| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Guest0489
( )
|
 Posted - 08/31/2009 : 19:09:56
|
Poll Question:
What do you think is the most improved team in the nhl?
|
|
|
|
Guest3341
( )
|
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 16:57:55
|
Now that Tampa has signed Alex to replace Kozlov, Tampa is the most improved team in the NHL. The Defensive signings they haveallowed the forwards to get back to Offense win's championship mode that they were successful with. This may make the southeast the division to watch again (Carolina, Tampa and Washington)
I'm going to predict that the team's which improves the most from the management and coaching side is going to be either Montreal or Edmonton. More likely Edmonton as the players there have already played together and will probably gel 1st. But if Montreal comes out strong and 1st line is healty then it'll be Montreal. I expect both teams to make the playoff in heated divisions. |
 |
|
|
redneck76ca
Rookie
186 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2009 : 20:25:24
|
quote:
Originally posted by Guest3341
Now that Tampa has signed Alex to replace Kozlov, Tampa is the most improved team in the NHL. The Defensive signings they haveallowed the forwards to get back to Offense win's championship mode that they were successful with. This may make the southeast the division to watch again (Carolina, Tampa and Washington)
I'm going to predict that the team's which improves the most from the management and coaching side is going to be either Montreal or Edmonton. More likely Edmonton as the players there have already played together and will probably gel 1st. But if Montreal comes out strong and 1st line is healty then it'll be Montreal. I expect both teams to make the playoff in heated divisions.
Tanquay makes all the difference huh? I tend to disagree. I think the Leafs are the most improved. And it doesn't look like they are done yet. Tampa has too many questions marks surrounding their D. Ohlund is a great addition but unless Hedman plays well enough to be a Calder candidate look for Tampa to only slightly improve over their fortunes from last season. |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 06:16:22
|
I think it's very close between Toronto and Tampa Bay . . . and really, I don't think Hedman has to be a Calder candidate at all, he just has to play solid defensive hockey. And unlike Toronto, TB has at least one, maybe two very weak sisters in its division in Atlanta and Florida (who might be taking a slide this year).
My take on it is that Tampa Bay might have the biggest points improvement, but that Toronto might be the most improved team, so I voted Toronto. I think the Eastern conference will be very, very tight this year, with the last four spots becoming a dogfight in the last weeks of the season.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
|
|
|
Guest7752
( )
|
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 10:50:19
|
Most of the teams with high votes did improve a little, but none improved as much as the Islanders.
Among others:
Added a proven goaltender which greatly imporves the always-injured DiPietro situation,
Added Taveres - no need for explanation,
etc...
So the Islanders may not go to playoffs or finals - but they defintely imporved A LOT.
While i'm at it...
The Leafs did improve (particularly by adding an ex-Hab to the line-up), but not as much as Islanders and Tampa.
|
|
|
|
JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 14:20:47
|
For the record my vote is for Tampa. Cant believe Calgary is included in the other category.
My vote for Tampa is strickly Defensive aquisitions. Tanguay maybe an improvement over Kozlov, but it is the loading up on D-men that has impressed me. Lot of good puck moving D-men there now and Hedman will be a force for Calder this year. Big D-men always seem to be in the mix especially players with some offensive upside.
How about least improved or the team that backslide the most this off season? That would be interesting. |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 19:24:26
|
My vote is staying out West. I really like the job LA has done in rebuilding that team through the draft. I mean, let's look at the best teams in the NHL today and they were all built through the draft. I think LA has had a top 5 pick nearly every year for a decade.
Look at the roster. Frolov, Kopitar, Smyth, Stoll, Kopitar,sorry Handzus and Brown are as good a set of top 6 forwards as most teams have today. They have some young guys in there still that might crack in too. Then guys like Teddy Percell and Justin Williams are great 3rd line kind of players too. Their defense is stacked with young talent like Jack Johnson, Drew Daughty, and Thomas Hickey(although he might not make the team this year). Then they follow up with guys like Greene and Scuderi that can be stoppers and play the PK. The only gap on the team is goalie as they really don't have a proven guy out there. But Bernier and Quick have the skills.
