Quote:
Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus
The problem is that the lineup is completely flawed. Half of the forwards are comprised of players that can't handle the puck in traffic, can't snipe a goal, and players who typically shy away from physical play.
There is not a single true trigger man or shooter that can make things happen. Gaudreau's single best option is a garbage man (Monahan) who is useless outside the blue paint, and Bennett who can't even process what to do on the ice with skill players.
This is on the GM 100%. If the team is supposed to be successful by committee, you've got to at least assemble a deep team of competent players to do it.
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I think this is because Treliving initially banked on Johnny and Monahan being top line guys; It became evident when we have made the playoffs that those two are missing some useful attributes. I recall D.Sutter talking about playoffs; Wearing the other teams defensemen down in a long grinding series through speed and physicality. Obviously Treliving went back to those two, but last season we saw management tinkering with a different top line. The problem as I see it; Our top line has to be the most consistent and driven line that can match, or outlast the other teams top lines (Especially in the playoffs).
How do we fix this? We are not going to acquire an elite player unless, either through a high draft selection, or through a bold trade. A trade where we give the other team what they want, to get what we want. I think the current strategy has been to add skilled players throughout all 4 lines. Unfortunately this core has consistency issues.
I guess if it is not doable on the top lines, we need a playoff built big, fast, hard hitting forth line.