Quote:
Originally Posted by GS Skier
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.
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Semenko is another classic example. As was Gillies with Trottier and Bossy.
Obviously, the game has changed a lot, but the basic premise is the same: offensive lines still have dirty jobs to be done.
As for platooning, I agree. Obviously, a guy like Simon is not going to get the ice-time that Gaudreau and Monahan get. The PP takes care of a big chunk of that. But there is also going down to 3 lines when trailing in the 3rd period. You can put Lindholm back there when you're looking for a boost.
Again, people need to look at these things with flexibility.