The LA team last year won only 34 games last season. I can see them adding 6-10 more wins this year and compete nicely with the Sharks and Ducks in the Pacific.
LA is a team to watch this year and for a few years to come. They have an average age of just 26 and they still have $8.5 million under the cap if they want to make a trade or two with some of their tons of younger guys for a superstar. Maybe a deal at the deadline for Kovalchuk if he decides to not resign in ATL or if Heatley keeps his nose clean through Christmas and still wants out.
LA improves more than any other team and I say they fight for a playoff spot this year. |
Edited by - Beans15 on 09/02/2009 20:19:28 |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 20:02:51
|
The problem, Beans, is that my answer was LA about 4 years ago . . . and then again, last year. It ain't happening.
We are talking about a team that has been snakebit in terms of performance . . . seriously, they have had quite a bit of talent for years now. But, they lack toughness, they lack discipline and leadership, and they lack . . . luck. I call it the Gretzky curse, but ever since he left, the magic never came back.
The west I feel is even tighter than the east, and Frolov and the Kopitar brothers (sorry, but you did list him twice, thought it was funny) are not the leaders you need for a run at the cup. Look at all the less talented teams that have done loads better than LA the past few years . . . your Devils, your NYR's, your Oilers, your Wild. Was the difference the better goalie, better coach, harder working defence, better system? Maybe all or some of those things, but I'll tell you this . . . I am not getting caught up in the LA Syndrome again. I'm going Vegas on that one - history repeats itself.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 20:14:01
|
At guest 7752: I do somewhat agree with you. The Isles could make a decent jump . . . but not a big one. Here is where you have to do the math of match-ups within the division.
Pittsburgh, the champs. Philly, a very strong contender, now with Pronger. New Jersey, always there and always a tough out with an aging goalie that is one of the best ever. The Rangers, always in the mix with the best young goalie in the game today.
The Isles have to make huge improvements to get an over .500 record against any of those teams, even the ones many of you think will be fighting to get in (Jersey, the Rangers). Tough goalies, and somewhat stingy defences . . . and I don't have to mention the offensive prowess of Philly and Pittsburgh. That's 8 games against each one, 32 games, and if the Isles can get 14 wins total there, I'd be absolutely shocked. I'd guess more like 10.
And that right there is the 8ball the Islanders are behind . . . give them a year or two, they may be contenders. But for now, I say, it's lying in the weeds . . .
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
|
|
|
Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2009 : 22:54:42
|
| It's not my poll of course, but i'm assuming the person who made it was referring to the most improved team from last year? Beans, i'd agree with you if you look over the past few years, however, Slozo's got a good point. Guys have been picking LA for 3 or 4 years now and they seem to stay around the same spot? Maybe this is their year though, but i don't think they've made as big a jump from last April as some of the others listed. |
|
|
|
Guest7752
( )
|
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 12:29:07
|
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
At guest 7752: I do somewhat agree with you. The Isles could make a decent jump . . . but not a big one. Here is where you have to do the math of match-ups within the division.
Pittsburgh, the champs. Philly, a very strong contender, now with Pronger. New Jersey, always there and always a tough out with an aging goalie that is one of the best ever. The Rangers, always in the mix with the best young goalie in the game today.
The Isles have to make huge improvements to get an over .500 record against any of those teams, even the ones many of you think will be fighting to get in (Jersey, the Rangers). Tough goalies, and somewhat stingy defences . . . and I don't have to mention the offensive prowess of Philly and Pittsburgh. That's 8 games against each one, 32 games, and if the Isles can get 14 wins total there, I'd be absolutely shocked. I'd guess more like 10.
And that right there is the 8ball the Islanders are behind . . . give them a year or two, they may be contenders. But for now, I say, it's lying in the weeds . . .
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
You missed my point.
I believe the poll question is who is most improved - not who will have a better chance at making the playoffs.
