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

[InformTheMasses]

Zero, since Boyes started on RW.


They are terrible together, just terrible. I cannot understand what universe the coaching staff is living on that they don't see it.

Yeah, I feel like Tavares is being overworked, for no reason at all. He has to work to try and create everything 15 minutes a night on even strength, when there is no chance that line is scoring with Boyes and Moulson standing around. I won't even go into Moulson or Boyes defense.

There are some stories leaking out now about a potential Hawks/Isles trade, leaving NY would be Nielsen and Streit (instead of Visnovsky now). If it were up to me I would much rather deal Moulson or Boyes instead of Nielsen. Coming back to NY potentially would be Dylan Olsen and Jeremy Morin. I would absolutely make this trade if I'm the Islanders (would prefer to keep Nielsen tho). Morin is a 21 year old Right handed Right winger, that is scoring at a much better clip this season than our own Brock Nelson (just to give an idea of how he is performing at the same age). He isn't close to the same defensive player Nelson is, but the kid can score, and he isn't a perimeter player like Boyes, He goes to the net. Olsen is a big nasty defenceman that is ready for the NHL now as well.

 

[LedHammer]

Yeah, I feel like Tavares is being overworked, for no reason at all. He has to work to try and create everything 15 minutes a night on even strength, when there is no chance that line is scoring with Boyes and Moulson standing around. I won't even go into Moulson or Boyes defense.

There are some stories leaking out now about a potential Hawks/Isles trade, leaving NY would be Nielsen and Streit (instead of Visnovsky now). If it were up to me I would much rather deal Moulson or Boyes instead of Nielsen. Coming back to NY potentially would be Dylan Olsen and Jeremy Morin. I would absolutely make this trade if I'm the Islanders (would prefer to keep Nielsen tho). Morin is a 21 year old Right handed Right winger, that is scoring at a much better clip this season than our own Brock Nelson (just to give an idea of how he is performing at the same age). He isn't close to the same defensive player Nelson is, but the kid can score, and he isn't a perimeter player like Boyes, He goes to the net. Olsen is a big nasty defenceman that is ready for the NHL now as well.

Staple just tweeted about it...

Arthur Staple‏@StapeNewsday44m
Having been asked, I asked a source about Nielsen rumors: "No chance they trade Frans." There you have it. #Isles
https://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/status/318382973294612482

 

[mitchy22]

Staple just tweeted about it...

Arthur Staple‏@StapeNewsday44m
Having been asked, I asked a source about Nielsen rumors: "No chance they trade Frans." There you have it. #Isles
https://twitter.com/StapeNewsday/status/318382973294612482

Then I hope they figure out he's more suited to play wing eventually.

,
Mitch

 

[ziggy7716]

What will the lines look like with Lee in the line-up? Barring no trades by Snow I will give it a shot.

Moulson-Tavares-Boyes
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Lee-Cizikas-Grabner
Martin-Reasoner-McDonald

Aucoin scratched?

 

[Skip To My Lou]

What will the lines look like with Lee in the line-up? Barring no trades by Snow I will give it a shot.

Moulson-Tavares-Boyes
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Lee-Cizikas-Grabner
Martin-Reasoner-McDonald

Aucoin scratched?

I'd rather scratch Reasoner and put Aucoin in. Bring back the 13-53-17 line, and have Aucoin center Lee and Grabner. Not to mention we still have Ullstrom who should be back in a week or so. So then you'd scratch Aucoin and Reasoner and go with:

Moulson-Tavares-Boyes
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Lee-Ullstrom-Grabner
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

 

[Intangiblezz]

In a few years:

Matt Moulson - John Tavares - Ryan Strome
Nino Niederreiter - Brock Nelson - Michael Grabner
Josh Bailey - Johan Sundstrom - Anders Lee
Matt Martin - Casey Cizikas - David Ullstrom

Travis Hamonic - Griffin Reinhart
Scott Mayfield - Ville Pokka
Calvin De Haan - Adam Pelech

Im jealous.

 

[SLAPSHOT723]

^No Kyle Okposo?

 

[seafoam]

He was traded for future considerations.

 

[SLAPSHOT723]

I'd rather scratch Reasoner and put Aucoin in. Bring back the 13-53-17 line, and have Aucoin center Lee and Grabner. Not to mention we still have Ullstrom who should be back in a week or so. So then you'd scratch Aucoin and Reasoner and go with:

Moulson-Tavares-Boyes
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Lee-Ullstrom-Grabner
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

I don't think Ullstrom is strong enough to be a center in the NHL. He'll look good on the wing for his career.

 

[kasper11]

Really looking forward to next year. You have to figure that one prospect out of Lee, Strome, Nelson, Nino can step into the top-6 role, and between the Isles' success in finding bargain forwards and the cap dropping, we should be able to add 1-2 forwards.

MM-JT-??????
Grabner-??????-??????
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

Basically three lines that can score, one of them being a solid two-way line, and a great energy line that can also pop in some goals.

Of course, we do still need another dman and a goalie, but hey, you can't have everything.

