Boston Bruins Predict the Lineup & Lines discussion

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Yep.

Ever have to work with / perform with someone who felt they always deserved more than the next guy/gal? I have and it is toxic and not a way to build a team, culture, or raise the overall performance of a group.

May be a harsh take on my part but so be it. Gotta help others before you help yourself and I'm not aware of a trend where JD consistently makes people around him better yet.

But he didn’t do any of what you’re talking about. Just a giant projection.

 

[bb74]

But he didn’t do any of what you’re talking about. Just a giant projection.

I was responding to another post where the individual stated that if he had to play with top 9 talent on the roster he would want out. Ergo my position and comment. If he feels his only place is as top line and anything else is "below him" to the point of wanting out, he can get gone. I'd say the same with any pro player as you can't build a team around entitled "I"'s. No mal-intent or otherwise, just in that case, not a guy I think teammates would be willing to go to war with and you need that in the NHL.

 

[HustleB]

Marchand-Zacha-Pasta means your second line is a 3rd line playing 2nd line minutes.

I mean DeBrusk can drive a legit second line. Can Coyle/Geekie step up. I really think Merkulov could be that top 6 outsider that adds to our depth. If not maybe Frederic could fit there. With DeBrusk becoming more of a play driver I do think it opens the opportunity.

To your point. I don’t think they start that way but they probably use it every game the way Montgomery shakes it up.

 

[UncleRico]

Marchand-Zacha-Pasta means your second line is a 3rd line playing 2nd line minutes.

Isn’t it kind of going to be like that regardless? They have a 2nd line center(Zacha) playing first line, a 3rd line center(Coyle) playing 2nd line and a 4th line center(geekie) playing 3rd line. It really sure how the 4th line will look but there is potential for that too.

I think Coyle played one seasons in Minnesota as a 2nd line center. Every center on the roster is about to play in a higher role than they’ve played for the vast majority or entirety of their careers.

 

[Kegs]

Your theory is the way it should be. Then again, Do you agree with every decision the coach makes? It’s his squad and decision but best chance to win can be a subjective thing.

Fair. But I do mostly trust coaches more than myself. I’m really low level hockey player. It’s embarrassing really. I have no business saying anything to anyone. My men’s league team just got eliminated from the playoffs I pretty much coached that to the ground Player/coach



And in other news Alex ovechkins contract is looking real nice right about now. He is still elite. Makes like 4 mil less than Mathew’s. He hits harder than Mathew’s. Mathew’s plays centre tho and is way younger. But damn ovi has a very nice deal at 9.5 salary cap hit. Capitals are run really well imo. And yet one cup…. Ovi almost deserves better.

 

[JEM28]

Fair. But I do mostly trust coaches more than myself. I’m really low level hockey player. It’s embarrassing really. I have no business saying anything to anyone. My men’s league team just got eliminated from the playoffs I pretty much coached that to the ground Player/coach



And in other news Alex ovechkins contract is looking real nice right about now. He is still elite. Makes like 4 mil less than Mathew’s. He hits harder than Mathew’s. Mathew’s plays centre tho and is way younger. But damn ovi has a very nice deal at 9.5 salary cap hit. Capitals are run really well imo. And yet one cup…. Ovi almost deserves better.

True. I really expected more cups out of them as well as the Bs.


I have long rooted against Ovi becoming the all time goals leader. But damn the guy is extremely effective at what he does while he strong as an ox. I won’t be overly worked up if/when he surpasses Gretzky. Doesnt diminish Gretzky in any way.

 

[Hookslide]

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.

Yes ,but some wines age better than others.........

He's a long-shot to be sure, but it could be (cheap) lightning in a bottle. Lauko is our best skater and has tools that could fit really well on that line. He also could be on the 4th line --who knows.

That is exactly how to look at it, 4th line or lightning in a bottle , there is only one way to find out .................Play him.......

 

[DiggityDog]

I wonder if they may try Geekie with Marchand and Debrusk.

 

[The don godfather]

Lysell time is now let's go!

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

Lysell time is now let's go!

He’s not a center Donnie. You’re scaring me with this comment. Have you been taking hostage and are crying for help?

 

[The don godfather]

He’s not a center Donnie. You’re scaring me with this comment. Have you been taking hostage and are crying for help?

I just dont want a senyshyn or zboril situation with him its trending that way i want the kid to bust out this camp take a spot. Hes got the tools.

 

[PlayMakers]

Isn’t it kind of going to be like that regardless? They have a 2nd line center(Zacha) playing first line, a 3rd line center(Coyle) playing 2nd line and a 4th line center(geekie) playing 3rd line. It really sure how the 4th line will look but there is potential for that too.

I think Coyle played one seasons in Minnesota as a 2nd line center. Every center on the roster is about to play in a higher role than they’ve played for the vast majority or entirety of their careers.