If the Islanders get 10 more wins over the next season due to their trades/aquisitions, then they go from 26 wins to 36 wins.
That's about a 38% improvement.
If Toronto gets 10 more wins, they go from 34 to 44 wins.
That's about a 29% improvement.
So even with the Islanders NOT making the plyoffs next season with 20 extra points, AND Toronto indeed making the playoffs next season with 20 extra points - the Islanders have improved more. |
|
|
|
JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 09/03/2009 : 13:05:14
|
| I would pick NYI if they used some of that $20 million of cap space on a respectable forward or 2. I mean as good a Weight is/was I would surround this with some tough and/or offensive players like Roberts and Lemieux were for Crosby. Give him a player like Sundin, Heatly, Doan and I see this team a contender for a playoff spot. But just improving the Goalie situation, losing offensive veterans like Silinger and Comrie aint gonna improve this team much. If they use the salary cap and trade Streit or one of there goalies for some offensive player this might be a team to watch. |
|
|
|
leafsfan_101
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1530 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2009 : 12:18:53
|
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
The problem, Beans, is that my answer was LA about 4 years ago . . . and then again, last year. It ain't happening.
We are talking about a team that has been snakebit in terms of performance . . . seriously, they have had quite a bit of talent for years now. But, they lack toughness, they lack discipline and leadership, and they lack . . . luck. I call it the Gretzky curse, but ever since he left, the magic never came back.
The west I feel is even tighter than the east, and Frolov and the Kopitar brothers (sorry, but you did list him twice, thought it was funny) are not the leaders you need for a run at the cup. Look at all the less talented teams that have done loads better than LA the past few years . . . your Devils, your NYR's, your Oilers, your Wild. Was the difference the better goalie, better coach, harder working defence, better system? Maybe all or some of those things, but I'll tell you this . . . I am not getting caught up in the LA Syndrome again. I'm going Vegas on that one - history repeats itself.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
Slozo I have to completely disagree with you here. I too agree LA is the most improved team, but it because of a mix of a new influx of grit and extra NHL experience.
They definitely don't lack toughness. I most certainly wouldn't call the likes of Scuderi, Smyth, Dustin Brown, Matt Greene and Denis Gauthier particularly unphysical. If anything, the Kings are one of those teams where their skilled guys are also tough, their tough guys are tougher and their defense will lay a beatdown in the corners. No, the Kings do not lack toughness. If anything, they are a team you can be sure will pulverize you.
And leadership has been addressed big time. Ryan Smyth anyone? He will be the leader in the locker room and will lead by the example that hard work pays off. Seriously, can you think of a better mentor for Dustin Brown and Anze Kopitar than Smyth? And to further the leadership role on the team, Jarret Stoll is a vocal guy, a good buddy of Smyth's, which will definitely help in the locker room. Add in some notables like 32 year old Michael Handzus and 36 year old Derek Armstrong, this team will be chalk-full of a surplus of leaders.
I really can't stop going on about how good LA looks to be this year. Their young guys, Brown, Kopitar and Frolov, all have an extra year of NHL experience under their belt. That only means success. Smyth will add to the great secondary scoring they already possess with Jarret Stoll and Michael Handzus. And not to mention Justin Williams is just three years removed from two respectable 76 and 67 point years.
On defense they have the defensive specialists (ala Scuderi, Greene) and maybe the best puck-moving, offensive defensemen in the league (ala Doughty, Jack Johnson). Tough guys on the bottom line (Ivanas, Simmonds). ****, this team has almost everything.
This team is a year or two, or three, away from being a legitimate force. But they can easily be in a playoff spot next season (barring injury, everyone gels, etc.). The only weakpoint is in net, but if Jonathon Quick plays well (and maybe Jonathon Bernier is called up and is the Steve Mason of last year) I can see this team doing well.
