Kopi looks slow and tired. He wrote a hot early season as he was healthy and fit, but playing against the top opponents every night takes a toll on a person, especially one nearing 40 years old. The guy is an absolute beast, legend, but it’s time to give him a bit of a break and easier matchups.
You drafted both Turcotte and Byfield to one day take the rains from Kopitar. Quit putting on this façade that we’re Stanley Cup contenders and start putting the pegs in place to see what we actually have. Yes there will be struggles, but I’ll be struggles with youth, trying to acclimatize themselves and not struggles with vets just trying to keep up.
This coaching stuff has relied on the veterans, and baked the veterans. Even Doty coming back from a serious injury has been played like a rented mule when he should’ve been given mod to five minutes and possibly the second game off. But no, we play him and let the rookie sit.
Our top center man has four points in a month. Our secondary center who won any contending team would be no more than a checking center has struggled all year.
Our number five overall pick who has shown numerous games that there is still potential as well as he has shown he can be a major factor in the game should be taken over Phil’s role.
Our number two center should be given Kempe as a line mate. He has the speed to keep up with Adrian. Kopitar no longer does.
I know people think her future is bleak, but we actually have numerous people if put in the right system and with the right linemates would make a tool very possible
Pairs
Byfield - Kempe - add a high end skaterlike Foegele, who also has chemistry with Byfield back in get in the ozone in a hurry and hunt pucks.
Turcotte - Fiala - I think these two would thrive together. Both are extremely creative, fast, and quick thinking, but would take a coach allowing them to show some creativity instead of just doing the robotic system play the only person I can think on the roster that might fit with them is Laf. Everyone is mad at Fiala, but I just think he’s been badly misused. You don’t hire a supermodel to mop floors on a cruise.
Kopitar would be the best third liner in the NHL. He could still draw in to play against the other teams top lines but not be relied upon so much to carry the scoring line. This makes Phil expendable and see if he would waive his no trade for another shot at the cup with a contending team. He doesn’t make a whole lot of money and we could eat half getting a great return.
As much as Lewis has done for this team in the past, I’d rather use that roster spot on our up-and-coming fourth line center that just got sent back to the AHL. I would also like to see his 6 foot five friend brought back up to get more reps and building that pairing now only looks better for the future. We paid a heavy price to get Tanner so he should be on that line showing those two young pups how to do it.
As for defense, we have way too many players. Clarke cannot be taken out of the lineup. If it was for a rest and just to get Doughty back in I’m more than fine with it, but it cannot go on any longer.
Moverare has earned a place in this lineup. He’s not flashy, but he does the little things well and seems to be getting better. I am all for moving Gav if he lifts his NTC. Both Danault and Gav would return 1sts.
Stop pretending and build for the future.
