GDT: Game 48: Columbus at Buffalo | 1/18 7PM EST

[NotWendell]

You know, if you put a "sniper" on Joey's wing, it could mess up his whole game. He might start trying to pass and set up the sniper rather than being his own "sniper". Chemistry can be a funny thing. Right now it is working with Joey and Nick and RJ. Perhaps the old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" cliche should apply here.

Are you suggesting perhaps he only needs a better set-up man than Umby?

 

[EspenK]

Well this preempts me pming you asking for a post game thread.

The GDT is useless as is for someone who didn't watch the game live

Ah, finally a question to go with Sam's answer.

 

[EspenK]

True, but as time goes by, he's going to decline more and more. That contract will look just as crappy in 4 years as it does now.

Except then it will be over. But crappy, nonetheless.

 

[pete goegan]

What do you mean, why not?

I mean, "Why would you not read my posts? They are considered classic gold and should be preserved in amber for future generations."

Or something.

Really, just messin'.

 

[EDM]

Umby has been providing the screen for Joey shots in a rather effective manner. Joey is on a pace for 30+ goals. I Don't think the Nick, RJ Joey line is a problem this year.

 

[major major]

You know, if you put a "sniper" on Joey's wing, it could mess up his whole game. He might start trying to pass and set up the sniper rather than being his own "sniper". Chemistry can be a funny thing. Right now it is working with Joey and Nick and RJ. Perhaps the old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" cliche should apply here.

Umby has been providing the screen for Joey shots in a rather effective manner. Joey is on a pace for 30+ goals. I Don't think the Nick, RJ Joey line is a problem this year.

No one said it was a problem. This is what happens when people don't deal with the arguments presented and just start imagining and projecting onto others.

To provide you with a rather extreme counterexample, if Gretzky had come into the league with a Dave Semenko on each wing, he still would have scored 30 goals. And you would really hope no one would say "if it aint broke, don't fix it". You would hope somebody would bother to think through the cost/benefit.

But since we are both speculating, we're all speculating really, on who the best partners for Joey might be, what is the cost of trying Horton on his rightwing for a few games?

 

[Jackets16]

I mean, "Why would you not read my posts? They are considered classic gold and should be preserved in amber for future generations."

Or something.

Really, just messin'.

I hadn't read your post YET. I replied to a post above yours before ever getting down to yours.

 

[Jackets16]

Umby has been providing the screen for Joey shots in a rather effective manner. Joey is on a pace for 30+ goals. I Don't think the Nick, RJ Joey line is a problem this year.

The point is that is had been a bad line. The point is that Johansen could be a lot better with better player(s) on his line. Umberger can do what he is doing on any line. He doesn't have to be on Johansen's line and Johansen doesn't need him on his line, IMO, to be successful.

Johansen, IMO, is going to be good no matter who is on his line. That is just how good of a player he is. The key is trying to maximize his potential. With his skills, we need better player(s) on his line. It doesn't have to be right now or even this year, but it needs to be soon.

 

[Jackets16]

BTW, I don't agree with the whole, Johansen would score less goals with a goal scorer on his line.

One, goal scorers can pass the puck too. I mean, I have been really surprised at how well Horton has passed the puck so far.

Two, it might create even more room for him. If not, it might create room for the goal scorer. I AM NOT TRYING TO COMPARE JOHANSEN TO CROSBY, but look how much room the LW and RW get on his line because of the attention he gets. I don't think Pittsburgh would want to put Foligno AND Umberger on his line.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

BTW, I don't agree with the whole, Johansen would score less goals with a goal scorer on his line.

One, goal scorers can pass the puck too. I mean, I have been really surprised at how well Horton has passed the puck so far.

Two, it might create even more room for him. If not, it might create room for the goal scorer. I AM NOT TRYING TO COMPARE JOHANSEN TO CROSBY, but look how much room the LW and RW get on his line because of the attention he gets. I don't think Pittsburgh would want to put Foligno AND Umberger on his line.

You mean the Pittsburgh who played Kunitz and Dupius on Crosby's line until PD got hurt?

 

[major major]

You mean the Pittsburgh who played Kunitz and Dupius on Crosby's line until PD got hurt?

My critique is different from the folks who are focusing on RJ's lack of finishing ability, I'm focused on playmaking and puck control. And that's an area where Pascal Dupuis is >>> RJ Umberger. He can handle a pass, execute bang bang plays, etc..

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

My critique is different from the folks who are focusing on RJ's lack of finishing ability, I'm focused on playmaking and puck control. And that's an area where Pascal Dupuis is >>> RJ Umberger. He can handle a pass, execute bang bang plays, etc..

Um, OK? My comment was not an attempt to address that particular aspect of their game(s).

 

[SuperGenius]

My critique is different from the folks who are focusing on RJ's lack of finishing ability, I'm focused on playmaking and puck control. And that's an area where Pascal Dupuis is >>> RJ Umberger. He can handle a pass, execute bang bang plays, etc..

You've yet to demonstrate this lack of puck of control by Umberger by anything other than your opinion. Where are the stats that show this as such an issue?

 

[major major]

You've yet to demonstrate this lack of puck of control by Umberger by anything other than your opinion. Where are the stats that show this as such an issue?

There is no statistic that can serve as a proxy for puck control.

 

[SuperGenius]

There is no statistic that can serve as a proxy for puck control.

ok. One would think that lack of puck control would translate to giveaways/turnovers.

 

[major major]

ok. One would think that lack of puck control would translate to giveaways/turnovers.

They're interrelated, but it's not nearly close enough to serve as a proxy.

 

[cbjgirl]

Everyone keeps talking about when everyone is healthy and who we need to move...

Isn't there something about a roster limit increase after the trade deadline, or am I just mis-remembering things?

 

[Iron Balls McGinty]

Everyone keeps talking about when everyone is healthy and who we need to move...

Isn't there something about a roster limit increase after the trade deadline, or am I just mis-remembering things?

After the trade deadline, there is no official roster limit. However, you still have to remain under the salary cap.

 

[Roadman]

But still a contract limit.

 

[cbjgirl]

Doesn't "strange" math come into play as well? There were some teams that during the playoffs were over the cap limit, but because of where they were during certain portions of the season, it didn't matter.

With Horton, Gabby, and Bobs all being on IR for decent stretches - that is a significant amount of money (and cap hit).

I just remember being surprised by the loopholes in the $ rules when it came to the playoffs. I just don't remember the specifics well enough.

 

[EDM]

Joey, Nick and RJ are on a pace to produce 70 + goals while frequently playing against other teams' top link. If I were Jarmo, improving that line would not be my priority at this time.