LA is most improved. |
|
|
|
50brent
Top Prospect
Canada
62 Posts |
Posted - 09/06/2009 : 15:32:29
|
| i would have to say that the leafs are the most improved team because theyve done so much rebuilding on defense and goaltending, i think they will move up the most places in the nhl this upcoming season |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/08/2009 : 04:42:27
|
Guest 7752 - no, I didn't miss any point. You did.
The question was "most improved team in the NHL", and everyone's definition of most improved might be different from yours. Because of the variable of what each of us considers "improvement", you are going to get even more different answers.
One could figure "improvement" as being a jump in skill level of the team; the team playing better and having a greater chance at winning the cup; the team finishing higher in the standings (points). All three are different, and have their merits.
So, you interpret "most improved" as largest precentage change in points acquired.
I interpret it as a combination of the largest improvement in overall skill and competetiveness, and the chance at winning Stanley.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
|
|
|
Sensfan101
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
500 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 07:12:57
|
If the Sens are able to overcome the distraction of Heatly they have the possibility of being the most improved team. With the addition's of Kovalev and Leclaire and no real losses they look to be a very improved team. The only question is their very average Defence which is okay defencivly but doesn't have alot of offencive firepower. However that could change if either Karlsson or Cowen make the squad
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky |
Edited by - Sensfan101 on 09/12/2009 11:57:45 |
|
|
|
JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 16:16:57
|
What do you think now Sensfan101. I say we have 2-3 good lines to spread out the scoring and think of it.
Alfie Spezza Philino Well balanced attach no defensive liability
Kovalev Fisher Cheechoo playing with Kovalev might be  4 Cheechoo
Michalek Kelly Neil Tough as nails and can score too
This could be the year the top 3 only account for 50% of the scoring. |
|
|
|
redneck76ca
Rookie
186 Posts |
Posted - 09/12/2009 : 21:33:58
|
quote:
Originally posted by JOSHUACANADA
What do you think now Sensfan101. I say we have 2-3 good lines to spread out the scoring and think of it.
Alfie Spezza Philino Well balanced attach no defensive liability
Kovalev Fisher Cheechoo playing with Kovalev might be 4 Cheechoo
Michalek Kelly Neil Tough as nails and can score too
This could be the year the top 3 only account for 50% of the scoring.
There is no way Michalek is on the 3rd line, and who the f*** is Philino? Did you mean Foligno? Cuz if you did he will be the third line player. Which gives the Sens two very solid scoring lines other than Fischer, and a very nice 3rd line energy line that will score no more than 40 goals combined. All in all, considering how this went down, I think that this is a decent trade for Ottawa and potentially could turn this team around. I still don't like their D though.
The Sharks are looking deadly though. Atleast in the regular season. Too bad Thornton and Nabokov always seem to go away in the playoffs. |
|
|
|
JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 10:21:31
|
Foligno (correction thanks) is a great young power forward who will be on the top two lines. He will be a 20-30 goal a year guy this year. All I was suggesting was Ottawa not bunch up their offense on one line.
Fisher is known as a 2way player not a goal scorer which means his primary role is to cover the players when the make offensive plays. I dont understand why people dog Fisher, he is doing exactly what he is being asked and being paid to do. Sure he doesn't put up the big #'s but that is not his role on this team.
Michalek and Neil are 2 of the same players both tough as nails grinders. Kelly not at their offensive caliber but a tough as nails player to center these two wingers. They are not shut down guys just energy players who can move up and down the lineup as plugger players when needed.
Finally some depth in Ottawa. |
|
|
|
Guest0199
( )
|
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 10:34:55
|
It would be nice to keep foligno fisher and shannon toghether because that line realy worked well last year so this is what i'd like to see
Alfredsson Spezza Kovalev
Michalek Vermette Cheechoo
Foligno Fisher Shannon
quote:
Originally posted by JOSHUACANADA
What do you think now Sensfan101. I say we have 2-3 good lines to spread out the scoring and think of it.
