I feel like larkin hasn't even hit his stride yet...need to see him carrying the puck more, taking more shots.
I feel like larkin hasn't even hit his stride yet...need to see him carrying the puck more, taking more shots.
He let in 3 soft goals but came up big when it mattered most. I'll give him that (for now)
I agree, there is no offense past the first line plus AA. Hopefully one of those three you listed lights up the AHL to earn a spot.The top line is fun to watch. Teams will likely learn to adjust to that, but we'll have to enjoy the ride for now.
The problem is the other lines. When the other lines are on the ice, I wish we were seeing Zadina, Svechnikov, or Rasmussen, instead of Helm, Abdelkader and Filppula. Not sure why these young players playing on the second line would be bad for their development?
We basically have one scoring line. The rest are checking lines.
The top line is fun to watch. Teams will likely learn to adjust to that, but we'll have to enjoy the ride for now.
The problem is the other lines.
I would be ready to split guys, when Athanasiou comes back. Larkin bodes well with Bertuzzi and AA and Mantha could work together.
Bertuzzi - Larkin - XXX
Athanasiou - XXX - Mantha (or why not AA in the middle)
It would be really nice if Svechnikov and Veleno could steal those spots at some point.
Bring Zadina in , put him with Larkin and Mantha
I would be ready to split guys, when Athanasiou comes back. Larkin bodes well with Bertuzzi and AA and Mantha could work together.
Bertuzzi - Larkin - XXX
Athanasiou - XXX - Mantha (or why not AA in the middle)
It would be really nice if Svechnikov and Veleno could steal those spots at some point.
I'm kinda new here, how do I delete this post?Bring Zadina in , put him with Larkin and Mantha
Zadina's not anywhere close to ready, at this rate we'll see Veleno first. Svech for sure though. Getting abused at the pro level is never good for development, players lose confidence when things don't work. That's what was happening with Zadina pre-season, and that was against half AHL players.The top line is fun to watch. Teams will likely learn to adjust to that, but we'll have to enjoy the ride for now.
The problem is the other lines. When the other lines are on the ice, I wish we were seeing Zadina, Svechnikov, or Rasmussen, instead of Helm, Abdelkader and Filppula. Not sure why these young players playing on the second line would be bad for their development?
We basically have one scoring line. The rest are checking lines.
That's what I would expect in close games. Hirose needs sheltered minutes until AA gets back, I'm very skeptical of Cholo's D. I see both players getting even smaller roles if the PP doesn't start producing. The 5 on 3's were pathetic, Hirose needs to get in the dirty area when the team's up 2 men. He should've been whacking at the rebound on the last one.Both Hirose & Cholo w/ <8min 5 on 5 (team lows), but each 8+min on PP.
Zadina's not anywhere close to ready, at this rate we'll see Veleno first. Svech for sure though. Getting abused at the pro level is never good for development, players lose confidence when things don't work. That's what was happening with Zadina pre-season, and that was against half AHL players.
The team wants Raz to be a center, otherwise he'd probably be with the Wings. Not sure that's the right decision, but who am I to disagree with Stevie?
That's what I would expect in close games. Hirose needs sheltered minutes until AA gets back, I'm very skeptical of Cholo's D. I see both players getting even smaller roles if the PP doesn't start producing. The 5 on 3's were pathetic, Hirose needs to get in the dirty area when the team's up 2 men. He should've been whacking at the rebound on the last one.
Exactly. To add to that, this is a quasi-tank/throw away year in order to let the kids mature & not get beat up, but hit the ground running by TDL and/or 2020. AA is a 1-man show most of the time, so Hirose & Flip should be fine for this year only. If Flip fails in that role, Nielsen can replace him. I wouldn't care if they put Flip & Frans w/AA as the 2nd line. Hirose shouldn't be a player we have to cater our lineup to, nor should he automatically be in the Top 6....He had the lowest 5 on 5 TOI tonight among F's, as did Cholo on D. Both had more PP time, than even strength. As long as Hirose gets .63ppg (50 pt. pace) & not terrible defensivly (goals against) he should stay w/AA + Flip/Frans.You don't need to break up the first line. We need to find guys to play with AA or whatever our second line should be. Leave the first line alone, ride this for a little while at least.
Raz won't, I stated he's there to learn how to be a center.Why would they be getting abused? Rasmussen played in the NHL last year. How is being sent to the minors better for his development than taking away some playing time from our other lines?
i agree with blash on this as neither impressin me much 5on5 , and both have more offensive talent than blash other pp options . btw , i never watch pre or post game or between periods . but tonite i watched blash post game grilling and was impressed , hes once again striking as a coach with the smarts and emotional sturdiness to be a leader in the bigs just like he did the job in the van .Both Hirose & Cholo w/ <8min 5 on 5 (team lows), but each 8+min on PP.
If Zadina is not as good as our anybody on our second line, then I'm really worried.Raz won't, I stated he's there to learn how to be a center.
If the first line keeps playing this way, Stevie is going to put the best players he can on the ice. They'll be called up as soon as they're ready, and I'm guessing Svech is first. AHL time won't stunt development for the rest of them.
I have faith in Stevie.