Line Combos: Line Combos: now, next year, future, etc

[NYI13]

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LW: Bailey, Moulson, Grabner, Martin

C: Tavares, Nielsen, Nelson, Cizikas

RW: PM Bouchard, Okposo, Clutterbuck, McDonald

Depth:

Center/LW: Regin, Lee

Who cares: Boulton

Those lines, respectively, are the ones I hope are together come opening night.

 

[boredmale]

Grabner-Nelson-Mcdonald
Martin-CC-Clutterbuck

I am guessing McDonald and Clutterbuck places will be switched(to give that 3rd line a little more offensive flair), I wouldn't be surprised to see Regin put on that 3rd line as well and then Nelson being first sub(who plays either LW/C)

 

[doublechili]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see the 1st line being JT, PMB and a non-tough guy in the 3rd spot (eg., Moulson). You have your franchise player and a guy with an eggshell skull. They need protection. And they just traded for a protection-type guy who is now their 5th highest paid forward who has played with both JT and PMB in the past. So, I will actually be surprised if the 1st line is not:

PMB - JT - Clutterbuck

Unless they don't put PMB with JT, in which case he could play with Clutterbuck or Martin on the 3rd line. But for PP reasons, among other things, I think PMB will be with JT, and that means Clutterbuck is the other guy with them.

 

[Katurian]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see the 1st line being JT, PMB and a non-tough guy in the 3rd spot (eg., Moulson). You have your franchise player and a guy with an eggshell skull. They need protection. And they just traded for a protection-type guy who is now their 5th highest paid forward who has played with both JT and PMB in the past. So, I will actually be surprised if the 1st line is not:

PMB - JT - Clutterbuck

Unless they don't put PMB with JT, in which case he could play with Clutterbuck or Martin on the 3rd line. But for PP reasons, among other things, I think PMB will be with JT, and that means Clutterbuck is the other guy with them.

On top of that, I think PMB and Clutterbuck spent a decent amount of time as linemates in Minnnesota, JT and Clutterbuck have a good history playing with each other (albeit in juniors) and PMB plays a similar game to PAP, a guy JT played really well with. While not world beaters on paper, I think this trio has the potential (I hope) to be a really good fit. I'm actually pretty excited to see what this line could do.

 

[A Pointed Stick]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't see the 1st line being JT, PMB and a non-tough guy in the 3rd spot (eg., Moulson). You have your franchise player and a guy with an eggshell skull. They need protection. And they just traded for a protection-type guy who is now their 5th highest paid forward who has played with both JT and PMB in the past. So, I will actually be surprised if the 1st line is not:

PMB - JT - Clutterbuck

Unless they don't put PMB with JT, in which case he could play with Clutterbuck or Martin on the 3rd line. But for PP reasons, among other things, I think PMB will be with JT, and that means Clutterbuck is the other guy with them.

On top of that, I think PMB and Clutterbuck spent a decent amount of time as linemates in Minnnesota, JT and Clutterbuck have a good history playing with each other (albeit in juniors) and PMB plays a similar game to PAP, a guy JT played really well with. While not world beaters on paper, I think this trio has the potential (I hope) to be a really good fit. I'm actually pretty excited to see what this line could do.

No doubt we will see Clutterbuck-Tavares-PMB at some point, but that will mean they move Moulson off the first unit. Can they afford to do that? Minus Tavares his numbers drop quite a bit, and if he isn't scoring goals he is pretty much useless. Maybe they do this to see if he is worth an extension next year, but if they had hopes of trading him if he isn't coming back then moving him off the first line might kill his value completely.

 

[doublechili]

No doubt we will see Clutterbuck-Tavares-PMB at some point, but that will mean they move Moulson off the first unit. Can they afford to do that? Minus Tavares his numbers drop quite a bit, and if he isn't scoring goals he is pretty much useless. Maybe they do this to see if he is worth an extension next year, but if they had hopes of trading him if he isn't coming back then moving him off the first line might kill his value completely.

