Player Discussion: Winnipeg Jets Defense

[DRW204]

 

[Jet]

I wouldnt be surprised if they bump pionk up to top pairing - and use miller abd demelo.as vet stabilizers

That's exactly what I'd do. I don't think Arniel will hesitate to swap guys if they struggle to start.

 

[scelaton]

This alignment was my preference. Keep the first pair intact as we know it works well, and give them a bit more ice time, if necessary.
I've been impressed with Fleury. I think he can play a complimentary 2-way role with Pionk, keeping the size that we lost with Samberg.
I'm less sure of Miller anywhere but the third pairing, but he will give stability to that pairing in a sheltered role as Heinola adjusts again to the NHL.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

This alignment was my preference. Keep the first pair intact as we know it works well, and give them a bit more ice time, if necessary.
I've been impressed with Fleury. I think he can play a complimentary 2-way role with Pionk, keeping the size that we lost with Samberg.
I'm less sure of Miller anywhere but the third pairing, but he will give stability to that pairing in a sheltered role as Heinola adjusts again to the NHL.

I can see swapping Miller and DeMelo to better support Ville at first. Not saying that is necessary but it might be an option. Not sure how badly Miller would do with JMo in the top pair. It might cost Morrissey's offence.

 

[KingBogo]

I can see swapping Miller and DeMelo to better support Ville at first. Not saying that is necessary but it might be an option. Not sure how badly Miller would do with JMo in the top pair. It might cost Morrissey's offence.

I think at this point they will treat Villie as any other player, as tonight's lineup suggests. You move the #3 guy up and insert the guy playing his 1st game in at #3. Miller is a capable 3rd pairing vet, that along with some sheltering should be enough for Villie. I don't think you want to mess with your top pairing unless you get desperate, and if that is the case not a good outcome for Villie.

 

[ps241]

When I look at that D line up, I would say be have a top pair two bottom pairs. Teams deal with injuries though so lets see how it goes vs one of the hottest teams in the NHL.

 

[LowLefty]

It will be interesting to see how the guys play in front of our D tonight -
If they don't provide top level support, we might be on for a long night.

I would think Arniel will ask the bottom 4 to play with defense as the priority - and let JoMo continue to do his thing (although I expect his minutes will be way up tonight).
We'll might also see big minutes for the Lowry line - and more minutes for the 4th line.
The top 6 up front might see less - especially if our D has trouble with outlets and dzone time.

Hoping we play a hard grinder tonight - I don't want to see a wide open game

 

[voyageur]

So what do you think about Stanley coming back?

He's going to get into the lineup sooner rather than later.

Who comes out?

I think you go back with Stanley and Miller. Miller is quietly showing that he can handle some defensive responsibility this year. And I wonder if at some point he starts getting some playing time with Morrissey since De Melo hasn't been as steady this year. Melo and Stanley could be the 1st unit PK for the time Samberg is out.

I'd like to see Heinola with Pionk for a game or two, what that looks like. I feel like Pionk is a better player with a better skater on his side. Heinola can cover a lot of ice and I think with a puck moving line like the Ehlers line there's some offensive opportunities there. At some point maybe gets some PP2 time?