No, I think as long as a top6 line has two top6 talents it’s a legit top6 line. We’ve seen lots of examples where a 3rd liner can be a valuable addition to a top6 line. So Coyle with Marchand and JDB should be ok, but JVR (3rd), Coyle (3rd) and JDB (2nd) is not good enough IMO. Zacha and Pasta with JVR or Lauko is also ok.

Again that’s my opinion, but it seems fairly logical to me that if a line is made up of two 3rd line talents it’s not really a second line and you can’t expect it to produce like one.

 

[Kegs]

True. I really expected more cups out of them as well as the Bs.


I have long rooted against Ovi becoming the all time goals leader. But damn the guy is extremely effective at what he does while he strong as an ox. I won’t be overly worked up if/when he surpasses Gretzky. Doesnt diminish Gretzky in any way.

Nothing will diminish Gretzky and I doubt anyone ever touches his point totals. It’s very exciting that my generation has some elite talent that is going to break the total goals. Very exciting. I think ovi does it. But then Mathew’s/draisatl and Pasternak maybe even Mc David will pass ovi.

 

[NDiesel]

No, I think as long as a top6 line has two top6 talents it’s a legit top6 line. We’ve seen lots of examples where a 3rd liner can be a valuable addition to a top6 line. So Coyle with Marchand and JDB should be ok, but JVR (3rd), Coyle (3rd) and JDB (2nd) is not good enough IMO. Zacha and Pasta with JVR or Lauko is also ok.

Again that’s my opinion, but it seems fairly logical to me that if a line is made up of two 3rd line talents it’s not really a second line and you can’t expect it to produce like one.

Bingo, I totally agree. I think we get caught up in labeling guys 1st or 2nd line guys too often. Ryan Hartman is no 1st or 2nd liner, but was a great fit with Kaprizov and Zucc, both easily top 6 wings. You can make the argument that Tom Wilson is not really a top 6 winger, only breaking 50 points one time, but he can certainly look the part playing with guys like Ovie and Backstrom. Hyman was another great example you gave.

Those are the type of combinations we need to look for going into this season with no legit 1st line C, pair two top 6ers with a 3rd liner and hope they can be a fit stylistically - I think that's why Sweeney went and got so many 2nd/3rd line tweeners like Boqvist, JVR, Geekie, to add to guys like Coyle and Freddy who may need to play a line higher.

 

[bb74]

Lysell time is now let's go!

Kids' playing style and skating / shot reminds me of Sam Gagner from the Edmonton days.

Not sure it's his time but clearly looking at the bottom 6 there are (better be) roster spots up for grabs for the yutes having a good camp.

 

[UncleRico]

No, I think as long as a top6 line has two top6 talents it’s a legit top6 line. We’ve seen lots of examples where a 3rd liner can be a valuable addition to a top6 line. So Coyle with Marchand and JDB should be ok, but JVR (3rd), Coyle (3rd) and JDB (2nd) is not good enough IMO. Zacha and Pasta with JVR or Lauko is also ok.

Again that’s my opinion, but it seems fairly logical to me that if a line is made up of two 3rd line talents it’s not really a second line and you can’t expect it to produce like one.

So two top 6 lines, but neither of those lines are suitable #1 lines.

JVR-Zacha-Pasta isn’t a #1 line if it features a 3rd line LW and a 2nd line center.

Then Marchand-Coyle-Debrusk also isn’t a #1 line with a 3rd line center and probably at this point 2nd line wingers.

 

[NDiesel]

So two top 6 lines, but neither of those lines are suitable #1 lines.

JVR-Zacha-Pasta isn’t a #1 line if it features a 3rd line LW and a 2nd line center.

Then Marchand-Coyle-Debrusk also isn’t a #1 line with a 3rd line center and probably at this point 2nd line wingers.

You really think most 2nd liners are out there producing at almost point per game clip like Marchy or scoring close to 30 like Debrusk? Would love to see some comparable 2nd liners to these two.

 

[Fenian24]

I am hoping that Geekie is capable of playing top 6 minutes as I have zero faith in Coyle but I am tempering expectations after reading Dobbers opinion of him:
Geekie had some great puck luck with Seattle (12.4% 5on5 S%), with his best Pts/60 (2.3) and shot volume (6.7 SOG/60) to date. His expected-goals ratio was in the positive, too. So, why did Seattle let him walk? Because he was an anchor. He was one of the most sheltered players in the league in terms of ice time and strength of opposition, and he still lost relative possession. He doesn’t put up enough offense to justify the offensive-zone starts that could be better used elsewhere. He saw his ice time nearly disappear when it mattered most – the playoffs. There is little to indicate that he can turn this around, and if Krejci returns, then Geekie may get knocked completely out of the lineup. The only positive: he’s 25.