 

[kasper11]

I'd rather scratch Reasoner and put Aucoin in. Bring back the 13-53-17 line, and have Aucoin center Lee and Grabner. Not to mention we still have Ullstrom who should be back in a week or so. So then you'd scratch Aucoin and Reasoner and go with:

Moulson-Tavares-Boyes
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Lee-Ullstrom-Grabner
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

The problem is the third-line center position. I don't think Aucoin or Reasoner should be playing a regular shift.

I like Ullstrom, but he hasn't shown enough yet that I would want to give him extra responsibility. My guess is Aucoin centers the third line with Grabner and McDonald (although I would rather see McDonald with Martin and Cizikas) and Ullstrom/Lee rotate on the 4th line.

Would love it if Garth could pick up a third line center on the cheap, but I doubt it would happen.

 

[Intangiblezz]

^No Kyle Okposo?

Oops. Well looking at that line-up if everyone pans out, I would trade him.

 

[InformTheMasses]

I'd rather scratch Reasoner and put Aucoin in. Bring back the 13-53-17 line, and have Aucoin center Lee and Grabner. Not to mention we still have Ullstrom who should be back in a week or so. So then you'd scratch Aucoin and Reasoner and go with:

Moulson-Tavares-Boyes
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Lee-Ullstrom-Grabner
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

When Ullstrom comes back, I agree that the boston boys, Aucoin and Reasoner must sit (Reasoner not from Boston but 3 years at BC is good enough).

I like your lines, but givin the way Boyes has been kryptonite (sp?) for Moulson and Tavares on Even Strength, I would knock him down a peg or two. Also Lee Would be a Center not Ullstrom. Something like:

MM-JT-Ullstrom
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Grabner-Lee-Boyes
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

Boyes can play on the PP where he can remain somewhat useful.

I know Ullstrom playing on the first line is a dreamland with Capuano at HC, seeing as he cant get out of press box/4th line duty. But the way he forechecks, wins pucks and shoots on net, as well as distributes is exactly what JT and MM need.

 

[kasper11]

When Ullstrom comes back, I agree that the boston boys, Aucoin and Reasoner must sit (Reasoner not from Boston but 3 years at BC is good enough).

I like your lines, but givin the way Boyes has been kryptonite (sp?) for Moulson and Tavares on Even Strength, I would knock him down a peg or two. Also Lee Would be a Center not Ullstrom. Something like:

MM-JT-Ullstrom
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Grabner-Lee-Boyes
Martin-Cizikas-McDonald

Boyes can play on the PP where he can remain somewhat useful.

I know Ullstrom playing on the first line is a dreamland with Capuano at HC, seeing as he cant get out of press box/4th line duty. But the way he forechecks, wins pucks and shoots on net, as well as distributes is exactly what JT and MM need.

Ullstrom on the first line? He hasn't had a point in 14 games since January. Why would we put him on the top line?

 

[InformTheMasses]

Ullstrom on the first line? He hasn't had a point in 14 games since January. Why would we put him on the top line?

The answer isn't really a good one, it's really by default. What we have isn't working now (Boyes) our 1st line has been terrible. Okposo didn't work either, and seems to have chemistry with Bailley and Nielsen, lets ride that for a while. Your options are really, Aucoin, C-McDonald and Ullstrom. I want C-Mc back with CC and MM.

ALso looking at Ullstroms point totals in his last batch if games is incredibly unfair. No PP time, Sitting in the press box after not backchecking and then playing him 2 shiotfts a period next to Marty Reasoner will screw up any kid. (Also if Boyes and Moulson got benched for not back-checking they would never see the ice again)

I'm telling you this kid has talent, he has hands, he also is strong on his skates and can take a hit and maintain control of the puck, he can win the puck. Watch the JT-MM-BB line and tell me how many times they win pucks on the boards and successfully complete a pass afterwards, hell, tell me how many times they even TRY to go get a puck along the boards. Ullstrom can do that.

 

[Macch]

Joensuu has been activated. He's another big guy that can work the boards. I hope Cappy gives him a look after his successful season in Sweden. I'm not sure where he would fit in. I'd say Aucoin, but that leaves a gap at Center.

update:

NYIslanders ‏@NYIslanders 1m
Coach says there's a good chance we'll see Joensuu tomorrow against WSH but no lineup is set.

 

[steveat]

Joensuu has been activated. He's another big guy that can work the boards. I hope Cappy gives him a look after his successful season in Sweden. I'm not sure where he would fit in. I'd say Aucoin, but that leaves a gap at Center.

update:

Finally!

I'm not sure who you sit. I would think swap Anders with Jonesuu until we figure out a rotation. Similar to how we handled Hickey and Finley. Aucoin needs to stay because we need him in that position and TBH...He's a good passer which breaks open plays with Grabs and opens up for McDonald....They got some chemistry going.

 

[Koobs11]

Glad to hear that JJ is back and could be playing. Its gonna be tough to start shaking the rust off in this playoff hunt but I love the idea of Martin,Macdonald,Cizikas,Lee, and JJ in the bottom six thats alot of grit and size, I would love to pick up a tough 2 way 4th line or 3rd line center and leave Acouin as a healthy scratch and waive or trade Reasoner

 

[redbull]

Moulson Tavares McDonald
Joensuu Bailey Okposo
Grabner Nielsen Lee
Martin Cizikas Boyes

everyone wins.