Alfie Spezza Philino Well balanced attach no defensive liability
Kovalev Fisher Cheechoo playing with Kovalev might be 4 Cheechoo
Michalek Kelly Neil Tough as nails and can score too
This could be the year the top 3 only account for 50% of the scoring.
|
|
|
|
Sensfan101
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
500 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 10:35:34
|
Sorry that was me
quote:
Originally posted by Guest0199
It would be nice to keep foligno fisher and shannon toghether because that line realy worked well last year so this is what i'd like to see
Alfredsson Spezza Kovalev
Michalek Vermette Cheechoo
Foligno Fisher Shannon
quote:
Originally posted by JOSHUACANADA
What do you think now Sensfan101. I say we have 2-3 good lines to spread out the scoring and think of it.
Alfie Spezza Philino Well balanced attach no defensive liability
Kovalev Fisher Cheechoo playing with Kovalev might be 4 Cheechoo
Michalek Kelly Neil Tough as nails and can score too
This could be the year the top 3 only account for 50% of the scoring.
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky |
Edited by - Sensfan101 on 09/13/2009 10:36:30 |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 12:39:15
|
Grinders don't score in the 25-30 goal range . . . and put up over 50 points. And, Michalek is a young guy who could get a bump up in points playing with the right linemates.
Alfredsson Kovalev Spezza
Michalek Fischer/Vermette Cheechoo
That's how I see the top two lines myself for Ottawa, although Michalek if playing well could move to the first line, and Alfie go down to the second line. That would probably work better actually, as Alfredsson would open up a lot of spaces and create opportunitties, and maybe Cheechoo really clicks with him.
As a Leaf fan, I really am not happy about this trade . . . at least the D on Ottawa is still weak IMHO.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
Edited by - n/a on 09/14/2009 09:09:58 |
|
|
|
sharksfan44
Rookie
Canada
228 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 13:44:25
|
| slozo, i noticed vermette is on ur second line, im pretty sure he's on columbus |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/13/2009 : 21:54:44
|
Yep, Vermette was the casualty in the Leclaire trade. Other than that, I think Slozo hit the 2 Ottawa lines on the head. This trade is actually really good for Ottawa. Better than people think. Kovalev is a poor mans Heatley, and with Alfredsson and Spezza, you don't need another 90+ point player. That line will still produce as better than 22-25 other 1st lines in the NHL. The good thing about this deal is (on paper) immediate 2nd line scoring. Something that Ottawa hasn't had in 3 years. Cheechoo has legitimate 20 goal-45 point potential and Michalek is coming off 3 consecutive seasons of 55 or more points.
I think that the Ottawa roster is a playoff team today. But, I think they are one PK quarterback away from top teir in the east. Their weak defense is not so weak as long as they are not called upon for offense too much. I mean Phillips and Volchenkov are as good a shut down duo as there is in the league. Couple this with Campoli and Kuba, and that's a reasonable top 4. A standout or two in the 5-6 spot is not unlikely.
Let's not forget that they finally have a legitimate #1 goalie who does not appear to be a head case. I also think they have something to prove to the media and to a former player than they are better off without Heatley. Ottawa only had 36 wins last year. It would not be unreasonable to see the with 8 to 10 more than that this season. That might be good enough for most improve.
It's at least enough to win a bet against the Leafs.  |
|
|
|
Matt_Roberts85
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
936 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 13:35:42
|
haha, as much as it hurts I think you're right beans.
I was reallllllllly hoping that the sens were going to be a non playoff team for a couple more seasons but now that heatley is gone and they have added players to help balance the lineup, bolstered by a legit #1 in Leclaire the sens seem poised to regain a playoff spot and thats bad news for the Leafs AND the habs.
If Clouston can get these guys firing on all cylinders watch out.... boy it hurts to say that.... i'll still never forgive ottawa for that spartan introduction against the pens a couple years ago, my god that was embarassing.
My only concern would be the fact that Michalek and Cheechoo are both coming off injuries. Especially Cheechoo. They need Kovalev to show up consistantly as well.
