Sidney the Kidney
One last time
- Jun 29, 2009
- 55,730
- 46,716
looks more like a 60 degree lob wedge. Dupuis has hands of stone, he costs Crosby a few assists each week. But I do love his hustle and tenacity on pucks, that whole line really!
I know Pens fans can't stand Bylsma, his line choices, and it's the same on a lot of boards (especially after losses)....but Sid gets largely underrated for how good he is because of his linemates as well. He's a one-man-show on that line just as much as Tavares is for the Islanders. I'm just glad Boyes and Moulson are gone, those two were unwatchable 5on5.
If you could combine Moulson's ability *with* the puck (ie. his shooting, his ability to get open, etc.) with Dupuis' play *without* the puck (ie. speed, forecheck, defensive play), you'd have a damn fine first line player. As it is, both players tend to annoy their fanbases because their shortcomings end up affecting their line (albeit in different ways).
I'll be honest, at this point I'd take Moulson's shortcomings as a player over Dupuis', for Crosby's line. This season, at least, Dupuis is literally dragging that line down with his hot potato approach to handling the puck. Especially since Kunitz does everything Dupuis does anyways, just with more skill.
I really wanted to see Tavares - Crosby - Stamkos in Sochi.
I'm not sure their playing style would work that well together. Tavares is more methodical, more cerebral, whereas Crosby's is basically a high speed up-tempo game. On the PP, they'd basically be piling on top of each other, as well, since they both like the right half-boards/right post area.
If Tavares is going to play wing, I think he'd actually look good with the Anaheim duo of Getzlaff/Perry. In Getzlaff, he'd have someone who can carry the puck and distribute, and in Perry he'd have someone who can bury the slot area chances he sets up.
For Crosby, I think a player like Duchene would work better, simply because both are more about speed and quick strike attacks. Or maybe Team Canada will decide to punish me further and invite both Kunitz and Dupuis to flank him.