Grabner's much more dangerous with Nielsen.

Bailey-Okposo are playing fantastic, adding a big body like Joensuu, with some offensive talent helps them a great deal.

Tavares and Moulson benefit from McDonald's tenacity

Boyes is protected from his poor defense with two tireless workers and can chip in some offense on the 4th line.

These are four very good lines.

 

[steveat]

I don't know about starting JJ on second line. I wanna see what the guy can do first. I figure he won't be as lost as Anders was...who knows..maybe he practiced hard and learned our system?

 

[redbull]

I don't know about starting JJ on second line. I wanna see what the guy can do first. I figure he won't be as lost as Anders was...who knows..maybe he practiced hard and learned our system?

think of it as tavares (as the 1st line) and three 3rd lines. Because that's what we'd have. I'd distribute the ice-time evenly too, except for special teams of course. Which is pretty much what Cappy does now anyway.


Besides, we have Ullstrom to add into the Lee-Joensuu rotation. I'd rather those three (all over 6'3" that can skate and play a physical game, chip in offense) than Aucoin-Reasoner-Boulton (all limited and/or "crap")

 

[Macch]

Moulson Tavares McDonald
Joensuu Bailey Okposo
Grabner Nielsen Lee
Martin Cizikas Boyes

everyone wins.

Grabner's much more dangerous with Nielsen.

Bailey-Okposo are playing fantastic, adding a big body like Joensuu, with some offensive talent helps them a great deal.

Tavares and Moulson benefit from McDonald's tenacity

Boyes is protected from his poor defense with two tireless workers and can chip in some offense on the 4th line.

These are four very good lines.

I think player wise this is the best lineup we can dress. I don't agree with the lines. I'm hesitant to put Bailey back at center. I might give KO a look there before I put Bailey back there. Not exactly sure what the lines should be right now. I need to see JJ and Lee more. I think Aucoin needs to sit, but doubt Cappy will. I just know there are certain players you don't split up. Moulson - JT & Bailey & KO. Grabs and CMac have looked good tougher but I wouldn't say they are married yet.

 

[bluechipbonzo]

Lines stay the same vs Washington, with Joensuu in for Lee.

Lee looked outmatched, needs to get acclimated. Joensuu has been chomping at the bit and is ready to go, but you don't mess with a good thing.

Haven't seen the team work this hard and move the puck this well in a over a decade. Same reason why Garf didn't make a foolish trade today.

And we're getting closer to this...

Moulson--JT--Strome
Bailey--Nielsen--Okposo
Grabner--Nelson--Nino
Martin--Cizikas--Joensuu
Ullstrom--Lee

Yep, only two non-drafted forwards. soon the defensemen will arrive in droves.

 

[kmo429]

Moulson-Tavares-Niederreiter
Grabner-Strome-Okposo
Bailey-Nielsen-Nelson
Lee-Cizikas-Martin
Persson-Sundstrom-Ullstrom


Reinhart-Hamonic
Donovan-Mayfield
Hickey-MacDonald
Pedan,Pokka

Nilsson
Poulin

This is 2-3 years down the line.

 

[InformTheMasses]

And we're getting closer to this...

Moulson--JT--Strome
Bailey--Nielsen--Okposo
Grabner--Nelson--Nino
Martin--Cizikas--Joensuu
Ullstrom--Lee

Yep, only two non-drafted forwards. soon the defensemen will arrive in droves.

Wow, did you steal my line-up card? We have very similar lines for the near future. Here is my Opening Day 2014-15 Roster for the forwards (I have bolded the changes):

Lee-JT-Strome
Grabner-Nelson-Nino
Bailey-Nielsen-Okposo
Martin-Cizikas-Sundstrom
Ullstrom-C.McDonald

Our second and third lines are flipped, but that doesn't really matter, they will see similar ice time. Also, By the end of next season I can see Cizikas overtaking Frans Nielsen for third line center and playing in between Bailey and Okposo. This would Allow Sundstrom to be 4th line center and have Martin and Nielsen on wing (where he wont have to take face-offs (or traded)).

Also, Your boy Petrov is a big X factor here, by the end of Next Season Petrov could come over and want to play here, if he does, I can't see him going to Bridgeport for very long, if at all. He would be in the line-up somewhere.

I have Moulson out because he is a UFA as a 30 year old after next season. If Streit is looking for 5.5MM over 3 years as a mediocre at best defenceman as a 36 year old, I dread to hear Moulsons asking price especially when his play is going to start going down hill on the other side of 30.

As for the defenceman coming in droves soon? I think we might have different definitions of soon. I only see 2 guys that can make the jump in the next 2 seasons... Donovan and de Haan (if he stays healthy) MAYBE Kichton if he signs and lights the world on fire in Bridgeport next season, but thats a huge If at this point.

Reinhart, Pedan, Mayfield, Pokka, Pelech, Russo and the others are all 2+ years out, IMO