Pre-Game Talk: Week of Home with our Heads in our Asses (Wed vs. NJD, Fri vs. MIN)

[ABasin]

Why the f*** did Kivi get promoted to the 3rd line over LoC?

I originally thought that as well.

But then I saw that O'Connor has zero points in his last 13 games, while Kiviranta has 1 point in his last 13. So there you go.

 

[sethro109]

I originally thought that as well.

But then I saw that O'Connor has zero points in his last 13 games, while Kiviranta has 1 point in his last 13. So there you go.

LoC has been stapled to the black holes that are Kelly and Kivi on the 4th line. He's never going to produce there. His only hope for points are on the PK. Bednar knows he can be a fantastic 3rd line winger, but Bednar it a stubborn mule.

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

I think the problem here is Bednar needs a hair cut. He was a good coach, won the cup with short hair. He grew it out, and now he sucks.

 

[RECKLESS]

Someone told Nate guy you NEED some rest right here right now. And he does.

So not worried there.

 

[The Merchant]

Bednar just confirmed that he's expecting Val to rejoin the lineup tonight.

Edit: Also just confirmed he'll be on Mitts' wing

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

As of right now... could, and probably will, change.

 

[RoyIsALegend]

Minute to minute with Val.

Could have a good pre-game skate, could get re-injured.

Could have a good nap in the afternoon, might go on the snow train.

Could show up to the game, might not.

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

 

[RoyIsALegend]

Lehkonen - MacKinnon - Necas
Drouin - Mittelstadt - Nichushkin
Colton - Drury - Kiviranta
Wood - Kelly - O’Connor

Toews - Makar
Girard - Malinski
2 of Kylington/de Haan/Middleton

Blackwood
Wedgewood

Only missing Manson(and Landeskog).

 

[dahrougem2]

Minute to minute with Val.

Could have a good pre-game skate, could get re-injured.

Could have a good nap in the afternoon, might go on the snow train.

Could show up to the game, might not.

I have never seen a player be so "maybe, maybe not" for games in my life.

Genuinely, I do not ever recall seeing something like this taking place where they have no idea if he can play or not.

 

[missionAvs]

I have never seen a player be so "maybe, maybe not" for games in my life.

Genuinely, I do not ever recall seeing something like this taking place where they have no idea if he can play or not.

You're seeing Casey MittelJost every night. He's the tell tale example of maybe he gets a shot on goal or maybe he doesn't. He doesn't care either way.

 

[featherhawk]

I have never seen a player be so "maybe, maybe not" for games in my life.

Genuinely, I do not ever recall seeing something like this taking place where they have no idea if he can play or not.

R Hintz is a comparable in previous years...

 

[The Abusement Park]

LoC has been stapled to the black holes that are Kelly and Kivi on the 4th line. He's never going to produce there. His only hope for points are on the PK. Bednar knows he can be a fantastic 3rd line winger, but Bednar it a stubborn mule.

I mean LOC is also kind of a black hole offensively. He's an awesome bottom 6 winger but he's never really been 3rd line level offensively.

 

[sethro109]

I mean LOC is also kind of a black hole offensively. He's an awesome bottom 6 winger but he's never really been 3rd line level offensively.

The roaring 20s line had a ton of offense last year and he was the lynchpin of that line. Kivi will randomly show up for a game here and there, but he's not better on either side of the Puck.

 

[CobraAcesS]

The roaring 20s line had a ton of offense last year and he was the lynchpin of that line. Kivi will randomly show up for a game here and there, but he's not better on either side of the Puck.

Did they? I remember their offense being infuriating with Colton's lack of playmaking ability at center.

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

At this point, what’s there to lose? Try anything. Throw bunch of stuff at the wall see what sticks

Problem is that at the top of that list should be putting Necas and Mitts together for at least a full period minimum but it will never actually happen cause Bednar is too stubburn.

 

[CobraAcesS]

I mean LOC is also kind of a black hole offensively. He's an awesome bottom 6 winger but he's never really been 3rd line level offensively.

Yeah, LOC creates space and turnovers when hes at full throttle which can turn into offense if his line mates can capitalize.

He's fine as the third wheel on a third line I think.

I really want to see Drury & LOC together with Colton just hitting guys and shooting.

Problem is that at the top of that list should be putting Necas and Mitts together for at least a full period minimum but it will never actually happen cause Bednar is too stubburn.

While I agree, if Mitts can't utilize Nuke & Drouin over the next couple games. I have zero hope for him.

 

[The Abusement Park]

The roaring 20s line had a ton of offense last year and he was the lynchpin of that line. Kivi will randomly show up for a game here and there, but he's not better on either side of the Puck.

I mean that was LOC’s best offensive season by far and he was only placing for 35pts. Like he’s awesome don’t get me wrong. And he can look fine on a 3rd line, but he has to be the 3rd wheel offensively.

 

[sethro109]

I mean that was LOC’s best offensive season by far and he was only placing for 35pts. Like he’s awesome don’t get me wrong. And he can look fine on a 3rd line, but he has to be the 3rd wheel offensively.

That's fine. I'm not arguing that he's some offensive dynamo. My argument is that he's better suited for the third line and flat out better than Kivi is.

 

[Bill Peckerskull]

 

[sethro109]

So two lefties on the second pairing... Surely this time it won't burn us.

Also, I thought Sam M has looked fine there, for the most part? I wonder what Bednar saw last game he didn't like?

 

[dahrougem2]

As bad as Middleton is, NOBODY in the league is as bad as De Haan. That guy hardly belongs in the AHL.

So two lefties on the second pairing... Surely this time it won't burn us.

Also, I thought Sam M has looked fine there, for the most part? I wonder what Bednar saw last game he didn't like?

I think it's Bednar trying to see if Kylington can find some level of his previous 2nd pairing form he showed in Calgary over punishing Malinski.

The upside is higher with Kylington but he hasn't been good this year.

 

[BoxOfChocolates]

Can't wait for Nuke to score tonight. Greasy goal in the paint

 

[hockeyfish]

This team is going to come out flying tonight and shut up the haters.

 

[Bill Peckerskull]