Line Combos: 2013 Line Combos Thread II

[ThatGuy22]

Oddly enough, two hours after I posted, Hockey Wilderness is asking the same thing. Although using the one really good shift he had as the answer I guess?

I don't think that post is for is he a capable first line winger right this instant. It seems to me its about potential. Money question

But is Coyle really a potential first line winger or is he just a temporary stop gap?

There is a lot of not quite there, but looks like he should develop fine into the role. But really don't have much else for the slot at the moment.

 

[Sportsfan1]

Coyle works hard on every shift and is strong on his skates though, and that is why he is working well on the top line, plus as we saw on his goal last night, beautiful hands as well.

 

[DeuceMN]

Bottom line is, that top line with Coyle on it is not scoring. They grind well, and earn offensive time, but the pucks not going in the net consistently enough.

Coyle's goal was lucky as hell. That was puck luck. It looked almost accidental more than anything.

Vancouver could have just as easily beaten us as they did lose. Let's not get above ourselves here. I'm not trying to rain on any parade, but Coyles goal was lucky as hell, Clutterbuck's goal was lucky as hell, and Back's played his arse off to pretty much steal that win.

We won, yay, we need to be better.

Our top line is not scoring enough. We need someone who can help that line score more. If we're serious about the playoffs it should be a serious consideration for us.

 

[DeuceMN]

I will give Coyle, he is looking stronger on the puck.

Maybe Fletch & Co. think he'll start potting more soon and helping Koivu and Parise get better scoring chances. Something needs to improve on that top line either way.

 

[rynryn]

Coyle works hard on every shift and is strong on his skates though, and that is why he is working well on the top line, plus as we saw on his goal last night, beautiful hands as well.

don't be so dramatic. Kassian got a tip tonight for Ottawa. beautiful hands?

 

[Gaps]

Coyle has 5 points in 17 games, out of which he's played 15 ½ with Koivu and Parise. That's not 1st line worthy production, no matter how you want to look at it. The 1st line needs someone who can be a regular contributor on the scoresheet as well as outside of it (like Coyle is).

I'm sure Coyle will start potting them eventually, but when will that be? Nobody knows that. He'll be a great player and contribute in the future, but right now his production doesn't justify his spot on the 1st line. He seems to be there just because when it comes to playing style, he's the best fit.

 

[Ladde]

I sure as hell dont want Heatley back on the 1st line. And I wouldn´t not want to break up Seto and Cullen right now.

 

[elnewby]

I think our only on the team options is either, put Heater back up there, or switch Zucker with Coyle and just see what happens.

 

[Lapa]

Why not try PMB there? He has been playing well lately, would make sense imo to try him on the 1st line.

 

[elnewby]

Why not try PMB there? He has been playing well lately, would make sense imo to try him on the 1st line.

He completely slipped my mind somehow. I'd be okay with him on the top line, put Zucker back on the second and move Coyle to the 4th.

 

[Randy BoBandy]

Parise - Koivu - Pominville
PMB/Coyle/Zucker - Cullen - Seto
Heater/Coyle - Brodziak - Clutter
Rupp - Konopka - Mitchell

The question imo is what do we do with Coyle now? Do we move send him down and give him time in Houston or do we sit someone. I know for the next few games he could be transitioning to center. I'm not so sure how permanent a move that is. He does have great potential to be a two way top 6 center. When Cully gets back though where do our wingers slot in.

Personally I wanna see Coyle get that playoff experience this year. I see this year as a learning experience for this team and next year as the year when we make our real run. I would like to see Heater get sat, but that ain't gonna happen. So the odd man our is probably PMB or Clutter. I would rather see Coyle getting those minutes than those two guys. I could say the same about Zucker too though.