I don't know. I look at Nielsen/Okposo or Bailey/Okposo as guys that create chances but don't necessarily finish them. I think a garbage man like Moulson on LW could be a nice fit.

 

[BEB595]

Bouchard - Tavares - Clutterbuck
Moulson - Bailey - Okposo
Grabner - Nielson - Regin
Martin - Cizikas - McDonald

Strome - Nelson - Lee

 

[19NYSports91]

No doubt we will see Clutterbuck-Tavares-PMB at some point, but that will mean they move Moulson off the first unit. Can they afford to do that? Minus Tavares his numbers drop quite a bit, and if he isn't scoring goals he is pretty much useless. Maybe they do this to see if he is worth an extension next year, but if they had hopes of trading him if he isn't coming back then moving him off the first line might kill his value completely.

I don't think so. Clutterbuck isn't a 1st line player people, come on now.

 

[19NYSports91]

Bouchard - Tavares - Clutterbuck
Moulson - Bailey - Okposo
Grabner - Nielson - Regin
Martin - Cizikas - McDonald

Strome - Nelson - Lee

I think I'm going to stay out of this thread for now on, frustrating to read these lines. Bailey is a Winger now, no chance they move him back to center.

 

[A Pointed Stick]

I don't think so. Clutterbuck isn't a 1st line player people, come on now.

Neither are Moulson, Boyes, PMB, or PAP, but that sure didn't/won't stop them.

 

[Macch]

I don't think so. Clutterbuck isn't a 1st line player people, come on now.

Regardless of who is a 1st line player or not JT needs someone who will do the dirty work on his line. Moulson and PMB aren't those guys. Bailey and KO do more, but I don't think its the worst idea to put a "grinder" type on a line with JT to see what happens. Martin, CMac, and Clutterbuck are all candidates for that position.

Are Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis 1st line players? Probably not unless they're playing with Crosby.

 

[Beastrt]

Moulson Tavares Strome
Grabner Nielsen Okposo
Bailey Nelson PMD
martin cizikas Clutterbuck
Mcdonald

I think this will be the best lineup honestly i think strome should make the team you can always send him down if he is not ready.

 

[PWJunior]

Regardless of who is a 1st line player or not JT needs someone who will do the dirty work on his line. Moulson and PMB aren't those guys. Bailey and KO do more, but I don't think its the worst idea to put a "grinder" type on a line with JT to see what happens. Martin, CMac, and Clutterbuck are all candidates for that position.

Are Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis 1st line players? Probably not unless they're playing with Crosby.

The reason why Crosby can play with 'grinders' is because he is the best in the NHL at driving the play. He can snipe, he can pass, he can possess the puck like a beast, and he's got elite hockey IQ. Tavares is not at Crosby's level, but he's up there with Malkin in that range of skill set. Tavares is so smart that he can adjust his game to get the job done and that's what makes him such a special offensive player.

The offense revolves around JT and I like the idea of having multiple wing options because it would help create matchup problems for the other team. JT was a beast in the 2009 WJC with Esposito and DiDomenico as his wingers. JT was also a beast with Clutterbuck as his RW in Oshawa. Again, the reason why he can play with wingers with skill or grit is due to his super elite ability to drive the play.

I think the organization understands that and are setting up the roster to be very versatile as a result. We could see JT play with quite a few players throughout the season.

 

[A Pointed Stick]

...Tavares is not at Crosby's level, but he's up there with Malkin in that range of skill set. Tavares is so smart that he can adjust his game to get the job done and that's what makes him such a special offensive player.

The offense revolves around JT and I like the idea of having multiple wing options because it would help create matchup problems for the other team. JT was a beast in the 2009 WJC with Esposito and DiDomenico as his wingers. JT was also a beast with Clutterbuck as his RW in Oshawa. Again, the reason why he can play with wingers with skill or grit is due to his super elite ability to drive the play...

