Stanley provides a physical element that Samberg doesn't have. And that will be needed as the games amp up. Samberg's skating will prevent more 2 on 1s, as he is not likely to get caught flat footed or cheat for offense too much. I thought Stanley was ok on the PK last night, but was also a little lucky he didn't get burnt. I wonder if the Jets push Nate Schmidt up to the top pairing and drop De Melo to level off the defensive pairings. De Melo had some pretty bad turnovers under pressure last night. Schmidt is more of a top 4 d-man, even if a little defensively challenged.
I don't mind the idea of Samberg and Stanley platooning either, off the hop.
It was only one game so they will want to take another look after a few games -
Here's how I see it in the current scenario (and I'd assume the org is looking at it the same way) - some of this lines up with your points:
They want Stan to be physical and lean more towards a defensive game over offense - that's why he's with Smitty. He'll get that opportunity and if it doesn't work out, Samberg comes in and provides the defense with less of a physical game. But I think you are right - they want Stan to be more physical - we don't have much of that on the blueline.
They expect Demelo to be Demelo - solid on D while JoMo can use some of his offensive game.
TBH, I don't feel Demelo can add to much physical - maybe some but not as much as he was trying to apply last night - he doesn't have the size.
IMO, JoMo is our best over all Dman - he likely wants the opportunity to swing his game to offense (again, I'd assume the org is supporting that with him being paired with Demelo). He'll also be asked to display his defense (which is good) - that, in combination with what Demelo brings, should be enough as long as Demelo isn't being asked to take on too much (physically) - this should be a balanced pair that can defend and generate offense.
I found it interesting last night to see Demelo getting more involved in the offense - not sure if he is being asked to do that or assumes he is should be under Bone's request to activate the blueline. Regardless, that's a new element for him and might be adding some stress to his ability to do what he was always asked to focus on - defending. There may be a need to fine tune expectations for each of our defenders to ensure they understand their role under the new message / systems.
Anyway, I think they leave it as is for now - and fine tune expectations. I also think Stan is on a short lease but will get the opportunity. I believe they want a more physical game from him and if they can't get it soon, Samberg will be coming in and the game plan changes to a bottom pairing that will be balanced but less physical. Some here will probably disagree with my assessment of Samberg but I really don't see him as a physical player - more of a stay at home defender. And I assume Bones is trying to add more a more physical element (similar to Dillon).
I don't see anything carved in stone here -
