Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
His time with Crosby was quite successful. He can't finish, but he can do the hard labour that allows the other two guys to produce.
It wasn't my idea, it is a proven strategy with the Pens.
And what it does is substantially improve the other two lines, giving them 3 really good lines.
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Go waaay back: Cashman, Hodge, Esposito. Cashman was not a scoring threat but he played physical and owned the corners for that line. He was rewarded with points but Hodge and Esposito were the real goal scorers. In some respects not a lot has changed except today's players are far better athletes. But how often do we hear and talk about offensive pairings like Gaudreau and Monahan being a classic example.
But can a Simon play with those guys and do the Cashman thing? That'd be a heck of a bonus but who knows. Bennett can do it but for both players the same question applies. Can you play that way all year and then into the playoffs. Much taller task.
Perhaps platooning the the right wing on that line, depending on the opponent is a possible strategy. Lines are never carved in stone even if some offensive pairings work together over the long haul. Everyone who thinks we needed a more physical, shoot first type for a RWer is IMHO on the track.
Doesn't sound like Simon but its true the Pens put him with Crosby.