Line Combos: 2016-17 Line Combinations

[DKH]

This is your March 1st Lineup

Marchand - Bergeron- Pastrnak

Heinen- Krejci- Backes

Beleskey- Spooner- Czarnik

Vatrano- Moore- Nash

Acciari

Chara-Erhoff

Krug- Carlo

Liles- McQuaid

OGara-K Miller

 

[PB37]

This is your March 1st Lineup

Marchand - Bergeron- Pastrnak

Heinen- Krejci- Backes

Beleskey- Spooner- Czarnik

Vatrano- Moore- Nash

Acciari

Chara-Erhoff

Krug- Carlo

Liles- McQuaid

OGara-K Miller

I think we'll see Backes down as the third line center sooner rather than later unless Spooner shows an improvement. He's looked dynamic from the blueline in, but I think they want a steady third line presence that can chip in offense without hurting the team. That line was killed last year possession wise and was constantly hemmed in their own zone, especially late in the year. A work horse like Backes will do wonders.

 

[PlayMakers]

You know it's never a good sign when you're swapping out lines with a guy in Rinaldo whose currently suspended by the NHL and has pretty much zero chance to be in Boston.

What are they going to do with Hayes? Useless on the 4th line, can't kill penalties, needs to play with skilled players to be remotely effective. I know what they should do (trade him for whatever) but what will they do, I don't think they are ready to severe ties with him just yet.

I disagree. I think Hayes can be a very effective 4th liner. That's where I've wanted him to play since he was acquired (hated that deal btw).

 

[PB37]

I disagree. I think Hayes can be a very effective 4th liner. That's where I've wanted him to play since he was acquired (hated that deal btw).

I think he had some of his better games with Talbot on the 4th line.

 

[bp13]

He's also not good enough to play center under this coach. He's best fit is in Anaheim, but second best fit would be on the wing.

Two years ago I think the "under this coach" was a reasonable assumption/accusation. After last season I don't think it fits. He's not defensively good enough to play center. Period.

Of course that said, I'd give him yet another try this season because his offense is there. And I'm betting CJ will try him yet again. But he's been a bad 3 zone player, and his faceoff% is laughable. Need him to step it up big time either for this team or for his trade value.

 

[BruinDust]

I disagree. I think Hayes can be a very effective 4th liner. That's where I've wanted him to play since he was acquired (hated that deal btw).

And maybe he could be.

I just look at Hayes and I see really one asset he has, scoring touch. He can put the puck in the net. Not elite-level touch mind you, but touch all the same. He doesn't use his size/strength/reach in tight close to the net enough to consider it an asset.

But to maximize his only asset, I think he needs someone who can get him the puck in areas to use that scoring touch. Will playing with Moore/Nash/Acciari/Schaller/etc. allow him to utilize his one real asset?

I guess it comes down to preference.

In a limited 4th line role up against weaker lines, maybe he can give you 10 goals a season. But are the Bruins better off using another player who might give you only 5 goals, but can play on the PK, and take some of the special teams burden away from say a Krejci?

Not to mention Hayes isn't exactly a defensive dynamo and would that 4th line be better off with 3 strong defensive players who might not score much, but won't hurt you either. Will Hayes on the 4th line cause them to get hemmed in their own zone more.

But perhaps your right and a 4th line role is the best spot for Hayes. I'd like to see him at least get one crack at playing alongside Krejci before making that determination.

 

[The Zapper]

First post in a long time.

I'm not a fan of Pastrnak with Bergeron and Marchand. I've never really liked him with those two; in fact, I thought Connolly was a better fit despite not finishing. I'd rather see Czarnik (assuming he makes it) on the right of those two, and Pastrnak on a line with Backes. With Czarnik (Little Z), I think he could be an offensive catalyst rather than a third-wheel (Connolly as the third wheel, not Pastrnak - he just seems better with Backes IMO). Reminded me a lot of TJ and even Gallagher, responsible defensively, could be a PK option, etc. I think he could play a gritty game somewhat similar to Connolly while being able to generate offence either on his own/with BM and PB, unlike Connolly. I don't really think his lack of size will be an issue, but who knows. Look at Johnny Hockey.

I'm also not a huge fan of Hayes, but I can only really see him on Krejci's right side based on Krejci's ability to slow the pace, or on the fourth line if he plays a heavier game. Having Hayes really complicates things. I'd also rather see Beleskey as 3LW and try Spooner on Krejci's left. I think Heinen could move around the top-9, he seems pretty versatile.

I don't know a lot about Schaller other than he's a good shut-down guy but has little offensive upside. If he can shut down the opposing top lines, I have no problem with him on the 4th line; however, I also think Kuraly could be effective in that regard.

