Quote:
Originally Posted by FlameZilla
If Brodie, a top pairing defenseman, is playing on the 3rd pairing in Calgary this season it means we truly have elite-level defence.
I tend to agree with the D pairings that were posted in the TSN article. I've said it before, but why not play Russell-Wideman and Brodie-Engelland equally? Gior-Hamo can hog tonnes of ice time and neither of the secondary pairings would need to be sheltered. It's a good problem to have.
Smid's return changes the dynamic as well, with another veteran LH shot to throw in the mix. Hamilton lined up with Smid today FWIW.
Also, why not line Brodie up with Hamilton? As the two youngest players in the D corps with the most potential why not let them forge a time-testing tandem right from the start? Giordano can work his way back from injury and shelter Engelland or whoever else needs sheltering.
There are plenty of options and I expect Hartley to mix it up a lot in camp to see what works best.
|
I never really considered this until I read your post but when you think about it, it makes some sense. Keep the established pairing together and play Hamilton with Smid.
On a couple of occasions when I've heard Hartley or Treliving acknowledge the D core the 6 names they mention always include Smid.
Gio-Brodie
Smid-Hamilton
Russell-Wideman
PP: Gio, Brodie, Hamilton, Wideman
PK: Gio, Brodie, Hamilton, Russell, Smid