Boston Bruins Predict the Lineup & Lines discussion

[wintersej]

In theory ....best candidates to replace Bertuzzi on the 1st/2nd line would be

- Marchand - Wealth of experience playing with Pasta.
- Lauko - Monty likes that one heavy forchecker on every line. Lauko ... is relentless. Main job to pressure the puck handler.... to increase chance for turnover. Opportunistic in front of the net for loose pucks. Back check to helpout defense
- Toporowski - like a shorter Bertuzzi. Scrappy, skilled and willing forchecker. Longshot to make the NHL club.

Not good candidates
- Boqvist - Finesse game.
- JVR - Too old. Not known for defense (actually the opposite).
- Frederic - Not skilled enough. Better fit on the 3rd line

That empty LW spot will be the biggest question mark leading up to game 1. I personally would not split up Marchand and Debrusk.... to create a more balanced(offense) top 2 lines

JVR is not good on the forecheck or defensively, but I also don't think those were Berts strengths, either. He IS very good around the net. Bertuzzi was, too, but more as a passer than a scorer. I wouldn't call JVR a bad candidate, especially if you have guys like Lauko and Toporowski in your good list... he just comes with tradeoffs like the other guys.

 

[Deal Law]

Every lineup I type out looks like complete shit, so I just keep deleting it. Enjoy reading other's thoughts more.

Also, I hate signing a JAG like Brown. I know they can bury him if something better comes along, but I would really like to see McLaughlin and Beecher given shots centering the fourth line.

 

[wintersej]

I'm getting "Trotman vs Colin Miller" as Chara's partner vibes from this thread. People passionately arguing about if constipation or diarrhea is better.

 

[PlayMakers]

In theory ....best candidates to replace Bertuzzi on the 1st/2nd line would be

- Marchand - Wealth of experience playing with Pasta.
- Lauko - Monty likes that one heavy forchecker on every line. Lauko ... is relentless. Main job to pressure the puck handler.... to increase chance for turnover. Opportunistic in front of the net for loose pucks. Back check to helpout defense
- Toporowski - like a shorter Bertuzzi. Scrappy, skilled and willing forchecker. Longshot to make the NHL club.

Not good candidates
- Boqvist - Finesse game.
- JVR - Too old. Not known for defense (actually the opposite).
- Frederic - Not skilled enough. Better fit on the 3rd line

That empty LW spot will be the biggest question mark leading up to game 1. I personally would not split up Marchand and Debrusk.... to create a more balanced(offense) top 2 lines

Marchand is the best option because he has a wealth of experience but JVR is a bad option because he's too old?

JVR is a year younger than Marchand.

 

[WhalerTurnedBruin55]

Come on

Is Greer even on the roster when all the dust settles?

Bruins skirting pretty close to cap, Greer and his close to league minimum deal may be used when the dust settles.

 

[Fenian24]

Every lineup I type out looks like complete shit, so I just keep deleting it. Enjoy reading other's thoughts more.

Also, I hate signing a JAG like Brown. I know they can bury him if something better comes along, but I would really like to see McLaughlin and Beecher given shots centering the fourth line.

Ever think management watched those guys in Providence and doesn't think they are NHL players? I would like to see both get shots but, I like Beecher's speed and McLaughlin's smarts but you have to wonder what management now thinks of their group of forwards.

Has any scouting service or "expert" ranked their prospects as any higher than 25th or 26th?

 

[Fenian24]

I really like Lauko, gritty, hits, is very fast, willing to fight but the guy has never scored at any level, there is no way he should be considered for the top 9 much less top 6.

A line of Lucic-Beecher-Lauko could be a great 4th line, size and speed at center, speed on RW and size and toughness in Lucic and a veteran presence to help two younger players. If nothing else it should produce turnovers and hem in D's.

 

[Bodit9]

JVR-Zacha-Pasta
Marchy-Geekie-JDB
Freddy-Coyle-Boqvist
Lucic-Brown-Lauko

Gryz-Mac
Lindholm-Carlo
Forbort-Shatty

Biggest debate for me is Geekie vs Coyle. I'd start with Geekie as 2C. He's had some decent offensive seasons in junior & AHL but hasn't gotten a scoring role in NHL. Want to see his offensive game with 2 good players to see if there's more.

Zacha & Pasta had good chemistry and Zacha made a leap last year. Want to see them together. JVR isn't sexy anymore but is a vet that will put up some points.

I like Coyle & Freddy together as a big possession line. Neither really has top 6 offensive skill. Add Boqvist who's had fair NHL production & mixes in some speed & skill.

