Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinordi
Completely agree with your point on Gaudreau, he's be a problem. (It's moreso Monahan the issue on that line though).
Re: Brouwer, he simply hasn't been "fine" contract or not. He's not an NHL player by almost any metric. He's below replacement level. The fact that he's totally secure on the roster is probably another negative of him because of lack of accountability. Getting anyone in there who's at least 25% faster than Brouwer would be a significant improvement to that line.
And frankly, in today's NHL every single line needs to be able to carry water. In the game against St. Louis I believe their 4th liners were murdering our 4th line. Created momentum and gave the other players, especially, D a needed rest.
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I admit than my cheeks clench whenever the fourth line is out there. I'm really pleased with the make-up of the 2nd and 3rd lines right now. The Sam/Janko/Hathaway combo seems to be giving teams fits at times.
The fourth line I have very little confidence in and generally don't disagree that seeing a younger, faster version would be interesting. For the most part I thought Lazar was more effective on that line, and that the team really needs his speed in the lineup. Ironically Stajan had one of his better games last night but those effective games are few and far between.
But I also don't think that the Flames' success or failure will be driven by that line. My greater concern indeed is the top line.