 

[Kris Chreider]

Anybody know whether Poms will play tonight? Highly doubt it but whatever.
For the POs I would roll

Parise-Koivu-Pominville
PMB-Cullen-Setoguchi
Zucker-Brodziak-Coyle
Mitchell-Konopka-Clutterbuck
Rupp, Granlund, Heatley

Suter-Brodin
Stoner-Spurgeon
Falk/Scandella-Gilbert
Clark

 

[Fel 96]

He won't.

Likely tomorrow night though.

 

[Blizzard6411]

Parise - Koivu - Pominville
PMB/Coyle/Zucker - Cullen - Seto
Heater/Coyle - Brodziak - Clutter
Rupp - Konopka - Mitchell

The question imo is what do we do with Coyle now? Do we move send him down and give him time in Houston or do we sit someone. I know for the next few games he could be transitioning to center. I'm not so sure how permanent a move that is. He does have great potential to be a two way top 6 center. When Cully gets back though where do our wingers slot in.

Personally I wanna see Coyle get that playoff experience this year. I see this year as a learning experience for this team and next year as the year when we make our real run. I would like to see Heater get sat, but that ain't gonna happen. So the odd man our is probably PMB or Clutter. I would rather see Coyle getting those minutes than those two guys. I could say the same about Zucker too though.

I think Heater should go to the 2nd line and Coyle to the 3rd.

It puts PMB back into limbo popcorn land.

 

[thestonedkoala]

Wait, wait, is Stoner really our fourth defenseman? UGH.

 

[Kris Chreider]

I think Stoner is a good but not great #5. I see Suter as #1, Brodin as #2, Spurgeon as #3, and with Gilbert playing horrid lately him as the #4.

 

[elnewby]

Just thinking about next year.

Parise-Koivu-Pom
Granlund-Cullen-Seto
Zucker-Brodz-Coyle
Mitchell-Konpka/Rupp-Clutterbuck

It will be interesting to see how things shake out. I don't expect PMB or Heater back. I'm not sure what happens to FBJ. But, he needs to be in the top 6. Zucker and Coyle are top 6 players, but can play on the 3rd line, but it isn't ideal. 3 scoring lines, and one checking line.

Thoughts?

 

[thestonedkoala]

That defense just sticks out like a sore thumb. Ugh. Suter/Brodin fine. Gilbert. Okay? Stoner, Spurgeon and Falk? Ick.

 

[Kris Chreider]

That defense just sticks out like a sore thumb. Ugh. Suter/Brodin fine. Gilbert. Okay? Stoner, Spurgeon and Falk? Ick.

Do you base this opinion on the fact that EA rates all 3 worse than Kurtis Foster? Stoner is decent in the D-zone, Spurgeon is a good two way guy with a nice one timer, and Falk is a decent #6 who is physical, PKs, and will fight. Would you rather put Clark in that spot?

 

[Haite]

That defense just sticks out like a sore thumb. Ugh. Suter/Brodin fine. Gilbert. Okay? Stoner, Spurgeon and Falk? Ick.

Stoner and Falk are both decent bottom-pairing defensemen, and Spurgeon at least a solid #5.

 

[OpRedDawn*]

Out of the defense for the playoffs, I'm most worried about Brodin. He'll get targeted early on and knocked out of the game. See: Backes on him last game, but magnify that.

 

[TaLoN]

One thing is for sure... we've got a top line that can compete with any top line... and it's all but said and done that's it's nickname is the Captain line!

 

[thestonedkoala]

2nd Line Center is who?

With Matt Cullen sidelined for 2 weeks, Minnesota is in a bind as they must win at least 2/4 games to be guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. And the schedule is brutal. Los Angeles, Columbus (they have been on the rise and play Minnesota tough), Chicago, and St. Louis. Cullen's injury couldn't have come at a worst time. Granlund needs to stay in Houston to continue developing. Coyle? Maybe? Brodziak?

 

[Lapa]

I wouldn't mind seeing Granlund center the 2nd while Cullen is out.

 

[thestonedkoala]

I wouldn't mind seeing Granlund center the 2nd while Cullen is out.

We tried it. It didn't work out so well. Let's try again next year.