 

[JEM28]

I am hoping that Geekie is capable of playing top 6 minutes as I have zero faith in Coyle but I am tempering expectations after reading Dobbers opinion of him:
Geekie had some great puck luck with Seattle (12.4% 5on5 S%), with his best Pts/60 (2.3) and shot volume (6.7 SOG/60) to date. His expected-goals ratio was in the positive, too. So, why did Seattle let him walk? Because he was an anchor. He was one of the most sheltered players in the league in terms of ice time and strength of opposition, and he still lost relative possession. He doesn’t put up enough offense to justify the offensive-zone starts that could be better used elsewhere. He saw his ice time nearly disappear when it mattered most – the playoffs. There is little to indicate that he can turn this around, and if Krejci returns, then Geekie may get knocked completely out of the lineup. The only positive: he’s 25.

Yikes. In May 2023 Dobber said this about him:
“At his current salary, Geekie is fine value for the Kraken as the fourth-line center. He does have some offensive capabilities and if not for the log jam ahead of him, he could grow into an elevated role.”

That was at $1.4M.

Like you said he’s young, hoping there’s upside, but the good thing about his 2yr deal is the 2yr part of it. Long enough to have a chance to develop…short enough to be done with him relatively soon if he stinks.

 

[UncleRico]

You really think most 2nd liners are out there producing at almost point per game clip like Marchy or scoring close to 30 like Debrusk? Would love to see some comparable 2nd liners to these two.

Debrusk has never scored 30. He averages 67gp 20g and 19a over an 82 game season. Marchand is close, but at 35 he’s trending towards a 2nd line player and had 21 goals last year.

Sure it sounds much better if you claim Debrusk is a 30 goal scorer despite him never doing it and those years likely being behind marchand.

But sure if you would like a comparable we can say either hagel or killorn with 30 and 27 goals. Though if you want to say hagel is first line for them we will just stick with killorn

Nichushkin and landeskog when healthy are 2nd line players that put up similar numbers.

You want me to keep going because I can…

 

[JOKER 192]

I wonder if they may try Geekie with Marchand and Debrusk.

I bet they do, among many other combinations.

 

[Guelph Bruin]

I bet they do, among many other combinations.

Jim "The Blender" Montgomery will definitely be mixing it up ..even when he doesn't have to...nice guy though ... I'm all for second chances...not third though, his leash will be short

 

[JOKER 192]

I am hoping that Geekie is capable of playing top 6 minutes as I have zero faith in Coyle but I am tempering expectations after reading Dobbers opinion of him:
Geekie had some great puck luck with Seattle (12.4% 5on5 S%), with his best Pts/60 (2.3) and shot volume (6.7 SOG/60) to date. His expected-goals ratio was in the positive, too. So, why did Seattle let him walk? Because he was an anchor. He was one of the most sheltered players in the league in terms of ice time and strength of opposition, and he still lost relative possession. He doesn’t put up enough offense to justify the offensive-zone starts that could be better used elsewhere. He saw his ice time nearly disappear when it mattered most – the playoffs. There is little to indicate that he can turn this around, and if Krejci returns, then Geekie may get knocked completely out of the lineup. The only positive: he’s 25.

I call BS. The guy put up 28 pts in 69 games playing 4th line. That's pretty dam good for a 4th liner. By comparison Nosek 18 pts in 66 on a record setting team.

Geekie went to arbitration with Seattle the previous season. Was probably lining up to go again. Seattle has more C depth than they can use. They couldn't find a taker so they let him go.

When you start with he had great puck luck @ 12.4 how is that great puck luck?
The guy is a career 10.4 . How is an 4th liner who puts up his numbers an anchor ?

If his time disappeared in the PO's that's a coaches decision. I remember Monty making similar choices , doesn't mean they are right.

Jim "The Blender" Montgomery will definitely be mixing it up ..even when he doesn't have to...nice guy though ... I'm all for second chances...not third though, his leash will be short

100%. Like many others , I wasn't at all impressed with his coaching in the PO's. I'd go as far as blaming him for the 1st line exit. He'll have to do better, much better.

 

[UncleRico]

A lot of Montgomery blame going around. I guess there needs to be a scape goat.

Up 3-1 in the series
Game 5- tied going into the 3rd
Game 6- 3rd period lead and lost
Game 7- 3rd period lead and lost

Players had so many late game chances to finish the series while tied or leading in the 3rd.

Players had an all time choke

 

[Fenian24]

I call BS. The guy put up 28 pts in 69 games playing 4th line. That's pretty dam good for a 4th liner. By comparison Nosek 18 pts in 66 on a record setting team.

Geekie went to arbitration with Seattle the previous season. Was probably lining up to go again. Seattle has more C depth than they can use. They couldn't find a taker so they let him go.

When you start with he had great puck luck @ 12.4 how is that great puck luck?
The guy is a career 10.4 . How is an 4th liner who puts up his numbers an anchor ?

If his time disappeared in the PO's that's a coaches decision. I remember Monty making similar choices , doesn't mean they are right.



100%. Like many others , I wasn't at all impressed with his coaching in the PO's. I'd go as far as blaming him for the 1st line exit. He'll have to do better, much better.

I was just posting what a magazine said, kinda trying to offer the other side as I was getting on the Geekie train, mostly out of pure desperation.