And then there's the D... I though Ehrhoff looked pretty good last game.

 

[tremha]

i would like to see this top 9 given shot. Great depth and mix of experience, youth, grit, speed and skill

Marchand-Bergeron-Heinen
Spooner-Krejci-Backes
Beleskey-Czarnik-Pastrnak

i would switch Backes and Pasternak. 3'rd line as is could struggle in their own end.

 

[bbfan419]

I'd say it will depend on how Heinen and Czarnik fare if they do make the team. And how Hayes produces his first 20-odd games.

Don't discount Vatrano going down to Providence for a spell to get up to speed after being off for a few months. Depending on how he does down there and how much he is needed by the big club at that point in time, he might be in Providence longer than we think.

I can see that maybe Vatrano spends a bit of time in the AHL to get in game shape. I think Heinen and Czarnik both stick with the Bruins and when Vatrano comes up, we may see some vets Nash, Hayes, Moore being demoted or possibly traded.

 

[Jean_Jacket41]

Marchand-Bergy-Backes
Spooner-Krejci-Pasta
Beleskey-Czarnik-Heinen
Nash-Moore-Hayes

Looks very good to me. And at some point, Vatrano will be back too.

 

[RussellmaniaKW]

there's no way Claude doesn't give Krejci & Backes a shot together in the regular season.

Backes is another strong 2-way player who can help with faceoffs. He might line up with Bergeron from time to time situationally (like a late D-zone faceoff), but I think his biggest value is as somebody who can help take a load off Krejci & Spooner and allow both guys to be the offensive players they need to be. Why put Backes with Bergeron when Bergy already has a really steady partner in Marchand? Krejci needs Backes on his wing a lot more than Bergeron does.

 

[BruinDust]

there's no way Claude doesn't give Krejci & Backes a shot together in the regular season.

Backes is another strong 2-way player who can help with faceoffs. He might line up with Bergeron from time to time situationally (like a late D-zone faceoff), but I think his biggest value is as somebody who can help take a load off Krejci & Spooner and allow both guys to be the offensive players they need to be. Why put Backes with Bergeron when Bergy already has a really steady partner in Marchand? Krejci needs Backes on his wing a lot more than Bergeron does.

Absolutely.

Backes is either the 3rd line C or Krejci's RW. My guess is he'll spend time at both during the course of the year.

 

[mmk]

First post in a long time.

I'm not a fan of Pastrnak with Bergeron and Marchand. I've never really liked him with those two; in fact, I thought Connolly was a better fit despite not finishing. I'd rather see Czarnik (assuming he makes it) on the right of those two, and Pastrnak on a line with Backes. With Czarnik (Little Z), I think he could be an offensive catalyst rather than a third-wheel (Connolly as the third wheel, not Pastrnak - he just seems better with Backes IMO). Reminded me a lot of TJ and even Gallagher, responsible defensively, could be a PK option, etc. I think he could play a gritty game somewhat similar to Connolly while being able to generate offence either on his own/with BM and PB, unlike Connolly. I don't really think his lack of size will be an issue, but who knows. Look at Johnny Hockey.

I'm also not a huge fan of Hayes, but I can only really see him on Krejci's right side based on Krejci's ability to slow the pace, or on the fourth line if he plays a heavier game. Having Hayes really complicates things. I'd also rather see Beleskey as 3LW and try Spooner on Krejci's left. I think Heinen could move around the top-9, he seems pretty versatile.

I don't know a lot about Schaller other than he's a good shut-down guy but has little offensive upside. If he can shut down the opposing top lines, I have no problem with him on the 4th line; however, I also think Kuraly could be effective in that regard.

And then there's the D... I though Ehrhoff looked pretty good last game.

As a side note, "little z" is a brilliant nickname for Czarnik. Unlike big Z, he's tiny and the 'z' in his name is lowercase.

I upvote this nickname.

 

[mmk]

As a side note, "little z" is a brilliant nickname for Czarnik. Unlike big Z, he's tiny and the 'z' in his name is lowercase.

I upvote this nickname.

Also, when he scores, we can chant "zzzzzzzzzzz" and then people who aren't watching the game might think it's a snoozer, which just adds an extra layer of funny

 

[The Zapper]

As a side note, "little z" is a brilliant nickname for Czarnik. Unlike big Z, he's tiny and the 'z' in his name is lowercase.

I upvote this nickname.

Correct me if I wrong, but I also believe Big Z is a full foot taller and 100 lbs heavier than little z.

