Pre-Game Talk: Kraken @ Habs Oct 29 7pm ET
- Thread starter red devil
- Start date
-
Xenforo Cloud will be upgrading us to version 2.3.5 on March 3rd at 12 AM GMT. This version has increased stability and fixes several bugs. We expect downtime for the duration of the update. The admin team will continue to work on existing issues, templates and upgrade all necessary available addons to minimize impact of this new version. Click Here for Updates
- Status
Gravity
Generational Poster
le_sean
Registered User
- Oct 21, 2006
- 43,139
- 47,938
I hope both Newhook and Armia let Slaf do his thing and be the leader of the line.
He’s a lot better as a C than at W. he was great to end last season with Armia and Gallagher. Far more engaged in that position
Sasha Orlov
Lord of the Manor
- Jun 22, 2018
- 9,920
- 23,632
26Mats
Registered User
- Jun 23, 2018
- 34,105
- 26,512
I liked Roy - Newhook - Armia last year, and Gallagher - Newhook - Armia. I thought they could be good options for the 3rd line this year.
I don't see Slaf replacing Gallagher or Roy taking the line to the level of a second line. But, we don't have much to work with. Hopefully Laine can get back up to speed and Demidov will be ready to be a top 6 next year.
But if Dach doesn't return to his 2nd line center duties, Habs have 3 wingers for the 2nd line next season.
Newhook is not a 2nd line center option despite what some posters are pushing in here.
26Mats
Registered User
- Jun 23, 2018
- 34,105
- 26,512
Yes, they would have to find a 2c, most likely externally. I don't think Kapanen or Newhook are 2c's. I doubt Hage would be ready. Some say Demidov may be a center. But probably not this early, if he ever even becomes a C.
OldCraig71
Sleeveen
That's actually a good idea. Dach is getting his confidence back and Newhook will have a good player on his line in Slafkovsky. It probably only stays that way for a short time but it's a good short term move.
Yep
Lighthearted
OldCraig71
Sleeveen
They won't change anything while the team is winning or players are producing.
I'd like to see him at LW too, I think it s nice that they want CC to be on his offside for his one shot but since Slaf is more of a playmaker I wonder if his natural side would not suit him better.
which would make MTL bottom 6 ?
The Great Weal
Phil's Pizza
- Jan 15, 2015
- 56,623
- 74,212
This season? Maybe but they played a handful of games together and Suzuki wasn't at his best to start anyways. Overall? With Slaf they were one of the best lines in the league.
The Great Weal
Phil's Pizza
- Jan 15, 2015
- 56,623
- 74,212
He is the most overrated piece on the Habs, but I think the right strategy for now is to help him get back to game pace.
I'm interested to see if Slaf can ''carry a line'' and keep the puck a bit more. You can tell with Caufield and Suzuki he keeps it super simple, clean 2 touch hockey and defers to them a lot.
The way Slaf has been playing he is not carrying anyone. Good stats off some nice passes but not 1st line material otherwise. Could be good for Slaf (and for Suzuki’s sake for that matter) to play away from opposing 1st liners.
The Gr8 Dane
L'harceleur
Beaker
In My Lab Goggles
I’m happy to see Slaf will need to drive some plays on his own rather than look for Caufield & Suzuki. He did it before but not so much this season. It also lets Dach continue to build some confidence and rhythm.
Sasha Orlov
Lord of the Manor
- Jun 22, 2018
- 9,920
- 23,632
If you want to be in the mix...you have to bank 2 points against teams like Seattle.
Redux91
I do Three bullets.
Bah
Wish they went with Dach + Slaf
The problem isn't 'who do you play next to Suzuki caufield!!' right now
It's we have 4 top 6 guys for 3 top line spots
So make a duo for each line Marty ffs, c'est pas compliquer
WeThreeKings
Demidov is a HAB
Waiting for two things:
- MSL to accept Newhook Armia ain't gonna happen/
- MSL to realize the chemistry is Slaf-Suzuki not Suzuki-Caufield, and put Dach with Caufield.
What relevance does that have. He wouldn't be centre on that line. He is fine as a 2w
- Status