Brown is the new Nosek. Looch is Looch. Lauko adds speed, grit, & a bit of offense. Don't see top 6 offense in Lauko.

Defense is pretty straightforward.

 

[Dizzay]

There's a few options that I have hated thus far reading.
1. JVR on the top line. That legit makes me want to gag.
2. Geekie as the 2C........gag reflex once again.
3. Lauko, who couldn't crack a regular spot in the line up last season, playing on our top line with Pasta and Zacha.

Training camp will be used to fill in the following spots in my opinion but from a forward group, I think this might be the blueprint:

XXXX-Zacha-Pasta
Marchand-Coyle-Debrusk
JVR-Geekie-Freddy
Lucic-XXXX-XXXX
Greer

1. Zacha/Pasta just work together, the one question mark for me is does Zacha play C or move to LW if a Merkulov/Poitras surprise at camp? I think Zacha will end up playing C and you'll see someone win that top LW role.
2. I think line 2 or 1B is set already. Coyle is the closest thing to a Bergeron that the team has and Marchy-Debrusk have shown chemistry playing the majority of last year together.
3. I don't see a world where Geekie doesn't get every opportunity to start as the 3C. If he has a shitty camp, maybe he slides down to 4C and Freddy takes over as the 3C? I don't understand the identity of that potential 3rd line as I have it constructed. That'll be an interesting one to watch to see where it settles out.
4. Basically Looch on the LW would be the only given at this point for the 4th line. Unless something crazy happens and he's used as the 3LW, but I can't see it. Lauko, Merkulov, Boqvist, Beecher, Chaisson, McLaughlin, Brown, Farinacci, Steen, Lysell......... seems like a wide open competition going into camp. Should be interesting.

What I'd like to see shake out:
Merkulov-Zacha-Pasta
Marchand-Coyle-Debrusk
JVR-Geekie-Lauko
Lucic-Freddy-Lysell

 

[Blowfish]

I really like Lauko, gritty, hits, is very fast, willing to fight but the guy has never scored at any level, there is no way he should be considered for the top 9 much less top 6.

A line of Lucic-Beecher-Lauko could be a great 4th line, size and speed at center, speed on RW and size and toughness in Lucic and a veteran presence to help two younger players. If nothing else it should produce turnovers and hem in D's.

Fenian do you see Lucic being a factor? I'm worried we see a liability. He was a monster 10 years ago. Worried his legend status goes to shits.

I do like that 4th line you suggested.

 

[UncleRico]

I just want lucic go take Frederic under his wing

 

[Dr Quincy]

Every lineup I type out looks like complete shit, so I just keep deleting it. Enjoy reading other's thoughts more.

Also, I hate signing a JAG like Brown. I know they can bury him if something better comes along, but I would really like to see McLaughlin and Beecher given shots centering the fourth line.

I'd rather see Beecher given a long run at 2C in Providence. He's never going to develop any offensive game if not put in a position with minutes, usage, pp time etc, and he's not getting that in Boston this year.

Bruins skirting pretty close to cap, Greer and his close to league minimum deal may be used when the dust settles.

When constructing the roster people need to remember Deep Throat's advice: follow the money. It's why you won't see some of the kids making 850k or 925k on the roster to start unless they absolutely force themselves onto the roster.

 

[NeelyDan]

Boqvist - Zacha - Pasta
Marchand - Geekie - Debrusk
JVR - Coyle - Frederic
Lucic - Brown - Lauko

This is how I hope it shakes out. I know it's a jump for Geekie but I feel he needs a shot there. We know that Coyle doesn't move the needle in the top 6. I feel like if he's there all season we are boned.

I actually don't mind this - It's a 1/1A thing anyway, and Boqvist performs best playing with skilled players. It enriches the third line consequentially as well.

 

[Fenian24]

Fenian do you see Lucic being a factor? I'm worried we see a liability. He was a monster 10 years ago. Worried his legend status goes to shits.

I do like that 4th line you suggested.

I'm not expecting 20 goals, i expect him to be an improvement on Greer. If you have Beecher and Lauko forcing plays with their speed on the forecheck it should allow Lucic, with admittedly limited speed, to enter the zone and control his side of the ice with hits and physicality. If Lauko and Beecher keep possession Lucic can go to the net and screen and look for tip ins.

