see why we passed on Galchenyuk...
And for Melart if he can adapt I could see him pushing for spot, maybe if prout can't keep up or maybe partnering with prout.... My god...
CBJWerenski8
Rest in Peace Johnny
- Jun 13, 2009
- 43,696
- 26,743
Not getting the Melart love. we havent seen him play against men, and his skating is attrocious. hes a house yes, but can he keep up? we'll see. id rather have savard or goloubef as our 7 as of now
Hello Johnny
Registered User
- Apr 13, 2007
- 13,208
- 1,142
Dougie? Is that you?
Seriously. If we've learned anything about JD and Jarmo, it's the fact that they want to ice the best team that they can. If Murray proves to make the team better than someone else, he'll be on the team. If he looks rusty, they won't keep him on the roster just for the press.
I love Ryan and I'm eager to see what he can do. But we have great defensive depth and he just missed a lot of time. Unless he blows everyone out of the water I see him in Springy to start. Letting our talent ferment in the AHL is a luxury that we've never been afforded.
Double-Shift Lasse
Just post better
You touch on both sides of this issue here, and folks should not forget the "less cautious" side. Because if he does make the team, it will be because he's playing really well. Which is good.
I just can't see him not being ready. The kid is nhl ready and I honestly think he can play better than Erixon. I like Erixon but I've never been blown away by him. Smooth skating, puck moving, high iq defenseman are one in a million in the nhl. Don't get me wrong there are lots a smooth skating defenseman and a lot that can really pass quite well, and a few with really good hockey Iq. But all together in one package, in a kid nonetheless is special.
If he comes to training camp and pucks are making it on net, his passes are tape to tape, and if he keeps up in all the skating drills I really believe he will be on the team. Obviously I don't wanna throw just anyone out there for publicity or I'd be calling for Wennberg and Rychel to play this season. But Murray was expected to make the team last season, I don't see anything in his way this season. Murray > Erixon > Melart. His offensive game is HIGHLY underrated and if he sees some pp time with Wiz for example.. He could really put up some points. I mean as a defenseman when he was hurt he lead his team in points for 3 entire weeks before he was passed..
EspenK
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2011
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- 4,445
Hello Johnny
Registered User
- Apr 13, 2007
- 13,208
- 1,142
You're not telling me anything I don't already know. I cherry-picked that publicity comment because I simply didn't agree with it.
I would bet that if Murray is in a "tie" of sorts for the 6th or 7th spot that management elects to send him down to Springy to get him big minutes. As I said earlier, we now have that luxury. I'm not saying that this will happen; obviously if he makes the team better he will stay. But that may not be the case, and if it's not, I doubt we would keep him up here.
They were offensively challenged - heck he could do the same here.
Yeah and he still finished with a even rating. While I don't think he'll put up ppg numbers again, I think he'll put up a lot better numbers than most are expecting. Especially if he gets paired with someone who can put the puck in the net.
Johnson - Prout
Murray - Wiz/Tyutin
Nikitin - Wiz/Tyutin
Erixon
Melart
And I get wanting him to play in the AHL to be polished but I really don't think it will benefit him. Sometimes being pushed to play the best is really what's best for a player. Now if this was last season and he was eligible, playing against all the talent that was forced into the AHL I'd be all for it. However this year I can see him making it from day 1.
I would take that bet. If anything he would be the guy to pick to take those minutes because his upside is bigger you can play him in more protected roles or get him in big minutes in different scenarios(PP, PK, 4 on 4).
All I know is I can't wait for training camp to see what kind of impact these kids make at camp themselves. I wanna see how Wennberg sizes up to Johansen, and if he's as fast as Cam. See if Rychel has the making to be a Dubinsky 2.0.
Maybe I missed it but where is Rychel playing if he doesn't make the big club? AHL? I know Wennberg is going back overseas, and Dano is undecided but COULD play in the AHL.
Dano - Jenner - Rychel
Jam - Chaput - Zaar?
candyman82
Registered User
Thanks for that. It'd really be pretty impressive if Rychel can put up another 40+ goal season considering he was the only player to put up back to back 40 goal seasons, doing it 3 tines doesn't seem to unrealistic. As much as I'd like to see him in the lineup, we really don't need him to be in though and it would serve him much better to get another season in the OHL and then a season or two in the AHL to refine his skating and passing. I really hope we don't give up on Zaar I think he's still got a bit of potential.
EspenK
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2011
- 15,842
- 4,445
I'm in complete agreement. No way should he be here this year or we'll most likely be singing the we rushed him song. A year in the A next season would have him in the league at 21. Still a youngster. When he's ready is when he should be here.
