Player Discussion: Winnipeg Jets Defense
- Thread starter voyageur
- Start date
That's exactly what I'd do. I don't think Arniel will hesitate to swap guys if they struggle to start.
scelaton
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- Jul 5, 2012
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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.
- Jun 10, 2014
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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.
- Mar 10, 2010
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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.
- Dec 29, 2016
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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
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
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- Jul 10, 2011
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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?
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?
- Mar 10, 2010
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WolfHouse
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- Oct 4, 2020
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He has been diagnosed as not zdeno chara.
voyageur
Hockey fanatic
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As of Wednesday he ditched the yellow non contact jersey for a regular one, so I expect with a practice he is good to go. IC's change of servers has given them some hiccups, so no more info.
Crocket
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- Jul 14, 2013
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Heinola is a going to get a run of games, to see how he progresses and conditions. His IQ and puck moving ability are far better than Stanley's and Samberg's. If his speed gets back to normal he's a great add to our D.
Stanley is not only a liability at times he gets untimely penalties.
Samberg has had a good start. But he definitely has lapses and is best suited to a simple game with a puck moving partner. His size and shot blocking are great.
Pionk is a wild card. He's great when playing 100, a liability when he isn't. I'd trade him.
Stanley is not only a liability at times he gets untimely penalties.
Samberg has had a good start. But he definitely has lapses and is best suited to a simple game with a puck moving partner. His size and shot blocking are great.
Pionk is a wild card. He's great when playing 100, a liability when he isn't. I'd trade him.
WolfHouse
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- Oct 4, 2020
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Holy tough crowd... all sambergs stats point towards a top pairing D what is the guy supposed to do
- Dec 29, 2016
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If only those guys were as good as Ville, we'd have the best D on the planet.
A Ville clone would be perfect?
This sort of matches the "eye test" for me. Morrissey, Samberg and Miller have been anchoring the 3 D pairs. I think Pionk is getting downgraded in this model due to his poor prior performance, so I'd rank him higher.
The concern has to be about DeMelo, as noted...
The concern has to be about DeMelo, as noted...
It also aligns with what most are seeing - Stanley is hot garbage and worse than 3rd pair
- Jun 10, 2014
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I don't think Stan is quite that bad. Fleury is less bad though. Too soon to reach any conclusion on Heinola. Pionk needs to keep up the offense to be a positive.
Crocket
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- Jul 14, 2013
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Don't think anyone is saying that. The Samberg Pionk pair has been good. Except a couple games where they were caved in.
Heinola is gonna need lots of time if he's going to develop