Your points reminded me of his slumps last year. The one common element during these slumps was he went into superman mode, trying to do everything and accomplishing nothing. The main reason was that for large portions of time Moulson and Boyes were entirely useless. John has to gain the zone, fight in the corners, pursue the puck in traffic, do ALL the backchecking... It's just too ******** much for any one player. John is not inherently a 1 man show. He wasn't in Oshawa, existing in part off of support and scoring quite a few goals off space and entry made by others. He's well proven that he is a playmaker at this point, but his meat and potatoes are scoring goals from everywhere.

Are you comfortable with any of that carousel of 2nd line talent calling them his permanent partners though? It's more like doing the best with the terrible hand they've been played.

 

[mack809f]

Brock Nelson

Your points reminded me of his slumps last year. The one common element during these slumps was he went into superman mode, trying to do everything and accomplishing nothing. The main reason was that for large portions of time Moulson and Boyes were entirely useless. John has to gain the zone, fight in the corners, pursue the puck in traffic, do ALL the backchecking... It's just too ******** much for any one player. John is not inherently a 1 man show. He wasn't in Oshawa, existing in part off of support and scoring quite a few goals off space and entry made by others. He's well proven that he is a playmaker at this point, but his meat and potatoes are scoring goals from everywhere.

Are you comfortable with any of that carousel of 2nd line talent calling them his permanent partners though? It's more like doing the best with the terrible hand they've been played.

I'm hoping Nelson can develop into a top line wing. Along with Okposo, he seems to be the only guy with size and top 6 skills. Bailey was listed at 201 lbs when drafted and now 187, whats up with that? If our prospects continue to shrink, Cammerata mght spontaneously combust like the drummer from Spinal Tap.

 

[Felix Unger]

I think it's pretty obvious that the solidity of the forward group stands and falls with the play of Okposo and Bailey. JT, Frans, Bouchard, and Moulson are known quantities. Frans, Bouchard, and Moulson all have limitations. If Bailey and Okposo can be the complete wingers that put the whole thing together, the top-6 could be very strong. Basically, if they play the season like they did the 2nd half of last season, the top-6 will be in good shape. Not elite, of course, but very good.

Next year is next year, and the possible emergence of Nelson and Strome may change things. But right now, Okposo and Bailey being complete and consistent are the big unknown factors. They're what made our forward unit look so dangerous through that great stretch run.

 

[doublechili]

Neither are Moulson, Boyes, PMB, or PAP, but that sure didn't/won't stop them.

Exactly. I remember Moulson's first camp when he was "AHL fodder" even when he was scoring some goals. PMB and Clutterback are about as qualified as most the guys JT has ever played with.

 

[Macch]

The reason why Crosby can play with 'grinders' is because he is the best in the NHL at driving the play. He can snipe, he can pass, he can possess the puck like a beast, and he's got elite hockey IQ. Tavares is not at Crosby's level, but he's up there with Malkin in that range of skill set. Tavares is so smart that he can adjust his game to get the job done and that's what makes him such a special offensive player.

The offense revolves around JT and I like the idea of having multiple wing options because it would help create matchup problems for the other team. JT was a beast in the 2009 WJC with Esposito and DiDomenico as his wingers. JT was also a beast with Clutterbuck as his RW in Oshawa. Again, the reason why he can play with wingers with skill or grit is due to his super elite ability to drive the play.

I think the organization understands that and are setting up the roster to be very versatile as a result. We could see JT play with quite a few players throughout the season.

I wasn't trying to compare JT to Crosby. I know its not close. I was just trying to say that JT could use some more grit on his line.

 

[kasper11]

I think it's pretty obvious that the solidity of the forward group stands and falls with the play of Okposo and Bailey. JT, Frans, Bouchard, and Moulson are known quantities. Frans, Bouchard, and Moulson all have limitations. If Bailey and Okposo can be the complete wingers that put the whole thing together, the top-6 could be very strong. Basically, if they play the season like they did the 2nd half of last season, the top-6 will be in good shape. Not elite, of course, but very good.

Next year is next year, and the possible emergence of Nelson and Strome may change things. But right now, Okposo and Bailey being complete and consistent are the big unknown factors. They're what made our forward unit look so dangerous through that great stretch run.