Chara: 6'9" 260 lbs
Czarnik: 5'9 160 lbs

 

[rocketdan9]

Beleksky Krejci Spooner
Marchand Bergeron Vatrano (Hayes for now)
Heinen Backes Pasta
Acciari Moore Czarnik

 

[Pia8988]

Marchand-Bergeron-Backes
Spooner-Krejci-Pastrnak
Beleskey-Czarnik-Hayes
Schaller-Moore-Nash
Randell

Chara-Ehrhoff
Krug-Kevan
Liles-Colin

McQuaid-Morrow

Rask
Khudobin

 

[KnightofBoston]

I think Czarnik with Marchand is friggan money. They will annoy the **** out of teams and goalies and cause absolute havoc around the net, throw in the master mind that is Bergy and it's easy

Little Z working day to day with Marchand and being able to learn directly from him every game every moment definitely should not be overlooked

 

[BruinDust]

I think Czarnik with Marchand is friggan money. They will annoy the **** out of teams and goalies and cause absolute havoc around the net, throw in the master mind that is Bergy and it's easy

Little Z working day to day with Marchand and being able to learn directly from him every game every moment definitely should not be overlooked

That's where I would like to see him play. Allows Julien more options to balance out the Krejci and Backes lines.

I think a little puck hound who can think the game at a quick pace and high level like Czarnik paired up with 63 and 37 could be very, very, good.

 

[Ratty]

That's where I would like to see him play. Allows Julien more options to balance out the Krejci and Backes lines.

I think a little puck hound who can think the game at a quick pace and high level like Czarnik paired up with 63 and 37 could be very, very, good.

Also very, very small. I don't want Czarnik to take the pounding Marchand receives, game after game. Going up against 6'3" wings along the boards and in the corners can be bad for your health.

The same situation for Spooner, but at least, he'd have a bigger winger (Hayes, Backes) to balance out the line. I'd still rather have Spoons at center That creates a log jam, I know. Nice dilemma for Claude to figure out.

 

[rocketdan9]

That's where I would like to see him play. Allows Julien more options to balance out the Krejci and Backes lines.

I think a little puck hound who can think the game at a quick pace and high level like Czarnik paired up with 63 and 37 could be very, very, good.

Too small imo

Then again Stemp worked well with this line last season... we will see... but czarnik and heinen should play somewhere in the lineup

 

[pierre gagnon*]

Czarnik would fit in with Bergy and Marsh. A poor mans Crosby but quick with the puck and a good motor. Pasta was never a good fit with them, he tends to think the game too much and 2nd guesses himself. Marshy at times last year would not hit Pasta in the open for passes but do his curl back play. Czarnik would be in Marshand's face all the time moving and darting for openings and making his stick open for a pass. Pasta stays more on his side and is easier to be spotted with a cerebral passer like Krech or Spooner.

Marshy, Bergy, Czarnicky
Pasta, Krech, Backes
Beleskey, Spooner, DeBrusk (Vatrano)
Nash, Moore, Shaller or Acciari


Vatrano comes back to DeBrusk's spot he then becomes an extra with Shaller. Hayes is gone, it is easier to sit the kid. Or slot in Heinen for DeBrusk, its temporary.

If we do not get a deeman and I do not see it happening, then make room for Chiller. Cut loose McQuaid and Morrow.
Chara, Ehrhoff, Krug, Kevan, Liles, Chiller...Carlo as the extra, work him in.

Maybe Hayes, Morrow and McQuaid gets us Yakapov or picks. Prepare the future, cut out the dead. Stop delaying and bridge that experience gap NOW.

 

[BruinDust]

Also very, very small. I don't want Czarnik to take the pounding Marchand receives, game after game. Going up against 6'3" wings along the boards and in the corners can be bad for your health.

The same situation for Spooner, but at least, he'd have a bigger winger (Hayes, Backes) to balance out the line. I'd still rather have Spoons at center That creates a log jam, I know. Nice dilemma for Claude to figure out.

You know what's worse, going up against 6'3-6'4 Centermen down low in the defensive zone and around the Bruins net.

You know what hurts the Bruin more? Lost battles down low in the defensive zone and around the Bruins net.

 

[BruinDust]

Too small imo

Then again Stemp worked well with this line last season... we will see... but czarnik and heinen should play somewhere in the lineup

To small for what exactly?

It's not like Claude has an army of power forwards at his disposal.

Size does not equal strength, or lack thereof.

 

[Blowfish]

To small for what exactly?

It's not like Claude has an army of power forwards at his disposal.

Size does not equal strength, or lack thereof.

Agree 100% says Marchand.