I predicted 10-11-21-91 for Lucic with a few beatdowns thrown in. He can also be used as a screen on the 2nd power play if JVR is hurt or is worse than I think he will be.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

I'm not expecting 20 goals, i expect him to be an improvement on Greer. If you have Beecher and Lauko forcing plays with their speed on the forecheck it should allow Lucic, with admittedly limited speed, to enter the zone and control his side of the ice with hits and physicality. If Lauko and Beecher keep possession Lucic can go to the net and screen and look for tip ins.

I predicted 10-11-21-91 for Lucic with a few beatdowns thrown in. He can also be used as a screen on the 2nd power play if JVR is hurt or is worse than I think he will be.

Better question: How does that line get possession?

 

[wintersej]

I just want lucic go take Frederic under his wing

Lucic's LAST season in Boston was when we was 26. Frederic turns 26 around the All Star break. Temper expectations.

Better question: How does that line get possession?

I think Lauko and Beecher could be a forechecking group. And then they control the puck down low for about 3 days while Lucic catches up.

 

[BradMarchandismydad]

I'd rather see Beecher given a long run at 2C in Providence. He's never going to develop any offensive game if not put in a position with minutes, usage, pp time etc, and he's not getting that in Boston this year.


When constructing the roster people need to remember Deep Throat's advice: follow the money. It's why you want see some of the kids making 850k or 925k on the roster to start unless they absolutely force themselves onto the roster.

He just doesn’t actually have any offensive game.

He was .5 ppg on an absolutely stacked Michigan team.

He can skate and he can play defense. He will be a fourth liner if he makes it, which i’m not convinced he does.

 

[Dr Quincy]

He just doesn’t actually have any offensive game.

He was .5 ppg on an absolutely stacked Michigan team.

He can skate and he can play defense. He will be a fourth liner if he makes it, which i’m not convinced he does.

I agree for the most part. It's a long shot. But they have guys on the roster who can be 4C right now so might as well be patient and see if there's anything there. He can always be a 4C later on if the O still isn't there. He did show a bit more in the 2nd half last year, so give him a chance to be a primary guy in the AHL before upping the level he has to play in.

 

[PB37]

Fenian do you see Lucic being a factor? I'm worried we see a liability. He was a monster 10 years ago. Worried his legend status goes to shits.

I do like that 4th line you suggested.

He'll be a factor in the bottom 6 and in the locker room. Lucic isn't the premier power forward in the league anymore but that doesn't mean he can't make an impact in the starting lineup.

 

[JOKER 192]

Bruins skirting pretty close to cap, Greer and his close to league minimum deal may be used when the dust settles.

Could be , there are lots of options this year and Greer is probably not the best one is all I'm saying.

The OP had Lucic not making the final cut which is ridiculous.

 

[dugg133]

Could be , there are lots of options this year and Greer is probably not the best one is all I'm saying.

The OP had Lucic not making the final cut which is ridiculous.

Looch has a full NMC, he literally can't be waived without his consent, which he would never give. He's a guarantee to be on the NHL roster.

 

[Kegs]

Looch has a full NMC, he literally can't be waived without his consent, which he would never give. He's a guarantee to be on the NHL roster.

They won’t be waiving lucic. They will play him every time they face a team that’s big and mean. They also throwing him out there with the leafs reaves.

I think it’s pretty clear what both teams did here. For the fans folks.


Both teams from the same division sign the last remaining old school no visor fighters left in the league. Coincidence?


It’s the 100 year season. They want to sell a lot of jerseys.

 

[Colt.45Orr]

I was the first to suggest Lauko with Zacha and Pasta to create a Czech line where Lauko uses his speed as a LW disrupter on the forecheck. It makes sense as we want to spread out talent on other lines too and the puck on Pasta's stick and then the C (Zacha) so he is the 3rd option.

It is a similar thought as a Hyman with the superstars in Toronto and Edmonton. I hope we give it a shot throughout camp, nothing to lose, lots to gain.

 

[PB37]

I was the first to suggest Lauko with Zacha and Pasta to create a Czech line where Lauko uses his speed as a LW disrupter on the forecheck. It makes sense as we want to spread out talent on other lines too and the puck on Pasta's stick and then the C (Zacha) so he is the 3rd option.

It is a similar thought as a Hyman with the superstars in Toronto and Edmonton. I hope we give it a shot throughout camp, nothing to lose, lots to gain.

I'm on board; I suggested it too for the same reasons. This could also be the shot of confidence that helps boost Lauko's progression as a player.

 

[dixie]

63-18-88. 25-13-74./ 94-11- Geekie. 17. Boyquist. chaisson