There is no "I" in team, but there is an "M" and an "E". |
|
|
|
Sensfan101
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
500 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 15:45:30
|
quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Grinders don't score in the 25-30 goal range . . . and put up over 50 points. And, Michalek is a young guy who could get a bump up in points playing with the right linemates.
Alfredsson Kovalev Spezza
Michalek Fischer/Vermette Cheechoo
That's how I see the top two lines myself for Ottawa, although Michalek if playing well could move to the first line, and Alfie go down to the second line. That would probably work better actually, as Alfredsson would open up a lot of spaces and create opportunitties, and maybe Cheechoo really clicks with him.
As a Leaf fan, I really am not happy about this trade . . . at least the D on Ottawa is still weak IMHO.
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
My Bad forgot Vermette was traded but I think it will be foligno not Fisher playing on the second line. Yesterday at Sens practice CheeChoo was skating with Spezza so we might see
Kovalev Spezza Cheechoo
Michalek Foligno Alfie
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky |
Edited by - Sensfan101 on 09/14/2009 15:48:39 |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 18:31:30
|
Of course there will be different lines bouncing around through training camp. Clouston and the boys have to see who is going to have Chemisty. However, Clouston has also proven he is not a moron. Alfredsson and Spezza play brilliant hockey together. That won't change.
And where is all this love for Nick Foligno coming from?? We are talking about the same guy right?? 23 goals, 41 points, -10 in 123 NHL games??? And why would Ottawa put a Left Winger in Foligno at Centre over a natural centre in Fisher??? Fisher will actually have some talent on the 2nd line this season. He is the #2 centre there. No doubt about it.
The third and 4th lines will be interesting. Foligno, Neil, and Ruutu are all 3rd line kind of guys but no centre in that bunch. So there will be an odd man out there. I would say Kelly will be the 3rd line centre.
Regardless, my point is that any success the Sens have had was always Heatley, Alfredsson, Spezza together. Heatley's gone now to it's a matter of would will be riding shotgun. The "Big Two" will play together. |
Edited by - Beans15 on 09/15/2009 07:25:41 |
|
|
|
Guest8954
( )
|
Posted - 09/14/2009 : 18:41:05
|
| From what I've heard, Foligno is going to be an up and coming force (Here's praying he pulls off what Burrows did last season). However with all the other talent I think he will unfortunately be bumped to the 3rd line. |
|
|
|
Sensfan101
PickupHockey Pro
Canada
500 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 14:13:19
|
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
The third and 4th lines will be interesting. Foligno, Neil, and Ruutu are all 3rd line kind of guys but no centre in that bunch. So there will be an odd man out there. I would say Kelly will be the 3rd line centre.
Where does Shannon fit in? he will definately be in the top three. He is probabley the fastest skater on the team. So if like you said Fisher gets moved up to the second line the third and fourth lines will probabley be
Foligno Kelly Shannon
Neil Rutu Donavan
Bass
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky |
Edited by - Sensfan101 on 09/15/2009 14:14:17 |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 15:11:19
|
quote:
Originally posted by Sensfan101
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
The third and 4th lines will be interesting. Foligno, Neil, and Ruutu are all 3rd line kind of guys but no centre in that bunch. So there will be an odd man out there. I would say Kelly will be the 3rd line centre.
Where does Shannon fit in? he will definately be in the top three. He is probabley the fastest skater on the team. So if like you said Fisher gets moved up to the second line the third and fourth lines will probabley be
Foligno Kelly Shannon
Neil Rutu Donavan
Bass
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky
Personally I like Neil on the 3rd line. I think he is a better player than he gets credit for. Regardless, these as the 3rd and 4th lines are very realistic. Far better than those lines showing Foligno as the 1st line winger. |
|
|
|
JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2009 : 18:38:44
|
Foligno will be 2nd or 3rd line LW this year maybe 1st line if he has some good chemistry in preseason. He was the 4th highest point total forward in his 2 full year in the big league's and playing on the 3rd and forth line's last year. He was the 2nd highest point getting LW last year. His is only competition is Ruutu, a checking agitator or Michalek, a second liner in Sanjose who plays naturally RW or Schubert, who is a defensive specialist who splits time as a defenseman.
