Quote:
Originally Posted by Classic_Sniper
I disagree with anyone who doesn’t think we need an upgrade on our 4th line. When your goaltender has as many points as your 4th line center, that’s kind of a problem. Gulutzan tends to roll all 4 lines as well so they end up playing 10-12 minutes which is more than enough time to produce some offense. We can’t rely on the 1st and 2nd line to score every single game, that’s just unrealistic.
Just look yesterday’s game as an example. Johnny Gaudreau snapped his 7 game point streak against the Jets that coincided with us ending our 7 game winning streak. If his line doesn’t score or if the 2nd line doesn’t score then there’s a good chance we lose.
I’ve seen teams lower than us in the standings who have had their 4th lines come in and singlehandedly beat us (i.e. Canadiens, Flyers, Maple Leafs and etc). Forward depth in this league can be the difference between a good team and an elite team and If we had a 4th line that could provide a positive goal differential, than maybe we would be in comfortable playoff position battling the Knights for tops in the division instead. There’s a standard set for every player on this team and the current 4th line just isn’t meeting those standards.
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I get it and I agree it could be way better, every line could. However we have to be realistic.
CP wants a first line that is top 3, second line that’s shut down and top 5, 3rd and 4th line that are league tops in scoring (for bottom 6). If it was so easy every team would have this. Considering our lineup and un-moveable contracts I think they are doing a decent enough job to make sure the top 2 lines get a rest and not hurt the team in the process.
Burying money in the minors for a guy who is young and quiet in the room versus using the vet who everyone in the room loves and is a great character guy is a smart move. Ever seen a practice? If some of the young guys put in the effort Stajan did the team would be much better off. Do I think there is a more skilled or faster option on the team? Yes. Should they have to show they deserve it by working hard in practise? I think so but I’m not an NHL coach.