News & Notes XLIV: Revenge of the Seth

[A Star is Burns]

I think chemistry can also tend to be a bit overrated in general and rarely lasts super long term. Guys need to be able to plug and play in different spots at any given time. Slap em together for as long as they are working and then move on. I think you're just hoping to ideally find like 2.5-3 lines really clicking at a time and another 1-1.5 that aren't killing you or one that's producing at a supernova level for as long as it can. If that's not happening, you move on pretty quick.

 

[robbieberns]

Could say a lot about Kotkaniemi and him being a massive disappointment and how him panning out to be a mediocre 3C instead of even reaching average 2C level has been up there with goaltending inconsistencies that have stopped us from breaking through in the playoffs above the other top teams in the East. For me he’s just such a symbol of the nearly there but not quite era and honestly would love to see the back of him.

 

[hblueridgegal]

How can anyone expect to build chemistry if they're with a different linemate every game? Sometimes even every period? Sure, there are some instances of instant chemistry, but we kept the same lines/lineup for about a month, and now we're using the blender every game.

Now don't get me wrong, the performance last game was Pathetic with a capital P and rolling with the same lines next game doesn't make sense. So I get switching them up. But there's got to be a rhyme or reason for the new lines, or else it just seems like he's throwing things together to see what sticks.

Right now, the only constants in the forward group is "Aho is on the top line, Staal is on the 3rd, KK is on the bottom with Blake". Every other forward has jumped around.

What about the execution costs - the meltdowns because someone misses a pass or makes a mistake/turnover due to unfamiliarity or being out of synch with their new line mates speed, positioning, etc.?

 

[chaz4hockey]

I’d wager that most Canes fans would have said Staal was our slowest. Nope….its Blake. He has great moves and just needs to work on his speed game in the offseason.

 

[A Star is Burns]

I’d wager that most Canes fans would have said Staal was our slowest. Nope….its Blake. He has great moves and just needs to work on his speed game in the offseason.

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At the same time, there are a few really awesome players and a bunch of really useful players on that list around him.

 

[Boom Boom Apathy]

I’d wager that most Canes fans would have said Staal was our slowest. Nope….its Blake. He has great moves and just needs to work on his speed game in the offseason.

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I'm guessing that wingers that don't get to carry the puck a lot, particularly early in the season have lower top speeds. Centers have to typically go from in deep back the other direction so have more space to hit top speed. Guys like Necas that get to wind it up on the PP also have more room to reach top speed. Just a guess.

 

[Blueline Bomber]

I'm guessing that wingers that don't get to carry the puck a lot, particularly early in the season have lower top speeds. Centers have to typically go from in deep back the other direction so have more space to hit top speed. Guys like Necas that get to wind it up on the PP also have more room to reach top speed. Just a guess.

I’d also add that being a rookie probably plays a part. He’s still adjusting to the speed of the NHL, probably taking the half-a-second to recognize breakouts, etc. Once he gets experience and confidence, his skating will likely catch up.