I figure if Ruutu plays 3rd line as usual and Schubert is forth line and plugs for defense that leaves Foligno and Michalek (again on his off wing) to fight it out for 1st or 2nd line.
Shannon if he does well this year will be centering the 3rd line possibly with either NeilRW and RuutuLW, or with CheechooRW if he doesnt find Chemistry on the top 2 lines.
KovalevRW and FisherC look like a match so does AlfieRW and SpezzaC. So they just gotta figure out the chemistry with the LW and they have 3 solid lines |
|
|
|
JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2009 : 15:05:49
|
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
quote:
Originally posted by Sensfan101
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
The third and 4th lines will be interesting. Foligno, Neil, and Ruutu are all 3rd line kind of guys but no centre in that bunch. So there will be an odd man out there. I would say Kelly will be the 3rd line centre.
Where does Shannon fit in? he will definately be in the top three. He is probabley the fastest skater on the team. So if like you said Fisher gets moved up to the second line the third and fourth lines will probabley be
Foligno Kelly Shannon
Neil Rutu Donavan
Bass
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take Wayne Gretzky
Personally I like Neil on the 3rd line. I think he is a better player than he gets credit for. Regardless, these as the 3rd and 4th lines are very realistic. Far better than those lines showing Foligno as the 1st line winger.
I figured I'd show you Foligno is being considered for the top line. I got this from the Senators website.
For tonight, at least, Nick Foligno will slide into the right-wing slot beside longtime linemates Jason Spezza and captain Daniel Alfredsson. And it'll be veteran Mike Fisher centring the two newcomers, free-agent signing Kovalev and Cheechoo, who was acquired along with Michalek in the weekend trade that sent Dany Heatley to the San Jose Sharks
Expect this guy to show you what I already know. He was once considered a Kessel like prospect. He just hasn't been given good linemates to prove it before. That will change this year. |
Edited by - JOSHUACANADA on 09/17/2009 15:07:41 |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2009 : 17:17:00
|
Well that must mean that Mike Comrie, Patrick O'Sullivan, and Rob Schremp are going to be the 1st line in Edmonton because that's who is was in their 1st preseason game.
We'll see what the line up looks line in Early October. |
|
|
|
redneck76ca
Rookie
186 Posts |
Posted - 09/17/2009 : 18:07:50
|
quote:
Originally posted by Beans15
Well that must mean that Mike Comrie, Patrick O'Sullivan, and Rob Schremp are going to be the 1st line in Edmonton because that's who is was in their 1st preseason game.
We'll see what the line up looks line in Early October.
With this logic the Canucks top line will be Wellwood, Chirikov and Rypien? Believe me, Ottawa's top 2 line will have Spezza, Alfie, Fischer, Kovy, Cheechoo and Michalek. |
|
|
|
JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 09/18/2009 : 13:43:07
|
| Right 2 centers and 4 left wings with 2 of them playing in the off wings, makes sense to me. At least admit its possible. Crazy to think I might know more about my team than you do eh. |
|
|
|
Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 09/18/2009 : 18:40:52
|
I am willing to place a bet on Foligno not being on either of the first two lines in Ottawa's depth chart at the start of the season.
Name your terms. It's a safe bet. Crazy to think that other people might know a thing or two about your team as well. |
|
|
|
JOSHUACANADA
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
2308 Posts |
Posted - 09/21/2009 : 14:37:43
|
I havent been on in a couple days to comment. I dont know what to bet or the stakes but read this.
http://senators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=498933
Even Clouston doesn't know how the lines will lineup and he is including Foligno in parts of both 1st and 2nd. Havent seen him line up with Shannon on 3rd yet. I'd say its a safe bet to assume he will get playing time in the regular season. Whether Cheechoo can prove to be a regular on 2nd is probably the real question. Its his spot to lose. Foligno's to win. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Improved Teams? 