Okposo is the biggest question to me.

I see Bailey as putting up 40-50 points or so (maybe more if paired with JT) while being solid defensively. Maybe he takes a big step forward, but even if not he will have value. I don't see him becoming a dominant player. Whatever line he is on, I see him as a complimentary player with occasional stretches where he does more.

The Okposo we saw in the playoffs, however, was a dominant player. He physically overwhelmed the Pens with his strength and speed. But we have never seen him do that over a long stretch. If he can turn it up this year, he could be the winger the Isles need. He was tenacious on the forecheck, a beast in the corners and scored nearly as many goals in 6 games as he did in the regular season. He is the one player that I can see making a huge jump rather than taking a small step forward.

There were reports that Okposo was seeing a sports psychologist last year, maybe that is what he needed. Or, maybe he will continue to be a streaky player who disappears for long periods of time (especially the beginning of seasons). The difference between him being a 7 goal player (his pace last year) and a 30+ goal player (the potential he has) is huge for this team. If he can score 30+ goals on the second line (and if he plays like he did in he playoffs for an entire season he probably will), combined with 25+ from Grabner on the third line and JT doing his thing on the first line, the Isles could be one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league next year.

 

[PWJunior]

I wasn't trying to compare JT to Crosby. I know its not close. I was just trying to say that JT could use some more grit on his line.

I know you weren't, I wasn't attacking you. Sorry if it came across that way, wasn't my intention. I was just singing JT's praises. My main point is that like Crosby, JT is one of the elites at driving the play so he can virtually play with anyone.

We have yet to see JT play with a true gritty winger. Back when Okposo played well on his RW, JT won NHL POTM. Okposo hasn't shown the consistency to stay there, but Clutterbuck could be an interesting option. I think we could see multiple lineups early in the season, the team has a lot of versatile players.

 

[WangMustGo]

I'm hoping Nelson can develop into a top line wing. Along with Okposo, he seems to be the only guy with size and top 6 skills. Bailey was listed at 201 lbs when drafted and now 187, whats up with that? If our prospects continue to shrink, Cammerata mght spontaneously combust like the drummer from Spinal Tap.

I agree with you, at least to start his NHL career. I really think a line of Bailey-Tavares-Nelson could do a lot of damage. However than we have a hole at 2/3 center spot. Nielsen can take one of those spots, but who has the other? Is Cizikas a 3rd line center already? What about Strome? Do you want to have Strome and Nelson in your top 6? 2 rookies could be a recipe for disaster.

 

[dash8fo]

Anyone else like to see Moulson traded?...He already took a team friendly deal and he is going to ask for big money which I personally dont think he deserves. He is too one dimensonal. That said with Moulson gone what would the lines look like?

Bailey Tavares Strome
Grabner Nielsen Okposo
PMD Nelson Clutterbuck
martin cizikas Mcdonald

Thoughts?
Obviously we might get a player in return for Moulson not sure what fair value would be though.

 

[replayer]

There's an article on the Isles web site today about Strome possibly switching to RW. Not that this is any great surprise but obviously they want to see if he fits on the top line.

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=677454

 

[IslandersFan17]

There's an article on the Isles web site today about Strome possibly switching to RW. Not that this is any great surprise but obviously they want to see if he fits on the top line.

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=677454

Strome to the wing seems like a lot of talk. With articles of Strome possible moving one has to believe they really are going to give Ryan every opportunity to lock down that role.

I think Snow has envisioned Strome playing with Tavares which made Nino that much more expendable.

 

[Macch]

Anyone else like to see Moulson traded?...He already took a team friendly deal and he is going to ask for big money which I personally dont think he deserves. He is too one dimensonal. That said with Moulson gone what would the lines look like?

Bailey Tavares Strome
Grabner Nielsen Okposo
PMD Nelson Clutterbuck
martin cizikas Mcdonald

Thoughts?
Obviously we might get a player in return for Moulson not sure what fair value would be though.

I like the lines. I agree Moulson doesnt fit in this lineup. I'd be interested to see what we could get for him.